Edward Doyle, DAR Ancestor Number A131775, married Ruth Ransom Sargent, a widow with two young children: a daughter, Elizabeth and a son, Daniel. The father of those children was Joseph Sargent, DAR Ancestor Number A100156 who had been captured by the British and had died as a prisoner of war in 1781.
Edward Doyle and Ruth Sargent married on April 17, 1782. They had at least two children: a daughter, Ruth, who married James Boyd, the grandson of John Boyd, DAR Ancestor Number A115129, (through daughter, Susannah who married Edmond Boyd) and a son, James Harvey Ransom Doyle who married Pamelia Posey. She was the daughter of Hezekiah Posey, DAR Ancestor Number A091434, and his second wife, Ruth. (Note: many family trees list Susannah Savannah Harrison as Pamelia's mother. Those same trees note that Susannah's DOD was 1786 and Pamelia's DOB as 1794, so there is a discrepancy.) Posey was a Veteran of the American Revolutionary War and served as part of the South Carolina Militia. Reference Find A Grave Memorial# 69473498.
Fifty years after Edward Doyle fought in the American Revolution, he recalled his exploits with amazing detail. His Application for Revolutionary Pension was fascinating to read and gave glimpses of not only Edward Doyle, but other soldiers as well. Will Graves transcribed the application.
(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.)
Southern Campaigns
American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Edward Doyle S32216 f36SC
Transcribed by Will Graves revised 8/4/08 & 12/8/14
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Where the meaning is not compromised by adhering to the spelling, punctuation or grammar, no change has been made. Corrections or additional notes have been inserted within brackets or footnotes. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. A bracketed question mark indicates that the word or words preceding it represent(s) a guess by me. The word 'illegible' or 'indecipherable' appearing in brackets indicates that at the time I made the transcription, I was unable to decipher the word or phrase in question. Only materials pertinent to the military service of the veteran and to contemporary events have been transcribed. Affidavits that provide additional information on these events are included and genealogical information is abstracted, while standard, 'boilerplate' affidavits and attestations related solely to the application, and later nineteenth and twentieth century research requests for information have been omitted. I use speech recognition software to make all my transcriptions. Such software misinterprets my southern accent with unfortunate regularity and my poor proofreading skills fail to catch all misinterpretations. Also, dates or numbers which the software treats as numerals rather than words are not corrected: for example, the software transcribes "the eighth of June one thousand eighty six" as "the 8th of June 1786." Please call material errors or omissions to my attention.]
State of Alabama, County of Blount
On this 18th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Marston Mead the Judge of the Court of Blount County, now setting Edward Doyle, a resident in the County of Blount and State of Alabama aged Seventy four years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832—
That he entered the Service under the following named officers and Served as herein stated. That in the month of February or March in the year 1779 he enrolled himself as a volunteer in the Company of Capt. Levi Casy [Levi Casey] under the command of Col. James Williams of the South Carolina militia and at the time of his enrolment resided in ninety six District in the State of South Carolina. Robert Duging [Robert Dugan] my Lieutenant, Major Taylor was our adjutant & from our place of rendezvous at Camp Branch 14 or fifteen miles from 96 Court House we marched to Liberty Hill on the approach side of the Savannah River from Augusta and remained there about two months. Col. Pickens [Andrew Pickens] was likewise there with a part of his Regiment. Gen. Williamson [Andrew Williamson] was our Brigadier General & had the command of all the Troops—there was only one company [of] Regular Troops Stationed there. Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince Belonged to said Artillery Company. Col. Leonard Marberry of the Continental line & commander of the Light Horse was occasionally with us but mostly out with Scouting party about one half of Col. Williams' Militia were mounted & called Mounted Militia. Col. Pickens likewise commanded Mounted Militia whilst we were stationed opposite Augusta. The British commanded by Col. Campbell [Archibald Campbell] were in Augusta & Gen. Prevost's [Augustine Prevost's] Army in Savannah. & From thence Capt. Levi Casey and about six of his men myself included attached ourselves to Col. Pickens' Regiment and marched under the command of Col. Pickens in pursuit of the Tories—and on this expedition there was about three hundred mounted militia & Col. Pickens attacked & defeated a party of Tories at Kettle Creek [February 14, 1779] in Georgia. The Battle lasted about one hour. The said Edward Doyle was in said Battle. The Tories were all mounted and it was said there were about five or six hundred of them, we killed several of them and took about two hundred prisoners and marched them to our encampment opposite Augusta at Liberty Hill & from thence Col. Williams' regiment guarded them to the Jail at Ninety Six and the Tories remained in jail & were guarded until a court was convened & were tried for their lives. Many of them were convicted, but few of them were executed. One by the name of Aquilla Hall was executed and after the trial of the Tories, this deponent was discharged & went home & the Discharge lost or destroyed. In this tour he served three months.
And the said Edward Doyle again volunteered after being at home only about two weeks. [He] enrolled himself as a volunteer in the militia of South Carolina in the company of Capt. Isaac Morgan in the Regiment of Col. Liles [perhaps Lt. Col. James Lisle] under Brigadier Gen. Williamson & marched from home (I think sometime in April or May) to join Genl. Lincoln's [Benjamin Lincoln's] Army and marched down the country towards Charlestown and joined Genl. Lincoln's Army a few miles above Bacon's Bridge and all marched from thence & encamped several days at Bacon's Bridge and whilst there the British Cavalry attacked our Picket Guard some time after Sun down but were repulsed. Our Light Horse then paraded to meet them & crossed the Bridge & pursued some distance but did not overtake the British—then marched and was engaged in the Battle at Stono Ferry [June 20, 1779] under Gen. Lincoln. Sometime in the Summer of 1779—in this Battle Lieutenant Prince of the Artillery this deponent was informed was mortally wounded in bringing off his artillery—another officer Col. Roberts [Owen Roberts] was killed & buried with the Heroes of War about five miles from the Battleground; and remained some time after the Battle and Served on this campaign three months and discharged & went home to ninety six district; on this tour he was mounted and was about seven days with Genl. Pulaski & his cavalry on scouting parties at one time about five miles from our encampment at Bacon's Bridge—He was with Count Pulaski's Cavalry--& said Edward Doyle & one Reuben Gilders. Gen. Pulaski's spies were marching on about three hundred yards in front of the Cavalry & saw about twenty five of the British Cavalry— before whom trotted a small dog—Guilders remained by secreting himself in the woods & told me to return to Gen. Pulaski. I informed him as soon as I could ride back. He in front with twelve of his Cavalry—immediately pushed on & met the Enemy—who retreated; a skirmish ensued. Our cavalry all came up. Count Pulaski gave way until our main body of cavalry joined them & then the whole of the British and Tories gave way—we killed & wounded eight or ten of the Enemy; took no prisoners—& I do not recollect that we had a single man killed or wounded.
The said Edward Doyle again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Hayes' Company of the South Carolina militia under Major Gillum [Gillam] commanded by Gen. Williamson a Scotchman—in company with Col. Pickens and marched with about two hundred men against the Cherokee Indians—and destroyed about seventeen or eighteen Towns on Hitower & the Hiwassee Rivers & their tributaries. And destroyed their corn and at one Town called the Big Shoemake Town there was near two hundred acres of corn— This expedition was in the latter part of the Summer of the same year of the Stono Expedition and the Battle at Stono Ferry—the corn was in good. Roasting years [sic, ears] when it was destroyed at the Indian Towns—in this expedition the troops were all mounted and was out six weeks from the time we left home and returned home & discharged some time in the fall of the year. And he was drafted as a militia man on the third day after he returned from the Indian Expedition to serve in the militia of South Carolina and was enrolled again in Capt. Levi Casey's company in Col. Williams' regiment in Genl. Williamson's Brigade and marched to Savannah and was there at the Siege [September 16-October 18, 1779] in October in the same year & he was in the assault made upon the British at Savannah—This assault was made about Day Break & the moon gave light. He with Capt. Casey, Col. Williams' regiment & Gen. Williamson's Brigade charged on the lower side of the Town. Gen. Huger [spelled "Ugee"] & Gen. Williamson commanded the South Carolina Militia— Col. Marbrey who had formerly commanded the Light Horse was in the Charge with the Militia & saw him rallying & encouraging them in the assault. In this assault Capt. McClure of Col. Williams' Regiment was mortally wounded in the shoulder. His arm was cut off & he died in a few days thereafter on this Tour the said Doyle served three months & was discharged &
he again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Casey's company in 1780 in the last of May or first of June of the same year in Col. Williams' regiment under the command of Gen. Sumpter [Thomas Sumter]) of the South Carolina Militia. At the time of his enrolment [he] resided in ninety six District and joined Gen. Sumter at Charlotte in North Carolina and from thence went to the Battle of Rocky Mount [July 30, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. On the Sabbath day some time in the summer after his enrolment but had to retreat and the next Sabbath following he was engaged in the Battle at the Hanging Rock [August 6, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. Here Col. Neal of the Militia was killed1—the British & Tories were here Defeated. The Tories were stationed at the Hanging Rock and when the attack was made on them the British Troops were stationed about four hundred yards from the Tories and after the Tories were defeated, the British marched to their relief and they were likewise defeated. The Tories were commanded by Col. Bryan [Samuel Bryan] who fled; we took about thirty prisoners—here Col. Hill [William Hill], an Iron master of our party, was wounded in the Shoulder but not mortally at this Battle Major Davy [William Richardson Davie] commanded the Light Horse--& the said Edward Doyle. Before either of these battles with Gen. Sumter was engaged in a Battle with the Tories at Ramsour's Mills [June 20, 1780]2 on the Waters of the Catawba in Lincoln County North Carolina. Gen. Sumter did not command in this Battle—in this Battle we Defeated the Tories in the year 1880 (sic, 1780) & took several prisoners. In this Battle he was commanded by Capt. Falls [Galbraith Falls] of the North Carolina Militia, but served under him about one week & returned to his captain again under Gen. Sumter & he has forgotten the commanding officers in the said last battle but the Troops were chiefly North Carolina militia—and he was in the Battle at Col. Bratton's House [Battle of Williamson's Plantation or Brattonsville, July 12, 1780] & defeated them & killed a British officer called Capt. Hook [Christian Huck] of the Light Horse—at this Battle Col Neal [Andrew Neel] was our commander—he is the same officer that was killed afterwards at Rocky Mount in North Carolina [South Carolina]—which I by mistake in this narrative said he was killed at the Hanging Rock in this action at Bratton's we took several horses, guns, swords & pistols & took thirty or forty prisoners—
He was with Gen. Sumter & a number of North Carolina Militia in all amounting to five or six hundred strong & captured a British Guard with several baggage wagons five or six in number loaded with rum, provisions, store goods & camp equipment and were marching with them from South to North Carolina and at Fishing Creek between the Creek and the Catawba River about noon day—Genl. Sumter was attacked by Tarleton's Light Horse and our Troops defeated [August 18, 1780]. I think this defeat was in the month of August—at the time of the attack a great many of our troops were pulling peaches & roasting ears & many of them much fatigued & lying on the ground resting—in this defeat Col. Lindsey of South Carolina was badly wounded but not mortally and after four or five days thereafter he joined a company on their march to Musgrove's Mill in ninety six District on the Enoree River and was at Said Mill engaged in a battle [August 19, 1780] against the British and Tories—Col. Enis [Alexander Innis] it was said Commanded the British Troops about one hundred and two hundred Tories—they were entirely Defeated. I saw fifty two dead bodies on the field of the Enemy—and among them was a British captain—it was said Col. Innis was wounded in the neck but made his escape. Our troops were commanded by Col. Williams, Col. Clark [Elijah Clarke] and Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] in all about two hundred in this Battle. We had three men killed and but few wounded. This deponent was himself wounded slightly on the knuckle of the little finger of the left hand—we then took charge of the prisoners about twenty in number and after this Battle this deponent in company of several of his company returned to join Gen. Sumter again and was with him again in a Battle at the Fish Dam Ford [November 9, 1780] on Broad River in the Latter part of the fall or early in the winter of the same year of his defeat; the British and Tories attacked our Troops in the night the Battle lasted about one hour we kept the Ground & they retreated—after this Battle, this deponent was discharged and went home.
Some time in the early part of the winter of the year 1780 and from his last enrolment under Capt. Casey he was in service as well as he recollects seven months—until he returned home—and in all his tours under the foregoing named officers—he was mounted militiaman and the said Edward Doyle was during the year 1781 on many scouting parties—under Col. Lindsay and Col. Casey—late his captain—Levi Casey who was promoted to the Rank of Col. But was not during said last mentioned year regularly enrolled in any Captain's company but was engaged in many scouting parties under the last mentioned officers in the militia of South Carolina against the Tories and in Said scouting parties he was always a volunteer—and was a private soldier during his services as related in the foregoing declaration.
That he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. 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.
S/ Edwd. Doyle
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
Question first propounded by the County Court of Blount County to forgoing named Edward Doyle.
1st Where and in what year were you born? Answer: I was Born in Fairfax County Virginia in January 1758.
Answer to 2nd Interrogatory I have not the original record of my age But I have got in my Bible at home a true copy.
Answer to third Intg.: When I was called into Service I resided in Ninety Six District in the State of South Carolina. After the capture of Earl Cornwallis, I removed to Caswell County North Carolina and lived there about fourteen years then moved to South Carolina. I lived there about thirteen years longer in Pendleton district then removed to Georgia, Jasper County and lived there three years. Then removed to Lincoln County Tennessee & lived there about five years—then removed & lived in Limestone County Alabama until March 1832 & then removed to Blount County where I now live.
Answer to 4th Interrogatory: I was a volunteer every tour in the Service of the revolution but one & then I was Drafted.
Answer to 5th Intg.: I knew Count Pulaski & Col. Marberry; Gen. Lincoln who was a Lame man--& Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince & I saw the French commander Count D'Easting [D'Estaing] --& have already stated the General Circumstances of my Service and the military regiments that I recollect were with me.
Answer to 6th: I received a discharge from Col. Lindsey & one from Col. Casey & one from Col. Williams--& every tour I served I was either discharged verbally or in writing but they are all destroyed.
Answer to 7th Interrogatory: I am known in my present neighborhood by William T. Weldon, Joseph H. Posey, Daniel Largent, James Boyd & Thomas Sherrer & they can testify as to my character for veracity and they all that they believe I was a Soldier of the Revolution.
S/ Edwd Doyle Sworn & subscribed to the Day & year aforesaid.
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died April 28, 1833 at the residence of James Boyd in Blount County, Alabama, leaving no widow, and survived by only two children, James H. R. Doyle (a resident of the state of Illinois) and Ruth Doyle, wife of James Boyd.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $87.50 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for service in the South Carolina militia.]
Note: Thank you, rhm, for creating this lovely memorial, for your work on Find A Grave, and your contributions to genealogy.
Edward Doyle and Ruth Sargent married on April 17, 1782. They had at least two children: a daughter, Ruth, who married James Boyd, the grandson of John Boyd, DAR Ancestor Number A115129, (through daughter, Susannah who married Edmond Boyd) and a son, James Harvey Ransom Doyle who married Pamelia Posey. She was the daughter of Hezekiah Posey, DAR Ancestor Number A091434, and his second wife, Ruth. (Note: many family trees list Susannah Savannah Harrison as Pamelia's mother. Those same trees note that Susannah's DOD was 1786 and Pamelia's DOB as 1794, so there is a discrepancy.) Posey was a Veteran of the American Revolutionary War and served as part of the South Carolina Militia. Reference Find A Grave Memorial# 69473498.
Fifty years after Edward Doyle fought in the American Revolution, he recalled his exploits with amazing detail. His Application for Revolutionary Pension was fascinating to read and gave glimpses of not only Edward Doyle, but other soldiers as well. Will Graves transcribed the application.
(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.)
Southern Campaigns
American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Edward Doyle S32216 f36SC
Transcribed by Will Graves revised 8/4/08 & 12/8/14
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Where the meaning is not compromised by adhering to the spelling, punctuation or grammar, no change has been made. Corrections or additional notes have been inserted within brackets or footnotes. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. A bracketed question mark indicates that the word or words preceding it represent(s) a guess by me. The word 'illegible' or 'indecipherable' appearing in brackets indicates that at the time I made the transcription, I was unable to decipher the word or phrase in question. Only materials pertinent to the military service of the veteran and to contemporary events have been transcribed. Affidavits that provide additional information on these events are included and genealogical information is abstracted, while standard, 'boilerplate' affidavits and attestations related solely to the application, and later nineteenth and twentieth century research requests for information have been omitted. I use speech recognition software to make all my transcriptions. Such software misinterprets my southern accent with unfortunate regularity and my poor proofreading skills fail to catch all misinterpretations. Also, dates or numbers which the software treats as numerals rather than words are not corrected: for example, the software transcribes "the eighth of June one thousand eighty six" as "the 8th of June 1786." Please call material errors or omissions to my attention.]
State of Alabama, County of Blount
On this 18th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Marston Mead the Judge of the Court of Blount County, now setting Edward Doyle, a resident in the County of Blount and State of Alabama aged Seventy four years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832—
That he entered the Service under the following named officers and Served as herein stated. That in the month of February or March in the year 1779 he enrolled himself as a volunteer in the Company of Capt. Levi Casy [Levi Casey] under the command of Col. James Williams of the South Carolina militia and at the time of his enrolment resided in ninety six District in the State of South Carolina. Robert Duging [Robert Dugan] my Lieutenant, Major Taylor was our adjutant & from our place of rendezvous at Camp Branch 14 or fifteen miles from 96 Court House we marched to Liberty Hill on the approach side of the Savannah River from Augusta and remained there about two months. Col. Pickens [Andrew Pickens] was likewise there with a part of his Regiment. Gen. Williamson [Andrew Williamson] was our Brigadier General & had the command of all the Troops—there was only one company [of] Regular Troops Stationed there. Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince Belonged to said Artillery Company. Col. Leonard Marberry of the Continental line & commander of the Light Horse was occasionally with us but mostly out with Scouting party about one half of Col. Williams' Militia were mounted & called Mounted Militia. Col. Pickens likewise commanded Mounted Militia whilst we were stationed opposite Augusta. The British commanded by Col. Campbell [Archibald Campbell] were in Augusta & Gen. Prevost's [Augustine Prevost's] Army in Savannah. & From thence Capt. Levi Casey and about six of his men myself included attached ourselves to Col. Pickens' Regiment and marched under the command of Col. Pickens in pursuit of the Tories—and on this expedition there was about three hundred mounted militia & Col. Pickens attacked & defeated a party of Tories at Kettle Creek [February 14, 1779] in Georgia. The Battle lasted about one hour. The said Edward Doyle was in said Battle. The Tories were all mounted and it was said there were about five or six hundred of them, we killed several of them and took about two hundred prisoners and marched them to our encampment opposite Augusta at Liberty Hill & from thence Col. Williams' regiment guarded them to the Jail at Ninety Six and the Tories remained in jail & were guarded until a court was convened & were tried for their lives. Many of them were convicted, but few of them were executed. One by the name of Aquilla Hall was executed and after the trial of the Tories, this deponent was discharged & went home & the Discharge lost or destroyed. In this tour he served three months.
And the said Edward Doyle again volunteered after being at home only about two weeks. [He] enrolled himself as a volunteer in the militia of South Carolina in the company of Capt. Isaac Morgan in the Regiment of Col. Liles [perhaps Lt. Col. James Lisle] under Brigadier Gen. Williamson & marched from home (I think sometime in April or May) to join Genl. Lincoln's [Benjamin Lincoln's] Army and marched down the country towards Charlestown and joined Genl. Lincoln's Army a few miles above Bacon's Bridge and all marched from thence & encamped several days at Bacon's Bridge and whilst there the British Cavalry attacked our Picket Guard some time after Sun down but were repulsed. Our Light Horse then paraded to meet them & crossed the Bridge & pursued some distance but did not overtake the British—then marched and was engaged in the Battle at Stono Ferry [June 20, 1779] under Gen. Lincoln. Sometime in the Summer of 1779—in this Battle Lieutenant Prince of the Artillery this deponent was informed was mortally wounded in bringing off his artillery—another officer Col. Roberts [Owen Roberts] was killed & buried with the Heroes of War about five miles from the Battleground; and remained some time after the Battle and Served on this campaign three months and discharged & went home to ninety six district; on this tour he was mounted and was about seven days with Genl. Pulaski & his cavalry on scouting parties at one time about five miles from our encampment at Bacon's Bridge—He was with Count Pulaski's Cavalry--& said Edward Doyle & one Reuben Gilders. Gen. Pulaski's spies were marching on about three hundred yards in front of the Cavalry & saw about twenty five of the British Cavalry— before whom trotted a small dog—Guilders remained by secreting himself in the woods & told me to return to Gen. Pulaski. I informed him as soon as I could ride back. He in front with twelve of his Cavalry—immediately pushed on & met the Enemy—who retreated; a skirmish ensued. Our cavalry all came up. Count Pulaski gave way until our main body of cavalry joined them & then the whole of the British and Tories gave way—we killed & wounded eight or ten of the Enemy; took no prisoners—& I do not recollect that we had a single man killed or wounded.
The said Edward Doyle again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Hayes' Company of the South Carolina militia under Major Gillum [Gillam] commanded by Gen. Williamson a Scotchman—in company with Col. Pickens and marched with about two hundred men against the Cherokee Indians—and destroyed about seventeen or eighteen Towns on Hitower & the Hiwassee Rivers & their tributaries. And destroyed their corn and at one Town called the Big Shoemake Town there was near two hundred acres of corn— This expedition was in the latter part of the Summer of the same year of the Stono Expedition and the Battle at Stono Ferry—the corn was in good. Roasting years [sic, ears] when it was destroyed at the Indian Towns—in this expedition the troops were all mounted and was out six weeks from the time we left home and returned home & discharged some time in the fall of the year. And he was drafted as a militia man on the third day after he returned from the Indian Expedition to serve in the militia of South Carolina and was enrolled again in Capt. Levi Casey's company in Col. Williams' regiment in Genl. Williamson's Brigade and marched to Savannah and was there at the Siege [September 16-October 18, 1779] in October in the same year & he was in the assault made upon the British at Savannah—This assault was made about Day Break & the moon gave light. He with Capt. Casey, Col. Williams' regiment & Gen. Williamson's Brigade charged on the lower side of the Town. Gen. Huger [spelled "Ugee"] & Gen. Williamson commanded the South Carolina Militia— Col. Marbrey who had formerly commanded the Light Horse was in the Charge with the Militia & saw him rallying & encouraging them in the assault. In this assault Capt. McClure of Col. Williams' Regiment was mortally wounded in the shoulder. His arm was cut off & he died in a few days thereafter on this Tour the said Doyle served three months & was discharged &
he again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Casey's company in 1780 in the last of May or first of June of the same year in Col. Williams' regiment under the command of Gen. Sumpter [Thomas Sumter]) of the South Carolina Militia. At the time of his enrolment [he] resided in ninety six District and joined Gen. Sumter at Charlotte in North Carolina and from thence went to the Battle of Rocky Mount [July 30, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. On the Sabbath day some time in the summer after his enrolment but had to retreat and the next Sabbath following he was engaged in the Battle at the Hanging Rock [August 6, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. Here Col. Neal of the Militia was killed1—the British & Tories were here Defeated. The Tories were stationed at the Hanging Rock and when the attack was made on them the British Troops were stationed about four hundred yards from the Tories and after the Tories were defeated, the British marched to their relief and they were likewise defeated. The Tories were commanded by Col. Bryan [Samuel Bryan] who fled; we took about thirty prisoners—here Col. Hill [William Hill], an Iron master of our party, was wounded in the Shoulder but not mortally at this Battle Major Davy [William Richardson Davie] commanded the Light Horse--& the said Edward Doyle. Before either of these battles with Gen. Sumter was engaged in a Battle with the Tories at Ramsour's Mills [June 20, 1780]2 on the Waters of the Catawba in Lincoln County North Carolina. Gen. Sumter did not command in this Battle—in this Battle we Defeated the Tories in the year 1880 (sic, 1780) & took several prisoners. In this Battle he was commanded by Capt. Falls [Galbraith Falls] of the North Carolina Militia, but served under him about one week & returned to his captain again under Gen. Sumter & he has forgotten the commanding officers in the said last battle but the Troops were chiefly North Carolina militia—and he was in the Battle at Col. Bratton's House [Battle of Williamson's Plantation or Brattonsville, July 12, 1780] & defeated them & killed a British officer called Capt. Hook [Christian Huck] of the Light Horse—at this Battle Col Neal [Andrew Neel] was our commander—he is the same officer that was killed afterwards at Rocky Mount in North Carolina [South Carolina]—which I by mistake in this narrative said he was killed at the Hanging Rock in this action at Bratton's we took several horses, guns, swords & pistols & took thirty or forty prisoners—
He was with Gen. Sumter & a number of North Carolina Militia in all amounting to five or six hundred strong & captured a British Guard with several baggage wagons five or six in number loaded with rum, provisions, store goods & camp equipment and were marching with them from South to North Carolina and at Fishing Creek between the Creek and the Catawba River about noon day—Genl. Sumter was attacked by Tarleton's Light Horse and our Troops defeated [August 18, 1780]. I think this defeat was in the month of August—at the time of the attack a great many of our troops were pulling peaches & roasting ears & many of them much fatigued & lying on the ground resting—in this defeat Col. Lindsey of South Carolina was badly wounded but not mortally and after four or five days thereafter he joined a company on their march to Musgrove's Mill in ninety six District on the Enoree River and was at Said Mill engaged in a battle [August 19, 1780] against the British and Tories—Col. Enis [Alexander Innis] it was said Commanded the British Troops about one hundred and two hundred Tories—they were entirely Defeated. I saw fifty two dead bodies on the field of the Enemy—and among them was a British captain—it was said Col. Innis was wounded in the neck but made his escape. Our troops were commanded by Col. Williams, Col. Clark [Elijah Clarke] and Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] in all about two hundred in this Battle. We had three men killed and but few wounded. This deponent was himself wounded slightly on the knuckle of the little finger of the left hand—we then took charge of the prisoners about twenty in number and after this Battle this deponent in company of several of his company returned to join Gen. Sumter again and was with him again in a Battle at the Fish Dam Ford [November 9, 1780] on Broad River in the Latter part of the fall or early in the winter of the same year of his defeat; the British and Tories attacked our Troops in the night the Battle lasted about one hour we kept the Ground & they retreated—after this Battle, this deponent was discharged and went home.
Some time in the early part of the winter of the year 1780 and from his last enrolment under Capt. Casey he was in service as well as he recollects seven months—until he returned home—and in all his tours under the foregoing named officers—he was mounted militiaman and the said Edward Doyle was during the year 1781 on many scouting parties—under Col. Lindsay and Col. Casey—late his captain—Levi Casey who was promoted to the Rank of Col. But was not during said last mentioned year regularly enrolled in any Captain's company but was engaged in many scouting parties under the last mentioned officers in the militia of South Carolina against the Tories and in Said scouting parties he was always a volunteer—and was a private soldier during his services as related in the foregoing declaration.
That he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. 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.
S/ Edwd. Doyle
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
Question first propounded by the County Court of Blount County to forgoing named Edward Doyle.
1st Where and in what year were you born? Answer: I was Born in Fairfax County Virginia in January 1758.
Answer to 2nd Interrogatory I have not the original record of my age But I have got in my Bible at home a true copy.
Answer to third Intg.: When I was called into Service I resided in Ninety Six District in the State of South Carolina. After the capture of Earl Cornwallis, I removed to Caswell County North Carolina and lived there about fourteen years then moved to South Carolina. I lived there about thirteen years longer in Pendleton district then removed to Georgia, Jasper County and lived there three years. Then removed to Lincoln County Tennessee & lived there about five years—then removed & lived in Limestone County Alabama until March 1832 & then removed to Blount County where I now live.
Answer to 4th Interrogatory: I was a volunteer every tour in the Service of the revolution but one & then I was Drafted.
Answer to 5th Intg.: I knew Count Pulaski & Col. Marberry; Gen. Lincoln who was a Lame man--& Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince & I saw the French commander Count D'Easting [D'Estaing] --& have already stated the General Circumstances of my Service and the military regiments that I recollect were with me.
Answer to 6th: I received a discharge from Col. Lindsey & one from Col. Casey & one from Col. Williams--& every tour I served I was either discharged verbally or in writing but they are all destroyed.
Answer to 7th Interrogatory: I am known in my present neighborhood by William T. Weldon, Joseph H. Posey, Daniel Largent, James Boyd & Thomas Sherrer & they can testify as to my character for veracity and they all that they believe I was a Soldier of the Revolution.
S/ Edwd Doyle Sworn & subscribed to the Day & year aforesaid.
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died April 28, 1833 at the residence of James Boyd in Blount County, Alabama, leaving no widow, and survived by only two children, James H. R. Doyle (a resident of the state of Illinois) and Ruth Doyle, wife of James Boyd.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $87.50 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for service in the South Carolina militia.]
Note: Thank you, rhm, for creating this lovely memorial, for your work on Find A Grave, and your contributions to genealogy.
Edward Doyle, DAR Ancestor Number A131775, married Ruth Ransom Sargent, a widow with two young children: a daughter, Elizabeth and a son, Daniel. The father of those children was Joseph Sargent, DAR Ancestor Number A100156 who had been captured by the British and had died as a prisoner of war in 1781.
Edward Doyle and Ruth Sargent married on April 17, 1782. They had at least two children: a daughter, Ruth, who married James Boyd, the grandson of John Boyd, DAR Ancestor Number A115129, (through daughter, Susannah who married Edmond Boyd) and a son, James Harvey Ransom Doyle who married Pamelia Posey. She was the daughter of Hezekiah Posey, DAR Ancestor Number A091434, and his second wife, Ruth. (Note: many family trees list Susannah Savannah Harrison as Pamelia's mother. Those same trees note that Susannah's DOD was 1786 and Pamelia's DOB as 1794, so there is a discrepancy.) Posey was a Veteran of the American Revolutionary War and served as part of the South Carolina Militia. Reference Find A Grave Memorial# 69473498.
Fifty years after Edward Doyle fought in the American Revolution, he recalled his exploits with amazing detail. His Application for Revolutionary Pension was fascinating to read and gave glimpses of not only Edward Doyle, but other soldiers as well. Will Graves transcribed the application.
(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.)
Southern Campaigns
American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Edward Doyle S32216 f36SC
Transcribed by Will Graves revised 8/4/08 & 12/8/14
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Where the meaning is not compromised by adhering to the spelling, punctuation or grammar, no change has been made. Corrections or additional notes have been inserted within brackets or footnotes. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. A bracketed question mark indicates that the word or words preceding it represent(s) a guess by me. The word 'illegible' or 'indecipherable' appearing in brackets indicates that at the time I made the transcription, I was unable to decipher the word or phrase in question. Only materials pertinent to the military service of the veteran and to contemporary events have been transcribed. Affidavits that provide additional information on these events are included and genealogical information is abstracted, while standard, 'boilerplate' affidavits and attestations related solely to the application, and later nineteenth and twentieth century research requests for information have been omitted. I use speech recognition software to make all my transcriptions. Such software misinterprets my southern accent with unfortunate regularity and my poor proofreading skills fail to catch all misinterpretations. Also, dates or numbers which the software treats as numerals rather than words are not corrected: for example, the software transcribes "the eighth of June one thousand eighty six" as "the 8th of June 1786." Please call material errors or omissions to my attention.]
State of Alabama, County of Blount
On this 18th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Marston Mead the Judge of the Court of Blount County, now setting Edward Doyle, a resident in the County of Blount and State of Alabama aged Seventy four years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832—
That he entered the Service under the following named officers and Served as herein stated. That in the month of February or March in the year 1779 he enrolled himself as a volunteer in the Company of Capt. Levi Casy [Levi Casey] under the command of Col. James Williams of the South Carolina militia and at the time of his enrolment resided in ninety six District in the State of South Carolina. Robert Duging [Robert Dugan] my Lieutenant, Major Taylor was our adjutant & from our place of rendezvous at Camp Branch 14 or fifteen miles from 96 Court House we marched to Liberty Hill on the approach side of the Savannah River from Augusta and remained there about two months. Col. Pickens [Andrew Pickens] was likewise there with a part of his Regiment. Gen. Williamson [Andrew Williamson] was our Brigadier General & had the command of all the Troops—there was only one company [of] Regular Troops Stationed there. Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince Belonged to said Artillery Company. Col. Leonard Marberry of the Continental line & commander of the Light Horse was occasionally with us but mostly out with Scouting party about one half of Col. Williams' Militia were mounted & called Mounted Militia. Col. Pickens likewise commanded Mounted Militia whilst we were stationed opposite Augusta. The British commanded by Col. Campbell [Archibald Campbell] were in Augusta & Gen. Prevost's [Augustine Prevost's] Army in Savannah. & From thence Capt. Levi Casey and about six of his men myself included attached ourselves to Col. Pickens' Regiment and marched under the command of Col. Pickens in pursuit of the Tories—and on this expedition there was about three hundred mounted militia & Col. Pickens attacked & defeated a party of Tories at Kettle Creek [February 14, 1779] in Georgia. The Battle lasted about one hour. The said Edward Doyle was in said Battle. The Tories were all mounted and it was said there were about five or six hundred of them, we killed several of them and took about two hundred prisoners and marched them to our encampment opposite Augusta at Liberty Hill & from thence Col. Williams' regiment guarded them to the Jail at Ninety Six and the Tories remained in jail & were guarded until a court was convened & were tried for their lives. Many of them were convicted, but few of them were executed. One by the name of Aquilla Hall was executed and after the trial of the Tories, this deponent was discharged & went home & the Discharge lost or destroyed. In this tour he served three months.
And the said Edward Doyle again volunteered after being at home only about two weeks. [He] enrolled himself as a volunteer in the militia of South Carolina in the company of Capt. Isaac Morgan in the Regiment of Col. Liles [perhaps Lt. Col. James Lisle] under Brigadier Gen. Williamson & marched from home (I think sometime in April or May) to join Genl. Lincoln's [Benjamin Lincoln's] Army and marched down the country towards Charlestown and joined Genl. Lincoln's Army a few miles above Bacon's Bridge and all marched from thence & encamped several days at Bacon's Bridge and whilst there the British Cavalry attacked our Picket Guard some time after Sun down but were repulsed. Our Light Horse then paraded to meet them & crossed the Bridge & pursued some distance but did not overtake the British—then marched and was engaged in the Battle at Stono Ferry [June 20, 1779] under Gen. Lincoln. Sometime in the Summer of 1779—in this Battle Lieutenant Prince of the Artillery this deponent was informed was mortally wounded in bringing off his artillery—another officer Col. Roberts [Owen Roberts] was killed & buried with the Heroes of War about five miles from the Battleground; and remained some time after the Battle and Served on this campaign three months and discharged & went home to ninety six district; on this tour he was mounted and was about seven days with Genl. Pulaski & his cavalry on scouting parties at one time about five miles from our encampment at Bacon's Bridge—He was with Count Pulaski's Cavalry--& said Edward Doyle & one Reuben Gilders. Gen. Pulaski's spies were marching on about three hundred yards in front of the Cavalry & saw about twenty five of the British Cavalry— before whom trotted a small dog—Guilders remained by secreting himself in the woods & told me to return to Gen. Pulaski. I informed him as soon as I could ride back. He in front with twelve of his Cavalry—immediately pushed on & met the Enemy—who retreated; a skirmish ensued. Our cavalry all came up. Count Pulaski gave way until our main body of cavalry joined them & then the whole of the British and Tories gave way—we killed & wounded eight or ten of the Enemy; took no prisoners—& I do not recollect that we had a single man killed or wounded.
The said Edward Doyle again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Hayes' Company of the South Carolina militia under Major Gillum [Gillam] commanded by Gen. Williamson a Scotchman—in company with Col. Pickens and marched with about two hundred men against the Cherokee Indians—and destroyed about seventeen or eighteen Towns on Hitower & the Hiwassee Rivers & their tributaries. And destroyed their corn and at one Town called the Big Shoemake Town there was near two hundred acres of corn— This expedition was in the latter part of the Summer of the same year of the Stono Expedition and the Battle at Stono Ferry—the corn was in good. Roasting years [sic, ears] when it was destroyed at the Indian Towns—in this expedition the troops were all mounted and was out six weeks from the time we left home and returned home & discharged some time in the fall of the year. And he was drafted as a militia man on the third day after he returned from the Indian Expedition to serve in the militia of South Carolina and was enrolled again in Capt. Levi Casey's company in Col. Williams' regiment in Genl. Williamson's Brigade and marched to Savannah and was there at the Siege [September 16-October 18, 1779] in October in the same year & he was in the assault made upon the British at Savannah—This assault was made about Day Break & the moon gave light. He with Capt. Casey, Col. Williams' regiment & Gen. Williamson's Brigade charged on the lower side of the Town. Gen. Huger [spelled "Ugee"] & Gen. Williamson commanded the South Carolina Militia— Col. Marbrey who had formerly commanded the Light Horse was in the Charge with the Militia & saw him rallying & encouraging them in the assault. In this assault Capt. McClure of Col. Williams' Regiment was mortally wounded in the shoulder. His arm was cut off & he died in a few days thereafter on this Tour the said Doyle served three months & was discharged &
he again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Casey's company in 1780 in the last of May or first of June of the same year in Col. Williams' regiment under the command of Gen. Sumpter [Thomas Sumter]) of the South Carolina Militia. At the time of his enrolment [he] resided in ninety six District and joined Gen. Sumter at Charlotte in North Carolina and from thence went to the Battle of Rocky Mount [July 30, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. On the Sabbath day some time in the summer after his enrolment but had to retreat and the next Sabbath following he was engaged in the Battle at the Hanging Rock [August 6, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. Here Col. Neal of the Militia was killed1—the British & Tories were here Defeated. The Tories were stationed at the Hanging Rock and when the attack was made on them the British Troops were stationed about four hundred yards from the Tories and after the Tories were defeated, the British marched to their relief and they were likewise defeated. The Tories were commanded by Col. Bryan [Samuel Bryan] who fled; we took about thirty prisoners—here Col. Hill [William Hill], an Iron master of our party, was wounded in the Shoulder but not mortally at this Battle Major Davy [William Richardson Davie] commanded the Light Horse--& the said Edward Doyle. Before either of these battles with Gen. Sumter was engaged in a Battle with the Tories at Ramsour's Mills [June 20, 1780]2 on the Waters of the Catawba in Lincoln County North Carolina. Gen. Sumter did not command in this Battle—in this Battle we Defeated the Tories in the year 1880 (sic, 1780) & took several prisoners. In this Battle he was commanded by Capt. Falls [Galbraith Falls] of the North Carolina Militia, but served under him about one week & returned to his captain again under Gen. Sumter & he has forgotten the commanding officers in the said last battle but the Troops were chiefly North Carolina militia—and he was in the Battle at Col. Bratton's House [Battle of Williamson's Plantation or Brattonsville, July 12, 1780] & defeated them & killed a British officer called Capt. Hook [Christian Huck] of the Light Horse—at this Battle Col Neal [Andrew Neel] was our commander—he is the same officer that was killed afterwards at Rocky Mount in North Carolina [South Carolina]—which I by mistake in this narrative said he was killed at the Hanging Rock in this action at Bratton's we took several horses, guns, swords & pistols & took thirty or forty prisoners—
He was with Gen. Sumter & a number of North Carolina Militia in all amounting to five or six hundred strong & captured a British Guard with several baggage wagons five or six in number loaded with rum, provisions, store goods & camp equipment and were marching with them from South to North Carolina and at Fishing Creek between the Creek and the Catawba River about noon day—Genl. Sumter was attacked by Tarleton's Light Horse and our Troops defeated [August 18, 1780]. I think this defeat was in the month of August—at the time of the attack a great many of our troops were pulling peaches & roasting ears & many of them much fatigued & lying on the ground resting—in this defeat Col. Lindsey of South Carolina was badly wounded but not mortally and after four or five days thereafter he joined a company on their march to Musgrove's Mill in ninety six District on the Enoree River and was at Said Mill engaged in a battle [August 19, 1780] against the British and Tories—Col. Enis [Alexander Innis] it was said Commanded the British Troops about one hundred and two hundred Tories—they were entirely Defeated. I saw fifty two dead bodies on the field of the Enemy—and among them was a British captain—it was said Col. Innis was wounded in the neck but made his escape. Our troops were commanded by Col. Williams, Col. Clark [Elijah Clarke] and Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] in all about two hundred in this Battle. We had three men killed and but few wounded. This deponent was himself wounded slightly on the knuckle of the little finger of the left hand—we then took charge of the prisoners about twenty in number and after this Battle this deponent in company of several of his company returned to join Gen. Sumter again and was with him again in a Battle at the Fish Dam Ford [November 9, 1780] on Broad River in the Latter part of the fall or early in the winter of the same year of his defeat; the British and Tories attacked our Troops in the night the Battle lasted about one hour we kept the Ground & they retreated—after this Battle, this deponent was discharged and went home.
Some time in the early part of the winter of the year 1780 and from his last enrolment under Capt. Casey he was in service as well as he recollects seven months—until he returned home—and in all his tours under the foregoing named officers—he was mounted militiaman and the said Edward Doyle was during the year 1781 on many scouting parties—under Col. Lindsay and Col. Casey—late his captain—Levi Casey who was promoted to the Rank of Col. But was not during said last mentioned year regularly enrolled in any Captain's company but was engaged in many scouting parties under the last mentioned officers in the militia of South Carolina against the Tories and in Said scouting parties he was always a volunteer—and was a private soldier during his services as related in the foregoing declaration.
That he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. 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.
S/ Edwd. Doyle
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
Question first propounded by the County Court of Blount County to forgoing named Edward Doyle.
1st Where and in what year were you born? Answer: I was Born in Fairfax County Virginia in January 1758.
Answer to 2nd Interrogatory I have not the original record of my age But I have got in my Bible at home a true copy.
Answer to third Intg.: When I was called into Service I resided in Ninety Six District in the State of South Carolina. After the capture of Earl Cornwallis, I removed to Caswell County North Carolina and lived there about fourteen years then moved to South Carolina. I lived there about thirteen years longer in Pendleton district then removed to Georgia, Jasper County and lived there three years. Then removed to Lincoln County Tennessee & lived there about five years—then removed & lived in Limestone County Alabama until March 1832 & then removed to Blount County where I now live.
Answer to 4th Interrogatory: I was a volunteer every tour in the Service of the revolution but one & then I was Drafted.
Answer to 5th Intg.: I knew Count Pulaski & Col. Marberry; Gen. Lincoln who was a Lame man--& Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince & I saw the French commander Count D'Easting [D'Estaing] --& have already stated the General Circumstances of my Service and the military regiments that I recollect were with me.
Answer to 6th: I received a discharge from Col. Lindsey & one from Col. Casey & one from Col. Williams--& every tour I served I was either discharged verbally or in writing but they are all destroyed.
Answer to 7th Interrogatory: I am known in my present neighborhood by William T. Weldon, Joseph H. Posey, Daniel Largent, James Boyd & Thomas Sherrer & they can testify as to my character for veracity and they all that they believe I was a Soldier of the Revolution.
S/ Edwd Doyle Sworn & subscribed to the Day & year aforesaid.
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died April 28, 1833 at the residence of James Boyd in Blount County, Alabama, leaving no widow, and survived by only two children, James H. R. Doyle (a resident of the state of Illinois) and Ruth Doyle, wife of James Boyd.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $87.50 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for service in the South Carolina militia.]
Note: Thank you, rhm, for creating this lovely memorial, for your work on Find A Grave, and your contributions to genealogy.
Edward Doyle and Ruth Sargent married on April 17, 1782. They had at least two children: a daughter, Ruth, who married James Boyd, the grandson of John Boyd, DAR Ancestor Number A115129, (through daughter, Susannah who married Edmond Boyd) and a son, James Harvey Ransom Doyle who married Pamelia Posey. She was the daughter of Hezekiah Posey, DAR Ancestor Number A091434, and his second wife, Ruth. (Note: many family trees list Susannah Savannah Harrison as Pamelia's mother. Those same trees note that Susannah's DOD was 1786 and Pamelia's DOB as 1794, so there is a discrepancy.) Posey was a Veteran of the American Revolutionary War and served as part of the South Carolina Militia. Reference Find A Grave Memorial# 69473498.
Fifty years after Edward Doyle fought in the American Revolution, he recalled his exploits with amazing detail. His Application for Revolutionary Pension was fascinating to read and gave glimpses of not only Edward Doyle, but other soldiers as well. Will Graves transcribed the application.
(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.)
Southern Campaigns
American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Edward Doyle S32216 f36SC
Transcribed by Will Graves revised 8/4/08 & 12/8/14
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Where the meaning is not compromised by adhering to the spelling, punctuation or grammar, no change has been made. Corrections or additional notes have been inserted within brackets or footnotes. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. A bracketed question mark indicates that the word or words preceding it represent(s) a guess by me. The word 'illegible' or 'indecipherable' appearing in brackets indicates that at the time I made the transcription, I was unable to decipher the word or phrase in question. Only materials pertinent to the military service of the veteran and to contemporary events have been transcribed. Affidavits that provide additional information on these events are included and genealogical information is abstracted, while standard, 'boilerplate' affidavits and attestations related solely to the application, and later nineteenth and twentieth century research requests for information have been omitted. I use speech recognition software to make all my transcriptions. Such software misinterprets my southern accent with unfortunate regularity and my poor proofreading skills fail to catch all misinterpretations. Also, dates or numbers which the software treats as numerals rather than words are not corrected: for example, the software transcribes "the eighth of June one thousand eighty six" as "the 8th of June 1786." Please call material errors or omissions to my attention.]
State of Alabama, County of Blount
On this 18th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Marston Mead the Judge of the Court of Blount County, now setting Edward Doyle, a resident in the County of Blount and State of Alabama aged Seventy four years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832—
That he entered the Service under the following named officers and Served as herein stated. That in the month of February or March in the year 1779 he enrolled himself as a volunteer in the Company of Capt. Levi Casy [Levi Casey] under the command of Col. James Williams of the South Carolina militia and at the time of his enrolment resided in ninety six District in the State of South Carolina. Robert Duging [Robert Dugan] my Lieutenant, Major Taylor was our adjutant & from our place of rendezvous at Camp Branch 14 or fifteen miles from 96 Court House we marched to Liberty Hill on the approach side of the Savannah River from Augusta and remained there about two months. Col. Pickens [Andrew Pickens] was likewise there with a part of his Regiment. Gen. Williamson [Andrew Williamson] was our Brigadier General & had the command of all the Troops—there was only one company [of] Regular Troops Stationed there. Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince Belonged to said Artillery Company. Col. Leonard Marberry of the Continental line & commander of the Light Horse was occasionally with us but mostly out with Scouting party about one half of Col. Williams' Militia were mounted & called Mounted Militia. Col. Pickens likewise commanded Mounted Militia whilst we were stationed opposite Augusta. The British commanded by Col. Campbell [Archibald Campbell] were in Augusta & Gen. Prevost's [Augustine Prevost's] Army in Savannah. & From thence Capt. Levi Casey and about six of his men myself included attached ourselves to Col. Pickens' Regiment and marched under the command of Col. Pickens in pursuit of the Tories—and on this expedition there was about three hundred mounted militia & Col. Pickens attacked & defeated a party of Tories at Kettle Creek [February 14, 1779] in Georgia. The Battle lasted about one hour. The said Edward Doyle was in said Battle. The Tories were all mounted and it was said there were about five or six hundred of them, we killed several of them and took about two hundred prisoners and marched them to our encampment opposite Augusta at Liberty Hill & from thence Col. Williams' regiment guarded them to the Jail at Ninety Six and the Tories remained in jail & were guarded until a court was convened & were tried for their lives. Many of them were convicted, but few of them were executed. One by the name of Aquilla Hall was executed and after the trial of the Tories, this deponent was discharged & went home & the Discharge lost or destroyed. In this tour he served three months.
And the said Edward Doyle again volunteered after being at home only about two weeks. [He] enrolled himself as a volunteer in the militia of South Carolina in the company of Capt. Isaac Morgan in the Regiment of Col. Liles [perhaps Lt. Col. James Lisle] under Brigadier Gen. Williamson & marched from home (I think sometime in April or May) to join Genl. Lincoln's [Benjamin Lincoln's] Army and marched down the country towards Charlestown and joined Genl. Lincoln's Army a few miles above Bacon's Bridge and all marched from thence & encamped several days at Bacon's Bridge and whilst there the British Cavalry attacked our Picket Guard some time after Sun down but were repulsed. Our Light Horse then paraded to meet them & crossed the Bridge & pursued some distance but did not overtake the British—then marched and was engaged in the Battle at Stono Ferry [June 20, 1779] under Gen. Lincoln. Sometime in the Summer of 1779—in this Battle Lieutenant Prince of the Artillery this deponent was informed was mortally wounded in bringing off his artillery—another officer Col. Roberts [Owen Roberts] was killed & buried with the Heroes of War about five miles from the Battleground; and remained some time after the Battle and Served on this campaign three months and discharged & went home to ninety six district; on this tour he was mounted and was about seven days with Genl. Pulaski & his cavalry on scouting parties at one time about five miles from our encampment at Bacon's Bridge—He was with Count Pulaski's Cavalry--& said Edward Doyle & one Reuben Gilders. Gen. Pulaski's spies were marching on about three hundred yards in front of the Cavalry & saw about twenty five of the British Cavalry— before whom trotted a small dog—Guilders remained by secreting himself in the woods & told me to return to Gen. Pulaski. I informed him as soon as I could ride back. He in front with twelve of his Cavalry—immediately pushed on & met the Enemy—who retreated; a skirmish ensued. Our cavalry all came up. Count Pulaski gave way until our main body of cavalry joined them & then the whole of the British and Tories gave way—we killed & wounded eight or ten of the Enemy; took no prisoners—& I do not recollect that we had a single man killed or wounded.
The said Edward Doyle again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Hayes' Company of the South Carolina militia under Major Gillum [Gillam] commanded by Gen. Williamson a Scotchman—in company with Col. Pickens and marched with about two hundred men against the Cherokee Indians—and destroyed about seventeen or eighteen Towns on Hitower & the Hiwassee Rivers & their tributaries. And destroyed their corn and at one Town called the Big Shoemake Town there was near two hundred acres of corn— This expedition was in the latter part of the Summer of the same year of the Stono Expedition and the Battle at Stono Ferry—the corn was in good. Roasting years [sic, ears] when it was destroyed at the Indian Towns—in this expedition the troops were all mounted and was out six weeks from the time we left home and returned home & discharged some time in the fall of the year. And he was drafted as a militia man on the third day after he returned from the Indian Expedition to serve in the militia of South Carolina and was enrolled again in Capt. Levi Casey's company in Col. Williams' regiment in Genl. Williamson's Brigade and marched to Savannah and was there at the Siege [September 16-October 18, 1779] in October in the same year & he was in the assault made upon the British at Savannah—This assault was made about Day Break & the moon gave light. He with Capt. Casey, Col. Williams' regiment & Gen. Williamson's Brigade charged on the lower side of the Town. Gen. Huger [spelled "Ugee"] & Gen. Williamson commanded the South Carolina Militia— Col. Marbrey who had formerly commanded the Light Horse was in the Charge with the Militia & saw him rallying & encouraging them in the assault. In this assault Capt. McClure of Col. Williams' Regiment was mortally wounded in the shoulder. His arm was cut off & he died in a few days thereafter on this Tour the said Doyle served three months & was discharged &
he again enrolled himself as a volunteer in Capt. Casey's company in 1780 in the last of May or first of June of the same year in Col. Williams' regiment under the command of Gen. Sumpter [Thomas Sumter]) of the South Carolina Militia. At the time of his enrolment [he] resided in ninety six District and joined Gen. Sumter at Charlotte in North Carolina and from thence went to the Battle of Rocky Mount [July 30, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. On the Sabbath day some time in the summer after his enrolment but had to retreat and the next Sabbath following he was engaged in the Battle at the Hanging Rock [August 6, 1780] under Gen. Sumter. Here Col. Neal of the Militia was killed1—the British & Tories were here Defeated. The Tories were stationed at the Hanging Rock and when the attack was made on them the British Troops were stationed about four hundred yards from the Tories and after the Tories were defeated, the British marched to their relief and they were likewise defeated. The Tories were commanded by Col. Bryan [Samuel Bryan] who fled; we took about thirty prisoners—here Col. Hill [William Hill], an Iron master of our party, was wounded in the Shoulder but not mortally at this Battle Major Davy [William Richardson Davie] commanded the Light Horse--& the said Edward Doyle. Before either of these battles with Gen. Sumter was engaged in a Battle with the Tories at Ramsour's Mills [June 20, 1780]2 on the Waters of the Catawba in Lincoln County North Carolina. Gen. Sumter did not command in this Battle—in this Battle we Defeated the Tories in the year 1880 (sic, 1780) & took several prisoners. In this Battle he was commanded by Capt. Falls [Galbraith Falls] of the North Carolina Militia, but served under him about one week & returned to his captain again under Gen. Sumter & he has forgotten the commanding officers in the said last battle but the Troops were chiefly North Carolina militia—and he was in the Battle at Col. Bratton's House [Battle of Williamson's Plantation or Brattonsville, July 12, 1780] & defeated them & killed a British officer called Capt. Hook [Christian Huck] of the Light Horse—at this Battle Col Neal [Andrew Neel] was our commander—he is the same officer that was killed afterwards at Rocky Mount in North Carolina [South Carolina]—which I by mistake in this narrative said he was killed at the Hanging Rock in this action at Bratton's we took several horses, guns, swords & pistols & took thirty or forty prisoners—
He was with Gen. Sumter & a number of North Carolina Militia in all amounting to five or six hundred strong & captured a British Guard with several baggage wagons five or six in number loaded with rum, provisions, store goods & camp equipment and were marching with them from South to North Carolina and at Fishing Creek between the Creek and the Catawba River about noon day—Genl. Sumter was attacked by Tarleton's Light Horse and our Troops defeated [August 18, 1780]. I think this defeat was in the month of August—at the time of the attack a great many of our troops were pulling peaches & roasting ears & many of them much fatigued & lying on the ground resting—in this defeat Col. Lindsey of South Carolina was badly wounded but not mortally and after four or five days thereafter he joined a company on their march to Musgrove's Mill in ninety six District on the Enoree River and was at Said Mill engaged in a battle [August 19, 1780] against the British and Tories—Col. Enis [Alexander Innis] it was said Commanded the British Troops about one hundred and two hundred Tories—they were entirely Defeated. I saw fifty two dead bodies on the field of the Enemy—and among them was a British captain—it was said Col. Innis was wounded in the neck but made his escape. Our troops were commanded by Col. Williams, Col. Clark [Elijah Clarke] and Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] in all about two hundred in this Battle. We had three men killed and but few wounded. This deponent was himself wounded slightly on the knuckle of the little finger of the left hand—we then took charge of the prisoners about twenty in number and after this Battle this deponent in company of several of his company returned to join Gen. Sumter again and was with him again in a Battle at the Fish Dam Ford [November 9, 1780] on Broad River in the Latter part of the fall or early in the winter of the same year of his defeat; the British and Tories attacked our Troops in the night the Battle lasted about one hour we kept the Ground & they retreated—after this Battle, this deponent was discharged and went home.
Some time in the early part of the winter of the year 1780 and from his last enrolment under Capt. Casey he was in service as well as he recollects seven months—until he returned home—and in all his tours under the foregoing named officers—he was mounted militiaman and the said Edward Doyle was during the year 1781 on many scouting parties—under Col. Lindsay and Col. Casey—late his captain—Levi Casey who was promoted to the Rank of Col. But was not during said last mentioned year regularly enrolled in any Captain's company but was engaged in many scouting parties under the last mentioned officers in the militia of South Carolina against the Tories and in Said scouting parties he was always a volunteer—and was a private soldier during his services as related in the foregoing declaration.
That he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. 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.
S/ Edwd. Doyle
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
Question first propounded by the County Court of Blount County to forgoing named Edward Doyle.
1st Where and in what year were you born? Answer: I was Born in Fairfax County Virginia in January 1758.
Answer to 2nd Interrogatory I have not the original record of my age But I have got in my Bible at home a true copy.
Answer to third Intg.: When I was called into Service I resided in Ninety Six District in the State of South Carolina. After the capture of Earl Cornwallis, I removed to Caswell County North Carolina and lived there about fourteen years then moved to South Carolina. I lived there about thirteen years longer in Pendleton district then removed to Georgia, Jasper County and lived there three years. Then removed to Lincoln County Tennessee & lived there about five years—then removed & lived in Limestone County Alabama until March 1832 & then removed to Blount County where I now live.
Answer to 4th Interrogatory: I was a volunteer every tour in the Service of the revolution but one & then I was Drafted.
Answer to 5th Intg.: I knew Count Pulaski & Col. Marberry; Gen. Lincoln who was a Lame man--& Capt. Moore of the Artillery & Lieutenant Prince & I saw the French commander Count D'Easting [D'Estaing] --& have already stated the General Circumstances of my Service and the military regiments that I recollect were with me.
Answer to 6th: I received a discharge from Col. Lindsey & one from Col. Casey & one from Col. Williams--& every tour I served I was either discharged verbally or in writing but they are all destroyed.
Answer to 7th Interrogatory: I am known in my present neighborhood by William T. Weldon, Joseph H. Posey, Daniel Largent, James Boyd & Thomas Sherrer & they can testify as to my character for veracity and they all that they believe I was a Soldier of the Revolution.
S/ Edwd Doyle Sworn & subscribed to the Day & year aforesaid.
[William Case, a clergyman, and George Nash gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died April 28, 1833 at the residence of James Boyd in Blount County, Alabama, leaving no widow, and survived by only two children, James H. R. Doyle (a resident of the state of Illinois) and Ruth Doyle, wife of James Boyd.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $87.50 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for service in the South Carolina militia.]
Note: Thank you, rhm, for creating this lovely memorial, for your work on Find A Grave, and your contributions to genealogy.
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