Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7587, for Jesse Spencer, Virginia
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SERVICE: Va.
Spencer, Jesse
NUMBER: S. 7587
carded
CONTENTS
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16.843
North Carolina
Jesse Spencer
of Wayne - in the State of No. Car
who was a priv in the ______ commanded by Captain ______ of the Regt commanded by Col: Wells - in the Va. line for 10 1/2 months -

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 35. Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7- day of Octr 33. and Sent Hon. J. Speight Stautonsburgh. No. Ca

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 87.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 17.50
$105.00-
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nath: Rice - Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 73
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Jesse Spencer
N.C.
13472

Admd as private
10 1/2 mo $35
Rev P. 331
5. 11. 12. 13. 14. Intg. 1. 2. 5. 7.
Apl. 11-33-

Hon J. Speight
Stantonsburg
No. Ca.
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13.472
BRIEF in the case of Jesse Spencer
of Wayne Co - in the State of North Caroa. 
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Superior Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 71 years ~

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
[1] Augt. In 1780-
[2] April 1781 - Discharged in July - Va.
[3] #about one week after the 2nd. term had expired -
Duration of Service.
Years,
[1] -
[2] -
Months,
[1] 6
[2] 3
Days.
[1] -
[2] -
[3] about 49
Rank. As a
[1] -
[2] -
[3] -
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
[1] Col Wells Reg.}  Capt. A Book's Co - State Substitute for E. Spencer
[2] Colo. Blounts Regt. Capt Whitehead's Co} drafted
[3] Colo. Well's Regt. Capt Boykins Co} Va

5. In what battles was he engaged? None stated - only some light skirmishes # drafted for three months 

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? South Hampton Co. Virg

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? -none-

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
E. Stephens
Examining Clerk.
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Jesse Spencer
13.672
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State of North Carolina} Superior Court of Law
County of Wayne} Fall Term 1832
On the 3rd day of October 1832 personally appeared before J J Daniel Judge of Superior Court for the County of Wayne Jesse Spencer, of the County and State aforesaid aged 71 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 7 - 1832. That in August 1780, he joined the State Troops of Virginia, and Substitute for his father Edmond Spencer for a Term of six months - under Captain Arthur Boykin, - The Regiment was commanded by Colo: Wells - His other Company officers are forgotten - except Wm Boykin, who Declarant believes was lieutenant. - Declarant joined the Army in Nansemond Co. Virginia - and was from thence marched down to a place called Jericho old field, about 4 or 5 miles from Portsmouth Virg. which place was then occupied by the English army. Remained encamped in Jericho old field, about four months, sometimes sallying out to engage with the enemy, in light skirmishes in two of which Declarant was engaged - Declarant was then marched up to Suffolk, and was stationed there two or three weeks ~ thence was marched in various directions through several small places whose names Declarant can not remember, till at last he was stationed at a place called Macky's Mill, where he spent the remainder of his time, and was honorably discharged, in writing, but the discharge is lost. At the time he entered the service he was a resident of South Hampton Co. Virginia.
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He returned home in March 1781. - On the [illegible] day April he was drafted in [illegible] three months and placed in the Company of Captain Whitehead, - Declarant believes the name of his lieutenant in this Company was Vaughn. - He has forgotten the name of his other Company officers - The Regiment was commanded by Colo: Blount. He was marched down the Chowan, to Doctor Wright - on the Said River, where he was encamped about two months - Thence was conducted, leisurely along, until he was stationed at Smithfield, at which place his Term of three months expired, and he was regularly discharged - In July 1781. ~ His discharge is lost -
In about a week after the expiration of this his second Term, he was again drafted in South Hampton Co. Virginia for a term of three months - under Captain Boykin, Lieut Boykin - Colo: Wells, - He joined the Regiment at Suffolk - - He was marched to James River, and through various Towns whose names declarant has forgotten - On James River Declarant was taken sick, and was by presumption of Colo: Wells carried home by his father - having served in this last term about seven weeks Almost immediately after this news reached Declarant of the Capture of Cornwallis at Little York - - 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
Jesse x his mark Spencer
And the said Court doth hereby declare its opinion, that the above named applicant was a
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Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states
J, J, Daniel I,S,L,E

I Nicholson Washington, clerk of the Superior Court of Law for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Jesse Spencer for a pension ~
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal of office, this 3rd. day of October 1832
N. Washington Clk

Supplemental
State of North Carolina} Court of Pleas &
County of Johnston} Quarter Sessions Aug Term 1833-
Personally appeared in open Court Charles Wellous of county of Johnston Co. who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare - that he was in the service with Jesse Spencer - in the terms mentioned by him in his Declaration above and knows his statement to be true -
Affiant swears that by reason of his old age & infirmities he cannot attend at Wayne Court to offer this proof in substantiation of the claim of said Jesse
Sworn & subscribed this 27 day of August 1833
Charles x his mark Willous

And the said Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions doth declare that it hath been made to appear that Charles Willous is
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I Ransom Sanders Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Johnston do hereby certify that the above "Supplement" contains the original proceedings of Said Court in the matter of the application for a pension of Jesse Spencer
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal of office this 28th day of August 1833
Rm Sanders Clk
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May 6, 1925

Mrs. Charles Stewart,
2010 Crocker St
Houston, Tex.

Madam:
     I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 7587, it appears that Jesse Spencer, while residing in Southampton County, Virginia, served as a private in the Virginia Troops as follows-
     From in August 1780, six months in Captain Arthur Boykin's Company, Colonel Wells' Regiment, and was in two skirmishes, no details given.  This service was as substitute for his father, Edmund Spencer.
     From in April 1781, three months in Captain Whitehead's Company, Colonel Blount's Regiment.
     Again in 1781, seven weeks in Captain Boykins' Company, Colonel Wells' Regiment.
     He was allowed pension on his application
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executed October 3, 1832, while a resident of Wayne County, North Carolina, aged seventy-one years.

It is not stated whether soldier was married.

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to pension or bounty land having been claimed on account of the services of Robert Smith, who served as a Captain of the Third Regiment of Light Dragoons.

Respectfully,
Wilder S. Metcalf 
Commissioner

Miss Wilson invalidated this letter, as I was not satisfied about the Robert Smith as quoted by her and the one in files B.L.Wt.  57-300
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Va. "State Line" Jesse Spencer
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13.472
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jesse Spencer - which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? 

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for him not doing so? 

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? 

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? # -no -

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? 

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? 

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? - no -

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? - none stated

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? - no -

XIV. [notation sign 1]If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? none produced
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? 

XVI. [notation sign 2]Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1. 2. 5. 7.
_________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.

# *QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ___________ year _____________ months, and _________ days, I served as a ______________ For _____________ months and ___________ days, I served as a _______________; and for such service I claim a pension.”
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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase "about three or four months" is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[notation sign 1]QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[notation sign 2]QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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2020 Crocker St
Houston,  Texas
March 4, 1925

Bureau of Pensions
Div Ser

Will  you kindly send me a copy of the Pension Certificate of Jesse Spencer.  He is listed in "Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War" by J.T. McAllister as residing in Wayne Co. N.C. but listed
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among Virginians living outside of Va and receiving a pension for service as Va Militia.

I am anxious to obtain all family data available.

Also of Robert Smith who served as a Captain of the 3rd Reg't of Light Dragoons Continental Troops Rev. War.

A copy of these records
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and any family data you can give me will be very much appreciated.

Address
Mrs. Charles Stewart
2010 Crocker St.
Houston, Texas
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PENSION
L
MAR
U. 10 S.
1925
OFFICE
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Paducah, KY 
Apr-18-1927

Department of Interior- Bureau of Pensions

I would like very much to have the Rev. record of Jesse Spencer of North Car. probally vicinity of Orange or Chatham Co.  I wish also names of wife and children and all information possible.

Please also give me the Revolutionary record of John Ramsey of North Carolina - as there were three of that name from N.C. I cannot state the exact record wanted therefore would like to have all three that I may settle the question. Would like names of wives and children and all information possible.

Thanking you very much,
I am very respectfully
Miss Meddie M. Massie
631 Kentucky Ave
Paducah, KY

Reply to this let. not found when handled in Ref. Dir.    1/2/40
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3-525
Record Division 
Revolutionary War Records Section
AWF
S. 7587

3-525
Department of the Interior,             OK
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D.C., __________, 19_____

In reply to your request of ____, received __ for a statement of the military history of Jesse Spencer a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR,  you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment  or Appointment -
*August 1780 
Length of service - mos. 
Rank - Pvt.
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered 
Captain Arthur Boykin
Colonel Wells 
State - Va.

Dates of Enlistment  or Appointment -
April 1781
Length of service - 3 mos. 
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered 
Captain Whitehead
Colonel Blount

Dates of Enlistment  or Appointment -
1781
Length of service - 7 wks
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered 
Captain Boykin
Colonel Wells 

Battles engaged in, 2 skirmishes
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Southampton 
Co.- Va
Date of application for pension, Oct. 3, 1832. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Wayne Co - N.C.
Age at date of application, 71 y yrs.
Remarks: *Substituted for his father Edmund Spencer.  There is no further family data.

Respectfully,
Commissioner
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1923 July 10 Hist to Mary S. Ford
See letter in John Ford N.C. B. L. W. 2143-200  aus

1927 Aug 24 Hist to Meddie M. Massie 
Aug
7587 
Rev War 
Invalid 
File No.  7587
Jesse Spencer
Priv. Rev. War

Act:  June 7th 1832
Index: Vol. 1st, Page 353

Arrangement of 1870