Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,177, John Chaney, Continental N.C. S.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Chaney John
S. 32,177
N.C.
S.C.
CONTENTS
Born in N.C.

34842 Indiana
John Chaney of Greene in the State of Indiana who was a private in the Com commanded by Captain Lofelheim of the regt commanded by Col. in the S. Carolina line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Madison, Ind. at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Aug 1839 , & sent and to J. B. Lowe Bloomington, Indiana
Arrears to the 14th of Mar 1839 $ 160.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 39 10.00
$170.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. M. Curny , Clerk, Book E 2 , Vol. 7 , Page 117
Sept: 3 rd let to 3 rd andr: + Isaac C. Lea -
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th March to 4 th Sep 1840. Age notified 24 th Nov 6 th 1841.
Letter to J. C. Lea & 3 rd Auditor 4 Nov. 1842
Paid as a bonus from 4 th Mar 1840 to 4 th Sep 1841 - age notified Nov 25 th 1842
Died 12 Sep 1846 Letter to J. P. Cooper 16 Dec 1847.
Letter to 3 rd Auditor 18 April 1848

15 State of Georgia On this 22 day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and thirtythree personally ap- peared the undersigned Samuel Reavis one of the Associate Judges of the Superior Court of said County of Griffin and State being a Court of Record composed of a President and two Associate Judges John Chaney aged seventy six years resident in said County and State 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 Jan 7 th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as hereinafter stated.
He was born in the then County of Orange in the State of North Carolina (afterward and now Randolph County ) in the Year Seventeen hundred and fiftyseven the day I know not he cannot state. He continued to live there until about thirteen years old or perhaps eighteen. He has not the record of his age it was in his Father's Bible which were burnt at the burning of his Sister's Margaret Allred's House many years ago. His Wife who is present tells that she knows her age perfectly well or near it & that she is just ten years the youngest and if she is correct which she then has probable (although he has the impression that she is seven years) she is sixty three years of age and he is seventy three instead of seventy six. He will not upon reflection undertake to state his age with precision. About the age of seventeen or eighteen he went to South Carolina in the District of Ninety Six to live with his Cousin John Chaney Having been there about a Year he met with Captain James Sepham and enlisted with him in the presence of John Hargrove , John Tolson . Isaac & others not recollect who had previously enlisted under said Captain. This Ap- pears to be the true enlistment under said Officer to serve as the sum of the United States for the War of the Revolution in the States Troops of said State of South Carolina or Ohio after the War. It was promised one hundred pounds Sterling and lands the quantity of which he has forgotten as bounty no part of which he has ever received. The same day of his enlistment which he thinks was in the Year Seventeen hundred and eighty or eighty one he is not positive he thinks in the early part of one of said Years the latter part of Spring or first of Summer. He was living at or near Beck's Mills in said District of Ninety Six when he enlisted. He marched off with said Captain & other recruits toward Augusta in Georgia and then to where said Cap- tain kept a flat bottomed store perhaps five or six miles from Augusta where some time (perhaps in 1781 ) at said store and was put under the charge and command of said John Hargrove who was then Ensign, and was by said Ensign marched back to Ninety Six or near it. Said Captain Sepham remaining at said place.

How soon a friendly gift with and under said Ensign he joined and was for the Regiment commanded by Colonel Elliott Stilwell whose first name he was under the impression was William. The Major General in said Regiment was Moore whose first name he has also forgotten. He can not state the length of time which he stayed at said Public Store but thinks it was several months.
Under the charge of said Ensign. In joining said Regiment of Colonel Elliott Stilwell he was put in the Company commanded by Captain Isaac Prosser . The Lieutenant name of said Company was Dinkin first name forgotten. The Brigade commanded by General Rutherford. He thinks the Oldest Colonel in said Brigade was Henderson another of the Colonels in said Brigade was Pogue Another Wade Hampton General Rutherford about this time being absent the Command of said Brigade devolved on Colonel Henderson who marched said Brigade including his Applicant down near to Monk's Corner . They were there met by Lord Howe who had been some time lying at said place (he had moved from it) with a, was said, several thousand foot men and One thousand Dragoons. going to relieve Colonel Cruger who was in Ninety Six besieged by General Greene. Upon meeting Lord Howe they retreated and was pursued by the enemy. From Monk's Corner to Ninety Six he thinks it was about 100 or 150 miles. The British pursued them to Little Saluda or near it, to the Juniper Springs at Myer's Old Fields where they had a fight with the enemy. Dragoons. (He said Rutherford's men with this declarant being mounted men. This declarant mounted at near Ninety Six (where was our Guard Post) knowing they had foot to support them he was com- pelled to retreat with the loss of about twenty eight killed & a number wounded. In this Action this declarant was wounded in three places with the broad sword by a Russian dragoon whom he met in full charge His antagonist being well skilled in the sword exercise & uncommonly strong was greatly his superior. The first wound was a slight cut across the finger of the second hand the next a severe cut across the wrist of the same hand at which turning his horse to escape wound a pine sapling he received a severe cut wound a little back of his left temple which brought him to the ground: he jumped to his feet whilst running found a pine one of his com-

companions rode up and with his pistol shot the European dragoon dead out of his saddle. I never riding in his wounded wrist. & no doctor being to be had he suffered much. He lost his Horse saddle Holster pistols, sword & saved himself by mounting behind his companion. The Americans continued to ret. d. as much as possible the British Army until they arrived at Saluda Old Town. When they encamped about 100 Yards from the British Picket. Colonel William Clark in company with his command then with said Brigade and was at this time. One of his Dragoons Billy Sansford requested of his Captain leave to steal upon & shoot a British Sentinel. The Captain told him it could not be done. The Captain said it was a pity to shoot him. Billy swore his time was out and as he was going home to Virginia he would have it to tell that he had killed one damned British Soss of a bitch. Accordingly Billy commenced peeping back and forth with a pistol creeping on his all fours and grunting like a hog. The Sentinel was heard to slap his Cartridge box & fired. Billy changed his grunting to groaning being shot through the body entering his right & coming out of his left side. It was pretty a shot as could have been made in daylight. The British Sentinel being reported carried Billy a prisoner into their camp where by the kind attention of a British Surgeon who nursed him & had him nursed all night to prevent his bleeding inwards & to make him bleed outwards he recovered his (This declaration afterwards was travelled with him (Billy) down to Congaree). The next day was kept up, & continued from that day for several days in succession skirmishing for the purpose of checking the enemy until General Greene could raise the siege of Ninety Six and escape with his baggage. We always encamping at night & making fires with the appearance of intending to remain until morning & fighting but soon after making our fires marched on all night (Halting to sleep in daytime just after crossing a river or a suitable place to gain advantage of ground) Between Ninety Six & Woodville there is a declarant & army joined General Greene The British having turned from the pursuit at the Old Saluda Towns to go to Ninety Six and finding that General Greene had gone immediately resumed the pursuit. The Americans retreating with great speed & halting on the bank of the stream (after crossing) & planting his cannon against the road. Whilst fleeing from the neighborhood of Monk's Corner before Lord Rawdon had crossed Santeeport Creek near river. Broad River

The British at length turned back to New York & the American Army followed them de- lant marched down the Congaree and there remained & Stationed a long time. Then this declarant got a Furlough & travelled up to Saluda Old Town in com- pany with Clark Spraggins. Was gone about twenty days. Billy Lyons ford being there with his wounds, & letters, returned with him down to the Army. Said Spraggins was a brother to Captain Thomas Spraggins in Rutherford's Brigade. In a few days after his return to the Army from Saluda Old Town, on said Furlough his period of service expired. Having Served said twelve months faithfully and to the acceptance of his Officer. He received a written discharge from his said Captain which discharge he afterwards kept in a little trunk at his sister's Margaret Studt's whose house was destroyed by fire. He was He was encamped on the Congaree at a place the name of which he has forgotten. He never left the Camp but went to to some another place. Said Company was Cavalry or mounted men. Within a few days after the expiration of his said time of service he enlisted with Colonel William Washington in the Company the name of the Captain of which he cannot recollect to serve for the period of one year. At this encampment of the Army which was on the North Side of the Congaree, the name of any town or place near he does not know, he was of course & not far from the British Army lying on the South Side of the said River. The British moved down to Orangeburg & thence to the Oconee Springs. The Americans including Col. Washington & Command Colonel Henderson moved down to the Oconee Springs & the Battle there ensued as well as the fight at the Pota-tot Patch two or three miles from the Springs. This applicant was in the rear of Washington's Troops in the heat of said Battle. The British after giving any resister at the Brickhouse & planted some Field Pieces. Washington attacked these Pieces & captured by some of his Men. Washington jumped his Horse into the midst of the enemy & was suddenly taken prisoner. A British Soldier appearing to be in the act of attempt- ing to stab Colonel Washington one of his Men rushed forward and cut down at one blow. Washington being a prisoner and his men mingled in confusion with the enemy & not knowing what else to do the Applicant with about twenty men retreated and left the field. Afterwards they were joined by five of Washington's other Soldiers. Stating that they only escaped out of a great many who attempted to charge

through the enemies lines they having succeeded by flight after penetrating through said twenty five having and being joined by said officers the officers they marched from the Bigo Hills of Santa up to the State Troops and joined them at Brown's Old Fields. Said Washington Troops were eventually broken up. After the battle of the Palau Springs he was taken sick and was at Colonel Middleton's House about three weeks. John Toler was sick with him. Speaking of his wish to go the State Troops Colonel Middleton & Querns advised him on account of Toler to go a new route & further on in which he was owing to a sickness & fatigue, very near perishing before he reached the Camp. When Sergeant Weather took him in his arms & carrying him to a shade gave him Brandy & cheese &c. and he was there sick a bout about a month. The State Troops camped the Congaree about this time. John Toler who was sick with him at Colonel Middleton's House was about the time (being on his way to Newbern) hung by the Tories. After being sick about said month he seemed better and when the State Troops marched, marched with them but soon relapsed and continued sick probably some thing near a month, not possible.
Washington Troops were never collected and re organized within his knowledge after the Battle of Palau Springs.
There being no officers and the Negroes Tories having stolen his Horse whilst he was sick he considered himself at liberty to return home and done so to North Carolina having since then said last period of service above four months say four months from the time of his enlistment to the time of quitting the service as above stated. He thinks that he quit the service as above, with the advice of his friends who were officers in the State Troops and one reason for his doing so & their advice was his feeble state of health having suffered greatly from sickness & fatigue, & being completely worn out.
The time of his quitting the service as above he thinks was in the latter part of summer or in the Fall of the Year 1781 or 1782. he can't be positive. During all his said service he served in the service of the United States in the War of the Revolution at least one Year and four months fully and faithfully & to the satisfac- tion and acceptance of his officers with whom he lived. He was mounted in said service the Company being mounted or horse men.

In the Year 1821 or thereabout he made his Reclamation in the Superior Court of Overton County Tennessee before the Hon. Nathaniel Williams Judge of said Court. After a long anxiety he despaired of the success of said Application, or sometimes suspected that he had been placed on the Pension Roll & the Officers had by means of forgery drawn his money. Having used most of his time residing in our settlement & being so advised by his sons he neglected to make a new Application. His extreme want has now induced him again to apply for his country's help. He can recollect the names of any other Officers either of the State Troops, Continental Army, or Militia. Nor the full names of some others whose last names are used in this declaration. He lived in Randolph County North Carolina on Deep River five Years after the War when he married & continued to live in the same neighborhood about fifteen Years more. He then removed to Tennessee (East) Granger County near Holston River. He then removed to (West) Tennessee Overton County. He lived in Granger eleven Years. And in Overton about twelve Years. He then removed to Harrison County Indiana where he lived about one Year. He then removed to Monroe County and lived one Winter and to Green County in said State where he now resides and has resided about one Year and a half.
He never received one cent of pay for any of said Services nor any part of the bounty promised him.
He has no documentary evidence that he knows of except the former Application mentioned or the record thereof. and he knows of no person who will give evidence he can prove of the personal knowledge of his services.
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 as he knows of. He can not state the names of any other Continental or other Regiments. His said Discharge he thinks was given by his said Captain under whom he was serving at the expiration of his said first engagement.
He is known to Obediah Leonard father whom he was acquainted

in his Youth: with William Lewis & ... a companion of his Youth after the War with Abram May (the) many others He states that he is his memory having failed now infirm, and that he has had great fear of the time He is seldom able to go about & if should at any time he able to ride to Court it would be an accident, and would probably endanger his health still more. I would then fear he greatly inconvenienced as well as, imprudent that he could do so at all.
John Chaney
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid SAMUEL R. CAWNS A.S.
I James Chaney son of John Chaney of the County of Green In- diana hereby certify that I have heard my father say ever since my remembrance the same in substance which is stated in the foregoing Declaration; before he expected and when he had no hope of getting a pension and that he has and says ever since his first remembrance been reputed to have been in the ordinary doubt to his knowledge and belief in all the neighborhood in which he resided, and in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, And that he concurs in that opinion.
James Chaney
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
SAMUEL R. CAWNS A.S.
Abraham May Jr. a clergyman and Abram May Jr. residing in the same neighborhood with John Chaney hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said John Chaney who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be about seventy three or up- wards years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Abraham May Jr. Abram May Jr.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
SAMUEL R. CAWNS A.S.
I the said Samuel R. Cawns Judge of the said Green Circuit Court in our said State of Indiana do hereby give my opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War De- partment that John Chaney the foregoing and above named ap-

Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states And I do further certify that it appears to me that James Chaney and De. Stranahan Jr who have signed the preceding certif- icate are residents in the same neighborhood with the said John Chaney and are credible persons. and that the said Stran- ahan Jr is a highly respectable clergyman of the same neighbor- hood that their statement is entitled to the fullest cred- it. I do also further certify that that it appears to my satisfaction that said applicant is not able to attend Court. And that I have in pursuance of the Act of Congress attended at his place of abode and served him with his foregoing declaration and put said interrogatories to him and he sworn said to the best of his knowledge to their foregoing Certificate. I also further certify that said proceedings could not be proceeded in Court without too much inconvenience to said Applicant and that the foregoing eight pages contain the proceedings.
SAMUEL R. CAIRNS A.T.
State of Indiana County of Putnam Thomas Warnick clerk of the Court of said County being a Court of Record do hereby certify that the Honorable Samuel R. Cairns is one of the Judges of said Court as he has above confessed himself and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this fourth day of April in the year of our Lord 1833.
Thomas Warnick Clerk Official Seal Seal of the Court

Novm 24 47
Arrows Care John Chaney 1832
Mr Evans
Hon. J. Edwards Barnes of Providence
Washington City
J. S.
Official Business Free

Marshall, Black county, Illinois Nov. 15 th 1847.
Hon. J. L. Edwards. Comm. of Pensions.
Sir,
John Chaney of Green county, Indiana was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of $80. per annum, and died Sept. 12 th 1845, leaving 2 1/2 years pay due him at his death; & has left no widow, but some children, who wished to draw the money, & employed an Atty, near them to attend who neglected, & have now applied to me; The old Brown's pension certificate is lost, or destroyed, since his death, and I am at a loss to know how the papers are to are made out, as the forms in my possession, require in the vouchers, a copy of the pension certificate: and the heirs cannot give its contents, date &c.
Will you please inform me, at this place, on the receipt of this, how I am to act in the case, & please send me such forms, or notes of the facts, or copy of his pension certificate, that I may prepare the vouchers correctly to receive it for the children.
Will you also, please, refer this communication to P. Gagne, Esq. 3 d Auditor of the Treasury Department, for such advice as may, from him as may be necessary, & to be informed of the date of the last payment made to Mr. Chaney prior to his death, & whether his administrator may have drawn the money & returned the certificate. with the vouchers, unknown to the heirs.
P.S. In case of the death of a pensioner in Indiana can the proof of identity, death, & children be made before a court of Record in Illinois? Please answer this interrogatory.
Very Respectfully
Your Most
Col. Grant. J. L. Cooper

August 4, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Miss Hildred McDonald 1170 N.E. "A" Street Linton, Indiana
JOHN CHANEY S. 32177 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
The data which follow in regard to John Chaney were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 32177, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John Chaney was born in 1757 (exact date not shown), in that part of Orange County which later became Randolph County, North Carolina, and continued to live there until he was seventeen or eighteen years of age, when he moved to South Carolina to live with his cousin, John Chaney, in Ninety Six District, that state. The names of his parents are not shown.
John Chaney stated that, while living near Cook's Mills in Ninety Six District, South Carolina, he volunteered and served a tour of three months as private in Captain John Ryan's company, under Colonel Hammond or Pickens in the South Carolina troops, that he volunteered in 1780 or 1781 and served as private under Captains James Lapham and Ross in Colonel William Middleton's regiment of dragoons, and was in an engagement at Juniper Springs at West Old Fields, in which he received three sword wounds, and that he was discharged after having served a tour of one year; that without leaving camp, he immediately volunteered and served four months under Colonel William Washington and that he was in the battle of Eutaw Springs and in an engagement at the Potato Patch near there. The soldier then returned to his home in Randolph County, North Carolina, where he volunteered and served three months as private in Captain John Rains' company of rangers, Colonel Dougan's regiment.
After the Revolution the soldier resided in Randolph County, North Carolina, on Deep River, for five years, then married and continued to live there fifteen years more. His wife, name not stated, was still living in 1833. He moved from Randolph County, North Carolina,

to a place on Holston River in Grainger County, Tennessee (Eastern part of state) where he lived eleven years, then moved to Overton County, West Tennessee, remained there about twelve years, then moved to Harrison County, Indiana, where he lived one year, then to Monroe County, for one winter, thence to Greene County, Indiana.
While a resident of Greene County, Indiana, John Chaney applied March 28, 1833, for pension which was due on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. His claim was allowed.
This soldier died September 12, 1845, leaving no widow, but he was survived by children. The only child whose name was designated was James Chaney who, in 1833, was living in Greene County, Indiana, his age not stated.
In 1836, one Francis Chaney was referred to as dead, his relationship to the soldier, John Chaney, not stated.
The soldier made reference in his claim to his sister, Margaret Alred or Allred, but gave no information in regard to her.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension and name and address of the person paid, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: John Chaney, certificate #34842, issued August 13, 1839, rate, $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Indiana Agency.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator

11. Nov 1842
J. C. Lea
G. B.

Pension Office
11 th Nov. 1842.
Sir
I have referred the papers in the case of John Chaney to the Third Auditor of the Treasury that the pension may be paid in conformity to the Acts of the 6 April 1838 and 23 rd Aug. 1842.
I am Sir
Isaac C. Lea Esq. Madison Indiana.

War Dept. Pen. Office March 29, 1836
Sir
The amended and original declaration of John Chaney has been ex o filed with suspended cases in this office. He alleges in his original declaration to have enlisted in South Carolina either in 1780 or 1781 for one year and to have served under Col. Middleton the first actual service of and that after serving out the time for which he enlisted he again entered the service under Col. Washington and served four months and under that officer was at the battle of the after which he left the service Cutsam Springs. In his amended declaration he alleges a term of three months under Col. Pickens previous to his service under Col. Middleton and also a term of three months after his service under Col. Washington. The first actual service performed by the applicant under Col. Middleton was at Ninety Six at the time of the battle at the siege of the place was raised when the British under Lord Rawdon when besieged by Genl. Greene. That event took place in June 1780. The battle of the Cutsam Springs took place in Sept. 1780. The applicant's service must have been as a militia man and for short term under one or more regiments and for the short term term for which the militia was called. At the period of the alleged service the enlistment under Col. Washington, the militia of S. Carolina served under that officer.

The applicant has must therefore have been under the direction of a military man. If he had entered into that office he would not have been permitted to return home after his capture by the enemy. His claim for pay for the undivided office cannot be allowed. It is a rule of this office that when a claim is made for services in an amended declaration which was not set forth in the original, to require the most undoubted proof of said services the testimony of witnesses who had a personal knowledge of said services. The claim for two tons of their rations each set forth by the applicant in his amended decla- ration cannot therefore be allowed unless the necessary proof be exhibited. The whole of the services set forth in the original declaration was in 1780, from about May until about the time of the battle of the Cavern Springs. A pension for six months cannot therefore be allowed for more than six months, unless the proof above required should be exhibited.
C. A. S.
Thos. W. Hendricks March 29. 1856
Thos. W. Hendricks, J. U. S.
Recorded Vol. 2.8. p. 34. 1856

Washington D.C. July 7
Hon. J. R. Poinsett. Secretary of War City of Washington D.C.
Penal Office Mail
5851 - Aug 23 - 1838

Bloomington Indiana Sept. 16 th 1828.
Sir. Permit me to trouble the Department to write to the State of Tennessee for proof in behalf of John Chaney, an applicant for a pension. The Department has heretofore proposed to allow 20$ per Annum. which he thinks too small.
To enable you to make at the proper place of the proper person the right insured the following statement is given.
In the Year 1821. he made his Declaration in the Circuit Court Knoxville, at the Term of Monroe. He then proved the existence and burning of his discharge. and the Court very satisfied &c before Judge Williams - Joseph Davis was the Clerk - Nathan Haggart the Attorney. Margaret Alred, & Francis Chaney the witnesses. Menahem Martin living near Monroe was present.
The Department will confer a great favor not otherwise attainable by a compliance herewith.
Very Respectfully J. D. Ramey

15 Decr 1847
J. P. Cooper

119 Pension Office December 15 1847.
Sir.
I herewith enclose the necessary forms and instructions for your guidance, as requested in the case of John Chaney dec'd.
Mr Chaney, was a pensioned at the rate of $20. and not $80 per annum.
The papers can be prepared and authenticated in Illinois, but you will have to apply to the Third Auditor of the Treasury for the information as to when he was last paid the
J. P. Cooper Esq. Marshall Illinois

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
September 9 th 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Chainey _____ a Pensioner on the Roll of the Madison, Ind: Agency, at the rate of Twenty _____ Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March, to the 4 th Sept. 1840.
Respectfully yours,
Wm. B. Lewis
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Nov. 16 th , 1842.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, John Chauncy a Pensioner on the Roll of the Madison, Ind. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March — to the 6 th Sept. 1841.  Respectfully yours,
William L. Harris Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS Present.

Bloomington Indiana March 4, 1886
Pension Office
The papers of Mr. Chaney have been delayed with the hope of procuring additional testimony of a personal knowledge of his services; but it is found to be extremely improbable. He may possibly yet find, should his Amendment to testimony in order to hearth & the circumstances rendered not so satisfactory. It is confidently hoped that they are sufficient.
One reason why I feel bound to try as I long as live I expected to attend at the house of Obediah Leonard as early as 18 th night, and he having died, his testimony is lost. See my statement under oath. Mr. Chaney could I presume prove that he did make his declaration in Overton Court Temple and that he proved the existence and burning of his discharge for a part of his services by two witnesses, and then proved a personal knowledge of a part or all of his services.
Respectfully
J. D. Lane

Suspended Oct. 29 March 1836 Thos. W. Hendricks.
John Chauncy Ind a Oct 28 Augt 1838 J. D. Lowe.

J. L. Lowe
28 Aug '38
OE

War Dept. P. M. Office Augt 28. 1888
Sir In reply to your letter of the 16 th inst in the case of John Chaney I have to inform you that this this office cannot comply with your request to write to Tennessee for proof of his service. If there is any proof in the office of the Clerk of the Court of Buelton Co. the it should be obtained by those who may have charge of Mr. Chaney's claim. It is probable that some proof may be obtained on application being made to W. E. Maynard Esq. Comptroller Genl of S. Carolina at Columbia.
J. I. Lowe Esq Bloomington Indiana

Bloomington August 5 th 1841
Free
6-1/2 10-1/2 12-1/2
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D. C.

Bloomington Indiana July 22 nd 1839. Sir.
Many years ago I forwarded to the Department the Application of John Chaney for a Pension under the law of June 7 th 1832.
In your letter of 29 th March 1836 you decided that he could only be allowed for six months without further proof.
He was dissatisfied. He had been applying for many perhaps twenty years from different States in which he resided. From Tennessee under the old law of 1832 he made a declaration & proof of the existence and loss of his discharge. I was confident of success.
He put off with a six months allowance is distressing but he is induced from necessity to take it. & if he can in future come at further testimony he may increase his pension if he chooses.
You will please forward his Pension Certificate to me.
Respectfully
J. D. Rowe.
Hon. J. Edwards.

August 4, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Miss Hildred McDonald 1170 N.E. "A" Street Linton, Indiana
John Chaney S. 32177 *****
John Chaney B.L. Wt. 31719-80-55 *****
Dear Madam:
BA-J/MLB
Reference is made to your letters of recent date, in which you request the record of a John Chaney who served in the War of 1812 from Ohio or Pennsylvania and who spent his last days in Greene County, Indiana, and who, you state, had a brother Johnson, and a daughter, Nancy, who married Allen Crow, a soldier of the Civil War. You state, also, that you desire to know, especially, the name of John Chaney's father, possibly a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and that you think his name may have been John.
A record has been found of a soldier named John Chaney who served in the Revolution and settled in Greene County, Indiana, also the record of a soldier of that name who served in the War of 1812 and later lived in Greene County, Indiana. Both records are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator

32177 Rev INVALID.
1939 Aug. 4 - Inst. to Miss Huldred McDowell (later in clm of Jos Chaney, B.R. est. 31719-80-55, Mar 1892) - D. R. O.
File No. 89,177
John Chaney His Rev War
Act: June 1 st 82 nd
Index: - Vol. 2 , Page 71
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Indiana, On this the twenty fifth day of August in the Year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me the under- signed John W. Lee one of the justices of the Peace in and for said County and State John Chaney who being by me first duly sworn according to law upon his Oath states that he is the same John Chaney who made and sworn to the foregoing Declaration dated the 28 th day of March 1833. aforesaid. He states that he feels much more healthy and strong both in body and mind that at the time when he made his said foregoing Declaration. So much is his health restored that he is enabled to walk to this County adjoining to that of Greene where he resides. Not being able on horseback on account of a "swimming of the head."
He states that he can now remember some additional Circumstances, and additional services which he forgot to state in his foregoing Declaration. Many Circumstances especially those occurring the earliest he retains in his memory with consid- erable freshness. The events preceding and in the early part of the Revolution he recollects with more certainty and distinctness more than sub- sequent events. Not only because early life in boyhood impressions were stronger, but because subsequently the number of objects increased whilst the change novelty vanished. His Memory has failed on account of old age and sickness formerly. His memory he finds most to have failed not in regard to dates.
He states that he supposes that the Department of War requires two Witnesses of his services on account of having construed his Declaration to state

that he was continental or regular soldier of the common Army. He states that so far as his statement goes to make any other  that impression he must have been misunderstood by the person (J. H. Lowe) who drew up his Declaration. He may have used indefinite language himself or being misunderstood when it was read over to him being hard of hearing he might not have been sufficiently heard or if he had  heard distinctly heard or understood the description. He however now affirmatively states that although he may be mistaken in some of the circumstances, stated he can not recollects perfectly well that he served during the said first term described in his said Declaration as a private soldier in the state troops of South Carolina and not in the regular or continental troops of the United Colonies or states. He says that he stated in his foregoing Declaration that his Brigade was commanded by General Rutherford. Upon reflection he may have been mistaken it may have been as it sometimes seems it was General Sumpter. He well recollects that whenever it was he had at any rate the General lined up in Warren County North Carolina he thinks. But in this he is not positive. On account of disability of some kind the Gen General was not long up at all at the Camp. He was not acquainted with him. And he absented himself entirely during almost all or all of said engagements and Colonel Henderson being the first or oldest Colonel had the command. He served in a corps of Dragoons or mounted men in said service in said state troops. His Colonel's name was Williams Middleton.

The mistake which he now thinks he made in his Declaration as to his services he supposes he fell into in consequence of there being in the same detachment with him a Colonel or Major who was a son of General Rutherford, & who belonged to one of the Regiments with him.
He states that his services under Colonel Washington of four months as stated in his Declaration were continental or regular services. He states that he was confused in his memory as to dates and character of different services at the time of making his Declaration owing in part to the weather and a room crowded with company. He finds that when at home and in quietness his memory serves him best and since making his Declaration he has made notes at home of things as they occurred to his memory and in this way he is enabled with the most certainty to correct said errors and make such additional statements as he now makes.
Beside the services claimed for in his foregoing declaration he served three months as a Volunteer private in a company of Infantry or Mounted men in the Militia of the State of South Carolina under the command and in the company of John Ryan Captain. The Company was called he best thinks, Rangers. They were probably raised under the orders of Colonel Khammond or Colonel Pickens. Both these Colonels with Colonel Clark ranged with their commands through this country. He entered this service whilst living in the District of Ninety Six in said State of South Carolina. Said services were performed (as near as he can state as to the time) immediately preceding his services of one year in the State Troops under Colonel Middleton as forementioned in his Declaration mentioned. This was the most dangerous in which this applicant was engaged. The Tories and British

were constantly scouting - and to the number of those engaged in the warfare the loss was great. He entered the service in Ninety Six and was there discharged without a written discharge. He served said three months, at least faithfully and faithfully to the satisfaction of his Officers.
After returning to North Carolina as stated in his declaration as aforesaid and after quitting the service under Colonel Washington he entered the service again, in the Militia of North Carolina as a Volunteer private soldier in a company of Mounted Rangers under Captain John Rains. Colonel Dugan a Dugan commanded the Regiment of Militia out of which they were raised. Said Regiment being and he the applicant living in the County of Randolph, North Carolina. He entered this service (how long precisely he can not state) not long after his return from his said continental service under Colonel Washington. He the applicant's company ranged principally in Chatham and Randolph counties. Said company was about fifty files. Said Colonel Dugan or Dugan was not in the service present purpose with said company nor did said company join any other troops. We were dis- -signed to act against the Tories, principally those under Colonel Fannin and his Lieut. Colonel Walter who had about that time small parties detached from each other, being at other times joined. Colonel Fannin being at this period of the War reduced in his numbers it being toward the close of the War or strife between Whigs and Tories in North Carolina. We waylaid Colonel Walter and his party of a few men who were on a scout to look them, him & his men. We put Colonel Walter to death by shooting him. We could not get hold of Fannin - he was an

active cunning and watchful fellow. But Walker was a more cruel murderer than Colonel Fannin. — I think I was more but at least three months in this service.
From old age and perhaps owing in part to distress formerly I find my memory defective as to dates, but some circumstances I retain with considerable strength of memory. I recollect well many circumstances of the Regulators and their battle with Governor Tryon. This may be said to have been the first Battle fought for liberty in the country I recollect a part of the song made on ac- count of the Battle of which the following are a couple of lines
"See how they trembled and their poor hearts do ache We will make them remember the year sixty eight The Regulators (this declarant resided amongst them) seemed to have the same spirit which led to the Revolution; but the whole country not being ripe for revolt and being supported by a sufficient number of their country- men they in the Battle (above named) with Governor Tryon at Guilford in Rye Harvest time were defeated and dispersed. After this Battle the Governor issued Orders to capture all of the Regulators who could be found to be punished at the same time promising pardon to those who should come in and take the oath of allegiance. Many brave and patriotic spirits who ought to have had the credit of giving the first impulse to any thing like Revolution were in their despair seduced by these promises of pardon connected in their minds with the fear of death, and took the oath of allegiance. I am at that time only about ten or twelve years old; but the impressions made at being the first impressions in regard to war & Revolution

were the most deeply imprinted upon my memory of all the circumstances, of my life until I was in the  time of of which I have knowledge now connected with those times. Governor Tryon (as was the account at the time) commenced the battle before mentioned by the shooting down of a regulator by one of his men. The two parties being posted in parallel lines near each other. A severe fight ensued. Samuel Gowen the father of William in Lowry Co. of Stokes County Indiana was one of the regulators. The Governor's Light Troops made a show of gaining the flank of the regulators, and they retreated in confusion. Among the regulators who distinguished themselves, he recollects that a Captain Merrill who lived near Salisbury in Rowan County was spoken of as having been fought very bravely. On account of the oath of allegiance taken by many of the regulators, they were in a critical situation at during the strife between Whig and Tory having to hide continually from both.
The said William Gowen above mentioned is the same mentioned in his foregoing Declaration with whom he stated therein he was familiarly acquainted in his youth.
At the time of making the application mentioned in the Circuit Court of Overton Tennessee he showed his services by two witnesses, Louis Margarett, Heed and Francis Chaney who are dead; he also at the same time proved that he had and then was seen by them a good Discharge for a part of said services. At the time of Allen Martin he recollects was present. He has written to the person who was Clerk of the Overton Court at the time of making said proof for the purpose of proving said facts. Also he has written to said Martin, but has received no answer.
This Declarant states that by reason of his old age and consequent loss of memory he can not swear positively as to some circumstances, and even but that he is clear and positive as to the time

which is by him claimed for. He has no hesitancy in saying that in one of his Militia tours, he served longer than the time claimed for, and in no instance less than the period stated. He swears positively that he did in his said Application in Overton Circuit Court Tennessee prove by two Witnesses, his services as now claimed for, and the existence of his Discharge for a part of them.
John Chaney
I (William) I was aged about sixty seven years at the time of certify that whilst keeping store at a place called the X Roads, in Randolph County North Carolina being then the County seat of justice for said County I was very familiarly acquainted with John Chaney the above signed Applicant for a pension. I being then an unmarried man and the said John Chaney being also unmarried as is my impression. I have a very distinct recollection that we slept for some time in the same room and that often of nights, as well as other times said Chaney conversed of his services in the Revolutionary Wars. I well recollect his stating that he served in the South. His account of the Regulation Battle agrees very well with that always given to me by my father who was a Regulator, as well as other circumstances with which I am, by tradition acquainted. My father as he states, of the Regulators was obliged to keep except those who of his intemperate suggestions concealed from both Whigs and Tories, untilled from the circumstance of several of my brothers entering the service of the colony and from ascertaining his attachment to the Whig cause, he was recognized by them as their friend, and was taken a prisoner by Colonel Hannon, from whom he escaped in an engagement; or by whom he would no doubt otherwise have been shot. The above named engagement was a fight across Deep River between the commands of Hannon, and a Whig Officer whose name if I mistake not was Coulson. The said Chaney describes very well the taking of Col. Walker (it occurred not far from my father's) as I then understood it.

I being then under a fourteen years of age. I was well acquainted with Captain Sperrill Character of whom said Chaney speaks as having been a Regulator. He was distinguished for bravery, and was afterwards as I was informed hung by Hannon's orders.
I was well acquainted with Captain John Hains under whom said Chaney states he served as a Ranger; and although I did not see said Chaney in said service, from Circumstances related by him in conversation repeatedly, I have no doubt of his serving under him as he states, as well as from my knowledge of Mr. Chaney's love of truth. He is one of the most correct and harmless men I ever knew. Neither in his Youth nor during many years of our acquaintance in after life have I heard others, or myself, at least had doubt of his sincerity in his religious profession, or his honesty in any respect; nor have I heard doubt expressed of his having been a soldier of the Revolution. On the contrary his reputation of having been such soldier of the Revolution was well confirmed and universal to the extent of his knowledge among said Chaney's acquaintances. I recollect well too Col. Doogan. I lived at his house after the War and done business for him. I recollect very well said Chaney having a fist fight on my Account (then being fashionable) and speaking in high terms to my old friend Col. Doogan of said Chaney's spirit in defending an injury to a friend, he remarked that he was a brave soldier in the War, meaning the Revolution. I was present a part of the time whilst Mr. Chaney was making his amendment but he having returned home & being now without the advantage of having any conversation with him I have no doubt that I am unable to state many things of which he might if present refresh my memory.
William Lowe
I Jacob D. Lowe certify that as a friend of said John Chaney I undertook several years ago to assist him in

procuring a pension. Said Chaney happening on a visit to my father, (My father enquired of him if he had ever received a pension, (I being present) he answered the enquiry (my father knowing his reputation of having had a dollar) by stating his effort in Terre Haute to procure one, and that his impression was, that some person by means of forgery had drawn his pay. He then made the same statement which he now has made. He endeavored to dispel him from the belief that his pension had been drawn by forgery. and I wrote to several persons in Terre Haute and applied by letter through the Hon George L. Bennett the Representative of this district in Congress for information to the War Department. The reply to which is dated "Pension Office March 18 th 1832." which I have now before me. What said Chaney says of the crowded room and unsuitableness of his situation at the time of making his said declaration is true. There being a heavy snow and two families crowded together with myself and other company in a cabin not more than 10 or 12 feet square. I state that said Chaney very probably misunderstood me in reading his declaration and that I believe he did as he states. He appears and has for some years to be hard of hearing, and I believe it. Said Chaney stated to me at one time after making said declaration that Obediah Leonard had come to reside in the neighborhood of Ebenezer in Monroe County and that he could procure his testimony of a personal knowledge of his services and requested me to attend to it. I ascertained that said Leonard did reside having just settled there in said neighborhood, and that he has personal knowledge of said Chaney's services; but before I had the opportunity conveniently of visiting his house (he living in a remote part of the county) he being very old, he died. Said Chaney appeared very ignorant of the Acts of Congress and appeared to have despaired of procuring a pension, until my father advised him of the probability of his getting one under the Act of 7 th June 1832 and urged him to apply.
J. B. Dene.
Of the subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Monroe in said State of Indiana do

hereby certify that the foregoing Amendment to the declaration of John Chaney, and the Certificates of the said William Lowe and Jacob R Lowe were this day by them respectively subscribed and sworn to, before me. I declare my opinion that the said Chaney served as he states. I also certify that said witnesses are credible persons, and their statement, entitled to full credit. And that the foregoing are the true and full proceedings amending to said declaration as the same is now attached in my presence. Done before me the day and year aforesaid.
John W Lee Justice of the Peace
I Jacob R Lowe Clerk of the Circuit Court of Spencer County in the State of Indiana (being a Court of Records) do hereby certify that John W Lee Esq who has subscribed the above last certificate is a Justice of the Peace and was, at the time of signing the same in and for said County duly elected commissioned and qualified according to law. That full faith and credit are due to all his official acts especially the foregoing as such Justice of the Peace that his said above signature is genuine. I also certify that the foregoing contains the full and true proceedings amending of the Declaration of John Chaney for a Replevin.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and office, and subscribed my name on the day hereof this 3 rd day of March A D 1886. J D Lowe Clerk Circuit Court of Spencer County Indiana