Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6156, for John Spencer, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Va.

Spencer, John 
Molly

NUMBER
W. 6156

CONTENTS
Page 2

(left side)
Reported
3d Audr. Jany: 27/58
J. B. Stovall, Jany: 27/58

(right side)
2367 No increase
Virginia
Molly Spencer
widow of John Spencer who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lieut & Sergt

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 376 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of April 1850 and sent to S. Godwin Present

Increased from $303:33
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 184 Vol. 3
Page 3

6052
Mollay Spencer widow of John
Virginia
Act 7 July 1838
Married 1781
died 1817
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows- 

State of Virginia County of Halifax SS
On this the 19th day of July 1838 personally appeared before me James L Blackwell a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Molly Spencer a resident of Virginia in the County of Halifax aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of John Spencer who was a first Lieutenant in Col Thomas Marshalls Regiment of the Va State line in the Army of the Revolution. she is unable from old age to recollect the precise date of his enlistment but thinks it was in the year 1779 in the county of Halifax and State of Virginia. She does not recollect the various battles her deceased husband was engaged in nor the various movements of the Army to which he was attached at the time he was in the service - she recollects he was in a battle at Stone ferry and at the siege at Charleston but for full proof of services she would respectfully refer the Honble Department to the list of Col Thos Marshalls Regiment Virginia State line - she further declares that she was married to the said John Spencer in the county of Pittsylvania Va in the month of April 1785 That her husband the said John Spencer died on the 20th day of June 1817 That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the 1st day of January 1794 viz at the time above stated 
Mollay Spencer X her mark

Sworn and subscribed to on this 19th July 1839 before me
James L Blackwell J Peace
Page 5

State of Virginia County of Halifax SS
I James L. Blackwell a Justice of the peace in and for the County and state aforesaid do hereby certify that Mollay Spencer above mentioned who has this day appeared before me and made oath to the foregoing declaration is unable from old age and bodily infirmity to attend our court of which I am a Justice and I further certify that she is a creditable lady and entitled to full confidence upon oath Given under my hand this 19th July 1839
Jame L Blackwell J Peace

State of Virginia County of Halifax SS
I Lewis Spencer do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Mollay Spencer above mentioned that she is the widow of John Spencer who was a first Lieutenant in the army of the Revolution and that Mollay Spencer his widow has never married since the death of her husband the said John Spencer Given under my hand this 22nd July 1838
Lewis Spencer

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 22nd July 1839
Elisha Barksdale Jr J Peace
Page 6

Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
The declaration of Molly Spencer made before James S. Blackwell a Justice, was returned and approved by the Court and ordered to be certified to the war department

Virginia to wit.
I William Holt clerk of the County Court of Halifax in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is truly transcribed from the the records of my office. I further certify that Elisha Barksdale Jr is a magestrate as above and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 2nd day of Septr 1838
Wm Holt Clerk of the County Court for Halifax County
Page 7

Know all men by these presents that we John Spencer & Robt. Clopton are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of fifty pounds current money to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves and heirs. (illegible) jointly and firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 18 day of April 1785.
Whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended and by Gods permission between John Spencer & Mollay Clopton - Now the condition of the above obligation is such that if there is no lawfull cause to obstruct the said marriage then the above obligation to be void and of none affect or else to remain in full force power & virtue
John Spencer
Robt. Clopton

Signed Sealed & Delivd. in the presence of Jos: Akin

Virginia, Pittsylvania County, to wit, 
I William H. Turnstall Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that the above is a true copy of the original now on file in my office. In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court this 25th day of July one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine
W. H. Turnstall
Page 8

Rev. War Section

April 28, 1913.
John Spencer
W. 6156

Mrs. W. M. Upshur,
Cheriton, Va.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 16 and received the 18 instant, you are advised that in the papers in claim W. file No. 6,156, Rev. War, it is stated that John Spencer enlisted in Halifax County, Virginia, in 1779: that he served in Colonel Thomas Marshall's regiment as a Sergeant Major, and as a 2d Lieutenant from February 11, 1780; he was in the battles of Stone Ferry and Charleton - the length of his service is not stated.
John Spencer married in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, in April 1785, Mollay Clopton; he died June 20, 1817, and she was allowed pension on her application executed July 19, 1839, while seventy-six years of age and a resident of Halifax County, Virginia.

Very respectfully, 
J L Davenport
Commissioner.
Page 9

This is to certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 23d day of March 1784, in the name of John Spencer as a Lieutenant for L198.5.8, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Mr. Reynolds and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782.

Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 21st day of November 1889.
Jas E Heath AUDITOR.

No Seal of Office.
Page 10

Molly Spencer
Widow of John
Virginia

increased from
$303.33 to $376.66
per annum 4 
March 1836 to 41
for 43 to 48 from 48 for
life.
deducting what has 
heretofore been paid.
L. d. 20 June 1817.

S. Godwin
Prest
Page 11

Molly Spencer
Va 48
No Case
Feb 18 1857.
Col Godwin
Ex Feb 20, 51

Comr of Pensions
Page 12

Washington,
Feby 18/51,

Sir,
Sometime last year I had the Pension claim of Mrs Spencer, widow of Lieut Spencer of Col. Marshall Regiment, of Artillery increased from $320 to 400, I wish to see the papers, dont recollect the Christian names of Mrs Spencer
S. Godwin
Page 13

Col J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions,
Present,

Mar 7 57
Page 14

Pension Office
March 2d, 1850
Col Edwards,
I had placed in your hands 2 or 3 days ago a letter from J B Stoval, Esqr, to me in relation to the pension claims of the widows of a Spencer & Robertson, whose Christian names I do not recollect now. I ought to have enclosed Mr Stovalls, in our from myself to you, having omitted to do so, is the reason I now write you this.
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt,
S. Godwin

Col J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions,
Page 15

Washington,
April 2d, 1850,

Col. Edwards
Agreeably to the requirement, of your letter of the 6th Ultims, I enclose herewith the pension certificate of Mrs. M Spencer, that her pension may increased for the services of her late husband as in Artillery, instead of an Infantry Officer, he belonged to Col Marshall's Regt,
Very respectfully
S. Godwin
Page 16

Jno Spencer Lieut. Va line
See Let 1780 1 Let Apr 23 1780
Supernumerary
All ansd 1780 & 81
Snal per
6 pt 1781 left
p. 439
1780 2 Lieut. 1780 1st Leut. Supy
left - 6 feb. 1781-

20
24.44
293 34
10
303 33
Page 17

Halifax Co House
2d Sep 1839.
Sir:
I send you enclosed the Declaration of Molly Spencer
Yours resply
Jonathan B. Stovall
Page 18

Halifax CH Free
Geo: Wm: Crump Esq.
Acting Comr
Pensions
Washington City.

Mr. Syl.

Spencer
Page 19

Halifax Co. House
Sir: Dec. 7 1839.
Enclosed I send you Certificates from the Auditor, in relation to the commencement of the Services of Lieut. Spencer, it seems from the Certificates that his services commenced as Lieut. in the 11 of February 1780, but from the Certificate it appears that he acted in the capacity of Sergeant Major and must have acted as such for some time as the Certificate for the balance of his full pay was over two years pay, and as the pay of Sergeant Major & Lieut. is I believe the same the Widow will expect a certificate for services as Sergeant Major & Lieut. to the Amount of two years pay - In relation to the claim of Mrs. Judith Robinson I will inform you that he has furnished all the proof that can be obtained either in support of the marriage or Services of George Robinson as he never received his bounty lands, the proof cannot be furnished as required - though I am in hopes the Department will again examine this claim before passing upon it. - I take this opportunity to call your attention to the claim of Mrs. Mildred Betty as I am induced it has been overlooked in the press of business I am yours resply
Jonathan B. Stovall
Page 20

Marsville VA
June the 4th 43
Dear Sir
I send you enclosed the declaration of Mrs. Molly Spencer for a Pension under the act of Congress of March the 3d 43
I am respectfully 
J B Stovall

J L Edwards Esqr
Com of Pensions
Page 21

1913 Apl. 28. Hist to Mrs. W. M. Upshur. C

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6156
Molly Spencer
Wid.
John Spencer
Lieut. Rev. War
Act: Feby 2"/48
Index:-Vol. M, Page 234
Arrangement of 1870.
Page 22

Cheriton Va.
April 16th 1913
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Honored Sir,
The Adjutant General refers me to this Department as a possible means of gaining information concerning John Spencer of Va. who was Lieutenant and Sergeant during the Revolutionary
Page 23

War. His widow who was Mary or Mollie Clopton Spencer drew a pension for his services Please furnish me with any information concerning these parties possible as I am anxious to establish my claim to the Daughters of American Revolution. Thanking you for any information, I have the honor to be
Yours Respectfully,
Mrs. W. M. Upshur

U. S. PENSION OFFICE. APR 29 1913
Page 24

Cheriton Va
April 1th 1913
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Honored Sir;
The Adjutant General refers me to this department as a possible means of gaining information concerning John Spencer of Pittsylvania Co., Va. who was Lieutenant and Sergeant during the Revolutionary War. His widow who was Mary or Mollie Clopton drew
Page 25

a pension.  Please furnish me with any information concerning these parties as I am anxious to establish my claim to the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Thanking you for any information I have the honor to remain 
Respectfully Yours
Mrs W M Upchur
Cheriton
Virginia
Page 26

6052 - Virginia
Mollay - widow
of John Spencer - 
Act 1838 - Let to 
J. B. Stovall 28 Octr
1839 -
Page 27

Declaration of Mills Spencer for a pension act of 20 of February 1848

[illegible]

J B Stoval
H of Delegates
Richmond VA
Page 28

u
Page 29

State of Virginia of
Halifax County ⎬ I James L Blackwell
a Justice of the peace in and for said
County certify I am personally acquainted
with Molla Spencer who has this day appeared before me and made oath to the fore
going declaration and that I know her to be
the identical person who drew a pension
under the act of the 17th of June 1844
own under my hand this the 28th day
July 1848
James L Blackwell J Peace
Virginia Halifax County Sch.
I William S Holt deputy Clerk of the
County Court for the County of Halifax do hereby
certify that James L. Blackwell is a Justice of
the peace for the County aforesaid duly commissioned
Sworn & that the foregoing signatures purporting
to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I
have hereto affixed the seal
of the said County and subscribed
my name this 26th day of Sept
1848.
Wm J. Holt D.C.
Page 30

h052
Mollay Spencer wife of Jno [illegible]
Ach July 7 1838
Married 1788
died 1817
Allen Lurch 22nd
once Sept. 2th 0
$303.33 per ann
[illegible] Col Marshall
J B Stovall Esq
Halifax CH VA
Page 31

1685 R Increase
Virginia
Molly Spencer
widow of John Spencer
who was a Lieut Sergt
in the Virginia line for 22 months Lieut
2 months Sergt
inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 376 dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of April 1850 and sent to S. Godwin Present
Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844,
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 147
Increased from $303.33
Page 32

Reported.
Decr. 13/45

2367.
Virginia Richmond
Molly Spencer
widow of John Spencer
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lt. & Serg.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 303 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848,
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Decr. 1848 
and sent to
J. B. Stovall
Meadsville
Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 184 Vol. 3.
Page 33

1685
Virginia Richmond
Molly Spencer widow of Jophn Spencer who was a Lt & Sgt in the Virginia line for 22 months Lt 2 months SGT inscribed on the roll at the reate of 303 Dollars & 33 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of August 1843 and sent to J B Stovall Meadsville VA 
Act of March 3, 1843
Recorded in Book A Vol 1 Page 152
Page 34

4727
Increase
Virginia
Molly Spencer decd
Widow of John Spencer
who was a pensioner under the Act of
and who died on the 20 June 1817
of Halifax Co in the State of Virginia
who was sent in the Company
commanded by Captain 
commanded
by Col. Marshall in
 the Virginia line for 22 mo. Lieut
2 mo Sargt
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 376
Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of
April 1850 and sent to  
S. Godwin, Present
Total amount increased from
$303.33.
---
Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by
J P. Chase Clerk
Book No 1 page 279
Page 35

Payment to be made at Richmond
Anthony Robinson Fourth
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the
Agency of Virginia

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 184 Vol 3
Leo. Johnson
Clerk
Page 36

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848
Molly Spencer
widow of John Spencer
who was a Lieutenant & Sergeant in the revolutionary war
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of three hundred and three
dollars and thirty three
cents per annum, commencing on the
4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States
this 13th day of December
one thousand eight hundred and
forty eight.
Mb.L. Marcy
Examined and Countersigned.
J. G. Bent
for Commissioner of Pensions,
Secretary of War.
Page 37

 
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the
of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain
widows who have received pensions under the act of Congress
of July the 7th 1838
State of Virginia
County of Halifax ⎬ On this the 1st day of June 1843
personally appeared before me James L Blackwell A Justice
of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Mollay Spencer
a resident of Virginia in the County of Halifax aged 80 eighty
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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed
on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons
who served during the revolutionary war
That she is the widow of John Spencer who was a
Lieutenant in Col Thos Marshall's Regiment VA State
Line army of the revolution. She further [illegible] 
a pensioner under the act of Congress of July the 7th 1838
at the rate of the hundred and three dollars & thirty three
cent per annum. She further declares she is the widow
whom to and subscribed the day and
[illegible] whom above written before me
James L. Blackwell J Peace
State of Virginia
I James L Blackwell A Justice
County of Halifax of the peace in and for the County of award
 certify that I am personally acquainted with
Mollay Spencer who has this day appeared before me and made
oath to the foregoing declaration that he is the identical
person who was a pensioner under the act of Congress
of July the 7th 1838 Given under my hand this the 1st day of
June 1843
James L. Blackwell J. Peace
Page 38

State of Virginia
I William Holt Clerk of the Court of Halifax County do certify that James L Blackwell is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and Sworn and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony Where of I have hereunto affirmed my seal of office and have subscribed my name this 1st day of June 1843
W. Holt CK
[seal]
Page 39

I hereby certify that it appears from a Roll of Officers of Col Thomas Marshall's Regiment.  That in 1780 John Spencer appears in the capacity of Sergt. [Sargeant] Major, and on the 11th of February in the same year it appears that he had received the appointment of 2nd Lieutenant.
Given under my hand at the Auditors office
Richmond this 21st November 1839
Jas E Heath
Au
Page 40

Virginia 4727
Mollay Spencer widow of John Spencer, died who was a persioner under the act of [illegible] and who died on the 20 June 1817 of Halifax County in the state of Virginia who was a Lieut & Sgt in the Company commanded by Captain of the Regt  commanded by Col Marshall in the Virginia line for 22 mos Lt 2 mos Sgt