John Adair was a soldier in the American Revolution. His service was documented by his Application for Revolutionary War Pension. For his service, the DAR designated him DAR Ancestor Number A000359 and documented two of his several children:
Barbara married John Parmelee, son of John Parmley, DAR Ancestor Number A087966, one of the Heroes who fought at the Battle of King's mountain (Reference S30637 Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements @ revwarapps.org)
Mary married David Bell first and Garner Parmelee, another son of John Parmley.
Adair was the son of John Adair and Eleanor Crawford. The two John Adairs and Eleanor were born in Ireland. It was ironic that they left Ireland to escape the English oppression only to be forced to fight that oppression in America. For his service, the DAR designated the elder John Adair DAR Ancestor Number A000358.
Lyman C. Draper is the acknowledged authority of the Battle of King's Mountain. In "King's Mountain and Its Heroes," he related an interesting story regarding the elder John Adair:
"Colonel Sevier endeavored to borrow money on his
private responsibility, to fit out his men for this distant
service — for there were a few traders in the countrj- who
had small supplies of goods. What little money the people
had saved, had been expended to the last dollar to the
Entr)' Taker of Sullivan County, John Adair, the State
officer, for the sate of the North Carolina lands — the same
person, doubtless, whom Colonel Shelby had sent as his
express to Colonel Arthur Campbell. Sevier waited upon
him, and suggested that the public money in his possession
be advanced to meet the military exigencies at this critical
juncture. His reply was worthy of the. man and the times :
"Colonel Sevier," said he, " I have no authority by law to
make that disposition of this money; it belongs to the
impoverished treasury of North Carolina, and I dare not
appropriate a cent of it to any purpose ; but, if the country is
over-run b}^ the British, our liberty is gone. Let the money
go, too. Take it. If the enemy, by its use, is driven from
the country, I can trust that country to justify and vindicate
my conduct — so take it."* Thus between twelve and thirteen
thousand dollars were obtained, ammunition and necessary
equipments secured. Colonels Sevier and Shelby pledging
themselves to see the loan refunded or legalized by an act
of the Legislature, which they effected at the earliest prac-
ticable moment. f
*This sturdy patriot subsequently settled in Knox County, Tennessee, where he died in April. 1827, at the age of ninety-five years. fRamsey's Teftnessee, 226,"
Neither John Adair fought at the Battle of King's Mountain. John Adair, Jr. identified his father and recounted his Revolutionary War Service when he testified in his Application for Revolutionary War Service.
Southern Campaign
American Revolution Pension Statements
Pension application of John Adair S1158 fn33NC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 10/29/10
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America in the County of Wayne & State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, who being first 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 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His Father with him & the family came to America and landed at Baltimore, the year he cannot state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not quite 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania and stayed there something like 12 months. His Father then moved with the family to Sullivan County then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee where he (the applicant) lived when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee about 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 28 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina when he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private soldier with a number of men in the Militia to go against the Indians. He states that it was usual in the part of the Country he lived in for the men to volunteer in small Companies without any commissioned officer to range & scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain or supreme officer, who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he volunteered at different times. He can't state the number of times, or the length of each time, that he was out, But feels certain that he served at the lowest Calculation at least three months.
They marched about the head of Clinch River a place called the Elk Garden, and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of year 1776 or the year (the early part of it) 1777. The Indians were, as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe, and Commanded by a Chief Called Logan. He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 as well as he now recollects, he was drafted as a private in the militia for the term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County North Carolina, Captain George Brooks commanded his Company when raised. They ranged and marched over the Country, about the head of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy [River].
He states, that during that six months tour, they had no important engagement. They marched against the Indians, and had frequent skirmishes. One he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states thatafter he served six months, he was discharged and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written discharge but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following he volunteered as a private in the militia in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy in the Company commanded by Captain Elliot. He thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch – also on the Old Kentucky Road, and frequently near a place called Flat lick.
He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written Discharge but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that the next year, in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private in the militia to March and be forted at the mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched & went in the place of his Father. That he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distances from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashear [sic, Bradshaw? Or Bradshear?], said Brashear lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged, but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
That he states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his services. He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know.
He states that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, George Bill, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County. That 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.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[John Bell and Garner Parmly gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of June 1833 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America, in the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, or going on seventy nine, who being first 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 of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina, when he first entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private Soldier with a number of men to scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he was engaged and served three months, in marching through the Country and in defending particular sections of the County. They marched about the head of Clinch River, a place called the Elk Garden and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been, as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of the year 1776, or the year (the early part of) 1777. The Indians were as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe and Commanded by a chief called Logan. He was discharged after having served three months by his officer, Campbell – but received no written discharge, and returned home.
He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 (the month he can't recollect), he was drafted as a private in the Militia for the Term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County, North Carolina. George Brooks was the Captain, who commanded the Company. They ranged and marched over the Country about the ahead of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy. He states that during that six months Tour, they had no very important engagement. They marched against the Indians and had frequent skirmishes on he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states that after he served six months, he was discharged by his officers and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written Discharge, but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following, he volunteered as a private Soldier in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy, in the Company Commanded by Captain Elliot, he thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch. Also on the Old Kentucky road, and frequently near a place called Flat Lick. He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written discharge from Captain Elliot but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that in the year 1780 in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private Soldier in the Militia in Sullivan County North Carolina, to March and be forted at the Mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched and went in the place of his Father, that he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distance from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashears-- said Brashears lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged by S. Brashears but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
This applicant states that in his first Tour, he served three months as a private Volunteer 3 Months In his second Tour, he served as a private drafted in the Militia for six months 6 Ditto In his third Tour, he served three months as a spy 3 Ditto In his fourth Tour, he served three months as a substitute for his father as a private 3 Ditto making in all 15 months – which time he served as aforesaid, and for which services he claims a pension.
This applicant states that he was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His father with him and the family came to America, and landed in Baltimore, the year he can't state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not yet 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania, and stayed there something like 12 months. His father then moved with him and a family to Sullivan County, then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee, where he the applicant lived, when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County, State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 8 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his service.
He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know. He states, that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, John Bell, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County.
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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[Adam Vickery, a clergyman, and Roger Oates gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $40 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for one year's service in the North Carolina militia as a private.]
Note: The DAR and descendants of Robert Samuel Brashear used this Application for Revolutionary War Pension of Adair's as proof of Brashear's service. They also cited Katherine Keogh White's book, "The King's Mountain Men" as documentation that he fought in the Battle of King's Mountain. White's book contained many errors and should not be used as a source of documentation. There was no documentation that Brashear participated in that battle.
In W9370, his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, Samuel Brashear testified that he did not engage in the Battle of King's Mountain. He testified that he joined the service after the battle. The memorial at his gravesite with the proclamation, "King's Mountain" was engraved in error.
The actual burial site for John Adair has been lost to history: he died in Kentucky, thus, was buried in Kentucky. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
Barbara married John Parmelee, son of John Parmley, DAR Ancestor Number A087966, one of the Heroes who fought at the Battle of King's mountain (Reference S30637 Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements @ revwarapps.org)
Mary married David Bell first and Garner Parmelee, another son of John Parmley.
Adair was the son of John Adair and Eleanor Crawford. The two John Adairs and Eleanor were born in Ireland. It was ironic that they left Ireland to escape the English oppression only to be forced to fight that oppression in America. For his service, the DAR designated the elder John Adair DAR Ancestor Number A000358.
Lyman C. Draper is the acknowledged authority of the Battle of King's Mountain. In "King's Mountain and Its Heroes," he related an interesting story regarding the elder John Adair:
"Colonel Sevier endeavored to borrow money on his
private responsibility, to fit out his men for this distant
service — for there were a few traders in the countrj- who
had small supplies of goods. What little money the people
had saved, had been expended to the last dollar to the
Entr)' Taker of Sullivan County, John Adair, the State
officer, for the sate of the North Carolina lands — the same
person, doubtless, whom Colonel Shelby had sent as his
express to Colonel Arthur Campbell. Sevier waited upon
him, and suggested that the public money in his possession
be advanced to meet the military exigencies at this critical
juncture. His reply was worthy of the. man and the times :
"Colonel Sevier," said he, " I have no authority by law to
make that disposition of this money; it belongs to the
impoverished treasury of North Carolina, and I dare not
appropriate a cent of it to any purpose ; but, if the country is
over-run b}^ the British, our liberty is gone. Let the money
go, too. Take it. If the enemy, by its use, is driven from
the country, I can trust that country to justify and vindicate
my conduct — so take it."* Thus between twelve and thirteen
thousand dollars were obtained, ammunition and necessary
equipments secured. Colonels Sevier and Shelby pledging
themselves to see the loan refunded or legalized by an act
of the Legislature, which they effected at the earliest prac-
ticable moment. f
*This sturdy patriot subsequently settled in Knox County, Tennessee, where he died in April. 1827, at the age of ninety-five years. fRamsey's Teftnessee, 226,"
Neither John Adair fought at the Battle of King's Mountain. John Adair, Jr. identified his father and recounted his Revolutionary War Service when he testified in his Application for Revolutionary War Service.
Southern Campaign
American Revolution Pension Statements
Pension application of John Adair S1158 fn33NC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 10/29/10
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America in the County of Wayne & State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, who being first 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 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His Father with him & the family came to America and landed at Baltimore, the year he cannot state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not quite 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania and stayed there something like 12 months. His Father then moved with the family to Sullivan County then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee where he (the applicant) lived when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee about 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 28 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina when he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private soldier with a number of men in the Militia to go against the Indians. He states that it was usual in the part of the Country he lived in for the men to volunteer in small Companies without any commissioned officer to range & scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain or supreme officer, who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he volunteered at different times. He can't state the number of times, or the length of each time, that he was out, But feels certain that he served at the lowest Calculation at least three months.
They marched about the head of Clinch River a place called the Elk Garden, and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of year 1776 or the year (the early part of it) 1777. The Indians were, as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe, and Commanded by a Chief Called Logan. He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 as well as he now recollects, he was drafted as a private in the militia for the term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County North Carolina, Captain George Brooks commanded his Company when raised. They ranged and marched over the Country, about the head of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy [River].
He states, that during that six months tour, they had no important engagement. They marched against the Indians, and had frequent skirmishes. One he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states thatafter he served six months, he was discharged and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written discharge but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following he volunteered as a private in the militia in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy in the Company commanded by Captain Elliot. He thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch – also on the Old Kentucky Road, and frequently near a place called Flat lick.
He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written Discharge but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that the next year, in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private in the militia to March and be forted at the mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched & went in the place of his Father. That he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distances from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashear [sic, Bradshaw? Or Bradshear?], said Brashear lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged, but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
That he states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his services. He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know.
He states that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, George Bill, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County. That 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.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[John Bell and Garner Parmly gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of June 1833 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America, in the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, or going on seventy nine, who being first 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 of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina, when he first entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private Soldier with a number of men to scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he was engaged and served three months, in marching through the Country and in defending particular sections of the County. They marched about the head of Clinch River, a place called the Elk Garden and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been, as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of the year 1776, or the year (the early part of) 1777. The Indians were as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe and Commanded by a chief called Logan. He was discharged after having served three months by his officer, Campbell – but received no written discharge, and returned home.
He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 (the month he can't recollect), he was drafted as a private in the Militia for the Term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County, North Carolina. George Brooks was the Captain, who commanded the Company. They ranged and marched over the Country about the ahead of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy. He states that during that six months Tour, they had no very important engagement. They marched against the Indians and had frequent skirmishes on he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states that after he served six months, he was discharged by his officers and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written Discharge, but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following, he volunteered as a private Soldier in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy, in the Company Commanded by Captain Elliot, he thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch. Also on the Old Kentucky road, and frequently near a place called Flat Lick. He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written discharge from Captain Elliot but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that in the year 1780 in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private Soldier in the Militia in Sullivan County North Carolina, to March and be forted at the Mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched and went in the place of his Father, that he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distance from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashears-- said Brashears lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged by S. Brashears but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
This applicant states that in his first Tour, he served three months as a private Volunteer 3 Months In his second Tour, he served as a private drafted in the Militia for six months 6 Ditto In his third Tour, he served three months as a spy 3 Ditto In his fourth Tour, he served three months as a substitute for his father as a private 3 Ditto making in all 15 months – which time he served as aforesaid, and for which services he claims a pension.
This applicant states that he was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His father with him and the family came to America, and landed in Baltimore, the year he can't state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not yet 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania, and stayed there something like 12 months. His father then moved with him and a family to Sullivan County, then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee, where he the applicant lived, when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County, State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 8 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his service.
He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know. He states, that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, John Bell, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County.
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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[Adam Vickery, a clergyman, and Roger Oates gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $40 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for one year's service in the North Carolina militia as a private.]
Note: The DAR and descendants of Robert Samuel Brashear used this Application for Revolutionary War Pension of Adair's as proof of Brashear's service. They also cited Katherine Keogh White's book, "The King's Mountain Men" as documentation that he fought in the Battle of King's Mountain. White's book contained many errors and should not be used as a source of documentation. There was no documentation that Brashear participated in that battle.
In W9370, his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, Samuel Brashear testified that he did not engage in the Battle of King's Mountain. He testified that he joined the service after the battle. The memorial at his gravesite with the proclamation, "King's Mountain" was engraved in error.
The actual burial site for John Adair has been lost to history: he died in Kentucky, thus, was buried in Kentucky. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
John Adair was a soldier in the American Revolution. His service was documented by his Application for Revolutionary War Pension. For his service, the DAR designated him DAR Ancestor Number A000359 and documented two of his several children:
Barbara married John Parmelee, son of John Parmley, DAR Ancestor Number A087966, one of the Heroes who fought at the Battle of King's mountain (Reference S30637 Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements @ revwarapps.org)
Mary married David Bell first and Garner Parmelee, another son of John Parmley.
Adair was the son of John Adair and Eleanor Crawford. The two John Adairs and Eleanor were born in Ireland. It was ironic that they left Ireland to escape the English oppression only to be forced to fight that oppression in America. For his service, the DAR designated the elder John Adair DAR Ancestor Number A000358.
Lyman C. Draper is the acknowledged authority of the Battle of King's Mountain. In "King's Mountain and Its Heroes," he related an interesting story regarding the elder John Adair:
"Colonel Sevier endeavored to borrow money on his
private responsibility, to fit out his men for this distant
service — for there were a few traders in the countrj- who
had small supplies of goods. What little money the people
had saved, had been expended to the last dollar to the
Entr)' Taker of Sullivan County, John Adair, the State
officer, for the sate of the North Carolina lands — the same
person, doubtless, whom Colonel Shelby had sent as his
express to Colonel Arthur Campbell. Sevier waited upon
him, and suggested that the public money in his possession
be advanced to meet the military exigencies at this critical
juncture. His reply was worthy of the. man and the times :
"Colonel Sevier," said he, " I have no authority by law to
make that disposition of this money; it belongs to the
impoverished treasury of North Carolina, and I dare not
appropriate a cent of it to any purpose ; but, if the country is
over-run b}^ the British, our liberty is gone. Let the money
go, too. Take it. If the enemy, by its use, is driven from
the country, I can trust that country to justify and vindicate
my conduct — so take it."* Thus between twelve and thirteen
thousand dollars were obtained, ammunition and necessary
equipments secured. Colonels Sevier and Shelby pledging
themselves to see the loan refunded or legalized by an act
of the Legislature, which they effected at the earliest prac-
ticable moment. f
*This sturdy patriot subsequently settled in Knox County, Tennessee, where he died in April. 1827, at the age of ninety-five years. fRamsey's Teftnessee, 226,"
Neither John Adair fought at the Battle of King's Mountain. John Adair, Jr. identified his father and recounted his Revolutionary War Service when he testified in his Application for Revolutionary War Service.
Southern Campaign
American Revolution Pension Statements
Pension application of John Adair S1158 fn33NC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 10/29/10
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America in the County of Wayne & State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, who being first 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 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His Father with him & the family came to America and landed at Baltimore, the year he cannot state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not quite 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania and stayed there something like 12 months. His Father then moved with the family to Sullivan County then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee where he (the applicant) lived when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee about 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 28 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina when he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private soldier with a number of men in the Militia to go against the Indians. He states that it was usual in the part of the Country he lived in for the men to volunteer in small Companies without any commissioned officer to range & scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain or supreme officer, who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he volunteered at different times. He can't state the number of times, or the length of each time, that he was out, But feels certain that he served at the lowest Calculation at least three months.
They marched about the head of Clinch River a place called the Elk Garden, and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of year 1776 or the year (the early part of it) 1777. The Indians were, as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe, and Commanded by a Chief Called Logan. He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 as well as he now recollects, he was drafted as a private in the militia for the term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County North Carolina, Captain George Brooks commanded his Company when raised. They ranged and marched over the Country, about the head of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy [River].
He states, that during that six months tour, they had no important engagement. They marched against the Indians, and had frequent skirmishes. One he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states thatafter he served six months, he was discharged and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written discharge but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following he volunteered as a private in the militia in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy in the Company commanded by Captain Elliot. He thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch – also on the Old Kentucky Road, and frequently near a place called Flat lick.
He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written Discharge but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that the next year, in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private in the militia to March and be forted at the mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched & went in the place of his Father. That he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distances from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashear [sic, Bradshaw? Or Bradshear?], said Brashear lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged, but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
That he states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his services. He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know.
He states that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, George Bill, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County. That 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.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[John Bell and Garner Parmly gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of June 1833 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America, in the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, or going on seventy nine, who being first 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 of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina, when he first entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private Soldier with a number of men to scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he was engaged and served three months, in marching through the Country and in defending particular sections of the County. They marched about the head of Clinch River, a place called the Elk Garden and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been, as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of the year 1776, or the year (the early part of) 1777. The Indians were as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe and Commanded by a chief called Logan. He was discharged after having served three months by his officer, Campbell – but received no written discharge, and returned home.
He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 (the month he can't recollect), he was drafted as a private in the Militia for the Term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County, North Carolina. George Brooks was the Captain, who commanded the Company. They ranged and marched over the Country about the ahead of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy. He states that during that six months Tour, they had no very important engagement. They marched against the Indians and had frequent skirmishes on he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states that after he served six months, he was discharged by his officers and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written Discharge, but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following, he volunteered as a private Soldier in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy, in the Company Commanded by Captain Elliot, he thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch. Also on the Old Kentucky road, and frequently near a place called Flat Lick. He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written discharge from Captain Elliot but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that in the year 1780 in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private Soldier in the Militia in Sullivan County North Carolina, to March and be forted at the Mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched and went in the place of his Father, that he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distance from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashears-- said Brashears lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged by S. Brashears but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
This applicant states that in his first Tour, he served three months as a private Volunteer 3 Months In his second Tour, he served as a private drafted in the Militia for six months 6 Ditto In his third Tour, he served three months as a spy 3 Ditto In his fourth Tour, he served three months as a substitute for his father as a private 3 Ditto making in all 15 months – which time he served as aforesaid, and for which services he claims a pension.
This applicant states that he was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His father with him and the family came to America, and landed in Baltimore, the year he can't state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not yet 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania, and stayed there something like 12 months. His father then moved with him and a family to Sullivan County, then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee, where he the applicant lived, when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County, State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 8 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his service.
He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know. He states, that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, John Bell, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County.
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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[Adam Vickery, a clergyman, and Roger Oates gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $40 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for one year's service in the North Carolina militia as a private.]
Note: The DAR and descendants of Robert Samuel Brashear used this Application for Revolutionary War Pension of Adair's as proof of Brashear's service. They also cited Katherine Keogh White's book, "The King's Mountain Men" as documentation that he fought in the Battle of King's Mountain. White's book contained many errors and should not be used as a source of documentation. There was no documentation that Brashear participated in that battle.
In W9370, his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, Samuel Brashear testified that he did not engage in the Battle of King's Mountain. He testified that he joined the service after the battle. The memorial at his gravesite with the proclamation, "King's Mountain" was engraved in error.
The actual burial site for John Adair has been lost to history: he died in Kentucky, thus, was buried in Kentucky. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
Barbara married John Parmelee, son of John Parmley, DAR Ancestor Number A087966, one of the Heroes who fought at the Battle of King's mountain (Reference S30637 Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements @ revwarapps.org)
Mary married David Bell first and Garner Parmelee, another son of John Parmley.
Adair was the son of John Adair and Eleanor Crawford. The two John Adairs and Eleanor were born in Ireland. It was ironic that they left Ireland to escape the English oppression only to be forced to fight that oppression in America. For his service, the DAR designated the elder John Adair DAR Ancestor Number A000358.
Lyman C. Draper is the acknowledged authority of the Battle of King's Mountain. In "King's Mountain and Its Heroes," he related an interesting story regarding the elder John Adair:
"Colonel Sevier endeavored to borrow money on his
private responsibility, to fit out his men for this distant
service — for there were a few traders in the countrj- who
had small supplies of goods. What little money the people
had saved, had been expended to the last dollar to the
Entr)' Taker of Sullivan County, John Adair, the State
officer, for the sate of the North Carolina lands — the same
person, doubtless, whom Colonel Shelby had sent as his
express to Colonel Arthur Campbell. Sevier waited upon
him, and suggested that the public money in his possession
be advanced to meet the military exigencies at this critical
juncture. His reply was worthy of the. man and the times :
"Colonel Sevier," said he, " I have no authority by law to
make that disposition of this money; it belongs to the
impoverished treasury of North Carolina, and I dare not
appropriate a cent of it to any purpose ; but, if the country is
over-run b}^ the British, our liberty is gone. Let the money
go, too. Take it. If the enemy, by its use, is driven from
the country, I can trust that country to justify and vindicate
my conduct — so take it."* Thus between twelve and thirteen
thousand dollars were obtained, ammunition and necessary
equipments secured. Colonels Sevier and Shelby pledging
themselves to see the loan refunded or legalized by an act
of the Legislature, which they effected at the earliest prac-
ticable moment. f
*This sturdy patriot subsequently settled in Knox County, Tennessee, where he died in April. 1827, at the age of ninety-five years. fRamsey's Teftnessee, 226,"
Neither John Adair fought at the Battle of King's Mountain. John Adair, Jr. identified his father and recounted his Revolutionary War Service when he testified in his Application for Revolutionary War Service.
Southern Campaign
American Revolution Pension Statements
Pension application of John Adair S1158 fn33NC
Transcribed by Will Graves rev'd 10/29/10
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America in the County of Wayne & State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, who being first 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 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His Father with him & the family came to America and landed at Baltimore, the year he cannot state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not quite 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania and stayed there something like 12 months. His Father then moved with the family to Sullivan County then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee where he (the applicant) lived when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee about 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 28 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina when he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private soldier with a number of men in the Militia to go against the Indians. He states that it was usual in the part of the Country he lived in for the men to volunteer in small Companies without any commissioned officer to range & scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain or supreme officer, who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he volunteered at different times. He can't state the number of times, or the length of each time, that he was out, But feels certain that he served at the lowest Calculation at least three months.
They marched about the head of Clinch River a place called the Elk Garden, and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of year 1776 or the year (the early part of it) 1777. The Indians were, as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe, and Commanded by a Chief Called Logan. He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 as well as he now recollects, he was drafted as a private in the militia for the term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County North Carolina, Captain George Brooks commanded his Company when raised. They ranged and marched over the Country, about the head of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy [River].
He states, that during that six months tour, they had no important engagement. They marched against the Indians, and had frequent skirmishes. One he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states thatafter he served six months, he was discharged and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written discharge but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following he volunteered as a private in the militia in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy in the Company commanded by Captain Elliot. He thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch – also on the Old Kentucky Road, and frequently near a place called Flat lick.
He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written Discharge but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that the next year, in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private in the militia to March and be forted at the mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched & went in the place of his Father. That he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distances from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashear [sic, Bradshaw? Or Bradshear?], said Brashear lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged, but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
That he states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his services. He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know.
He states that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, George Bill, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County. That 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.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[John Bell and Garner Parmly gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
State of Kentucky,
County of Wayne
On this 24th day of June 1833 personally appeared in open Court (it being a Court of Record) before the Justices of the Court of the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, now sitting, John Adair, a resident of the United States of America, in the County of Wayne and State of Kentucky, aged seventy eight years, or going on seventy nine, who being first 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 of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He lived in Sullivan County, North Carolina, when he first entered the service of the United States as a volunteer private Soldier with a number of men to scour the Country and march against the Indians. He states that the Captain who commanded them in these expeditions was by the name of Campbell. He states that he was engaged and served three months, in marching through the Country and in defending particular sections of the County. They marched about the head of Clinch River, a place called the Elk Garden and Blackmore's Fort. It was against the Indians they marched. It must have been, as well as this applicant now recollects in the latter part of the year 1776, or the year (the early part of) 1777. The Indians were as he was informed of the Shawnee tribe and Commanded by a chief called Logan. He was discharged after having served three months by his officer, Campbell – but received no written discharge, and returned home.
He states that in the year 1777 or 1778 (the month he can't recollect), he was drafted as a private in the Militia for the Term of six months. He lived then in Sullivan County, North Carolina. George Brooks was the Captain, who commanded the Company. They ranged and marched over the Country about the ahead of Clinch River – and some times on the head waters of Big Sandy. He states that during that six months Tour, they had no very important engagement. They marched against the Indians and had frequent skirmishes on he recollects above the place called the Elk Garden. He states that after he served six months, he was discharged by his officers and returned home to Sullivan County. He states that he received a written Discharge, but has lost or mislaid it, so he can't find it.
He states that in the spring following, he volunteered as a private Soldier in Sullivan County N. C. to watch the Indians as a spy, in the Company Commanded by Captain Elliot, he thinks his given name was James. He states that he spied about the head waters of Clinch. Also on the Old Kentucky road, and frequently near a place called Flat Lick. He states that he was to receive $1.50 a day for his services, but never received anything. He states that he served three months as a spy in that Company and was then discharged. He received a written discharge from Captain Elliot but from the great length of time, and not viewing it as of much importance to him, he has lost it.
He states that in the year 1780 in the spring probably about the 1st of March, his Father was drafted as a private Soldier in the Militia in Sullivan County North Carolina, to March and be forted at the Mouth of the North fork of Holston [River], to defend the frontiers from the depredations of the Indians. He states that he marched and went in the place of his Father, that he was located principally at the Fort at the mouth of the North fork of Holston. That they frequently marched some distance from the Fort to scour the Country. He states that the Captain who commanded the company was by the name of Samuel Brashears-- said Brashears lived in Sullivan County N. C. He states that he served three months, was discharged by S. Brashears but received no written discharge. They were in no important engagement during the three months.
This applicant states that in his first Tour, he served three months as a private Volunteer 3 Months In his second Tour, he served as a private drafted in the Militia for six months 6 Ditto In his third Tour, he served three months as a spy 3 Ditto In his fourth Tour, he served three months as a substitute for his father as a private 3 Ditto making in all 15 months – which time he served as aforesaid, and for which services he claims a pension.
This applicant states that he was born in Ireland in the County of Antrim in the year 1754. His father with him and the family came to America, and landed in Baltimore, the year he can't state with certainty, but it was when he was a youth, perhaps not yet 18 years old. His Father lived in Maryland a little upwards of a year. He then moved to Pennsylvania, and stayed there something like 12 months. His father then moved with him and a family to Sullivan County, then in North Carolina but now in Tennessee, where he the applicant lived, when the War of the Revolution commenced. He lived in Sullivan County aforesaid until some time in the year 1791, when he moved from said County to the place now called Knox County, State of Tennessee. He lived in Tennessee 13 or 14 years. Then he moved to Wayne County Kentucky about 27 or 8 years ago, where he has ever since and now lives.
He states that he has no documentary evidence – and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, by whom he can directly prove his service.
He states that his Father kept a Register of the names and ages of his Children, but where that Register is he don't know. He states, that he is known to Isaac Cooper, Fleming Gregory, John Bell, Lewis Coffey, Martin Beaty and William Hardin, who live in his neighborhood and County.
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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court.
S/ John Adair
[Adam Vickery, a clergyman, and Roger Oates gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $40 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for one year's service in the North Carolina militia as a private.]
Note: The DAR and descendants of Robert Samuel Brashear used this Application for Revolutionary War Pension of Adair's as proof of Brashear's service. They also cited Katherine Keogh White's book, "The King's Mountain Men" as documentation that he fought in the Battle of King's Mountain. White's book contained many errors and should not be used as a source of documentation. There was no documentation that Brashear participated in that battle.
In W9370, his Application for Revolutionary War Pension, Samuel Brashear testified that he did not engage in the Battle of King's Mountain. He testified that he joined the service after the battle. The memorial at his gravesite with the proclamation, "King's Mountain" was engraved in error.
The actual burial site for John Adair has been lost to history: he died in Kentucky, thus, was buried in Kentucky. Nevertheless, we have placed a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for risking his life and braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
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