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REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSIONS
Albert S. McLean
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Our Revolutionary War Pensions pages are being updated. Please bear with us as changes, corrections, and updates are made. If you have information about a Revolutionary War soldier who lived in any part of Old Buncombe County (this would include Haywood, Henderson, and part of Yancey as well as present-day Buncombe County), please contact the webmaster. Thanks for your patience and help.

ALEXANDER FULLER - Born 1764 in Hillsborough, Orange County, NC. Enlisted age 14 years in Onslow County, NC and fought against the Tories at Cross Creek and in other skirmishes. After the war he moved to Lincoln County, NC, thence to Iredell County. NC where he lived for twenty years and then moved to Buncombe County, NC where he lived over eighteen years. He stated he left North Carolina because the land was poor and he was unable to make a living on it. In 1838 he was living in Clinton County, Missouri with his wife, Jane. He died there on March 16, 1844, and in 1860 Andrew Fuller, a son of Clinton County, Missouri was administrator of his estate. William Atkinson and Milas Fuller of Clinton County, Missouri knew him when he lived in North Carolina. In 1832 he was living in Buncombe County, NC age 69 years.

JOHN GUTHRIE - Enlisted 1779 in Halifax County, NC under Nicholas Long and General Sumner as a spy. He was wounded and captured by the British afterwards being attended by Doctors Murray and Disard. After the war he lived in Georgia 150 miles from Savannah, then moved to Buncombe County, NC. /s/ John Guthrie
In 1835 he was a pensioner of Buncombe County, NC as a Private in U.S. Army, Transferred from Georgia. His pension commenced on September 4, 1794.

JOHN HIPP - Rejected and suspended pensioner of Buncombe County, NC

JOHN HAYS - Whose widow Mary Hays was among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County. NC

JOSEPH HENRY - he enlisted in Lincoln County, NC under Robert Alexander, Capt. Guilkey and Col. Hambright as a private and wagon master and was in the battle of Whitson, etc. He also served under Malcolm Henry in the battles of Ramsours Mills, Kings Mt., etc. Two of his brothers, John and Moses Henry were killed in action in the battle of Kings Mt. His brother Robert was also at Kings Mt.
He married in Lincoln Co., NC May 17, 1792 Mary McCashland, born 1772. He died Sep. 22, 1816 in Buncombe County, NC. His widow Mary was a rejected and suspended pensioner of Buncombe County and in 1844 she was living in Washington Co., IN age 88 years.
Their children were: John Henry born Wednesday Nov. 13, 1793 and Joseph Henry, Jr. born Sunday Aug. 28, 1796. In 1832 he was living in Buncombe County, age 70 years. He is buried in Old Salem Cemetery at Fletcher, NC.

ELIJAH HENSON - Born 1762 in Culpepper County, Virginia. Enlisted there in 1777 under Capt. John Lee, Gen. Muhlenburg, Gen. Scott, etc., and saw service at Monmouth, Stoney Point, etc., and was in winter quarters at Valley Forge. For first three years was marched through the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Virginia. He married in Buncombe County, NC in August 1803 by John McFarlin Esq., Fannie West, a daughter of Jonathan West and at the home of William Hambreys in Buncombe County, NC.
He died on Sep. 2, 1845 in Haywood County, NC. His widow who was born in 1785 was living in Buncombe County, NC in 1853. (Daniel Henson, a brother of Elijah Henson was living in Haywood County, NC in 1853 and testified to Elijah's service in the war.) In 1832 Elijah Henson was living in Buncombe County age 73 years.
/s/ Elijah Henson

09/021/99 -- While looking at the Pension file on Elijah Henson, the following dates for his brother Daniel caught my eye... He died on Sep. 2, 1845 in Haywood County, NC. His widow who was born in 1785 was living in Buncombe County, NC in 1853. (Daniel Henson, a brother of Elijah Henson was living in Haywood County, NC in 1853 and testified to Elijah's service in the war.)
As Daniel is my gggg-grandfather. I have done a lot of reseach on the Henson/ Hinson's. My data shows the following: Daniel Henson b: Aug. 17,1764 in Culpeper Co., VA d: Jan. 01-1843 in Anson Co., NC.....his death date being 10 years after the date shown in the Pension file submitted. I also have a copy of the 1850 Haywood Co., NC Census which shows Fanny West Henson age 65 wife of Elijah living in the home of her g-nephew Griffin Henson, which she could have been living in Buncombe Co in 1853.
I don't know if this will help or not, but at least it's a start :) I was born & raised in Asheville, actually the Black Mountain area...I know live in Chattanooga, Tn. My maiden name is Craig. Jane Zoe520@aol.com

JAMES JOHNSON - Pensioner in Buncombe County in 1819 age 74 years, also in 1835. He lived in that part of Buncombe County which was later Henderson County. (See Henderson County Records.)

REV. JOSEPH HARRISON - Born 1735 died 1811 ... wife Margaret Hill d. 1842 ... buried Old Newfound Baptist Church Cemetery near Leicester, NC. He was a member of Old Three Forks Baptist Church of W. N. C. Children probably: 1 Nathaniel (sheriff Buncombe County), 2. William, 3. John, 4. Thomas, 5. Jeremiah, 6 Luke, 7 Rachel (m. Snelson), 8. Jane (m. Cassady), 9. Lizzie (m. Garrett, 10 Mourning, "Lost Tribes of North Carolina", p. 194.

JAMES JESTER - Born July 29, 1763 in Kent County, Delaware and in 1777 moved to North Carolina with his father. He enlisted in Guilford County, NC under Capt. John McAdoo, Col. Martin, etc. He also served under General Washington.
Robert Williamson and George Penland soldiers of the Revolution and neighbors of James Jester testified to his services. In 1832 he was living in Buncombe County, NC age 72 years, and in 1840 he was living in Buncombe County at the age of 78 years at the home of Thomas Jester.

JAMES JENNINGS - Born February 14, 1757 in Buckingham County, Virginia. Enlisted 1777 in Prince Edward County, VA in Cap. Moulton's 4th Reg., Col. Adam Stephens Continental Line and served for two years being discharged at Valley Forge in January 1779. He moved to Surry County, NC and enlisted there under Capt. Joseph Shepherd and was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, Briar Creek, etc. After the was he lived in Surry County, NC until 1808 then moved to Buncombe County, NC.
He married in Surry County, NC in March 1781- (1791)? Hannah Martin born 1771. In 1832 he was living in Buncombe County age 77 years. He died on Dec. 4, 1837 in Buncombe County, NC and in 1841 his widow was living in Buncombe County. (Moved ... California Creek in Madison Co., NC)

JAMES KINCAID - Rejected or suspended Pensioner of Buncombe County, NC.

BENJAMIN KELLY - Rejected or suspended Pensioner of Buncombe County, NC.

JOHN LANNING - Born February 27,, 1757 at Bordertown, NJ Enlisted in Rowan County, NC as a substitute for his father Joseph Lanning under Capt. Robert Moore, Major Jas. Smith, Col. Alex Martin, Gen. Rutherford in North Carolina Continental line and saw service against the Tories, Cherokees and in the Battle of Stono, etc.,
He married in October 1783 in Rowan County, NC Sarah Whitaker who was born on Monday, Dec. 7, 1767 a daughter of Joshua Sr. and Mary Whitaker. He died on August 10, 1839 in Buncombe County, NC and is buried in Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery near Fairview, NC. His widow was living in 1843 in Buncombe County, NC. (See Lanning Bible Records and Whitaker Bible Records.)

STEPHEN LAW - Among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County, NC.

SAMUEL LUSK - Served with Martin Maney later moving to Buncombe County, NC.

MARTIN MANEY - Enlisted 1775 in 8th Virginia Regiment at Long Island of Holston in Washington County, NC (now Tennessee) under Capt. James Knox, Gen. Muhlenburg and was discharged at Valley Forge in fall of 1779. Later he enlisted under Col. John Sevier. He was in the battles of Monmouth, Germantown, White Plains and against the Indians, killing one and bringing his head into camp. In September 1781 at Jonesboro, TN he married Keziah Vann who was born in 1763. In 1818 he was living in Blount County, NC where he died on April 15, 1830. His wife was living in Yancey County, NC in 1843.
His pension was transferred from Blount Co., TN on March 4, 1820. Samuel Lusk, a soldier, testified to service with him, and in 1844 in Washington County, TN, James Sevier, testifies that he served with Martin Maney under his father Col. John Sevier also Absalom Metcalf testified that he had known Martin Maney for 50 years, later marrying his daughter Nancy.
/s/ Sam Lusk /s/ Martin Maney (See Maney Bible Record)

JOHN McCLAIN - A pensioner who in 1796 moved to Buncombe (now Henderson) County, NC. In 1822 to Rabun Co., GA.

DANIEL McPETERS - Born January 14, 1756 in Tryon (now Lincoln) County, NC. Enlisted there in 1776 under Gen. William Moore in NC Militia. In 1778 he enlisted under Col. Charles McDowell of Burke Co., NC and Capt. Patton.
He married on January 16, 1798 in Buncombe County, NC Susanah, a daughter of Nicholas Loyd (or Boyd?). He lived in Buncombe Co., NC for awhile after the wa, then moved to TN where he lived for a few years, then moved to Maconpin County, IL.
He died on March 27, 1846. In 1850 his widow was living in Andrew Co., MO.

BENJAMIN MERRILL - Born Dec. 2, 1752 in Hopewell Township, Hunterton County, NJ. Enlisted in 1776 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Later that year he moved to York District, South Carolina and in 1780 returned to Guilford (later Randolph) County, North Carolina and enlisted there under John Collier, Captain John Anderson in York County, South Carolina and Major Turnbull, and saw service against the Tories, Cherokees, Briar Creek, Cowpens, etc.,
In 1798 he moved to Cane Creek in Buncombe County where he was living in 1833. John Merrill, a brother and also a soldier testified to his service. (Note: his father Captain Benjamin Merrill, Sr. was a soldier in the battle of the Regulators, and was hanged in 1771 at Halifax Courthouse, NC.
/s/ Benjamin Merrill

JOHN MERRILL - Born 1757 in New Jersey ... enlisted in 1778 in Guilford County, NC under Captain Enoch Davis, General Rutherford, etc., and was in the battles of Briar Creek and against the Tories and Indians, etc., and was wounded in the head.
In 1853 he was living in Buncombe County, NC. He was a brother of Benjamin Merrill (above).
/s/John Merrill
(see "History of Captain Benjamin Merrill and his Descendants.")

ANDREW JAMES MILLER - A pensioner who died Oct. 20, 1808 in Buncombe (now Henderson) County, NC.

JAMES OWENBY -   Born Jan 6, 1761 in Amherst Co., VA Enlisted 1778 as a substitute for Henry Kelly under George Taylor, Col. Hugh Brevard, Gen. Rutherford and marched through SC and GA. In 1780 he enlisted in Washington County, NC (now Washington Co., TN) as a substitute for Micajah Mayfield under Col. John Sevier and was in the battle of Kings Mt. In 1781 he enlisted Rutherford Co., NC under Captain John McClain for the purpose of ranging after the line between the Whites and Cherokee Indians. In 1782 he enlisted in Rutherford Co., NC as a substitute for Thomas Haslip under Captain McClain and Charles Lewis.
    On March 4, 1785 he married in Rutherford Co., NC by Jonathon Hanpton, Justice of the Peace to Miss Joannah Sims who was born on March 24, 1761.
    They moved to Buncombe Co., NC in 1824 and in 1832 he was living there, age 73 years, but in 1836 they were living in Rutherford Co., NC. He died September 25, 1850 and his wife died on April 1, 1852. BIBLE RECORD     James Owenby was born Jan. 6, 1761, Joanna born March 24, 1761, married March 1785, Children: Anester, daughter, born November 14, 1785, William born Oct. 16, 1787, John born Apr. 4, 1791, Susana born Dec. 12, 1793, Sims born March 19, 1796, Ambrose born Dec. 28, 1798, Madison born Oct. 25, 1801
    In 1850 their surviving children were: William, John, Ambrose, Madison, Sims, Anna Coons, and Susanah Coon (Koon?). Porter Owenby, a brother of James Owenby was living in Buncombe County in 1833.
    Elizabeth Lewis who was living in Rutherford County, NC in 1851 stated that she had known James Owenby and wife for seventy years.

LT. SAMUEL PATTON - Born about 1760 at Cold Water Creek in Rowan Co., NC. Enlisted there under Cap. Lopp, Lieut. John McGahay, Gen. Griffin, Rutherford and was marched to Orangeburg, SC then to Augusta, GA, then to Briar Creek Battle under General Ashe where they were defeated. He enlisted again under Capt. Robert Patton (relationship not given), and Gen. Charles McDowell and was in the Battle of Monks Corners, SC, Ramsours Mills, etc. He also served three months under Capt. Daniel Smith in upper forts in Burke Co., NC on the Catawba River and served against the Cherokees.
    He enlisted as a Lieutenant in Burke Co., NC under Captain Thomas Lytle and Gen. Charles McDowell and marched into the Cherokee nation which took two weeks. He also served as an Indian scout in Burke County. He moved to Burke County during the war and lived there until 1819 when he moved to Buncombe County, NC where he and his wife were living in 1850 and where he died December 19. 1851.
    His wife was named Ann who was born in 1768 in Virginia. They had the following children: William, John, Thomas, James, Sarah, Margaret who married Hugh Lawhoun, Naomi who married Peter Stradley, Elizabeth who married James Stradley and Nancy who married Calvin Fore.
    His pension papers were witnessed by William Brittain (soldier), James M. Smith, Samuel W. Davidson, and William Kimsey (clergyman). In 1832 he was living in Buncombe County age 75 years; 1840 age 79. [See Samuel Patton family of Buncombe County.

The Pension Hearing for Samuel Patton
The elderly country gentleman stepped off the wagon as his son tied the horses to the hitching post in front of the county court house. He was dressed in his Sunday best, clothes which were well worn and sagged on his thin frame. His eyes were remarkable, a clear sky blue that had a youthful gleam that made him seem much younger than his years. He walked steadily on a hickory cane which he had whittled himself from a branch found by the banks of the Catawba on his farm.
   The gentleman called to his son "James, hurry up now or we'll be late for court, and you know them judges don't like people to be late. And this is the last time I'll be talking to these folk God willing. It's been more than 50 years and I still ain't received my war pension liked they promised me after it was cut off the last time."
   The courtroom was empty save the two men and the three witnesses that accompanied them, as it was July 4th and most of the town was gathered in the main square celebrating the countries' Independence 60 years earlier.
   Three jurors presided in the courtroom and they looked up as the party entered the room. A baliff spoke to the elderly gentlemen, then walked to the jurors and handed them a document. The judges considered the party a moment and then the eldest of them spoke.
"Mr. Samuel Patton?"
"Yes, sir. That's me" the elderly gentleman replied. "I understand that you are here today on this day July 4, 1836
to have a second review of your pension which you claim from service rendered to the United States during the War of Independence to obtain the benefits enacted by the Act of Congress June 7th, 1832?"
"Yes sir. That's right. I have brought with me several witnesses Sir, who will testify to my character and can tell you that what I have told about my service is all true."
"Well Mr. Patton. This is somewhat a dificult case as your previous benefits were cut off 10 years ago by the War Department and no official records of your enlistment in the North Carolina Militia seem to exist. Can you provide us some evidence that will assist us in this matter?"
"Sir, the best evidence I can give is my recollections of the battles and officers I served under and the events I witnessed. So I believe it's best if I tell you my story and let you judge it."
The story continues at http://www.angelfire.com/ga/ChuckPage/samuel.html

JOHN PENLAND - Born November 29, 1764 in New Castle County, PA. Enlisted at Appis Creek, Burke County, NC in 1780 as a substitute for Robert Penland, under Capt. Kemp and was discharged in South Carolina after three months. He enlisted again in October of the same year and started marching to Wilmington, NC, but was taken sick. Afterwards he served about six months against the Tories and Indians.
He married Alice Moon who was born in 1770 in NC and in 1811 they moved to Buncombe County, NC where in 1850 he and his wife were living. He was among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County.

ADAM PHILLIPS - Born 1763. Enlisted 1781 at Bates Ford, Rowan County, NC under Capt. Simmons, Col. Francis Locke, etc., and was in the battles of Cowans Ford, Beatties' Ford, and in skirmishes against the Tories. He died in 1858 in Buncombe Co., NC and is buried at Bethesda Methodist Church Cemetery. He was among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County. Among descendants were McIntyre, Bell, and Russell families.

BRADLEY POWERS - Among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County.

JOHN POSTON - Whose wife Rebecca Powers was among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County.

JAMES RECTOR - Pensioner who in 1840 was living in Buncombe County, NC age 75 years at the home of Joseph Rector.

THOMAS REID - Born 1758 in Virginia. Drafted in 1778 in Rowan County, NC under Capt. David Ewark, Capt. Sloan, Col. Hampton and Col. Hambright and was marched to Charleston and discharged.
    He enlisted again and marched to Camden where he joined Gen. Greene's Army and marched to Eutaw Springs and was in that battle.
    In 1784 he moved to Burke County, NC and shortly after to Buncombe Co., NC where he was living in 1832 age 77 years.
    Samuel Reid, a brother of Thomas Reid, stated in 1833 he was in service with his brother in 1779-1780, and 1781. In 1833 Samuel Reid was living in Buncombe Co., NC.

JOHN ROBERTS - Born 1758, enlisted 1774 in Caroline County, VA under Capt. Nelson, etc., and was in the battles of Grimes Island, etc. In 1780 he enlisted in Caswell County, NC under Captain Hargis, etc., and was in the battles of Camden, etc.
In 1831 he was living in Buncombe County, NC age 76 years. His wife's name was Margaret.
In 1854 in Buncombe Co., NC a son George Roberts appointed John Woodfin of Yancey County as his lawyer to represent him in his father's claims.

GEORGE ROBERTS - Born 1758, enlisted 1777 in Wilkes County, NC under Capt. Samuel Johnson for three years and was in the battles of Guilford Court House, Ninety Six, etc.
He died January 1, 1864 in Buncombe County, NC at the age of 106 years. Notes in 1868 state he left a son William N. Roberts who was born in 1820 and who in 1868 was living in Haywood County, NC.

THOMAS ROBINSON - Pensioner who in 1832 was living in Buncombe County, NC age 74 years.

WILLIAM ROBINSON - Born January 25, 1760 in York County, PA. Enlisted 1777 in Mecklenburg County, NC under Capt. John Alexander, Col. Adam Alexander, Col. Davidson under whom he saw service.
He married in Mecklenburg County, NC, Sarah. He died on June 30, 1837 in Buncombe County, NC and his wife died on February 7, 1843 in Buncombe County. They had the following children: Mary Robinson born 1786 married Thomas Foster, Elizabeth Robinson married David Duckett, Alexander Robinson, Isabella Robinson married William Peoples, Vilate Robinson married Nathaniel Jones, Rebecca Robinson married David Mullins, George Robinson born 1795.

JOHN RORSON- Among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County, NC.

SAMUEL ROSE or ROSE ;sic'- SC cont[iental] line pensioner Buncombe Co., [died] July 16, 1837 in Macon Co., NC.

EDWARD SAMS - Among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County., NC.

JOHN SEXTON - Born 1759 or 1762. Enlisted 1777 in Charlotte Co., VA in 14th Virginia Regiment and was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Guilford Court House, etc.
    In 1819 he was living in Buncombe County, NC age 76 years, but shortly before 1839 he moved to Green County, TN. ..his children having moved and left him mostly to Green Co., TN
    He married in Bedford Co., VA on March 4, 1780, Mary Ann Gilbert, born 1765, a daughter of Dan. Gilbert.
    He died July 4, 1844 in Cocke County, TN and his widow was living there in 1849.
    They had the following children: Gilbert, born Grayson Co., VA Dec. 9, 1786 (being 6th child), Twins 1st (both died) then William, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Gilbert and Judith who was born July 15, 1794 and married John Cornwall who was born Sep. 11, 1789 and Hiram born Mar. 8, 1802, Elijah, and Lorenzo D. Sexton b. 1805 of Henderson Co., NC and Elizabeth Gilbert Gallyean born 1772 who was living in Sevier Co., TN in 1844 was a half sister of Mary Ann Sexton.

THOMAS SHARPE - Born 1755 in Lancaster County, PA. Moved to Mecklenburg County, NC and at age 23 enlisted there under Capt. Robert Maybin, Col. Thos. Polk, etc., and saw service against the Tories, Cherokees, etc. When 25 years of age he moved to Lincoln Co., NC and married there on Aug. 13, 1775 or 1776, Rhoda. He lived there eight years and then moved to Burke and in 1825 to Buncombe Co., NC where in 1832 he was living age 80 years. He died in Buncombe Co., NC on January 25, 1834. His widow was living in 1841. They has 12 children. In 1832 Saml P. Carson stated his father John Carson served with Thomas Sharp and were life long friends.

JACOB SHOOK - Pensioner who in 1800 was living in that part of Buncombe County that is now Haywood County. (see Hayward County Records)

JOHN SHOPE - Among Rejected and Suspended Pensioners of Buncombe County, NC.

CAPTAIN DANIEL SMITH - Born 1757 in New Jersey. Enlisted in Burke County. NC and served as Captain in North Carolina Militia stationed at the head of the Catawba River to defend the frontiers against the Indians and in the battle of Kings Mountain., etc. He is buried in old Newton Academy Cemetery on Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC. (see Smith Family)

EDWARD WALDROP/WARDREP - lived in Yancey Co. MILITARY: Revolutionary War Pension Application (S-7844 in the National Archives), Edward applied on 23 June 1834 in Yancey County, NC. He states that he was born in Wake County, NC. He entered the service in 1780. He served five tours of duty during the war. After the war he moved to Cabbarus County, NC, then to Caswell County, NC. Then he moved to KY, TN, Burke County, NC, then to the part of Buncombe County, NC which is now called Yancey County. 'Index to NC Revolutionary Pay Vouchers', The North Carolinian 4, No. 4, Dec 1958, in 'Varied NC Records for Waldrop' in Waldrop family book @ OBCGS, gives Edward Waldrop-Wardrop of the Hillsborough district. Rich Nallenweg

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