Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23326, Robert Hawthorn, S.C.

Page 1

SERVICE
S.C.
Hawthorn, Robert
Mary
NUMBER
W. 23326
[illegible Monaghan?] Ireland
CONTENTS
This woman's former husband, Robert McClary, also served in the Revolutionary War. See papers within

Page 2

Illinois 3404
Mary Hawthorn widow of Robert Hawthorn formerly of Robert McClary, dec. who died on the Aug [?] 1781 of White Co in the State of Illinois who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Dixon of the Regt. commanded by Col. Sumpter in the S. Carolina line for 13 mo 22 dy Infantry 8 mo Cavy
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 79 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1834.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of July 1840 & sent to Daniel Hay, Esq. Carmi, Ills
---
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840 $711.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 40 39.50
---
$750.50
---
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd}
Recorded by D McCurdy, Clerk, Book G Vol. 1 Page [illegible]

Page 3

Illinois 19683.
Robert Hawthorn of White Co in the State of Ills. who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Major Williamson of the Rgt. commanded by Col. Wynn in the South Carolina line for two years.
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Ills. at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Augt. 1833 and sent to [illegible] % Page Carmi Ills
---
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 160.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 33 40.00
---
$200.00
---
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk, Book [illegible] Vol. 8 Page 57.

Page 4

1   (He died July 7, 1834) Mard. Mary (Cameron) (McClary) a widow in 1783
State of Illinois
White County
In June 1833 a resident of White Co, Ills aged 79 years that he on this 3rd day of June 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the County Commissioners Court for the County of White being a court of record now sitting Robert Hawthorn aged 79 years a resident of the county of White 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 as a volunteer in the militia about the first of November 1776 under Colonel Richardson, Captain Robert Hancock, 1st Lieut. Eleazen Manbly, 2nd Lt. Manus Lyles does not recollect other officers. That he resided in the county of Grandwell in the State of South Carolina & on Broad river. That he marched first to ninety six where some Tories were collected at which place there was a battle and the Tories defeated. That a Major Williamson commanded them in that engagement but things he did not belong to the Regiment (that Williamson was soon after elected a Colonel subsequently General and before the close of the war took the oath of allegiance to the enemy.) That Ninety six was about sixty mile from his place of residence no regulars at the battle. That after that battle he was in constant service during the ensuing winter and spring to keep in check the Tories & Indians. And in an engagement at Linley's Fort in which they were defeated: That Colonel Baird was commander in chief. Co. Lyles & Col. Williams were also in command of Regiments. That a little previous to that battle Col. Richardson had been appointed General and his place was supplied by Colonel John Wynn. That was not at

Page 5

2   at the battle at Linley's Fort. That after the above battle he still continued in the service until the last of October or first of November 1777 when he was discharged and returned home. His time of service being not less than eleven months and a half.
That under Gen. Richardson, Col John Wynn, Major Robert Ellison, Captain John Pearson, 1st Lt. William Rayford, 2nd Lt. Job Owens, he again entered the service as a substitute for Adam Hawthorn (who had been drafted) in the month of December 1778. that he resided as above, that he marched from his place of residence to Perryburgh [Purrysburg] near the Black Swamp on the Savannah river. That the enemy had previously taken Savannah. Gen. Lincoln was commander in chief. Gen Howe had command at S. [Savannah] before the arrival of Gen. L. [Lincoln] That he was discharged in February and absent two months in service.
That under General Williamson & the same Col. and other officers as above, he again entered the service as a volunteer on the 1st of March 1779. That he marched from his place of residence as above and joined the main army under Gen. Lincoln then near Augusta Geo. That Gen. Moultrie was pursued by the enemy from the Black Swamp where he was stationed to Charleston. That Gen. L. [Lincoln] followed with the main army soon after. That in the month of June as he now thinks there was a battle at Stono but was not in it. That immediately after he was discharged & returned home but cannot state how long in service, except from the date above to wit from the 1st of March until the battle of Stono.

Page 6

3   That under Gen. Moultrie as commander in chief, Col. Thomas Taylor, Lt. Col. Joseph Kivtlies Captain John Robertson Lt. Thomas Horburt he again entered the service as a volunteer on the first of May 1780. That he was in service until the evacuation of Charleston in the fall of 1781. That in the summer of 1780 he was engaged in a scouting party and breaking up parties & keeping in check the Tories and deaffected and that he continued in this duty during the fall of that year & the winter of '80 & 81 until the return of Gen. Greene the commander of the Southern army into South Carolina in the Spring of 1781. That about this time General Henderson took command of the Brigade to which he belonged does not recollect who had command previous. That after the battle of Gen. Greene with Ld. [Lord] Rawdon, the Brigade to which he belonged was sent to take possession of the enemy's post between Ninety Six and Charleston. That Congaree Station was first taken and after war is the one at Orangeburgh. That he then joined the main army at Ninety Six under Gen. Greene that on the approach of Lord Rawdon soon after the whole army retreated across Broad river. That Ninety Six was soon after given up and the main army again returned but Gen. G. soon retired to Santee. That he again resumed his duty of dispersing Tories and continued in that service until after the battle at Eutaw Springs. He was then stationed at Four Holes. That he continued there except a small of the time (when Gen Pickens came to that station from the post at Orangeburgh & the Brigade to which he belonged went to Orangeburgh)  until the evacuation of Charleston in 1781. At that time he was discharged and returned home.

Page 7

5.  We William Hamilton a clergyman, residing in the county of White and Josiah Stewart residing in same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Hawthorn who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age: and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
William Hamilton
Josiah Stewart
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Ja Ratcliff Clk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that William Hamilton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the County of White, that Josiah Stewart who has also signed the same is a resident in the same county and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Josiah McKnight
Hugh Wasson

Page 8

6.
State of Illinois
White County
And also on said third day of June AD 1833 personally appeared in open court Joseph Hawthorn aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he has been acquainted with Robert Hawthorn from a child and that during the Revolutionary War the said Robert was much engaged in the service of the United States but cannot no recollect any particular periods except the time previous to the battle of Stono in which expedition this deponent was engaged and served with his brother and further this deponent saith not.
Joseph Hawthorn
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Ja Ratcliff Clk

State of Illinois
White County
And also on said third day of June AD 1833 personally appeared in open court Peter Miller aged 65 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he was born and raised in the same neighbourhood with Robert Hawthorn that he has been acquainted with him ever since the commencement of the Revolutionary War. That during the was said Robert was much engaged in the service and out most of the time. That the foregoing declaration has been read to him and that he believes said Robert did not serve less than the periods men [mentioned]

Page 9

7. tioned [mentioned] by him, but he cannot state with any certainty any particular periods. That said Robert during the war sustained a good character and was always denominated a firm and unwavering liberty man. that since the war he never has heard anything that would in the least derogate from his well sustained character during the war but on the contrary has ever sustained a high character wherever he was known.
Peter Miller
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Ja Ratcliff Clk

And the said court hereby declare their opinion that the above named persons Joseph Hawthorn & Peter Miller are persons whose statement is entitled to credit.
Josiah McKnight
Hugh Wasson

I James Ratcliff clerk of the county commissioners court for the County of White do hereby certify that the forgoing contain the original preceding in the matter of the application of Robert Hawthorn for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Carmi this 3rd day of June AD 1833.
Ja Ratcliff Clk

Page 10

State of Illinois
White County
I James Ratcliff clerk of the County Commissioner Court for the County aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing pages numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7, contain the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Robert Hawthorn for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Carmi this 3 day of June AD 1833.
Ja Ratcliff Clk

Page 11

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled. An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of Illinois
County of White
On this 2nd day of September 1839 personally appeared before the County Commissioners Court of White County aforesaid Mary Hawthorn aged eighty years, a resident of said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows. that she is the Widow of Robert Hawthorn who was a private in the army of the Revolution - being married to said Hawthorn after the expiration of his services. She cannot, other than from hearsay, State the perticular periods of his service, but she verily believes that he did serve in the Revolutionary War more than three years, which may more fully appear by refering to his declaration made before the circuit Court in this County about the year 1833, which placed him on the Pension Roll of this State at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Hawthorn on the 3rd day of June 1783 by Phillip Walker Esqr and that her husband the aforesaid Robert Hawthorn died on the 7th day of July 1834 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage

Page 12

took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four that is at the time above stated.
Sworn to in open court and subscribed on the day and year above written
Mary Hawthorn her mark X
Before me Ja. Ratcliff Clk

White County Commissioners Court
September Term 1839
this day personally appeared Joseph Hawthorn a resident of said County aged eighty three years. a reputable witness and after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the brother of Robert Hawthorn deceased that he knows that he served in the Revolutionary War as much as three years. that he served some tours with him, one in particular of three months under Genl Lincoln in which they were together in Stono Battle - he further States that he was present at his Marriage with Mary his present Widow on the 3rd day of June 1783 and that his Brother Robert departed this life on the 7th day of July 1834
Sworn and subscribed this 2nd day of Sept 1839 in open Court -
Jospeh Hawthorn his mark
Before me Ja. Ratcliff Clk

Page 13

Pleas before the Honourable James Hall Judge of the White Circuit Court
State of Illinois on Wednesday the Nineteenth day of October 1825
This day Robert Hawthorn came into open court and made the following declaration in order to be placed on the pension List, under the act of the 18th March 1818 which declaration is in these words towith
State of Illinois
White County
On this 19th day of October 1825 personally appeared in open court, being the Circuit Court, for the said County of White, and a court of record Robert Hawthorn resident in said County aged Seventy two years, nearly, who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the Acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, and the first of May 1820, that he the said Robert Hawthorn enlisted for the term of during the war as a volunteer, a little more than a year before the end of the War in '81 (the exact day he cannot recollect) further than it was immediately after the City of Charlestown fell into the hands of the British in the State of South Carolina in the company commanded by Captain John Pierson in the regiment commanded by Colonel Richard Wynne, in the line of the State of South Carolina, on the Continental Establishment - that he continued to serve in the said corps untill the end of the war, when he was discharged from the service in the neighbourhood of
Cha

Page 14

Charlestown in the State of South Carolina; that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present, & that his name is not on the roll of any State as a pensioner; and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension, that untill within a few years his family has been living about him, and he was still able to do some work, but that they have since left him, except his wife, and he is now less able from his bodily decline, to support himself. He further States that about a year ago he was desirous to apply for a pension but could find no one possessed of the forms of application untill now. And in pursuance of the act of the 1st May 1825, I do solomnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States On the 18th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of any property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. That my occupation

Page 15

is that of a farmer, that my family consists of myself & wife my age is Seventy two next March and my wife's sixty six next February. That we are both verry infirm and that I am unable without the aide of charity to procure a support.
Schedule of the property of Robert Hawthorn
One broken leged horse -- 25.00
" Cripled horse -- 6.00
five hogs and seven pigs -- 21.00
Four cows & calves two yearlings and one two year old heffer -- 31.00
Farming utentials & furnature -- 3.50
$86.50
no bonds notes or debts
Robert Hawthorn
The within sworn to and declared on the 19th day of October 1825 before the undersigned in Open Court
James Hall presiding Judge of the White Circuit Court

White County
I James Ratcliff Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Robert Hawthorne did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceeding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of one year and more, immediately preceeding its termination, under one ingagement on the

Page 16

Continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath, and schedule there unto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is eighty six dollars and fifty cents
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 19th day of October 1825
Ja. Ratcliff

[sideways]
19,857
R. Hawthorn
White Co Illinois
application
---
James Ratcliff
Carmi, Illinois
---
Recd. 4 Jan. 1826
Rejected
see letter 14 Jany 1826
to James Ratcliff Esq
Carmi, Illinois

Page 17

19,683
Robert Hawthorn
Illinois

Adm 2 years

William T Page
Carmi
White County
Illinois

Page 18

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
19 July 1833
Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Robert Hawthorn
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
1 Nov 1776  1 [yr] pr [private] Col Richardson Maj Williamson
1778 2 [mos.] Col Wynn Gen Richardson
1 March 1779  2 [mos.] Same officers
1 May 1780 2 [yrs.] 6 [mos.]
79 years So Carolina

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 19

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.  The Regular Troops.
2.  The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3.  Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4.  Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of
On this  day of  personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of   in the county of  and State, Territory or District of  aged (c)  years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)  , with  and served in the  (e) regiment of the  line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of  do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this  day of  &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the  and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with  , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be  years of age; 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 and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the  and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the  and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,  Clerk of the Court of  do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of  for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this  day of  &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

Page 20

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier, Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer, Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
---
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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."  It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which such 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 of four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that 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 shown 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.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
(j) 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 claimant's 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 the seal of office.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 21

April 19, 1940

The Quartermaster General
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D.C.

BA-J/AWF
Robert Hawthorn
W. 23326

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of Robert Hawthorn who died July 7, 1834 in White County, Illinois.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 23326, based upon service of Robert Hawthorn, in the War of the Revolution.
Robert Hawthorn was born March 5, 1754, in County Monaghan, Ireland. The names of his parents were not given, nor was it stated when he arrived in this country.
While residing on the Broad River in South Carolina, Robert Hawthorn served with the South Carolina troops as follows-
From November 1, 1776, eleven months and two weeks in Captain Robert Hancock's company under Colonels Richardson and John Winn, and was in skirmishes at Ninety-Six and Lindley's Fort; from sometime in December, 1778, two months in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel John Winn's regiment; from March 1, 1779 in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel Richard Winn's regiment, was in service until after the battle of Stono Ferry; from May 1, 1780 in Captain John Robinson's company in Colonel


Tombstone data only
Full listing in letter Feb. 21, 1940

Page 22

Taylor's regiment, was in several scouting parties against the Tories and Indians, and continued in the service until the evacuation of Charleston, South Carolina.
After the close of the Revolution, Robert Hawthorn moved to Elbert County, Georgia, lived about ten years, then to Henderson County, Kentucky, lived about twelve years, thence to Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 3, 1833, at which time he was living in White County, Illinois. He died July 7, 1834.
The application for headstone for Robert Hawthorn is returned herewith. There was no correspondence enclosed.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant tot he Administrator

Page 23

February 21, 1940

Mrs. C. T. Land
Enfield Illinois

BA-J/AWF
Robert Hawthorn
W. 23326

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Mary Hawthorn, widow of Robert Hawthorn who received pension while a resident of White County, Illinois, also information relative to Robert McClary her first husband who served, also, in the War of the Revolution, and died in the service.
The data furnished herein were obtained from claims for pension on file under W. 23326, based upon service of the War of the Revolution of Robert Hawthorn and of Robert McClary.
Robert Hawthorn was born March 5, 1754, in County Monaghan, Ireland. The names of his parents were not given, nor was it stated when he arrived in this country.
While residing on the Broad River in South Carolina, Robert Hawthorn served with the South Carolina troops as follows-
From November 1, 1776, eleven months and two weeks in Captain Robert Hancock's company under Colonels Richardson and John Winn, and was in skirmishes at Ninety-Six and Lindley's Fort; from sometime in December, 1778, two months in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel John Winn's regiment; from March 1, 1779 in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel Richard Winn's regiment, was in service until after the

Page 24

2-
battle of Stono Ferry; from May 1, 1780 in Captain John Robinson's company in Colonel Taylor's regiment, was in several scouting parties against Tories and Indians, and continued in the service until the evacuation of Charleston, South Carolina,
After the Revolution Robert Hawthorn moved to Elbert County, Georgia, lived about ten years, then to Henderson County, Kentucky, lived about twelve years, when he moved to Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 3, 1833, then a resident of White County, Illinois. He died July 7, 1834.
Robert Hawthorn married June 3, 1783, Mary, the widow of Robert McClary. She was born in February, 1759, place not stated, her maiden name was Camron, the given names of her parents were not stated.
She married Robert McClary in January or February, 1778. Robert McClary served prior to 1778, eighteen months as private in Captain Michael Dixon's South Carolina company; after 1778, several tours in the militia, was wounded in the battle of Sumter's Defeat; and when a resident of York District, South Carolina, enlisted in the spring of 1781, served in Captain John Mills' company in Colonel Henry Hampton's South Carolina regiment, and died while in the service, in the fall of 1781, in Camden, South Carolina.
The widow, Mary Hawthorn, was allowed pension, on account of the service of her husband, Robert McClary, on her application executed October 9, 1839, then a resident of White County, Illinois. This was under the act of 1836. She was rejected under the Act of 1838, on appl. for Hawthorn's service.
Reference was made to the children of the widow,

Page 25

3-
Mary, by both husbands, Robert McClary, and Robert Hawthorn. Names of children were not designated.
Joseph Hawthorn, brother of the soldier, Robert Hawthorn, was seventy-six years of age in 1833, a resident of White County, Illinois; he served in the Revolutionary War in the tour with his brother, from March 1, 1779. The service rendered by Robert Hawthorn, from December, 1778, for two months, was as substitute for Adam Hawthorn, no relationship was given.
Thomas Camron, brother of the widow, Mary Hawthorn, was seventy-three years old in 1839, then a resident of Fulton County, Illinois.
The papers on file in these claims contain no further discernible family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Mary Hawthorn, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Mary Hawthorn, widow of Robert Hawthorn, formerly the widow of Robert McClary
Certificate #3404
Issued July 27, 1840
Rate $79.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of July 4, 1836
Illinois Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Page 26

February 5, 1932

Mrs. Frank Rice
Gillespie Illinois
BA-J/AWF

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Robert Hawthorn, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 23326, based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of Robert Hawthorn.
He was born March 5, 1754, in County Monaghan, Ireland.
While residing in South Carolina on the Broad River, he served with the South Carolina troops as follows- from November 1, 1776, eleven months and one half months in Captain Robert Hancock's company under Colonels Richardson and John Winn, and was in skirmishes at Ninety-Six and Lindley Fort; from sometime in December, 1778, two months in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel John Winn's regiment; from March 1, 1779 in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel Richard Winn's regiment, was in service until after the battle of Stono Ferry; from May 1, 1780 in Captain John Robinson's company in Colonel Taylor's regiment, was in several scouting parties, and continued to serve until the evacuation of Charleston, South Carolina in 1781.  His brother, Joseph, was in the tour of service from March 1, 1779, in Captain John Pearson's company in Colonel Richard Winn's regiment.
After the Revolution Robert Hawthorn moved to Elbert County, Georgia and lived about ten years, then moved to Henderson County, Kentucky and lived about

Page 27

twelve years, when he moved to Illinois.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 3, 1833, then a resident of White County, Illinois. He died July 7, 1834.
He married June 3, 1783, Mary the widow of Robert McClary. She was born in February 1759 and her maiden name was Camron. She married Robert McClary in January or February 1778, who served in the Revolutionary War with the South Carolina troops, and died in the service at Camden, in the fall of 1781.
The widow, Mary, was allowed pension on her application executed, September 2, 1839, then a resident of White County, Illinois.
She had children by both of her husbands, no names stated.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator


The widow was al [allowed?] pension on account of the service of her husband Robert McClary - I said nothing about it as she rec'd pen. all right and Robert Hawthorn rec'd his pen. too & they were inquiring about Robert Hawthorn & not R. McC.

Page 28

Enfield, Ill.
Jan. 28, 1940
Veteran's Administration
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir, Please send me a copy of the pension papers of Mary Hawthorn, widow of Robert Hawthorn, Revolutionary soldier. Her application was executed Sept. 2, 1839 in White County, Ill. Her first husband was Robert McClary, who served in the Revolutionary War with the South Carolina troops and died in service at Camden in 1781. I am very anxious for data concerning Robert McClary and his children.
Thanking you very much, I am, Sincerely yours,
(Mrs. C. T.) Margaret D. Land

Page 29

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
4777
P.O. Robert Hawthorn
Service: Consolidated July 25 1882 with admitted Soldier & admitted widow Mary Hawthorn formerly widow of Robert McClary deceased. file no 23326 = JN Prev
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized.  Contract.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for

Page 30

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23326
Mary Hawthorn wid of Robert Hawthorn
formerly widow of Robert McClary
both in Revolutionary War
Act: July 4th, /36
Index: Vol. A, Page 318
(Arrangement of 1870.)

[sideways]
1932 Feb 5 Hist to Mrs. Frank Rice see her letter in Joseph Hawthorn R. 4774
1940 Feb 21 hist. to Mrs. C. T. Land
1940 April 19 Tombstone data only to [illegible]

Page 31

Carmi, White Co. Illinois
June 10 1833
DSir
Herewith you have the application of Robert Hawthorn for a pension. Any communication respecting it you will please to address to me at this place.
Your friend &c
Wm. T. Page

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

Page 32

Carmi Ill
Pension Agents Office
31 October 1839
Sir
I enclose to you the declaration of Mary Hawthorn - widow of Robert McClary - to obtain a pension under the act of the 4 July 1836. The old Lady is unable to give specific dates as to the service of her former husband in the War of the Revolution but relies on the proof obtained from the Comptroller of South Carolina.
I am very Respectfully
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esq
Comm Pensions
Washington City

Page 33

Decr. 4, 1839

Page 34

War Dept Pen. Office
Dec 4, 1839
Sir,
the declaration and testimony in the case of Mrs. Mary Hawthorn widow of Robert Hawthorn decd. have been examined and filed with suspended cases. If there be a family record of the marriage or of the birth of the children, it should be exhibited. If there be none the claimant should state the fact under oath. The witnesses should in all cases be certified to be credible by the magistrate before whom they may make their affidavits.

Daniel Hay Esqr
Carmi Ill

(O.C)
6077 Act of July 1838

Page 35

Danl Hay Esq
Jany. 13th 1840

Page 36

War Dept. Pen. Office
Jan 13, 1840
Sir
The papers in the case of Mrs. Mary Hawthorn formerly widow of Robert McClary, decd have been examined and filed with suspended cases. If there be any family records of the marriage or of the births of the children it should be exhibited. If there be none the claimant should state the fact under oath. The services should be proved by record or documentary evidence or by witnesses who had a personal knowledge of the services. The period and duration of each tour and the officers under whom the service was performed should be set forth.

Daniel Hay Esq
Carmi Ill.

4798
Act 4 July 1836

Page 37

Carmi Ill
Pension Agents Office
12th April 1840

Sir
Mrs Mary Hawthorn who is an applicant for a pension under the act of the 7th July 1838 Respectfully Requests that you will forward to her the pension certificate which will entitle her to a pension of $80 per annum for five years as the widow of Robert Hawthorne which agreeably to a letter from you on the subject, you said she could have. Said letter was written in the latter part of the winter probably addressed to Genl John M Robison.
Your attention will confer a favour on the old Lady
very Respectfully your obt. sert.
Daniel Hay

J L Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions
Washington City

Page 38

Pen. Office 13
July 1, 1840
Sir,
The copy from records of South Carolina in the case of Mrs. Mary Hawthorn widow of Robert Hawthorn decd has been examined and filed with her other papers under act 7th July 1838. Her claim cannot be allowed under that act upon the proof exhibited. Her claim under act 4 July 1836 on account of the service of her first husband Robert McClary has been again examined. Agreeably to the regulations she should endeavor to state under what Captain and Colonel he served and state the same in an amended declaration, when a further examination of the claim will be made. The length of her husband's service under Col. N. Hampton should be stated in her declaration.
Daniel Hay Esq.
Carmi, Ill.

OC
N. 6077 act 38
H. 4798 act 36

Page 39

Pen. Office
April 24, 1840

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12th inst. in the case of Mrs. Mary Hawthorn widow of Robert Hawthorn decd under act 7 July 1838, I have to inform you that upon a further examination of her husband's declaration under act of June 1832, it is believed that he did not perform continuous service in the South Carolina militia for as long a term under one engagement as is alleged therein. It will therefore be necessary to make application to W. J. Hayne, Espr. Comptroller Genl of South Carolina at Columbia for

Page 40

such proof of his service as the records in this office afford before a final decision can be had in support of her claim under act 7 July 1838.

Daniel Hay Esqr
Carmi, Ill.

April 24, 1840
O.C.

6071 act 7 July 1838

Page 41

Mary Hawthorn
Illinois
Suspended
let. 4 Dec 1839
D. Hay let.
14 Feb 1840 to Hon J. M. Robinson
let. 24 April 1840 D. Hay do 1 July 1840

(see paper act 1836)
Act 7 July 1838

Page 42

Carmi Illinois
19th December 1839
Sir
The letter of the acting commissioner of Pensions of the 4th Instant has been received - relative to the declaration of Mary Hawthorn Widow of Robert Hawthorn who claims a pension under the act of 7th July 1838. Mrs. Hawthorn is also an applicant for a pension under the act of the 4 July 1836 as the Widow of Robert McClary her first husband. Her declaration was forwarded to you in October last on receiving your letter of the 4th Inst I supposed that there would be the same objections to the latter declaration and immediately waited on Mrs. Hawthorn (who resides three miles from me) with a Majistrate and had affidavits executed which I here enclose which it is hoped will obviate the objections in both cases.
very Respectfully your obt. sert.
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esqr
Com Pen
Washington City

Page 43

State of Illinois
Fulton County
Be it known that on the 4th day of September 1839 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County afforesaid personally appeared Thomas Camron aged seventy three years who I certify to be a reputable witness and made oath to the best of his knowledge and belief as follows, that he is the Brother of Mary Hawthorn whose maiden name was Mary Camron, that his said Sister Mary was married somewhere about the year 1778 to Robert McClary and that he was present and saw the marriage and that he afterwards enlisted into the regular service of the of the United States from which he returned wounded with a sword he remained at home but a few days until again returned to the Army where he died, he further states that he believes said McClary served under Major Dickson of South Carolina.
Given under my hand the day and year above written
Thomas Camron his mark X

Hugh Maxwell j.p. (Seal)
Robert Summers

Page 44

State of Illinois
Fulton County
I Henry B Evans Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Fulton County Do certify that Hugh Maxwell whoes name appears to the within affidavit is an acting justice of the Ju. and for the county afforesaid given under any hand and the seal of the county this 12th day of September AD 1839.
Henry B Evans Ck

Page 45

Carmi Ill
Pension Agents office
4th September 1839
Sir
I enclose the declaration of Mary Hawthorn to obtain for her a Pension under the act of the 7th July 1838. It being the first case of the kind that I have ever attended to. I know that the declaration is not as full as the regulations require as to the services of her deceased husband But supposing that the most material thing that she has to establish is her marriage to Hawthorn and that she comes within the provisions of the law. I did not think it important to set forth Hawthorns services in her declaration, particularly as it could not be expected of her to know much about the matter, as she married him after the expiration of his services. Also as to the testimony of Joseph Hawthorn It may not be as full and explicit with as might be desirable with regard to the services of his Brother. But it is not to be expected of persons of his age to recollect dates, & who has never thought of the necessity of retaining in it their memory such things-- he was free to say that he knew his Brother served more than three years in the Revolutionary War but was not willing to say upon his oath much about the dates and length of time in each several engagement. The Hawthorns have lived in my neighbourhood within 2 or 3 miles of me, more than twenty years and I can freely say for them that they are orderly good

Page 46

citizens, regular members of the Presbyterian Church and would not knowingly make false statements. Should the papers be sufficient you can send me her pension certificate. Should any amendment be necessary you will please make known to me what can be done to complete them
very Respectfully your obt. sert.
Daniel Hay

J L Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions
Washington City

Page 47

6077
Mary Hawthorn
of Robert
Illinois

Page 48

State of Illinois
White County
I James Ratcliff clerk of the County Commissioners Court be and for said County do hereby certify that on the 2nd Day of September 1839 Mary Hawthorn (widow of the late Robert Hawthorn deceased) appeared in open Court, (the same being a Court of Record) and made oath as above certified as to the truth of the matters and things contained in the foregoing declaration, and also that Joseph Hawthorn appeared at the same time and made oath to and subscribed the affidavit within as is certified thereto.

In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Carmi this 2nd day of September AD 1839
Ja. Ratcliff Clk

Page 49

Indent Book S.
No. 251
No 1
Issued the 13th June 1785 to Mr. Robert Hawthorn for seventy two pounds one shillings and three pence three farthings [illegible] for 91 days hire of Waggon & team in 1779 and two horses lost. And for 83 days Militia duty pr. 3 acct! Audited L72:1:3 3/9

The State of So Carolina
1781
No 2
To Robert Hawthorn Ds. 
To 62 day Militia duty on Horse @ 2%  62.00.
21 " " " on foot @ 10. 10.10
Guiney L72.10
Sterling L10:7.1 1/2

Comptroller Genl. Office
Columbia S.C. 25 May 1840
I do hereby certify that the above memorandum marked No. 1 with red ink is a true copy taken from the margin of Indent Book S. No 231. deposited in this office. And that No. 2 is a true copy of that the account for Military services amounting to ten pounds Seven Shillings one penny half penny, which is included in the said Indent.
William Ed. Hayne
Com. Genl

M. B. Hart Clk

Page 50

Columbia So Carolina
25 May 1840

Dear Sir,
Yours of the 7th Instant inclosing a Bank Note of three dollars of the Bank of Illinois was received at this office this morning. The accompanying documents are all that can be found in this Office which I hasten to forward on to you according to your directions.
Very Respectfully your Hum. Sert.
William E Hayne Com Genl
MB Hart Clk

Page 51

State of Illinois
White County SS
Be it known that on the 18th day of December 1839 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Mary Hawthorn Widow of Robert Hawthorn decd. and made oath in due form of law, that there is no family record in existance, or other documentary evidence to her knowledge, which shows the date of her marriage with Robert Hawthorn nor Robert McClary her first husband nor the births of her children by either husband.
Mary Hawthorn her mark X
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written
Before me
L.W. McKnight J.P.

State of Illinois
White County SS
Be it known that before me Leander Washington McNight a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Daniel Hay a credible witness, and made oath that he has been acquainted with Joseph Hawthorn with (who testified to the marriage of his Brother Robert Hawthorn with Mary his wife) for nearly twenty years and that the said Joseph Hawthorn is a credible witness, and the said Daniel Hay further states upon his oath that about twenty three years ago he became acquainted with Thomas Camron, who then resided in this County of White, and has since removed to Fulton County in this State, and that the said Camron is a credible witness and also that he has been acquainted with Mary Hawthorn for twenty years and that

Page 52

She is a person of credibility and good character.
Sworn to and subscribed this 18th day of December 1839
Before me L.W. McKnight J.P.
Daniel Hay

State of Illinois
White County
I James Ratcliff clerk of the County Commissioners Court in and for said County do hereby certify that Leander W McKnight, before whom the above and foregoing affidavits were Sworn to and subscribed is and was on the day of the dates thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified into office, that the signature within and above purporting to be his is his genuine signature, and that to all his official acts full faith and credit is and of Right ought to be given, when this authenticated.
In Testimony whereof I have have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Carmi this 19th Day of December AD 1839
Ja. Ratcliff Clk

Page 53

Mary Hawthorn
formerly widow of Robert McClary
Illinois
Suspended
let 13 Jany 1840 D. Hay
ltr 14 Feb 1840 Hon J. M Robinson
let 1 July 1840 Danl Hay

(see papers act 7 July 1838)
Act 4 July 1836

Page 54

Carmi Illinois
22nd June 1840
Sir
I have heretofore forwarded to you two declarations for Mrs. Mary Hawthorn - one claiming a pension under the act of the 4th July 1836 for services rendered by Robert McClary her first husband - the other under the act of the 7th July 1838 as the Widow of Robert Hawthorn - your letter of the 14th of February last addressed to the Hon J.M. Robinson informs me that she is not entitled under both act -- that upon the testimony exhibited she can obtain a pension of $80 per annum for 5 years under the act of July 7 1838, but before she can be allowed a pension for the services of her first husband under the act of the 4 July 1836 she should state in what company and Regt her husband served as an enlisted soldier of the SC line and how long he served in Col Henry Hamptons Regt before his death - upon making this know to Mrs. Hawthorn she informed me that she could not make those statements and I wrote to you to send the certificate for the 5 years pension under the act of 1838. In reply to that you informed me that before a final action on the case it would be necessary to write to the Comptroller Genl of South Carolina for such evidence as his records would afford. I have done so and herewith enclose his letter to me

Page 55

If no evidence of the services of Hawthorn is admitted but this, I suppose the application for this pension must fail as only 83 days militia duty is proved- But may I not solicit that you will again examine her claim as the widow of McClary and perhaps you can relax somewhat the requirements you said she should make - the service performed by McClary as an enlisted Soldier was before she was married to him and it would seem to me that she ought not to be expected upon her oath to know the officers, and as to the length of time he served in Col Henry Hamptons Regt before he died - it would also seem to me that it could not be expected that she could know unless she had been in the army with him (which was not the case), she says he was dead some months before she heard of it, but to know the exact time he died - She cannot say. (She thinks he served 8 months). Mrs. Hawthorn is as needy and as worthy of a pension as any other Widow who gets one and as she comes within the provisions of two acts of Congress-- it will be considered a hard case if she cannot receive the benefit of either. Will you please bestow some thought in her case and do for her as you may think right and then let me hear from you
I am very Respectfully your obt. sert.
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions
Washington City

Page 56

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress passed the 4th July 1836
---
On this 16th day of July 1840 personally appeared before me Leander W Mcnight a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Mary Hawthorn a resident of the County aforesaid aged Eighty years and five months a Respectable person and credible witness who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration as an amendment to a declaration made by her at the last October term of the Circuit Court in and for the County aforesaid and in conformity with a letter from the Commissioner of pensions dated 1st July 1840 and directed to Daniel Hay Esq. In order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 - that she is the Widow of Robert McClary who was a private in the army of the Revolution and served eighteen months in the regular service previous to her marriage with him under Captain Michael Dixon and Lieutenant John McCaw (the Col She cannot state) after her marriage with him he served several tours in the militia in one of which he was wounded in the battle of Sumpters defeat - his last service was an engagement for ten months under Captain John Mills - Lieutenant

Page 57

Archibald Gill, he served eight months and died at Camden in South Carolina and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
Mary Hawthorn her mark X
Before me L W McKnight J.P.
In presence of Daniel Hay

State Illinois
White County
I James Ratcliff Clerk of the County Commissioners Court in and for said County do hereby certify that Leander W McKnight before whom the foregoing Declaration was made and sworn to, was on the day of the date thereof and now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified into office, and that as such full faith & credit is due and of right ought to be given to all his official acts, and that the signature above purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Carmi this 17th day of July AD 1840
Ja. Ratcliffe Clk
By Solomon Davis
D.C.

Page 58

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3rd Section of the act of the 4th July 1836 and of the 1st Section of the act of 3rd March 1837
---
On this 9th day of October 1839 personally appeared before this circuit Court in and for the County of White and State of Illinois, Mary Hawthorn a resident of the said County of White and State aforesaid aged Seventy nine years & 4 months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 4 July 1836 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3rd 1837. That she was married to Robert McClary in the month of January or February 1778 who was a private in the army of the Revolution and in the regular service for the term of Eighteen months previous to her marriage with him. the officers under whom he served she is unable to state, that after her marriage with him he served several short tours in the militia, and in the spring of 1781 (living then in York district South Carolina) he enlisted under Captain Mills, Genl Henry Hamptons Regiment for a ten months tour, and died at Camden before the expiration of the term of his enlistment. She further declares that she was married to the said Robert McClary in January or February 1778 that her husband the aforesaid Robert McClary died in the fall of 1781-that she was afterwards married to Robert Hawthorn who died on the 7th day of July 1834.

Page 59

and that she was a widow on the 4th day of July 1836 and still remains a Widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Mary Hawthorn her mark X
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in open Court, before me
Ja Ratcliff Clk

I James Ratcliff Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County of White and State of Illinois the same being by law a Court of Record do hereby certify that Mary Hawthorn did this day personally appear in open Court and made oath and subscribed to the aforesaid declaration and that Daniel Hay a reputable witness being duly sworn and examined by the Judge of said Court upon his oath declares that he has been well acquainted with the said Mary Hawthorn for more than twenty years and that she is a person of good reputation, which evidence is satisfactory to the Court and ordered to be certified.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said Court at Carmi on the ninth day of October A.D. 1839
Ja Ratcliff Clk

Page 60

Carmi Ill
Pension Agents Office
30 December 1839
Sir
A few weeks ago I forwarded to you the declaration of Mary Hawthorn claiming a pension as the widow of Robert McClary (Her first husband). I have just laid my hands on the enclosed which is the evidence of the services rendered in the Revolutionary War by said McClary - which I was under the impression I had forwarded with the declaration but am now convinced that I was mistaken and have probably enclosed some other papers in its stead. Will you please file this with her declaration and act on the case as soon as convenient.
I am very Respectfully your obt. sert.
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions
Washington City

Page 61

Indent Book M
No. 318
Issued the first of October 1784 Mr Robert McClary late a private in Mill Company H. Hampton's Regiment Sumters Brigade State Troops, for Ninety four pound Sterling, being amount of pay and bounty due him for services in that Troop together with Interest from the first of April 1782 to date hereof, agreeable to a Resolution of the General Assembly of the Eleventh of March last
Sterling L 94.0.0

Comptroller General Office
Columbia S.C. 8 Oct 1839
I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of a memorandum made in the Margin of Indent Book M No 318 deposited in this Office
William E. Hayne
Compr. Genl.
M. B. Hart
D.C.G.

Page 62

Carmi Ill
16 July 1840
Sir
I now enclose to you the amended declaration of Mrs. Mary Hawthorn Widow of Robert McClary for a pension under the act of the 4 July 1836 I think it comes up to what is required in your letter to me of the 1st Inst. except that she cannot yet tell the Colonel that her husband served under while in the Regular service before her marriage with him. I supposed that you would permit the amended declaration to be made before a Justice of the peace as no court of Record will be in session in this County untill September. Mrs. Hawthorn is my neighbour, is as needy and I think as worthy as any other Widow, and I feel some interest for her success. I hope you will let me hear from you without delay
I am very Respectfully your obt. sert.
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esq
Com Pensions
Washington City