Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8431, for John Mc Eldery, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn
McEldery, John Ann
W. 8431
CONTENTS

5391 Kentucky.
Ann M c Eldery widow of John M c Eldery
Pen n who served in the Revolutionary
war, as an Ensign & Lieut t
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 152 Dollars 31
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Mar. 1850 and sent to
M m . C. S. Morehead House of Reps
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 244 Vol. 3
Repealed

12022 July 8. 1845 Ann McEldery of John McEldery Kentucky
Act of July 1838
Recorded July 7. 1838.
h. d. 5 Oct 1823
W. S. Allen Pres.

In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows
State of Kentucky } County of Scott }
on this fifth day of June Eighteen hundred and forty five personally appeared Ann Mc Eldery a resident of Scott County and State of Kentucky aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838. entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That she is the widow of John Mc Eldery who was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution on the Pennsylvania line from Chester County a volunteer in the regular service from the loss of memory on her great age she is unable to state the names of the officers her husband served under but refers you to their names on file she further declares that she was married to the said John Mc Eldery in Loudoun County State of Virginia in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty four on the thirteenth day of May as well as her memory serves her she states her family record was destroyed by water in moving to Kentucky she is certain it was about one year after the close of the war of the Revolution she states that her husband served during the war as she has heard him state and was in several battles two of which was Bunkerhill and Brandy wine the she has forgotten the names of the others she further states that the commission of her husband the said John Mc Eldery has been destroyed and lost since his death that she is unable to produce it she further declares that that she was married to the said John Mc Eldery on thirteenth day of May Seventeen hundred and Eighty four and that her husband the aforesaid John Mc Eldery died on the fifth day of October Eighteen hundred and twenty three that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me Ann Mc Eldery A. Reed Galt her mark

I Elizabeth Powell of Scott county State of Kentucky age forty seven years State on oath that I have been acquai- nted with John Mc Eldery and his wife Ann Mc Eldery for thirty or forty years and know they lived together as man and wife and never heard any one doubt but what they were married legally and believe they were married lawfully I have often heard John Mc Eldery speak of being in the war of the Revolution and from his age and appearance there is no doubt on my mind but what he was there I have examined the foregoing declaration of Ann Mc Eldery and believe it contains the truth sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written Elizabeth her Powell mark
we the under sign neighbours of Ann Mc Eldery who have been acquainted with her and her husband John Mc Eldery for twenty or thirty five years and believe them to be lawfully married have never heard it doubted we have examined the Declaration by her and believe it contains the truth we know that she is a lady of truth and respectability sworn to and subscribed this day and year above written
George Beatty Simon Gristee
State of Kentucky County of Scott
Be It known that on this fifth day of June Eighteen Hundred and forty five personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Ann Mc Eldery an age and respectably old lady and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Declaration and from bodily infirmity and her great age she is unable to attend court and I certify that she is the age or about the she states I have examined the Declaration and believe it contains the truth also personally appeared George Beatty and Elizabeth Powell well known to me to be persons of respectability and truth sworn to and subscribed subscribed this day and year last above written
Simon Gristee JP

State of Kentucky Scott County Set
Be it Remembered that at a court commenced and held for Scott County at the Court house thereof in Georgetown on Monday the 16 th day of June 1845
The Declaration of Anas M c Elroy, taken before Simson Griffee Esq r one of the members of this Court (being duly Commissioned according to Law) dated the 5 th day of June 1845 was presented in Open Court and it is ordered to be Certified that full faith and Credit are due and ought to be given to all his acts as an acting justice of the peace for Scott County State of Kentucky - and the Court hereby fully sanctions the declaration above named as taken before him.
I John T. Johnson Clerk of the Court for the County of Scott aforesaid do Certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of the Order of Court from the Records thereof which order was made in reference to the foregoing Declaration.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Office for the Court aforesaid in Georgetown this 17 th day of June 1845 and in the 54 th Year of the Commonwealth
John T. Johnson Clk

10
Ans. 1000
Ans. 1000
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Reading August 14th 1848; J. R. Edwards Esq. Respected Sir.
Enclosed you will receive the application of Ann M c Elderry, of Scott County Kentucky for pension. The evidence of Marriage could not be found of Records, however the affidavits of her two brothers who have a right to know, I think sufficiently answers all purposes. You will also receive a letter from the Clerk of Loudon County Court that he could not find the Record; In the declaration there is an error of one figure "the 1787" should be "1784" the person who wrote the declaration, will make oath should you deem this an important matter, that the she said she was married "the year after the Revolution closed," which he thought was later than it really was — of course it really matters nothing whether it occurred in 1784 or 1787 but I deemed it proper to show him it is; There was I believe a declaration sent into your Office several years since, with that she, and I have nothing further to do, It was got from her, without the presence and approbation of her friends and relations; — As to the evidence of Service in this case I would refer you to the "Washington papers" in the State Department — where you will find John M c Elderry was appointed Ensign or Lieutenant in the Spring of 1776 — and served until the fall of the year 1778 — he was in the 10th Penn s . Regiment commanded by Col. Hampton —
Your Respectfully
James May Jones Reading Pa.

Aug 17, 48.
James May Jones.
Resp.
Mrs. McElroy.
Mr. Jones
Mr. McElroy
Aug 17
J. L. Church Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

State of Kentucky } S.S Scott County }
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for Scott County State of Kentucky James Puckley a Citizen in good Standing & highly Respectable who being duly sworn according to Law on his Oath Says—
I am a Resident of Scott County State afo'd & married a Grand Daughter of Mrs Ann M c - —Eldery Widow of John M c Eldery who resided in the County & State aforesaid The said John M c Eldery was reputed and believed to have been an officer in the war of the Revolution
on the 17 th day of November A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty Six I wrote a declaration for his widow Ann M c Eldery which was taken before Rev C Glass and sworn to, he being a justice for the County aforesaid, and in writing the said declaration, I put the Question to Mrs Ann M c - —Eldery afo'd when were you married to the said John Eldery? her answer was "on the 13 th day of May of the year after the war clos- ed" Said I to her the Revolutionary war closed in Seventeen hundred and Eighty Six, she replied "then it must have been in Seventeen

hundred and eighty seven that we married!" In this there was a mistake, the war really closing in 1783 instead of 1786.
I wrote to James M Jones of Reading Pa, (in whose hands the Claim had been placed by the Consent of Mrs M Eldery) Some time afterwards informing him of the mistake as soon as I had discovered it, it was wholly and entirely a mistake of mine and not of Mrs M Eldery and was made, under a misapprehension on my part relative to the close of the Revolution —
The Claim of Mrs M Eldery was put in the hands of James M Jones, by the Consent of herself and friends, he being an acquaintance and relative of the family,
Sworn to & Subscribed this the 31 st May 1849 before me a justice of the Peace in & for Scott County Kentucky
James M Jones
B. B. as J. P.

State of Kentucky Scott County, Set. 3
I John T Johnson Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that B C Gage is a magistrate as above, & that the foregoing signature pur- porting to be his is genuine; Truly Yours misericord & sworn. His Commission is dated 11 20 th January 1838, & continues during life.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name, this ninth June 1849, in the year of the Commonwealth Fifty the Fifty eighth
John T Johnson Clerk by Vance G Kelly L.C.

State of Kentucky Scott County
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Scott aforesaid Nathan Jones, Sarah J. Jones & John Thornton who being first duly sworn according to law on their oaths do say,
That they were well acquainted with John M c Elderry who lived in the County of Scott & State of Kentucky & that he died there about the year 1823. That the said John M c Elderry that the said John M c Elderry was known & reputed in the neighbour- hood where he resided, to have been an officer in the War of the Rev- olution; that he was a man of high respectability, & entitled to credit. The said John M c Elderry and Ann his wife lived together as man & wife up to the time of his death. The said Ann M c E- lderry who made application for pension is the identical wife of the said identical John M c Elderry who is reputed to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution as aforesaid.

The foregoing is hereby signed & sworn to this 9 th day of June A.D. 1849 before me (B.C. Glaspell)
Nathan Jones Sarah S Jones John Thompson
I B.C. Glaspell a justice of the peace in & for Scott County Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing Nathan Jones Sarah S Jones & John Thompson are respectable persons & in good standing, & that what they have said herein is entitled to full faith & credit. (B.C. Glaspell)
Commonwealth of Kentucky Scott County Set 3
I John S Johnson clerk of the County Court of Scott County Kentucky do hereby certify that B.C. Glaspell is one of the justices of the peace in & for County aforesaid, that he was sworn into office Jan'y 20. 1838. That his official acts are entitled to full faith & credit. That the foregoing is his genuine signature. Given under this 9 th June A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred & Forty nine, & in the year of the Commonwealth the Eighth

State of Kentucky Scott County, ss.
I John T Johnson Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that R. C. Glass is magistrate as above, & that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine. Duly Commissioned therefor, his Commission is dated the 21 January 1838. & continues during life.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & sub- scribed my name this ninth day of June 1849 in the Year of the Common weal the Sixty Eighth John T Johnson clk. Hb by James Y Kelly D. H.

Perf WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8431
Ann McEldery Wid. of John McEldery Lieut. Rev. War.
Act: Feby. 27/48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 20
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ No 12022 Ann M c Eldery Ky
Set w M c L. Allison, Aug 12. 45
Set to J. Ray Apr 10. 49
Set to Secy. of State Amer n
Set to Alex Ray May 17. 49
Same " July 31. 49.
cut 7 July 1838

V 12022 Ann McEldary Ky
Let to Mr. J. Allison Aug. 13. 42
57.33 66 58.99
acty July 1838

8792 Kentucky
Ann M c Eldery widow of John M c Eldery who was an Ensign & Lieut in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 152 Dollars 31 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Mar. '37 and sent to
M rs . C. S. Morehead Home of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 183

10875.
Kentucky.
Ann M c Eldery
Widow of John M c Eldery
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 5 Oct r 1823 of in the State of Kentucky who was an Ensign in the Saint Company commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Penn a line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Louisville at the rate of 152 Dollars 31 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Mar. 1837 and sent to Hon. C. S. Morehead, Post
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book
Vol. 1
Page 373
Chas. Clerk,

Pension Office, May 17th, 1849.
Sir,
I have to inform you that agreeably to your request, the "Washington Papers" have been examined for evidence of the service of John Mc Eldery, the husband of Ann Mc Eldery an applicant for a pension under the Act of 7th July, 1838, from Kentucky. The Secretary of State reports "that John Mc Eldery was appointed as an Ensign in the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment on the 30th September 1776, and as a second Lieutenant, on the 9th April 1777, and that he resigned on the 30th October 1777." But before claimant can be allowed a pension for that service, some evidence more satisfactory than that now adduced identifying her husband with that Officer, and showing more clearly the date of their marriage is required.
The testimony upon both of these points now before the Department is defective.
Melville Ray, Esq., Present.
I am, Very resp't, Your obed. Servt. J. L. Edwards

Department of State, Washington, 14 th April, 1849.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 12 th inst., I have the honour to inform you, that it appears from the Return to which you therein refer, that John M c Eldery was appointed as an Ensign in the 11 th Pennsylvania Regiment on the 30 th of September 1776, and as Second Lieutenant on the 9 th of April 1777, and that he resigned on the 30 th of October, 1777.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
John M c Clayton
111111, 6ms 1004, Ser 1000 5. 20 11-
J. L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions.

✓
Alexander Ray Esq Pension Agent — Washington City D.C.

Reading October 25 th 1848. J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
The claim of Anne M c Elderry of Scott County Kentucky, widow of John M c Elderry, for Pension under the Acts of 7 th July 1838, 3 rd March 1843 and 17 th June 1844 - presented by me. I hereby appoint M c Alexander Ray of the City of Washington my attorney to attend to said claim, you will therefore please allow him to act for me -
Respectfully Yours -
James M c Bones

10-1/2
Mrs. M. Elders Mdm of John M. Elders dms
Dear Sir,
James
L. Edwards Esq.
Com d of Pensions
Washington
Dear Sir,

Washington
Nov 3. 1828
Sir
I herewith, enclose you a letter from James M. Jones Esq. in the case of Mr John M c Elderry of Kentucky an applicant for the act of July 1835.
The information brought for in this case will be found in the Department of State, to wit:
Vol 24. page 162. under the return of the 11 th Penn s Regt commanded by Col. Richard Hampton. will be found the appointment of John M c Elderry Ensign 20. Sep r 79. D. 9 April 1777 an resignation 20 Oct. 1777.
and have respectfully to request the favor of you to apply to the Secretary of State for the evidence as given above; and a State where, that it may be more readily found.
I remain Sir
Your most
Obt Serv
Alex. Ray
James M c Elderry Esq Court of Pensions.

Washington Apr. 20. / 49
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions.
Sir,
Your letter of the 10 th in the case of Ann M c Eldery of Ky. act 1838 was duly received.
I learn the Secretary of State has responded to your letter of inquiry & furnished evidence of service and appointment.
The letter N o 1. which I now submit from Mr James Barkley a relation of M c Eldery, dated in 18. / 46 will explain fully, how, and why, the first declaration was signed by a mark.
The letter N o 2. from the same gentleman dated June 22. / 48 showing why, and how, the discrepancy was made in regard to the years, in which the marriage took place.
All of which, being so clear and satisfactory, that it is requested a certificate will now issue.
I remain Sir. On the Adm l Navy

Ann M c Elderry
No. 2
From M. Jones Reading Pa Penns y

20
James M. Jones Esqr Reading Pa Pennsylvania

Georgetown June 22 nd 1848
Dear Sir
Enclosed you find Mrs M c Eldo ry 's Affidavit done up in good shape, &c. which I rec d to day.
Upon looking over a Copy of the decl- aration of the old Lady I find she avers to have been married in the year 1787, which is a mistake & thus occurred. In answer to a question of mine, she said she was married the spring of the year after the close of the war - and I say- ing the war closed in 1786 (that was the mistake) she was thus misled in say- ing she was married in 1787 instead of 1784. How shall we reconcile this discrepancy? Would my affidavit explaining it as I have above, done be of any avail? if so let me know. Be pleased to let me hear from you ack- nowledging rec d of paper &c & a report of progress in evidence of service &c &c
Truly Yours James Bartley

Washington Mar 18/49
Gen. L. Edwards & Com d of Pensions Sir.
Your letter of the 17 th Mar in the of case of Mrs Ann M c Elders of Ky. under act - 1818. was duly rec d . And I herewith enclose you the affidavits which will I hope be deemed satisfactory to admit the claim.
I remain very respectfully Yrs & L Alex. Nays

Apr 12 '49
L L Edwards Esq
Com te of Pensions

Washington
Apr 12. 49
Sir,
Your letter of the 10 th in the case of Ann M c Elden is now before me, she alleges her late husband John M c Elden died in an office of the Penn te Continental Line.
It is shown by the Washington Papers in the Department of State "vol 24. page 142. the return of the 11 Penn te reg t . commanded by Col Richard Hampton;" the appointments, commissions & resignations of officers in this return, the name of applicant's husband does not appear.
Will you be pleased to request the usual examination and certificate
I remain Sir
Most respectfully
Geo. V. Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com d . . .

Anne M c Eldery Kentucky of John —
admitted
Ensign Com 9 th 63, Lt 6. 21, 89. 31 $ 152 31 / 100
Com 4 March 1836 to 41, for us & 68 - for us.
Penna Line h. a. 5 Oct 1823
Hon. G. S. Morehead N.R.
7

House of Reps. Washington Feb 27. /49
Genl. L. Edwards Chairman of Pension Com. Sir,
I addressed a letter to you in December, in the case of Ann M c Eldery, late of Penn te . but now of Kentucky an appli- -cant for the act 1838.
May I request an examination and report in the case, at your earliest convenience.
I remain Sir
Yours most respectfully
G. N. Eckert
If not acted on by the 5 th March I must request that a report be made to Mr Alexander D. Ray.

Apr 12 48 4m 6.184 comm paton 6/p Achad 566.78 E 1/4

Pension Office, April 10th, 1849.
Pa,
The supplemental declaration and the additional evidence transmitted to this Office by the Hon. G. S. Eckert in the case of Ann Mc Eldery, widow of John Mc Eldery, has been received and placed on file with her other papers.
In a communication from this Office dated 13th August 1845, Mrs Mc Eldery, was required to establish the rank of a Commissioned Officer, and the amount of her husband's service by the Certificate of the Auditor General of Penn., and the date of their marriage by a copy of the marriage bond or license from the Clerk's Office of Loudon County Pa or by some other record proof if attainable.
The certificate of the Clerk of Loudon County now produced is a compliance with that requisition so far as relates to the marriage bond. But no evidence either of the rank or service for which this claim is asserted, has been furnished, nor is the testimony now filed satisfactory to establish their marriage prior to 1794. We cannot grant

a pension to applicant upon the evidence now filed before the Department.
The name of John McElery, cannot be found either as an Officer or Private upon the records in the Pennsylvania Line in this Office. It would appear from the fact of Mrs McElery having signed her original declaration in 1845 by making her cross that she could not write her name. In the one she now presents her name is subscribed in a fair legible hand. Some explanation more satisfactory with regard to the discrepancy in the alleged date of her marriage and also as to the fact above referred to should be given. Although it is a matter of no consequence whether her marriage took place in 1784 or 1787, yet it shows either that her declarations have been drawn up without her knowledge and approval, or that she is incapacitated from mental disability of stating correctly the date of her marriage, consequently but little weight can be attached to her declarations with regard to her husband's alleged service as an Officer of the Pennsylvania

Line
I am, very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, J. L. Edwards
Alexander Hay, Esq., Present.

Anne McElderry Kentucky
No. 1
James M. Jones Frankfort
PAID NOV 18 1840
Le 18

2.
Le
PAID 10
James M. Jones Esq. Reading Pa.

Geo Town P.O. Nov r 18 th 1846
James M. Jones Esq r
Dear Sir - On the enclosed sheet you have the declaration as somewhat amended or changed from the copy you sent. She does not know from  in what state he enlisted but says it was either in Penn. or N Jersey. I have therefore passed that point by saying he was a native of Penn. which indeed he was & of Chester Co.
Neither is she certain that he ever served in the office of ensign but certain as to that of Lieut.
She has made mention of a Journal as having been kept by him during the war but lost, which I presumed would do no good or harm, but inserted it at her request.
The time of his death you find to be in '23 instead '34 as written in your form -
I have also stated in what Co. she was married not knowing whether it was important or not.
I have had a copy of the pension form sent me by Hon. H. Davis and from a cursory examination I think this is the best declaration we can "get up".
And further let me state a fact which has come to my knowledge since my former letters, which perhaps may very much embarrass our prosecution of the Claim. It seems that an old pension-monger has by some means (fraudulently of course for the old lady says she never took an oath before yesterday in her life) during the last 12 months obtained a declaration purporting

to be here (as he the Pension-Monger says) and has been forwarded to Washington some time ago - but as yet nothing has been heard of its fate. Now I presume it will be your full duty to correspond with, or examine, in propria persona the officers of the War Department & if such declaration has been made & received, then our success may be somewhat embarrassed I fear - but all is trusted now in your hands, and whatever you do will be right & sanctioned by the family.
As to the expenses of a trip from Washington to Richmond & back Mr Jones says he will be responsible to you for them if they be una- voidable & the claim still appearing tenable. I will send to you at Washington a letter of special introduction to Hon Garrison Davis which will at least be of no disadvantage to you which you can use if you choose. I was born and raised near here & he knows me & my family well.
I would be glad to hear from you upon receipt of this and know of you in so many words your opinion as to the tenability of the claim viewing it in its present phase.
I will send you at Washington an affidavit from an old man in this county which I will get soon, and may perhaps be of some advantage, - it appears he was for a long time An associate of M c Elderry's and has heard

him relate his trials at Battleboro.
I presume if it reaches you at Washington early in next month it will do.
Be sure to write me on receipt of this how the Declaration &c will answer.
Yours Respectfully &c James P. Barker

State of Kentucky Scott County 3 P
On this the 17 th day of November 1846 personally appeared before Beeri le Glass one of the Judges of the County Court of Scott County and State of Kentucky Ann M c Elderry a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged 81 years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declara- tion in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 7 th July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay an pensions to certain widows" and of the act of the 3 rd March 1843 and 17 th June 1844 continuing the aforesaid act - That she is the widow of John M c Elderry who was a native of the state of Pennsylvania and enlisted in the early part of the revolution as a private, but was afterwards promoted to the office of Lieutenant in which office he served at the close of the war - He was in the regular Continental army during the most of the revolution to the best of her knowledge and belief for she had frequent conversations with him about these affairs. Since the war moved from the state

of Virginia to Tennessee from thence to Ken- tucky during which last trip they lost a great many things by traveling during high water, amongst which was their family Bible her husband's journal which he kept while in the war, also all his papers including his Commission as Lieutenant discharge &c. papers which she recollects of having seen.
Her husband John M c Elderry died on the 5 th day of October 1823 and never received a pension never having applied. She further declares that she was married to John M c Elderry on the 13 th day of May 1787 in Loudon County Virginia. That she was not married before his leaving the service but prior to the 1 st day of January 1794, viz at the time aforesaid - Her maiden name was Ann Sinclair was never married the second time and is not receiving the benefit of any pension.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before P. B. Glaze P. B. Glaze } Ann M c Elderry

Scott County Kentucky 17 th Nov r 1840 This is to certify that I Beari C Glass one of the Judges of Scott County Court of the state of Kentucky, this day personally visited Ann M c Elderry she being too old and infirm to attend open Court, to take her (the foregoing) declaration (Ble Gaf P 16
Scott County Kentucky 17 th Nov r 1840 This day personally appeared before the subscription one of the Judges of Scott County Court & state of Kentucky, the undersigned Nathan Jones and Sarah J. Jones, who upon their due say, That they were acquainted with John M c Elderry reputed to be a soldier an officer of the revolution, That he was the husband of Ann M c Elderry the present applicant for pension, and that he died on the day of October 1823 Nathan Jones Sworn & subscribed to her before me Sarah J. Jones marks
(Ble Gaf P 16
Test James Barkley Elizabeth Barkley

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Scott County Set
I John T. Johnson Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Ben' C. Glasp is a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified, and full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as such, his attestation to the foregoing Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office this 18 th day of November 1846 and 75 th Year of the Commonwealth
John T. Johnson Clk by Thos Kelly Dep

Scott County Kentucky June 9 th 1848
Personally appeared before the undersigned Simeon Griffee a justice of the peace in and for Scott County as aforesaid, the persons Benjamin Sinclair and Seth Sinclair of good standing and Respectability and made oath to the foregoing statements.
Given under my hand the day &c above written Simeon Griffee JP
Commonwealth of Kentucky Scott County Set
I John T. Johnson Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Simeon Griffee is a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid commissioned the 3 rd day of November 1837 and duly qualified, and full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as such and that his foregoing attestation is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of which I am the Clerk this 10 th day of June 1848 and 57 th Year of the Commonwealth.
John T. Johnson Clk By Thos. C. Kelly, D. J.

This is to certify that I Benjamin Sinclair of the County of Scott and State of Kentucky, was well acquainted with John M c Elderry who died in this County in the year 1824. That the same John M c Elderry was married to my sister Ann Sinclair in Louisa County Virginia sometime in the year Seventeen Hundred and eighty four (1784). That he was from Chester County Pennsylvania, from whence he was reported to have volunteered in the Revolution. That he was said to have served some three years in the Revolution and was for most part of the time a Lieutenant, this however he knows only from hearsay. As to the marriage he knows that to be as above stated. Given under my hand this the 9 th day of June 1848. Benj n Sinclair
This is to certify that I Seth Sinclair of the County of Scott and State of Kentucky was born in the year 1782 and am a Brother of the above Benjamin Sinclair & Ann M c Elderry my sister, who married the aforesaid John M c Elderry, that I do not recollect the marriage, but am confident they were married before the year Seventeen hundred & ninety four, because they were married when I was in an infant. There no family record of births or marriages now in existence that I know of. Given under my hand this the 9 th day of June 1848. Seth Sinclair

Mc Elderry
Kentucky.
Marriage

David May Jones Esq rs
Reading
Pennsylvania

Leesburg 10 th Dec r 1846
Dear Sir
I cannot find any record or file in my office of the Marriage of John McElderry to Ann Sinclair
Yours Respectfully
C. H. Griswold Clerk of the County Court of Loudoun in Pa

May 22/17
Statement of facts by B.S. Morhead.
W. 22/17
Let this claim be allowed JLC
Send cut
Hon. C.S. Morhead H.R.

Washington Mar 22 d 1850
Col. J. L. Edwards Com d .
Dear Sir,
On examination of the papers of the widow of John M c Eldery, it is ascertained and admitted that he served in the war of the Revolution for about 13 months, resigning his commission as Lieutenant on the 30 th of Oct. 1777-
2 o The first declaration of Mrs. M c Eldery states that she was married on the 13 th of May 1787- In her corrected declaration she states that she was married on the 13 th of May 1784- The affidavit of Mr. Barclay shows how this mistake occurred. He drew the first declaration, and asked her when she was married- She replied on the 13 th of May in the year after the close of the war. Mr. Barclay told her that the war closed 1786, & she then replied "it must have been in 1787 that I married"- The mistake is shown by Mr. Barclay to have been his. I take great pleasure in saying that no man stands higher, or is entitled to more implicit confidence in any thing he says than Mr. Barclay.
3 o The clerk of the London court V th shows that no record of the marriage can be found. The papers of John M c Eldery, which the widow swears that she had seen, were lost in their removal to Ky. This authorizes the introduction of secondary evidence.

as to the marriage. One witness was present at the marriage and states that to his certain knowledge it took place in 1784. Another witness says that he was born in 1782, and although he could not of course remember when the marriage took place, yet he knows that they were man & wife before 1794. There is strong corroborative proof that they lived together as man & wife for many years and that he was always reputed an officer of the Revolution.
4 th As to identity, the proof to my mind is perfectly satisfactory. Mr Sinclair states that he Mr Eldery came from Penn. to London in 8 th where he married his sister. That he was then reputed to have been a lieutenant in the army of the Revolution. Several other witnesses prove the same general reputation. Mrs McEldery swears that she saw the discharge and other papers, including his commission in his possession and that they were lost by high water in coming to Ky. She made her statement of her services without knowing what the records would show, and there is a perfect correspondence between the record & her statements. Finally, the record shows but one John McEldery who served in the Pennsylvania line. It is believed that no stronger case of identity could be made out.
From a careful examination of the papers & my personal knowledge of the high respectability of the party claiming as well as that of the

witnesses supporting the claim, I am clearly of opinion that the pension ought to be granted
Respectfully
C. S. Morhead