Husband Creed F. ALLEN 1
Born: 1866 1
Christened:
Died: 15 Sep 1942 2
Buried:
Father: Henry ALLEN (Abt 1838- )
Mother: Loveda S. SILVER (1838- ) 1
Marriage: Bef 1888 2
Wife Maria J. NICHOLS 2
Born: 29 May 1866 2
Christened:
Died: 1 May 1914 2
Buried:
Children
1 M Alonzo (Lon) ALLEN 2
Born: 28 Jun 1888 2
Christened:
Died: 30 Aug 1934 2
Buried:
2 M Horace Ed ALLEN 2
Born: 9 Dec 1889 2
Christened:
Died: Jun 1943 2
Buried:
3 F Pansey Pauline ALLEN 2
Born: 11 Feb 1892 2
Christened:
Died: 21 Jan 1934 2
Buried:
4 M Emmory ALLEN 2
Born: 9 Oct 1895 2
Christened:
Died: 14 Apr 1966 2
Buried:
5 U Kerly (Kirby) F. ALLEN 2
Born: 7 Feb 1899 2
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
6 M William ALLEN 2
Born: 24 Jun 1900 ? 2
Christened:
Died: 30 Apr 1939 2
Buried:
7 M Grady ALLEN 2
Born: 12 Apr 1902 2
Christened:
Died: 23 Oct 1950 2
Buried:
8 M Greely ALLEN 2
Born: 12 Apr 1902 2
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
9 U Glear ALLEN 2
Born: 12 Apr 1907 2
Christened:
Died: 1992 2
Buried:
Husband Danny Lee ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Ernest ALLEN
Mother: Barbara REED
Marriage:
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Husband David ALLEN Jr.
Born: 1761 - Elizabethtown, New Jersey
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: David ALLEN (1714-After 1786)
Mother: Unknown ALLEN
Marriage:
Noted events in his life were:
• Milit-End, 5 Dec 1832
David Allen, a resident of Surry County, North Carolina, served at
various times under his brother, Lt. Adonairam Allen, and Cols. Martin
Armstrong, Joel Lewis, __ Malmedy, Benjamin Cleveland, and Micajah Lewis.
He was in the battles at Moore's Creek Bridge, Sunbury, Stono (where he
received a flesh wound in the left arm,), Kings Mountain, and several
skirmishes. Allen was allowed pension on his application executed 5
December 1832 while residing between Franklin County, Alabama, and the
Chickasaw Indian Nation. Reference was made to a son, John L. FPA S16601
from: The Patriots At King's Mountain by Bobby Gilmer Moss
Madam: I have to advise you that from the papers in Rev. War pension
claim, 8.16601, it appears that David Allen was born in Elizabethtown,
NJ, in 1761. While a resident of Surry County, NC, he served during the
Revolution at various times, 18 months in all, as private in the NC
Troops under his brother, Lieutenant Adoniram Allen, and Colonels Martin
Armstrong, Joel Lewis, Malmedy, Benjamin Cleveland and Micajah Lewis, and
was engaged in the battles at Moore's Creek Bridge, Sunbury, Stono where
he received a flesh wound in the left arm, and King's Mountain and in
several skirmishes. He was allowed pension on his application executed
December 5, 1832, while a resident of Alabama, near Franklin County,
between said County and the Chickasaw Nation of Indians. Reference is
made to a son, John L. The name of soldier's wife is not given. Note: I
did not give the date of enl. (1777) as sol. was in a battle, Moore's
Creek Bridge in 1776. N.M. Respectfully, .... from a letter to Miss
Sallie Lightfoot, Paris, TX, dated June 16, 1924
From pension application of David Allen Jr. : .....it was in the year
Seventeen Hundred & Seventy Seven, latter part, (he) thinks, but what
month he cannot say, but it was warm weather--at that time I think the
company was commanded by a Lieutenant by the name of Adniram Allen (who
was brother to applicant) from that county we marched under Colu. Martin
Armstrong, to Moores Bridge on Black river or creek, where we had an
encounter with some (tories?), & defeated them, we then marched to Cross
Creek, where all the prisoners (we?) had taken were discharged on
parole---we were thence (re-?) marched to Surry County, North
Carolina----Some short time after we (were?) under General Butler called
to South Carolina (?) .......marched thence to Georgia, crossing Savannah
River just below Augusta, we marched down said river on the Georgia side
to a place called Sunbury, where we had an encounter with the British who
were in the act of crossing the river, & their (rear?) was in part taken
prisoners--(.....?) the river to the state of South Carolina, I moved on
until (we?) rejoined General (Lewis'?) forces, thence we marched under
(Lincoln?) to meet the enemy who were landed at Johns island & we met
(thence?) at Stona, where we found the enemy aided with a strong
breastwork, we were ordered to storm the enemy's works & to rely solely
on (the?) bayonet--& as we were marching to do so we were met by two
Brigades, or companies of (?) and as we were in about sixty yards of the
works against orders a firing commenced, the (Hessian?) were vanquished,
& we charged on to the enemies breastworks but they were(re-inforced?)
from the island, we (failed?) in storming their(works?) and a general
(frenzy took?) place, after which we were ordered to retreat at which
time I assisted in taking (?) Major (?) the ground, he was wounded in the
thigh with a (?) or grape shot, & he died in a few days afterwards---I
think his name was (Moor--?), we marched about in that part of the states
for some time & at about two months thereafter I was discharged. I went
home to my father's in Surry County North Carolina having been on service
from the time I first entered about Eighteen months, part of the time I
was on furlough, being what was called a minute man & always in (?) or in
service---At Stono I (?) a flesh wound in the left arm, which wound was
inflicted with the enemies bayonet In two or three months after all this
I again volunteered under Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, who was (raised?)
in North Carolina, after the forces then collected to march were ready,
one Arthur Campbell,(I think his name war Arthur)-took command as well as
I recollect by election--our forces were divided into three parts, one
under (Shelby?), one under Cleveland(of whom I was one)--and one other
party under Colu Williams(who was killed at Kings mountain)--when thus
arranged we all together marched to Kings Mountain near the South
Carolina line, there we had to fight, & vanquished the enemy(
completely?) killing Furgeson the British Commander, we thence marched to
Moravian town in North Carolina--there we disposed of the prisoners taken
on parole; we were then permitted to return home after some(five?)
months we were called on again & I was under the command of Major Micajah
Lewis, under Colon. Micajah Lewis we were scouring through the country in
various directions, and Major Lewis was killed by a (ball?) during the
night, we were not again attached to any large body of forces, I was in a
variety of skirmishes with the enemy & with Tories, after all of which I
was regularly discharged, but I am not able to produce any documentary
evidence of my discharge owing to the same having been burnt by a fire
which consumed my fathers dwelling shortly after my return home to Surry
County, North Carolina. I cannot recollect the (?) of Regiments or names
of officers other wise than as above stated. Lincoln, (Pulask..?), &
Malmedy I think were the only regular officers under whom I acted at
anytime during the revolution----- I was in the service for more than two
years & remained in the service until Cornwallis was taken--I was always
a volunteer, some times under Militia officers & sometimes under regular
officers as above stated. (Sworn to & susbscribed by applicant in open
court 5 day of December 1832 (signed) David Allen List
Clerk) Question by the court 1-- Where & in what year were you born---
Answer 1--I was born in New Jersey, I think as I have been told in
Elizabethtown--I was a child when I left there. I think I was born in
Seventeen hundred & Sixty One. Q. 2--Have you any record of your age, &
if so where is it? A. 2--I have a record in my bible at home some
Eighteen miles distant. Q. 3--Where were you living when called into
service? A. 3--I was living in Surry County, North Carolina. Part of
Q. 3Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, & where do you now
live. A. 3--I moved from North Carolina to Georgia,
from there to TN(Davidson County), and from there to Franklin County,
Alabama, & I now reside just across the line between said county & the
Chickasaw nation of Indians, where I live by permission from the Indian
Chiefs of said nation-& I have lived at said places ever since the
revolutionary war respectively as above stated. Q. 4.--How were you
called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a
substitute, & if a substitute for whom? A. 4--I was a volunteer. Q.
5--State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the
troops when you served; Such Continental & Militia regiments as you can
recollect, & the (stances?) of your services. (There the applicant
answered in substance as he has stated in him (former?) Petition) Q.
6--Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; If so by whom was
it given, & what has become of it? A. 6--I (received a discharge?) from
Coln. (Malmurdy?) which was burnt(....?) stated with my fathers house. Q.
7--State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present
neighborhood, & who can testify as to your Character for veracity, &
their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. A.
7--Applicant states that there is Hugh Pattit, sheriff of this county, &
General James Davis, Michael Dukson, clerk of this court, & the presiding
judge(...?) John J. (Winston?), (General John Coffre of Laudendale County
Alabama) and many others, indeed almost all the multitude in the
court--and also his Excellency, the President of the U.S., Andrew Jackson
of Washington City
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 M John L. ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
Madam: I have to advise you that from the papers in Rev. War pension
claim, 8.16601, it appears that David Allen was born in Elizabethtown,
NJ, in 1761. While a resident of Surry County, NC, he served during the
Revolution at various times, 18 months in all, as private in the NC
Troops under his brother, Lieutenant Adoniram Allen, and Colonels Martin
Armstrong, Joel Lewis, Malmedy, Benjamin Cleveland and Micajah Lewis, and
was engaged in the battles at Moore's Creek Bridge, Sunbury, Stono where
he received a flesh wound in the left arm, and King's Mountain and in
several skirmishes. He was allowed pension on his application executed
December 5, 1832, while a resident of Alabama, near Franklin County,
between said County and the Chickasaw Nation of Indians. Reference is
made to a son, John L. The name of soldier's wife is not given. Note: I
did not give the date of enl. (1777) as sol. was in a battle, Moore's
Creek Bridge in 1776. N.M. Respectfully, .... from a letter to Miss
Sallie Lightfoot, Paris, TX, dated June 16, 1924
From pension application of David Allen Jr. : .....it was in the year
Seventeen Hundred & Seventy Seven, latter part, (he) thinks, but what
month he cannot say, but it was warm weather--at that time I think the
company was commanded by a Lieutenant by the name of Adniram Allen (who
was brother to applicant) from that county we marched under Colu. Martin
Armstrong, to Moores Bridge on Black river or creek, where we had an
encounter with some (tories?), & defeated them, we then marched to Cross
Creek, where all the prisoners (we?) had taken were discharged on
parole---we were thence (re-?) marched to Surry County, North
Carolina----Some short time after we (were?) under General Butler called
to South Carolina (?) .......marched thence to Georgia, crossing Savannah
River just below Augusta, we marched down said river on the Georgia side
to a place called Sunbury, where we had an encounter with the British who
were in the act of crossing the river, & their (rear?) was in part taken
prisoners--(.....?) the river to the state of South Carolina, I moved on
until (we?) rejoined General (Lewis'?) forces, thence we marched under
(Lincoln?) to meet the enemy who were landed at Johns island & we met
(thence?) at Stona, where we found the enemy aided with a strong
breastwork, we were ordered to storm the enemy's works & to rely solely
on (the?) bayonet--& as we were marching to do so we were met by two
Brigades, or companies of (?) and as we were in about sixty yards of the
works against orders a firing commenced, the (Hessian?) were vanquished,
& we charged on to the enemys breastworks but they were(re-inforced?)
from the island, we (failed?) in storming their(works?) and a general
(frenzy took?) place, after which we were ordered to retreat at which
time I assisted in taking (?) Major (?) the ground, he was wounded in the
thigh with a (?) or grape shot, & he died in a few days afterwards---I
think his name was (Moor--?), we marched about in that part of the states
for some time & at about two months thereafter I was discharged. I went
home to my father's in Surry County North Carolina having been on service
from the time I first entered about Eighteen months, part of the time I
was on furlough, being what was called a minute man & always in (?) or in
service---At Stono I (?) a flesh wound in the left arm, which wound was
inflicted with the enemys bayonet In two or three months after all this I
again volunteered under Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, who was (raised?) in
North Carolina, after the forces then collected to march were ready, one
Arthur Campbell,(I think his name war Arthur)-took command as well as I
recollect by election--our forces were divided into three parts, one
under (Shelby?), one under Cleveland(of whom I was one)--and one other
party under Colu Williams(who was killed at Kings mountain)--when thus
arranged we all together marched to Kings Mountain near the South
Carolina line, there we had to fight, & vanquished the enemy(
completely?) killing Furgeson the British Commander, we thence marched to
Moravian town in North Carolina--there we disposed of the prisoners taken
on parole; we were then permitted to return home after some(five?)
months we were called on again & I was under the command of Major Micajah
Lewis, under Colon. Micajah Lewis we were scouring through the country in
various directions, and Major Lewis was killed by a (ball?) during the
night, we were not again attached to any large body of forces, I was in a
variety of skirmishes with the enemy & with Tories, after all of which I
was regularly discharged, but I am not able to produce any documentary
evidence of my discharge owing to the same having been burnt by a fire
which consumed my fathers dwelling shortly after my return home to Surry
County, North Carolina. I cannot recollect the (?) of Regiments or names
of officers other wise than as above stated. Lincoln, (Pulask..?), &
Malmedy I think were the only regular officers under whom I acted at
anytime during the revolution----- I was in the service for more than two
years & remained in the service until Cornwallis was taken--I was always
a volunteer, some times under Militia officers & sometimes under regular
officers as above stated. (Sworn to & susbscribed by applicant in open
court 5 day of December 1832 (signed) David Allen List
Clerk) Question by the court 1-- Where & in what year were you born---
Answer 1--I was born in New Jersey, I think as I have been told in
Elizabethtown--I was a child when I left there. I think I was born in
Seventeen hundred & Sixty One. Q. 2--Have you any record of your age, &
if so where is it? A. 2--I have a record in my bible at home some
Eighteen miles distant. Q. 3--Where were you living when called into
service? A. 3--I was living in Surry County, North Carolina. Part of
Q. 3Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, & where do you now
live. A. 3--I moved from North Carolina to Georgia,
from there to TN(Davidson County), and from there to Franklin County,
Alabama, & I now reside just across the line between said county & the
Chickasaw nation of Indians, where I live by permission from the Indian
Chiefs of said nation-& I have lived at said places ever since the
revolutionary war respectively as above stated. Q. 4.--How were you
called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a
substitute, & if a substitute for whom? A. 4--I was a volunteer. Q.
5--State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the
troops when you served; Such Continental & Militia regiments as you can
recollect, & the (stances?) of your services. (There the applicant
answered in substance as he has stated in him (former?) Petition) Q.
6--Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; If so by whom was
it given, & what has become of it? A. 6--I (received a discharge?) from
Coln. (Malmurdy?) which was burnt(....?) stated with my fathers house. Q.
7--State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present
neighborhood, & who can testify as to your Character for veracity, &
their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. A.
7--Applicant states that there is Hugh Pattit, sheriff of this county, &
General James Davis, Michael Dukson, clerk of this court, & the presiding
judge(...?) John J. (Winston?), (General John Coffre of Laudendale County
Alabama) and many others, indeed almost all the multitude in the
court--and also his Excellency, the President of the U.S., Andrew Jackson
of Washington City
David Allen, a resident of Surry County, North Carolina, served at
various times under his brother, Lt. Adonairam Allen, and Cols. Martin
Armstrong, Joel Lewis, __ Malmedy, Benjamin Cleveland, and Micajah Lewis.
He was in the battles at Moore's Creek Bridge, Sunbury, Stono (where he
received a flesh wound in the left arm,), Kings Mountain, and several
skirmishes. Allen was allowed pension on his application executed 5
December 1832 while residing between Franklin County, Alabama, and the
Chickasaw Indian Nation. Reference was made to a son, John L. FPA S16601
from: The Patriots At King's Mountain by Bobby Gilmer Moss 3
Husband David ALLEN
Born: 1714 4
Christened:
Died: After 1786 - NC Surry County
Buried:
Marriage:
Noted events in his life were:
• Letter, 5 Feb 2001
Date: 2/8/01 8:30 AM
From: Ethan Allen
To: [email protected]
Copy:
Subject:
Brent,
Here is more information about Adoniram. Adoniram's "Teges" father was
David Allen, his wife being Sarah Baker (sister to Mary Baker Allen,
mother
of Ethan Allen of Vermont. We have written documentation that Adoniram is
a
first cousin to Ethan Allen. Since both men's parents are different
people,
and both mothers being Bakers, there is no other way they could be first
cousins). The grand father of Teges was David Allen as well. His wife was
Sarah Grosvenor. Teges's great grandfather was Edward Allen. His wife was
Sarah Kimball. They had thirteen childrenn. Edward's father was Edward
"Edmond" Allen. His wife is still unknown. "Edmond" Allen came to North
America from England. We don't know the date. He died in 1696.
The known children of "Edmond" Allen is Edward. I'm sure ther is more,
but we don't have record of them.
The children Of Edward and Sarah Kimball are:
1. John b. 1659 d.1704
2. Edward b.1663 d.1740
3. William b.1668 d.1711
4. Benjamin b.? d.10-4-1699
5. David b. 1675 d.11-29-1711
6. Samuel b.1679 d.1730
7. Caleb b. 1685 d.1761
8. Sarah b.7-4-1661 d.2-10-1662
9. Martha
10. Abigail
11. Mary
12. Sarah b. 3-1-1664 d.?
13. Elizabeth
I only have three of David and Sarah Grosvenor Allen's children
1. David b. 2-9-1713
2. Adoniram b. 3-8-1714
3. John b. 3-15-1716
All the information I have about Lucinda Koon has her listed as a
Koon.
Also, I found that Martha Riddle married William Allen. He died and she
remarried a Wilson and started another family. I have also found that
John
Allen who married Mary JAne Riddle was the nephew, not grand nephew, of
Blanchy Allen. Blanchy was the sister of Adoniram III. I hope this will
help
you out in your research.
Ethan
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Wife Unknown ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 M Adoniram ALLEN I
Born: 1734 - New Hamshire, Near VT Border
Christened:
Died: 1838 - KY 5
Buried:
Spouse: Unknown ALLEN (living)
2 M David ALLEN Jr.
Born: 1761 - Elizabethtown, New Jersey
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
Records Of The Moravians In North Carolina
March 4. The Brn. Reuter and Trebel went by the way of
Bethania to the Landing Place at Isaac Free's plantation on the Yadkin,
where yesterday David Allen brought a good lot of pine boards for us. P.
377
April 4. Wagons went to the Yadkin for boards for Salem. They had been
cut at Mr. Allen's saw-mill, and floated down to Isaac Ferry's landing,
but could not be hauled out across a field until the corn on it was ripe.
p. 389
Aug. 14. The former Sheriff, Mr. Francis Lock, was here to collect the
taxes for 1766--they were 7 sh. 4 d. per Taxable. Br. Miksch has been to
Dan River to collect store debts; near Henry Benner's he met David
Allen's son, and several families of people from the Jerseys. p. 360
Building in Salem was continued. The cellar wall for the fifth house on
the main street caved in and had to be replaced. Boards were bought from
David Allen, and were hauled from the Landing Place on the Yadkin to
Salem. p. 373
April 23. A new dwelling-house was raised at Br. Baumgarten's, several
Brethren from here assisting. Br. Charles Holder has gone to Allen's
Furnace for iron which we need for the new saw-mill. p. 1061
May 10. .....We heard that two Expresses from Willmington had brought
the news that Lord [ Corn- ] Wallace, with 7000 English soldiers, had
run in by Brunsweig, and had landed. The iron ordered from Allen's
furnace arrived just in good time. As this evening storms came up from
every quarter only the twilight service could be held. p. 1063
June 13. Charles Holder rode to Allen's Furnace to get an iron plate, on
which lead can be burned. Yesterday Br. Heckewalder was at Richmond.
General Muster was being held, and an Express arrived with word that the
English had landed at Charlestown, and there-fore the Militia from here
shall march to Cross Creek next week. p. 1066
Nov. 9 By David Allin, with his Waggon 5 Days halling Provision for
the Regulars on their Expdition to Cress Creek @ 15/ per Day L
(pounds) 3 :15 : 0. By Halling Provisions & Baggage 38 Days for Capt
Waltons Company of Minute Men when....... p. 1125
Oct. 25. Br. Bonn was called to Bethania to attend the wounded, it
being said that the elder Allen was in very bad case, though he was not
in as serious a condition as was reported. Yesterday an officer or
soldier hired his horse for a couple of hours, but he did not bring it
back untill....... p. 1573 * The battle of King's Mountain was fought on
Oct. 7, 1780, and was a signal victory for the Americans.
Dec. 4. Br. Joseph Dixon came to dress the wounds of the older Allen.
Dec. 7. Mr Allen visited us this morning for the first and last time
since he has been here under treatment. In leaving he expressed regrets
that he had not been to see us more often. Next day he left for home in
a wagon brought by one of his sons. p. 1646
Whearas, the Encouragement for manufacturing Iron would be of general
Utility to the Inhabitants of this "State, your Comittee beg leave to
recommend to the General Assembly to exempt Twelve hands which may be
employed by Davil Allen and Company for six or Twelve Months, as they
shall think proper, from all Drafts, &c., and from all Military Duty,
provided such hands enter into that business for six Months at least, and
shall continue exempted as a forsaid so long as they shall continue in
that service. All which is submitted to the Honbl. the General Assembly.
- Thos. Person, Chairman.
The House taking the said Report into consideration concurred therewith.
Wherupon, Resolved, That any twelve persons who shall be employed by
David Allen & Company, in the business of the Iron Works, shall during
the time they shall be so employed be exempted from all Military duties
and drafts whatsoever, provided such persons oblige themselves at the
time of entering into the said business to continue for the space of a
least six months.
6 7
General Notes for Child Adoniram ALLEN I
THE ALLEN PATRIOTS IN THE BATTLE OF MOORES CREEK BRIDGE, NORTH CAROLINA
February 27, 1776
According to Bobby Gilmer Moss, in his
preface to the 'Roster of the Patriots in the Battle of Moores Creek
Bridge', Adoniram Allen (1734-1838), his father, David Allen, Sr., and
his younger brother, David Allen, Jr. are categorized as having
definitely participated in the battle.
The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge in North Carolina was a brief,
but violent clash on February 27, 1776. The patriots defeated a larger
force of loyalists on their way to join with a British expedititonary
squadron on the coast. Adoniram Allen, who was about forty-two years
old at the time, served as a lieutenant under Col. Martin Armstrong in
the battle at Moores Creek. Adoniram was commander of a company in which
brother, David Allen, Jr. served. (This information, as recorded in
Moss; book, was derived from David Allen, Jr.'s application for a federal
pension--FPA 16601). David Allen, Sr., Adoniram's father, hauled
provisions to Cross Creek(Fayetteville, NC) for the expeditionary force
that fought at Moores Creek Bridge. He also hauled provisions and
baggage (quartermaster?) under Captain Jesse Walton of Surry County.
After the battle he conducted prisoners to Hillsboro. During this period
of time David Allen, Sr. operated a saw-mill and iron works at the mouth
of the Big Elk on the Yadkin River. It is conjuectured that David, Sr.
was in his sixties, assuming that he was about twenty years old when
Adoniram was born in 1734. (This information was cited in Moss; book as
well as in the Moravian Records for North Carolina). David Allen, Jr.
was only fifteen years old when he participated in the Battle at Moores
Creek Bridge. He served under his brother, Adoniram, at Moores Creek and
others in subsequent battles and skirmished in North Carolina, with his
father where he joined the patriots. About 1790, he went to Georgia,
possibly with his brother, Adoniram. From there he went on to Franklin
County, Alabama, and the Chickasaw Indian Nation where he lived in 1832
when he filed for a federal pension. The Surry County patriots and
their provisions had to travel about 150 miles to Cross Creek where they
were to assemble with other troops to march on to Moores Creek Bridge,
some twenty miles northwest of Wilmington, North Carolina. However, many
of the troops moved directly to Moores Creek Bridge where they engaged
and defeated a much larger force of loyalists who had assembled there to
hold the bridge at this strategic crossing. As it turned out, the three
Allens participated in a battle of crucial importance that 'ended royal
authority in the colony, helped forestall a full-scale invasion of the
South, and encouraged North Carolina on April 12, 1776 to instruct its
delegation to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to vote for
independence--the first colony to so act'. (quotation from the National
Park Service brochure on the Moores Creek National Battlefield, North
Carolina). From: Clay Co. Ancestral News, March 1996, submitted by:
George E. Allen, member No. 402
Moore's Creek Bridge Historic Site
As the economic and political controversy with Great Britain gave way to
open rebellion in the mid-1770s, North Carolina was left a badly divided
colony. The legislature, which was popularly elected, opposed the royal
governor, Josiah Martin, almost to a man. 'Government here is as
absolutely prostrate as impotent,' Martin warned his superiors in London,
'and nothing but the shadow of it is left.' Yet many people who disliked
parliamentary taxation and royal authority over provincial affairs
nevertheless found the thought of fighting the mother country abhorrent.
By mid-1775, North Carolinians had split into two groups: patriots,
perhaps half the people, who were willing to take up arms for
independence; and loyalists, primarily the Crown's officials, wealthy
merchants, planters, and others of a conservative mind who opposed
redressing their grievances by war. This last party included many
Highlanders, who in recent decades had immigrated in sizable numbers to
North Carolina, and some of the Regulators who had been defeated at
Alamance in 1771.
First Moves Towards War
The news of the fighting at Lexington and Concord in April, 1775 received
in North Carolina a month later, further weakened royal authority. Unable
to stem the tide of revolution in the colony, Martin abandoned New Bern,
the capital, and fled to Fort Johnston on the lower Cape Fear, arriving
there on June 2, 1775. Within 6 weeks, North Carolina militia forced him
to flee again, this time offshore to the British warship Cruizer, as the
fort burned behind him.
In exile Martin laid plans of the reconquest of North Carolina. First, he
would raise in that colony an army of 10,000 men, two-thirds of them
Highlanders and Regulators with strong loyalist feelings. Next, this army
would march to the coast and rendezvous with a powerful expeditionary
force under Lord Cornwallis, Sir Henry Clinton, and Sir Peter Parker.
These combined army and naval forces were to concentrate at Brunswick, a
seaport town below Wilmington, by February 15, 1776. Together they would
re-establish royal authority in the Carolinas, striking wherever
rebellion showed itself. Martin persuaded his superiors in London and
commander in chief Thomas Gage in Boston that this host could easily
restore order. The British ministry approved the plan and dispatched
orders to the several commanders.
Governor Martin now set about recruiting his army. On January 10, 1776,
he called upon all loyal subjects to unite to put down 'a most daring,
horrid, and unnatural Rebellion.' Six months earlier General Gage had
sent Donald MacDonald and Donald McLeod to North Carolina to recruit a
Highland battalion. Martin now appointed MacDonald a brigadier general
and McLeod a lieutenant colonel in the loyalist militia and directed them
and others to enlist men.
To all Highlanders who pledged service to the Crown the British
government promised 200 acres of land, cancellation of land fees, and tax
exemption for 20 years. These terms, and Martin's efforts among other
groups, brought in recruits, though not nearly as many as had been
expected., The call went out for loyalists to assemble under MacDonald
near Cross Creek (Fayetteville) and then march to the coast. When the
force was organized on February 15, there were about 1,600 men present:
Highlanders, other loyalists, and some 130 ex-Regulators.
Meanwhile, the patriots had not been idle. While Martin tossed at sea,
they began to mobilize their forces. Since Martin was technically out of
the colony, the patriots in August and September 1775 set up a Provincial
Council to govern in his place. Upon the recommendation of the
Continental Congress, two regiments of the Continental Line and several
battalions of minutemen and militia were raised.
At the news that the loyalists were assembling at Cross Creek , the
patriots began gathering their forces. In Wilmington they threw up
breastworks and prepared for fighting. In New Bern authorities mustered
the district's militia under Col. Richard Caswell and ordered it to join
with other militia in countering the loyalists. Col. James Moore, the
senior officer of the 1st N.C. Continentals and the first to take the
field, was given command.
The loyalists' plan was to advance along the southwest side of the Cape
Fear to the coast, provision the British troops arriving by sea, and then
join them in conquering the colony. On February 20, 1776 MacDonald began
his movement toward the coast. Blocked by Moore at Rockfish Creek, he
marched eastward in the general direction of Caswell's force, crossed the
Cape Fear, and proceeded toward the Negro Head Point Road, a route into
Wilmington along which he expected little opposition. Outmaneuvered by
MacDonald's march tactics, Caswell withdrew from defending Corbett's
Ferry on the Black River in order to 'take possession of the Bridge upon
Widow Moore's Creek.' some 20 miles above Wilmington and a place the
loyalists had to cross on their way to the coast. After sending Col.
Alexander Lillington to join Caswell, Moore fell back toward Wilmington,
hoping to fall on the rear of MacDonald's column as Caswell obstructed
him in front.
The Engagement at the Bridge
When Lillington arrived at the bridge on the 25th, he quickly saw the
position's defensive advantages. The creek, a dark, sluggish, stream
about 35 feet wide, wound through swampy terrain and could be crossed in
the vicinity of only over this bridge. To dominate the crossing,
Lillington built a low earthwork on a slight rise overlooking the bridge
and its approach from the east. Joining Lillington the next day, Caswell
sent his men across the bridge to throw up earthworks there. Thus by the
evening on February 26, the patriots straddled the bridge. Lillington
with 150 men waited on the east side of the creek, and Caswell with 850
men were camped on the west. MacDonald's loyalists, 1,600 strong but with
arms for less than half that many, camped 6 miles away.
MacDonald had lost the race to the bridge and now had to decide whether
to avoid fighting once more or to cut through their opponents. At a
council of war the younger leader carried the debate, and eventually all
agreed that the enemy should be attacked. An element in the decision was
the report by a scout that Caswell's position lay on their side of the
river and was thus vulnerable.
At 1 a.m. on the 27th the loyalists set out on their march to the attack,
with a party of 75 picked broadswordsmen under Capt. John Campbell in the
lead. By now MacDonald had fallen ill, and Donald McLeod was in command.
The going was slow, for the route lay through thickets and swampy ground.
During the night Caswell abandoned the camp and withdrew across the
creek. Once on the other side, Caswell's men removed the planks and
greased the girders. Posting artillery to cover the bridge, they waited
in darkness for the advancing Scots.
An hour before dawn the loyalists came upon Caswell's deserted camp and
found the fires burning low. Moving on to nearly woods, McLeod regrouped
his men and passed the rallying cry - 'King George and Broad Swords' -
along the line. There they waited for daybreak. Suddenly gunfire sounded
near the bridge. Though it was not yet light, McLeod couldn't wait any
longer. Three cheers rang out - the signal for the attack - and the
loyalists rushed the partly demolished bridge with broadswords out and
bagpipes skirling. Picking their way over the bridge and onto the
opposite bank, they got within 30 paces of the patriot earthworks before
they were met by a withering fire of musketry and artillery. Nearly all
the advance party were cut down, and the whole force soon retreated. It
was all over in a few minutes. Pursuit turned the repulse into a rout.
The loyalists lost some 30 killed and 40 wounded. Only one patriot died.
Within weeks the patriots had captured 'all suspected person' and
disarmed 'all Highlanders and ex-Regulators that were ... in the late
battle.' The spoils included 1,500 rifles, 350 'guns and shot-bags,' 150
swords and dirks, and £15,000 sterling. Some 850 'common Soldiers' and
most of the loyalists were captured. The leaders were imprisoned or
banished from the colony. The soldiers were paroled to their homes.
Though the battle was a small one, the implications were large. The
victory demonstrated the surprising patriot strength in the countryside,
discouraged the growth of loyalist sentiment in the Carolinas, and
spurred revolutionary feeling throughout the colonies. The British
seaborne force , which finally arrived in May, moved on to Sullivan's
Island off Charleston, S.C. In late June patriot militia repulsed Sir
Peter Parker's land and naval attack, ending the British hopes of
squashing rebellion in the South for two years. 'Had the South been
conquered in the first half of 1776,' the historian Edward Channing
concluded, 'it is entirely conceivable that rebellion would never have
turned into revolution ... At Moore's Creek and Sullivan's Island the
Carolinas turned aside the one combination of circumstances that might
have made British conquest possible.'
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, County of Franklin:
Robert Allen, upon honor and upon best information, says that he is
descended from Revolutionary ancestors as follows: His father was John
Allen, who was the son of Adoniram Allen, ( a first cousin to Col. Ethan
Allen) Adoniram Allen was Capt. of a company of infantry in a South
Carolina regiment during the Revolution. The applicants mother was
Esther Baker Allen, who was the daughter of Robert Baker, who was the son
of John Baker...(?), at the head of a company rescued Col. Cleveland from
tories who were about to hang him. The applicant has (?) by tradition
that his ancestors (the Morrises, Rowland, Humphreys, Allens, and Bakers)
did service during the Revolution---Most of them. And because of such
descent applies for admission to the Society of the Sons of the
Revolution, of Kentucky, this 2nd day of May, 1889 Signed: Robert Allen
noted on bottom of application: Adoniram Allen Captain S.C. Partisan
Rangers 1780 -1782 <Heitman's Register>
General Notes for Child David ALLEN Jr.
Madam: I have to advise you that from the papers in Rev. War pension
claim, 8.16601, it appears that David Allen was born in Elizabethtown,
NJ, in 1761. While a resident of Surry County, NC, he served during the
Revolution at various times, 18 months in all, as private in the NC
Troops under his brother, Lieutenant Adoniram Allen, and Colonels Martin
Armstrong, Joel Lewis, Malmedy, Benjamin Cleveland and Micajah Lewis, and
was engaged in the battles at Moore's Creek Bridge, Sunbury, Stono where
he received a flesh wound in the left arm, and King's Mountain and in
several skirmishes. He was allowed pension on his application executed
December 5, 1832, while a resident of Alabama, near Franklin County,
between said County and the Chickasaw Nation of Indians. Reference is
made to a son, John L. The name of soldier's wife is not given. Note: I
did not give the date of enl. (1777) as sol. was in a battle, Moore's
Creek Bridge in 1776. N.M. Respectfully, .... from a letter to Miss
Sallie Lightfoot, Paris, TX, dated June 16, 1924
From pension application of David Allen Jr. : .....it was in the year
Seventeen Hundred & Seventy Seven, latter part, (he) thinks, but what
month he cannot say, but it was warm weather--at that time I think the
company was commanded by a Lieutenant by the name of Adniram Allen (who
was brother to applicant) from that county we marched under Colu. Martin
Armstrong, to Moores Bridge on Black river or creek, where we had an
encounter with some (tories?), & defeated them, we then marched to Cross
Creek, where all the prisoners (we?) had taken were discharged on
parole---we were thence (re-?) marched to Surry County, North
Carolina----Some short time after we (were?) under General Butler called
to South Carolina (?) .......marched thence to Georgia, crossing Savannah
River just below Augusta, we marched down said river on the Georgia side
to a place called Sunbury, where we had an encounter with the British who
were in the act of crossing the river, & their (rear?) was in part taken
prisoners--(.....?) the river to the state of South Carolina, I moved on
until (we?) rejoined General (Lewis'?) forces, thence we marched under
(Lincoln?) to meet the enemy who were landed at Johns island & we met
(thence?) at Stona, where we found the enemy aided with a strong
breastwork, we were ordered to storm the enemy's works & to rely solely
on (the?) bayonet--& as we were marching to do so we were met by two
Brigades, or companies of (?) and as we were in about sixty yards of the
works against orders a firing commenced, the (Hessian?) were vanquished,
& we charged on to the enemys breastworks but they were(re-inforced?)
from the island, we (failed?) in storming their(works?) and a general
(frenzy took?) place, after which we were ordered to retreat at which
time I assisted in taking (?) Major (?) the ground, he was wounded in the
thigh with a (?) or grape shot, & he died in a few days afterwards---I
think his name was (Moor--?), we marched about in that part of the states
for some time & at about two months thereafter I was discharged. I went
home to my father's in Surry County North Carolina having been on service
from the time I first entered about Eighteen months, part of the time I
was on furlough, being what was called a minute man & always in (?) or in
service---At Stono I (?) a flesh wound in the left arm, which wound was
inflicted with the enemys bayonet In two or three months after all this I
again volunteered under Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, who was (raised?) in
North Carolina, after the forces then collected to march were ready, one
Arthur Campbell,(I think his name war Arthur)-took command as well as I
recollect by election--our forces were divided into three parts, one
under (Shelby?), one under Cleveland(of whom I was one)--and one other
party under Colu Williams(who was killed at Kings mountain)--when thus
arranged we all together marched to Kings Mountain near the South
Carolina line, there we had to fight, & vanquished the enemy(
completely?) killing Furgeson the British Commander, we thence marched to
Moravian town in North Carolina--there we disposed of the prisoners taken
on parole; we were then permitted to return home after some(five?)
months we were called on again & I was under the command of Major Micajah
Lewis, under Colon. Micajah Lewis we were scouring through the country in
various directions, and Major Lewis was killed by a (ball?) during the
night, we were not again attached to any large body of forces, I was in a
variety of skirmishes with the enemy & with Tories, after all of which I
was regularly discharged, but I am not able to produce any documentary
evidence of my discharge owing to the same having been burnt by a fire
which consumed my fathers dwelling shortly after my return home to Surry
County, North Carolina. I cannot recollect the (?) of Regiments or names
of officers other wise than as above stated. Lincoln, (Pulask..?), &
Malmedy I think were the only regular officers under whom I acted at
anytime during the revolution----- I was in the service for more than two
years & remained in the service until Cornwallis was taken--I was always
a volunteer, some times under Militia officers & sometimes under regular
officers as above stated. (Sworn to & susbscribed by applicant in open
court 5 day of December 1832 (signed) David Allen List
Clerk) Question by the court 1-- Where & in what year were you born---
Answer 1--I was born in New Jersey, I think as I have been told in
Elizabethtown--I was a child when I left there. I think I was born in
Seventeen hundred & Sixty One. Q. 2--Have you any record of your age, &
if so where is it? A. 2--I have a record in my bible at home some
Eighteen miles distant. Q. 3--Where were you living when called into
service? A. 3--I was living in Surry County, North Carolina. Part of
Q. 3Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, & where do you now
live. A. 3--I moved from North Carolina to Georgia,
from there to TN(Davidson County), and from there to Franklin County,
Alabama, & I now reside just across the line between said county & the
Chickasaw nation of Indians, where I live by permission from the Indian
Chiefs of said nation-& I have lived at said places ever since the
revolutionary war respectively as above stated. Q. 4.--How were you
called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a
substitute, & if a substitute for whom? A. 4--I was a volunteer. Q.
5--State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the
troops when you served; Such Continental & Militia regiments as you can
recollect, & the (stances?) of your services. (There the applicant
answered in substance as he has stated in him (former?) Petition) Q.
6--Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; If so by whom was
it given, & what has become of it? A. 6--I (received a discharge?) from
Coln. (Malmurdy?) which was burnt(....?) stated with my fathers house. Q.
7--State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present
neighborhood, & who can testify as to your Character for veracity, &
their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. A.
7--Applicant states that there is Hugh Pattit, sheriff of this county, &
General James Davis, Michael Dukson, clerk of this court, & the presiding
judge(...?) John J. (Winston?), (General John Coffre of Laudendale County
Alabama) and many others, indeed almost all the multitude in the
court--and also his Excellency, the President of the U.S., Andrew Jackson
of Washington City
David Allen, a resident of Surry County, North Carolina, served at
various times under his brother, Lt. Adonairam Allen, and Cols. Martin
Armstrong, Joel Lewis, __ Malmedy, Benjamin Cleveland, and Micajah Lewis.
He was in the battles at Moore's Creek Bridge, Sunbury, Stono (where he
received a flesh wound in the left arm,), Kings Mountain, and several
skirmishes. Allen was allowed pension on his application executed 5
December 1832 while residing between Franklin County, Alabama, and the
Chickasaw Indian Nation. Reference was made to a son, John L. FPA S16601
from: The Patriots At King's Mountain by Bobby Gilmer Moss 3
Husband David Eugene ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Father: Ernest ALLEN
Mother: Barbara REED
Marriage:
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Husband Earl J. ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Father: William Tildon ALLEN (1878-1923)
Mother: Nancy McMAHAN (1881-1958)
Marriage:
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
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Husband Ebenezer ALLEN
Born: 1711
Christened:
Died: 31 Aug 1760
Buried:
Father: Samuel ? ALLEN (1665-1718)
Mother: Mercy WRIGHT (1669- )
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
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Husband Leonard Lee LYDA 8
Born: 27 Sep 1903 - Swannanoa, North Carolina 8
Christened:
Died: 30 Jan 1975 - Asheville, North Carolina 8
Buried:
Father: Joshua Logan LYDA
Mother: Jessie Pearl OWEN
Marriage: 30 Nov 1930 - Greenville, South Carolina 8
Wife Edith Lulamae ALLEN 9
Born: 4 Mar 1912 8 9
Christened:
Died: 20 Feb 1996 - Swannanoa, North Carolina 8 9
Buried:
Father: Emmett Arcemus ALLEN (1889-1941) 8
Mother: Dulcie Ann ATKINS (1890-1967) 10
Children
1 M Charles Lee LYDA 8
Born: 14 May 1931 - Swannanoa, North Carolina 8
Christened:
Died: 8 Sep 1974 - Asheville, North Carolina 8
Buried:
2 F Virginia Pauline LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Spouse: Carles William CLEMMONS (living)
3 M Bobby Lee LYDA 8
Born: 12 Sep 1934 - Swannanoa, North Carolina 8
Christened:
Died: 18 Oct 1940 - Asheville, North Carolina 8
Buried:
4 F Lillian Grace LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Spouse: Bill Columbus HOWINGTON (living)
5 M Billy Eugene LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Spouse: Lillie Ann MOORE (living)
6 M Harold Fred LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
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Spouse: Betty Jean DAVIS (living)
7 M Tommy Lee LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
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Spouse: Carolyn Marie EDMONDS (living)
8 M Carol E. LYDA 8
Born: 24 May 1944 - Swannanoa, North Carolina 8
Christened:
Died: 17 Feb 1946 - Swannanoa, North Carolina 8
Buried:
9 F Joyce Ann LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
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Spouse: Roger Dale BISHOP (living)
10 F Nancy Marie LYDA (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Spouse: Larry Edward CLEMMONS (living)
Husband Edward Lewis ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Father: Roscoe Maynard ALLEN
Mother:
Marriage:
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Children
1 M Michael Richard ALLEN (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Husband (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Marriage:
Wife Effie ALLEN 1
Born: 1887 1
Christened:
Died:
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Father: Ellis R. ALLEN (1859- ) 1
Mother: Jane LEDFORD (1866- )