Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21110, Joel Callahan, N. C.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
N. C.


Callahan, Joel

NUMBER
S. 21110

CONTENTS

Carded
Page 2

[tears in the document pages]

Pa Agt. 11. Nov '46

South Carol
Joel Callaha[n]
of Greenville in the State of Sou
who was a pri: in the company comma
by Captain Goode of the Regt. comman
by Col. Williams in the South Car.
line for 12 months and 2 days

No. 16,091 - S.C. ad 1832
Joel Callahan - S.Ca.

Inscribed on the Roll of South Car:
at the rate of 40 Dollars 22 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of June '33
and sent B. F. Perry
Greenville C. H. S. C.

Arrears to the 4th of March '33        80. 44
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept-  20.11
                                                       $100.55
{ Revolutionary Claim,
{ Act June 7, 1832.

[R]ecorded by Wm. Miller Clerk
[Bo]ok E    Vol. 6.    Page 64
Page 3

South Carolina }
Greenville Dist. }
on this the tenth day of October
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty two personally appeared 
in open Court before the Judges of the Court
of Common Pleas and General Sessions now
sitting Joel Callahan a resident of Greenville
District and State of South Carolina aged
seventy eight years who being first duly
sworn according to law doth on his oath
make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service
of the U states under the following named officers and served as herein stated - he thinks he entered the service for the first time in the fall of "seventy seven" under Captain Goode and Colonel Christa
Colonel Williams and Major Winston were
also in command - he went against the Cherokee Indians on Tennessee River - the first time he was gone under the above named officers about eight weeks - he marched in the Spring following against the Indians under Colonel Shelby and Colonel Robinson down to
the Chickamaga [Chickamauga] nation, burnt the Indians houses, destroyed their property and took their livestock - was gone in this expedition about eight weeks - came home again and in the year of "eighty" or 
"eighty one" Colonel Severe [Sevier] raised men and this applicant was one of them and marched against the Cherokees - crossed French Broad about four miles came across a party of Indians and killed a parcel of them then retreated back into "big Island" and lay until Colonel William Campbell came [illegible] then marched against [illegible] Indians again and killed some and destroyed their houses &c was gave about eight weeks in this expedition-After coming home in the year 'eighty one" or "eight two" Colonel Severe [Sevier]
Page 4

gave this applicant a commission of Captain
and wrote to him to raise men and [? meet ]
him on Chucka at what was called the
greary area -he met there and had but
five men went to the valley James at
the head of Tennessee, was gone two
weeks, killed twenty or thirty Indians and
took a number prisoners he then returned
home - was again written to by Col.
Severe [Sevier] to raise a number of men out
of so many companies and if the men
could not be raised otherwise to draft
them, then marched under Colonel Severe [Sevier] Colonel Robinson and Major Walton
[illegible] to the High Hills of Santee, joined
General Marrian [Marion], was under General Marion three months - went in September and
returned home in January, served a there
months tour. He thinks he has served
all together one year, and suffered a great
deal. He lived in Watauga [illegible] Tennessee
when he entered the service - He volunteered
every time he went out - He was in no
battles of any importance - he marched through Cainsden and the Waxaus [Waxhaws]- whilst with General Marion Colonel Mayum and Colonel Harry commanded the horse - He has no documentary evidence knows of no one
whose testimony he can procure, except Mr.
Abner Thompson who served with him in
the recon campaign against the Indians
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on
the pension roll of the agency of any [illegible]
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid [last sentence crossed out]

He was born in Virginia Pittsylvania county about the year fifty four - has no record his
[illegible] has lived since the Revolution in South Carolina
has recd [received] a discharge but lost it - was given by Col. Severe {Sevier] - did receive a commission from Col. Severe [Sevier]
Page 5

[the beginning of the crossed out paragraph]
We                    a clergyman residing in the
District of Greenville and                           residing
in the same District hereby certify that we are acquainted with Joel Callahan who has subscribed and sworn to the above
Declaration that we believe him
[the end of the crossed out paragraph]

but it is lost - did serve as a captain about
four or five months - besides serving as a
Capt. at Beaufort - James Picket [illegible] Blythe [illegible] Rufrele and others of his neighbors can testify [illegible] his character for truth and good behavior
Sworn to and subscribed the year
and day aforesaid
Joel Callahan
J McDaniel C.C.P

We John B Chappel a clergyman residing in the District of Greenville and John Whitten - residing in the same [illegible] hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joel Callahan who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed
Jno Daniel C.C.P
John B Chappel
John Whitten

And the said court do hereby
certify and declare their opinion of the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above applicant was a soldier of the revolution [illegible] as he states, and the court further certify that it appears to
them that James B Chappell who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergy man resident in the district of Greenville and that John Whitten who has also signs it is a resident of Greenville and a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit
Richard Gantt
Page 6

I James McDaniel Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas and General sessions do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of the said Court in
the matter of the application of Joel Callahan
for a pension. The testimony [illegible]
I have hereunto set my hand and seal of
office - this tenth day of October 1832
J McDaniel C.C.P

[seal]

Joel Callahan
15313
Page 7

South Carolina }
Greenville Dist }
Personally appeared before me
the undersigned a Justice of
the peace for Greenville District South Carolina
Joel Callahan, who being duly sworn
deposeth and saith that by reason of old
age and the consequent loss of memory he
can not 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 eight
weeks I served as a private under Captain
Goode in the year 1777 against the Cherokee
Indians and was under the command
of Col Christa. For eight weeks
I served as a private under Captain Henry
Clark in the spring of 1778 against the
Chickamagua [Chickamauga] Indians under the command of Col. Shelby and Robinson. For
eight weeks I served as a captain under
Col John Severe [Sevier] in 1781 against the Cherokee Indians but cannot prove that he had
a commission and the commission is lost, and
therefore I am under the necessity of claiming pay as a private - For two weeks I served as a captain under Col Severe [Sevier] in an other expedition against the Cherokee Indians during the same year, but claims pay only as a private
For three months I served as a Captain
under Col Severe [Sevier] Major John Walton
in South Carolina near the High Hills of Santee, was under the command of General Morrian [Marion]. For three months I served as a Lieutenant in a Fort on the
Page 8

Holstein river, under the command of Capt.
Jacob Wammack [Womack], but claims pay as a
private in as much as his commission
was last and he cannot prove it.
I also served in frequent scouting
expeditions, and also under the command
of Captain William Bean. But I
cannot state with precision the
length of my service at each time
I am sure that I served not
less than one year and claim
pay for that length of time as a
pensioner.

The deponent states that he
was born in Virginia, Pittsylvania county,
has no record of his age, but was born
in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and fifty four. lived in
Tennessee Washington county when
he entered the service, and has lived
since the revolution in South Carolina
did receive a discharge from Severe [Sevier]
did also receive a commission of
Lieutenant and Captain from Col.
Severe [Sevier] but has lost them
These questions the deponent has
already answered in his declaration
and all others required by the war
department. Sworn to and subscribed
this April [crossed out] May 12th 1833
Richd [Richard] Thruston [illegible initials]
Joel Callahan
Page 9

Affidavit of
Catherine Compton
Daughter of Joel Callihan [Callahan]

In the matter }
of }
Joel Callihan [Callahan] }
deceased a }
Revolutionary Pensioner
Entered
( 1 )
Page 10

State of South Carolina
Greenville district
On this 26th day of January 1853 personally
appeared before me C J Elford a magistrate for the district and State aforesaid Catherine Compton aged sixty years a resident of Greenville district and State above mentioned who being duly sworn according to Law declares that she and her Brother John Callihan [Callahan] are the only surviving children of Joel Callihan [Callahan] late of Spartanburg district, deceased, that her Brother John Callihan at the last account she had of him
resided in the State of Louisiana.
That her Father the said Joel Callihan [Callahan]
was a pensioner under the Laws of
the United States at his decease (the rate
of his annual payments she dose [does] not know)
that the said Joel Callihan [Callahan] died in
Spartanburg district state above mentioned
Some time in the year 1847 to the
best of her recollection, (that she
has no record of his death) and left
no widow) his wife died about
twenty nine years ago. She further
swears that the accompanying certificate
which has been shewn [shown] and read to
her from the comptroler [comptroller] of North
Carolina of the Military Services of the said Joel Callihan [Callahan] on payments made to him for the same
was not within her knowledge at the
period of any former adjudication
of the claim, nor until shewn [shown] & read
Page 11

to her as above stated.
Sworn and subscribed
before me Jany 26th 1853. }
C J Elford }
M. G. D }
Catherine her x mark Compton
Witness E G Gilreath
I certify that I am not interested in this case
C J Elford M.G. D

State of South Carolina }
Greenville District }
I D Hoke
Clerk of the 
Court of Common Pleas and General
Sessions for said District do hereby certify
that C J Elford Esquire before whom the
above affidavit was made is a regular
appointed and qualified Magistrate for
said District and the signature
purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal
of office at Greenville Court
[illegible] this 27th day of Jany
1853
D Hoke
CCP
Page 12

In reply to your request of                         ,
received
for a statement of the military history of Joel Callahan
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for
pension on file in this Bureau.
S. File 21,110

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Fall 1777
Spring 1778
1780
1781
1781

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
8 weeks
8 weeks
8 weeks
3 mos 2 wks
3 mos.

RANK.
Pri.
"
1 Lieut.
Captain
"
Lieut.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Goode
Henry Clark
William Bean
[check mark]
[check mark]
Jacob Wammack [Womack]

COLONEL.
Christie & Williams
Shelby & Robinson
Isaac Shelby
Sevier
"
STATE.
N.C.
Served against the Indians
Battles engaged in, [check mark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Watauga  East Tenn.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 10, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Greenville Dist. So. Car.
Age at date of application, abt. 1754 in Pittsylvania Co. Va.
Remarks: Sol's wife Sarah died about 1824 in Greenville Dist, S.C.
he died in 1847 in Spartanburg Dist. S.C.
Catherine Compton at 60 yrs, res Marsh Creek, Greensville Dist, S.C. & Joel Callahan
( ? should be John)
of Louisiana only surviving in 1853.
Very respectfully,


Commissioner.
1565b3m10-08
Page 13

Revolution
21110
INVALID.
File No. 21, 110
Joel Callahan
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7th 32"
Index :- Vol. 2, Page 61

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

1911 Dec. 6. Hist. to H. C. Scott.c
Page 14

What about Gen.
Marion in 5 " service
[illegible[ Wilson says Marion had
no N.C. Cols in his brigade &
to leave him out

aw
Page 15

15.313
Joel Callihan [Callahan] dec'd.
S. C
Lett: to
M Thompson 9 June
Thompson & Wood June 23/'53
M Thompson Oct 5/53
Catharine Compton Nov 23/5?
the same Dec 20/53
Hon J. L. Orn Dec 18 1854
  "    J. D. Ashmore Dec 15/59
  "    "   "      "          Jany 14/59
7 June 1832

Set to Hon. J. T. Potter -
Ch. [illegible] Rev: Pens:
Mar: 7/60.
Set to Do. Mar: 20/60-
Page 16

In the matter }
of }
Joel Callihan [Callahan] }
decd. [deceased] }
a Revolutionary }
Pension }

Proof
of
Death
&c.
of Joel
Callihan [Callahan]
& wife
[illegible initials]

No. 41
Page 17

South Carolina }
Greenville District }

Personally appears before me
Massena Taylor a Notary Public
& the Magt. Ex off. within and for Greenville District and State aforesaid
Portman Howard aged fifty nine years, who being duly sworn according to Law, and states that he was well acquainted with Joel Callihan [Callahan] and Sarah Callihan his wife, while they was alive, he further states that
Mrs. Sarah Callihan (the wife of Joel Callihan) has been dead some thirty years. She died in Greenville Dist. So. Ca. at Jno. McAfees. he further states that he was present when Joel Callihan filed his claim before B.F. Perry his atty. and recollects well that the said Callihan
told Perry his Atty. that his Col. sent a command to him to be at (some point, which has escaped his memory now), and his company to fight some Battle (not recollected now] as the said Joel Callihan said he was a
Captain in the Old Revolution, and he
further states that the said Joel Callihan drew a
Pension from the United States from the time he was put on the pension list till his death which was some, seven years agoe [ago]. he states further that the said Callihan, as he understood was Buried in the war fashion. he further states that he is well acquainted with Catharine Compton the daughter
of the above Joel Callihan and his wife Sarah, and that she has always been so regarded by their neighbors as their daughter. he
Page 18

he further states that Catharine Compton is older than himself. and from her appearance must be sixty od [odd] years old. and that the said Catharine Compton is the only living child of Joel Callihan & Sarah his wife) that is now living in this country.
Sworn to and Subscribed }
Before me this the }
28th day of Jany 1853. }
Portman his mark Howard

Sworn to and Subscribed to
in the presence of.
Jas W Singleton
   "     "
Caroline S T. Hodges.

South Carolina }
Greenville Dist }
I, Massena Taylor a Notary Public
& Magt. Ex off. within and for the
District and State aforesaid, and before
the foregoing affidavit was made, do hereby
Certify that Portman Howard is a credible and
a respectable witness. & from his appearance
of the age above stated. and that I have
no Interest in this case.
Jany 28th 1853.
Massena Taylor Notary
Public & Magt.  Ex off. in
& for Greenville District
& State aforesaid
[illegible initials]
Page 19

South Carolina }
Greenville District }
Personally came Absalom Thompson Esquire before me the subscribing Justice and made oath in due form of law. that he is well acquainted with Joel Callahan, who has lately made appliation for a pension under the law of congress, as a revolutionary soldier. and who is now about 78 years of age, and has been
from about the year 1773 up to this time,
that he has during that time been regarded and esteemed a true friend to his
country - that in or about the year 1776
the said Callahan done a tour of duty as a
private soldier, under General Christie marching from their North Carolina now Tennessee against the Cherokee Indians. that about 1779 he the said Callaham done another tour of duty under Col Evan Shelby against
the Chickamauga Indians. that about the
year 1780 he the said Callahan was first
Lieutenant in a company commanded by
Capt. William Bean, which company was
orderd [ordered] to march and join the army
under the command of Col Isaac Shelly, in
No. Carolina. that the said Callahan was
reputed to have performed many other tours
of duty in the American service, such as
scouring the country in search of the enemy
guarding forts &C &C - and that he the said
Joel Callahan has been a resident of Greeneville district & State aforesaid for the last thirty years and also that the said Joel Callahan has, during my [crossed out] his acquaintance with him
Page 20

= Suntained the character of an honest -
industrious citizen -
Sworn to & Subscribed this 10th May 1833
before me -
As Thompson
Silas R. Whitten [? J.Q.]

South Carolina }
Greenville Dist }
I Silas R Whitten
the magistrate before whom
the above affidavit was made
hereby certify that I am well
acquainted with the above named
Absolam Thompson and that he is
a respectable and credible witness
and entitled to all credit as such
Given under my hand &c May
12th 1833
Silas R. Whitten [? J.Q.]

South Carolina }
Greenville Dist }
I James McDaniel 
Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas and general sessions for
Greenville district do hereby certify
that Silas R. W. Whitten before whom
the above affidavit was made and by
whom the certificate was signed is an
acting [illegible] of the Peace for this
District. Given under my hand
& seal - May 16th 1833-
J McDaniel
C.C.P
Page 21

Catherine Compton
affidavit

In case of
Joel Callahan
of So. Car.
Revy Pension
claim.


A. Thompson
Atty
Present
Page 22

State of South Carolina
Greenville district
On this fifth day of March one thousand
and eight hundred and Fifty three
personally appeared before me an acting
Notary public within and for the district
and State aforesaid, Catherine Compton
aged Sixty years a resident of the
district above mentioned, who being duly
sworn according to Law, declares that
She is the Daughter and legal representtative of Captain Joel Callihan [Callahan] an
officer of the War of the Revolution,
late of Spartanburg district deceased,
= and she further swears that the
additional x evidence recently furnished to the
pension Department, of the Military
Services of the said Joel Callilian [Callahan]
as Captain in the War aforesaid
was not within Her knowledge therefore
not attainable at the period of any
former adjudication of this claim
and that the same is material to its
proper and final adjudication
Sworn to and Subscribed
the day and year above written
before me. M. Taylor Notary Public
& Magt. Ex off. for [illegible] Dist
Catherine her X mark Compton
Matilda Compton
[illegible] Fare
And I hereby certify that the said
Catherine Compton is I believe of the
Page 23

of the age above stated, and is
and has always been the reputed
Daughter of the said Captain Joel
Callihan [Callahan] aforesaid, deceased. And I certify that I have no interest in this case
Given under my hand & seal }
5th Mar 1853 }
Massena Taylor
Notary public
for the district
and State aforesaid

Seal
Page 24

Catherine Compton
Power of Attorney
To
Michael Thompson.

Joel Callahan
S.C. [illegible] 52

Filed Jany 26. 1852
Papers wanted
to Examine

W Cole
May 1852
Page 25

POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, I Catherine Compton of Greenville District South 
Carolina, the only surviving heir of Joel Calahan
[Callahan] 'dec.d hereby constitute and appoint Michael Thompson
my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Joel Calahan
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to the Said Michael Thompson
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 15th day January A. D., 1852.

Signed and Sealed in the presence of }
Alexander A Powell }

Catherine her X mark Compton
Seal

State of South Carolina }
County of Greeneville  District } ss:
On this 15th day of January A. D. 1852
before me, the subscriber, a Notary public in and for the District aforesaid, personally appeared Catherine Compton and acknowledged the foregoing Power,
of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand }
the day and year aforesaid. }
J. Powell
J. Peace [crossed out]
Notary Public
Page 26

Claim of Act

STATE OF }
COUNTY } ss.

Be it known, That on this
day of
A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty                  ,
before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared
a resident of
in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the


who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of
Dollars per annum; that      has been
informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my
Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and }
year aforesaid, before me. }

J. Peace. }

I, Joseph Powell Notary public, in and for said District do hereby certify that
Catherine Compton who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Joseph Powell Notary public
South Carolina }
Greenville District }
I, D Hoke Clerk of the                Court in the
District and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Joseph Powell before whom the
foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is                    signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my official Seal, this 16th day of
January A. D. 1852.
D Hoke
Clerk.
Page 27

STATE OF }
COUNTY OF } ss.

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me

that            
was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $
per annum and that
died on the
day of
eighteen hundred and
leaving surviving
and that
the only surviving child
of the aforesaid.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this
day of one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
Page 28

10

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Nov 9 '46

M Evans

[circular stamp] 
Charleston S.C.
NOV 5
Page 29

Pension Agency
Charleston 4 Novemr 1846

Sir
I herewith forward )for Authority)
to pay) the Vouchers of Joel Callahan
a pensioner under Act 7 June 1832

I am Sir respy
Your Ob servt
Jno C Cochran
Agent

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 30

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Joel Callahan 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 period or 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' crossed out] NO

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom 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 31

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, has 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?

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

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  1 2 6. 7

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 32

Joel Callahan

Admit as private
12 mo - 2 days. $40.22

B F Perry
Greenville
District
So. Ca.
Page 33

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 objection able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; 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 certificate of 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 symbol] 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.

The applicant will be required to prove
that he had a commission of Captain-
Page 34

In the case }
of }
Joel Callihan [Callahan] }
decd }
a Revolutionary }
Pensioner }

Proof
of death
of Ms. Cal
& age of
Ms. Compton

29
2./2
58
14
72

8.15
25. "
11.17
20.05
76.37
2 1/4
152
38
190

No 3.
Page 35

South Carolina }
Greenville District }
Personally appeared before me,
Massena Taylor a Notary
Public & Magt. off within & for Greenville
District & state aforesaid, Champness C. Terry, who being duly sworn according to Law, states that he has known Joel Callihan [Callahan], ever since he could recollect, and
he Joel Callihan was always noted as a Revolutionary Soldier in the neighborhood, he states that he has frequently talked to him about the Revolution
he, Callihan and myself has camped out together several days at a time, hunting for deer, and he spoke often about the Revolution war, and said that he was a Captain in the Revolution, and he drew a pension for his services, from the United States up to his death,. and he further states that he has
been frequently at Joel Callihans house, and knew  Mrs. Callihan the wife of the said Joel Callahan, and saw her at Mr. McAfees on her Sick Bed and she died soon after I saw her there sick, near thirty years agoe [ago], he further states that the last time he saw Joel Callihan, was some six or seven years agoe
at Mr. Jesse [? Tramells] one of our neighbors, and he was afoot, and he got down and put the old man upon his horse (and let him ride into the State Road.) and he understood that he died Shortly after. that he further States that he has known Catharine Compton the daughter of Joel Callihan, for a long time. She always called him Father & Mrs. Callihan
Page 36

mother, and they called her daughter, and the
neighbors of Joel Callihan [Callahan] & Mrs. Callihan always regarded her (Catharine Compton), as their daughter of
Catharine Compton (is the only child living in this country, and) must be Some Sixty years old as She is some eight or ten years older than myself and he is Fifty three years old
Sworn to and Subscribe Before me }
this the 27th day of Jany, 1853. }
Massena Taylor Notary Public }
& Magt. Ex off. in & for Greenville Dist. }
and State aforesaid. }
Champness C. his X mark. Terry

And sworn to and signed in the
Presence of C. S. T. Hodges
Jordan, Holcombe
And I, Massena Taylor Notary Public and Magt. Ex off. within & for Greenville District and State aforesaid, and before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, do hereby certify
that Champness C. Terry is a credible and a respectable witness, and that I have no Interest in this case,.
Jany 27th 1853.
Massena Taylor Notary Public
& Magt. Ex off. in & for Greenville
District & State aforesaid.

[Seal]
---
Page 37

South Carolina }
Greenville District }
Personally appeared before me M. Taylor
a Notary Public & Magt. Exoff. within and
for Greenville District & state aforesaid,
Sarah Strange who being first duly sworn according to law States that she was at the Burial of Joel Callihan [Callahan] a
Revolutionary Pensioner, there was Guns fired, and the Fife Played & the drum beat. and the Company was command by John [? Hunt] the Capt. of the said company, the Burial of Callihan was in March in the year Eighteen hundred and forty six and she further
States that she knows Catharine Compton and she is reputed by the neighborhood to be the daughter [duplicate to be the daughter crossed out] of the above named Joel Callihan
Sworn to and subscribed
Before me the 27th day of Jany 1853, }
Massena Taylor Notary Public }
& Magt. Exoff. in & for Greenville Dist.
& State aforesaid [Seal] }
Sarah her x mark Strange
And sworn & subscribed to in the
presence of us.
Jordan, Holcombe }
Caroline S. T. Hodges } 
And I, Massena Taylor
Notary Public & Magt. Exoff
within & for Greenville Dist. & state aforesaid, and before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, do hereby certify that Sarah
Strange is a Credible and respectable witness, and that I have no interest in this case. 27th Jany. 1853.
Massena Taylor Notary Public
& Magt. Exoff. in & for Greenville Dist.
& State aforesaid. [Seal]
Page 38

In the matter of
of
Joel Callihan [Callahan]
decd [deceased]
a Revolutionary
Penson


{ Proof of the death [illegible] of [? Catharine]

No. 5
Page 39

South Carolina }
Greenville District }
on this the 27th day of January
A.D. 1853. Personally appeared
Jordan Holcombe before
me a Notary Public & Magt. Ex off. within & for
the District & State aforesaid who being duly
sworn according to Law, and states that he
was well acquainted with Joel Callihan [Callahan] an old Revolutionary pensioner, and he further states that the said Callihan [Callahan] drew a pension from
the United States up to the time of his death
and that he has been dead some six or seven
years and have understood that he was buried
according to the Rules & honors of war. and his wife has been dead for a number of years
before the said Callihan [Callahan]. and he further states that he is well acquainted with Catharine Compton the daughter of Joel Callihan [Callahan] and his wife, or always so regarded in the neighborhood where they lived. and that the said Catharine
Compton is the only living child of the said
Joel Callihan [Callahan] & his wife that is in this country, and has been a neighbor to the said Catharine Compton for a number of years, and is now living in a mile or so of her [illegible] and from her appearance she is some fifty seven or sixty years old for she was a young woman groan [ ? grown], the first of my
recollection, and I am now forty three years old
Sworn to and subscribed before me
the day and date above written
and I hereby certify that he }
is a credible witness and from }
his appearance of the age he above states, and that I have no interest in this case.
Jordan Holcombe

Massena Taylor, Notary Public
& Magt. Ex off, for Greenville Dist.
& State aforesaid Seal
Page 40

South Carolina }
[? Greenville] [illegible]

I James McDaniel
clerk of the court of Common Pleas
for Greenville [? dis] do hereby certify
that Richard Winston before whom
the annexed affidavit was made,
is an acting Justice of the peace
for this district and that all acts
done by him as such are entitled
to full faith and credit. Given
under my hand and seal of
office - this May 13 -1833
J McDaniel
C.C.P.

[seal]
Page 41

Washington [illegible] 10th 1853
Hon. Jas. E. Heath
Commr. of Pensions

Sir
I herewith inclose [enclose] addition
evidence & establishing
the claim to an increase of the
pension of Joel Callahan of
South Carolina, under act
of 7th June 1832.
I have the honor to be
most resptfy [respectfully] your
obt. sert.
M. Thompson
Page 42

Catharine Compton
child of
Joel Callahan
S. C.


Mr Woolford
Page 43


Mush Creek P.O. Novr. 11th 1853.
Greenville district S.C.

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Pension office

Dear Sir
I want you to inform me
if you please the decision in a
pension, claim due me for my
Fathers back pay, as a Captain
in the old Revolutionary Ware [War]
his name is Joel Calahan [Callahan] and
drew a pension in his life time
as a private solder in the Revolutionary War, 
I made declaration some time since and imployed [employed[ Joseph Powell as the attorney as my Father served as a Captain is very
easly [easily] proven; do be so good as to
inform me soon what has been done
with it, and if I need to try any
farther in the case.
Catherine her x mark Compton
Page 44

Argument:
in the case of Joel Callahan of S.C.
Act of June 7. 1832.

Joel Callahan was pensioned for 12 mos. &
2 days as a Private. We claim an increase, and
base it upon parole proof & record evidence.
Callahan alleges specifically for 4 months
service as a private, 7 months as a Captain &
3 months as a Lieut.; and generally for other
services, the details of which could not be 
recollected.
Absalom Thompson, a pensioner, who has
known him from 1773, says that Callahan
was in service in 1779, & was a Lieutenant in
1780, under Capt. Bean, and that he was with
him in one campaign.
The records at Raleigh shew [show] that Callahan was paid as Captain for 1 month & 25 days, & as private for 22 1/2 months. The identity cannot be doubted, because Callahan says he enlisted in the then State of Tennessee, which was in reality only a colony of North Carolinians, who had to temporarily thrown off allegiance from the said State
Col. Sevier, under whom Callahan served,
belonged to the State of North Carolina, was paid as a Carolina Officer, became the daring leader of the alienated & dissatisfied Western Carolinians, and after the revolutionary war, having been brought to trial for "sedition" against the con-
Page 45

Argument
in case of
Joel Callahan
of S.C.

Act June 7. 1832.

Thompson & Wood
Present.
Page 46

stituted authorities of Carolina, was acquitted,
and afterwards removed to Tennessee and
was elected Governor of that State.
The Western section of North Carolina,
which was after the Revolution, ceded to the
State of Tennessee, was, tho' in fact, Carolina,
nevertheless called Tennessee by those who denied the authority of Carolina, and hence
Callahan says he enlisted from Tennessee,
altho' [although] such a State was not in existence.
This historic fact is dwelt upon for the purpose of fixing Callaham's identity beyond a reasonable doubt, with the payments
from North Carolina.
The only other point in your letter of the
9th of June 1853, is that, because Callahan did
not specifically allege for as much service as
these payments call for, that he cannot be
the person entitled to the benefit of said payments.
This is a stereotyped objection, and unworthy of a generous & just government. In the common pursuits of every-day life, whom among us can recollect distinctly & positively incidents which transpired one year since? How then can it be expected that any one can detail minutely every particular of service and every circumstance of position which transpired seventy Eight [crossed out] odd
years ago?
The substance has been stated by the
Pensioner. The identity is sufficient to con
Page 47

3.
vict any one before a Court of Law, upon
common law rules of evidence, upon a charge
of felony, and the Commissioner must find,
in our judgment, that this man Callahan,
our client, is the identical man who rendered
service in North Carolina, & to whom the
payments were made, as shewn by the Compt
certificate of that State.
1st The claim an increase of pension for 1 mo.
25 days as Captain. For proof see Compt.
certf.
2nd For 3 months as Lieut upon the parole
Testimony of Absalom Thompson, who certifies
that he was a Lieut. in 1780. -
and 3rd For 20 months & 5 days as a Private,
vide, the payment of the Compt. Certificate.

Very Respectfully &c
Thompson & Wood
June 28. 1853.
Page 48

State of North Carolina }
Comptroller's Office }
I, William J. Clarke, comptroller of 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 Military services
in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
Joel Callihan [Callahan]
Indent or army certificate issued by the auditors of the counties of Washington & Sullivan No. 753 June 1783
[English pound symbol] S15 D6 specie ~
Ditto [English pound symbol] 25 [crossed out] June 1783 [English pound symbol] 25 specie No. 1292
Ditto     "       " [English pound symbol] 4 S14  " (four)'  997 Captain Joel Callihan
Ditto     "        "  [English pound symbol] 24 S14 "      988 Ditto        "
Book No. 24 page 80 [English pound symbol] 11S17 D6 specie
 "         "      "      "  103 [English pound symbol] 
20 S5 -        "

[seal]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed my
seal of office this 14th day of January
A.D. 1853.
Wm J. Clarke Compt.

pay as capt: $73.50
   "    "  Pri:     164.75
Page 49

( 2 )

to Randall
Page 50

Pension Office
May 31 1853

Sir
Please state to what
time Joel Callahan was
paid, & the date of his death.
Charleston So: Ca:  Rolls
per:  $40,22/100 pr annum, Act
7 June 1832.

Very Respectfully
S. Cole
[illegible] Comr.
Paid to 4th March 1847,
F Burt
Auditor.

F. Burt Esq
Third Audr.
Treasury-
Page 51

First Statement of Joel Callihan [Callahan]

1st" Entered under Capt: Goode in fall of }
1777 served about 8 weeks }
days 56

2nd in spring of 1778 entered under Col: Shelby & Robinson. served 8 weeks. 
.56

3rd. in 80 or 81 under Col: Severe [Sevier]
.56

4th. in 81 or 82 Col. Severe [Sevier] gave him a comm. as Capt; with 5 men served 14 days
.14

5 marched does not say in what capacity
under Col. Severe [Sevier] & Robinson & 
[illegible]
served 3. - - 

he thinks he served in all 1 year

2d Statement of Joel Callihan [Callahan]
he says that the three [illegible] above under Col. Severe [Sevier] was rendered as capt; but he only claims as Private
2 served 3 had no date given as Lieut: under Capt: Jacob Wammock but only claims pay as private - as his Commission was lost.
Thinks he served not less than one year.
Page 52

Proof of service -
Absalom Thompson
be as known J. Callahan from 1773 to
present time 10 May 33 - that he
Callihan Served a tour under Genl. Christie
in year 1776
in 1779 said Callihan served another tour
under Col: Shelby
in 1780 he [ ? @ or C ] was a Lieut. under Capt. Bean
under Col. Shelby.
said [ ? @ or C ] is reputed to have rendered
other tours.
Witness certified to be credible.
Page 53

Washington Jany 17th 1853
Hon. James. E. Heath
Commr. of Pensions

Sir
I herewith inclose [enclose] the
certificate of the Comptr. Gen'l.
of No. Car. supporting the
claim of Joel Callihan [Callihan] of
So. Car. to an increase of
pension, under act of 7th
June 1832, & proving conclusively, 
that said Callahan,
served, at least two years,
in the capacity of Captain
& lieutenant, as stated in his
declaration, and requiring
an increase of the pension
accordingly.
I have the honor
to be [illegible]
M. Thompson
Atty. for Callahan
Page 54

Washington Sept 10th/33

Hon L. P. Waldo
Comr. of Pensions

Sir
Joel Callahan of South Carolina
was pensioned for just
one year and two days service as
private in the Revolutionary war;
while his declaration, testimony of
the witnesses, the certificate of the
Comptroller Genl. of North Carolina
and the accompanying copy of the
Greeneville (S.C.) Mountaineer clearly
show that he served "four or five
months" as Capt. under Col. Severe [Sevier] and others, and also some three months as
Lieut. under Col. Wanmack.
Your letter to me of 9th June
last does not take the proper view
of the case, as will be seen by
reference to Callahan's declaration
and the evidence above referred to.
By reference to his declaration
it will be seen, I think, that he declared
he served altogether about one year
as a private volunteer, besides the
Page 55

above mentioned services as Capt.
and Lieut.
If, however, it should
not appear that he did not declare
he served more than one year in all,
it being now perfectly clear that he
served portions of that time as
Capt. and Lieut. (certainly as Captain)
he is entitled to an increase accordingly
That he was not able to
prove his services as Capt. at the
time, and was therefore obliged to be
content with the allowance then made
as private, is certainly no sort of reason
why he should not now be pensioned
as Capt. the proof being now perfectly
clear that he did serve as Capt. for
the period above stated.
The two weeks service as Capt.
in command of five men, animadvert
upon in your letter of 9th June last,
is clearly not the service in that
capacity, shown to have been rendered
under Col. Severe [Sevier], but another and a
different service, and for which he
is entitled, although he may have
had but five men under his command.
It is sufficient to entitle
him to a pension, that he served as
Page 56

Capt. in the war of the Revolution, with
five or any number of men under
his command, and as an evidence that
this service of two weeks, if you please,
with but five men under his
command, was not the only service
rendered by him in that capacity, and
not the service in that capacity shown
by the Comptrollers certificate, and the
evidence, including the Mountaineer, to
have been rendered under Col. Severe [Sevier]
and others, it is not likely that he would
have been admitted into the regiment of
Col. Severe [Sevier] as Capt. in command of ut
five men.
You will find, I think,
by calculation, that the certificate of
the Comptroller Genl. of North Carolina
sustained throughout, the views here
presented, and proves that said
Callahan served some twelve months
as private and four or five months
as Capt. and also it is believed some
three months as Lieut.
The intimation
contained in your letter of the 9th June
last, that the Comptrollers certificate
refers to some other Joel Callahan
is wholly gratuitous and unwarranted
Page 57

by any internal evidence of the same,
the declaration, or any evidence in the
case.

I am Respectfully
Your Obt. Sevrt.
M. Thompson
Atty for C
Page 58

Committee Room
Revolutionary Pensions
14" March 1860

Sir:
I have to request you to forward
to the Committee for examination the
following papers in the case of
Catharine Compton, daughter of
Joel Callahan of So. Carolina.
x 1st: Joel Callahan's declaration date
1st May [crossed out] 10" Oct. 1832

x2. Additional declaration date
1st May 1853.

x 3. Affidavit of C.C. Terry. 27" Jany,  '53
x            to     "   J. Portman 28    "    '53
x            to     "   Jordan Holcomb. also a
x So. Carolina newspaper in the files with the
other papers.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Jno. F. Potter
Chairman

Geo: C: Whiting Esq. }
Commissioner of Pensions }
Page 59

To the Comishioners [Commissioners]
of pensions
pencion [pension] office
Washington D C

FREE

[circular stamp]
DEC 5
[illegible]

Joel Callahan
SC [illegible]
Colc

See into this case
Page 60

Dec 4th 1853

To the Commishioner [Commissioner] of
pencions [pensions]

Pencion [Pension] office

Dear sir I wish to no [knwow if you have
answerd [answered] my letter dated Nov 12
which I sent concerning a pencion [pension]
thare [there] is a letter come to Mush Creek
to directed to Cathrine Thompson
which we suppose is to me through
a misstake [mistake]
Cathrine Compton
Page 61

H. C. SCOTT,
NO. 3207 11TH ST. N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C.

11/30-11

Commissioner of Pensins [Pensions],
Wash., D.C.

Dear Sir:-

Will you please give me
such record of service which you
may have of one Joel Calliham [Callahan]
who was an officer in Sevier's
Regiment at the battle of
King's Mountain, Revolutionary war. 
The above person was
my great great uncle
Yours & c.
Harry C Scott

[circular stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE.
M
DEC 1 1911
Page 62

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5- 41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives


NAME Callahan, John
GRADE Private
LINE Maryland

WARRANT NUMBER 11109
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED January 8, 1796
to George Ponsonby, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800 " which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.