Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,265, William Gaston, S.C.
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Service
S.C
Gaston, William
S. 32.265
[]
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Illinois 22.561
________________________________________
Wm Gaston
of Marion Co in the State of Illinois
who was a Private in the Co commanded
by Capt Marshall of the Regt commanded
by Col Lacy  in the South Ca.
line for 2 years.
====================================
Inscribed on the Roll of  Illinois
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Oct
1833 & sent to W B Scates
Frankfort Illis
===================================
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833                      200
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Mar '34              40
                                                                                    =====
                                                                                   $240
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm R Palmer Clerk,
Book E. Vol 8, Page 57  


[left side]

Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the
Act of the 6 April
1838 from
4 Sep 1837 to 13 Jany 1838
Notified 11 Nov 1841
---
Set to J T Paige Mar 26/60
Mch. or May 26, 1860
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State of Illinois
County of Marion

On this 24th day of September 1832 personally
appeared in open Court before the Judge of Circuit Court
now sitting William Gaston a resident in the County of
Marion and state of Illinois aged seventy five 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 United States first a
drafted militia in the State of South Carolina and County of
Chester in the year 1775 the first tour of service under
Capt Marshall to wait some tories  whoever encamped 50 or sixty miles from where I lived.   the second tour [illegible] militia under
the same Capt to Charleston about 150 miles In 1776. The
third tour in the same year under the same Capt to [illegible]  on Savannah river.  Field  officers not recollect. In all a service of six or seven months

After Charlestown fell into the hands of the British in 1780,
he entered the service as a mounted volunteer, under Capt.
John McClure, Col Lacy & Gen. Sumpter field officers. After
Several skirmishes he fought at the Battle of Rocky Mount,
Hanging Rock,  Hook's defeat, and King's mountain. (when Gen
Sumpter was surprised near Mc Danial  ford and on Cataba river
his this applicant's horse fell into the hand of the enemy for which he never
was compensated) afterwards several scouting parties [ilegible]
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was his Capt from the time Capt Mc Clure fell at Hanging
Rock -  and also that his discharge  if he ever had one is lost that he has
no documentary Evidence and that he knows of no person
whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service
except Mrs. Jane Gaston [illegible] of John Gaston decd aged about
87 years whose testimony to a part of his services follows
below in her separate affidavit-

I hereby relinquish every claim a pension or annuity except 
the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension
Roll of the agency of any State
     his
Wm - Gaston
     mark

Subscribed & sworn to on the
year aforesaid

R. Ricker Clk
in open court


the affidavit of JaneGaston, who being duly sworn
depose & says that in the year 1780, according to the best of her
recollection she with her late husband John Gaston, was living 
in Chester County S.C. and that William Gaston who has
subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration, was then
a single man & living with this applicant & her said
husband John Gaskin, being a cousin of the said
John and that she recollects distinctly when the said
William Gaston volunteered under Genl Sumpter
to fight the British & Tories - and that he remained
absent in the service for about two years [illegible]
when he would return home for a few days on
furlough the states her to be about 87 years.
        her
Jane     Gaston [she made a modified circle]
       mark

Sworn to & subscribed
the day & year af@

R Ricker Clerk
In open Court
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Amended Declaration of William Gaston for a pension
under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832
Personally appeared in open court before Thos C. Brown
one of the states of the Supreme Court of Ills & by law assigned to hold circuit court in the county of
William Gaston, who being duly sworn, deposeth and
saith that by reason of old age & 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 two months I served as a private under Capt. Marshall in the year 1775. For one months &
fourteen days I served as a private under Capt. Marshall
in the year 1776. For Two months I served as a
private under Capt. Marshall in the year 1776
For one year I served as a private under
Capt, John McClure in the years 1780 & 1781
For one year I served as a private under
Capt. Steel in the years 1781 & 1782 and for such
service I claim a pension. And he further states
that he did not know that it was necessary to have
a clergyman, nor could he learn letters as his declaration was written out by one of his neighbours
who he supposes knew no better himself, if he had
known it, he could have procured one. He further
states that he had a record of his age made in his
own Bible, & that he gave the Bible to his son John
who lives in Shoal creek Bond County in this State
but he does not know what has become of it
Where & in what year were you born?
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Ans.
I was born in Lancaster County Pennsylvania on the
10th day of July 1757
Query
Have you any record of your age, if so where
is it? answered above
3 Query
Where were you living when called
into service.
where have you lived since the Revolution, and where
do you now live? Ans. In Chester County S.C. where
I lived a while after the Revolution, then I moved to
Kentucky & thence to Illinois; and now live in Marion
County. The other interrogations are already
answered to the best of my recollection
Subscribed & sworn to
in open Court this 23rd
day of September AD 1833
Rufus Ricker
Clk
William Gaston
his X mark

We Daniel Williams a clergyman residing in the County of Marion & State of
Illinois and David R. Chance a clergyman residing in the same
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William
Gaston do so subscribed & swore to the declaration to which this is an
amendment & to this amended declaration, that we
believe him to be about 75 years of age, as stated
in his said declaration made before this court on the
24th day of Sept 1832: & that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to
have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we
concur in that opinion Sworn to & subscribed
in open Court this 23rd day of Sept 1833
Daniel Williams
of Sept 1833
Daniel Williams
David R Chance

Rufus Ricker
Clk
And the said Court do hereby declare
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their opinion, after the investigation of the matter in the amended
as well as obtain in the original declaration and after putting
the interrogatories presented 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 Daniel Williams who has signed the preceding certificate
is a clergyman, resident in the County of Marion & State of Illinois and
that David R Chance who has signed the same is a clergyman
resident in the same are credible persons, and that their statements
are entitled to credit.-  And the said Court Do hereby certify a-
mending their former certificate made in the premises on the
24th day of September 1832, that it appears to them that Jane
Gaston who has signed a certificate, swearing to a part of the
service of said William Gaston on the said 24th day of September
1832 is a resident of the County of Marion & State of Illinois, & that she
is a credible person & her statements are entitled to credit: and the said Court do further certify (insert: amending their former certificate in the) that Thomas Kell & Matthew Rainey who signed the certificate to the said William Gaston original application are residents in said County of Marion & State aforesaid & are credible persons & their statements are entitled to credit

I Rufus Ricker Clerk of the circuit Court in & for the
County & State aforesaid Do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the amendment of William Gaston
for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal of office this 23rd day of September AD 1833
Rufus Ricker Clk

SEAL
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State Illinois
Marion County} SS
Be it known that before me E Martin a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Marion and the state aforesaid and duly qualified according to Law and Autherised to Administer oaths SS personally appeared William Gaston and after being duly qualified and sworn according to law made oath in due form that he and she is the son and daughter of William Gaston the authentic person who was a pensioner and who is now dead to whom a certificate of pension was issued which is not here with succeded it being lost and due diligence having been used and it cannot be found renders it impratable so to do that the deceased pensioner resided in the county of Marion & the state of Illinois for the space of eight years [illegible] Death & that previous thereto he resided in Christian county and state of Kentucky about [illegible] years he died on the [illegible]th day of Febry 1838 at Marion Co State of Illinois the said applicants
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makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension money being due coming to them from the Government of the United States as heirs at law and representatives of William Gaston who served and due as  [illegible] aged in the Revolutionary War and said pensioner not having received a [illegible] pension under said act he was pensioned under act of June 7th 1832 not any other act of Congress nor do I believe that he Ever did receive all that the said Pensioner was entitled to under said act of 7th June 1832 The said Wm Gaston and Anne R [illegible] and claims as heirs at Law and representative claiming the back pay that may have been due and owing to the said William Gaston for his service as under act of March 18th 1818 passed by Congress said what may now back and unpaid and due the said applicants to right as heirs at law and representatives of William Gaston the pensioner & of the [illegible] as may more fully appear by the master rolls at the department of the interior and may be apparent on the pension list SC rolls his name may be found among the names on the pension list of the State of Illinois and
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was paid at the pension Agency of the State of Illinois Said applicants [illegible] and demand of the said government officers of the pension office the full pay of said William Gaston as above stated that is Eight Dollars per annum from the time set fourth in the applicants Declaration Claiming under act of March 18th 1818 and the said William Gaston and Ann Raney  heirs and representatives at law of the said William Gaston and claiming all or any thing due under act of May 15th 1828 as well any other act which may be passed by Congress granting pensioners who have served In the Revolutionary War and Entitled to pensions
he and she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension money which may be due and owing them as heirs at Law of William Gaston a pensioner of the United States claiming under an act of March 18th 1818 or any other act of Congress granting pensions to revolutionary soldiers and we hereby authorise and constitute John T Paige of Salem and county of Marion and state of Illinois any true and lawful attorney to obtain and prosicute this claim and procure & receive the pension money that
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may be due and owing to me or both of us as the heirs above stated and we do hereby autherise said Empower his said attorney to obtain from the proper authorities at Washington City or Elsewhere certified copies of any agency or Notary records or documents in which his said services may be rendered and to procure any and all other Evidence that may be necessary to establish his & her claim as fully as he or she might or could do if personally present and revoking and countermanding all other authority that may have been giving for the above specified purpose [illegible]
Elijah Martin William his X mark Gaston
SW Cunningham Ann her X mark Rainey
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me this 28th day of February
JJCO E Martin JP 
and on the same day personally came before me residents of the county of Marion county and state of Illinois to me know as Ceemihle witnesses who being duly sworn according to law declare that they are personally acquainted with William Gaston and Ann Raney who had made and subscribed the foregoing declarative
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that they were present and send
him and her subscribe their name
to the foresaid declaration and
that from the appearance of the
applicants and their acquaintance
with him and her that believe
that he and she is the I think ok
person she and she represents him
self and herself to be that they are
disinterested In the Claim and
that they reside at the place
above named Pinningham
E Martin JP
S W Cunningham
S J Cunningham

Sworn to and Subscribed before
me and I certify that I am not
Interested in the claim or [illegible]
and In its positive and
I further certify that I know
the Appicant to be  credible
Witnesses and the declarant is
the persons they represent them
selves to be
E Martin J P
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State of Illinois}
Marion County} ss
James S Martin Clerk of
the County Court of said County
do certify that E Martin Esq
whose name appears above is now
and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the
Peace in and for said County
duly elected commissioned and
qualified and that full faith and
credit is due all his official acts
as such,

Given under my hand
and seal of office at [illegible]
this 12th day of March
AD 1860
Jas S Martin Co
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William Gaston
[]
[]
[] 2 years $80
M.B. Scates
Frankfort Illinois
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Brief in the case of William Gaston
County of Marion in the state of Illinois
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? 45
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period in 1775 []
Duration of Service. 2 years
Rank as a []
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. []
5. In what battles was he engaged? []
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? County of [] S. Carolina
7. In his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? []
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? []
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned
George Tayton
Examining Clerk.
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February 9, 1938.
Mrs. Julius Melton
1717 Edgewood Street
Jackson, Mississippi
BA J/ILL
William Gaston
S. 32265
Dear Madam:
The record of William Gaston is given herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 32265, based upon his sercive in the Revolutionary War.
Willian Gaston was born July 10, 1757, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina, Willian Gaston enlisted in 1775 and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina company: he enlisted in 1776, and served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina company, re-enlisted in 1776, and served two months in the same company: he enlisted in 1780 and served one year as a private in Captain John McClure's company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina regiment, during which he was in the battles of Rocky Mount. Hanging Rook, Hook's Defeat, and King's Mountain; he enlisted in 1781, and served one year as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina company.
After the Revolutionary War, the soldier continued to reside in Chester County, South Carolina, for some time, moved from there to Kentucky and resided in Christian County for about twenty years, after that moved to Illinois.
William Gaston was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, at which time he resided in Marion County, Illinoise. He died there January 12, 1838. He had resided in that county about eight years previous to his death.
The name of the wife of William Gaston is not shown, nor the
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date and place of their marriage given. In 1833, the soldier was designated William Gaston, Sr.
In 1833, John Gaston, the soldier's son, was living on [] Creek, in Band County, Illinois. In 1860, the soldier's children, William Gaston and his sister, Ann Rainey, were residents of Marion County, Illinois. No other names of children were shown than these three.
In 1833, Jane Gaston, the widow of the soldier's cousin, John Gaston, stated that they all lived in Chester County, South Carolina, when William Gaston served in the Revolutionary War. Said Jane Gaston gave her age in 1832 as eighty-seven years, and made her affidavit regarding William Gaston's service in Marion County, Illinois. One Matthew Rainey was a resident of of said Marion County, in 1832, but did not state any relationship to the family of William Gaston, the Revolutionary War soldier.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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[ this page is blank]
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February 9, 1938.
Mrs. Julius W. Melton
1717 Edgewood Street
Jackson, Mississippi.
BA J/ ILL
William Gaston
S. 32265
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of William, John, Robert, Hugh, and Alexander Gaston, Lerey Buford, William Baily, Thomas Robinson, and the War of 1812 record of William Gaston.
Because of the great demand for information pertaining to soldiers of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, it is impossible to comply in full with each request for information regarding soldier of these wars.
The Revolutionary War record of a William Gaston of South Carolina, the state you cite, has been found and is furnished you herewith. Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
[] See other letter
There also.
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October 13, 1936.
Miss Sylvia Mercer
The Exponent Company
Clarksburg. West Virginia.
BA J/ILL
William Gaston
S. 32265
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you wish the birthplace of William Gaston, S. 32265, verified.
In the paper on file in pension claim, S. 32265, the birthplace of William Gaston is shown as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, no town named.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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February 17, 1836.
Miss Florence []
457 West 61 []
Chicago, Illinois.
BA J/ILL
S. 32265
William Gaston
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Joseph Ripley and William Gaston, both pensioners.
The records of those two soldiers are [] herewith from pension claims based upon their services in that war.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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February 17, 1936.
Miss Florence Densen
457 West 61 Place
Chicago, Illinois.
BA J/ILL
William Gaston
S. 32265
Dear Madam: The data given herein regarding William Gaston, the Revolutionary War pensioner in whom you are interested, are found in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 32265.
William Gaston was born July 10, 1757 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1775 and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina company: he enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina company, then re-enlisted and served two months in the same company: he enlisted in 1780, served one year as private in Captain John McClure's company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina regiment, and was in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Hook's Defeat and King's Mountain: he enlisted in 1781, and served one years as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina company. 
After the Revolutionary War, the soldier resided for some time in Chester County, South Carolina, moved from there to Kentucky and resided in Christian County for about twenty years, after which he moved to Illinois.
Willian Gaston was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, at which time he resided in Marion County, Illinois. He died there January 12, 1828; he had resided in that county about eight years.
Page 23

In 18[], the soldier's son, John Gaston, was living on [] Creek, Road County, Illinois. In 18[], the soldier's son and daughter, William Gaston and [] Rainey, were residents of Marion County, Illinois. The name of soldier's wife is not shown, nor the date and place of their marriage given.
In 1832, Jane Gaston, the widow of the soldier's cousin, John Gaston, stated that when William Gaston (the Revolutionary War soldier) entered service he was living with her and her husband, John. Her affidavit was made in Marion County, Illinois, and she gave her age then as eighty-seven years. One Matthew Rainey was a resident of said Marion County, in 1832; no relationship tie the family of the soldier was stated. 
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
[] 1931 []1936
Page 24

December 7, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mr. N.P. Parkinson
364 Citizens Building
Decatur, Illinois
BA J/[]/eel
William Gaston - S. 32265
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Gaston of Marion County, Illinois, who was allowed pension for services in the Revolutionary War.
A very careful examination has been made of the papers found in pension claim, S. 32265, based upon the military services of William Gaston in the Revolutionary War and his history is furnished you herein.
William Gaston was born July 10, 1757, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1775, and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company: he enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company: again enlisted in 1776 and served two months in same company: he enlisted in 1780, served one year as private in Captain John McClure's Company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina Regiment and was in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Hook's Defeat, and King's Mountain: he enlisted in 1781, and served one year as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of Marion County, Illinois.
William Gaston died January 12, 1838, in said Marion County.
Soldier's son, John, was living on Shoal Creek, Bond County, Illinois, in 1833, and son William Gaston, and daughter, Ann Rainey, were of Marion, Illinois, in 1860: no other children are named and the name of soldier's wife was not shown.
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In 1838, Jane Gaston, widow of John Gaston, the latter a cousin of the soldier, William Gaston, made affidavit in Marion County, Illinois. She gave her age as about eighty-seven years. 
There are no further data as to family.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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March 15, 1934
Mrs. James Alexander
Marion Junction
Alabama
BA J/EEL
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of Captain James Gill and Captain William Gaston, both of South Carolina, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made in your behalf and the histories of James Gill and William Gaston are furnished herewith, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in their respective claims for pension, R. 4023 and S.32265, based upon their services in the Revolutionary War.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
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March 15, 1934
Mrs. James Alexander
Marion Junction
Alabama
BA-J/MMHF/eel
William Gaston-S.32265
Dear Madam:
William Gaston was born July 10, 1757, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1775 and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company: he enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company: again enlisted in 1776 and served two months in same company: he enlisted in 1780, served one year as private in Captain John McClure's Company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina Regiment and was in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Hooks Defeat and King's Mountain: he enlisted in 1781 and served one year as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina Company. It is not shown that he ever served as captain.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of Marion County, Illinois.
William Gaston died January 12, 1838, in Marion County, Illinois.
Soldier's son, John, was living on Shoal Creek, Bond County, Illinois, in 1833, and son, William Gaston, and daughter, Ann Rainey, were of Marion County, Illinois, in 1860: no other children are named and the name of soldier's wife was not shown.
in 1832, Jane Gaston, Widow of John Gaston, the latter a cousin of the soldier, William Gaston, made afficavit in Marion County, Illinois. She gave her age as about eighty-seven years.
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 28

October 26, 1831.
Mrs. Leila A. Gayle
R.F.D. []4
Selma, Alabama
BA-J/MMHF/ILL
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to William Gaston, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.32265, based upon his military service in that war.
William Gaston was born July 10, 1757 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1775 and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company: he enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company, then enlisted again in 1776 and served two months in the same company; he enlisted in 1780, served one year as a private in Captain John McClure's Company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina Regiment and was in the battles of Rocky Mount, hanging Rock, Hooks Defeat and Kings Mountain: he enlisted in 1781 and served one year as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1831 while a resident of Marion County, Illinois.
The soldier died on January 12, 1832 in Marion County, Illinois.
His son, John, was living in Shoal Creek, Bond County, Illinois.
in 1833, his son, William Gaston and daughter, Ann Rainey, were of Marion County, Illinois, in 18[]: the name of soldier's wife is not given.
1.
Page 29

The above history is that of the only soldier named William Gaston that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The Revolutionary War records of this offic fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of John Goyle and John [] as described by you or of Matthew Goyle, all spelling of both surnames [].
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 30

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/[]
April 7, 1930.
Mrs. William S. Gregson
West Cleveland Avenue
Fayetteville
Arkansas.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 32265, it appears that William Gaston was born July 10, 1757, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1775 and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company.
He enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company, then enlisted again in 1776 and served two months in the same company.
He enlisted in 1780, served one year as a private in Captain John McClure's Company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina Regiment and was in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rook, Hooks Defeat and Kings Mountain.
He enlisted in 1781 and served one year as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832 while a resident of Marion County, Illinois.
Soldier died January 12, 1838 in Marion County, Illinois.
His son John was living on Shoal Creek, Bond County, Illinois in 1833 and his William Gaston and daughter Ann Rainey were of Marion County, Illinois in 1860, no other children than those three names, and the name of his wife is not given.
Very truly yours,
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 31

May 29, 1926
Raymond E. Van Syckle
1729 Ford Bldg.
Detroit, []
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 32265 it appears that William Gaston was born July 10, 1757 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
While a resident of Chester County, South Carolina he enlisted in 1775 and served two months as a private in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company.
He enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company.
He enlisted in 1776, served one month and fourteen days in Captain Marshall's South Carolina Company, then enlisted again in 1776 and served two months in the same company.
He enlisted in 1780, served one year as a private in Captain John McClure's Company, Colonel Lacy's South Carolina Regiment and was in the battles of Rocky Mount, Hanging Rock, Hooks Defeat and Kings Mountain.
He enlisted in 1781 and served one year as a private in Captain Steel's South Carolina Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832 while a resident of Marion County, Illinois.
Page 32

Soldier died January 12, 1838 in Marion County, Illinois.
His son John was living on Shoal Creek, Bond County, Illinois in 1833, and son William Gaston and daughter Ann Rainey were of Marion County, Illinois in 1860, no other children than those three named, and the name of his wife is not given.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
Page 33

this Bureau William Gaston SF 32265
TMENT OR APPOINTMENT / LENGTH OF SERVICE / RANK / OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED CAPTAIN / COLONEL / STATE 
1775 / 2 mos / Pvt / Marshall / / SC
1776 / 1 mo 14 days / " / " / / 
1776 / 2 mos / " / " / / 
1780 / 1 year / / John McClure / Lacy /
1781 / 1 year / / Steel / /
Battles engaged in Rocky Mount Hanging Rock Hooks defeat and Kings Mountain
Residence of soldier at enlistment Chester Co SC
Date of application for pension Sept 24 1832 His cl was al
Residence at date of application Marion Co Ill
Age at date of application Born July 10, 1757 in Lancaster Co Pa died Jan 12, 1838 in Marion Co Ill
Remarks: Children: John living on Shoal Creek Bond Co Ill in 1833 William and Ann Raney or Rainey
Page 34

Record Division.
December 21, 1907
Mrs. I.M. Habermeyer,
508 West High St.,
Urbana, Ills.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 11th and received the 13th inst., you are advised that in the declaration for pension of William Gaston, (Surv. File 32265) he states that he was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 10, 1757, and that his son John lives on Shoal Creek, Bond Co., Illinois.
In 1860 it is stated that Ann Rainey or Raney, and William Gaston are the son and daughter of William Gaston and his only heirs.
There is no further data on file in regard to children.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 35

1717 Edgewood St.,
Jackson, Mississippi
January 25, 1938
Veterans' Administration,
Washington, D.c.
Gentlemen:
I would like some information relative to the Gastons of South Carolina who were in the Revolutionary War. Our record show that one William Gaston of Ballymena, Ireland, (wife Lemmon) had nine sons and daughters to come to America in time to participate in the Revolution. In all of our papers, they appear in South Carolina with the exception of Dr. Alexander Gaston, of New Bern, N.C. who was murdered by the Tories at that place in 1781. I think I have the record fairly accurate, and was rather disconcerted to find Gastons of the same names serving in one of the South Carolina companies, listed as Robert, and Hugh and Alexander, and placing Alexander's age so young that he could not have been the same one. []
The list of the brothers as I have them are John (King's Justice, who married Esther Waugh. had nine sons in the Revolution three of whom were killed at battle of Hanging Rock. Robert, listed as a "patriot" of the Revolution. His son William who later went to Ill. was one of the King's Mt. Men. Rev. Hugh, a Presbytarian minister. William, my ancestor, served a Capt. of a volunteer company 1775 between Broad and Catawba Rivers, S.C.; Alexander, a medical doctor, shot by Tories, New Bern, N.C. (his son, then a baby was Judge Wm. Gaston of N.C. later, a very prominent personage in N.C.) The women of the family were Elizabeth, married John Knox; Martha, married Alex Roseborough; Jennet (Jeannette-Janet) married Charlies Strong, mentioned in Mrs. Ellett's "Women of the Revolution"; Mary married James McClure (her daughter Mary McClure also mentioned in "Women of the Revolution".)
The South Carolina company in which I saw these Gastons was Capt Kershaws (?) and the list included the place from which each came, age, height, etc. They were all in their early 20s and could of course been sons of some of these others, but it gave them all three as being from Ireland, and since one of them was Alexander and so young I was at a loss to reconcile the records. I do not know if it is consistent with the purpose of your office to give information of this kind, but if your record of the South Carolina Gastons in the Revolution shows their relationship it would greatly clarify things in my mind to have that information. My own ancestor, William, had no children in the Revolution, but this John with the nine sons could have had the three boys mentioned above and they might have been born in Ireland, but that is what I would like to know.
Please give me what you have on my ancestor William Gaston of S.C. 1735-1790, served as Capt. of volunteer S.C. company, born in Cavenlaigh Clough Water, Ballymena, Ireland, married
Page 36

2
Jane Harbison, 1775, in America. Children: William Gaston who married Priscilla Buford; Hugh Alexander m. Charlotte Deal; and Nancy who married Carson Dickson.
If you know whose sons those three- Robert, Hugh, and Alexander Gaston - were, in Capt. Kershaw's (?) company. I saw this is the History of Orangeburg County, by Salley, and it also appears in the S.C. Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. III No. 1, Papers of First Council of Safety. It was in the Orangeburg County History, however, that I saw the ages and birthplaces. If I know whose sons they were I'll know whether or not the Alexander of New Bern, N.C. was confused with them.
I hope this is not an impossible task. It might be that by looking up Justice John Gaston, the "patriot", that they would appear among his nine sons and thus answer the matter right there.
Thanking you for whatever information you can give me, I am
Very truly yours,
Julius Williams Melton
Mrs. Julius W. Melton
Page 37

The Exponent Company
Clarksburg, West Virginia
Office of the President
September 21, 1936
Dept. of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
Record Division,
Washington, D.C.
Sur. File 32265
Rev. War.
Gentlemen: 
Would you be kind enough to refer to the above file, and advise me whether, in his declaration for pension, WILLIAM GASTON states that he was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, or Lancaster County, South Carolina.
This information will be very much appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Sylvia Mercer
(Miss) Sylvia Mercer.
Received Sep 24 1936
Mail Sub-Div.
Page 38

Florence Deneen
457 West Sixty-First Place
Chicago
Feb. 1, 1936.
The Secretary Veteran's Administration
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me any information you may have regarding the families and the services of the following men:
1. Joseph Ripley, who served as a private in the Massachusetts Continental Line, and later moved to
Page 39

Rockingham County, (Virginia) New Hampshire, where he applied for and received a pension in 1818. He was born about the year 1737 and lived to be over 90 years of age.
2. William Gaston who served as a private with the South Carolina Continentals, and later moved to Marion County, Illinois, where he was placed on the
Page 40

2.
Florence Deneen
457 West Sixty-First Place
Chicago
pension list October 22, 1833. His pension commenced May 4, 1831, at which time he was approximately 75 years old. Any information regarding services in the Revolutionary War- company, regiment etc, and dates of enlistment, birth, death etc will be very helpful to me in my  research along the line of family
Page 41

history.
Yours truly,
(Miss) Florence Deneen.
Page 42

Organize 1845
The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company
Newark. N.J.
N.P. Parkinson, District Agent
364 Citizens Building Phone 2-4836
Decatur, Illinois
November 21, 1834
Department of Pensions,
U.S. War Department.
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
On September 24, 1832, William Gaston of Marion County, Illinois was allowed a pension for services in the Revolutionary War.
In that application, is the name of his wife mentioned? Would it be possible for me to obtain a certified copy of that application.
Very truly yours,
N.P. Parkinson
Page 43

R.T. [] 4.
Selma, Ala
Oct. 2, 1931.
Director of Pensions
Washington D.[]
Dear Sir;
Will you please see if you have the pension record of any of these Revolutionary soldiers and would you send me their records.
John Gayle served in the Virginia or South Carolina Army.
Matthew Gayle served in the South Carolina Army under Francis Marion.
Page 44

James Gill of South Carolina and his pension roll in Vol XIV. sen doc. 514.
William Gaston of South Carolina fought under General Sumter, I think.
Also have you a John Reese or (Reese) of South Carolina.
Thanking you for any information you may give me.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) Leila A. Gayle
R.F.D. no 4
Selma, Ala
Page 45

West Cleveland Ae.
Fayetteville, Ark.
Commissioner of Pensions
Dept. of the Interior
Wash. D.C.
Dear Sir:
Information wanted for purpose of joining the D.G.R. of service of
William Gaston - S.C.
a captain in the Revolutionary War. He was County Judge and Court Magistrate in Chester Co. He was born June 5, 1743. Name of his wife wanted.
Yours truly,
Mrs. Wm. S. Gregson.
Page 46

DETROIT CHAPTER
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

[Official LOGO]

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
1728 FORD BUILDING
DETROIT. MICHIGAN

PRESIDENT
CLARENCE W. DICKERSON

VICE-PRESIDENTS
GEORGE A. DUCHARME
EDWIN BENEY

SECRETARY
RAYMOND E VAN SYCKLE

CHAPLAIN
REV. MARTIN L. CANUP

HISTORAN
CHARLES A. KANTER

TREASURER
FRANK G. SMITH


Commissioner of [illegible]
Washington D.C

Sir

Please advise Revolution Service
' family data, if any,  of

William Gaston, born 7/10 1757
died Jan 12, 1838.  Married in S.C. in
1781 - Married Mary Mc Clure born S.C. 1758 
died S.C. bef 18 [illegible]

Yours truly
Raymond E. Van Syckle
Page 47

[REV MH]

Salem Ill
April 9 - 1921


Dear Sir
Do you have Rev Record  of
Robert Gaston botn in Ireland
settled in Lancaster & Chester Co. Pa
brother of Justice John Gaston &
probably memb to P. C with Justice 
John and other pioneers - Robert's
son William served in Rev from
S.C. married Mary McClure, other
children of
Robert are, John, Margaret M.
John McCreary, James, Hugh & Joseph.
Did Widow of Robert Gaston receive
Pension?

also Rev record of Robert Little of 
North Carolina, daughter Mary M
Thomas Kell moved
Page 48


to Illinois - Esher Elenore M
Matthew John  Cunningham; a Robert 
also had a son Riley Little - all were 
early settlers of Illinois

Did Widow of Robert Little receive
Pension - 

Your truly
Mrs. Alice Pace
Salem
Ill.
2 stamps:
Circle -
PENSION 
APR
13
1921
OFFICE
U.S.

Oval - 
RECORD
APR 18 1921
DIVISION
Page 49

Chicago Great Western Railroad Company
General Passenger Department
Chicago. Jult 22, 1915.
United States Commissioner of Pensions,
or
Record and Pension Office,
War Department,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen: -
I am desirous of becoming a Member of the Daughters of American Revolution, basing my lineage from my Ancestor, William Gaston, my Great, Great Grandfather, and take the liberty of writing you, making inquiring if you could give me any Record, or reference thereto of William Gaston's service in the Revolutionary War, with dates, etc., and if a Pensioner, also that record.
William Gaston formerly lived in South Carolina and was one of nine Brothers who served in the Revolutionary War, William Gaston and one Brother surviving same.
Any Records you can give me will be greatly appreciated in order to help me proving my claim for Membership to the above named Society.
If there is any expense toward sercuring the information I desire, will be very glad to forward same.
Thanking you in advance,
Yours truly,
(Mrs.) Grace B. Valin
3908 Indiana Ave.,
Chicago, Illinois.
Page 50

Salem Illinois.
Aug 6th, 1914
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Will you please send me a copy of the Revolutionary War record of William Gaston, originally from S.C. but who lived and is buried near [] Hill Illinois and was living in Illinois at the time he was granted a pension in Sept 1832 according to family history.
Thanking you for
Page 51

the favor.
I am respectfully yours,
(Miss) Lib Hicklin
Box 118.
Salem Illinois
Page 52

508 W. High St.
Urbana, Ill. Dec. 11-07
V. Warner, Com.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir
I thank you for your kindness in
sending me the war record of Wm Gaston,
who served from S.C. in the Revolutionary
War. But I wished the record in order that
I might become a D.A.R. and what you
say in regard to W. Gaston's children
leaves me out.
You say his children were John,
William and Ann Raney. "Our family
Page 53

2
records show that his oldest son was Samuel
(from whom I am descended), and the other
children were besides Samuel, William, John,
Robert, Margaret, Ann (Rainey, not Raney), Sarah, 
Betsy, Mary. Perhaps the ones you mentioned
were minors at the time of the pension? Or
the others may have been dead at that time.
In southern Ill. Marion Co., we have had for some
twenty yrs. a Gaston organization which has
annual reunions at a church where this soldier
is buried. In that locality live descendants
from several of his children. As we have it
he was born in S.C. July 23, 1755, came to
Ill. in 1829 with family of Matthew Rainey. He
married a Miss McClure, had nine children,
Died in Jan. 1838. I have often seen the tombstone
at his grave but cannot now say if its dates
coincide with our family record, but suppose so.
His oldest son Samuel Married Ester Gaston,
Page 54

3
their son Wm. was my grandfather. He
was state senator in Ill. and fought in
the Black Hawk war. I think his widow
drew a pension for that, so I suppose
his record would show his father to have
been Samuel.
This Wm Gaston of the Revolution had four
brothers, James, John, Hugh and Joseph, two of these
others also were in the Revolution. An uncle of Wm.
Gaston in S.C. had nine sons, all in the Revolution.
Our Revolutionary ancestor's father's name was
Robert.
If you could correct the mistake in regard
to the children's names of Wm Gaston, or tell me
if these were the ones living at time of pension
grant. I should be extremely obliged.
Very respectfully
Iva Mercer Habermeyer

Pension Office U.S.A.
Dec. 13, 1907
Page 55


Effingham March 26th 1860
Mr Geo C Whiting, Commissioner

Dr Sir

I hereby have to state that I
wish to have [illegible] in form
me that the claim of
Wm Gaston & Ann Raney
heirs at Law & Representation
of Wm Gaston have been
received & if the Back pay
has not all ready been forwarded
to my former or Address  please
forward it to me at Effingham 
Effingham  County and State of
Illinois & In so doing to be
[illegible]
& Send my papers & in the
future documents pensions &
Bounty Land Claims to me
at Effingham Mailed to my
address Effingham Illinois
Page 56

P. S.
please address me at
Effingham Effingham County
State Illonois  as aforesaid
Yours Truly & Very Respectfully

In haste

Jno T Paige
Page 57

Wm Gaston
________
11316
Page 58

We Thos Kell merchant residing in the county of Jefferson state of Illinois and Matthew Rainey residing in Marion county & state of Illinois hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Gaston sr who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be about 75 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed the day & year [illegible]
R Ricker clk in open court Thos Hall
Matthew Rainy
and the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interogatories 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 Thos Kell and Matthew Rainey are residents in the counties of Jefferson & Marion as stated and a credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Rufus Ricker clerk of the court of Marion county state of Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said court in the matter of the application of William Gaston for a pension 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Page 59

Wm Gaston
Marion Co
Page 60

Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Gaston 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 a declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? No
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No
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 amount of pension he is entitled? No
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulation? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension that 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 61

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? No [] - Yes as to others
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
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?
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? Yes
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? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulation direct? Yes
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? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes []
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 62

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; 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.
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 63

Salem March 1st 1800
Mr Geo C Whiting Commissioner

Dr sr I herewith enclose the declaration of William Gaton in and the declaration of his sister Anne Raney applicant heirs at Law and representatives of William Gaston claiming assistance at part due and owing said heirs at law they being the only heirs of said William Gaston also claiming as set fourth in the said declaration back pay that might have been due owing as under act of March 18th 1818 claiming that he was entitled to a full pension of $96 per annum claiming that he might be entitle under act of 7th June 1828 as well the act of which he was pensioned under and or of 7th June 1832 as may be Easly refered to at the Department of the Interior of [illegible] and may are examination of the Co [illegible] with may more fully [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] for [illegible] [illegible]ing to the person Rolls pension list of the state of Illinois where he [illegible] judgement JC [illegible] years [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Adress and on the
Page 64

subject of the above at Salem Marion county State of Illinois
Very Respectfully
Jno T Paige
Atty for Claimant
Page 65

Frankfort Illinois
Dr Sir Enclosed you will find the amended declaration of William Gaston of Marion county in this state. The old gentleman got one of his neighbours to write out his declaration who by the by knew very little if any more about what was necessary than he did himself & consequently omitted to obtain the certificate of a clergyman To remedy that he has obtained the certificates of two clergymen to his amended declaration and has I think answered every other objection satisfactorily at least I hope so your early answer directed to me at this place will be anxiously expected and thankfully received the business has been put into my hands by Mr Eddy his former atty & the old gentleman himself I am sir with considerations of the highest respect your most obt servt
Walter B Seates
JL Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Page 66

J 322G 
508 W High St
Urbana, Ill 
Nov 17-07
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington DC
[stamped
PENSION
A
U NOV 20 S
1907 
OFFICE]

Dear Sir
Do you have the names of those who served in the Revolutionary War or can you tell me where I can find the record? An ancestor of mine by name of William Gaston from SC served five yrs in that war under General Washington part of the time. He is buried in Ill and we have the family account of his record but I should be glad to get the official record in order to become eligible to the DAR He was born in 1755 and was the son of Robert Gaston
For any information I shall be very grateful
Sincerely
Iva Mercer Habermeyer
Page 67

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
October 25th, 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An 
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United  States," The [illegible], of William Gaston,
Pensioner on the Roll of the Carmi, Illinois Agency, at
the rate of Eighty Dollars and
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837,
to the 12th January 18398.

Respectfully yours,
Albion K Parris [signature]
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present