Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1887, for John Mc Alister, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
N. G.
McAlister, John
1887
McAllister
B.L. WT 17590-160-55
Sarah
CONTENTS

North Carolina 23.624
John M'Allister of Richmond in the State of North Carolina, who was a Pr. of Inf. Hous. in the Contl. commanded by Captain Wall of the Regt commanded by Col. Wade. the N.C. Sta. time for 3 mos. Pr. Pay $10 13 " " " 60
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 50 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of March. N.C. and sent to Hon. E. Deberry N. of Reps. US
Arrears to the 4th of March. 3L $180.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 8/2/3L 30.00 $210.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by El. Brown Clerk. Book E. Vol. 6 1/2. Page 55

111504 Act man's
C. J. Biggs Jan 4/56
Sarah 16 c { John 16 c { Alister { Alister { Pair {
U. C. Britain
17590 { Rev d avai
Rev d pensioner N. C. Feb 53- 3096
Ad: 160 Acs Feb: 19/56, B. D. Pitt
Jennings Pigott Present
Vol M.1. page 9A

Restoration & Increase No. 5,096 North Carolina (Raleigh)
Sarah M c Alister widow of John M c Alister who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private of Inf'ty & Cav'y
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars & /
cents per annum, to commence on 4 th March 1860 Ending July the 31 st February, 1853.  26 th 1868 the coming July 27 th 1868, at $26.00 per annum
Certificate of Pension issued 12 th day of March 1869 and sent to Claimant Care Prof. Hedrick Room 131. Patent Office
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 216 Vol. 26
J. M. Smith
1886 April 14 M c Coy that Pension to Mary widow under this act all consumed from July 3 1853 except when the soldier after that date then from her band dues. (copy of letter within) Prior 1887 As of Pension agent reported died in Gunton, Lee Co Missippi Nov 14. 1884 (then aged 89 years)

Declaration of John M c Alister for Pension January Session 1833 -
Archibald C o Court a copy

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Richmond County } January Term 1833 -
on the 25 th of January aforesaid Personally appeared in open Court before the Worshipful Court aforesaid now sitting. John McAlister a Resident of the County of Richmond & State of North Carolina aged Sixty Seven 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 the 7 th of June 1832 that he entered the Service of the United States under Capt Edward Chambers, as a volunteer the first of October 1779 and served three months in the Service of Colonel Gwynn at Halls Ferry on the Pee Dee River the British being as was said in the Colonies States viz South Carolina . that the 1 st of January 1780 he volunteered his Services under Capt William Wall in the light horse of Richmond County as a Minute man ready at all times when called into Service and was in two engagements against the British at Rettys Bridge on the Pee Dee where Col Thomas Wade Col David Low Col Thomas Crawford and others commanded which first engagement was in the Month of August and the last in September 1781 that he was in several Skirmishes during the time of his Service and in the Month of February he was appointed Sergeant in Capt William Wall's Company that in the month of December 1781 he was sent with some Prisoners taken by Col Crawford and Capt William Wall as prisoners to the Town of Salisbury in Rowan County in this State as the office of the Governor , and delivered them safe, but one that made his escape that in the year 1781 he was sent to Salisbury for ammunition that he had to go to Genl Rutherford's fifteen Miles N.W. of Salisbury before he could get any for Col Thomas Crawford and Capt Wall's Company. that his Service is known to Walter Leake Esq. William Thomas Elias Gardner and others, and that the Court before whom he is making this declaration have always understood that John McAlister was a Whig and a Revolutionary Soldier and that he further made oath that he served two years and three months in the Service of the United States two years of which time he served in the Capacity of First Sergeant in Capt Wall's Company of Horse they being always called out to secure the neighbouring Counties of Moore & Robeson formerly Bladen where the enemies of the Country or of the American cause resorted to and lived in, that the before mentioned, Wade Low, Crawford, and Edward Williams were the different Col o .

he served under, that he believes he had a Sergeant or Colonel's Commission but has lost it by reason that he never reported to have any use or call for it, that after the British left this State the Tories were not troublesome and the Whigs Blackened in searching for them, and they were not called out, and his discharge if he had one is lost as well as his Commission, and that at the last battle at Betsy's Bridge he John McAlister was the only Scotchman that was in the American Army of perhaps 400 men that he was known to be a Whig by many men inelson & Montgomery and now Richmond Counties that are now dead & gone to their long home -
Sworn to & Subscribed in open Court the date above stated -
Test M c P. Crawford Clerk
John McAlister
He hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity, except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State, Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid -
John McAlister
Test M c P. Crawford Clerk -
I Chester P. Crawford a clergyman residing in the County of Richmond & State of North Carolina, and Elias Sinclair residing in the same County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John McAlister who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be of the age of sixty seven years past that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, and it is also believed by us to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in the same opinion -
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforsaid -
M c P. Crawford
Elias Sinclair
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 and served as he states, and the Court further states that it appears to them that M c P. Crawford who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Richmond, and that

Elias Sinclair who has also signed the same is a Resident of this same place and is a Credible Person, and that their Statements are entitled to Credit -
John C. Knight SS A. A. Thomas - SS H. Graham SS
I, Martin P. Crawford Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Richmond County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John McIntire for a Pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal of office this 30 th day of January 1833 - M. P. Crawford Clerk
Interrogatories put by the Court -
1 st Interrogatory - when and in what year were you born? Ans, I was born on the 12 th February 1765 in Argyle Shire in Scotland -
2 nd have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it - Ans, I have it in my Family Bible at home -
3 rd where were you living when called into Service when have you lived since, and where do you now live? Answer, when I volunteered my Services I lived with my Father in the County of Richmond, a part of Carson County formerly and has lived in the County of Richmond ever since and live in the same County now -
4 th How were you called into Service, were you a draftsman or a Volunteer or were you a Substitute, and if a Substitute for whom -
5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the Troops when you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the General Circumstances of your Service. Answer, I never was a Soldier under a Continental officer I served under Capt Wall & Col Thomas Crawford and Col Wade Col David Low & Col Edward Williams and some other officers, when we all assembled together and went on to fight Col Hanning & Col McNeill

5) and Col d Eldd which commanded the Tories as we were told —
6) did you ever receive a discharge from the Service and if so what become of it —
Answer, I do not remember whether I ever had a discharge or not. If I had it is lost. I never thought it was worth much. I was young and thought every one of my old companions in Arms would know I was a friend to my Country. for I call it so, for I came to this Country in the latter th end of 1775. before Independence was declared
7) State the names of Persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and of the belief of your Services as a Soldier of the Revolution known, Walter Leak Esq r William Thomas, Elias Gardner and Moses Knight which were with me in Services and in Battles and some others if they were here, Col d Shucklin, Capt d Stephen Cole of Robeson County, Jasper, and his Brother James Cole also of Jasper. they were with me in Services —
State of N o Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Richmond County } January Term 1833 —
Personally appeared in open Court Walter Leak Esq r William Thomas, Elias Gardner and Moses Knight which being Sworn according to Law deposeth and say that they were well acquainted with John McAlister at different times during the War that he was a Whig and friend of his Country and that they have full confidence in the truth of his Statements —
Sworn & Subscribed in open Court January 25 th 1833 — Walter Leak Esq r
Test Ch d P. Crawford Clerk
Moses Knight William Thomas
Elias Gardner

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas and Quarter Richmond County } Sessions April Term 1853
On this 18 th day of April A D 1853 personally appeared in open court, before me Walter F. Seale Chairman and Presiding Magistrate of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County a state aforesaid Sarah M c Alister a resident of the County of Richmond aforesaid aged about fifty eight years, who being 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 February 3 rd 1853; that she is the widow of John M c Alister who was a Pensioner under the act of 1832; that her late husband, the said John M c Alister drew sixty dollars a year up to the time of his death; that his residence was in the said County of Richmond; that the Agency where his pension was paid to him was in the town of Fayetteville, North Carolina; that she was married to the said John M c Alister on the 12 th day of July A D 1819; that her husband the aforesaid John M c Alister died on the 24 th day of December 1848; that she was married to him at the time above stated; she further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act and is still a widow and that she has never before made application for a Pension
Sarah M c Alister mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day above written before me
W. F. Seale Chairman

State of North Carolina } Richmond County }
I, Malcolm L. Douglass Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that W H Leak Esq, before whom the foregoing declaration was made and who has therunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing chairman and presiding Justice of said Court duly commissioned and sworn
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of said County this 23 rd day of April 1853 M. L. Douglass Clerk

State of North Carolina } Richmond County }
On this 20 th day of April A D 1853 personally appeared before me Fristam Bostick a Justice of the Peace within & for the County aforesaid Mrs Edney Harley and made oath according to law that Mrs Sarah M c Alister is the widow of John M c Alister late a Pensioner under an act of Congress; that she was present at the Marriage of the said Sarah M c Alister to the said John M c Alister; that according to the best of her recollection she believes that the said Sarah M c Alister was married to the said John M c Alister at the time stated in the foregoing declaration to wit: on the 12 th of July 1819; that they were married at the residence of the said Sarah in the County of Richmond and State of North Carolina; that the said Mrs Sarah M c Alister was a widow at the passage of the act and is still a widow
Edney for Harley
Subscribed and sworn to, before me this day and year first above written, and I do hereby certify that Edney Harley is a Creditable witness
J. Bostick JP
State of North Carolina }
Richmond County } I, Malcolm L Douglas Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that J Bostick Esq r before whom the fore- going affidavit of Edney Harley was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name

was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly Commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County this 24 th day of April A.D. 1853
M. L. Douglass Clerk

John M c Alister No Ca
No 3672
Admit as Priv. Effy. 3mo. 10.00 12 mo. " " 50. $60.00
Suspended
e. j. -
Hon. L. Deberry
Wm. M. D. Crawford
clerk Richmond Co
Rockingham Co
N.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
April 8 1839
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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John M c Alister
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Oct. 1779 vol. 3 Pri Capt. Col. 67 years   2 Aug 1780, 2 Light Horse in Feb 1780 app. 32 y. Com. Wall Love Betty's Bridge From Richmond e. to Salisbury Traditionary  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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, musicians 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.
I 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 for a pension.
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 day 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 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 he 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 traditional 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 enquiry 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 each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
The applicant has not proved his service as required - besides it is hardly possible that he should have been appointed Sergeant of a company & cavalry in 1780, being then only 13 or 14 years of age - The Sergeant requires further explanation.

"John Mac Alister Married Sarah Haley, widow of George Haley the 12 th of July 1819 & daughter of Marshal Diggs of Anson County"
State of North Carolina } County of Richmond }
On this 22 nd day of Nov AD 1853
personally appeared before me E. J. Long an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Richmond & State aforesaid Mrs Mary Morrison of said County who being duly sworn according to law declares that the foregoing is a true Copy of the Record of the Marriage of John Mac Alister swr who was a Revolutionary Prisoner to Sarah Mc Alister who is now his widow, and whose name before her said Marriage was Sarah Haley & whose maiden name was Sarah Diggs; that the Record aforesaid is copied from the Book (to wit Scott's Commentaries) in which the said John Mc Alister swr kept his family records; that the said record is in the hand-writing of the said John Mc Alister swr; that the Book containing the said record was kept in the possession of the said John Mc Alister swr up to the time of his death and is now in the possession of his widow the said Sarah Mc Alister; that she the said Mary Morrison lived for several years in the family of the said John Mc Alister during his life time, and that she has often seen the said record, both before and since his death, and knows it to be in his hand writing. She further swears that the said John Mc Alister is now dead; that he died sometime in the month of December A.D. 1848; and that the said Sarah Mc Alister is his widow and has remained such ever since his death; and further that the

Said Sarah M c Alister is the present applicant for a Pension under the act of February 3 rd 1853
Mary Morrison
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written. And I hereby certify that Mary Morrison is a credible witness
E. T. Long
State of North Carolina } Richmond County }
I Charles C. Terry Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Elisha T Long Esquire before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Mary Morrison was made is and was at the date of said affidavit an acting Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Rich- mond aforesaid & in the State aforesaid, duly Commissioned and sworn; that his signature above is in his own proper hand writing; that all his official acts as a Justice of the Peace are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Records having general jurisdiction
In witness whereof I have unto set my hand and affix the seal of my office at office in the town of Rockingham the 24 th day of November A D 1853
C C Terry C.C.

State of North Carolina Richmond County
I Charles C. Terry Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby Certify that there is no public Record of the Marriage of John McAlister with to Sarah Mc Alister, the present applicant for a Pension; that the Laws of this State did not until about three years ago require a public record of marriages to be kept; that the only evidence of kind kept was the Bond taken by the Clerk of the County Court upon issuing the Marriage License; that no such bond is to be found in my office in the case above mentioned; that this is the proper office in which such bond should be filed; that such bonds have been regarded of so little consequence that they have not been carefully preserved; and that in numerous instances, where no doubt exists in regard to the legality of the marriage of the parties, there is no bond to be found on file in this office.
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Rockingham the 24 th day of November A D 1853.
C C Terry Clerk

County Land Claim of 111504 Sarah McAlister Widow of John M c Alister
Revolutionary War
Jennings Pigott Present

Bounty Land Claim.
State of North Carolina County of Richmond
On this the eighteenth day of April A D One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace Within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah M c Alister aged Sixty four years a resident of Richmond County in the State of North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law declares, that she is the widow of John M c Alister deceased, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War -
That her said husband John M c Alister was until his death a resident of the County of Rich- mond in the State of North Carolina, that until the time of his death, he was enrolled on the list of Revolutionary pensioners and drew from the Pension department at the agency in Fayetteville North Carolina the sum of Sixty dollars per annum, and that since his death she has drawn from the Pension Office at the said agency in Fayetteville the same amount viz Sixty dollars per annum all of which will more fully appear by reference to her certificate now on file in the Pension Office in Washington City, D. C. She further states that she was married to the said John M c Alister in Richmond County on the _____ day of A D 1819 by one Martin D Crawford a Minister of the Gospel and that her name before marriage was Sarah Stanley that her said husband died in Richmond County on the twenty fourth day of December A D 1848 and that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration -
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855 -
Sarah her + M c Alister Mark

We A. S. Veal and John C. Beeman residents of Richmond County in the state of North Carolina upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah McAlister in our presence, and that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be.
A. S. Veal
John C. Beeman
The foregoing declaration and Affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Thomas Bostick
Power of Attorney
I know all men by these presents that I Sarah McAlister of the County of Richmond and state of North Carolina and the widow of John McAlister dec d who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Jennings Piggott Esqr of Washington City D. C. my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate or warrants, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's services in the United States under existing laws granting bounty land to the officers and soldiers or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney or attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid to make at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in

my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of April A D 1855
Sarah her M c Alister Mark
Ac knowledged and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Richmond and State of North Carolina this eighteenth day of April A D 1855-
Tristram Bostick J.P.
State of North Carolina § I Louis. H. Webb Clerk of the County of Richmond § Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Richmond in the state afore- -said - hereby certify that Tristram Bostick before whom the foregoing declaration affidavit and power of Attorney were proven and acknowledged is a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned and sworn - in and for the County of Richmond aforesaid - and the signature above purporting to be his is genuine -
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed my seal of Office as Office this the 18 th day of April A D 1855 and of American Independence the 79 th year
L. H. Webb C.C.C.

3.096
North Carolina Jay
Sarah McAllister widow of John
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private of Inf y & Cav y .
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Dec r 1853 and sent to
John J. Neely Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 136. Vol. a
J. J. Coombs Oct 13. 1857 Same Sept. 29/59
Rev 5 m 55-111504

Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No.
1887
Sarah McAllister
Dordon
John McAllister Pair. Rev. M.
Act: Feb. 3-1853
Index:—Vol.
M.
Page
17
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Reimbursement Sec. 4718, R. S. Requisition for $18.93 to the Secretary, as requested by the Auditor. 5228 May 2 2/85 J. B. G. Nov. 18, 1901 W. N. McAlister, N.Y.C.S.

3096
North Carolina Fayetteville Sarah McAllister, widow of John,
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private of Inf'y. and Cavalry Increased from $60. 00 / 100
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 dollars 81 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 25 th day of Oct. 1859 and sent to
J. J. Coombs. Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 216 Vol. 1

17,590
Woo Am

Additional evidence
118504
Brat M c Alister Lynx etc. John M c Alister
J. M c Alister Canning Present

No 22980
Barah McAllister. Wid: of John -
Set to Jno: T. Miley, 6 Sept: 1853,
Set Feb: 3 d 1853.

Ph. 100 153 M.C.
Boyle Dr.

Vol 1 Oct 79- served 3 mos keeping guard Capt Chambers v 1 Jany 80 Minute man under Capt Wall in Light Horse ready at all times & was in 2 engagements - the 1 st in Aug & the last in Sept '81 - with Jones - Also in several skirmishes - in Dec '81 sent with 10 Tories - delivered all but one - also in 1781 sent for ammunition Sergeant under Walls.

Pa. R. Ma.
24 Dec. '48.
" Borton."

Pension Office
13th Aug 53
This case is respectfully referred to B. S. and for date of death of Pensioner and of last payment
Very Respectfully
J. S. Cole Chief Clerk
K. M. C. (See other side.)

John McAllister Act 32. ~ $100. p. an. — Died 24 th Dec r 1848 Paid to his death.
F. Burt Auditor.

Sarah McAllister widow of John Richmond Co N. Carolina
Act February 3. 1853
Admitted as rate of $80.81 c per annum instead of $60. at which she is now pensioned - former payments to be deducted - allowance commencing at date of said act.
Service part of Inf ty and Cavalry Cancel former Certificate
Certificate to
J. J. Coombs Esq Washington,
D.C.

War Good 18 April 1853 Richmond County North Carolina
- Married 12 July 1819 War Goodly person present at Marriage - Was a widow at passage of the Act and still a widow
Death 24 Decr 1848

Richmond County North Carolina Quarter Sessions 18. April 1853
Married 12 July 1819 near witnesses present at marriage Identifies the widow-
Deed 24 Decer 1848-

State of North Carolina } County of Richmond }
On this the 30 th day of September one thousand
eight hundred & sixty-eight, personally appeared before me John A. Long Clerk of the Superior Court in said State & County, the same being a Court of record, Sarah McAlister, aged Seventy Six years, a resident of the County & State above-named, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Sarah McAlister who was a pen- sioner on the roll of the agency at Fayetteville N.C., & whose pension certificate is herewith returned, that she has resided since the 1 st Jany 1861 in the County of Richmond & State of North Carolina, at the same place at which her husband died, & which has been her home ever since his death, that during this period her means of subsistence have been the products of her little farm upon which she lives. That she is still unmarried, that she has not in any manner encouraged the rebels, or manifested a sympathy with their cause, & that she was last paid her pension on the 4 th day of March A.D. 1861.
This application is made for the pur- -pose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension rolls, & of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as she may be entitled to under existing laws, reference

being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate her original claim.
Witnes J. A. Long C/S
Sarah her mark M c Alister
Also personally appeared Mark Hailey & M. O. Stricklin residents of the County of Richmond & State of North Carolina, persons whom I certify to be respectable & entitled to credit, & who, being by me duly sworn say they were present & saw Sarah M c Alister sign her name to the foregoing declaration, & they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the Applicant & their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represented herself to be, that she is & has been from the death of her husband, John M c Alister, a widow, & that the entire declaration as set forth above in her declaration, they believe to be true & they further swear they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Witnes J. A. Long C/S
Mark Hailey M. O. Stricklin
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 30 th day of September A D 1868, & I further certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. In testimony I hereunto set my hand and affix seal of my office the day & date above written
J. A. Long C/S

State of North Carolina Richmond County -
I, Sarah McAlister, do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, That I will henceforth faithfully support, protect & defend The Constitution of the United States & the Union of the States Thereunder, That I will in like manner, abide by & faithfully support all laws & proclamations which has been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves, So help me God
Sworn to & subscribed
Sarah her McAlister mark
before me this 30 th Sept 1868.
J. A. Long C.C.

Richmond County, NC
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 16 th day of Jan, 1869 J. H. Jones, P.
Prof. Kendrick R 131

State of North Carolina Richmond County -
Personally ap- peared before me M c Ilwain an acting justice of the Peace in & for said County M c Cauley & H c Smith & make their oaths in due form of law that they have known M c Sarah M c Alister for 25  years years, That she is the widow of John M c Alister - & that she is known throughout this community to have done nothing, tending to promote, or en- courage the rebellion - but was in favor of its suppression - They know the above facts from the following circumstances -
We have lived near M c Sarah M c Alister all our lives a nearly 60 and have been intimately acquainted with her as also her husband & know that the above is true to the letter in all particulars to the best of our knowledge & belief, we have not heard of any disloyalty
M c Cauley (Seal)
H c Smith (Seal)
M c Cauley says there was in the premises a flag seized but don't think she had anything to do with it
Let them give the circumstances, sign their names, if possible, & not make marks, in the presence of Magistrate or Clerk - with Seal attached forward to me -

State of North Carolina, Comptroller's Department.
I, G. H. Brogden, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of Record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Militia service in the Revolutionary War, as follows
John Mc Allister
Book No 23 Page 59 £ 9 — 12 — 0 X Specie
Book No 8 Page 36 £ 29 — 18 — 0 Specie
Allowed to the said John Mc Allister, March, 1784
Indent No 269 £ 12 — 4 — 0 Specie
Indent No 135 £ 9 — 12 — 0 — Specie X
Allowed to the said John Mc Allister, by the Auditors for the Hillsboro' District, January 10th, 1785.
Book No 39 Page 27 £ 3 — 7 — 6 — Specie
Allowed to the said John Mc Allister, in 1787.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office in the City of Raleigh, this 5th day of August, A.D. 1857.
  9.12  9.12.0      29.18  29.18      3 7 6  12. 4      53.17.6  9.12      20  3 7 6      1069  6413. 6  8/1077     1077  20  66. 5     37  1325. 76  134. 5        2/1325.75 8/1325.00       662.87 2/767.50       6.00 83.75       5       $80.81 — $68.50  

State of N o Carolina } Richmond County }
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions July Term 1833.
This day personally appeared In open Court John Dawkins aged 84 who being first duly-sworn upon the Holy Evangel of Almighty God deponeth & saith that he was well acquainted with John Wallis In the revolutionary War, that he knew him to have been a sergeant at forth in his declaration for that he well recollects that he was himself detailed from the company to which he then belonged & went to Salisbury with some prisoners under John Wallis who acted at that time as a sergeant as he sets forth In his declaration Sworn to & subscribed In open Court the 17 th July 1833 John X Dawkins List E Sinclair D.C. clerk

State of No Carolina } Rochester County }
I Elias Sinclair Deputy Clerk of the Court of pleas & gaols Sessions do hereby certify that John Rankin who has sworn to the above affidavit is a man of veracity and that the utmost confidence can be placed in his statement & that he is now a pensioner of the United States, In witness of which I have here placed my Hand & Seal the 17 th July 1833, Elias Sinclair D.C.

North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Richmond County } Sessions July Term 1833
I Elias Sinclair, Deputy Clerk of the Court aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing contains the correct proceedings in the case of the application of John McAlister for a pension.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office Elias Sinclair D.C.

North Carolina Richmond County
} Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions July Term 1833
Personally appeared in open court John McAlister of the County of Richmond who being first duly sworn deposeth & saith that neither in his original nor in his amended declaration did he intend to convey the idea that he was two years in one continuous service for such was not the case; but the two years of service alleged in the capacity of a sergeant embraced different periods with short intervals.
In consequence of the loss of memory the applicant cannot swear positively to the length of his service, or the length of the intervals spent at home; (which time spent at home was on leave of his commanding officer) but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, & in the following grades: — For three months he served a private under Captain Moore, Chambers, and for two years he served as a sergeant under Capt William Wall: and for such service he claims a Pension. The fact of the applicant having been a sergeant is proved by the accompanying affidavits of John Dawkins now a Pensioner List Elias Sinclair-Dile
John McAlister
The Court have looked again over the original & amended declarations of John McAlister & the several affidavits of Walter Leak, Wm Thomas, Elias Sanders & Moses Knight & the Court represent that the statements of the applicant as well as of the witnesses are entitled to the fullest confidence
H. T. Leak (W) J. B. Wright (W) R. R. Thomas (W)
11 3/4

State of NC Carolina } Puncheon County }
This day personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, John Wallin who being duly sworn according to law deposes & saith that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot furnish the department with any other data corroborative of his length of service except that which is set forth in his declaration he distinctly recollects that at Capt. Chambers in the fall of 1799, that afterwards he was wounded he entered the service under Genl. Greene in Jan'y 1780 as a minuteman and was held in constant readiness at all times to combat the Tories who in this section of the country were commanded by Col. Fanning & Col. McRae and that altho they were not constantly engaged in actual service for frequently a week or two might intervene, yet they were so near to him that on other occasions with him were about and he devoted himself entirely to the service of his country and altho he cannot procure any persons now living who could swear to the actual term or length of service yet he has not a doubt left upon his mind that he served as before set forth 2 years & 3 months, two years of which in the character of a Sergeant and however probable it may be to the War department, that he should have been promoted as early as 1780, which would make him at that time 15 years old and not 13 or 14 as the department says, he would mention that he was remarkably well grown and as an Evidence of it he married between his 17 th & 18 th years, he states that his age as put down in his declaration is a mistake, that

he was 68 the 12 th of Feby 1833 and as a proof that it was a mistake in those who drew off his declaration he cites the attestation of the department to his answer to the 1 st interrogatory, as put by the court, where he states that he was born 12 th Feby 1765; another circumstance which he would mention which might go to explain the  cause of his being so Early promoted, viz, he was as he before stated a Foreigner , had not long been in the country and had given sufficient Evidence , by his having volunteered under Capt n  Shaw  Shaw & Wall that he was attached to the American Cause, which hundreds of others who were native citizens proved traitors . It is to  this circumstance that he thinks he is in no small degree indebted for having thus Early held the appo- -intment of 1 st Sergeant. He further states that the way he arrived at the length of his service, and its being so strongly impressed on his mind is that he recollects that he was engaged from his commencement until the spring or summer after the British had to Wilmington, which he thinks was in the fall of 1781 another circumstance which goes to support his length of service, that he was engaged from the commencement until some months after the Battle of Bunker Hill, that he recollects when when the wings from this Section returned from Wilmington, bringing the news of the surrender

of Groom Wallace He further states to the department its proof Indubitable, of his being continually engaged In the service the last . That your gifts of those who have applied from this county for a Pension before to him as having been with them fighting the Battle of his country known as the battle of Bunker Hill 4 th May 1833 J. G. Knight (J.P.) (Allendale)
State of N th Carolina This day personally appeared before Pickens County of the Father of the Court in the undersigned one of the Father of the Court of pleas & Quarter Sessions Walter Leek in a Revolutionary Pensioner & William Thomas who made oath that they were well acquainted with the deceased during the revolutionary war, that they were with him in one or more Battles at Bateys Bridge and that he was a Whig & friend of his country. I Walter Leek do further state that I am now in my 72 nd year & that the first time I ever saw the deceased which was in 1780 that he was then I considered grown & I always thought older or as old as myself Groom Walter Leek to and subscribed before me William Thomas J. G. Knight (J.P.) May 4 th 1833

State of North Carolina } I Elias Sinclair deputy Clerk Prendergast County } of the court of pleas & quarter Sessions do hereby certify that J. C. Knight whose name appears to the above affidavit is one of the Justices of the court of pleas & quarter sessions, that it is his genuine signature & that full faith and credit is attached  due to his official acts, I do further certify that Walter Leah is a man of high standing in the community & that the utmost reliance is to be placed on his statements and that John McCallister is a man of character & that what he states is to be depended on
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the 14 th of May 1833 Elias Sinclair deputy Clerk for M. D. Crawford

Additional Evidence in No. III. 204 for Maryland Act 8 th March '55
State of South Carolina Comptroller's Office
I Grafton Brooks, Comptroller of the Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it ap- pears of record in my Office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military Service in the Revolutionary war as follows -
John M c Alister
Book No. 11. 91059. $76.60 18 months Crf. Co. Service. 1782 & '83
" 91. Pay 11. - - £12. 4. No district named
" 8. - 36. - - 29. 18. Salisbury Dist 1784
" " 23 - 59 - - 9. 12 - £1 returned by Miss of Casualties Co.
" " 11 - 37 - - 1. 6. Hildebrand District
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of Office at Raleigh - Feb y 12 th 1856

Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. Feb 23 1870
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the blanks used or required for semi annual payments.
In the case of Mrs. M c Alister I find that when her pension was restored, March 12. 1869 Jan. March 4. 1869, it was also increased from $80.00 to 96.00 per ann m  in 13 th sec act Aug 2, 1869 which is all that the present Pension laws allow to Revolutionary widows.
H. M. Dockery

3.096 Restoration Brief in the Case of Sarah McAllister widow John Relough Rev Rev War. Richmond County and State of No Carolina Act Dec Feb 3. 1853
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE.
PROOF EXHIBITED.
Pensioner roll of No Carolina and So. for annu- but return.
Pensional identity - loyalty shown - for admitted by Commissioners
Admitted March 8. 1869 to a Pension and $88.81 pr. annum to commences March 4 1861 - terminate July 26. 1868.
Claimr
Name and residence of Agent.
Case. Prof. Herrick
Room 157. Patent Office
W. E. Frank
Examining Clerk.

Brief in the Case of
Sarah M c Alliston Widow John
Reddy
Rev Rev
Richmond
County and State of
No Carolina
Act 2 d Sec Feb 3. 1853
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Roll of No Carolina at $ 80-
Claim for new Act 13 th Sec July 27. 1868.
Personal Identity & Widowhood Proven
Admitted March 8. 1869 to no pension at $ 96. pr. annum to commence July 27. 1868
Name and residence of Agent.
Claimant
Gen Prof Kendrick
Room 157 Patent Office.
W E Trask Examining Clerk.

Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington D.C. Aug 19 1869
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that further proof of loyalty is required in the case of Mrs. Sarah M c Alinden of N. Carolina.
Public Resolution N o 27. Prohibits pay- of Pension in favor of any person who promoted, encouraged, or in any manner sustained the late rebellion, or in favor of any person who during said rebellion was not known to be opposed thereto, and distinctly in favor of its suppression. Claimants are required to file proof strictly in accordance with the above named resolution. Witnesses must state the facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinion that claimants was truly loyal & desired the suppression of the rebellion. Very respectfully,
Hon O. H. Dockery M.C. No Rep.
Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb- ruary 3, 1853,
Sarah McAllister.
widow of John McAllister. who was a private of Inf y . & Cav y . in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Sixty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this third day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
W. L. Marcy Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. P. M c Alister Commissioner of Pensions.
1853 1859 49

Brief in the case of Sarah M c allister, widow of John M c allister. Richmond County and State of North Carolina. act February 3. 1833.
Claim, (" original " or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
This party is now a pensioner under above named act at rate of $60 per annum - Upon appeal to the Department it decided that her allowance should be increased to amount indicated by certificate of Comptroller of the State of North Carolina of 5 th August 1857, on file with the papers in her case, viz to $80.81 c Cents per annum, which has been done. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
M c allister has surrendered the certificate of pension previously issued for her benefit.
J. J. Coombs Esq. Name and residence of Agent Washington, D. C.
H. Geddes Examining Clerk.

Brief in the case of Sarah M. Allister, widow of John, Richmond County and State of N.C. act 31 Febry 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
That M c Lean was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June, 1832. Recom d Evidence & parole proof of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
M c Lean, Esq. Present.
Name and residence of Agent
H. B. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk.

Department of the Interior. September 22 d 1859.
Sir,
I have examined the claim of Sarah M c Allister widow of John M c Allister, for an increase of her pension under Act February 3 d 1853, upon which an appeal has been taken from your decision.
I think it apparent from the papers that the allowance made to Mrs M c Allister was based upon an incorrect estimate of her husband's services. The items indicated by the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of North Carolina, may all safely be assumed as payments for M c Allister's Revolutionary services, and the widow's pension increased in accordance there-with. The papers which accompanied your report are herewith returned to your Office.
I am, respectfully, Your Obs t Serv t J. Mounfor Secretary.
Hon. G. C. Whiting Comm ee of Pensions.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Sarah M c Alister,
widow of John M c Alister who was a private of Infantry & Cavalry, in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of—Eighty,— dollars and eighty one — cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Deducting former payments at the rate of $61. 00 / 100 per annum.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty eighth day of October — one thousand eight hundred and fifty- nine —
L. Morgan
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
W. A. A. H. [Signature]
Commissioner of Pensions.

Washington City D.C. May 30 th 1853
Sir:
Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Mrs. Sarah M c Alister widow of John M c Alister who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and a Pensioner from the State of North Carolina, for a Pension under the Second Section of the Act of the 3 rd February 1853
To The Commissioners } Yours of Pensions } Very Respectfully W. S. Kelly

Washington D.C. Nov 29 th 1853
Sir,
Enclosed you will find additional evidence in the claim of Mrs. Sarah M c Allister widow of John M c Allister a Revd soldier & Pensioner of the State of N. Carolines for a Pension under second section of the act of 3 rd Feb 1853.
Yours very respectfully
Sam l Steele
Comm ee Pensions } Present }

Washington, Oct. 6 th 1857.
Sir:
Enclosed I have the honor to present the certificate of Sarah McAllister, widow of John, under the act of 3 rd Feb. 1853, with a certificate from the Comptroller of N.C. showing more service on the part of her husband than she has been allowed for.
The payments certified by the Comptroller, according to my computation, amount to $167.50, which would warrant a pension of $83.75. The declaration of McAllister claims as much, or more service than is thus proved.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J. L. Coombs
Geo. C. Whiting Esq Committee of Pensions.

State of North Carolina } Richmond county } s. s.
I Louis N Webb
Clerk of the court of Pleas Quarter Sessions in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been adduced to me that John McAllister a Revolutionary Soldier late of said County departed this life on the 24 th day of December 1848 I further certify that his Widow Sarah McAllister is now surviving - that she has not again intermarried but continues the widow of said John McAllister: In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my official Seal at Rockingham the 11 th day of October 1859:
L. N. Webb

State of North Carolina
Richmond County
On this 14 th day of February A.D. 1870 personally appeared before me Jno A. Long (Probate Judge) Sarah M c Alister, who being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of Section 13 of an Act of Congress relating to pensions, approved July 27 th 1868 - that the person on account of whose death the pension was granted was John M c Alister (Revolutionary War) who was a Private of Infantry & Cavalry in the War - The pension certificate numbered 3096 & bearing date 12 March 1869, is herewith returned & that she is still & has been since the death of her husband John M c Alister a Widow & that her residence is Rockingham, Richmond Co North Carolina -
Sarah M c Alister mark
Also personally appeared before me J. A. Long and D. C. Colepersons

whom I certify to be respectable & entitled to credit; & who being by me duly sworn, say they were present & saw Sarah McAlister, the claimant sign her name to the foregoing declaration, that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant & their acquaintance with Sarah McAlister that she is the identical person she represents herself to be & that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
In Witness Whereof I hereunto set my hand seal of office, 14th Feb 1870.
Witness names H. C. Lee J. H. Long
J. H. Long Ck

M J W
Rockingham N.C. F.R.R. 23 rd Feby 1832
The Hon ble Edmund Deberry Washington
Hon. E. Deberry

Hon Sir
I have received the Document that presented me, from which I have had information and some considerable satisfaction, to see a true Statement of the Finances of the country that I live in, and expect to die in, & which I call my Country. I thought when reading of the estimates of the Public Revenue and expenditures for the year 1834 and the Pensions for life granted under the acts of 1818 and 1832 to the officers and soldiers of the Revolution, and the sum that has been already paid on that account during the present year together with the observations of the Secretary that there is indeed no item in the list of appropria- -tions, which our citizens generally more cheerfully contribute to pay, than Pensions. I was pleased This account my thoughts of my Pension. I sent on the 2 d week in January last, an amended Declaration, and also a letter to you, at the same time, requesting your attention to my business, with Mr Edwards, as to my Pension. I believe I mentioned in my letter that you could mention to him the respectability of Mr Waller Lieut Genl & Mr Wm Thomas (Silvankuh), Mr Gaddis and Mr John Dockins, I thought you did not know them, the others I know you did. I think I mentioned to you that if my Pension was not allowed—at this time for you to write to me what was lacking and that I would

try again and again before I give it up for I know that I served as much & as long as any in the County, and as as much as Mr Leake or Lt Shuklekin, that was allowed full pension, that is $80 a Year, I have stated that in the latter end of the year 1779 I served 3 months as a volunteer under Capt Moses Chambers keeping Guard at Haly's Ferry on the PD this I can prove by his will In the Beginning of 1780 I voluntarily served my- self under Capt Wm Wall, was appointed first Sergeant in his company, and continued in the Light Horse of Belmont until some time after the British left Wilmington N.C. which was the latter end of 1780 — Mr Leake, Thomas, Gardner, & Dockins served with me some of the time. Dockins made oath that I was sergeant of Capt Wall's light Horse that he went with me as one of a company of men commanded by me, with Belmont to Salisbury This proves I was Sergeant of the company and in the Service, the objection is that no militia served two years in constant Service this I agree is true But I was two years in the Light Horse sometimes at Home & some in Service. Volunteered ready when called out & never at Home only when the Capt & company were at Home, E. Gardner Mr Thomas John Dockins each have a small Pension for the time they served & a Bro Ewitt all three saw me in the Service & each of them have Pensions

even for the short time they served. I make this Statement in order that you might know some thing of the nature of my claim, for a Pension I now again beg your assistance in seeing Mr Edwards, and endeavor to get him to push on my business - should it be still objected to after making oath in the face of the court where I have lived ever since, & they certifying that they believe my Declaration true, also the letter that was with me, stating their belief of the truth of my declaration I will send again & again but what I shall have it I think I can find many that will say that they understood I was in the light House of Richmond and was a whig - the old People are all dead them that claim opinion - there was an error the first declaration as to my age made by Mr Crawford the Clerk, I was Born the 12 th of February 1765 which made me 68 years old, he said 67 which made me a year younger than I was, my Right age was stated in my first declaration, in answer to the inter- rogatories put by the court - do the best you can for me, & write to me, the reason why my claim is rejected (when others are allowed) if it should be so and I think I will always remember your kindness and will endeavor to discharge the obligations I shall be under to you, With esteem I am Sir yours
February 22 1834
Alfred Lester

State of N o Carolina } Richmond County }
This day personally appeared before me H. S. Platt one of the Trustees of the peace John McAlister bar and after having been duly sworn upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God declares that it is not in his power to furnish any other data than those given in his several declarations All that he can state is more on the nature of Appetition than any First Matter vis, That he entered the Service In October 1779 & served 3 months, That In January 1780 he volunteered under Capt l Wall who commanded A Troop of Cavalry & was denominated a "Minuteman" and altho not constantly engaged, for frequently retreats and some time a month might intervene when not In Service, yet such was the nature that all other pursuit or professions were by him abandoned except the profession of Arms, He stated in his amended Declaration what he now recalls & which he hopes may have some weight in affording data, That the way he arrives at the length of his Service is as follows, That In the first place he now recollects the period he entered, That he was engaged while some months after the Battle of Brandy Bridge That he also recollects being under Arms

At the time he recd Intelligence from the Wings who had returned from Wilson upon N.C. that Lord Corn Wallace was captured, here then is a period sufficient to make up his claim as before set forth, but on the other hand the question again returns, "How Much" of this Period did you lose; That he served some is evident, but to state with precision How Much he cannot But in conclusion - for the last time he presents himself before the Department and says, that altho he may not be enabled to have complied with the Letter of the act of 7 th June 1832 (as explained by the Department) yet that the default is attributable to the frailty of his memory. In proof of this assertion he respect- -fully calls the attention of the Department to the fact that four fifths of the applicants from this County have called on this affiant, to substantiate their claims, & have on his Evidence in part Re-pensious
In conclusion Believing you to be heavy of investigation that which I am heartily fond of presenting, I once again ask an Attentive hearing to My Whole Case and take be satisfied in Accuracy, whatever assistance

you may think me entitled to
January 9 th 1834
Sworn & Subscribed to before F. J. Seal (P)
(Affidavit)
State of North Carolina } I Calvin C. Cornington clerk Richmond County } of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of said County do hereby certify that Francis J. Seal who Subscribed his name to the above Affidavit is an acting Justice of the Peace of said County given under my hand and Seal of office this 9 th of January 1834
Calvin C. Cornington clerk

1/1887
For. M. Albrecht
July 25. 1833 Born Argyle Ave Baltimore Richmond Co NY - d. Feb 12, 1965 Oct 79 Richard S. N.C.
Capt. Moses Chambers Col -
abt. 3 mos
July 50 Capt. Wm Wall Col. 1st. Crawford Well Som
Sgt. 2 yrs
Betty Bridge
Mrs. Sarah Haley, widow Aug 12, 1819 - Daught. of Mark King and Dec. 22, 1848

1887 Sarah W. M c Coe,
Attorney at Law.
Collections a specialty. All business will receive prompt attention.
Baldwyn, Miss. April 7 th 1886,
Hon Jno. C. Black, Com. of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir: Some pension attorney in Washington has written to Mrs. H. D. Cole of Greenwood, Miss. to the effect that her mother Mrs. Sarah M c Allister lately deceased, a Revolutionary widow and pensioner was entitled to some arrears of pensions. Mrs. M c Allister was widow of John M c Allister, a Revolutionary pensioner, and began drawing pension in 1869 and continued so to do till time of her death which occurred something more than a year ago.

Mrs Cole has requested me to write to your department - and inquire whether or not - her mother at time of her death was enti- tled to any means of pension. Will you please communicate with her upon the subject - very respectfully W. M. Cox

CONTINENTAL TOBACCO CO.
HOME OFFICE JERSEY CITY, N.J.
111 Fifth Avenue,
New York, November 12, 1901
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
I desire to obtain from your Department information that will enable me to prove myself eligible to become a member of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and my daughters to become members of the Society of the Daughters of the Revolution.
My Grandfather, John McAlister, was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army fighting for American independence. According to my information he enlisted or joined the army in Richmond County, North Carolina. I take it that the said army was retreating before some British forces from South Carolina, as the County of Richmond is immediately on the border of eastern South Carolina. I do not know who was in command of the squadron, battalion, regiment or brigade at the time. He was, however, in the engagement with the British forces at Blues Bridge, Lumber River, North Carolina, which Bridge was near his home.
The Pension Department, however, has the records for it allowed and paid a pension to his widow, Sarah McAlister, prior to the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion in 1861. Her Post Office at that time being, I believe, Rockingham, Richmond Co., North Carolina. Her residence being about three miles from Rockingham.
The payment of the pension, according to my information, was not made during the war between the States 1861 to 1865, she being in North Carolina, but after the said war, 1861 to 1865 was over, the back pension was paid and the pension resumed and continued up to the time of her death, which occurred in Guntown, Lee Co., Miss., November 14, 1884, (at the age of 92 lacking two days) where she was residing with her daughter, Mrs. K. D. Cole, (widow of James H. Cole). The draft for her pension was probably addressed to Mrs. Sarah McAlister, % Mrs. K. D. Cole, Guntown, Lee Co., Miss.
My Grandfather, John McAlister, Revolutionary Soldier, above referred to, according to reliable information, was born in Scotland, February 12, 1765, and his enlistment in the Revolutionary Army took place toward the close of the Revolutionary War. Sarah McAlister, née (Sarah Hailey) was his fourth wife. They were married July 12, 1819. The said John McAlister, Revolutionary soldier and husband of Sarah McAlister, died in Richmond Co., North Carolina, December 24, 1848.
Trusting you will be able to give me the information desired, I remain, Sir,
Very respectfully,
W. H. McAlister
111 Fifth Ave, New York City.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Mc Alister, John GRADE Private LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 10,010 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED March 29, 1791 To — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.