Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21,611, James Altorn, N.C.
Page 1

12.296
South Carolina
James Altorn of Greenville in the State of S. Car. who was a pri. - in the Company commanded by Captain Nelson of the Reg't. commanded by Rutherford in the N. Car. line for 1 year - 

Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of April 1833 and sent to William Choice. Greenville, S. Car.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 80.0
Sem-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. - 20.00=
$100.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice  Clerk Book E. Vol. 6 Page 62
Page 2

15348
James Altorn
Page 3

The State of South Carolina}
Greenville District} SS.
On this day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court the Judge of the  Court of Common Pleas for the District aforesaid now sitting James Altorn a resident citizen in the District of Greenville in the Said State of South Carolina, who was born in Baltimore County in the state of Maryland. On the 25th December 1752 and who will be eighty years of age on the 25th day of next December, and who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he does not recollect with minutia of the dates but he first was drafted for a three months, in Guilford County in the  State of North Carolina where he then resided  and under the command of Gen'l Rutherford and [fold in page] marched to the West against the Indians, crossed the Swannanoa, went on to Wautauga, thence down to to the big bend of Tennessee, and Scott & Hicks were taken prisoners with many Indians, Served out the three months and was discharged at the Fort on Catawba River North Carolina on his return home, that he was frequently under arms, upon active duty in pursuit of Tories and Indians, the particulars of which time has almost entirely taken from  his memory. That afterwards he volunteered and entered the Service of the United States for a term of nine months under the command of Capt. John Nelson, of the New boys troops as they were called in the latter part of the year 1778 and marched to Moore's Creek near Dickson's Ferry on Dan River, then received orders and marcehd South and joined headquarters at Purrysburg on the Savannah River, not far above
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the City of Savannah, where "the new boy Troops" or that portion to which the applicant belonged were first under the command of Capt. Chapman an officer of the regular army; from this place, he was marched up to Augusta, crossed the Savannah River and went down on the Georgia side, and after spending some time scouring the lower parts of Georgia, returned by way of Augusta to the neighbourhood of Purrysburg, to a place called the "Two Sisters" on the said Savannah River where head quarters were established for a while, occassionally marching out to support and defend other points on the river, supposed to be vulnerable and liable to attack by the enemy; that when he joined head quarters at Purrysburg Gen'l.  Lincoln had the command assisted by Coln's Little & Thackston and Majors Armstrong and Dickson; that with Spring of 1779 he was marched form the Savannah River and was on the 20 June 1779 in the battle at Stono in the State of South Carolina where Col. Thackston had one of his fingers shot off during all this period he was commanded by the said Capt. Chapman of the regular army; that he served out the whole term of nine months faithfully and was honorably discharged at Salisbury No. Carolina by Maj. John Armstrong that he has lost or mislaid his said discharge if he ever had one so that he has no documentary evidence now at his command to testify his said services nor is there within reach any person that he knows of by whom his said services could be proved in open court, but in time submits the best evidence in his power. And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
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and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[Signatures]
James Altorn X his mark
Jno. Daniel C. C. P.

We Wm. King a Clergyman, residing in the District of Greenville and State of South Carolina and David Blythe residing in the same District hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James  Alton who has signed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be near eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[Signatures]
William King
David Blythe

And the said court do hereby declare their opinoin, afer 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  William  King who has signed the proceeding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the District of Greenville aforesaid, and that David Blythe - who has also signed the same is a resident in the said District of Greenville and is a credible person, and that Statement is entitled to credit. 
Richard Garrett
[Signature]

I Jame McDaniel Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Greenville District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application or James Altorn for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this day of October A. D. 1832 -
Jno. Daniel C C. P.
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 6

15348
James Altorn -
Greenville District, S. C. 

Re
Admit for 12 mo from 1777 as private - $40

Capt. Nelson}
Gen'l. Rutherford}  N. C. 


William Choice
Greenville S. C.
Page 7

BRIEF in the case of James Altorn of Greenville District in the State of South Carolina
(Act 7th June 1832.)

1.Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 80

4. State his service as directed in the form annexed.

[Headings]
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

Drafted In 177? | 3 mos. | [blank] | Gen. Rutherford, Gen. Lincoln, Col. Martin
Volunteered 1778 | 9 mos. | [blank] | Capt. John Nelson & Capt. Chapman of the regular army.

5. In what battles was she engaged? Stono

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Guilford County N. C. 

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

L. E. Bradford
Examining Clerk.
Page 8

BRIEF in the case of James Altorn of Greenville District in the State of South Carolina
(Act 7th June 1832.)

1.Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 80

4. State his service as directed in the form annexed.

[Headings]
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

Drafted In 177? | 3 mos. | [blank] | Gen. Rutherford, Gen. Lincoln, Col. Martin
Volunteered 1778 | 9 mos. | [blank] | Capt. John Nelson & Capt. Chapman of the regular army.

5. In what battles was she engaged? Stono

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Guilford County N. C.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

L. E. Bradford
Examining Clerk.
Page 9

12429
Sarah Altam
S.C.

Pickens C.H.S.C.
2nd December      

over 1 1/2 oz. 40 
12 mos. - 
___________________
married 1780
d. 15 Apl. 1833
____________________
7 July 1838

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

12381.
Dec. 7. 1845

Sarah Altam
July 7 1838
Page 10

12381
Rd. Dec. 9 1845.

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows" and the several acts in continuation thereof.

State of South Carolina}
District of Pickens}  SS.

On this twenty fourth day of April 1845, personally appeared before William D. Steele, Judge the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid, Mrs. Sarah Altorn (whom I certify is unable by age and infirmity to attend at Greenville Court House a distance of 17 or 18 miles, but living within two or three miles of the Pickens line, was carried, over there) a resident of Greenville District S. C. aged Eighty five years last May, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1888, entitled "An act granting half-pay and pension, to certain widows", and the several acts in continuation thereof. That she is the widow of James Alton who was a private in the militia of North Carolina during the Revolutionary War, that she recollects to have heard her said Husband say that he enlisted and served nine months, was under Col. Lytle & Gen'l Lincoln was in the Battle of Stono. That he then resided in Guilford County in North Carolina,and probably done most of his servcie there but she cannot now recollect to state much of his services as she was not then married.
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to him, and can only state what she recollects to have heard him say, she supposes however that he made sufficient proof of his services as he was placed on the Pension list at the rate of Forty dollars per annum, on the 18th April 1833 under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832. which proof she supposes may be refered to in the investigation of her claim. She further declares that she was married to the said James Alton on the ninth day of September in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one, which she recollects well from the fact of its being the Fall after the Battle of Guilford; that the marrige took place in Guilford County N. C. by  Charles Bruce Esquire and that a license was obtained by her said husband for the purpose that her maiden name was, Sarah Spurlin, and that after her marriage she had thirteen children viz. Richard, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Jane, Anna, Sarah, Joseph, Hyram, Patsy, Thomas, Mahala & Jesse, that if her oldest child was alive he would now be sixty one years old last January and that the youngest was 42 years old the 26th day of December last. That her husband the aforesaid James Alton died on the fifteenth day of April 1833, that she was not married to him previous to his last period of service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, Seventeen  hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated. That after their marriage they lived in Guilford until her fifth child was born, she thinks about twelve years, & moved from there to Lincoln county N. C.
Page 12

where they resided about thirty two years and then moved to Greenville District where she has resided ever since; that she has no record of her marriage or of the births of her children nor does she know certainly by whom she can prove the marriage -
Sarah Altorn X her mark
[Signature]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year last above written, before
[Signature]
William D. Steele
Judge of the Court of Ordinary for Pickens District State of S. C.

I William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Pickens  District S. C. Certify that William  D. Steele is Judge of the Court of Ordinary for said Distrcit & that the foregoing signature is in his own genuine handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office; this 2nd day of December 1845
W. L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of 
Pickens Districdt
So. Ca.
[Seal]

Answer to Miles M. Norton
Pickens C. H. S. C.
Page 13

2423
South Carolina

Sarah Altorn
widow of James Alton who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension Issued the
15th day of Dec. 1848
and sent to 
Miles M Norton
Pickens Cty.
S.C.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February2, 1848, Page 32 Vol. 2

Letter to Hon. A. F. Simpson & 3rd Aud'r. 19 Feb. 1849.

Reported

Dec'd. 15/48


Let . J.H. Goodwin
Aug. 26/54

Rev'y. [illegible] 18 1846
Page 14

Cer: [illegible/folded page] Feb. 9 14154

Vol. [illegible/folded page] 57.
Page 15

133346
Bounty Land
Act of 3d March 1855

Mrs. Sarah Altorn
Widow of James Altorn

John H. Goodin
atty

Limia Greenville Dist
S.C.
Page 16

State of South Carolina}
Greenville District} SS.
On this 25th day of April A. D. One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a magistratae within and for the district and state aforesaid Sarah Altorn aged Ninety three years a resident of Greenville District in the state of Southcarolina who being duly sworn according to Law declares that she is the widow of James Alton deceased who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War. In the regiment Commanded by Col. Little and under General Lincoln She further states that she does not recollect the captains name that her said husband served under that her said husband enlisted in Guliford County North Carolina for the term of nine months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of nine months and was honorably discharged at some point in South Carolina not recollected as will appear more fully by the muster Rolls of said regiment and his former declaration for Pension She further states that her said  husband had a discharge but she does not know where it is now She further states that she was married to the said James Alton in Guilfod County North Carolina on 9th day September A. D. 1779 year not recollected only by reference to Battle of Stono by one Charles Bruce a Justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage was Sarah Spurling she further states that she does not know that there is any record of her said marriage either public or  private that her said husband died at his residence in Greenville District South Carolina on the 15th day of April A. D. 1833, and that she is now a widow.  She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she maybe entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855
Sarah Altorn X her mark
[Signature]

N. B. the commissioner of Pensions will please forward my land warrant to me at Lima Post Office Greenville District South Carolina
[Signatures]
Sarah Altorn X her mark
James Altorn Witness
Page 17

We James A. Alton and Martha Alton residents of Greenville District in the State of South Carolina upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed by Sarah Alton and acknowedged by her in our presence and that we believe from the appeareance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
[Signatures]
J. A. Alton
Martha Alton

State of South Carolina}
Greenville District} Personally appeared before the subscribing Magistrate Edward Couch a Resident of Greenville District South Carolina and being duly sworn according to Law says he was well acquainted with James Altorn the former husband of Sarah Altorn for the space of twenty years prior to his death and that the said James Altorn were always regarded as a Revolutionary Soldier this deponant further states that the said Sarah and Jame Altorn lived together as man and wife Twenty years to his certain knowledge and that he never heard it doubted by any he further states that the said James Altorn died at his residence in Greenville District South Carolina about the year 1833 and that Sarah Altorn is still a widow sworn to and  Subscribed the 30 day of April A. D. 1855
Edward Couch X his mark
[Signture]
Before me 
Jno. H. Goodwin M.G.D.
[Signature]

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the days and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents  herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Jno. H. Goodwin Magistrate
Greenville Dist. S .C. 
[Signature]
Page 18

State of South Carolina}
Greenville District}
I D. Hoke the clerk of the Court of Greenville District and State aforesaid do certify that John H.. Goodin before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit was made is a regular appointed and qualified magistrate for said District and the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Greenville C. H. this 7th day of May A. D. 1855
D. Hoke, Clerk
[Signature]
Page 19

Rev'y
WIDOW, &c.
_________05
File No. 21.611
Sarah Altorn
Wid. of
James Alton
Priv. Rev. War
____________
Act: Feb. d. 1848
Index:-Vol. A, Page 11

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

12429
Sarah Altorn, S. C. 
Let to Co. M.M. Norton Jan'y 7th 1846


act 7th July 1838


24167

Wes Ames
Page 21

Pri. act 2d, Feb '48, S. C.

Boynton
Page 22

9987
South Carolina
Sarah Alton
Widow of James Alton
who was a pensioner under the act of 1832
and who died on the 15th April 1833
of Dist. of Pickens for the State of S. Carolina
who was a private in the Company 
commanded by Captain Nelson - of the
Reg't. commanded by Col. Rutherford 
in the N. C. line for 12 months.
______________________
Inscribed on the Roll of S. C. 
at the rate of 40 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
___________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of April 1846 and sent to M. M. Norton
Pickens Ct. Ho. S. C.
___________________
Total amount, $200.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos. Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 305.

Reported
Page 23

7712
South Carolina
Sarah Althorn
widow of James Alton
who was a Private
in the Revolution
__________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars - 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
______________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 
30th day of Apl. 1846
and sent to M. M. Norton Esq.
Pickens C. H.
S. C. 
________________________
[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
[& 17th June 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2. Page 164


Reported
Letter to Pen. Agt. 19 March 1847.
Same pen. Agt. May 27. 1848
Page 24

Sarah Alton
wid
Jame

Boynton


Lima S. C.       Free
Mar. 29th

J. Minot Esq.
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 25

No 12429 act '43 8591
act '44 497
Sarah Alton
widow of James
S. C. 
Act 7 July 1838

Adm. 12 mo pri 
$40.00 per ann.

Adm. act 3 March 1843 and
17 June 1844
$40.00 per ann.

Miles M. Norton
Pickens C. H.
S. Carolina
Page 26

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of  James Altorn of Greenville D. S.C. which require further proof or explanation. 

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the periods of the war when he served? Yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? Yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under who he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 27

2

XI. has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, as he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes

XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? 
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes

XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 
__________________________________________________

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*Quere V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. 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 service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____year _____months, and _____days, I served as a ______ For ______months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 28

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

(+) QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

(++) QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[hand pointing right] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 29

Jas. Pickett
Mathew Capps
John Bates
Page 30

South Carolina
Greenville District September 
the 8th, 1832

We the undersignners Do hear by Certify we have Been personaly acquainted with James altum for something like Eleavan years & he the s'd altum has Ever supported a good honest & Respectable Carecter qiven from under our hands this Day & Date a bove written
[Signatures]
Dyer Talley
Luray A. McWherter minister
William King minister
David Blyth J. P.
Page 31

James Altorn
Cirtificate from
N.C. Lincoln County
Page 32

State of North Carolina Lincoln County
September 19th 1832 - 

To all to whom these may Concern

Whereas we the undernamed Subscribers do Certify that James Altorn Senior hath lived in our neighbourhood someothing like 40 years during which time he did Conduct himself with Sobriety and Sircumspection Towards all Those with whom he had any intercourse allways Behaving himself well & supporting a fair and unblemished Character During his Residence among us and as such we do Recommend him to all men as Such - and from every Circumstance that were occured during our our acquaintance with him we do actually believe him to be one of the old Revolutionary Soldiers he Being a man whose word was always depended on without any doubt.
[Signatures]
Witness
Peter Harmon, Sen.
Elijah Spurlin
Jese Spurlin
Thomas Crow
John Lutz
Adam Lutz
Jonathan Collins
George Goforth
Samuel L. Colins
Benjamin Wattersen
William Earls James Geberey
Nathan Earls
David Collins
Jacob Hermon
Joseph Gladens Snr.
Abraham Hardin J. P.
Jacob Collins
George Wilkie V. D. M.
Joseph Parker V. D. M.
Page 33

So. C. Greenville Dist.

This may cirtify that I have been intimate with James Altorn for the last eight or ten years and has always understood and believed him to be a revolutionary soldier and from many circumstances with which he seems familiar I am satisfied that he served in the war I also cirtify that Sd Altorn is a man upon whose varasity I could place the most unbound confidence that he in all appearance is Eighty  years of age given under My hand this 25th Instant. A. D. 1832 - 
[Signature]
William Goodlett
Page 34

State of North Carolina} Mrs. Martha Collins
Cleveland County} who is an old respectable & truthful Lady, appeared personally before me, the subscribing Magistrate and makes oath, that she is the rise of Eighty years of age, that she has been raised in this neighbourhood, that she knew Jame Altorn as [paper is folded] as man and wife as long ago as she can recollect, that they were respectable and good Citizens, as long as they lived here - which was a long time she understood they moved to Greenville Dist. S. C. Their son James Altorn now lives in this neighbourhood is quit old and infirm would think near sixty years of age from his appearance
Sworn to 21st November 1845 before
test                    [Signature]
T. M. Hardin     Mrs. Martha Collins

State of North Carolina}
Cleaveland County} I Richard Champion Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid, certify that T. M. Hardin whose name appears to the above affidavit is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Office this 22nd day of November 1845
R. Champion Clk
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 35

State of North Carolina} Peter Harmon,
Cleveland County} an old and worthy citizen, every way worthy of credit appeared personally before me the subscribing Magistrate and made oath in due form that previous to the year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four (1794) He bacame acquainted with James Altorn & his wife Sarah. They then had several children, and was always recognized as man and wife while they lived in this neighbourhood which was to the best of his recollection near thirty years - says he was intimately acquainted with them all the time they lived in the neighbourhood that they always  bore the reputation of good & truthful citizens. This deponent states his own age is seventy four (74) that he was married in the year seventeen Hundred and ninety four (1794) and he is positive he knew them previous to his own marriage James Altorn their son is now living in this neighbourhood and is quite old and infirm - this deponent further states he heard the old man died in Greenville Dist. South Carolina & that the old lady is still living and applying for a Pension and he has no doubt but she is the same person aluded to  
[Signature] 
Peter Harmon Snr.
Sworn to 21st November 1845 before me
[Signature]
A. V. Falls J. P.
Page 36

State of North Carolina} Court of Pleas and 
Cleveland County} Quarter Sessions November Sessions 1845 -
I Richard Champion Clerk of the  Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for Cleveland County certify that A. V. Falls whose name appears to the within affidavits is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at   Office the 22nd day of November 1845
Richard Champion Clk
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 37

State of North Carolina} Henry Harmon who is 
Cleveland County} an old and respectable citizen, in every way worthy of credit - appeared personally before me, the subscribing magistrate, and made oath in due form - That previous to the year Seventeen Hundred and eighty nine - (1789) James Altorn & Sarah his wife, settled in this neighbourhood, then Lincoln County N. C. now Cleveland County N. C. They had when they first settled here some four or five children - they lived in this immediate neighbourhood, thirty years or upwards - they sustanined the character of being respectable & truthful citizens, all the time they lived here lived together as man and wife - (He never heard it - doubted) when he first knew them, he was not married - this oldest son is according to the family record in the Bible, fity six years old last July It was said when the come here they come fom Gilford County N. C. He understood they moved to Greenville Dist. S. C. and He learned the old man is dead, and that the old lady is applying for a pension - There son James is living in this neighbourhood - quite an old looking man - He would suppose near sixty - This deponent further states that his own age is seventy eight (78) that he was born in the neighbourhood & has not lived out of it
Henry Harmon X his mark

Sworn to 21st Nov'r. 1845}
Before me.}
A. V. Falls J. P.
[Signature]
Page 38

State of North Carolina} Mrs. Jane Gladden
Cleveland County} who to me is well known, and is a respectable & truthful Lady in every way worthy of credit - says on her oath - She became intimately acquainted with James Altorn, and his wife Sarah, (formerly Sarah Spurlin) in the year (1789) Seventeen hundred and Eighty nine they were living together as Husband & wife & continued to do so, for thirty years they then moved to Greenville Dist. South Carolina - She never heard their marriage doubted - she has heard the old man is dead and that the old Lady is still living in Greenville - She says her own age is Eighty - and she has always liveed in this neighborhood.
Jane Gladden X her mark
[Signature]
Sworn to & Subscribed 21st November 1845 before me.
A. V. Falls J. P.
[Signature]
Page 39

State of North Carolina} Jonathan Collins who 
Cleveland County} is to me well known, and is a truthful and respectable citizen, in every way worthy of credit - appeared before me personally and made oath, in due form of Law.
That when he was a Boy under the age of Ten years, he knew James Altorn and his wife Sarah they lived in this settlement about thirty years, and lived together as husband & wife all the time & he never heard their marriage doubted. That the old man worked for his Father Samuel Collins in the harvest field. When they left here they moved to Greenville S. C. he understood - This deponent states his own age is sixty three (63) and he is postively certain he knew them previous to the year seventeen hundred and ninety four (1794) James Altorn a son of the old man, lives in this neighborhood and is fifty seven years old - he heard him say, the other day at a burying in this neighborhood
Jonathan Collins
[Signature]
Sworn to 22nd November 1845 Before me
A. V. Falls J. P.
[Signature]
Page 40

State of North Carolina}
Cleveland County} I Richard Champion Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Cleaveland County certify that A. V. Falls whose name appears to the aforegoing certificate is an acting magistrate for said County and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office this 22nd day of Nov. 1845
Richard Champion Clk
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 41

Mrs. Altorn
Page 42

Greensboro, N. C. May 12th 1843

Mr. Miles M. Norton

Sir, Yours bearing date April 26th camae to hand requesting me to make search for the Land Bond of Mrs. Sarah Altorn Widow of James Altorn. I have made due and strick search among all the old Bonds in my office & can find no such as the one you want.
John M. Logan Clk
[Signature]
Page 43

41
82
20.50
.50
________
103
Page 44


Raleigh N. C. 
Compt. Office

I William F. Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify, that the name of James Aultone appears of record in my office as having had a special certificate issued in his favor for Military service for Forty one Pounds Five Shilings and one pence (£41.5.1) see Book G No. 7 page 21 given under my hand and seal this 25th day July 1845
Wm. F. Collins, Compt.
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 45

Feb. 5, 1846.
Rec'd
Sarah Alton.


Pickens C.A.S.C.               10
30 Jan'y

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com'r. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C. -
Page 46


Pickens C. 14 S. C. 
28th January 1846

Hon. J. L. Edwards,

Dear Sir,

Yours of the 17th Inst. with regard to the claim of Mrs. Sarah Altorn is at hand. The affidavit of Henry Harmon which is the one to which you allude, as having reference to a Family  Record, is awkwardly written, and has reference, evidently, to his own family record, and his own sons age, and not to that of James and Sarah Altorn, and their sons birth, by which explanation, (and upon a re-examination of the whole matter you will find my explanation to be correct) you will at once see the inconsistency of requiring the Family Record of the witness to be furnished as it is not at our command & I am sure was never intended by you to be required. The witness too lives at a distance in North Carolina, and to ask for it would be attended with expense, & I think you will at once see how it is & that the witness refers to his own marriage & son's birth as circumstance to show that Altorn & his wife were married previous
Page 47

to 1794.
I hope therefore with this explanation, the old lady will be placed on the Pension List & her certificate forwarded.
Very respectfully
Your Ob't. Srvt.
Miles M. Norton
[Signature]
Page 48

Mrs. Sarah Altorn
Declaration




answer to Miles M. Norton
Pickens C. H S. C.
Page 49

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 2d February 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution."

State of South Carolina}
Greenville District} SS.

On this fifteenth day of October 1848 personally appeared before R. P. Goodlett Magistrate in and for the District aforesaid, Mrs. Sarah Altorn, a resident of the same District and State, aged Eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of James Altorn who was a private in the militia of North Carolina, during the war of the Revolution - that she received a pension of Forty dollars per annum, under the act of Congress of 17th June 1844. She further declares, that she is still a widow.
Sarah Altorn X her mark
[Signature]
Witness. R. P. Goodlett M. G. D.
Reuben Talley
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, before
R. P. Goodlett
M. G. D. 

I certify that the above declarant Sarah Altorn is known to me as the widow of James Altorn dec'd and the same who received a pension under the act of congress of 17th June 1844.
R. P. Goodlett
M.G.D.
[Signature]
Page 50

South Carolina} I David Hoke Clerk of the 
Greenville District} Court of the District aforesaid certify that R. P. Goodlett is a Magistrate as is indicated, by the foregoing proceedings and that his signatures thereto are in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this Tenth day of October A. D. One thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
D. Hoke. C. C. & G. S. 
for Greenville Dist.
So. Carolina
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 51

Pension Agency
Charleston 15 March 1847

Sir

I herewith forward the Vouchers of Sarah Alton a pensioner under Act 17 June 1844 for authority to pay the same - 
I a Sir resp'y
Your Obt. Srvt.
Jn. B. Cochran,
[Signature]

J. L. Edwards, Esq'r.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 52

Pension Agency
Charleston 7 May 1848

Sir

On the 3rd of April last, the Vouchers of Sarah Alton and Zacariah S. Brooks were forwarded to you for authority to pay. be please to say whether they have been received as others, forwarded since that time have been returned to the agency and paid - 
I am Sir resp'y
Your Obt. Srvt.
Jn. S. Cochran
Agent
[Signature]

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 53

Lima S. C.        free
Aug 18th


L..P. Waldo, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C. 

Sarah Alton
S C. at 2 Feb. 


G. Cole
Page 54

]Lima Po. Off. Greenville S. C. 18th Aug 1854-

Mr. L. P. Waldo

Dr. Sir at the request of Mrs. Sarah Altorn I address you. She is the widow of James Altorn a Revolutionary Soldier she is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum under act of 2d Feb'y 1848 which is insufficient to support the old lady she has recently been informed that she is entitled to an increase of pension under some late act. If so you will please inform us of the fact and give us such instructions as will enable her to procure the same.
Respectfully Your Obt. Servant,
Jno. H. Goodwin
[Sigature]
Page 55

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office

I Geo. W. Brooks Comptroler of the public accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of Record in my office among the payments made by said State to Sundry persons for miltary service in the Revolutionary War as follows - 
James Aulton or Alton
Book No. 28. Page 2. - £41.15.1 N. C. Line Halifax District
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed  the Seal of my office at Raleigh N.C. this 25 of March 1856
Geo. W. Brooks
Comptroller
[Signature]
[Seal]
Page 56

Paid Mr. Panther $97.75
Page 57

Lima P.Off. Greenville Dist. S. Ca. 29th Mar. 1856

J. Minot Esq.

Sir fir your favor of 14th Feb'y 1856 was duly received stating that the claim of Sarah Altorn for Bounty Land under the act of 3d of March 1855 had been examined and suspended for the lack of record evidence of revolutionary service of James Altorn the husband of the applicant. I sent to the Comptroller of North Carolina for a Certified Copy of said services which is herewith. Enclosed all of which is respectfully submitted.
Most respectfully,
Jno. H. Goodwin
[Signature]

Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.


N.B. you will greatly oblige us by attending to this claim soon or at your Earliest Convenience as the applicant is very old and not likely to live long.
J. H. G.