Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8748, for Hezekiah Speaks, Maryland
Page 1

Md. Speaks, Hezekiah   W 8748
or Speakes
Eleanor
Page 2

4577
Kentucky
Eleanor Speaks
widow of Hezekiah Speaks
MD
who was a private
in the Maryland line
Inscribed on the roll at the rate o
50 dollars-
cents per annum, to commence o
the 4th day of March, 1843
Certificate of Pension issued th
22n day of Jany. 1844
and sent to C.H. Trabue
Frankfort 
Ky.
[Act of March 3 1843.
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1- page 173-
Page 3

Date of death not on [illegible]

[illegible]
Page 4

Kentucky
Hezekiah Speaks of Bourbon in the state of Kentucky Who was a private in the com commanded by Captain Campbell of the [illegible] commanded by Col Griffin in the 
time for 1 year and 3 months
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 50 dollars-Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1834. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of October 1833 and Robert [ ]orogin Paris 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept.             125.
Semi-ani allowance ending March   25
                                                      $150.
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Book E Vol 7 page 28
Page 5

Ally Ashford of the County of Bourbon State of Kentucky certify that I am the daughter of Hezekiah Speak deceased and Eleanor Speaks his widow and who has became such on the first day of January 1837 by this death of saide Hezekiah Speaks and which took place at his residence in the County of Bourbon State of Kentucky. I do further certify that my saide father was a Revolutionary pensioner previous to his death and was upon the roll of Kentucky and [illegible] semiannually the same. 
I further certify that I am near forty years of age and that my aforesaid Father and Mother had eight children older than myself the eldest of whom was by the name of John who is now dead and if alive would be about fifty nine years of age, the next is by the name of Elizabith ad who is now about fifty six years of ages the next was by the name of William and who is now alive would be about fifty four years of age. The next is by the name of Sarah and who is now alive and about fifty one years of age. Eleanor is the next and is about forty nine years of age-the next is by the name of Nancy and who is now forty seven years of age-the next was by the ne name of Mary and who if living would be about forty five years of age and the next was name of Cassy and if living would be about forty two years of age. As my afor [illegible] this mother had two children younger than myself. I further certify that I have heard both my afor Father and Mother speak of their marriage and of it having taken place about or shortly after the close of the war. I also certify that afor mother is now living with me and my husband Michael Ashford and has never (illegible) and pension since the death of my afor father Hezekiah Speaks. And she is still the widow of said Hezekiah Speaks and has never married since the death of my afor Father. Wherefom I herto  subscribe my name this the 30th day of December 1842
Charles Talbutt    for   Ally Ashford [illegible]


Click to interact
+
−
Fold3 File #16814011Names found on this page include: Hezekiah Speaks; Charles Talbutt; [BLANK] Speak; Hezekiah Speaks; Elizabeth [BLANK]; Cassy [BLANK]; William [BLANK]; Mary [BLANK]; Hezekiah Speak; Sarah [BLANK]; Nancy [BLANK]; John [BLANK]; Eleanor Speaks; Eleanor [BLANK]; Ally Ashford; Hezekiah Speaks; Michael Ashford; Ally Ashford. Image provided by Fold3.
drag
Transcription

Close
Page 6

I Michael Ashford resident of the county of Bourbon State of Kentucky herby certify that I am near forty years of age and that I married Ally Speaks who has signed the preceding certificate and is her husband and know the facts contained in the foregoing certificate signed by my saide wife is literally two and know particularly that the afor Hezekiah Speak was a Revolutionary Pensioner previous to his death, which took place on the first day of January 1837 and that he was a pensioner of the United States and upon the roll of Kentucky and [illegible] semi annually thus saw for I myself was usually his attorney to draw his Pension and I think that the amount drawn was about fifty dollars per annum. I also certify that Mrs. Eleanor Speakes is the widow of said Hezekiah Speaks and has [illegible] again [illegible] since the death of said Hezakiah Speaks, but as also is still his wife and I know that she has not [illegible] and Pension since the death of the deceased husband. I also certify that I am of a opinion as do verify werin that my wife said mother Mrs. Eleanor Speaks is near eighty and years of age. And was [illegible] as she has stated in her declaration before Charles Talbott as acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bourbon. 
I also certify that Mrs. Speaks afor is a Lady of the strictest truth. Also do I certify that the copy of the deed mentioned in the declaration of Mrs. Speaks has [illegible] long been in our possession. Whenfore [illegible] my name this 30th day of December 1842.
 Michael Ashford 

State of Kentucky 
 Bourbon County and with Charles Talbott Esq as acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bourbon.
Page 7

do herby certify that Mrs. Ally Ashforde and Michael Ashforde who has signed the preceding certificates am persons of credibility and are their state [illegible] are entitled to the full confidences, and they both signed the for going certificated before me on this day and made oath that the statements contained in them, are true to the best of their knowledge and  belief. Wherfor I herto set my hands this the 30th day of December 1842
Charles Talbutt J of Peace

State of Kentucky
Bourbon County I Thomas P Smith clerk of the court of Bourbon County State of Kentucky Certify that Charles Talbott esq who has singed the above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Bourbon State of Kentucky ad that full faith and [illegible] is due to all his official acts and then forgoing signature [illegible] to be this is his genuine
signature. 
In testimony when of I have [illegible] affixed my seal of office and [illegible] my name this the 30th day of December 1842
The P Smith, clerk
By W.O Heughart Deputy
Clerk Bourbon County Court
Page 8

Hezekiah Speaks
20978
Post Office Paris
Kentucky
Page 9

The affidavit of Hezekiah Speaks now of Bourbon County and state of Kentucky but formerly of Montgomery County State of Maryland taken before me Robert Scrogin one of the common wealth Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Bourbon and sate afore for the purpose of enabling the said Speaks to draw his pension from the government of the United States under the act of June 1832.
This affidavit being first duly sworn states that he is in his 75th year that he was born in Prince Georges, County and State of Maryland. That he inlisted in the Corps called the flying Camp. Col. Charles [illegible] commidant his Capt Enos Campbell in the year 1776 for nine months-that he received a certificate of his discharge but has lost it. That in the year 1777 he entered the service of the United States again. under Col. Mordon or Mordock, and his Capt Nathanial Pigman in the States troops of Maryland Commanded by General Smallwood. That he was marched to the lines at {illegible] Creek. where he joined General Washingtons army. Sometime before the Battle of Germantown that he was in the Battle at Germantown and shortly after said Battle he was discharged and Returned home sometime after Christmas. That the whole time that he was in the service of the United States in the Maryland line of State troops was 15 or 18 months that his unable to attend court and is compelled to procure the attention of a magistrate at his own house to make this affidavit. That he has never been on the Pension roll nor has he ever made any application to the war office for a Pension until the present that he thinks he can prove
Page 10

that he was in the service, and this is as far as he expects to be able to prove by others. both as they are residents of different neighborhoods he will be compelled to take their state mints separate and forward them on with his this affidavit. 
Hezekiah Speaks
[ ] mark

This day personally, appeared before me Robert Scrogin a Justice of the Peace for Bourbon County and State of Kentucky (at his own house) Hezekiah Speaks, and made oath in due form of law that the facts contained in the forgoing affidavit are true to the best of his knowledge and belief given. Under my hand and seal this 17th day of September 1832 Robert Scrogin

State of Kentucky Sat
Bourbon County Court December Term 1832
Personally appeared in open court Michael Ashford and John Frye.   Residing in the said County of Bourbon and made oath that they have been acquainted with Hezekiah Speaks who has subscribed and sworn to the forgoing declaration that they believe him to be about 75 years old. that he is reputed I believed in the neighborhood when he [illegible] to have been a soldier of the Revolution 
[illegible] strong concur in the opinion
Page 11

opinion sworn to [illegible] this the 3rd day of December 1832. Michael Ashford, John Fry

And the said Court do hereby [illegible] their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served [illegible]and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Michael Ashford and John Frye who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the County of Bourbon aform? and credible persons and that their statement is [illegible] to credit-
I Thomas P. Smith Clerk of the Court for the County of [illegible] do herby certify that the fore going contains the original proceedings of the said (court in the [illegible] of the application of Hezekiah Speaks for a pension and I do further certify that Robert Scrogin Esqr. before whom the afore declaration of said Speaks was made I sworn to was at the time of making such declaration and is now a Justice of the Peace and officer said County of Bourbon and that his signature and certificate are in his own marking I am genuine. 
In testimony where of I have herto set of my hand and the seal of my office this 3rd day of December 1832. 
Tho P. Smith Clerk
Page 12

No 8588
Eleanor Speaks
Kentucky
Act of the July '38

Admitted 
15 months
prior

C.H. Trabue
Frankfort
Page 13

State of Kentucky
Bourbon County  On this the 30th day of December in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Forty two 
Personally appeared before me Charles Talbott, Esqr and acting Justice of the Peace in the County of Bourbon and State of Kentucky Mrs. Eleanor Speaks, who is by [illegible] of [illegible] infirmity [illegible] from appearing in open court and who is a resident of the county of Bourbon State of Kentucky and who after being first duly sworn according to law both on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of congress [illegible] July the 7th 1838. That she is the widow of Hezekiah Speaks and that she was married to said Hezekiah Speaks about the first of the year of 1780 in the state of Maryland if she is not mistaken in the year and near the town of Georgetown which is now near the city of Washington. And that her said husband Hezekiah Speaks was a private in the war of the Revolution and was out as such from the state of Maryland the [illegible] of his [illegible] stated in his declaration upon which a pension was granted him previous to his death and which declaration was sent to the city of Washington together with proof of his services [illegible] and which she [illegible] is subject to the inspection of the Commissioner of Pensions and on a [illegible] of which [illegible she [illegible] a pension-she further declares as she has [illegible]and that she was named if she is not much mistaken in her memory. To her deceased husband about the first of the year of 1783 and that she has no [illegible] in support of her claim further than the copy of the deeds of [illegible] from her father Edward Tucker which deeds was dated some two years after her marriage to said Hezekiah Speaks and which deeds conveyed her [illegible] and which said deed is now on record in the office.
Page 14

And the said copy of said deed is herewith filed and attached to this by [illegible] and shows that the deed was made in 1785 to declarant this the wife of said Hezekiah Speaks. She further declares that her afor husband service in the war of the Revolution terminated before she was married and that she was not married before his service terminated but that she was married to the afor Hezekiah Speaks before the first day of January 1794. She also declares that her afor said husband died on the first day of January 1837 and that she has remained a widow ever since as with[illegible]   
Eleanor X Speaks
mark 
Charles Talbott

Sworn to and [illegible]
Charles Talbott esqr an acting Justice of the Peace as afor and am my opinion that after a full investigation of this matter that the above declarant is justly entitled to and aught to [illegible] a pension on account the 
Revolutionary services of her afor husband and I am convinced that she was married as she states and [illegible] widow and is still such as she has status. Wherefore I [illegible] set my hand the day of year afore written 
Charles Talbott, J. Peace
State of Kentucky
Bourbon County 
J Thomas P Smith Clerk of the county court of Bourbon State of Kentucky Cerfify that Charles Talbott Esq. 
who has signed the above certificate and therefore whom the [illegible] declaration was made is an acting Justice of the Peace in the County of Bourbon State of Kentucky [illegible] above signature [illegible] to his is his given signature -In testimony whereof I have here to affixed my seal of office and [illegible] this 30th day of December 1842
Tho: P Smith Clerk 
by [illegible] Deputy
clerk Bourbon County Court
Page 15

his indenture made this twenty third day of February, one thousand seven hundred and eighty five between Edward Tucker of Montgomery County and State of Maryland of the one part and Eleanor Speake the wife of Hezekiah Speake of the same county and state of the other part: [illeg.]: That the said Edward Tucker for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath for his said daughter Eleanor Speake and for the further consideration of the sum of five shillings current money to time in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by the said Edward Tucker and that he is therewith fully paid and satisfied hath given granted release and confirmed and by these presents both give grant release and confirm unto the said Eleanor Speake and her Heirs forever are negro human called Becky and her two children, called Adam and [illeg.] the said negroes being now in possession of the said Eleanor Speake and her husband Hezekiah Speake. To have and to hold the aforesaid Negroes from him the said Edward Tucker his Heir Executor and Administrator unto the said Eleanor Speake and her Heirs forever. Another said Edward Tucker for himself and his Heirs, doth hereby further covenant grant and agree to and doth the said Eleanor Speake and her Heir that the three negroes above named which by these presents are given granted release and confirmed unto the said Eleanor Speake and her Heir. He the said Edward Tucker will for himself and his Heirs forever warrant and defend against the claim as [illeg.] of all persons whatsoever. In [illeg.] thereof the said Edward Tucker hath hereunto set his had and affixed his seal on the day and year first above written--

[signed] Edward Tucker +his mark

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Richard Thompson

Received on the day and year within written of the within named Eleanor Speake the Sum of five Shillings current money being the consdieration within mentioned to be paid to me.
[signed] Edward Tucker + his mark

With my hand and mark
[signed] Richard Thompson
Page 16

State of Maryland - Montgomery County Court
On the 23rd day of February 1785 came Edward Tucker party to the within Deed before me and of the Justices of the County aforesaid and acknowledged the within instrument of writing to be his act and Deed and the three negroes thereunto named to be the right and property of the within named Eleanor Speake and her heirs forever -- acknowledged before me
[signed] Richard Thompson

a copy att:  JM Arnold C Blele
                   by
                    JT Merrick DC Blele


Edward Tucker
to [illeg.] of [illeg.]
Eleanor Speake
Fee 57 cents
Page 17

20,978.

Hezekiah Speaks, of Bourbon County, Kentucky.

for 1776 pension
15 month
[5.14. faded]
$50.

Robt. Scrogin
Paris
[Thomas P. Smith, Clk., crossed out]
Bourbon County, Kentucky
Page 18

BRIEF in the case of Hezekiah Speaks,
County of Bourbon, in the State of Kentucky.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? A Judge.
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes.
3. How old is he? 75 years.
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
Enlisted in 1776.
Enlisted 1777.

Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days.
9 months
Fifteen or eighteen mts. in all.

Rank.
As a pr. [private]
As a pr. [private]

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Col. Charles Griffing, Cap. Enos Campbell, Col. Mordock, Cap. Nathaniel Pigman

5. In what battles was he engaged? Germantown.
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses and traditionary.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No.

I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signed] W.R. Turner, Examining Clerk.
Page 19

December 12, 1939
BA-J/AWF
Hezekiah Speaks
W. 8748

Eleanor M. Robertson
1008 South Busey Avenue
Urbana, Illinois

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Hezekiah Speake, born in 1757 in Maryland, died in 1837, in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 8748, based upon service of Hezekiah Speaks or Speakes in the Revolutionary War.

Hezekiah Speaks was born in Prince Georges County, Maryland, no date given, nor are the names of is parents shown.

While residing in Montgomery County, Maryland, Hezekiah Speaks enlisted sometime in 1776, served nine months as private in Captain Eneas Campbell's company, Colonel Charles Griffith's Maryland regiment of the Flying Camp. He enlisted sometime in 1777, served about six months as private in Captain Nathaniel Pigman's company, Colonel Murdock's Maryland regiment, and was in the battle of Germantown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky. He died at his
Page 20

2-
residence in Bourbon County, Kentucky, January 1, 1837.

Hezekiah Speaks married in the State of Maryland, near Georgetown, "about the first of the year of 1783", Eleanor Tucker, daughter of Edward Tucker of Montgomery County, Maryland. The date and place of birth of Eleanor Tucker are not shown, nor is the name of her mother given.

The widow, Eleanor Speaks, was allowed pension on his application executed December 30, 1842, then aged about eighty years, and living in Bourbon County, Kentucky, with her daughter, Ally Ashford, wife of Michael Ashford.

Reference was made in 1842 to the children of Hezekiah Speaks, and his wife, Eleanor, as follows-
John, if alive aged about fifty-nine years
Elizabeth, aged about fifty-six years
William, aged about fifty-four years
Sarah, aged about fifty-one years
Elianor, aged about forty-nine years
Nancy, aged about forty-seven years
Mary, aged about forty-five years
Casey, aged about forty-two years
Ally, aged about forty years

There were two children younger than the above named Ally, their names not designated.
Michael Ashford, husband of the daughter, Ally, was aged "near forty-one years" in 1842.
John Tucker made affidavit in 1832 in Bourbon County, Kentucky and stated that he was well acquainted with the soldier, Hezekiah Speaks, during
Page 21

3-
the Revolution; it is not shown that he was related to the widow, Eleanor.

The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Eleanor Speaks, it is suggested that you apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:

Eleanor Speaks, widow of Hezekiah Speaks
Certificate # 4577
Issued January 22, 1844
Rate $50.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1843
Act of March 3, 1843
Kentucky Agency.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 22

1935 July 25 - hist-to Mr. M.D. Mitchell [illeg.]
1939. Dec 12. list to Eleanor M.
Robertson County

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 8748
Eleanor Speaks Wid. of Hezekiah Speaks
Prn [private] Md. line
Act: Mch [March], 3 of 43
Index: - Vol. M, Page 234
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 23

Rpt. Mar 10 '43

Kentucky -- 7076
Eleanor Speaks
widow of Hezekiah Speaks --
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 32 and who died on the 1st January 1837 -- of Bourbon Co. in the State of Kentucky --
who was a private in the company -- commanded by Captain Campbell -- of the Regt. commanded by Col. Griffin -- in the Maryland line for 15 months --

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky --
at the rate of 50 Dollars __ cents per annum, to commence of the 4th day of March 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of March 1843 and sent to C.H. Trabue 
Frankfort, Kentucky --

Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
$250.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by [blank] Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 226
Page 24

Hon. The Secretary of War
Washington City.
Page 25

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Hezekiah Speaks, which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? [blank]
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? [blank]
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank]
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? [blank]
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 amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? [answer: No]
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? [blank]
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? [blank]
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? [blank]
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? [blank}
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? [blank]
Page 26

2
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? [answer: No. Two citizens.]
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [answer: No.]
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? [blank]
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found of the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness of witnesses as to his service? [blank]
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? [answer: No.]
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? [blank]
XVI. +Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [blank]
XVII. Are the seven interragatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

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.
Page 27

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 objection able. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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.

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 the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI. [Illegible]
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 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.

[right pointing hand emoji] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 28

8.588
Eleanor Speaks
Kentucky
Act 7th July '38

Admitted 
1 yr. 3 mo.
Priv.
$50 per annum
Page 29

Frankfort Kentucky
January 2, 1842

Hon. JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.

Dear Sir,
Therewith enclose you the Declaration and Evidence in support of the right of Mrs. Eleanor Speaks widow of Hezekiah Speaks deceased to be a Pensioner of Bourbon County Ky. To a Pension by virtue of the act of Congress of 7th of July 1838. All of which I hope will prove satisfactory. Please address me at Frankfort and enclose me the certificate of allowance.

I am sir, very respectfully 
yours Obt Servant.
C. H. Trabue
Page 30

Frankfort Kentucky
November 16, 1843

Sir
I herewith enclose you the declaration of Mrs. Eleanor Speaks of Bourbon County Kentucky makaking [making] application for Pension under the act of Congress [illeg.] the 3rd day of March 1843.
Please enclose to me at Frankfort Kentucky the certificate of allowance.

I am in my respectfully
Your Obt. Svnt
C H Trabue

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
DC.
Page 31

4919

Eleanor Speaks

$50



C. H. Trabue
Frankfort
Ky.
Page 32

State of Kentucky
Bourbon County } SS

On this day the 14 day of November 1843 Personally appeared before me Chs. Talbutt an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. Eleanor Speaks a resident of the said county and state aged about 81 - years and who after 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 the act of Congress [illeg.] the 3rd day of March 1843 granting Pensions to the widows of certain Persons who served in the Revolutionary War to wit that the declarant is the widow of Hezekiah Speaks deceased late of the the County of Bourbon and state aforesaid and who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution and served some length of time and belonged to the troops of the State of Maryland and on account of his said service was granted a Pension under the act of Congress [illeg.] 7 July 1838. and which claim has been granted and received by her at the rate of $50 per annum for the term of five years only, and she a claimant for a full history of the service performed by said husband its character affirmed under whom exact duration places whom [illeg.] she will refer to the evidence contained in the papers composing the matter of his appreciation for the [illeg.] Pension granted him and for such others back as an emotional in the invest-
Page 33

[continued from previous page] 
-gation of her claim she will refer to the evidence contained in the papers composing the matter of her application for the afor. Pension granted and received by her under the act of Congress [illeg.] the 7 July 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow never having intermarried since the death of her said husband.
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year aforesaid
[signed] Eleanor Speaks
X her mark
[signed] Chs. Talbutt JP

And [illeg.] Subscribed magistrate certify that the above declarant is personally known to me and known to be a lady of respectability and widow of Hezekiah Speaks dec. late of the county of Bourbon and State afor., and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and is the identical Eleanor Speaks who was granted a Pension under the act of Congress [illeg.] 7 July 1838

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this the 14 day of November 1843
[signed] Chs. Talbutt JP

State of Kentucky Bourbon County st [seat?]
I Thomas P. Smith clerk of the court of Bourbon County State of Kentucky certify that Charles Talbott is an acting magistrate in and for the said County and State duly commissioned and
Page 34

[continued from previous page]
qualified and to all his official acts full faith and credit am are and, the forgoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whom of I [illeg.] hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 14th day of November 1843.

[signed] Thos. P. Smith, clk.
[signed] W. O. Hughart D.C.
Page 35

Hezekiah Speaks
Deposition John Tucker
Page 36

The deposition of John Tucker taken subscribed and sworn to this 6th day of November in the year 1832 before me Tandy Allen a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bourbon in the State of Kentucky --
This Deponent states that he is well acquainted with Hezekiah Speaks now living in the County of Bourbon afore[mentioned] that he - Speaks - is at present decrepit and is not able at this time to attend Court. That he is the same person whose declaration accompanies this certificate; that this deponent knew him before the commencement of the Revolutionary War, that he was well acquainted with him when he attached himself to the army in 1776 that he - Speaks - served in the Flying Camp under the command of Col. Charles Griffin, his Captain Enos Campbell as he has stated in his declaration. His term of service was nine months. This deponent states that said Speaks afterward as he has stated in his declaration served afterward under Col. Murdock - Capt. Pigman - This deponent does not state the above because he actually saw Speaks in the service but he has no hesitation in stating that what he has stated in his declaration is true because he as he before stated, knew said Speaks when and before he went into the service and has known him ever since -- And further this deponent saith not.
[signed] John Tucker
In Testimony whereof I Tandy Allen a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State afor[mentioned] have hereunto set my hand this day & date before written.
[signed] Tandy Allen
Page 37

Commonwealth of Kentucky & County of Bourbon
I Thomas P. Smith Clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that Tandy Allen [illeg.] before whom the foregoing deposition was taken and whose certificate is annexed thereto may at that time and still is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn, to all whose official acts full faith & credit are due & ought to be given as well in Courts of Justice as thereunto.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this second day of November 1832 and in the 41st year of this County.
[signed] Ths P Smith
Clerk of said Court

I Tandy Allen an acting Justice of the peace for Bourbon County, Ky, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Tucker, and that he is man of great credibility in whose statements full faith and credit should be given
Given under my hand this the 22nd day of April, 1833
[signed] Tandy Allen
Page 38

Hon. Service Cap
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 39

Bourbon County
State of Kentucky

On this twenty fifth day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty three personally appeared before me Robert Scrogin a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bourbon and state afors[esaid] Hezekiah Speaks a resident of Bourbon County and state of Kentucky aged 75 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1776 - as a private soldier - in Montgomery County and State of Maryland in the Corp called the "Flying Camp" for nine months under Colonel Charles Griffing his Captians name was Enos Campbell, that he served out his term of nine months and received his discharge but has lost it. That in the year 1777 he enlisted again - as a private soldier - in the army of the United States or the Maryland State [troops?] under Colonel Mordock and his Captains name was Nathaniel Pigman and under General Smalwood he marched to the American line, and joined the American Army at Pycaoming Creek, sometime before the Battle of Germantown that he fought in said Battle of Germantown, and sometime after he was discharged, but has lost his discharge. that he served  six months under his last enlistment. That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service (but only that he was in the service). He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except that present and declares that he is too feeble to attend Court at the Court house of his County and has been compelled to procure the attendance of a Magistrate of his own house in order to take the foregoing declaration.
[signed] Hezekiah Speaks his mark H
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year afor[e]said. 
[signed] Robert Scrogin [his seal]

We John Shawhorn a Clergyman residing in the neighbourhood of Hezekiah Speaks and John Frye and Michael Ashford residing in the same hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Hezekiah Speaks who has signed - and sworn to- the above declaration in our presents that we have been long acquainted with him and believe him to be seventy five years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we concur in that opinion
[signed] John Shawhorn ECC
[signed] John Fry
[signed] Michael Ashford
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[signed] Robert Scrogin [his seal]
Page 40

I Robert Scrogin a Justice of the peace for the County of Bourbon 
and State aforsd do hereby certify and declare my
opinion after the Investigation of the matter and after putting
the Interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the
above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and
served as he states, and I further certify that John Shawhorn
who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman in
the Christian Church and resides in the neighbourhood of the
applicant, and has to my own knowledge been a Neighbour
to Hezekiah Speaks for near forty years & that John Frye and
Michael Ashford who has also signed the same are residents
of the same neighbourhood and well acquainted with the said
Hezekiah Speaks and are creditable persons and that their
statements are entitled to Credit. I also Certify that from
the appearance of the said Hezekiah Speaks I believe him
too Feble and infirm to go to Paris the Court house of his
County and that I have attended at his own house to take
his declaration as the only means in his power to obtain the
benefit of his Country's Bounty. given under my hand and
seal as a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Bourbon
and state of Kentucky this 25th day of Septr 1833
Robert Sergen JPPrC

State of Kentucky.          Be it known that on this 26th day of September
Bourbon County SA ⎬ Eighteen hundred and thirty three personally
appeared before ^ me,  Robert Scrogin a Justice of the peace in and for said
County Ann Hughes and being first sworn according to law
made the following affidavit to wit) That she was well acquainted with
Hezekiah Speaks now of Bourbon County & state of Kentucky the same
who has made the foregoing declaration [illegible] in Montgomery
County & State of Maryland during the Revolutionary war that said
speaks made his home at one of this deponants uncles when he
went into the army and that this deponant, was at her uncles a few
days after said Speaks returned from the Army, and that she
has known him ever since. that she knew Captain Pigman
of Montgomery County Maryland, who she always understood to be the
Captain under whom said Speaks served.
Ann Hughes her X mark
Subscribed and sworn to
before me the date above
Robert Scrogin JP.
Page 41

I Robert Scrogin a Justice of the peace for Bourbon County
before whom the affidavit of Ann Hughes was this day taken
on this sheet. do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
the said Ann Hughes and that her character for piety and moral
worth is unimpeachable, and that she is entitled to full credit
in my Estimation as any woman of her age. I also Certify that
John Tucker a witness whose affidavit is herewith filed
and Taken before Sandy Allen Esqr. Is a man whose character
for Truth and moral Integrity stands as high in my estimation
as any other mans. I have been Intimately acquainted with
him for 37 years and lived his neighbour: 34 years of that time
given under my hand this 26th day of September 1833
Robert Scrogin JP.
State of Kentucky Bourbon County SA
I Thomas P Smith Clerk of the Court of Bourbon
County, certify that Robert Scrogin is a magistrate
as before stated and that the foregoing signature 
purporting to be his is genuine. In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office and subscribed
my name this 26th day of September
in the year 1833 Tho P Smith Clerk
of the Court of Bourbon
County

The Hone. Secretary at War
Dear Sir. I have to apologize to you for some interlineations in
the foregoing declaration of Hezekiah Speaks, they were all interlined
before signed (to wit) "as a private soldier" twice interlined the County
"Montgohttps://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.pngmery" and the word "Troops." I would have wrote the declaration
over again rather than send it. Interlined, but was to feble myself
from an excessive bleeding at the nose, I have returned to you all
the papers in the former application of Mr Speaks, The first declaration
was taken by me, having never seen the act of Congress, nor any forms
of Instruction from the department, where I took it.  is my apollogy
for its informallity. address to myself or the Postmaster at Paris
any return you may think proper to make.
Respectfully yours. Robert Scrogin
26th Septr 1833
Page 42

July 14th, 1935.

Veterans Administration;
Dear Sirs;
Will you please be kind enough to send me
the records of the following Revolutionary soldiers;


Joseph Delany (Dulany) Cavalry ?Hamilton Parish, Fauquier Co. Va. 1779 under Capt. Robert
Yancey.....wish to ascertain age, name of wife or children, if given.

Hezekiah Speak (Speake) Maryland Militia. On Roll Oct. II 1833; probably among Kentucky pensioners, Fleming Co.

Thomas Mountjoy; Stafford; (Recruiting Officer) Aud. Acct. 1779-80, 46; H. D. Oct. 1785, 84.
same " Aud. Acct. 1780-81.4; C. J. 1781, 3-328.
same " (Capt ) C.J. 1782-3, 73.

These are the references that I have found.

Thanking you in advance, I am Very truly
(Mrs.) M. D. Mitchell
4379 Westminister Place,
St. Louis, Missouri.
Page 43

[Stamp]
RECEIVED 
JUL 17 1935
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS, ADM,
READER 29
Page 44

July 25, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/AWF

Mrs. M. D. Mitchell
4370 Westminster Place
St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the records of the following Revolutionary War soldiers: Joseph Delany of Fauquier County, Virginia, Hezekiah Speak (Speake), Maryland militia, pensioned from Kentucky, and Thomas Mountjoy of Stafford County, Virginia (Recruiting Officer).

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 services of either, Joseph Delany or Thomas Mountjoy; these surnames have been searched under similar spelling.

The Revolutionary War record of Hezekiah Speaks is furnished herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 45

July 25, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hezekiah Speaks-W.8748
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. M. D. Mitchell
4379 Westminster Place
St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Madam:

The Revolutionary War record of Hezekiah Speaks which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 8748, based upon his service in that war.

Hezekiah Speaks (the name also appears Speakes) was born in Prince Georges County, Maryland, date not given, nor are the names of his parents stated.

While residing in Montgomery County, Maryland,
Hezekiah Speaks enlisted sometime in 1776, served nine months as a private in Captain Eneas Campbell's company, Colonel Charles Griffith's Maryland regiment of the Flying Camp. He enlisted sometime in 1777, served about six months as private in Captain Nathaniel Pigman's company, Colonel Mordock's Maryland regiment, and was in the battle of Germantown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed , September 17, 1832, at which time he was in the seventy-fifth year of his age and a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky.

He died, January 1, 1837 at his residence in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

Hezekiah Speaks (Speakes) married in the state of Maryland, near Georgetown, "about the first of the year of 1783", Eleanor, daughter of Edward Tucker of Montgomery
Page 46

County, Maryland in 1785; the name of her mother is not shown.
The widow, Eleanor Speaks (Speakes), was allowed pension on her application executed, December 30, 1842, then aged about eighty years and living in Bourbon County, Kentucky, with daughter, Ally Ashford, wife of Michael Ashford.
Reference was made in 1842 to the following
children of the soldier, Hezekiah Speaks (Speakes) and his wife, Eleanor:
John if alive aged about fifty-nine years
Elizabeth " " fifty-six "
William " " " " fifty-four "
Sarah " " fifty-one "
Elianor " " forty-nine "
Nancy " " forty-seven "
Mary " " " " forty-five "
Cassy " " " " forty-two "
Ally " " forty "
There were two children younger than the above
named Ally, but their names are not stated. Michael Ashford, husband of the daughter, Ally, was aged "near forty-one years" in 1842.
John Tucker made affidavit in 1832 in Bourbon
County, Kentucky and stated that he was well acquainted with the soldier, Hezekiah Speaks (Speakes) during the Revolution; it is not shown that he was related to the widow, Eleanor.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 47

1008 South Busey Avenue
Urbana, Illinois
November 23, 1939.
Bureau of Pensions
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Will it be possible for me to obtain a transcript of the pension record of Hezekiah Speake, a Revolutionary soldier? He was born in 1757,
probably in Maryland and died in 1837 in Bourbon County, Kentucky. He married
Eleanor Tucker, daughter of Edward Tucker in 1785 in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Hezekiah Speake served in the Revolutionary war as a private in the militia and was also enrolled in the Flying Camp. His widow applied for the pension after his death in 1837, but I do not have the date of application nor the date when
it was granted, Eleanor Tucker Speake was born in 1762 probably in Maryland and died in 1845 in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
My especial interest in the transcript is to learn whether there are additional facts concerning the family of Hezekiah Speaks. I am very anxious to
learn the names of his father and mother and I thought it possible that they might be given.
Please let me know whether I can obtain a transcript or an abstract giving family data and the charge for it. [written] ?
Very truly yours
Eleanor M. Robertson
[stamp]
Received NOV 25 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV
Reader No. 11
VETS ADM