On October 7, 1780, the foundation that would forever change the world was established. Fewer than one thousand American Heroes, through skill, luck, and the leadership of cunning strategists, defeated Patrick Ferguson, a brilliant star of the British military might. Hugh Allison was one of those Heroes.
His participation in the Battle of King's Mountain was documented by his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, R157. The application was transcribed by Will Graves.
(Parenthetically, historians, genealogists, and descendants owe thanks to Will Graves for his hours spent transcribing the pension applications of American Revolution veterans. These papers were fragile and difficult to read, so this was a most difficult task, but so many people benefit from his efforts. Thank you, Will Graves.)
State of Tennessee, Maury County
On this 17th day of April 1833 personally appeared before Samuel W. Aiken, an acting Justice of the Peace and a Justice of the County Court for the County of Maury, Hugh Allison, a resident of Maury County and State of Tennessee, aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn agreeably to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832—
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as by herein stated. This applicant was born in the State of Pennsylvania and county of Chester in the year 1746, but has lost the record of his age, from which place his father removed first to Maryland, and then to South Carolina in York District, where he resided at the time he entered the service. He moved from Maryland in the year 1776 and reached South Carolina late in December of that year—and in a short time, a few days, he entered the service.
He remembers that within two or three days after he arrived it was understood that about five hundred Tories had assembled on Duncan's Creek in order to Join the Indians who had killed several families, and the people in his neighborhood were called out by Genl. Williams [sic, Andrew Williamson] to go and attack the Tories, but upon their arrival the Tories gave up without the firing of a gun. This applicant was not among the people who went to attack the Tories.
This applicant entered the service as a volunteer under Capt. William Byers, and the Regiment was commanded by Col. Neil or Neal [sic, Col. Thomas Neel], and Frank Ross [Francis Ross] Major. He served under these officers until the death of Col. Neil, which took place shortly after the Battle of Keowee with the Indians [sic, Neel died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Stono on June 20, 1779].
This applicant was engaged principally in riding through the country and warning the delinquents.
After the death of Col. Neil, the command devolved upon Col. Moffit [sic, John Moffett], and Capt. Byers [William Byers, Sr.] having resigned his commission was succeeded by Capt. Varnoble [probably Capt. James Vernable], who was soon succeeded again by Capt. Jordan. The situation of the country was such that the officers were frequently changed, and the soldiers changed places from one part of the country to another as circumstances required. The country being then much overrun with Tories the soldiers were required to change their situations frequently in order to keep them in check.
This applicant in company with two others was sent by Col. Moffett on the morning of the Battle of King's Mountain [October 7. 1780] to a small mountain near to King's Mountain, called Whitaker's Mountain, where it was understood there were a number of horses collected by the Tories, but upon their arrival they saw ill the signs of many horses having been there but they had been removed, it was supposed, to meet Ferguson [Major Patrick Ferguson]. On his return about a mile this applicant heard the two first guns fired, which were fired at the picket guards, which was the commencement of the King's Mountain Battle.
When this applicant reached the Battle ground Ferguson was killed, but the guns continued firing for some time. The American troops were in great distress for provisions, and this applicant was dispatched into the settlements [on] the same day of the battle to procure bread for the soldiers—he procured the bread and returned the next morning before day. The Whigs had secured two beeves[?]1 which belonged to Ferguson. During the day after the Battle this applicant assisted in carrying the wounded of his company to a place of safety and in burying the dead—Wm Watson [William Watson], a brother-in-law of Col. Moffett, was killed—Alexander Caldwell was wounded and died—Maj. Chronicle [William Chronicle] was shot dead.
The officers remembered by this applicant were Col. Cleveland [Benjamin Cleveland], Col. Campbell [William Campbell], Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] and Col. Moffett—Major Hannah, who succeeded Major Ross who was killed at the battle of Keowee by the Indians, Major Chronicle who was killed—Capt. James Meek commanded the company of this applicant.
Shortly after the Battle of King's Mountain this applicant was sent by Col. Moffett to the Tuckaseegee Ford on the Catawba River, to see whether there were any reinforcements from North Carolina for Genl. Morgan [Daniel Morgan]. When this applicant arrived near the place of rendezvous at Mr. John Robertson's, he learned that no troops had assembled. This applicant started back and met two men who had been sent by Genl. Morgan on the same business. This applicant learned from these two men that they had heard the firing of the Battle of the Cowpens [January 17. 1781] the day before, as they crossed at the Cherokee ford. This was the first intelligence this applicant received of that Battle.
On this day this applicant remembers to have seen what seemed to be two suns—and from this circumstance this applicant feared that the Battle of the Cowpens had been decided against his country. After this battle this applicant and a Mr. Jordan were appointed by Col. Moffett to go through the country on King's Creek and Bullock's Creek and elsewhere to procure all the corn of the Tories except so much as would support their families—it was known that good crops were made here, and the army was in much need of provisions.
This applicant is confident that the was engaged in active service for at least the space of three years—Besides the services of which he has already spoken, he will state, himself and his brother Robert Allison were engaged to haul a wagon load of cannon balls from Haynes & Hill's Iron works on Allison Creek down to Charleston, and in that trip lost two horses. This trip was made at the time Fort Sullivan was building. This applicant will further state that owing to an infirmity in one of his wrists, occasioned by the Rheumatism, he was not so well capable of bearing arms, but did not on that account quit the service. He was engaged as already stated in warning the delinquents, in going from post to post to carry and receive intelligence, and much of his time was employed as Assistant Commissary and much engaged in supplying the army with beef, Pork & other provisions. He remembers that he was detached by Col. Moffett together with four other men to go and take Col. Floyd, Robinson & Whitley, three Tories—they succeeded in taking Robinson, and carried him before Col. Ezekiel Polk, who undertook to deliver him up to Col. Neil, but he was suffered to escape.
This applicant continued in the service until the country was returned to peace. He has no documentary evidence of his services—he received no written discharge when he quit the service. He knows of no person by whom he can prove his services—He moved from S. C. to Tennessee, where he lived ever since. He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. S/ Hugh Allison, X his mark
Test: S/ S. W. Akin, JP
[Joseph Payton, a clergyman, and John Akin gave the standard supporting affidavit.
Hugh Allison was the son of Hugh Allison (1714–1799) and Margaret Hope (1720–1799.) He married Mary Love.
The actual burial site of Hugh Allison has been lost to history: he died in Maury County, Tennessee, so was most probably buried there in a plot marked by a long-lost fieldstone. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
Thank you, Janelle Dixon, for your input on this memorial.
His participation in the Battle of King's Mountain was documented by his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, R157. The application was transcribed by Will Graves.
(Parenthetically, historians, genealogists, and descendants owe thanks to Will Graves for his hours spent transcribing the pension applications of American Revolution veterans. These papers were fragile and difficult to read, so this was a most difficult task, but so many people benefit from his efforts. Thank you, Will Graves.)
State of Tennessee, Maury County
On this 17th day of April 1833 personally appeared before Samuel W. Aiken, an acting Justice of the Peace and a Justice of the County Court for the County of Maury, Hugh Allison, a resident of Maury County and State of Tennessee, aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn agreeably to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832—
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as by herein stated. This applicant was born in the State of Pennsylvania and county of Chester in the year 1746, but has lost the record of his age, from which place his father removed first to Maryland, and then to South Carolina in York District, where he resided at the time he entered the service. He moved from Maryland in the year 1776 and reached South Carolina late in December of that year—and in a short time, a few days, he entered the service.
He remembers that within two or three days after he arrived it was understood that about five hundred Tories had assembled on Duncan's Creek in order to Join the Indians who had killed several families, and the people in his neighborhood were called out by Genl. Williams [sic, Andrew Williamson] to go and attack the Tories, but upon their arrival the Tories gave up without the firing of a gun. This applicant was not among the people who went to attack the Tories.
This applicant entered the service as a volunteer under Capt. William Byers, and the Regiment was commanded by Col. Neil or Neal [sic, Col. Thomas Neel], and Frank Ross [Francis Ross] Major. He served under these officers until the death of Col. Neil, which took place shortly after the Battle of Keowee with the Indians [sic, Neel died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Stono on June 20, 1779].
This applicant was engaged principally in riding through the country and warning the delinquents.
After the death of Col. Neil, the command devolved upon Col. Moffit [sic, John Moffett], and Capt. Byers [William Byers, Sr.] having resigned his commission was succeeded by Capt. Varnoble [probably Capt. James Vernable], who was soon succeeded again by Capt. Jordan. The situation of the country was such that the officers were frequently changed, and the soldiers changed places from one part of the country to another as circumstances required. The country being then much overrun with Tories the soldiers were required to change their situations frequently in order to keep them in check.
This applicant in company with two others was sent by Col. Moffett on the morning of the Battle of King's Mountain [October 7. 1780] to a small mountain near to King's Mountain, called Whitaker's Mountain, where it was understood there were a number of horses collected by the Tories, but upon their arrival they saw ill the signs of many horses having been there but they had been removed, it was supposed, to meet Ferguson [Major Patrick Ferguson]. On his return about a mile this applicant heard the two first guns fired, which were fired at the picket guards, which was the commencement of the King's Mountain Battle.
When this applicant reached the Battle ground Ferguson was killed, but the guns continued firing for some time. The American troops were in great distress for provisions, and this applicant was dispatched into the settlements [on] the same day of the battle to procure bread for the soldiers—he procured the bread and returned the next morning before day. The Whigs had secured two beeves[?]1 which belonged to Ferguson. During the day after the Battle this applicant assisted in carrying the wounded of his company to a place of safety and in burying the dead—Wm Watson [William Watson], a brother-in-law of Col. Moffett, was killed—Alexander Caldwell was wounded and died—Maj. Chronicle [William Chronicle] was shot dead.
The officers remembered by this applicant were Col. Cleveland [Benjamin Cleveland], Col. Campbell [William Campbell], Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] and Col. Moffett—Major Hannah, who succeeded Major Ross who was killed at the battle of Keowee by the Indians, Major Chronicle who was killed—Capt. James Meek commanded the company of this applicant.
Shortly after the Battle of King's Mountain this applicant was sent by Col. Moffett to the Tuckaseegee Ford on the Catawba River, to see whether there were any reinforcements from North Carolina for Genl. Morgan [Daniel Morgan]. When this applicant arrived near the place of rendezvous at Mr. John Robertson's, he learned that no troops had assembled. This applicant started back and met two men who had been sent by Genl. Morgan on the same business. This applicant learned from these two men that they had heard the firing of the Battle of the Cowpens [January 17. 1781] the day before, as they crossed at the Cherokee ford. This was the first intelligence this applicant received of that Battle.
On this day this applicant remembers to have seen what seemed to be two suns—and from this circumstance this applicant feared that the Battle of the Cowpens had been decided against his country. After this battle this applicant and a Mr. Jordan were appointed by Col. Moffett to go through the country on King's Creek and Bullock's Creek and elsewhere to procure all the corn of the Tories except so much as would support their families—it was known that good crops were made here, and the army was in much need of provisions.
This applicant is confident that the was engaged in active service for at least the space of three years—Besides the services of which he has already spoken, he will state, himself and his brother Robert Allison were engaged to haul a wagon load of cannon balls from Haynes & Hill's Iron works on Allison Creek down to Charleston, and in that trip lost two horses. This trip was made at the time Fort Sullivan was building. This applicant will further state that owing to an infirmity in one of his wrists, occasioned by the Rheumatism, he was not so well capable of bearing arms, but did not on that account quit the service. He was engaged as already stated in warning the delinquents, in going from post to post to carry and receive intelligence, and much of his time was employed as Assistant Commissary and much engaged in supplying the army with beef, Pork & other provisions. He remembers that he was detached by Col. Moffett together with four other men to go and take Col. Floyd, Robinson & Whitley, three Tories—they succeeded in taking Robinson, and carried him before Col. Ezekiel Polk, who undertook to deliver him up to Col. Neil, but he was suffered to escape.
This applicant continued in the service until the country was returned to peace. He has no documentary evidence of his services—he received no written discharge when he quit the service. He knows of no person by whom he can prove his services—He moved from S. C. to Tennessee, where he lived ever since. He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. S/ Hugh Allison, X his mark
Test: S/ S. W. Akin, JP
[Joseph Payton, a clergyman, and John Akin gave the standard supporting affidavit.
Hugh Allison was the son of Hugh Allison (1714–1799) and Margaret Hope (1720–1799.) He married Mary Love.
The actual burial site of Hugh Allison has been lost to history: he died in Maury County, Tennessee, so was most probably buried there in a plot marked by a long-lost fieldstone. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
Thank you, Janelle Dixon, for your input on this memorial.
On October 7, 1780, the foundation that would forever change the world was established. Fewer than one thousand American Heroes, through skill, luck, and the leadership of cunning strategists, defeated Patrick Ferguson, a brilliant star of the British military might. Hugh Allison was one of those Heroes.
His participation in the Battle of King's Mountain was documented by his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, R157. The application was transcribed by Will Graves.
(Parenthetically, historians, genealogists, and descendants owe thanks to Will Graves for his hours spent transcribing the pension applications of American Revolution veterans. These papers were fragile and difficult to read, so this was a most difficult task, but so many people benefit from his efforts. Thank you, Will Graves.)
State of Tennessee, Maury County
On this 17th day of April 1833 personally appeared before Samuel W. Aiken, an acting Justice of the Peace and a Justice of the County Court for the County of Maury, Hugh Allison, a resident of Maury County and State of Tennessee, aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn agreeably to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832—
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as by herein stated. This applicant was born in the State of Pennsylvania and county of Chester in the year 1746, but has lost the record of his age, from which place his father removed first to Maryland, and then to South Carolina in York District, where he resided at the time he entered the service. He moved from Maryland in the year 1776 and reached South Carolina late in December of that year—and in a short time, a few days, he entered the service.
He remembers that within two or three days after he arrived it was understood that about five hundred Tories had assembled on Duncan's Creek in order to Join the Indians who had killed several families, and the people in his neighborhood were called out by Genl. Williams [sic, Andrew Williamson] to go and attack the Tories, but upon their arrival the Tories gave up without the firing of a gun. This applicant was not among the people who went to attack the Tories.
This applicant entered the service as a volunteer under Capt. William Byers, and the Regiment was commanded by Col. Neil or Neal [sic, Col. Thomas Neel], and Frank Ross [Francis Ross] Major. He served under these officers until the death of Col. Neil, which took place shortly after the Battle of Keowee with the Indians [sic, Neel died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Stono on June 20, 1779].
This applicant was engaged principally in riding through the country and warning the delinquents.
After the death of Col. Neil, the command devolved upon Col. Moffit [sic, John Moffett], and Capt. Byers [William Byers, Sr.] having resigned his commission was succeeded by Capt. Varnoble [probably Capt. James Vernable], who was soon succeeded again by Capt. Jordan. The situation of the country was such that the officers were frequently changed, and the soldiers changed places from one part of the country to another as circumstances required. The country being then much overrun with Tories the soldiers were required to change their situations frequently in order to keep them in check.
This applicant in company with two others was sent by Col. Moffett on the morning of the Battle of King's Mountain [October 7. 1780] to a small mountain near to King's Mountain, called Whitaker's Mountain, where it was understood there were a number of horses collected by the Tories, but upon their arrival they saw ill the signs of many horses having been there but they had been removed, it was supposed, to meet Ferguson [Major Patrick Ferguson]. On his return about a mile this applicant heard the two first guns fired, which were fired at the picket guards, which was the commencement of the King's Mountain Battle.
When this applicant reached the Battle ground Ferguson was killed, but the guns continued firing for some time. The American troops were in great distress for provisions, and this applicant was dispatched into the settlements [on] the same day of the battle to procure bread for the soldiers—he procured the bread and returned the next morning before day. The Whigs had secured two beeves[?]1 which belonged to Ferguson. During the day after the Battle this applicant assisted in carrying the wounded of his company to a place of safety and in burying the dead—Wm Watson [William Watson], a brother-in-law of Col. Moffett, was killed—Alexander Caldwell was wounded and died—Maj. Chronicle [William Chronicle] was shot dead.
The officers remembered by this applicant were Col. Cleveland [Benjamin Cleveland], Col. Campbell [William Campbell], Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] and Col. Moffett—Major Hannah, who succeeded Major Ross who was killed at the battle of Keowee by the Indians, Major Chronicle who was killed—Capt. James Meek commanded the company of this applicant.
Shortly after the Battle of King's Mountain this applicant was sent by Col. Moffett to the Tuckaseegee Ford on the Catawba River, to see whether there were any reinforcements from North Carolina for Genl. Morgan [Daniel Morgan]. When this applicant arrived near the place of rendezvous at Mr. John Robertson's, he learned that no troops had assembled. This applicant started back and met two men who had been sent by Genl. Morgan on the same business. This applicant learned from these two men that they had heard the firing of the Battle of the Cowpens [January 17. 1781] the day before, as they crossed at the Cherokee ford. This was the first intelligence this applicant received of that Battle.
On this day this applicant remembers to have seen what seemed to be two suns—and from this circumstance this applicant feared that the Battle of the Cowpens had been decided against his country. After this battle this applicant and a Mr. Jordan were appointed by Col. Moffett to go through the country on King's Creek and Bullock's Creek and elsewhere to procure all the corn of the Tories except so much as would support their families—it was known that good crops were made here, and the army was in much need of provisions.
This applicant is confident that the was engaged in active service for at least the space of three years—Besides the services of which he has already spoken, he will state, himself and his brother Robert Allison were engaged to haul a wagon load of cannon balls from Haynes & Hill's Iron works on Allison Creek down to Charleston, and in that trip lost two horses. This trip was made at the time Fort Sullivan was building. This applicant will further state that owing to an infirmity in one of his wrists, occasioned by the Rheumatism, he was not so well capable of bearing arms, but did not on that account quit the service. He was engaged as already stated in warning the delinquents, in going from post to post to carry and receive intelligence, and much of his time was employed as Assistant Commissary and much engaged in supplying the army with beef, Pork & other provisions. He remembers that he was detached by Col. Moffett together with four other men to go and take Col. Floyd, Robinson & Whitley, three Tories—they succeeded in taking Robinson, and carried him before Col. Ezekiel Polk, who undertook to deliver him up to Col. Neil, but he was suffered to escape.
This applicant continued in the service until the country was returned to peace. He has no documentary evidence of his services—he received no written discharge when he quit the service. He knows of no person by whom he can prove his services—He moved from S. C. to Tennessee, where he lived ever since. He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. S/ Hugh Allison, X his mark
Test: S/ S. W. Akin, JP
[Joseph Payton, a clergyman, and John Akin gave the standard supporting affidavit.
Hugh Allison was the son of Hugh Allison (1714–1799) and Margaret Hope (1720–1799.) He married Mary Love.
The actual burial site of Hugh Allison has been lost to history: he died in Maury County, Tennessee, so was most probably buried there in a plot marked by a long-lost fieldstone. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
Thank you, Janelle Dixon, for your input on this memorial.
His participation in the Battle of King's Mountain was documented by his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, R157. The application was transcribed by Will Graves.
(Parenthetically, historians, genealogists, and descendants owe thanks to Will Graves for his hours spent transcribing the pension applications of American Revolution veterans. These papers were fragile and difficult to read, so this was a most difficult task, but so many people benefit from his efforts. Thank you, Will Graves.)
State of Tennessee, Maury County
On this 17th day of April 1833 personally appeared before Samuel W. Aiken, an acting Justice of the Peace and a Justice of the County Court for the County of Maury, Hugh Allison, a resident of Maury County and State of Tennessee, aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn agreeably to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832—
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as by herein stated. This applicant was born in the State of Pennsylvania and county of Chester in the year 1746, but has lost the record of his age, from which place his father removed first to Maryland, and then to South Carolina in York District, where he resided at the time he entered the service. He moved from Maryland in the year 1776 and reached South Carolina late in December of that year—and in a short time, a few days, he entered the service.
He remembers that within two or three days after he arrived it was understood that about five hundred Tories had assembled on Duncan's Creek in order to Join the Indians who had killed several families, and the people in his neighborhood were called out by Genl. Williams [sic, Andrew Williamson] to go and attack the Tories, but upon their arrival the Tories gave up without the firing of a gun. This applicant was not among the people who went to attack the Tories.
This applicant entered the service as a volunteer under Capt. William Byers, and the Regiment was commanded by Col. Neil or Neal [sic, Col. Thomas Neel], and Frank Ross [Francis Ross] Major. He served under these officers until the death of Col. Neil, which took place shortly after the Battle of Keowee with the Indians [sic, Neel died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Stono on June 20, 1779].
This applicant was engaged principally in riding through the country and warning the delinquents.
After the death of Col. Neil, the command devolved upon Col. Moffit [sic, John Moffett], and Capt. Byers [William Byers, Sr.] having resigned his commission was succeeded by Capt. Varnoble [probably Capt. James Vernable], who was soon succeeded again by Capt. Jordan. The situation of the country was such that the officers were frequently changed, and the soldiers changed places from one part of the country to another as circumstances required. The country being then much overrun with Tories the soldiers were required to change their situations frequently in order to keep them in check.
This applicant in company with two others was sent by Col. Moffett on the morning of the Battle of King's Mountain [October 7. 1780] to a small mountain near to King's Mountain, called Whitaker's Mountain, where it was understood there were a number of horses collected by the Tories, but upon their arrival they saw ill the signs of many horses having been there but they had been removed, it was supposed, to meet Ferguson [Major Patrick Ferguson]. On his return about a mile this applicant heard the two first guns fired, which were fired at the picket guards, which was the commencement of the King's Mountain Battle.
When this applicant reached the Battle ground Ferguson was killed, but the guns continued firing for some time. The American troops were in great distress for provisions, and this applicant was dispatched into the settlements [on] the same day of the battle to procure bread for the soldiers—he procured the bread and returned the next morning before day. The Whigs had secured two beeves[?]1 which belonged to Ferguson. During the day after the Battle this applicant assisted in carrying the wounded of his company to a place of safety and in burying the dead—Wm Watson [William Watson], a brother-in-law of Col. Moffett, was killed—Alexander Caldwell was wounded and died—Maj. Chronicle [William Chronicle] was shot dead.
The officers remembered by this applicant were Col. Cleveland [Benjamin Cleveland], Col. Campbell [William Campbell], Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] and Col. Moffett—Major Hannah, who succeeded Major Ross who was killed at the battle of Keowee by the Indians, Major Chronicle who was killed—Capt. James Meek commanded the company of this applicant.
Shortly after the Battle of King's Mountain this applicant was sent by Col. Moffett to the Tuckaseegee Ford on the Catawba River, to see whether there were any reinforcements from North Carolina for Genl. Morgan [Daniel Morgan]. When this applicant arrived near the place of rendezvous at Mr. John Robertson's, he learned that no troops had assembled. This applicant started back and met two men who had been sent by Genl. Morgan on the same business. This applicant learned from these two men that they had heard the firing of the Battle of the Cowpens [January 17. 1781] the day before, as they crossed at the Cherokee ford. This was the first intelligence this applicant received of that Battle.
On this day this applicant remembers to have seen what seemed to be two suns—and from this circumstance this applicant feared that the Battle of the Cowpens had been decided against his country. After this battle this applicant and a Mr. Jordan were appointed by Col. Moffett to go through the country on King's Creek and Bullock's Creek and elsewhere to procure all the corn of the Tories except so much as would support their families—it was known that good crops were made here, and the army was in much need of provisions.
This applicant is confident that the was engaged in active service for at least the space of three years—Besides the services of which he has already spoken, he will state, himself and his brother Robert Allison were engaged to haul a wagon load of cannon balls from Haynes & Hill's Iron works on Allison Creek down to Charleston, and in that trip lost two horses. This trip was made at the time Fort Sullivan was building. This applicant will further state that owing to an infirmity in one of his wrists, occasioned by the Rheumatism, he was not so well capable of bearing arms, but did not on that account quit the service. He was engaged as already stated in warning the delinquents, in going from post to post to carry and receive intelligence, and much of his time was employed as Assistant Commissary and much engaged in supplying the army with beef, Pork & other provisions. He remembers that he was detached by Col. Moffett together with four other men to go and take Col. Floyd, Robinson & Whitley, three Tories—they succeeded in taking Robinson, and carried him before Col. Ezekiel Polk, who undertook to deliver him up to Col. Neil, but he was suffered to escape.
This applicant continued in the service until the country was returned to peace. He has no documentary evidence of his services—he received no written discharge when he quit the service. He knows of no person by whom he can prove his services—He moved from S. C. to Tennessee, where he lived ever since. He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. S/ Hugh Allison, X his mark
Test: S/ S. W. Akin, JP
[Joseph Payton, a clergyman, and John Akin gave the standard supporting affidavit.
Hugh Allison was the son of Hugh Allison (1714–1799) and Margaret Hope (1720–1799.) He married Mary Love.
The actual burial site of Hugh Allison has been lost to history: he died in Maury County, Tennessee, so was most probably buried there in a plot marked by a long-lost fieldstone. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
Thank you, Janelle Dixon, for your input on this memorial.
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