JAMES GASTON

Declaration by James Gaston to obtain benefits of Act of Congress June 6, 1832

State of Illinois-Wayne County
Appearing on Aug. 6, 1837 appeared before Probate Judge at age of 76 years. Stated he entered service late summer 1778 as a drafted man in regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Cashew in Company commanded by Capt. John Marshall whose Lieut. was Charles Robinson. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln was commanding General. Was in Battle of Hanging Rock and taken prisoner there and confined  in Camden jail 2 mo. 19 da., paroled and returned home only to find everything had been destroyed by fire.

James then volunteered in Capt. Ingrams Co., served till Christmas when he joined Company of Capt William Neisbet for 3 mo. till first week of May 1781.

Stated he was born state of Pennsylvania in Lancaster Co. July 24, 1761. Said his Father moved from there to state of South Carolina when he was about 6 years old. Settled 28 mi. North of Camden, 2 mi. east of The Hanging Rock, where he resided nearly 40 years, then he moved to Christian Co. Ky. in year 1800, and lived there 2 yr., then moved to Illinois where he resided up to the present time.

States Alexander Clark, John Clark, Hugh Stuart, and Wesley Staton reside as his neighbors and can testify to his character  and service in Revolutionary War.

The above men signed and swore to his statements and also a clergyman Mr. Watkins and Daniel Turney swear they also believe him.

James married Catharine Creighton in Lancaster, South Carolina March 20, 1783 by J.P.William Welch. (this Lancaster  is in South Carolina and his birth place was Lancaster Pa.  is as written). His wife stated in her widow pension papers that there is no written record of marriage or births of children.

James Gaston died in Wayne Co. Ill. March 7, 1840, and Catharine was allowed his pension at age 79 years. Was inscribed on Roll at rate  of $43.88 per annum.

State of Illinois-Wayne County
On April 1, 1843, Jane Bovee eldest living daughter of James and Catharine Gaston stated her Father made statement she was born July 11, 1785, being now 58 on 11th July next. She testified to his Revolutionary service, and her parents years of marriage.

State of Illinois-White County
On April 25, 1843 Thomas Creighton stated when young he lived in South Carolina, where his aunt Catharine Creighton who married James Gaston also resided. He states he is about same age as their daughter Jane. Recollects events to prove their marriage.
                                                                                                       signed
                                                                                                 Thomas Creighton
Their children are
-Jane born July 11,1785 married Mr. Bovee
Thomas born May 4, 1790 marr.Elender Clark Feb. 1, 1814 Elener born 1792
Thomas married 2nd.  to Savy Corner( she was born Aug 10---- (can not read year)

State of Illinois-Wayne
On June 27, 1843 Jarret Gaston testified to records from family Bible which to his knowledge is in his father's handwriting and that at this time he was 26 yr. of age 5th of Dec.last.

A Mrs. R. W. Chase of Moultrie, Ga. ask for War records for DAR to file on Gaston's line. Also a Miss Mattie Knight on June 5, 1916. Her letterhead was Salem National Bank of Salem, Illinois