Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21793, for George Mc Lain, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb.
or McLain, George McLean
N. 21793
Rebecca
CONTENTS

7591 West Tennessee
George McLain of Bedford in the State of Tenn who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Martin of the Ky 2 d commanded by Col. Barker in the W. C. time for 22 months
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tenn at the rate of 75 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of May, 1833 and Linton James St. Joseph Shelbyville
Arrears to the 4th of March 146 66 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept 36 66
$183.32.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Gaye Clerk, Book Vol. 7 Page 88

386 Illinois Rebecca M c Lean widow of George who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Disbursed $30 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Aug t 1847 and sent to
M. G. Gale Esq Greenville Brnt Co. Ills
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 347 Vol. 3
347

State of Illinois } Bond County } ss
On this Fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four, personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the County Commissioners Court of Bond County in the State aforesaid, a Court of Record of said County, now holding the March Term A.D. 1844 of said Court, Robert Keyes being Presiding Judge of said Court, Rebecca M c Lean, a resident of Bond County aforesaid, aged seventy four years on 18 th September last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows:"
That she is the widow of George M c Lean who was late of Bedford County State of Tennessee deceased, who was late a private in the Army of the Revolution, and who for services rendered during the said war, was placed on the pension roll of the United States, at the rate of seventy three dollars thirty three cents per annum; that she, this deponent, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five surrendered the certificate of pension granted by the War Department to her husband, in order to draw the arrears of pension due up to the day of his death which she did draw, to which said certificate and such other documentary evidence as may have been furnished by her husband in his life time and which remain of file in she respectfully refers the Department.
She further declares that she was married to the said George M c Lean on the twenty fifth day of

July in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine; that her husband, the aforesaid George McLean, died on the thirtieth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty four; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January eighteen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated - that she was legally married in Maclenberg County, North Carolina, that the marriage ceremony was performed by - Sygert Esq, then an Acting Justice of the Peace of said Maclenberg County, that she knows of no record existing of said marriage, that she has diligently searched, and employed Counsel to search in said Maclenberg County & elsewhere before a long time past but can obtain no record proof of the same.
Rebecca Mc Lean
Sworn to, in open court, March 4-1844, before me, & credibility of witness certified to by me
Robt Keyes Presiding Judge
At the same time before said Court now open and judicially sitting, personally came Elias W. Alexander, of said County of Bond State of Illinois, aged sixty four years, who being duly sworn deposes and says, that in the summer of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, Rebecca McLean, here in Court and who has signed the foregoing affidavit, and George McLean came to my father's house in Maclenberg County, North Carolina, as man and wife.
I was not at the marriage but understood, and it was the understanding of all present that they had just been married and were making the wedding tour.
I lived in the neighborhood with them in North Carolina from that time till about the year 1816 when they moved to Tennessee, I moved at the same time to Tennessee and remained in their neighborhood till the year eighteen hundred and twenty nine - they were

always, from the time first named (summer of 1789) reputed to be man and wife and received into society as such, and visited by their connections and by the neighborhood as such, they attended church and public places as such, and always demeaned themselves and addressed each other as married persons. They had issue of said union eight children -
Her maiden name was Rebecca Alexander -
Sworn to the subscribed March 4. 1844 in open court before me, & credibility of witness certified to, by me
Chas. H. Henson
Robt Heyel Cassidy Judge
State of Illinois Bond County
At the same time in open court before the Judges of the County Commissioners Court of said County, judicially sitting, personally came Josiah N. Alexander aged seventy one years, who being duly sworn deposes and says, That on the Tuesday of the July Court in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty nine, report came to my father's house that my sister Rebecca Alexander had then married George McLean; She and George McLean immediately after came to my father's house in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; my father received him as his son in law, and we as brother-in-law. I, shortly after, accompanied my father and assisted in taking cattle to George McLean which my father had given him and sister Rebecca as part of their marriage portion - On the way we stopped during a night at Squire Tygert's who was then an acting Justice of the Peace in Mecklenburg County - he told us that he had married them - I lived in the same neighborhood with them in North Carolina & Tennessee until about the year 1823, they were always considered and treated and known by the family and others as

I Robert Smith of Madison County Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and of the whole thereof. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this 14th day of March 1844. Robert H. Keyes Clerk of said court
It is the same Rebecca who is now alive and well and who has signed the foregoing declaration of application for Pension. Her husband George McLean drew a pension from the United States for Revolutionary services. I saw him last in the year 1834 when he was then sick in Bedford County State of Tennessee. I heard shortly after that he had died, and his widow, the said Rebecca, who in the year 1837 moved to Bond County State of Illinois, from that time forward to the present, resided with her friends within a few miles of my house. She has never, since the death of said George McLean, to my knowledge, but still continues to live in open house. At the time of her reputed marriage a few years since the Peace were again authorized in the State of North Carolina.  Josiah N. Alexander
Robt Keyes Presiding Judge
State of Illinois } Bond County } At the same time in open court before the commissioners court of said county, judicially sitting, personally came Josiah Thomas McLean of said county, aged forty six years, who being duly sworn, says, I am son of George and Rebecca McLean, my father died in Bedford County State of Tennessee on the thirtieth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, I was then living with him, he drew a pension from the United States for Revolutionary services, I have assisted to draw up the powers of attorney for him to draw it. The certif- icate was dated at the War office of the United States the third day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, after his death my mother, now here in court, who has signed the foregoing declaration, for pension, for- warded his certificate to the Department and drew the arrears of pension due at his death, I remained with my mother until the year 1837 when we moved to Bond county, State of Illinois, after the death of my father she never married, but

still remains the widow of said George McLean -
Sworn to hereunder before me & credibility of witness certified to by me, in open court March 4, 1844
Josiah T. McLean
Robert Keyes Presiding Judge
State of Illinois Bond county } I, James Bradford clerk of the } county commissioners court, a court } of Record in and for said county, certify that } Robert Keyes whose name appears to the fore- } going affidavits, was, at the time of the date thereof } the Presiding Judge of said court, duly elected } and sworn and that full faith and credit are } due to his acts as such - I further certify that the } said four signatures purporting to be his are his } genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court at Greenville, said county this 4 th day of March A.D. 1844 -
J. Bradford Clerk
State of Illinois Bond county }
I, Robert Keyes, the Presiding Judge of the county commissioners court, a court of Record in & for said county, do certify that James Bradford, whose name appears to the foregoing certificate was at the time of making the foregoing certificate, and still is, Clerk of said court duly commissioned - I further certify that the said Rebecca McLean, Elias W. Alexander, Josiah T. Alexander and J. Thomas McLean are respectable persons, residents of said county of Bond and State of Illinois, and are

persons entitled to full credit, having good reputation for truth and veracity.
Witness my hand said 4 th day of March A. D. 1844.
Robert Keyes Presiding Judge

State of Tennessee Bedford County
On this Seventh day of November personally appeared in open court before us John B. Armstrong, Samuel Price and John L. Hill Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County now sitting. George McClain a resident of the County of Bedford and State of Tennessee aged about sixty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 4 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That he was born Oct the 14 th in the year 1760 in Lincoln County North Carolina, that he had  has no written record of his age and only speaks from what he has always understood from his parents; that when first called into the service he lived in said County of Lincoln when he continued to reside until the year 1798 when he removed to the County of Mecklenburgh North Carolina, and lived there until the Autumn of 1816 when he removed to the County of Bedford aforesaid where he has ever since resided. not on the  and you recollect  the summer after the battle of  month of July 1780 as in  that he volunteered in the County of Lincoln for three months under Capt. Samuel Martin with John Barley as his Colonel, James Patterson was Lieutenant and John Walker was Ensign under Samuel Martin; that he marched to Camden South Carolina, and from there to Ninety Six to overrun the Tories, and that they continued to scour the country during the War, without having any

engagement; that at the end of the three months he returned home, and in the next April volunteered for another term of three months under Captain John Matthews, whose Lieutenant was named Aaron McKenzie, and whose Ensign was named John Hall; that their Colonel was named William Graham of said County of Lincoln; that a part of said term they were scouring the County of Lincoln for Tories, and the balance they were in the County of York in South Carolina and ranging between that and Broad River, all with the object of keeping down the Tories; that at the end of the term he again returned home; that in the next Fall he again volunteered for three months under Samuel Martin with John Berry his Lieutenant and James Glenn the Ensign and John Barber the Colonel; that during this term they marched in the direction of Kings Mountain to join Campbell against Ferguson; that on the evening before the battle at Kings Mountain they were about encamping a short distance from the Mountain, when they were routed by some of Fergusons dragoons and scattered and when they heard the firing on the next day, he and five others made towards where it was, and joined Campbell just after the battle had closed; that he was left with four others of his company to guard the Tory prisoners and take care of Campbells wounded; that there were about twenty left for that duty; that the balance of his company went on with the other troops; and that he joined them no more during that term; that immediately upon the close of the last mentioned term, he volunteered for another term of three months under the same last mentioned officers, and marched into South Carolina and joined Sumpter at Clem's Branch in York County, and remained with

him during the remainder of the term; that during that time Sumpter kept his head quarters at Clm. Branch, that immediately after the expiration of said last mentioned term he again volunteered for another term of three months under Captain John Walker of Lincoln County, with William Rankin his Lieutenant, and John Hogle his Ensign, and John Barker his Colonel; that they marched into South Carolina and again joined Sumpter at Clm. Branch near where Fishing creek empties into the Catawba river; that he was out on a foraging party when the British surprised Sumpter in his encampment at Clm. Branch and defeated him; that he was returning to camp from the foraging expedition when he met Sumpter at Col. Bratton's on the day after the defeat and Sumpter took him and five others with him to pilot him across the country towards Virginia; that they crossed the Catawba at Inchelego ford, and crossed the Yadkin at Long's Ferry when he left Sumpter and returned home and joined Captain Rankin and spent the balance of the term in reconnoiter- ing about Charlotte which was then occupied by Cornwallis; that he returned home and remained there he does not recollect how long when he again volunteered for another term of three months under Capt. John Walker, William Graham was the Colonel, but he was not with them during the term; that Major Joseph Dixon had the principal command of them; that when they heard that Cornwallis was marching for Virginia, they followed him until

he crossed the South fork of Catawba river that between the South fork and the main river at a creek called Dutchman's creek they killed four Tories, that when Cornwallis came to the main river it was up and he lay there two days and nights; that on the night before Cornwallis crossed the river, this officer with about forty others under Major Joseph Dixon lay about half a mile behind the British and on the opposite side from where Davidson was killed; that Dixon sent him to South Carolina with an express to Col. Barker to join him in pursuing Cornwallis; that he took the express to Barker and that Barker was marching to join Dixon when they learnt at the South fork of Catawba that Cornwallis had not halted in Salisbury but marched across the Yadkin to Guilford and they pursued no further that he returned home and then remained until the next August when he again volunteered for three months under Captain Robert White, the Lieutenant was named Philip Hall and the Ensign Matthew Armstrong; the Colonel was Robert Smith who was once an officer in the regular army; that they marched to a place called Little River and there joined General Rutherford, and remained with him only two days when they left him and marched down the country through the Scotch Settlements towards Wilmington; that they met with a company of Tories at a place called the raft swamp and entirely routed them and killed about twenty of them; that they marched

down to the Bricks house near Wilmington and met with another company of Tories and took about twenty of them prisoners and killed about a dozen; that whilst in the neighborhood of Wilmington their time expired, and Smith wanted them to stay a month longer, that Captain White refused to stay and marched home with all the men except eighteen of whom affiant was one, when they elected Lieutenant Hall their Captain and remained another month, that a party of British had occupied the Bricks house and they attempted to dislodge them, but that they were compelled to retreat with the loss of two men two men wounded; that during the balance of the month they raged the country between Wilmington and Georgetown South Carolina when they returned home and were verbally discharged by their Colonel; that he never acted with any of the Continental regiments except under Sumpter; that he belonged to the mounted infantry in all of his tours and was principally employed in scouting parties to over run the Tories and to hang upon the rear of the enemy. That he has no documentary evidence by which he can prove his claim, as he never received any but verbal discharge; that he can prove by William Maxwell of Rutherford County in his State that affiant was in the skirmishes of the raft Swamp and the Bricks House and also that he was under Capt. Pratts Army when the British were stationed in Charlotte as State above that he knows of no person now living by whom he can prove his other terms of service. He hereby relinquishes

every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. George W. Leon Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 7th day of November 1832
R. M. Nixon
[Faint handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

State of Tennessee Bedford County
We George Newton a clergyman residing in said county and Edward C. Harrison residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George McElain who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age or thereabouts; that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
Geo Newton Edward C. Harrison
W. M. Steickell
And the said board do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and serves as he states: And the board further certifies that it appears to them that George Newton who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in said county of Bedford and that Edward C. Harrison who has also signed the same is also a resident of said county and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
L. D. Bell
Samuel Phillips
Jan. 13. 1843

I James McRieck clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Bedford County and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George McClain for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of office this 17 th day of December A.D. 1832
J. McRieck Clerk
George McClain
21922
1832 Dec 17

21935 George M. Lakin N.Y.
From 1780 private 22 months. $73 \frac{33}{100} .
James M. Hinkley Bedford N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 George H. Laine. Bedford Co. Pa.
   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. July '80 3 1st Lieut. Capt. Martin Capt. Barker N.C. 72 Nadg.   ap. '81 3 " Capt. Patterson Capt. Graham " S.C.   fall '81 3 " Capt. Martin Capt. Barker " S.C.   soon after - 3 " do. do. " "   again - 3 " Capt. Walker do. " "   again - 3 " do. Capt. Graham " "   again - 4 " Capt. White Capt. Smith " "   Capt. Muller " "  
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 A. B.
Sworn to 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 (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, deposeeth 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 _____; 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 [j] 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. }
W. L. [unclear] Ex. Clk.

V. L. H. Rev. War Section. Mol. B.
W-21793
November 24, 1913.
Mr. A. T. Strange,
Montgomery Co. Historical Society.
Hillsboro, Ills.
Sir:
In reply to your undated letter received the 21 st instant, you are advised that it appears from the papers in the claim of George McLean , that he was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, October 14, 1760, and while residing in said County, he volunteered in July 1779, and served as a Private under Captain Samuel Martin and Colonel John Barber. For 3 months. He volunteered in April 1780, under Captain John Hattocks and Colonel William Graham and served 3 months. He volunteered in the autumn of 1780, under Captain Samuel Martin and Colonel John Barber, was in a skirmish near King's Mountain the day before the battle, and served six months. Immediately after this he served 3 months under Captains John Walker and Frank Ury and Colonel John Barber, and then went out for 3 months under Captain John Walker. Major Joseph Dixon and Colonel William Graham. He next volunteered under Captain Robert White and Colonel Robert Smith and was engaged with Tories at the Raft Swamp, and the Brick House near Wilmington, North Carolina; in this tour he served 3 months. Immediately after he served 1 month under Captain
I arranged service as above beginning in July 1779 (not 1780) as all of the campaigns described as of 1780 were in 1779 and all described as of 1780 were in 1781. He began with wrong date and said he thought it was "1780" CNO.

Full and was in a skirmish with the British at the Brick House.
He was allowed pension on an application executed November 7, 1852, while a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee.
He married in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, July 25, 1789. n 26 Rebecca Alexander who was born September 18, 1769. He died in Bedford County, Tennessee, November 30, 1834.
She was allowed pension on an application executed March 4, 1844, while a resident of Bond County, Illinois. There were eight children, a son Josiah Thomas who signed McLain was forty-six years old in 1844, and lived in Bond County, Illinois, at that date. Names of other children not stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

See Index
Very
WIDOW, &c.
1907 Oct. 25 Heir. to A. Vienna Ill. 1910 May 14 Heir. to H. V. Hampton Ill. Heir. to Mr. A. J. Strange
File No. 21793
Rebecca M c Lean Wid. of George M c Lean Rev. Rev. War.
Act Feb. 24 1848.
Index: Vol. 16 Page 25
[Arrangement of 1870.]

73.33
Increased to $73.33 per annum, dedg from payments at $30.
Act '38 438411 '48
M. G. Hale Greenville Bond Co. Ill

Rebecca McLean widow of George, Private
Adts March 3 d 1843 June 17, 1844.
$30 per Ann.
Illinois Road
let to
M. G. Dale, Greenville, Bond Co Illinois

74-47 Illinois
Rebecca M c Lean widow of George who was a Private in the Revolution Inscribed B 30
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 73 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Aug t 1857 and sent to
M. G. Dale Esq Greenville Bond Co. Ills
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2, Page 227
227

9.484
Illinois
Rebecca McLean widow of George McLean who died on the 30th Nov. 1834. of Bond Co. in the State of Ills who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Martin of the Reg t commanded by Col Bohler in the N. E. line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Springfield at the rate of 73 Dollars 30 3 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of August 1851 and sent to M. G. Sale Esq. Greenville Bond Co. Illinois Med from $30
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by J. B. Wrightman Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 441
441.

Let to U. S. Natl 3 May 1851
4384
Illinois Rebecca M c Lain widow of George M c Lain who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of March 1849 and sent to
Hon. Robert Smith M c L.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 347 Vol. 3,

Recd 6
Illinois. 7447
Rebecca M c Lain, widow of George M c Lain, who was a private, in the N. Carolina line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Dec: 45. and sent to M. G. Dale, Greenville, Bond Co. Ill
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
x 17 June 44
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 227.

Rep?
W B M G Dal Sept 26 1845.
Illinois 9484
Rebecca M c Lain
widow of George M c Lain who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 30 Nov. 1834 of Bond Co. in the State of Illinois who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Martin of the regt. commanded by Col. Barker in the N. C. line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of July 1845, and sent to Hon. James Frisbie, Commissioner of the Genl. Land Office
Total amount, $ 150 : 00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 441

Pension Office April 5 1850.
Sir
I herewith return the letter of William Glenn Esq. in the case of Sally Bradley widow of George W. Bradley on the roll under act of July 1838, and I have to state that the act under which she was pensioned makes the pension to commence 4 th March 1836 unless the husband died after that period in which case it is made to commence from the day of his death. Her pension could not therefore commence from the time of her husband's death in 1835. The pension under act of July 1838 terminates 4 th March 1841. The act of March 3 rd 1843 makes it to commence 4 th March 1843 and terminates 4 th March 1844. Subsequent acts continue the pension to 4 th March 1848, and from that time for life.
The papers in the case of Frances Weaver widow of John Weaver under act of July 1838, have been sent & filed. You

husband died in 1845, and by a recent decision of the Secretary of the Interior those widows claiming under an act of July 1838 and  are not entitled, where their husbands they were not widows at the time of its passage. The claim has consequently been rejected. She may claim under act of 29 July 1848. Some testimony as to the paper exhibited as the family records being a genuine document should be produced should a claim be made under act of 29 July 1848.
Genl J. P. Savage April 5/50
Genl John P. Savage S. R.

House of Representatives May 23 d 1844 Washington D.C.
Sir
I have rec d an answer to a letter addressed by me to the Comptroller of North Carolina calling for further information in the case of Rebecca M c Lean. And I am informed by the Comptroller that the books "relating to the services of the Militia" during the Revolution are in such condition as to preclude me from making search for such evidence as would be desired." The evidence of Marriage submitted is the best that can be obtained, and is conclusive to my mind that the Marriage did take place as stated in the affidavits. The parties making the same are entitled to full credit. I hope the evidence which enabled the husband of Rebecca M c Lean, to draw a pension, will now be rec d as evidence to entitle her to draw a pension under the act of 1838, And that this poor Widow , will not now be cut off from a pension, because the records in North Carolina are now in such a dilapidated condition that the Compt. pro-duce anew the Evidence of the Revolutionary services of late husband. I would earnestly request of the Comptroller Comptroller that he would

give this case the most favorable consideration that the rules of the Department will warrant. I have added my Certificate & the first sheet of the affidavits submitted & if not in proper form I will put it in such shape as is required. It will be seen that the sheets have been attached by tape or something else; it might be that it was torn apart by my letter boy, who usually opens all communications coming to me.
I have the honor to be very Respectfully Yours Obedient Servant
Robert Smith
Hon J. S. Edwards Comm r of Pensions
As it will be seen that the blank of the Court Certifies to four affidavits having been certified to on 4 th day of March 1844 Yours R Smith

10608
Rebecca H. Lakin
Trumpet
Act 7 July 1838
Rev. R. D. Webb
Keokuk R.

House of Rep Washington March 14 th 1844
Sir
I have with said you the application for a Pension of Rebecca M c Lean Widow of the late George M c Lean and would respectfully ask your lady's attention to the papers herewith submitted
I have the honor to be your
ob t servant Robert Smith
J. S. Edwards Esq Com r of Pensions

Greenville Bond Co. Ills Sep: 16-1848
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
Rebecca M. Lakin received a Pension Certificate, date July 17 - 1845 - for 5 years half pay of the pension drawn by her husband - She is of the impression that an Act of Congress has extended to the five year pay to an additional two years or more -
Would you have the kindness to inform me if this be the fact, & if so, whether any further steps are to be taken to enable her to draw for the additional years, than the mere exhibition of her pension for 5 years -
Respy yours
M. G. Dale

Brief in the case of Rebecca McLain, widow of George, Pound County and State of Illinois acts 38, 43 & 44 & 48
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Husband was a pensioner under Act of 7 June 1832 at $73.33 per annum; widow allowed the same rate of pension under the Joint Resolution of July 1, 1848.
Name and residence of Agent.
M. G. Hale Greenville Ill.
S. Cole Examining Clerk.

Greenville Bond Co Illinois.
April 23 - 1857
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir,
I enclose Petition of Rebecca McLain for increase of Pension -
From her advanced years I would ask the early consideration of the Department of her application -
Very Respectfully
M. G. Sale

I certify
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Rebecia M c Lain, of Illinois — widow of George M c Lain — who was a Private in the Revolution — and died on the 30 th — day of November 1834 — is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty — dollars and — cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March 1836, and terminating on the 4 th of March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 17 th — day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Rebecca M c Lean.
widow of George M c Lean.
who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars and  cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, 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 17 th day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine .
J. Ennis
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J L Edwards
 Commissioner of Pensions. 

D.R. June 17 th 1854
Sir
I have herewith for your examination Certain Pension Cases. The result of I should be pleased to learn before leaving. I shall leave this City on Wednesday Morning at 6 o'clock AM
I have the honor to be Your Obedt Servt R. Smith
Hon J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions

Greenville Bond Co Illinois
June 28. 1857.
Hon: J. E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir.
I rec d your note stating that increase of pension would be granted to Rebecca McLain, a widow Pensioner, but that she should send on the pension certificate which she now holds.
I have always kept her certificates for her and have, by some means, lost or mislaid her certificate & I enclose a deposition to that effect. The old lady is aged & I hope that the increased pay may not be kept back for this reason.
If, at any time hereafter, in further looking over the papers of the Probate office in my possession, or the papers of the Circuit Court I should come across it, I will immediately forward the same.
Very Resp y
yr ob t serv t
M. G. Dab
I enclose the early & first certificate granted to her. It will of course be of no further use than as evidence of identity.

8248 Oct. 28, 1845
Rebecca Mc Lane
March 3 1843
M.
Miss P
Edwards
Home of Andrews
Washington City
D. C.
8248

State of Illinois } ss. County of Bond }
On this fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared before me, M. G. Dale. Probate Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Rebecca McLain a resident of said County of Bond and State of Illinois, aged seventy six 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 on the 3 d March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of George McLain who was a private in the Revolution.
That she is inscribed on the Pension List under the act of Congress of July 7-1838, at the rate of thirty dollars per annum - which annual amount of pension she has received. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Rebecca her McLain mark
witness at signing Josiah T. McLain
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before M. G. Dale Probate J.P.
I certify that the foregoing declarant Rebecca McLain is personally known to me to be the same person who has received under the act of July 7-1838 a pension of thirty dollars per month as widow of George McLain. M. G. Dale Bond county Dec 14. 1845. Probate J. P.

State of Illinois Bond County
I, Enrico Gaskins, Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of said County, and ex officio Recorder of civil commissions in and for said County of Bond certify, that M. P. Dale, the Magistrate whose name appears to the foregoing certificate was on the 14 th day of October A.D. 1845 the Probate Justice of the Peace of said County duly commissioned & sworn & authorized to administer oaths. I further certify that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office at my office in Freeport this 14 th day of October A.D. 1845.
E. Gaskins. Clerk County Court Bond

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions.
Oct 14, 1845.
Dear Sir,
Rebecca McLain Enclosed is the application of for a pension under the acts of 1843 & 4. drawn up as near to the requirements of the Department as the knowledge of the old lady will admit of.
Will you please, when the Pension Certificate is prepared forward the same to her to my care
M. G. Dale
Greenville Bond Co Illinois
grant during

To the Honorable J. L. Edwards Commis- sioner of Pensions.
Sir,
In your letter of June 9 - to the Hon: James Shields, you say that on my signifying a willingness to receive a pension for nine months service of my husband George M'Lean, a certificate will be issued.
My necessities, at present, compel me to receive and accept for nine months service; reserving to myself the right, on adducing further testimony or on any other contingency which will justify it, insisting upon and pressing my claim for the 22 months - the number of months granted to my husband to which I am justly entitled.
Resptly yours
Test
Mary L M'Lean M. G. Dale
Rebecca her  X M'Lean mark
Greenville P.O. Bond County Illinois.
July 8 - 1845

Hon: James Shields

Greenville Ill g July 8 - 1845.
Dear Sir,
I received, whilst at Lancaster, your letter enclosing the answer of the Comm ee of Pensions on the subject of the widow McLain's pension.
I am under great obligation, as is the widow, to you, for your prompt attention to the matter - I have studied over the matter & have concluded that, as the old lady is daily becoming more frail, it were prudent to accept, at present, as offered by the Comm ee of Pensions for 9 months service (instead of the 22 to which she is entitled) in order to get immediate possession of money to supply her wants. The delay, to establish for 22 months, may be so great, that she may get no benefit of it when it does come.
I wish it would have pleased the Comm ee to grant for the 22 months - Sooner or later it will have to come; the widow & her descendants will not be satisfied short of it - to take less is a reflection on the old man who swore to 22 mo s actual service - supported as to the fact of service by the deposition of Maxfield - Assuredly the evidence which procured the Pension for the old man in 1832 should be sufficient evidence for the old woman at this late day - no positive evidence disproving it -
However, I suppose you know - that you have done what can be done in the matter at present; I accordingly send a letter expressing the willingness of the widow to accept for 9 months, with a protest; and would accept of your kind offer to further attend to the same that she may be in receipt of her pittance at as early a day as possible -
At the same time if you think you could persuade them to receive the evidence adduced by the husband as sufficient to grant her the pension for the 22 months it would please us & would "save a good deal of troublesome ceremony hereafter." If not, then please proceed with the enclosed paper of acceptance -
I am writing at too great length - I know you have but little time to throw away -
Nothing new - Foreman delivered, I hear, "a 4 th of July oration" at Freemantown - James M. Davis will be a candidate again for Rep: as also our friend M. S. Wait, although neither have yet publicly announced themselves - Prospects for good crops reasonably fair - I returned on the 2 nd of the month - Dr. Fitch who returned a few weeks from the North says he met with Dr. S. S. Berry going to the hospital at St. Louis - he says Berry can not recover, though Abney has hope
Yours friend M. S. Dalg
Col Shields Esq:

SECRET
J. E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C. -

Greenville Bond Co Illinois - July 23 d 1857.
Hon J. E. Heath Comm r of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I enclose herein the certificate of pension granted to Mrs Rebecca McLain.
In a letter from you, you stated that a new certificate would issue to her for an increased amount upon her surrendering this -
It has been mislaid, I this moment came across it, it has unfor- tunately got into the wrong "pigeon" & I now therefore enclose it -
Hoping that the new certificate for the increased pension to commence back to the issue of the first certificate may soon come I remain
Yours Resp y M. G. Daly

Rebecca M Laine widow Revolutionary Pensioner.
Affidavit of loss of her pension certificate
same

State of Illinois } County of Bond } On this 28 th day of June A.D. 1857, before me, Ed Gaskins clerk of the County Court in and for said County and State, personally came M. G. Dale of said County, who being duly sworn, declares and says, That he prepares the papers for several of the United States pensioners whose annu their pensions are payable at Springfield Illinois, and receives semi-annually for them their said pensions and keeps in his possession for them, their pension certificates, That among them is Rebecca McLain of said County of Bond. That he made the application to the Pension Office for the certificate of pension which was granted to her, and that, on its receipt, she placed the same in his hands for keeping for her, and that he had no doubt of its being safely in his possession and command at the time he sent on the application for increase of pension now pending before the Commissioner of Pensions; but on examining his papers with a view to forward the same to the Pension Department he was not able to find the same. That he has, since, made diligent search for the same and has not been able to find the same, he does not know what can have become of the same, unless he may accidentally have mixed and filed the same away among the papers of the Probate or Circuit Court - He declares that the same Rebecca McLain who now makes application for increase of pension is the identical person to whom the former certificate of pension was granted by the United States
M. G. Dale
Sworn to her before me June 28 1857 before me, Clerk of said Court, said date. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said Court.
E Gaskins Clerk

State of Illinois } County of Bond }
On this thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine, personally appeared before me John Denny a justice of the Peace in and for said County, Rebecca M c Lain, a resident of said County of Bond State of Illinois, 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 on the 2 nd February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of George M c Lean who was a private in the North Carolina Militia during the Revolutionary war; and that she, the said Rebecca M c Lain, has been receiving the annual amount of thirty Dollars pension under the act of 17 th June A.D 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Witness Andrew J. Denny James B. B. McLean
Rebecca her M c Lain mark
Sworn to subscribed January 1849 before John Denny J. P.

State of Illinois
Bond County J. E. Gaskins Clerk of the County commissioners Court (and ex-offi- cio recorder of civil commissions)
in & for said County, do hereby certify that John Perry whose name appears to, and before whom the foregoing Affidavit was made, was on the day of the several thereof (viz) January 31 st 1849 an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are, and of right ought to be given to all his Official Acts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 9 th day of February A. D. 1849. E Gaskins Clerk
11
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

State of Illinois } County of Bond }
On this twenty seventh day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before me M. G. Dale Judge of the County Court in and for said County and State Rebecca M c Lean, a resident of said County and State aged eighty one 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 on the 22 d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war - That she is the widow of George M c Lean who was a private in Captain Caldwell's company, General Dixon in the war of the Revolution and in Captain Alexander's company &c. & who died November 30 A.D. 1834,
That her said husband drew an annual pension of Seventy three dollars and — cents from the United States as a Revolutionary pensioner, the certificate of which she forwarded to the Pension office at Washington in or about the year 1844 with the evidence of her marriage to said George M c Lean and of her being his widow, to which evidence she now begs leave to refer - She further states that a certificate of pension was granted to her of thirty dollars a year on 17 th July A.D. 1845, for five years and that the same was renewed for life to her at the sum of thirty dollars a year by pension certificate dated the 17 th day of March A.D. 1849.

She declares and says that the marriage of her to said George M c Lean took place on the 26 th day of July A.D. 1789, and that she is entitled to receive for and during her natural life the annuity or pension of Seventy three dollars a year, the same sum received annually by her said husband as a Revolutionary Pensioner.
She herein encloses the Pension certificate granted to her for thirty dollars a year and asks that the same may be increased to seventy three dollars, and that the same may commence from the 4 th day of March A.D. 1836. She further declares that she is still a widow, and the widow of said George M c Lean that she has never intermarried since the death of said George M c Lean.
Witnesses
J. W. Alexander N. E. Hunter
Rebecca her mark M c Lean
Sworn to & subscribed before me said date
M. G. Dale Co. Judge

State of Illinois } County of Bond }
Before me M. G. Dale Judge of the county court in and for said county & State personally came Josiah N. Alexander who being duly sworn according to law says, I have been acquainted with this applicant Rebecca McLain from infancy up - I am 78 years of age. I recollect when she was married it was in Maclenburgh County State of North Carolina to George McLain, the same George McLain who received a Pension from the United States as a Revolutionary Pensioner, I am a brother of said Rebecca, her age is about four years older than mine, from the family records she was 81 years old in September last .. She married when she was about twenty years old the said George McLain, it was in the month of July, I think in 1789. Her husband died in Bedford County, Tennessee, I think about sixteen years ago. He drew his pension in Tennessee
The said Rebecca is now a resident of Bond county State of Illinois, as I am myself and she still continues the widow of said George McLain and is now in receipt of a pension as his widow, I am disinterested in this application.
Sworn to & subscribed } Josiah N. Alexander April 23 - 1857 before }
M. G. Dale C. J.
State of Illinois } County of Bond }
I. E. Gaskins Clerk of the county court in and for said county & state certify that M. G. Dale whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates is Judge of the County Court of said County duly qualified & commissioned & authorized

to administer oaths for general purposes, that his commission bears date December 17, 1849 and will expire December 17 - 1853 and that said signatures purporting to be his are genu- ine -
witness my hand & seal of said court April 23 - 1857.
E Gushing clerk
Application
of Rebecca M c Lean widow of George M c Lean a Revolutionary Pensioner for increase of her pension
Rev J. M. G. Dale Greensboro Annapolis Maryland

P. T. CHAPMAN, PRESIDENT. W. L. WILLIAMS, VICE PRESIDENT.
4433
D. W. WHITTENBERG, CASHIER. LOUISE REDMAN, ASST. CASHIER.
The First National Bank. Vienna, Ill.
Vienna, Ill., Oct. 12, 1907.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please inform me if you can, whether or not the names of the following Revolutionary War soldiers or their widows' appear on the pension rolls. They all enlisted from South Carolina or Georgia.
✓ John Elder or Mary Elder, his wife, ✓
✓ George McLain or Rebecca McLain, from North Carolina, Francis Wafer or Mary Wafer, his wife.
The last named soldier served under General Sumpter from the District of York, Pendleton or Edgefield, S. C.
I shall appreciate your kind attention to this matter very much.
Very truly yours,
(miss) Althea Thacker

[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the envelope]
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE NOV 17 1913 2094746 WAR DEPARTMENT
144-1

Montgomery County Historical Society
E. C. RICHARDS, Pres. AMOS MILLER, V. Pres. JANE VAWTERS, V. Pres. A. T. STRANGE, Cor. Sec. F. P. WINCHESTER, Rec. Sec. R. E. OIFFORD, Treas.
EXECUTIVE COM. CHAS. A. RAMSEY S. D. CANADAY LAURA CLOTFELTER DAVID WARE CARL WEBER
To the Adjutant General U.S. Army HILLSBORO, ILL., Nov 4th 1913 191 Washington D.C.
I would like to have a statement of the Revolutionary Army record of George McLain who enlisted from Tennessee, I presume. He was born in N.C. and possibly may have enlisted from that state, But as he lived and died in Tennessee in 1834. I presume he enlisted from Bedford county Tennessee.
Oblige Montgomery county Historical Society A.T. Strange Cor Sec'y
State Auditor. N.C.
Please answer this inquiry as your records show — Return this letter.
Oblige A. T. Strange
2 Commissioners of Pensions Washington D.C.
Please let me know if the name of George McLain appears on the Revolutionary rolls from N.C. or Tenn. as above requested Oblige
A. T. Strange
Hillsboro Ill

CHARLES E. MERRILL & CO. SUCCESSORS TO MAYNARD, MERRILL & CO. PUBLISHERS 41-43 EAST TWENTY-THIRD STREET, NEW YORK
REPRESENTED BY H. L. HAMPTON WEBSTER CITY, IOWA
Dear Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst. and in reply to inform you that the same has been forwarded to the proper authorities for consideration. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, J. P. [unintelligible]

CHARLES E. MERRILL CO.
SUCCESSORS TO MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO.
CHARLES E. MERRILL EVERETT YEAW
PUBLISHERS
EDWIN C. MERRILL CHARLES E. MERRILL, JR.
44-60 EAST TWENTY-THIRD STREET, NEW YORK
REPRESENTED BY
H. L. HAMPTON
WEBSTER CITY, IOWA
May 2 1910
Dept of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Sir, -
I wish to look up the Revolutionary War record of my great-great-grandfather, George M c Lain who resided in North Carolina at the time of the Revolutionary outbreak. His widow Rebecca A. M c Lain lived after the death of her husband at Greenville Illinois and for several years drew a pension on account of the service of George M c Lain in the war of the Revolution. Will you kindly furnish me information as to the no of regiment etc, date of enlistment etc of said George M c Lain.
Yours Very Truly
H. L. Hampton
MAY 5 - 1910

sion on file in this Bureau.
George H. Lean wid. file 21795 pensioned as McLain
(Don't send this again - These dates are all wrong if the event described therein are right)
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 1780 3 mos. Pvt. Samuel Martin John Barber N.C.   Apr. 1781 3 mos. John Hattock William Graham   Feb. 1781 6 mos. Samuel Martin John Barber   June 1781 after battle of Guilford 3 mos. John Walker John Barber   — 3 mos. Frank Ury William Graham   Aug. following 4 mos. John Walker Robert Smith   Robert White   Phillip Wall  
Battles engaged in, Brat Swamp, Brat House near Wilmington N.C.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lincoln Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, Oct 7. 1832 - Claim allowed
Residence at date of application, Bedford Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, Oct 14. 1760 in Lincoln Co. N.C. and Oct 30. 1832 in Bedford Co. Tenn.
Remarks: Soldier married in Mecklenburg Co. N.C. July 25 or 26. 1789 Rebecca Alexander. She was allowed pension on an application filed Mar. 4, 1844 who signed McLain a son, Joseph H. Alexander was a resident of Bond Co. Ill. There were 8 children He married in 1844 and lived in Bond Co. Ill. at that date - no vital records The Rev. War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to John Elder
Very respectfully, or Francis Wafer who enlisted from E. Ga.
Miss Althea Thacker, Vienna, Ill.
Commissioner, OK