Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2363, for John Spear, Virginia
Page 1

Va
SERVICE
VA

Spear, John
Spears, Susannah

NUMBER
W. 2363
B.L.Wt. 26915-160-55
Page 2

Benj H. Nash Nov. 29" 1845.
    ..   ..     ..     Apl 16" 1866,
3rd [illegible] Apl. 16" 66.

[Seal mostly illegible, readable: United States]

Rev1345
Virginia Richmond
Susannal Spear
widow of John ..
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
---
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 50 Dollars &  00 
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1848.
-
Certificate of Pension issued
the 17th day of Aug/ 53
and sent to
   Thos A. Spear
      Appomattox Depot
        Powhatann Co
           Va

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February [crossed out, illegible] , Page 129 Vol. A
    3rd 1833

[worn page and then:] 1832
Page 3

State of Virginia
 County of Chesterfield⎬towit
  On this 9th day of January One thousand
Eight hundred and sixty six personally appeared
before me M A Coghill DC. deputy Clerk
of the County Court of Chesterfield in the State and
County aforesaid, the same being a Court of
record Susannah Spear, the widow of John
Spear who was a private in the revolutionary war,
aged Eighty seven years a resident of Chesterfield
County in the State of Virginia who being duly
sworn to according to law declares that she is
the identical Susannah Spear who was a
pensioner on the rolls of the agency at Richmond
Virginia, and whose pension certificate is
herewith returned, that she has residue in the
County of Chesterfield in Virginia without
interruption since the first day of January 1861
and during this period her means of subsistence have been furnished her by her son
William Spear and from a small estate of
her own, and that she has not borne amus
against the government of the United States
or in any manner encouraged the rebels or
manifested a sympathy with their cause, and that
she was last paid her pension on the 4th day of
March A.D. 1861 This application is made for
the purpose of securing a restoration of her name
Page 4

to the pension rolls and of obtaining a new pension
certificate such as she may be entitled to
under existing laws, reference being made to the
evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office
to substantiate her original claim:
    Susannah X her mark Spear
  Also personally appeared Joseph H Worsham 
and James E Bass residents of the County
of Chesterfield in the state of Virginia, persons whom
I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit
and who, being by me duly sworn say that they were
present and saw Susannah Spear make
her mark to the foregoing declaration, and they
further swear that they have every reason to believe
from the appearance of the applicant and their
acquaintance with her, that she is the identical
person she represents herself to be, and, they
further swear that the said Susanah Spear
is still a widow, and they also swear that they have
no interest in the prosecution of this claim
Witness is sign
he
J H Worsham
he
James C. Bass
Page 5

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of
January A.D. 1866 and I do further certify that the
contents of the foregoing application were
fully explaind and made known to the affiant
said Susannah Spear, before signing the same
and I do also certify that I have no interest direct
or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
     M A Coghill D.C
     Chesterfield County Court
  I Susannah Spear do solemnly swear that in the presence
of Almighty God, that I will here forth faithfully
Support protect and defend the Constitution of
the United States, and the union of the states there
under, that I will, in like manner above by and
faithfully support all laws and proclamations
which have been made during the existing rebellion
with reference to the emancipation of Slaves. So help
me God.
    Susannah X her mark Spear

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 8th day
of January A D. 1866 by Susannah Spear

Given under my hand this 9th day of January
M A Coghill DC
Chesterfield County Court
1866
Page 6

[Stamp at top reads:] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MARCH [illegible] 1866
PENSION OFFICE

Virginia; Chesterfield County towit
 I James H Cox the presiding officer
of Chesterfield County Court, the same
being a court of record, do certify
that M A Coghill is the deputy Clerk of
said Court and his acts as such are entitled
to full faith and credit
  Given under my hand this 16th day of January 1866
James H. Cox P.J.
of Chesterfield County Court
1863

Virginia
Chesterfield County to wit
  I Nathan H Coghill Clerk of the County
Court of Chesterfield do hereby certify that Jos
H Cox is and was at the time of signing
his name to the above certificate the Presiding
Justice of Chesterfield County Court and is duly
commissioned and qualified as such and that
his signature is genuine and is entitled to full
faith and credit
  In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand as
Clerk aforesaid and affixed the
seal of the said County Court
at the Court House thereof on
the 15 of March 1866 in the 70th
year of the Commonwealth
Nathan H. Cogbill Clk C.Ct.
Page 7

Date of widow's death not
on A B

Restoration, 1345
---
Virginia (Rich )
 Susannah Spear,
widow of John Spear Va

whoserved in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 50 dollars ~~ 
cents per annum, to commence on
the [next three words crossed out:] 3d February, 1853  4th March 1961

Certificate of Pension issued
28ty day of April 1866,
and sent to
Benj H Nash
Richmond Va

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 156 Vol. H
Page 8

12.396
Virginia

John Spear
of Chesterfield in the State No.
who was a pr: in the
by Captain
of
the Right
Col. Goode in the
Va:line for 15 months
commanded
commanded
Lt Saml Jones June
used on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March,1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Apr 33
and Seth Lawson
Nunnally, Chesterfield
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 10
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept-
Recorded by
Book
6
25
125-
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Nathan Rice Clerk,
Page 26 Vol. 6
25 /53
Page 9

116.089
Act Mch 3/55
May 4/.

Susanna Spear wid of
John Spear, Pen. Rev. War

Capt.
Col.
        Va Mil.
Col.

Lnt
[illegible]

War Rev.

[Written across diagonally:] No 26915 iss May 27/56

Now a Pension of the U. States
Va Feby 53- 1345
---
W: 160 AG May 22d/ 56
Boynton

John K Martin, aty
  Richmond
     Va

[Illegible] Jno K. Martin Jany 16/56

Vol S2, page 27.
Page 10

Declaration
Page 11

Declaration of Susan Spear widow of John Spear 
of Chesterfield
    State of Virginia County of Chesterfield
  On this 30th day of April 1853 before me B Cheatham
a Justice of the peace in and for the said
County duly authorized by law to administer affirmations
personally appeared Susana Spear a resident of the County
and State aforesaid aged 74 years who first being affirmed
according to law doth on her affirmation make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions
made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd of Febuary
1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary war
  That she is the widow of John Spear late of Chesterfield
County Virginia who was a private in the war of the
Revolution and for his services then [illegible] See evidence
filed in the Pension Office in the City of Washington
  Was granted a pension of fifty dollars per Annum
under the act of 7 of June 1832 which he continued to
[two words illegible] to the day of his death
  She further declares that she was married to the
said John Spear on the 12th day of April 1804 and that
her said husband died on the 4th day of October 1842
that she was not married to him prior to the 2nd January
1800 but at the time above stated.
Page 12

She further declares she is now a widow
her
Susana X her mark Spear

Affirmed and Subscribed
on the 30th day of April
1853
B Cheatham J.P.

Witness
Tho A Spears
William Spears

W M
I certify that the above named affiant is
personally known to me and from her age and
disability she is not able to go to the Courthouse
which is above twenty five miles Given under
my hand the year and date above written
B Cheatham J.P.

State of Virginia Chesterfield County to wit:
  I Silas Cheatham Clerk of the County Court of Chesterfield
County in the State aforesaid do certify that B Cheatham whose
name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in the County and State aforesaid that all his legal official acts as such
are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signnture is genuine.
  In testimony whereof I have here
unto at my hand and affixed
Page 13

the seal of the County Court aforesaid
this 4th day of May one
thousand eight hundred and fifty
three
Silas Cheatham C
Page 14

116.089
Act 3 March 1855
Bounty Land
 Susanna Spears
widow of
John Spears, a private
in Rev War, to whom
Pension Certificate No 1345
issued under 2nd Section
act 3 February 1853
Filed by
 John K Martin
  Richmond
   Virginia
3 May 1855
Page 15

State of Virginia
County of Chesterfield S. to wit
  On this 17th day of April 1855 personally appeared before
me Joseph Goode a Justice of the peace duly authorized to administer oaths and take affirmations within and for the County of Chesterfield and
State of Virginia Susannah Speer aged about 77 years a resident of Chesterfield County in the State of Virginia who being duly affirmed according to law
declares that she is the widow of John Spear who was a private in the
revolutionary war and that she is the identical person to whom pension
certificate No 1345 issued in conformity with the 2nd section of the act of February 1853. said certificate is dated 17 August 1853. signed by "R McClelland secretaryof the interior" and countersigned [illegible] Waldo Commissioner of Pension the said
certificate being now in her possession  She further declares that she was
married to the said John Spear in the County of Chesterfield Virginia that
her name before marriage was Susannah Womack that her said
Husband died in Chesterfield County and that she is still a widow.
She refers to the declaration made by her under act 2nd February 1853
for the evidence of their marriage and of his death.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to
which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855 that
she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other
act of Congress nor made any other application therefor as to the
revolutionary services performed by her deceased husband the said
John Spear that will be found with his declaration for pension
under act 7th day of June 1832
Susannah her X mark Spear

We Daniel Worsham and William Spears of the County of Chesterfield in
the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration
was signed and acknowledged by Susannah Spear in our presence and that we
Page 16

know that she is the identical person named in pension certificate
No 1345. now in her possession, and that we are acquainted intimately with
the applicant that she is the widow of John Spear who before his
death was a revolutionary pensioner, and that the said Susanah
Spear is now a widow and that we have no interest in giving
this affidavit
Daniel Gorham
William Spears

The foregoing declaration of Susannah Spear was affirmed to and subscribed
and affidavit of Daniel Worsham and William Spears, was sworn
to and subscribed before me on the day and year above writen
and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that 
the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and
I further certify that Susannah Spear the applicant has
appeared before me in my official capacity and has executed
papers for the purpose of collecting pension due her under
act 3rd February 1853 and that I have no interest in this claim
Jos Goode J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Chesterfield, to wit
I, Moreau B. Mann Deputy Clerk of the County Court of
Chesterfield County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Jos Goode whose
name is signed in the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same
an acting Justice of the peace in the County and state aforesaid that all his
official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature
is genuine
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of the County Court aforesaid this 25th day
of April A.D. 1855 and in the 72 year of the Comth
Moreau B Mann D.C.

[The seal says:]  CHESTERFIELD COUNTY COURT VIRGINIA
Page 17

17th May 1853 Powhatan County Virginia
Dear Sir
  I sent enclosed to you
some ten or twelve days ago some papers
related to a pension due my Mother Susana
Spear who is the widow of John Spear who was a
Revolutionary soldier please write me [illegible]
directly if you have received them I am anxious
to know if the papers are miscarried or not
Most Respectfully
Thomas A Spear
Page 18

Marriage Bond
Apl 18  04
Page 19

Know all men by these presents that We John Spear and Peter
Rowlett are held and firmly bound unto John Page Esq Governor
of the Commonwealth of Virginia and to his successors in the sum
of one hundred and fifty dollars to the payment of which Will and
truly to be made to the said Governor and his successors.  We bind
ourselves jointly and severally, our and each of our heirs. Executors & 
administrators firmly by these presents Sealed with our seals and dated this 9th day of April 1804
  The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas a marriage 
is intended shortly to be had & solemnized between the above bound John
Spear and Susana Womack
  Now if there shall be no lawfull cause to obstruct the said Marriage then
the above obligation to be void, or if otherwise the same shall continue in
full force
Executed in presence of
P Poindexter
John Spear
Peter Rowlett

State of Virginia 
Chesterfield County to wit:
  I Silas Cheatham Clerk of the County Court of Chesterfield
County [the next four words inserted:] in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing hanscript is truly copied  
from the records of my office.
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of the
County Court aforesaid this eight day of
April one thousand eight hundred &
fifty three and in the 77th year of the
Commonwealth.
Silas Cheatham C.
Page 20

State of Virginia
Chesterfield County Set

  On this 26th day of January in the year 1833, personally appeared
before me, William Good Junior, a Justice of the Peace in the County and State
aforesaid, John Spears, a resident of the said County and State, aged Seventy
four years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make
the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of 
Congress passed June 7th 1832
  That he entered the service of the United States under the following
officers, and served as hereinafter stated
  In the year 1778 the month he thinks [next two words inserted:] was that having been regularly drafted, he entered the service of the United States as a private in Captain Joseph Royall's company of Militia in the Regiment commanded by Colo
Robert Goode in the County of Chesterfield, marched direct to Williamsburg,
remained in the neighborhood of that place during the whole tour, and
was discharged then after a service of three months
  After remaining at home a very short time, he was again called out
and entered the service in the same company and Regiment commanded by
the same officers, marched by Petersburg down to Mackay's mills and Smithfield
in lower Virginia, remained on services near those places during another
tour of three months and was there discharged.
  Shortly after the termination of the last mentioned tour in the month [next two words crossed out:] of April not recollected in the year [crossed out and illegible]-
he again entered the service in the County of
Chesterfield, in the same company commanded by the same officers in the Regiment commanded by Col. Francis Goode and Brigade by General Muhlenburg, marched [next six words crossed out:] by way of Chesterfield Court House to Randolph Mill near Petersburg,
remained then a few weeks, marched there by way of Chesterfield Court House
to Hukaho ferry, crossed James River at that place, marched down to Richmond,
and remained then and in that neighbourhood until the expiration of another tour of three months
  He remained at home but a short time, when he was again called out
in the month & year not recollected and entered the same company & regiment
last mentioned, commanded by the same officers, marched from Chesterfield across Appomatox
Page 21

Appomattox River at Bevills bridge, and through Amelia County to Dinwiddie
Court House, remained some time at that place, marched there to Petersburg, 
and was stationed there until the expiration of another tour of three months
the usual term of service [ink splotch, word obscurred] the drafted militia, when he was discharged.
  He was soon afterwards again called out in the same company in
the month of August in the year 1781, marched from Chesterfiield through Amelia
to the County of Nottoway to guard the public horses; remained in that County
marching from one place to another until after the siege of York, when he was
discharged after another service of three months.
  That he was called out on many emergent occasions during the Revolution, 
whereof his recollection is to imperfect to enable him to make a particular
statement; but he thinks he was in the service the greater part of every year from
1776 [or 8] to 1781; that from old age & the consequent loss of memory, he is not
able to swear positively as to the precise length of his service, and the
dates of the particular tours, but according to the best of his recollection, he
served as a private in the Militia during the Revolutionary war not less
than fifteen months for which he claims a pension.
  That he was never engaged in any battle; and does not remember to have
served with any Continental troops. that he knew no Regular Officers, and did
not well understand who were Regulars & who militia: that he never received any
written discharge, as such was not usual to be given to the militia, & has no documentary
evidence of his service, but that there are persons now living who can 
testify to some of the periods thereof.
  That he was born on the 12th of February 1759 in the County of Chesterfield
and State of Virginia, when he has resided from his birth to the present time.
that he has a Register of his age which he found in an old pocket book
that belonged to his father, which corresponds with the above.
  He hereby relinquishes all claim whatever to a pension or annuity except
the present, and declares that his name is not on on pension roll of the Agency 
of any State.
  That he could mention the names of a great many persons who could
testify to his character & the reportation of his service; but supposes it will be sufficient
to refer to Mark Goode, James Elam & Richard Elam
  
  Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid.
William Good J.P
John Spears
Page 22

We Charles Forsee a resident Clergyman of the County of Chesterfield, and
Spencer Wooldridge & William Elliss resident of the same, in the
State of Virginia, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Spears who
has made the forgoing declaration, whom we believe to be seventy four years of age,
that he is reputed and believed in his neighborhood to have been a soldier of the
Revolution, in which belief we concur & have never heard it doubted, & that the
said John Spears is a highly respectable & credible man
Charles Forsee
Spencer Wooldridge
William Elliss

Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid
William Goode

  I, Edward Bass Senior, a resident of the County of Chesterfield & State of Virginia
aged Seventy Eight years, certify that I am well acquainted with John Spears, who
has made the forgoing declaration, whom I believe to be seveny four years old. that
we were raised in the same neighborhood and were acquainted before the 
Revolutionary war; and I do positively know that he served as a soldier of the Revolution, as we served together for some time, but how long & in what tours I
cannot now recollect: and I have very little doubt that he served other tours
during that war when I was not with him; and that the said Spears is a very
respectable & credible man
Edward Bass Senr
Subscribed & sworn to this___day of___
William Gordon J.P

  I, William Goode Junior, a Justice of the Peace in the County of Chesterfield
and State of Virginia, do hereby declare my opinion after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that, the before mentioned applicant,
John Spears, was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states: and I do further
certify that from bodily infirmity the said applicant is unable to attend Court.
I also certify that Charles Forsee, who has signed the preceding certificate is 
a Clergyman resident in the County & State aforesaid, & Spencer Wooldridge
William Elliss who have also signed the same, & Edward Bass Senior
who has signed a separate certificate, are credible persons, & that their statements
are entitled to belief. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of January
1833.
William Goode JP
Page 23

  I Allen Whitworth, a resident of the County of Chesterfield in the
State of Virginia hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the
within mentioned John Spears, and I remember perfectly well that
we served two tours together during the Revolutionary War, one of which
was at the time when the Battle of Petersburg was fought, though we
were not at the battle. I also know that he served another tour when
I was not in the service; having seen him upon some occasion with the troops.
We were nearly of the same age; were well acquainted at the time, and
have ever since been. I have also no doubt that W. Spears served other
tours in that war, when I had not an opportunity of knowing it personally
Allen Whitworth
  subscribed & sworn to this 25th of January 1833
    William Goode J.P:

  I, William Good Jr. a Justice of the peace for the County of Chesterfield
in the State of Virginia, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Allen
Whitworth, who has subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit, that he is 
a credible person, & his statement is entitled to belief. Given under my
hand the 11th day of February 1833.
William Goode JP.

Virginia; Chesterfield County Court Clerk's office
  I Parker Poindexter Clerk of the county court of Chesterfield in the State of Virginia,
do hereby certify that William Goode Jr whose name is affixed to six several certificate
on this sheet of paper in relation to the Declaration of John Spears for a Pension
is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace, in and
for the County of Chesterfield, duly commissioned and qualified as such, and
that his signatures thereto are genuine.-
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal of Office, this twenty sixth day of February
Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty
three and in the 57th year of our Independence
  Parker Poindexter. Clk
Page 24

May 1, 1940
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MLB
Wm Spear
W. 2363

Ethel Speer Dent
433 East Spruce Avenue
Inglewood, California

Dear Madam:
  Reference is made to your letter in which you request
the Revolutionary War records of John Spears, of Jasper County,
Georgia; James Spears of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; John
Spears, of Chesterfield County, Virginia; Obediah Spears, of
Sumpter District, South Carolina; William Spears, of Franklin
County, Georgia; David Spear, of Richmond County, Georgia;
William Spear, of Elbert County, Georgia, and James Spears of
Amherst County, Virginia.
  Because of the large number of requests for Revolutionary War data, and the limited trained clerical force available
for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in
full with each request which requires so much time and research.
  The record of John Spear (W. 2363) is furnished you
herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 25

May 1, 1940

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

JOHN SPEARS
W. 2363
BA-J/MLB

Ethel Speer Dent
433 East Spruce Avenue
Inglewood, California

Dear Madam:

  You are furnished herein the record of John Spears (as
soldier signed, but was pensioned Spear), as found in the papers
of the claims for pension and bounty land under File No. W. 2363,
based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
  John Spears was born February 12, 1759, in Chesterfield
County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not shown.
  While residing in Chesterfield County, Virginia, John
Spears enlisted in April, 1778, and served three months as private
in Captain Joseph Royall's company, Colonel Robert Goode's Virginia
regiment, stationed at Williamsburg. After remaining at home a
short time, he enlisted and served a tour of three months as
private in the same company and regiment. He enlisted and served
three months as private in Captain Joseph Royall's company, Colonel
Francis Goode's Virginia regiment. After remaining at home again
for a short time, he was called out and served a tour of three
months under the same officers. He enlisted in August, 1781, and
served three months as private in the same company and regiment
and was discharged after the Siege of Yorktown.
  The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed
January 26, 1833, at which time he was still a resident of Chesterfield County, Virginia, and died there October 4, 1842.
  John Spears (or Spear) married April 12, 1804, in Chesterfield County, Virginia, Susannah Womack. The date and place of
her birth and names of her parents were not given. Their marriage
bond, dated April 9, 1804, and signed by the soldier and one Peter
Rowlett, was filed in the County Clerk's Office of Chesterfield
County.
Page 26

  Susannah Spears or Spear was allowed pension on account
of the Revolutionary War service of her husband, John, on her
application executed April 30, 1853, at which time she was aged
seventy-four years and a resident of Chesterfield County, Virginia.
She gave as her post-office address then Appomattox Depot,
Powhatan County, Virginia.
  While still living in Chesterfield County, Virginia,
soldier's widow, Susannah Spears, applied April 17, 1855, for
bounty land which was due her, also, for her husband's service in
the Revolution. She was granted one hundred sixty acres of bounty
land on Warrant No. 26915, under the Act of March 3, 1855.
  The following names of children of John and Susannah Spears
are shown, but their ages were not given:

Thomas A. Spears, a resident of Appomattox Depot, Virginia, in 1853.

William Spears, a resident of Chesterfield County, Virginia, in 1855.

  In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death
of Susannah Spears, you should address the Comptroller General,
General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite
the following data: Susannah Spear (as her name is shown on pension
roll), widow of John, restoration certificate #1345, issued April 28,
1866, rate $50 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of February
3, 1853, Richmond, Virginia Agency.
  If you desire information in regard to the location of
the bounty land granted soldier's widow for his service in the
Revolution, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General
Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that
official the number of the warrant, the acreage and date of the
act under which issued.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
                                               -2-
Page 27

                                                                                                 M.C.S.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

August 3, 1925

Mrs. E. Frederick Guilford
122 Water St.
Statesville, N.C.

Madam:
  I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary 
War pension claim, W. 2363, it appears that JOHN SPEAR and his
widow, SUSANNAH, were allowed pension on account of his services,
but the name of Mrs. Caroline Wilkerson or Wilkinson does not appear
in said papers.
  The above mentioned JOHN SPEAR was born February 12, 1759,
and died October 4, 1842.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
Page 28

Pension Office
  Aug 15, 1853
Sir,
  Please state the time
to which within named
pension last paid
and (if in your power)
the [crossed out:] time date of his
death.
  Very respectfully
  Your Obt Sert
      S. Cole
    For Commissions
F Bart Esqr
  This Auditor.
John Spear, Oct 32. $50 p. an.
Died 4th October 1842, Paid to
his death
    F Beach
  Auditor
Page 29

Susannah Spear.
Chesterfield Co. Va.
  Aug. 25 1865.

Acts to be restored
to the Pension Roll
of the Richmond
Agency.

Respectfully refund
to the Com of Pensions

Geo A Whiting
Acty Chf. Clk.
Sept. 16 1865.
[Illegible]

Military
Page 30

Richmond Virginia
Sept 15 1865

The Hon Sec of the Interior
  I have inclosed to your Dept. the
application of Mrs. Susannah Spear asking
to be restored to the Pension Rolls of the
Richmond Agency together with her proof
&. the certificate of her pension I have
retained and beg to know if I must forward
the Original to seecur her object I beg leave to
give a copy of the same.
    Dept of the Interior
  Widows Pension

I certify that in conformity with the 2nd section of the act of
Feby 3d 1853 Susannah Spear widow of John Spear
who was a private in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the
pension list at the rate of fifty dollars and ~~~~ and-
per annum commencing on the 3rd of Feby 1853 and continuing
for life unless she should again marry; in which case
the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage
Given at the department of the Interior this seventeenth day of
August one thousand Eight Hundred and fifty three
examine & [illegible] certified
L.P. Waldo Coma of Pensions
R. Miller of the man
Page 31

I should be glad to know if I have conformed
to the law in this case and if not I should be pleased
to have the omission pointed out so it may be corrected
Will I be asking too much to ask a reply
to this letter

I have the honor to be most
  respectfully & C
    Benjamin H Nash
Atty at Law Richmond Va

[Seal at bottom is partially faded] 
Sept 16
PENSION OFFICE
Page 32

Susannah Spear,

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
MAR 24 1866
PENSION OFFICE
Page 33

Richmond Va. March 20th 1866

Hon Jos H Barrett
Commissioner [illegible]
  
Sir
 I have the [illegible] to [illegible]
the application of Mrs Susannah Spear
for a restoration to the rolls of the Pension Agency
at Richmond Va. The application is gotten
up in conformity with your written instuctins
some time forwarded me for my guidance:
Shall I send on to your Office the original certificate granting her the pension. Please do me
the honor to let me know as soon as consistent
with your official convenience the fate of this appliation
I am very respectfully [illegible]
Benjamin H Nash
Page 34

Richmond April 20 1866

Sir
  By your written instruction I send you the original
citificate of Pension of Mrs Susannah Spears the widow
of John Spears, I shall be glad to hear from you at an early 
day
Respectfully [illegible]
Benjamin H. Nash

To
Hon Joseph H Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
L.C.
Page 35

Boynton
Page 36

Treasury Department,
  Third Auditor's Office,
    April 20 1866

Sir,
  In reply to your inquiry of the
16th inst. I have to inform you that the
pension of Mrs. Susannah Spear
(on the roll of Richmond Agency under
Act 3rd Feby 1853. Section 2nd) appears
by the books of this Office to have been
last paid to 4 March 1861.

Very
Respectfully
John Wilson
Auditor

Hon Jos. H. Barrett
Comr of Pensions

J H.       W.K.R
Page 37

March 26. 1853

Rel: to Claim Of
John Spears' widow

Saml. Jones
  Appomattox [illegible]
    Amelia Co
      Va

[Written longways across the above:]
Appomatox Va     Free

The Commissioner of Pensions

Washington City
Page 38

Virginia
Amelia Cty
Appomattox Depot
March 24. 1853

Sir
  I wrote some days since to
your predecessor, to enquire if
the widdow of John Spears is not 
entitled to recive a pension
he (Spears) having recd a pension
in his life time as a Revolutionary
Soldier. We have not the [illegible]
the subject, and cannot get it
[illegible] than Richmond that I know
of_ The object in writing to you is
to know what the Law requires
to entitle the widdow to the pension
her husband had been cited
to receive_  Mrs Spears is quite
old, and you will confer a
favor if you will give us [illegible]
information as you can with
your earlyest convenience.  Be
pleased to direct to this office
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obe. [illegible]
Saml Jones
Page 39

Powhatan May 5th 1853

Dear Sir
  Enclosed is a declaration to obtain a [crossed out:] the pension   will you be so good as to have them put in order that I may receive the pension due to me if there should be any error inform me by mail.  My address is Appomattox Depot Powhatan
  Susana Spear
        by
    L A Spear.
Page 40

Virginia
Chesterfield County towit ⎬
  On this 11th day of September in
the year One thousand Eight hundred and sixty five
personally appeared before the County Court of
Chesterfield County in the State of Virginia, the same
being a Court of Record in said County
William Goode and Alexander Sims
aged respectively sixty Eight years and fifty Eight
years who being duly sworn according to law
depose and say that they are personally 
acquainted with Susannah Spear who is now
applying to the Secretary of Interior at Washington
under the laws of Congress to be restored to
her pension at the Agency at Richmond Va
that they have been so acquainted with the said
Susannah Spear for the space of forty years
that she has resided in the said County and state
(as she has always done) during the rebellion and
that she still so resides at her home in said County
that the said Susannah Spear is now as she has
been for a number of years confined to her bed
Page 41

from extreme age and infirmity, and that
her estate has been nearly destroyed by the 
rebellion. that the said Susannah Spear has never
encouraged aided abetted, or sympathized with
the late rebellion to deponent's knowledge
that the said Susannah Spear is still a widow
and that these deponents have no interest
whatever direct or indirect in the application
of the said Susannah Spear for restoration
to the pension rolls
William Goode
Alexr Sims
Taken and sworn to before
the County Court of Chesterfield
in open Court this 18th day of
September 1865

And I do hereby certify that I am acquainted 
with William Goode and Alexander Sims
that I believe them to be credible witnesses and that
I have [inserted:] no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
James H Cox
Presiding Justice
Page 42

Virginia
Chesterfield County to wit:
  I Nathan H Cogbill Clerk of the County
Court of Chesterfield do hereby certify that James H Cox
is and was at the time of signing the foregoing certificate
the presiding Justice for Chesterfield County and that
his signature is genuine and is entitled to full
faith and credit

In Testimony whereof I hereunto
set my hand and affix my seal
the seal being lost, as Clerk of our
said Court at the Court House
thereof on the 12th day of September
A D 1865 & in the 90 year of the
Commonwealth
Nathan H. Cogbill Clerk

[Seal  is hand drawn]
Page 43

Spears
Page 44

Brief in the case of Susannah Spears, widow of John Spears
Chesterfield County and State of Virginia
       act 3d February 1853

Claim, (original "other" [the following crossed out:] or "for an increase")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
  Husband was a pensioner under the
Act of 7th June 1832
  Marriage proved by certified copy
of Marriage bond and parol testimony
Certified to be credita
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Thos A Spears Esqr
  Appomatox Depot
    Powhatan Co
      Va
Name and residence of agent   R Godes Examining Clerk
Page 45

26.915

No Ann
Page 46

No 1577
Susannah Spear
widow of John
Va

Let to Thos. A. Spear
July 26 /53

Act Feby 3. 1833
Page 47

Payment to be made at
Richmond, by
J. M. Lawson  [illegible]
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of
Virginia

Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 129. Vol. A
Clerk.
A. R. Weightward

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Aug 8 [illegible]
PENSION [illegible]
Page 48

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
  
  I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of 
February 8, 1858,
Susannah Spear
widow of John Spear
who was a Private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Fifty
dollars and~~~~Cents per annum, commencing on the
3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior,
this Seventeenth day of August
one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
R McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
LP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 49

Susannah Spear
wit of
John.

Richmond Va Roll
Rev Claim for Restoration.
2 Sec. Act 3 Feb: 1853,

[This line illegible]
Sec; aforesaid at the rate of
$50. per an: Commencing
Mch. 4" 1861 & to Contine
during her widowhood
Apr. 27th"
Boynton.

Cert: too
Benjn H. Nash, Esqr
Richmond, Va
Page 50

Brief in the case of Susannah Spear of John
for Restoration.
Chesterfield County and State of Virginia.
Act 3 Feby. 1853. Second Section
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,

PROOF EXHIBITED,
Claimant was pensioner under the second section, of the act of Feby
3, 1853, in the Richmond Va roll at the rate of #50. per an:
as the widow of John before the rebellion
  Her widowhood &
identity is established by four credible afficants, & the [illegible]
of her original Pension Certificate. The credible afficants
Establish her Loyalty.
Claim allowed under the Act & Section
aforesaid
Name and residence of Agent.
Examining Clerk.
Page 51

Brief in the case of Susannah Spear, widow of John.
for Restoration
Chesterfield County and State of Virginia.
3 Feby, 1853, the 2, Section

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Claimant was pensioned under the 2d Section of said act, before
the rebellion, on the Richmond Roll at the rate of #50 per
Annum as the widow of John.
  Claimant widowhood & [illegible]
is Established by four credible witnesses & the surrender of
her original certificate of pension. Loyalty is shown by two credible
affiants. Her [illegible] reflects her pension paid up to the 4"
March 1861.
  Claim allowed under the act to Section aforesaid at the
rate of #50 per An Commencing March 4 1861, & to Continue
during her Widowhood.
  Apl. 27" 1866,

Name and residence of Agent.      Boynton. Examining Clerk.
Benjamin H. Nath. Esqr
Richmond, Va
Page 52

State of Virginia
County of Chesterfield
  On this 9th day of June 1853 personally
appeared before me Joseph Goode a justice
of the peace duly authorized to administer
Oaths within and for the County and State
aforesaid Daniel Worsham aged sixty eight
years and Thomas Purdie sen seventy eight 
years residents of Chesterfield County who being
duly sworn according to law declare that
they are intimately acquainted with
Susana Spears and have been acquainted with
her for thirty five years that she is
the widow of John Spears who for many
years previous to his death in 1842 was a
Revolutionary Pensioner
  The affiants further declare
that they knew the said John Spears and
the said Susana Spear to live together
as man and wife and were so recognized
in the neighbourhood and that the said
John Spears is dead and the said Susan
Spears is his widow 
Daniel Worsham
Thos Purdie 
  
  Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned
and I certify that the said Daniel Gorham and Thomas Purdie
are credible witnesses.  Given under my hand as Justice of
the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid
Jos Goode J. T.
Page 53

State of Virginia
Chesterfield County To Wit
  I Silas Chatham Clerk of the
County Court of Chesterfield County in the State aforesaid
do hereby certify that Jo. Goode whose name is signed to
the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing
the same an acting Justice of the peace for the County
and state aforesaid, that all his legal official acts as such
are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature
is genuine.
  In testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand and affixed the
seal of the County Court aforesaid
this 3rd day of June A.D. 1853
and in the 77 year of the 
Commonwealth
Silas Cheatham C
Page 54

"Additional Evidence"
in the case of
Susanna Spears Widow
of John Spires a Revoluting
Pensioner at $50 per ann
2 Sect Act 3 Feby 1853

Declaration of widow
was filed May 6th 1853


Filed by
  Thomas A Spears
    Appomattox Depot
     Powhatan Co
       Virginia
June 14th 53

HCM
Page 55

Free

Mr. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
District Columbia

[Written longways across half of the above:]
To be filed with papers 
of May 6th 1833
1133
Page 56

Powhatan May 26th 1853
To Mr. Waldo. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Der, Sir,
  Some three or four
weeks ago I enclosed a certificate of the marriage of
John Spear who was a pensioner in the Revolutionary 
war and also the declaration of Susan Spear his widow
Since then I have written requesting you to inform me
if you had recd them I have never received a line on the
subject Please write me a line or two on the subject
as I am extremely anxious to hear from them
My address is Appomattox Depot Powhatan County Virginia
May 6th 1833

Most Respectfully yours
  Thomas A. Spears
Page 57

Appr filed
May 6 /53

June 15. 1853

Addl evi: in case
Susanna Spears
widow of John
    Chesterfield Co
    Va

Act 3d Feby 1853

    Rev:
Admitted $50 per annum
Commencing 3d Feby 1853
Ths. A. Spears
  Appomattox Depot
    Powhatan Co:
      Va.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 58

Decr 2-1901
J. R. Speer Pittsburg, Pa.

1925 Aug 3 Mrs.
E. Frederick Guilford 1 adv
no record of Mrs Caroline Welker
or Wilkinson. MCA
1940, May1- Hist to Ethel Speer Dent MCA
---
WIDOW, &c.
Revy
File No. 2363
Susannah Spear,
Widow.
John Shear
Priv. Rev. War.

Act Feb. 3. 1853.
Index: -- Vol. M. Page 233

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 59

     Established 1838.
                           OWDN
The Speer and Box Lumber Company,
            Manufacturers of
Boxes and Box Shooks of Every Description
       Cottonwood our Speciatly
      Telephone McKees Rocks 54
Pittsburg, Pa.,  November 19th 1901

Works and Office located at 
        McKees Rocks.

Historial Dept
Washington DC⎬

Dear Friend
  Caleb North Penna Capt
4th Pa Battallion 5th Jany 1776, Major 10th Pa 12th Mch 1777.
Lieutenant Colonel 11th Pa 22nd Oct 1777. Transferred to 9th
Pd July 1st 1778. Transferred to 2nd Pa 17th Jany 1781. Retired
1st Jany 1783. Died 7th November 1840

George North Pa sergeant 5th Pa Battallion, Jany 1776. Ensign
12 Oct 1776. 1st Lieut 95th Pa 1st Jany 1777 retired 1st Jany 1783

My grandmother before she married was Elizabeth North
and a Daughter of Caleb North
  What I wish to know is for the ┃
Purpose of getting my Daughter to join the Daughters of the
Revolution: I desire information. what County is their
place of joining the Army?  where were they born & what
were their Wives names or any of their Children names. 
Particularly of Caleb Norths Genealogy or any information
other than I have stated above of their History  I would be
so thankful to receive please compare the records with
what I have selected and any further information and
oblige yours truly
D R Speer
Address D R Speer
6742 Thomas street E.E.
Pittsburg Pa
Page 60

Also of
Edward Spear Pa 2nd Lieut 6th Pa 7th Feby 1778
1st Lieut 16th May 1781 Transferred to 1st Pa Jany 1st 1783 and served
to 3d November 1783. Lieut U..S. Artillery Battallion 10th Sept 1787
Lieut Artillery U.S. Army 29th Sept 1789
killed Nov 4th 1791 in action with the Indians near Fort Recovery Ohio
St Plains Defeat
John Spear Pa 1st Lieut of Miles Pa Rifle Reg of Miles Pa 6th
April 1776 wounded taken prisoner at Long Island 27th
August 1776
Notice their name is not spelled the way I spell mine
My grandfather Speer's Name was Alexander Speer
My own Father was born 1787. I am 67 years old
Did any of these on either page receive Pensions
if so a more Elaborate HistoRY may be gotten from
Your most Humble Servant D R Speer

U.S. PENSION OFFICE 
O
NOV 21 1901
Page 61

122 Water St
Statesville, North Carolina
June 9, 1925

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen
  Will you kindly give
me number and what data you
may have on record regarding Mrs.
Caroline Wilkerson (or Wilkinson)
widowed daughter of a Revolutionary
soldier, John Spears, who was born
Feb. 12, 1759 - died Oct 4, 1842?

  I have been told Mrs. Wilkinson

U.S. PENSION 
H
JUNE 10
[bottom of stamp is missing]
Page 62

drew a pension from U. S. Government
and I think by virtue of being widowed
daughter of her father, soldier of the Revolution

Very truly,

Mrs. E. Frederick Guilford,
122 Water
Statesville, North Carolina
Page 63

Inglewood Calif.
  Mar. 1, 1940

Mr. A. D. Hiller
Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir:
  I wish to thank you very sincerely for the information which
you gave me, I wrote the Comptroller General's Office and secured the
names of children of William Spears, which mentioned my Great Grandfather
as one of his children. I have searched for years for this information, so
I am sure you understand my gratitude.

  There are quite a number of names which I should be grateful
to have the same information on and I am wondering if you would send any
information which you may have on the following names. I should like to
have dates of birth, or death, to whom married, their parents or the names
of any relatives mentioned.

  Will you kindly advise if the Comptroller General's office give
information only when the pensioners service number is given, or is it
possible to get information when only the Pensioners name and State are
known? Thank you for any information you can supply.

From Census of Pensioners of 1840 by Blair and Rivers [Note: official added penciled in notes before names]
one, [other notes, illegible] John Spears age 89 of Jasper Co. Georgia.
0 James Spears age 71 living with John Spears Lackawannock Co. Tenn.
John Spears age age 80 Chesterfield Co. Virginia.
here Obediah Spears are 75 Sumpter Dist. So. Carolina.
here William Spears 42 of Awards Dist. Franklin Co. Ga.
0 David Spear of Richmond Co. Ga.
William Spear of Elbert Co. Ga.
0 James Spears of Amherst Co. Va.
I shall appreciate any information you may supply,
  Thank you, Sincerely,
Ethel Speer Dent
Ethel Speer Dent
433 N, Spruce Ave.
Inglewood Clifornia.

RECEIVED
MAR 6 1940
MAIL SERVICE
Reader No. 1
VETS ADM
Page 64

Chesterfield County Virginia
  August 25th 1865
  To the Honorable Secretary of the Interior
Your Petitioner Susannah Spear respectfully 
represents that [inserted:] she was a Pensioner of the United States
anterior to the commencement of the late Rebellion
and was on the Pension roll of the Agency at
Richmond Virginia as will be seen from the
Pension certificate herewith filed, and as your
Petitioner is advised, she has been dropped from
the Pension rolls: she now make her application
to be restored to roll of the Agency at Richmond
  Your Petitioner respectfully represents that she
was in no way connected with or responsible for
the Rebellion, that being a woman she had no vice
or hand in the matter, and even if she had so
desired she would have been prevented by age
and infirmity from any participation in the
war. that she is now Eighty six years of age and in
reduced circumstances having suffered heavily by
the rebellion. Your Petitioner therefore prays that she
may be restored to the Rolls of the Pension Agency
at Richmond and that all back pay due her on
Pension account may be paid to her. She respectfully
refers to the accompanying affidavit of herself and
the two disinterested witnesses for the truth of the
statements herein setforth Susannah X her mark Spears
Witnessed W.M. Dorset
Page 65

State of Virginia
Chesterfield County towit
  On this 7th day of September in the year One thousand
Eight hundred and sixty five personally appeared before
me a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned
for the County and state aforesaid Susannah Spear
aged Eighty six years a resident of the County of
Chesterfield in the State of Virginia who being duly
sworn according to law declares that she is the
identical Susannah Spear who was a Pensioner
on the Rolls of the agency at Richmond Virginia
whose pension certificate is herewith filed showing
at what time she was pensioned and for what amount
and that she has resided in the said County of
Chestified in Virginia without interruptions for
the last eighty six years, that she has never borne arms
against the United States Government or in any way
given aid or encouragement to the rebellion or 
manifested a sympathy with the same, and that she has
never received any pension since the first day
of May 1861 and that she is still a widow.
T. B. Dorsett J.P.