Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 10,303, for John Summers, Maryland
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Md.

Summers, John
Ann

NUMBER
R 10303

CONTENTS
Page 2

[illegible - page too dark to read]
Page 3

Sets of to Pensions
October the 25 1773

John Summers and
Ann Claggett was
Married December
the 8 in the 
year of our Lord
1774

John Summers
Anne Summers
January the 23. 1775
Page 4

1794
[-]1775
[=]19

1841
[-]1775
[=]66



Charles Claggett Summers
the Son of John [&]Ann
Summers was born
September 9 in the
year of our Lord
God Anno Domini 1775
Mary Summers
the Daughter of John 
Ann Summers was
Born September 15
in the year of our
Lord God anno Domini
1777
Page 5

John Summers the
Son of John Ann Summers
was born November 24
in the year of our Lord
God 1779

Ruth Summers
the Daughter of
John Ann Summers
was born March the
17 in the year of
our Lord God 1782


Basil Summers
Son of John Ann Summers
was born September 11
year of our Lord
God 1783

Ann Summers
the Daughter of
John Ann Summers
was born November the 14 in 
the year of our Lord
God 1785
Page 6

Joseph Summers
was born March the
15 in the year
of our Lord God 1789

Solomon Summers
was born April the
21 in the year
of our Lord God 1792

William Summers
was born October
the 4 in the year
of our Lord God 1794
Page 7

Sarah
Clagett was
born January 18
1750

An or Nancy wors
born June 28
1753

herey Clagett wors
born March 18
1755

Malinda Clagett
wors
born Febuary
1757


John Clagett wors
born November 23
1759

Thomas Clagett wors
born March 1 1761

Charles Clagett
the father of the
above names was 
born August 23 1729
Page 8

John Summers
Died 17 of April
1808
Page 9

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
On this 24th day of June 1844
personally appeared before me one of the acting
Justices of the Peace in and for Said County Ann
Summers and made oath in due form of law
that the accompanying Book contains a true
record of her marriage and her husband John
Summers death. as well as the ages of the
family of the aforesaid Ann Summers and her
ancestry - and John Summers & his ancestry - and
she further declars [declares] that the accompanying Book
is a true and only family record she has 
in her possesion [possession] or that she ever seen -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day
and year above written -
Hugh R. Hall J.P. Ann + ^her mark^ Summers

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
I Hugh R Hall an
acting Magistrate in and for the County
aforesaid certify that Ann Summers whose
name appears to the above deposition is
a respectable person and a woman of truth
and that full faith and credit may be given
to her declarations on oath. and I further
certify that I have the most satisfactory
evidence that the Book hereto attached
Contains a true family record and that
is the only one that has ever been
kept Given under my hand and
seal this 24th day of June 1844
Hugh R. Hall JP. [hand drawn cloud with an illegible word written inside]
Page 10

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
I S.F. Alexander
Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions opened and held for the
County aforesaid according to Law do hereby
certify that Hugh R. Hall whose name
appears to the within affidavit is and was
at the time of testation an acting Justice
of the peace and as such full faith and
credit may be given to his acts and duds -
In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of Office
at Office this 21st day of 
August 1844
S. F. Alexander Clerk
of Iredell County Court
Page 11

William D Summers was
born September 16th 1829
Page 12

[two panel page; left panel below]

Mary Ann Summers
was Born April 2 the year 
of our Lorde God
1815

Margit Summers was
Born Septembe 21 the year of
our Lorde God 1816

[right column below]

Solomon Summers was
Born January 2 the year of our
Lord god 1819

Jaine Summers was
Born December 8 the year of our
Lorde God 1822

James Elfoney
Born November
7" 1826
Page 13

B
L S D Benja Johns
paid 
0 " 2 " 07 N 2 on
0 ' 1 " 0
0 1 - 0
0 " 2 " 10
0 " 3 " 9
11
11 " 10'
Page 14

[two panel page; left panel below]

L d s
0 " [illegible] 6
0 " 0 " 2
0 " 1 " 10 17 3
0 " 3 " 3
0 " 6 " 0
0 " 2 " 0
4
10 " 1
7 0
25 " 9
11 " 10
13 " 11

S [illegible]
7 2
5 " 10
1 7
5 "7
3 "
1
1 7
4 " 2

[left panel below]
L Ss
0 " A "
0 " 2 " 1
0 " 3 " 0
0 " 6 " 6
0 " S " 2

3 " 12 3
1 1 or 0
[illegible]
1 5 7
" 1 0 " 6
Page 15

[two panel page; left panel below]

Tery was born
September 26 "1766

Nate was born
May 8 1710

Geo & Margaritt 
[illegible]
May A.D. 1836

[right panel below]

1834
1789
45

1834
1775
59
20
79
Page 16

Know all men by these presents: That I, Solomon
Summers of the County of Iredell and State of
North Carolina, son and heir at law of John
Summers deceased, and son and heir at law
of Ann Summers deceased who has heretofore
made application for Pension in behalf of her
husband who was a Revolutionary Soldier &
whose papers have been suspended for future
proof &c, personally appeared, before me
a Justice of the Peace for the County of Iredell and
State of North Carolina duly authorized by law to
administer oaths in said county, who being sworn
first according to law, states that he is a son and
heir at law of Ann Summers of the County of Iredell
and State of North Carolina late deceased, who was a
Revolutionary Officers widow, and that he is directly
interested as a claimant in the pension for which application
was heretofore made by said Ann Summers
widow of John Summers, and constitutes and appoints
George C. Ames of Washington D. C. his true and
lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to examine
into, investigate, and establish the claim for said pension 
and to all acts necessary thereto, Hereby revoking all
Powers of attorney heretofore given for same purpose. In
Witness whereof, he the said Solomon Summers has
on this 30th day of July 1855 hereunto signed
Page 17

his name, and affixed his seal.
Solomon Summers [hand drawn cloud inscribed with the word seal]
Attest: Wm. H. Haynes
Attest: James Clark

Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me,
on this 30th day of July 1855 And I the said Magistrate
do certify, that I have no interest in the result of the
Pension Claim mentioned in the foregoing Power of
Attorney & are not conserned in the prosecution.
W Y Corvan J.P. 

State of North Carolina
County of Iredell

I, MF Freeland Clerk of the Court of Pleas and
Quarter sessions in and for the county and State
aforesaid do hereby certify that W.F. Corvan
Esquire before whom the foregoing power of Attorney
was acknowledged, and affiduril made, was at
the time of it being done a Justice of ht Peace in 
and for the County and State aforesaid duly
commissioned and sworn according to law
to administer oaths and that his signature to
the above is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of my office on
this 30th day of July 1855
MF Freeland Clk
Page 18

Power of Attorney
State of North Carolina
County of Iredell

Be it known, that before me a
Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally
appeared Solomon Summers, a resident of the County and
State aforesaid, and made oath in due form of law, that
he is a son and heir at Law, of Ann Summers late
dect. of Iredell County, State aforesaid, widow of John Summers
who was an officer in the Mary Land Militia during
the war of the Revolution and on account of whose services
she the said Ann Summers applied for a Pension
under the act of 4 July 1836, and the he believes that the
United States are still indebted under the aforesaid
act and application that he is directly interested as a
claimant in the pension for which application was
heretofore made, and by these presents constitutes and
appoints Isaac W. Coffin of Washington City be his true
and lawful attorney with full power to examine
into, investigate and establish the claim for said pension
and to do all acts necessary thereto
In witness whereof the said Solomon Summers
has on this 14th day of February 1853, hereunto signed
his name and affixed his seal
Solomon Summers [hand drawn cloud with the word Seal written inside]
Witness
Geo W Allison
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to
before me, on this 14th day of February 1853, and I certify
Page 19

that I have no interest whatever in the pension
for which the above Power of attorney has been made
W. F. Cowan J Peace

State of North Carolina
I, J. F. Alxander Clerk of the Court of Pleas 
and Quarter Sessions for the County of Iredell and
State aforesaid do certify that Wm F. Cowan Esq
is an acting Justice of the Peace as above and that
the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto afixed
my seal of office & subscribed my name
this 15th day of February AD 1853

J. F. Alxander Clerk
Iredell County Court
Page 20

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
On this 8th day of July 1852, personally 
appeared before the under 
signed, a justice of the peace in and
for the county above named
Tabitha Tomlinson of the county
& State above named aged eighty
two years, who being first duly
sworn according to law, doth on
her oath, depose & say, that she
is the sister of Captain John
Summers late of the aforesaid
county, and formerly of Montgomery
County in the State of 
Maryland, who was an officer
in the war of the Revolution.

That she well recollects, of the
militia of the neighborhood in the
said county of Montgomery & State of
Maryland, assembling, at or near
her fathers residence for the purpose
of holding a draft, to raise
their quota of men, and that 
a certain number were raised
either by a draft; or by volunteering, 
She cannot say which of the
two plans was adopted, but well recollects
that her brother John
was one of the number Selected by
one of the two peans above spoken of,
at that time, and that he was
elected or received the appointment
of Captain, and that he went
Page 21

off with the other men raised
at the time, on a tour, in the army
and was gone a considerable length
of time, she thinks it was six
months, as that impression - had
always Since that period remained
on her mind, - tho She cannot
say precisely how lone he was
gone in the army at that time,
nor recollect the names of the
officers or regiment in which he
served, but thinks he served for
a considerable length of time
as above stated she well 
knows.
This deponant further states
on her oath that her brother
the said John Summers rendered
other services, during the
Revolution prior to the aforementioned;
campaign, but
to give the particulars She
cannot, - that she knows
he was appointed or acted
as lieutenant, in which capacity
he served his country
also, that he was for sometime
engaged in the recruiting Service
enlisting men for the
army
Sworn to & subscribed before
me the date first above written
W.F Cowan JP Tabitha X ^her mark^ Tomlinson
Page 22

and @ WF Cowan a Justice of the
peace as aforsaid do hereby
certify that old Mrs Tabitha
Tomlinson who has this day
Sworn to and Subscribed the
foregoing affidavit before me
is now in possession of her natural
facilities, - a person of intelligence 
and much moral
worth, & to her statement in
the above case is due full faith
and credence given under
my hand & seal this 8th day of
July 1852 as above written
WF Cowan JP

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
I J.F. Alxander 
Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter
Sessions for the County of Iredell do hereby
certify that William F Cowan is a magistrate
as above and the signature purporting to be 
his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of my
office at office in Statesville This
8th day of July 1852
J.F. Alxander Clk
Page 23

6807
Ann Summers
widow of John
NC
Act 4 July 1836

M740-08
Page 24

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

On this 24th day of June
1844 personally appeared before me one of 
the acting Justices of the peace in and for Staid
County Ann Summers a resident of Iredell
County and State of North Carolina aged 91 ninety
one 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 
provision made by act of Congress passed July
4th. 1836. That she is the widow of John
Summers who was a Sergeant, Second Lieutenant,
and Captain in the war of the Revolution.
That he entered the services of the United States
as a volunteer, and was appointed Sergeant. That
he entered the service in Montgomery County
State of Maryland in the spring of the year
seventeen hundred and seventy five (1775)
and served as Sergeant for upwards of Two 
Years she believed that he served under Captain 
Richard Smith and that afterwards he the
aforesaid John Summers was appointed by Thos
Johnson, second Lieutenant of the aforesaid
Captain Smiths Company in the upper battalion
of Militia in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The length of time he served as Lieutenant
she does not recollect but that afterwards
Captain Smith who was promoted to Colonel
appointed him the aforesaid John Summers Captain 
of a Company in the Upper battalion of Militia
in Montgomery County and State of Maryland, 
in which Offices he served till about the
year 1780 seventeen hundred and Eighty at which 
period he emigrated to the State of North Carolina
to what was then Called Rowan County and that
after his emigration to this county and State 
aforesaid he was not called again into the
services of the United States - And She
Page 25

further declares that she was married to the
aforesaid John Summers on the 8th day of
December in the Year seventeen hundred and
seventy four (1774) in Frederickstown Montgomery
County and State of Maryland, and that her
husband the aforesaid John Summers died on 
the 17th day of April Eighteen hundred & Eight (1808)
and that she has remained a widow ever since
his death and she further swears that owing
to very old age and great weakness of body
she is not able to go to the Court House to
make this her declaration. - all of which
will now fully appear by reference to the
proof hereunto annexed.
Sworn to, and subscribed
on the day and Year above written
Hugh R. Hale J.P. Ann + ^her mark^ Summers

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

I Hugh R Hall an acting
magistrate in and for the County
aforesaid do certify that the above declaration
[illegible] the signature of Ann Summers is genuine
and is her act and deed and that she is 
a creditable person and to be believed on Oath
and that her Old age and bodily infirmity is
such that she cannot safely go to the Court
House to make her declaration. I further certify
that she is the widow of the Identical John
Summers set forth in the above declaration who
died on the 17th of April 1808 as declared by
the above declarant and that she has remaind
a widow ever since his death.
Given under my hand and
seal this 24th day of June 1844
Hugh R. Hall J.P. [hand drawn cloud with the word Seal inscribed inside]
Page 26

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

On this 16th day of August 1844
personally appeared before me one of the acting
Justices of the Peace in and for said County
Zackariah Summers a resident of Iredell Co. State
aforesaid aged 81 years who after being duly sworn according to law
deposeth and sayeth that he was well acquainted
wit John Summers who is set forth in the foregoing
declaration while he resided in State of Maryland
and knows that he was in the service of the United
States during the Revolution as a Lieutenant and 
Captain but he cannot now reccollect [recollect]how long 
he served in either office but believes he
served as Captain upwards of a Year and
he the aforesaid Zackariah Summers further
says that he is certain that it was in the Year
Seventeen hundred and seventy nine the aforesaid
John served as Captain or was appointed a
Captain, and he further says that Ann Summers
whose name appears to the foregoing declaratin
is the widow of the Identical John Summers
set forth in her declaration and he has known
them ever since their marriage up to the period
of the aforesaid John's Death which took place
on 17th of April 1808 - during which time they
lived together as mand and wife and that the
legallity of their marriage has never been for a
moment doubted, and further that she aforesaid
Ann owing to old age and bodily infirmity
cannot safely go to the Court HOuse to 
make her declaration.
Sworn to and subscribed
on the day and Year above written.
Hugh R. Hall J.P Zackariah x ^his mark^ Summers
Page 27

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

I hugh R Hall an
acting Justice of the peace in and for 
said County do certify that Zachariah
Summers whose name appears to the within
certificate is a respectable person and
that any declarations he has made on 
Oath in his [illegible] deposition are
entitled to and should receive all due
credit. I further certify that I believe him
to be 81 years of age as stated by him
and that he formerly lived in the State of
Maryland and therefore cannot be mistaken
in his declarations.
Given under my hand
and seal this 16th day of August
1844
Hugh R. Hall J.P. [hand drawn cloud with the word Seal inscribed inside]

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

Court of Pleas
& Quarter Sessions

August
term 1844

I J.F. Alexander clerk of
the Court of Pleas and Quarter
Sessions opened and held according to Law
do certify that the said Court orders that
Satisfactory evidence has this day been 
introduced before said Court that the
Declaration on the signature of Ann
Summers is genuine and is her act and
deed. also that she is the widow of
John Summers who it appears was a Captain
in the war of the Revolution, and died
leaving the aforesaid Ann his widow on
the 17th April 1808 as now fully shown by
her declaration and further that she
is a respectable person and a woman
Page 28

of truth and as such to be believed
on oath. I further certify that the
magistrate Hugh R. Hall whose name
appears to her declaration and the following
certificates is and was at the time
of testation an acting Justice of the
Peace and as such full faith and
credit may be given to all his official
deeds.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
seal of Office on this 22nd day of August 1844

J.F. Alexanger Clerk
of Iredell County Court

[appears to be a ribbon on this page next to the above testimony]
Page 29

see corres, in rev clm
Daniel Palmer S7291
January 11, 1936 MCS

John Summers-R.10303
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. W. H. Brown
Rockport
Indiana

Dear Madam:

The Revolutionary War record of John Summers
which follows was obtained from the papers on file
in pension claim, R. 10303, based upon his service
in that war.

The date and place of birth of John Summers
are not shown, nor are the names of his parents
given; his father was living in Montgomery County,
Maryland during the Revolution.

John Summers volunteered in Montgomery County,
Maryland in the spring of 1775, was appointed sergeant,
was commissioned, September 12, 1777, 2nd
Lieutenant in Captain Richard Smith's Company of
Montgomery County, Militia, was commissioned, April
21, 1779, 1st Lieutenant in same company, and was
commissioned, March 24 or 25, 1780, Captain in Colonel
Richard Smith's Regiment of Maryland Militia.
Length of service not stated.

John Summers went to Rowan County, North Carolina
towards the close of the Revolution; he died
April 17, 1808 in Iredell County, North Carolina.

John Summers married December 8, 1774 in 
Fredericktown, Maryland, Ann or Nancy Clagett (the
name also appears Claggett).

She applied for pension June 24, 1844, aged ninety-
Page 30

2-

one years and living in Iredell County, North Carolina.

The claim for pension was not allowed as length
of service under each rank was not furnished.

The widow, Ann (Nancy) Summers, in 1856 was
referred to as deceased; definite date of her death
was not stated.

The children of John Summers and his wife, Ann:

Charles Clagett (Claggett) Summers born September 7, 1775
Mary born September 15, 1777
John   " November 24, 1779
Ruth   "   March 17, 1782
Bassil. " September 11, 1783
Ann  " November 14, 1785
Joseph. " March 15, 1789
Solomon. " April 21, 1792
William. " October 1, 1794

The following family data are also found in the
claim:

Mary Ann Summers born April 2, 1815
Margit " " September 24, 1816
Solomon " " January 2, 1819
Jaine " " December 8, 1822
James Elfoney (?) " November 7, 1826
William D. " " September 16, 1829

Sarah Clagett born January 18, 1750
Ann or Nancy " " June 38, 1753
Hery (?) " " March 18, 1755
Malinda " " February --, 1757
Joh- " " November 23, 1759
Thomas " " March 1, 1761

Charles Clagett, father of the above named Clagetts,
was born August 23, 1729, name of his wife not given.

One Zackariah Summers in 1844 was eighty-one years of
Page 31

3-

age and living in Iredell County, North Carolina; he
stated that he was well acquainted with John Summers
in Montgomery County, Maryland, during the Revolutionary
War; it is not shown that they were related.

In 1852, Tabitha Tomlinson, sister of Captain 
John Summers, was living in Iredell County, North
Carolina.

One R. A. Summers was of Iredell County, North
Carolina in 1856, his relationship to the family is
not given.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 32

Wilkesboro No.Ca. 30th
J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Dr Sir
Enclosed is
the declaration of Mrs. Ann Summers
which I hope you will find duly and
sufficiently authenticated - as I have
found no pains nor left no means
untried to procure genuine authentic and
true evidence hoping that I have
succeded [succeeded] I remain your very
Obet. Servant.
A A Scruggs
Page 33

6307
Ann Summers
NC
[4 lines crossed out; illegible]
Act 4 July 1836
Page 34

6307
Ann Summers
Widow of John
NoCa
[3 lines crossed out; illegible]
GC Ames June 27 1851
[4 lines crossed out; illegible]
10303
July 4 1836
Page 35

Land Off: of Md
Jany 1/55
Isaac N. Coffin Esq
Dr Sirs

Your leter [letter]of 29th meto
is recd. and I regret to say that after a
careful search of our Rev: Records, I can
find no addl. information of the services
of Capt Summers.
Very respectfuly [respectfully]
you &
[illegible]

The Executive Dept could
give information if to be
found any where of the
time of service of the
Montgomery Bato:
Page 36

Washington July 27th 1855.

Sir:
I herewith transmit in the case of
Ann Summers of North Carolina widow of John, Revolutionary
pension case Act July 4. 1836 the following additional
evidence being evidence that there are no Records in existence of
the service of that Upper Battalion of Select Militia, and therefore giving the title
that part evidence shall be received, as being the best evidence in existence.

Letter of R. Murrey Esq. of the Maryland Land Office
of Jany 1st 1855, shewing that there is no information of the service
of Capt. Summers in the Revolutionary Records of his Office and
referring me to the Executive Department in relation to the 2nd branch
of my enquiry, to wit the time of service of the Montgomery Battalion

Letter of Nathaniel Cox Esq. Secretary of State dated
Jany 11th 1855 showing that there are no Records in that Department,
that can give any light upon that subject.

I was in hopes to find some evidence in existence as to the
commencement & duration of the service of the Montgomery Battalion,
which would shed light on Capt. Summer's service.

As we have thus used and exhausted all means of information
upon the subject, we ought to stand in the favorable light, that
to the evidence which exists, the best consideration will be given. I
respectfully request your consideration of the following facts.

1st: In a Certificate given by Colonel Richard Smith of the
Upper Battalion, in 1782, it is stated that "John Summers was Captain
of a Company of Militia in the Upper Battalion commanded by the
subscriber & behaved himself well: as such he was called on to march
Page 37

"Head Quarters under the command of General Washington which
"he very readily did." It is self-evident that he could not have marched
to General Washington's Head Quarters, - served there
for the object he was order there - and then
journeyed back to Montgomery County Maryland in the state of the
roads at that early day when the Country was a Wilderness in the
very short term of three months - and the presumption is therefore
very strong separate from all the rest of the evidence that he served at
least six months.

2d Fact, is that the History of the times shews that
troops were urgently needed - he is stated in this Certificate, to habe
as Captain behaved himself well and the fact that he was
promoted from Sergeant up to Captain proves that he was a Very
Meritorious Officer and it is therefore in the extremest
degree likely that this valuable Officer, thus much wanted in the hottest
part of the war and who burned to serve, served at least the extremely
short period of six months.

3d In addition to the very strongest presumptive
proof - Zachariah Summers solemnly swears he "knows he was in service of the United
States during the Revolution as a" "Captain" and swears "he believes
he served as a Captain upwards of a year."

4th Tabitha Tomlinson, of whom it is certified
by the Officer before whom sworn to be "a person of intelligence and much
moral worth and to her statement in the above case is due full faith
and credence" Solemnly Swears, that the is "the sister of Captain John
Summers that she "well recollects" that he "received the appointment of
Captain " "and that he went off with the other men raised at the time" "and
was gone a considerable length of time, she thinks it was six months, or that
impression had always since that period remained on her mind."
Page 38

I am of the confident belief this excellent and Highly Valued
Officer served much more than even twelve months, but as the lapse
of time has put the parties to such great disadvantage in
bringing information - I respectfully solicit that for the
exceedingly short time of six months you will allow a pension.

I am
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Isaac N. Coffin.

Loren P. Waldon Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington. D. C.
Page 39

Pension Office
November 1st 1844

Sir

I will thank you to furnish me with any
evidence the rear of your office may afford
of the Service of John Summers of Montgomery
County as a Sergeant and Second Lieutenant in
Capt Smiths Company, and as Captain of a company
in Col Smiths Regiment during the revolutionary
war commencing from the spring of 1775.

G.G Brown Esr
Register of the Land Office
Annaplis MD

No 6307
Act 4 July 1836
enter this 
letter.
Page 40

[page cut off at the top]
[illegible]
Nov 23. '44
Page 41

344

Pension Office
November 23. 1844

Sir
In the case of Ann Summers, under
the act of 4 July 1836 the record at Annapolis
shew that her husband John Summers,
was appointed a first Lieutenant in the upper
Battalion of Select Militia in Montgomery County
MD on the 21st of April 1779, and promoted to
the rank of Captain the 24th of March 1780. But
there is no evidence whatever to shew the length
of service in either grade, It is known that the
service of the Militia of Maryland were performed in
Short times as occasion required.
The date of the marriage is Satisfactory

A. A. Scruggs Esqr
Wilksboro
N. Carolina
Page 42

Land Office, Annapolis
6th November, 1844.

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 1st Inst., I have to state,
that by a record in this office, of the Militia officers of Maryland,
that served in the War of the Revolution, It appears, that
John Sommers, was appointed a first Lieutenant, in the second Compy:
of the Upper Battalion of Select Militia in Montgomery County,
commanded by Col. Richard Smith, on the 21st of April, 1779, and
was promoted to the rank of Captain, the 24th of March, 1780.
The records of the militia troops are very imperfect, there being
no master or pay rolls to be found of any of the Select Militia of
Montgomery County, I am therefore unable to certify, as to the
length of time they were in service, or what kind of service they performed. 
I have always understood, that the Select Militia, did not
perform continuous service.

Very respectfully
Yr Obt st
G. G. Brewer,

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Page 43

N. Leake
24. Feb. 1866.
Page 44

497
Pension Office
Feb 23. 1846

Sir,
Your letter enclosing the Commission of
John Summers as a 2nd Lieut. &c. (dated in 77) as
additional testimony in the claim of Ann Summers,
has been examined and filed. No additional
light however, has been thrown upon the case. The
length of service must always be distinctly shown
in order that a proper allowance may
be made, and until that is done in this case
no further action can be taken by this office in
the matter.

Mr. Nathan Leake
Washington
Page 45

Washington December 2nd 1845

Sir

Your report to A.A. Scruggs Esq of N. C. dated Nov 23-1844
in the case of Ann Summers is before me. In which you
say the records at Annapolis shew that, "her husband was
appointed 1st Lieut in the upper Battallion of Select
Militia in Montgomery Co. Maryland on the 21st April
1779, & promoted to Captain, the 24th March '80, but
this is no evidence to show the length of service, in
either grade". I have again applied to the register
at Annapolis & he is unable to give any further proof
of the continuation or length of the tours & says there is
no means in that office to ascertain the precise nature
of it. I however enclose a commission as 2d Lieut
which her husband received & served under at a much
earlier period of the war, viz: 12 Sep 1777 and leave in
for your judgement to decide how much service was
performed under the different grade, in which he
served, remarking that is not at all likely that
he would have been promoted, regularly through
the grades, he was without having been adually
engaged i some considerable service. please examine
this case with the strong probability in view &
make such allowance as you shall consider [illegible]
& just at your early convenience & oblige, Your obt Servant
Nathan Leake
Page 46

Land Office,
Annapolis, 24th, March, 1851,

Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 18th, Inst, was received, In reply I have to
state, that by a militia Record in this office, endorsed "Militia Officers
of Maryland," the name of John Sommers, appears upon said record to
have been commissioned a second Lieutenant, on the 12th, day of September,
1777, in Captain Richard Smiths Company, being the 2nd Company in
the Upper Battalion of Select Militia in Montgomery County, Captn
Richard Smith, on the 3rd of March, 1779, was appointed Colonel of
the Battalion, & Thomas Hays appointed Captain of the 2nd Company,
and John Sommers, 1st Lieutenant, = Captn. Thomas Hays afterwards
resigned, and It appears by the record, that John Sommers was appointed
a Captain of said Company, on the 24th day of March, 1780.
What service was performed by the select Militia in the War of the
Revolution, and whether they performed continuous service or not, I am
unable to say, = the records of the Revolution are very imperfect. -
all the Paymasters accounts, vouchers &c, were sent on to the City of
Washington many years ago, to enable the General Government, to
adjust and settle the accounts of the state, and were destroyed by the
burning of the public buildings and the details of their statements are
not now ascertainable. = The name is spelt on the records here Sommers
and not Summers but do presume it is the same person. = I do not
find the name of John Summers, upon any of the rolls of the Continental
troops, and I presume the certificate I gave heretofore, saying that
the records of the Revolution afforded no evidence of his service, had
references entirely to not finding his name upon the regular continental troops
Very respectfully,
yr obt sv,
G. G. Brewer,

Georg C. Ames, Esqr.
Page 47

Geo. C. Ames
Sept 23rd/52
Page 48

304
Pension Office.
Sept 23d 1852

Sir:
The affidavit of Tabitha Tomlinson
filed here by you in support of the claim
of Ann Summers widow of John of N.C
under Act of 4 July 1836 is not of such
a character as would authorize 
the allowance of the claim. Until the
requisition of my letter to you of the 
27 June 1851 are complied with the service
cannot be computed.


Geo C. Ames, Esqr
Present,
Page 49

Washington Jyly 17 1852

Sir
Enclosed you will find the affidavit
of Tabitha Tomlinson, in support of the 
claim of Ann Summers widow of John
of North Carolina act 4 July 1836.

The Certificate of the Register
of the Maryland Land Office, as well
as his commissions filed in the papers in
this case shew that Mrs Summers husband
was an officer in the militia of Montgomery
County. How long he served under his several
commissions the evidence does not show.
This witness states that he [illegible] was from
home at one time she thinks as much as
6 mo. Mrs Summers states that her husband
entered the service as a sergeant. He was
commissioned as Second Lieut afterwards to 
1st Lieut and then to a [illegible] which
fact shows that he must have been an
officer of merit. The militia were generally
[illegible] out for tours of three months duty
and I think from all the evidence filed it is
fair to suppose that he served at least one
tour in each grade which would make
12 months.
Page 50

Very Respectfully
Your ob Sevt
Geo C Ames


Capt FF.C. Triplett
Acts Commr of Pensions
Page 51

Power of Attorney

Know all men by these Presents: That I, Solomon Summers
of the county of Iredell and State of North Carolina
whose claim for pension under the Act of Congress approved the 4th day of July
1836, is not suspended for further proof, and who died on the [blank] day of [blank]
18[blank] do hereby constitute and appoint James E Kerr Esqr
of Salisbury N.C. my true and lawful Attorney irrevocably for me, and in my
name and place, to examine all records, letters, affidavits, and other documents and papers connected with
the aforesaid suspended claim now on file in the Pension Office, as well as all the Muster Rolls and other
records that may show the Revolutionary services of the said John Summers
and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises in order to prosecute said
claim to some result: hereby revoking all powers of attorney heretofore given for a like purpose, and confirming
whatsoever my said attorney shall, in my name, legally do in the premises: In testimony whereof, I
hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of June 1856.
Attest, RG Summers 
Solomon Summers [SEAL.]

Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a Justice of the Peace, for the aforesaid County of
Iredell and State aforesaid; and I do certify that of my
own personal knowledge the aforesaid Solomon Summers is the heir of
Ann Summers deceased.
Witness my hand and seal this 16th day of June 1856.
W.F. Cowan J.P. [SEAL.]

STATE OF North Carolina
COUNTY OF Iredell } ss.

I do certify that W. F. Cowan Esquire, before
whom the foregoing acknowledgment was made, was at the time of it being made a Justice of the Peace for
said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the above is his genuine signature.

Witness my hand and the seal of the County court for said County, this
18th day of June 1856
MF Freeland Clerk.
Page 52

Pension Office,
August 1, 1855 -
Sir,
I have carefully re-examined the papers filed
from time to time in support of a claim for pension 
of Ann Summers, widow of John, under act of
4th July 1836, and am constrained to state
that no allowance can be made upon the proof now
on file = admitting that summers performed service
in the revolutionary war, there is not
sufficient, reliable
evidence
as to its extent.
Very respy.
&c

Isaac. N. Coffin Esq
Present
Page 53

Pension Office
August 14 1855

Sir
No additional evidence has been filed in the
case of Ann Summers of NC Since the
23d of September 1852 When you were
informed that the proof did not justify
1836 an allowance.

Geo. C. Ames Esq
Present
Page 54

Pension Office Feby 7 1857

Sir

In reply to the letter of James E. Kerr Esqr
(communicated by you, and which is herewith
returned) I have the honor to state that I have
personally examined the papers presented in
support of the claim of Ann Summers for pension
as the widow of John Summers and find that
said claim was rejected by this office in 1851.
for the reason that the evidence did not indicate
with sufficient certainty the length of service in
the several grades claimed. The fact that he
rendered some services in those grades, during
the revolutionary war, does not appear to have
been disputed; and that the date of marriage
is established so as to bring the case within
that act of July 4, 1836, appears to have been
admitted by the office in a letter addressed
to one of claimants agents, no material
evidence however, having been adduced since
the rejection of the claim, agreeably to the
rule in such cases the decision of my
predecessor could not be reversed by me.-
Page 55

For such purpose an appeal to the secretary
would be necessary. I deem it proper nevertheless,
to state after carefully examining the
evidence, that it is not perceived even it the
matter was untrammelled by a decision, that
the terms of service could be informed with the
requisite certainty from the record evidence
and the paral testimony is not deemed sufficiently
definite to enable the office to adjust
the allowance - especially as it is known, as a
historical fact, that the militia service in the
several states was confined to short tours,
chiefly of two months, and sometimes of less
duration. It is with great deference this opinion
is expressed, in view of the fair and very
able argument of Mr Kerr; but it is thought
to be strengthened by the consideration that
important evidence probably exists, and may
be obtained: For although it is certified
that the authorities of Maryland are without
the direct means of fixing the duration of
the service of Summers, still it is supposed
that the duration of service of some officers
under whom he served might be certified;
Page 56

or at least that the duration of the service
of the corps itself to which Summers belonged,
might be gathered from the acts of the
Legislature establishing the militia of
Maryland. This office is not in possession
of the acts of the Maryland Legislature
passed prior to, and during the revolutionary
war.

Hon B. Craig
Ho of Reps

[vertically on lower right edge follows]
Hon B. Craig
Feby 7/57
Page 57

Have we any M. Rev Roth -

Brower Sgr in his letter of Nov. 6. 44. "than always
understood, that the select militia, did not perform
continuous service".

Ames says "the militia were generally called out for tours
of three months duty-"

Did Cap Rich Smith receive a pension from W. S.
[following 5 lines are crossed out; illegible]

He says Tabitha Tomlinson, in whom he greatly relies, was 10yr
of age - She was 82 in 1852, consequently in 1777 she could
of have been 7 & 10 in 1781 - She might well have 
remembered the fact of her brother going away with soldiers, but she
could not I think, have the comprehend the distinction
between the term enlistment, volunteer, draft &c., nor do
Children of her age as the time well remember nor duration
of events - nor could she have known very much
of her difference between an officer & a soldier.

The family record says John Summers died 17 April 1808 - Who
were Mr Summers who were born in 15- 16- 19- 22- & 26. & 29

Ann Summers, in her dec: Mar Mr Summers ent service in Spring of 75 &
served a Sergeant for whereas of 2 yrs - that he served under Capt R. Smith[illegible]

Zachariah Summers, who in 1780 was about 17 yr old, says he was [illegible]
aeqtd Mr Summers while he resided in Montgomery Co. Md Know that he
servd as Sr & Capt. but he could not in 1844 recollect how long he served

Is the old book of family record admitted as proving the marriage?

Look as the act of 21 Jay 1777 requiring M. Mit. to join Genl Washington  - 6 Feb. 77 - &c Gen Triktett
ht 61- Capt Smith says he was
called on to march to Gnl. W head [illegible] & did - where was Genl W. in 1777-7
Page 58

Capt Richard Inut
'18-'78 00 32
Maryland

Hester hill
'38 ad Md
Page 59

Mr Anderson
I request to see the papers in the Revolutionary
pension case of Ann Summers widow of John, Act of
1836, my Power of Attorney is on file with the papers
in the Pension Office.
Very Respectfully &c
Isaac N. Coffin.

S. Cole Esq.
Chief Clerk.
Page 60

Office of the Secy. of State
Annapolis Jan. 11/55.

Isaac N. Coffin Esq

Sir.
Your's of the
5th inst. asking information
of the service of Captain John
Summers an officer of the
Revolution has been received
at this Department and I
regret that we have no 
means of giving you th
information you seek.
I know of no records 
in this department that
can give any light upon
the subject.

Very Respy
Your Obt.Svt.
Nathaniel Cox
Secy of State
Page 61

John Summers
Page 62

THE STA[page torn here] OF MARYLAND
To John Sommers Esquire Gr[page torn here]

BE it known, that reposing especial trust and confidence in your fidelity, courage, good
conduct, and attachment to the liberties and independence of America, you are by
these presents constituted and appointed Captain of a Company of Militia lately
commanded by Thomas Hays in the Upper Battalion
of Militia in Montgomery County
You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the trust reposed in you, by disciplining
all officers and soldiers under your command; and they are hereby strictly enjoined and required
to obey you as their Captain

And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions as you shall from time to time
receive, according to the laws and constitution of this state, and the rules and regulations,
which, under the authority thereof, are or may be established. This commission to be in
force until lawfully revoked.

GIVEN at ANNAPOLIS this twenty fifth day of M[page torn here]

North Carolina
Iredell County}
This day came before me one of the acting
Magistrates in and for said county Ann
Summers who after being duly sworn according to law deposeth
and sayeth that the date of the above commission was torn 
off by some accident and last but that she believes it
was dated (as 5th March as above) in the year Seventeen hundred
and seventy nine - and signed by Col Richard Smith
Sworn and subscribed on this 24th day
of June 1844
Hugh R. Hale J.P. Ann + ^her mark^ Summers
Page 63

State of North Carolina
County of Iredell
I Hugh R. Hall an acting
Justice of the Peace in and for said County do
certify that Ann Summers who has made the
within affidavit is a creditable person and
that she is to be believed on oath and
to the statements she has made respecting the
accompanying commission may be given all
due credit. I also certify that I have 
also the most satisfactory evidence that
the Commission hereto attached i the original 
and that the absence of the date and
signature is entirely the result of accident.
Given under my hand and seal
this 24th day of June 1844
Hugh R. Hall J.P. [hand drawn cloud with the word Seal written inside]

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

I Jos F Alexander
Clerk of the County Court of Iredell
do hereby certify that Hugh R. Hall
whose name appears to the within affidavit
and the above certificate is and was at the 
time of testation an acting Justice of the
peace and as such full faith and credence
may be given to all his official acts and
deeds.
In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand
and seal of office at office
this 21st day of August 1844
J.F. Alxander Clerk
of Iredell County Court

[image of a seal with a ribbon under it in lower left corner of this document]
Page 64

The State of Maryland
Montg County to wit
This is to certify that John Summers was Capt of a
company of militia in the upper Battallion Commanded by the Subscriber John[illegible]
Himself  [illegible] as such he was [illegible] in to march to Head Quarters under the Command
of Samuel Washington which he verily did [illegible] from under my hand this the
18 Day of Sept 1780
Richd Smith Col of the
Upper Battlon. of the [illegible]
Country
Page 65

Monty County Maryland to wit ~
I do Hereby certify that the [illegible] Capt John Summers
[illegible] of this State are about to move through Virginia to North Carolina in which
he is supposed to pass through this State and ought to be Suffered to pass through other
[illegible] on his good Behavior which I dout not
Given under my Hand this the 18 Day of
[illegible]
Rusn Smith Justice for the
afforesaid County

John Summers
R. 10,303
Md.
Page 66

The State of Maryland to John Summers Gentleman Greeting.

BE IT KNOWN, That reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, good Conduct, and Attachment
to Liberties and Independence of AMERICA, you are by these Presents constituted and appointed Second Lieutenant
of Captain Richard Smiths Company in the Upper Battalion of Militia
in Montgomery County

You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Trust reposed in you, by disciplining all Officers and Soldiers under your
Command; and they are hereby strictly enjoined and required to obey you as their Second Lieutenant

And you are to observe and follow all such Orders and Directions as you shall from Time to Time receive, according to the Laws and
Constitution of this State, and the Rules and Regulations, which under the authority thereof, are or may be established. This
Commission to be in Force until lawfully revoked.

GIVEN at Balto Town this 12th Day of Septemr Anno Domini, 1777.

[illegible signature]
Page 67

November 4, 19[illegible].
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ady
John Summers
R. 10303 

Mrs. W. H. Brown
305 Pearl Place
Rockport, Indiana

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to
John Summers, who served as a private in the Sixth
Maryland Regiment, 1778-1779-1780, also, in Captain
Philip Graybill's Company in 1776 and in which you 
request to know from which county in Maryland the
Sixth Regiment served.

There is no claim for pension based upon 
service in the Revolutionary War of the John Summers
cited above.

The record of John Summers, R. 10303, which was
furnished you January 11, 1936 is that of the only 
John Summers who served in the Maryland troops that
is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.

This office is unable to advise you from what
county the Sixth Maryland Regiment served. It is
suggested that you apply to the Maryland Historical
Society, Baltimore, Maryland.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 68

January 11, 1936

BA-J/AWF
John

Mrs. W. H. Brown
Rockport 
Indiana

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letters in which you
[illegible] Revolutionary War records of the following
soldiers: Adam, Henry and John Caspar of Rowan County,
North Carolina in 1790, Moses Hearn of Somerset
County, Maryland, Purnell Hearn of Montgomery County,
North Carolina, James Hearn of Montgomery County, North
Carolina, Johnathan [illegible] County,
Pennsylvania, John Summers of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office
are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land
made to the United states, based upon service in that
war. A search of the records fails to show such claims
on file on account of the Revolutionary war service of
a James Hearn of Montgomery County, North Carolina,
or af any Adam Caspar, Henry Caspar, John Caspar, Moses
Hearn, Purnell Hearn, Jonathan Markland; the surnames
were searched under similar spellings.

The revolutionary War record of John Summers of
Montgomery County, Maryland is furnished herein.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 69

305 PEARL PLACE
ROCKPORT
INDIANA

Sept. 29-1938

[round black stamp, top right, numbered 1-12 around outer edge divided by tic marks; inscribed as follows: RECEIVED OCT 1 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. READER NO. 19]

Veterans Adm.
Washington 
E.C.

Gentlemen:

"John Summers - 6th Maryland Teg.
Private
Enlisted June 10, 1778
Re" " Sept. 6, 1778
Joined Aug. 15, 1779
Washingt Nov. 1, 1780

Same name (John Summers/appears on
a roll of Capt. Philip Graybeils Co. 1776
enlisted by Lt. Christian Myers."

From above from military dept. Annapolis
will you or can you tell me the county
of Maryland that 6th Reg. served or any
other information in regard to John Summers
Thanking you
Jessie M. Brown

(Mrs. W.H.)
Page 70

Rockport Indiana
Nov. 29, 1935

Dept. of the Interior
Washington, D.C.
3¢ stamp 
returned -
F

Bureau of Pensions

Gentlemen,
Have you any record of
any kind service or pension
of Adam Caspar
Henry " "
John " "
heads of families in Rowan Co,
North Carolina in the
1790 Census.

Thanking you
I am
Very truly yours
Jessie M. Brown
305 Pearl Place
Rockport 
Indiana

one 3¢ stamp att (stuck)
[illegible]
Mrs. W.H.

[round black stamp, lower left, numbered 1-12 around outer edge divided by tic marks; inscribed as follows: RECEIVED DEC 4 1935 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. READER # 22]
Page 71

Rockport. Ind.
Nov. 11, 1935

[round black stamp, upper right, numbered 1-12 around outer edge divided by tic marks; inscribed as follows: RECEIVED NOV 14 1935 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. READER # 5]

Bureau of Pensions
Washington 
D. C.

Gentlemen
Am I writing to the
right place for information
of the three men mentioned
on the enclosed sheet of 
paper? If not will you 
please tell me where to
write to get any
Revolutionary War records
they might have.

Thanking you
I am
Very truly yours
Jessie Markland Brown

(Mrs. W.H)
Page 72

(1.) John Summers (Somers) Jr. wife
Anna Mariah
living in Montgomery Co. Maryland
Aug. 30. 1791.

(2.) Jonathan Markland wife Priscilla or Grace
living in Washington Co. Pennsylv.
prior to 1786.

(3.) Moses Hearn supposedly of
Somerset Co. Maryland

(4.) Purnell Hearn of Montgomery Co.
North Carolina

(5.) James Hearn of Montgomery Co.
North Carolina.

Thanking you
Jessie Markland Brown
Rockport 
Indiana
(Mrs. W.H.)
Page 73


[round black stamp, numbered 1-12 around outer edge divided by tic marks; inscribed as follows: RECEIVED NOV 14 1935 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. READER # 5]
Page 74

[two panel page; left panel below]

1936. Jan. 8. hist to Mrs.
W.H. Brown awf
1938 Nov. 4. Mrs W.H.
Brown adv. only one
of Md. already found.
etc. ds.

[right panel below]

[crossed out: Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873]

REJECTED
10,303
P.O. _____
Ann Summers
Service: wid. of John

Enlisted: _____ , 18 __ .
Discharged: _____ , 18 __ .

Application filed: _____ , 18 __ .
The printed list of 1852 shows
reasons for suspension
Alleges: _____
"Period, length and grade of service
and names of company
and field officers required"
Re-enlisted: _____

Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____ , 18 __ .