Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19389, for John Spencer, New York
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New York   Spencer, John   W. 19389
Rebecca
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2829
New York Albany
Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spenser N.Y. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a pri & Lieut

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 126 Dollars 98 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Jany 1849 and sent to Hon D. Marvin H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 186 Vol. 4

Reported Jany 5/49
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Pension Papers in case of Rebecca Spencer, widow of Rev.[?] John Spencer deceased
record of marriage & affidavits respecting same
G. F. Yates Esq. Pension Agt.
Schenectady N.Y.
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John [illegible] to John Spencer was born May [illegible]
John Spencer - was born May-24-1758
Rebecca Spencer was born April-14-1763
They were married February-24-1782
Elizabeth Spencer was born April-27-1783
Mary Spencer was born September 01-1786
Seth Spencer was born February-17-1789
Allun Spencer was born August-26-1791
And died December-16-1792
Rebecca Spencer was born April-09-1794
Lydia Spencer was born September-29-1796
Joel Spencer was born July-31-1799
Cyrus Spencer was born October-06-1801
And died January-31-1803
Philip Spencer was born April-25-1804
Anne Spencer was born December-19-1806
John Steele Spencer was born April-15-1810
And died April-30th 1811
John Spencer died August 25-1826
Anna Spencer died April 21-1827
Seth Spencer died May 5-1830
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Elizabeth Allen eldest daughter of John and Rebecca Spencer died October 8th 1835
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State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
Lydia Spencer, daughter, and Joel Spencer, son of Rev. John Spencer deceased, a Lieutenant in the army of the Revolution, being both first duly sworn do upon their respective oaths depose and say - And first the said Lydia Spencer doth depose and say that she is now 47 years old and single woman and always resided in the family of John Spencer, her said Father, until his death which occurred on the 25th day of August A.D. 1826. That she never saw or knew of any record either or Church Record, Town Record or family Record of the marriage of her said Father with Rebecca Spencer, Mother of this deponent, except in a family Bible which was owned, kept and used in the family from her earliest recollection for a good many years and until it became very much warn and mutilated in about the year 1807 when our family moved into the said County of Chautauqua, about which time or soon after, her said Father, John Spencer, transcribed the foregoing and annexed paper containing the birth and marriage of my said Father and Mother, and the births and deaths of their children; and said Bible continued to remain and be kept in our said family some few years after it was so transcribed as aforesaid and until it was gradually and by piecemeal wholly gone and destroyed.
That this deponent has [illegible] frequently seen the annexed paper in her said Fathers family, both before and since the said Family Bible was gone and destroyed. That it is in her Fathers own proper hand writing, with which she is well acquainted, except what is written below the black line drawn across the paper which she this deponent wrote herself. That she verily believes that she saw her said Father draw off and transcribe the said paper from the said Family Bible, but cannot say positively.
This deponent further saith that she has often heard her father talk to his family & particularly his children, stories about his services, hardships and sufferings in the army of the Revolution, in which he always gave us to understand that he was a Lieutenant and served under Col. Vose and other officers whose names she cannot now recollect.
And this deponent Joel Spencer for himself doth depose and say that he has seen the annexed paper in the family of John Spencer
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his late Father, from the time of his earliest remembrance both before and since the death of his said Father which accured at the time stated in the foregoing affidavit of deponents sister, Lydia Spencer. That all the writing on said paper is in the proper hand writing of his said Father, which is well known to him, except what is written below the black line drawn across the paper which is in the hand writing of his Sister Lydia.
This deponent, Joel Spencer, further saith that he is now 44 years of age and resided in his Fathers family until his death.
Lydia Spencer
Joel Spencer

Subscribed & Sworn before me July 27. 1844. 
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

I certify that I am acquainted with the 2 above named deponents and know them to be the children of Rev. John Spencer deceased and that they are credible persons.
July 27. 1844
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
Rebecca Spencer, widow of Rev. John Spencer deceased, aged 81 years being duly sworn deposth and saith that the foregoing annexed paper has been kept in her family for about 20 years previous to the death of her husband which occurred August 25. 1826. That it is the proper handwriting of her deceased husband, and that she verily believes that she saw him transcribe the same from an old and mutilated family Bible which she had kept in her family from or near the time when she was married, until [illegible] age and long was it gradually went to decay leaf by leaf. That what is written below the black line is not in my said husbands handwriting, but in the handwriting of deponents daughter Lydia Spencer, and written since her said husbands death. This deponent well recollects that the birth of her said husband & of herself and of their marriage & the birth of their children were registered as recorded by her said husband in full in the said family Bible as a family Record, so long as the said Bible was in existence & until it was finally worn out, and the above foregoing paper was drawn off by him to supply its plan. This deponent further saith that there is not, and
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never was, to her knowledge, any other documentary or written evidence, either in town, church or family records of her said marriage except what is contained in said paper.
Rebecca Spencer

Subscribed & sworn to before me July 27. 1844 
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

I certify that I am well acquainted with Rebecca Spencer the above named deponent & know her to be the widow of Rev. John Spencer deceased and that she is a credible person.
July 27. 1844
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
Haven Brigham of Sheridan in said County age 59 years being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is well acquainted with the handwriting of Rev. John Spencer deceased and verily believes that the paper hereunto annexed is in the proper handwriting of the said deceased down to the black line drawn across the same. This deponent says that he lived at Fort Dayton in the town & county of Herkimer New York from 1803 to 1807. That said Fort was then standing and was about one mile and an half or two miles from Fort Herkimer. That while living at Fort Dayton he became acquainted with Gen. Myers and Col. Bellinger who were private soldiers in the Revolutionary war & garrisoned at Fort Dayton & afterwards continued to reside there, whom deponent often heard speak of their services at said Fort & of their skirmishes with the Indians. That afterwards in 1807 this deponent purchased of the said John Spencer his house and lot in Augusta, Oneida County, N. York & became well acquainted with him & conversed with him about Fort Dayton, said Myers & Bellinger, whom said Spencer well knew, and about his, said Spencer, service at Fort Dayton. That said Spencer gave deponent to understand that he was stationed there for some time to keep the Indians in check and protect the inhabitants. That is he had not then & there the actual command at said Fort, that he was a Lieutenant in active duty and that he had the actual command of a party of men from said Fort who went out & were gone several days skirmishing with the Indians & represented that he suffered severely from fatigue & want of provisions before he returned with his men to the Fort, and who detailed incidents of men being killed there by the indians.
Haven Brigham

Subscribed & sworn before me July 27. 1844
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts
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I certify that I am well acquainted with Haven Brigham the last foregoing deponent and know him to be a credible person.
July 27.1844
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
I Alvin Plumb Clerk of the County of Chautauqua & state aforesaid do certify that I am well acquainted with Francis H. Ruggles above named. That he was on the 27th day of July last a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace of said County & that he has been duly qualified & sworn & that I am well acquainted with his handwriting & know his signatures to foregoing Jurats and certificates to be his own genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of said county this second day of August eighteen hundred & forty four.
Alvin Plumb Clerk
By Sidney Jones Dept. Clerk
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State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
On this eighth day of August 1843 before me the undersigned, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for said County personally appeared Rebecca Spencer, a resident of the town of Sheridan in said County aged Eighty years on the 14th day of April last past, and she 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 passed 7th July 1838.
That she is the widow of John Spencer who was a first Lieutenant in the army of the Revolution and served in manner and for the terms hereinafter, and in the document and affidavits hereto annexed, set forth, and was a Lieutenant Commandant during a period of his service, his Captain named Van Rensselaer of Green River, being absent on other duty. She further declares that she was married to said John Spencer on the fourteenth day of February one thousand seven hundred and eight two (1782) at Spencertown in the County of Columbia in said State by the Rev. Mr. Clark, then the settled Congregational or Presbyterian minister of Spencertown aforesaid, and that her maiden name was Spencer, she being the daughter of Thomas Spencer and Rebecca Spencer.
That her husband, the said John Spencer died on the 25th day of August (1826) one thousand eight hundred and twenty six at Busti in said County of Chautauqua, and that since his death she has never married again, but still remains his widow.
And she, this declarant, further saith that she is unable to give a full specification of all the services of her said husband in the war of the Revolution, but she can only state her general recollection of them, so far as her memory serves her, and so far as they have for a series of years, been detailed to her from time to time by her said husband, in conversations between her and her said husband and in other various conversations bewtween her said husband and various other Revolutionary soldiers, whom he met with at various times since the said war, which conversations were had in her presence. From all which conversations, which she understood and believed, and still believes to be true, and according to the best of her knowledge, information & belief, she has no doubt, that the said John Spencer, her husband, served as follows:
That he entered the army when quite young, but at what particular age declarant is unable to state, if she ever knew or was informed. That he served for a time under Captain Graves of Green River but she cannot state the year not the places he served at when in the company of said Graves from loss of memory; that he served once in Vosc's Regiment, and once in the Regiment of Col. Willett, but she cannot specify the years, nor length of service from same cause; She remembers that in the spring of 1779, he came home from the army on a furlough; that he served with Yate's army at Saratoga; was at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton; That he performed military duty in Providence R.I. also at Johnstown, and Fort Plain, N.Y. That one winter he performed Garrison duty in Quebec. that he served also at Montreal; and he repeatedly stated that the different terms of his service amounted, in the aggregate, to more than four years, or that he was engaged in military duty from, first to last, during said war for a period exceeding four years. That she knows of no person now living who can testify to her said husbands services; That she has no document throwing light upon her said husbands services, save those which she left with her attorney, Giles H. Yates Esq. of Schenectady N.Y. which she understands are now at the Pension office at Washington City for inspection.
This declarant further states that the said John Spencer never applied for or received a Pension during his life time; That he was born at Spencertown aforesaid May 24. 1758; moved from Spencertown to Green River in Columbia County aforesaid when he was quite young, thence to Spencertown, thence to Rupert, Vermont - thence to Maryland, Otsego County N.Y. - thence he went to Spencertown aforesaid, where he studied Divinity with the
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Rev. David Porter, Congregational or Presbyterian Minister of Spencertown aforesaid; then he removed to Freshold in Green County N.Y. - then to Vernon Oneida County N.Y and remained there two years - thence to Augusta Oneida County N.Y. and staid 3 years - thence to Pamfret (now Sheridan) Chautauqua County aforesaid in 1807, where he continued to reside with his family till the day of his death.
That he preached 18 years and 4 months as a Congregations Minister and missionary under the Patranage of the Hartford (Conn.) Missionary Society, on the Holland Purchase, (so then called) of which Chautauqua county aforesaid formed a part.
He knew, and often in his life time, spoke of Colonel Sprout and Major Peirce.
Declarant never saw her said husbands commission nor can she tell what has become it.
The words, "Van Rensselaer" and "Graves of Green River" on 1st page written on an [illegible] before signing & swearing and the words "Green River" on first page erased before signing & swearing.
On mature reflection now, I do remember that my said husband served under Capt. Graves at Saratoga.
Rebecca Spencer

Subscribed & sworn to before me August 8. 1843
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

I certify that the above named Rebecca Spencer is unable from the infirmities of age, to attend the session of the County Courts which are held twenty four miles from her residence. Also that she is personally known to me and is a woman of good character and entitled to credit.
August 8. 1843
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts
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State of New York, Chautauqua County ss.
Samuel Newell, aged 60 years, Worthy Allen aged 58 and John N. Greig aged 55 years, all of the town of Sheridan in said County and State being duly sworn, all depose and say that they formerly resided in the town of Augusta in the County of Oneida and State of New York while the Rev. John Spencer, now deceased, resided and preached there as a congreational minister of irreproachable character between the year 1800 and 1807, when he removed with his family to Ramfret (now Sheridan). That we all were his neighbors, living from two to four miles distant from him and were acquainted with him not only as a minister, but as a citizen and a reputed Revolutionary officer. That the said John Spencer resided in Augusta two or three years during which time he was regarded not only as a Revoluntionary soldier or officer, but had frequent and long conversations with other reputed Revolutionary soldiers and other persons about his services, and many incidents connected with the war, insomuch that we never had any doubt, nor do we believe it was generally doubted in that community, that the said John Spencer was a Revolutionary soldier or officer and served as such for some considerable time, but how long we cannot state, during said war. These deponents do further all say, that they removed from Augusta aforesaid to Pomfret (now Sheridan) aforesaid within three years after the said John Spencer, and continued to reside in his immediate neighborhood, the said Newell & Allen within half a mile, and the said Greig sometimes 2 and sometimes 3 miles from said John Spencer, during all which time the said John Spencer was commonly and notoriously regarded by all his acquaintances and the whole vicinage, as they believe, as a Revolutionary officer, who had served some years in said war, and that he had many and frequent conversations with old persons and Revolutionary soldiers about his services, toils, privations, sufferings and other incidents connected with said war, in which both we and the community generally were well satisfied that he did serve in said war as he uniformly stated.
We do further all state that we are and have been for many years well acquainted with Rebecca Spencer, wife of the said John Spencer and now his widow, and do each of us know that she has continued to live and cohabit with said John Spencer as his wife and neen every reputed such where she was known for at least thirty six years past, or at least to the time of said Spencers death. That we do all believe that the said Rebecca sustains an unblemished character, for truth and veracity and all other excellencies in the female character, as well in the community where she now resided as in the various places where she has formerly lived.
John N. Gregg
Samuel Newell
Worthey Allen

Subscribed & sworn to before me August 8. 1843
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named John N. Gregg, Samuel Newell and Worthy Allen, and that they are all men of good charactger and entitled to credit.
August 8. 1843
Francis H. Rugges, Judge Chau. Co. Courts
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State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
Squire White age 58 years, John Walker aged 62 years and Elijah Risley aged 56 years all of the town of Pamfret in said County being duly sworn do depose and say, that they have been personally well acquainted with Rev. John Spencer, now deceased, from about or soon after the years 1807 when he first moved with his family into said Pamfret and continued to reside here till the day of his death, during all which time all these deponents continued to reside in the same town, and at distances from his house varying from one mile to about 4 miles. That they knew him, his wife and his family well, and knew that they sustained a high character for truth and integrity, and that the said John Spencer was always regarded by each of these deponents as a Revolutionary soldier or officer, and was generally esteemed and regarded as such in this community at large. That in his frequent conversations with old persons, Revolutionary characters & others of his friends & acquaintances, he gave repeated and detailed accounts and histories of the Revolutionary war, his services, fatigues, hardships done & suffered and general & particular incidents of the Revolutionary history for some years according to their best recollection and belief. And these deponents do all give it as their sincere opinion & belief that he was a true and faithful soldier in the american army or continental service in the Revolutionary War, and do believe that the community here in general entertain no doubt of that fact. We do all also state that we well knew his wife (now widow) Rebecca Spencer. That she is a woman of irreproachable character and unblemished general reputation for truth and veracity in this community.
John Walker
Elijah Risley
Squire White

Subscribed & sworn to before me Aug. 9. 1843
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

I do also certify that the above named Squire White, John Walker & Elijah Risley are well known to me, and that they are men of the first respectability of character for truth & integrity in this community.
Dated August 9. 1843
Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Chau. Co. Courts

State of New York, Chautauqua County ss
I, John G. Hinckley, Clerk of said county and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said county do hereby certify that Hon Francis H. Ruggles whose signatures are set to the Jurats of the within & foregoing depositions & to the foregoing certificates was on the days of the dates of said Jurats & certificates a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County, dwelling therein duly commissioned and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe the several signatures Francis H. Ruggles subscribed to said Jurats and to said certificates are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court & county this eleventh day of August 1843.
John G. Hinckley Clerk

10934
Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer
7 July 1838. G.F. Yates atty
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Feb. 15, 1907.
Mrs. A. E. Ferris
620 E. Main Street,
Trinidad, Colorado.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 27th ultimo and received in this Bureau on the 2nd instant, relative to the military services of John Spencer of New York, you are advised that his widow, Rebecca Spencer (Widow's file No. 19,389), was allowed pension on an application executed August 8, 1843, at which time she was a resident of Sheridan, Chautauqua county, New York.
She stated that John Spencer was born at Spencertown, New York, May 24, 1758, and served more than four years in the Revolutionary War; that he was under Captain Graves at Saratoga, served under Colonel Vose, was a First Lieutenant of Captain Peter Van Rensselaer's company, Colonel Marinus Fillett's regiment, served at Quebec, Montreal, Johnstown, Providence, Rhode Island, Fort Plain, New York, and that he was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. (No dates given.)
She further stated that she was born April 14, 1753 (daughter of Ithamar and Rebecca Spencer), and was married to John Spencer at Spencertown, New York, February 14, 1782; that her husband was a Congregational Minister and died at Busti, Chautauqua county, New York, August 25, 1826.
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19389: Spencer:2.
The following data is copied from a family record on file in the case.

John Spencer was born May 24, 1758.
Rebecca Spencer was born April 14, 1763.
They were married February 14, 1782.
Elizabeth Spencer was born April 27, 1783.
Mary Spencer was born September 01, 1786.
Seth Spencer was born February 17, 1789.
Abram Spencer was born August 26, 1791. Died December 16, 1792
Rebecca Spencer was born April 09, 1794.
Lydia Spencer ws born September 29, 1796.
Joel Spencer was born July 31, 1799.
Cyrus Spencer was born October 06, 1801. Died January 31, 1803.
Philip Spencer was born April 25, 1804.
Anne Spencer was born December 19, 1806.
John Steele Spencer was born April 15, 1810. Died April 20, 1811.
John Spencer died August 25, 1826.
Anna Spencer died April 21, 1827.
Seth Spencer died May 5, 1830.
Elizabeth Allen, eldest daughter of John and Rebecca Spencer, died October 8, 1835.
Very respectfully, Commissioner.
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A copy of the affidavit or declaration on which the Rev John Spencer, a Revolutionary Soldier, late of the county of Chautauqua NYork obtained his pension. I think he was an Ensign, and that his widow is now a pensioner & a resident of Chautauqua Co. NY.
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New York  8812
Rebecca Spencer
widow of John Spencer
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 25th Augt 1826 of Chautauqua Co. in the State of N. York who was a Pr.& Lieut. in the company commanded by Captain Graves of the regt. commanded by Col. Willett in the N. York line for Pr. 19 mos & 7 days Lt. [illegible] 23 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 126 Dollars 98 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of October 1844 and sent to Giles F. Yates, Schenectady, N. York
Total amount,   $634.90
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 1.  Page 181
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6295
Albany, New York
Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer who was a Pr. & Lieutenant in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 126 Dollars 98 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of October 1844 and sent to Giles F. Yates, Schenectady, N. York

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A, Vol. 2. Page 85

Repd.
Let Hon D Tarvin Dec 30/48
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Hon. James E. Heath, Com. of Pens.
Dr. Sir,
I take the liberty of sending you the enclosed letter & memorandum from Hon. E.T. Foote of Connecticut. He is a reputable man & without doubt wants the copy of the paper for the purpose stated in the letter. If you will cause it to be copied I will pay you for the copy. Please let me know when done, through the Post Office.
Your obt Sevt Timothy Jenkins
Washington 10.Dec, 51
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J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Hon. C. Ellis No.2
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Schenectaday N.Y. May 21, 1844.
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
In pursuance of my uniform design not to trouble you with papers in any case until I have it in my power to present the most complete proofs the case is susceptible of, I often keep on hand papers in certain cases, sometimes for years. I have been attempting during the last few months to obtain some additional proofs in the matter of the application of Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer under the Act of 7 July 1838, enclosed, but have hitherto failed.
The widow having repeatedly written to me about her claim since I first took it in hand, & expressing great anxiety about it, I am induced to send the enclosed to be filed in your office, to be acted on in the regular course of your business.
The Rev. John Spencer was a clergyman of high standings, & irreproachable character. His family gave name to the town in which he was born "Spencertown." As to his identity as the 1t Lieutenant in the Company of P. Van Rensselar, and as to the
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fact of his having served as asserted by his widow, we adduce strong traditionary testimony of some six highly respectable witnesses. The original Muster Roll I sent to your office last fall, found among the papers of the deceased by his widow, settles this matter beyond question.
As to the marriage, persons who could have sworn for the widow, are now in their graves, & we shall be unable to adduce any other proof save that of cohabitation &c. In ordinary cases, or in those when the parties are obscure and of doubtful respectability, the "living together as husband & wife" might not be deemed conclusive, but in a case like the one before us (& fortified too by the laws of this state in such cases) no question of the legal marriage can be raised.
I am your mo. Obt. Sevt.
Giles F. Yates

P.S. I doubt not but that your records will disclose proof of Spencer's service of a more complete character than that furnished by the Roll I sent to your office. He is alledged to have performed service in Quebec & Montreal, was at the battles of Trenton & Princeton, served in Providence R. I., Johnstown & Fort Plain in 1781. The Roll aforesaid gives service only in 1787. But he served as alleged in 1779 & in 1777 with Gates at Saratoga, & in Vose's Regt. as well as Willett as with Col Sprout & Major Peirce & &.
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10-934
Rebecca Spencer
NY
Act July 7 th/38

[illegible]
C Ellis
[illegible]
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Schenectada May 5t 1844.
Hon. C. Ellis
Dr Sir
In consequence of the repeated applications of those interested I deem it not expedient no longer to delay sending on to the Pension a series of applications for pensions which I have had on hand some time from 3 months to 3 years & more. I have retained them hitherto as I before stated, because I did not consider the proofs sufficiently perfect & I did not wish to touble the Comm. of Pensions with cases half finished.
As there is a prospect of your remaining at Washington at least till the first of June next I thought I would send to your care a few of my old cases not yet acted on, at least as many as I can get ready by the 15 last or true abouts. The enclosed case is numbered on your list.
XXXI - (XXX being Henry Gramps's) [illegible] that of Rebecca Spencer widow of the Reverend John Spencer under the act of 7 July 1838. I am in hopes that the records in the Pension office will complete the proof. I have only been able to furnish proof (documentary) of a few months service in 1781 whereas Spencer served in 1776, 1777 & 1779 also was at the battles of Trenton, Princeton &c.
Yours G.F. Yates
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J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Rebecca Spencer
Case of C. Ellis
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Schenectada May 17 1844
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commisssioner of Pensions
Sir,
In the case of Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer under the act of 7 July 1838, I anticipate your requisition by furnishing all the documentary evidence afforded by the revolutionary records in the office of the Comptroller of this State. It will be seen that it relates only to the same service which is proved by the original Roll now in your office forwarded by me last fall. To find proof of service in 1777, 1778, & 1779 is very unusual [illegible] occurs in very few instances only. In that office we do not expect to find proof of John Spencer's services at Saratoga, Rhode Island, Quebec, Montreal, Trenton & Princeton, and we must rely on the evidence in your office to fortify the traditionary account.
I am very respectfully
Your Mo. Obt. Servt.
G.F. Yates
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Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer
Asst. of Luany Willard
"de" marriage

Mr. Severinus Brown
Carlisle
Schoharrie Co

Cooperstown N.Y.
Feb 22
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Otsego County, Town of Maryland ss
Luany Willard of Maryland in said county being duly sworn says that she was present when Rebecca Spencer was married to John Spencer in Spencertown Columbia County New York by the Rev Jesse Clark on or about the fourteenth of January 1782. This deponent further says that she knows that the said John Spencer was a soldier in the Revolutionary War between  England and America for a long time. This deponent further says that she was 76 year old on the 5th day of August last.
Luany Willard

Subscribed & sworn before me this 16th day of February 1844
Claudius Chamberlan Justice

This may certify that Luany Willard is of a good moral character & is a person of truth and veracity & that she is a person of a sane mind & memory & that I have been acquainted with her for 40 years.
Claudius Chamberlan Justice

State of New York, County of Otsego ss
I, George B. Wilson clerk of said County do hereby certify that Claudius Chamberlan Esq. before whom the above affidavit was sworn was on the date after same a Justice of the peace in & for said county duly elected and qualified. And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and believe his signatures subscribed above to be genuine. Witness my hand & official seal the 21st day of February 1844.
Geo. B. Wilson Clk
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Schenectada NY. Oct 14 1844.
Sir,
In the case of Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer and with act of 7th July 1838, I cannot but think that the proofs both as regards service & marriage, are abundantly satisfactory.
The widow's statement of her husband's services as a Lieutenant in the New York State Troop establishment, and in Vose's Mass. Regt as a private, are clearly established by Record proof; and so is the marriage.
I am very truly Yours to serve
G.F. Yates.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
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6601
Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer Private Map.
Mil. & Lieut. N.Y. Mil.
Acts '38 & '43
Married 14 Feb. 1782
Husband died 25 Aug. 1826
Lieut. 4 m. 23d.
Private 19m. 7 d.
$126.98 per ann.
Albany Roll
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February 1848, entitled "An act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution."

State of New York, Chautauqua County ss.
On this fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before the undersigned Philo Orton a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Rebecca Spencer a resident of the town of Sheridan in said County aged 85 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Rev. John Spencer, late of Sheridan, aforesaid deceased, who was a Lieutenant Commandant in the army of the Revolution, and served in the Regiment commanded by Col. Vorse and afterwards served under Col. Willett according to her best recollection and belief. And that she received a pension from the United States three years ago, (as near as she can recollect, having lost her Certificate of Pension) on account of the service of her said husband of one hundred and twenty six dollars and ninety eight cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Rebecca Spencer - X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me.
Philo Orton J.P.

This declaration was made by Rebecca Spencer  & made & signed by her, by her making her mark in presence of me.
John Crane
Philo Orton
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State of New York, Chautauqua County SS.
I Philo Orton, Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Rev. John Spencer, in his life time, for more than thirty years. That I have no doubt he was a soldier of the Revolution as an acting Lieutenant, as he was generally regarded and believed to be in the Community when he lived. That I have been well acquainted with Rebecca Spencer, widow of the said John Spencer deceased, for more than twenty years past; during which time she has lived in the town of Sheridan in said county, and that she is a person of strict truth and veracity and entitled to full credit; and I further certify that I am knowing to her having drawn a Pension from the United States, on account of the service of her late husband in the Revolutionary War, and as his widow.
And I further certify that she is unable to write her name by reason of her great age, and the consequent weakness and tremor of her hand.
Philo Orton J.P.
Dated Sept. 11, 1848.

State of New York, Chautauqua County ss
I Matthew P. Bernus, Clerk of the County of Chautauqua aforesaid do hereby certify that Philo Orton before whom the foregoing affidavit appears to have been taken and whose name is appended to the jurat thereof, and who also signed his name to the foregoing Certificate of Credibility, was on the fourth day of September 1848 and still is, a Justice of the Peace duly elected and sworn, and as such, duly authorized to administer oaths and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts. I do also certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and do verily believe his signatures aforesaid are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County of Chautauqua this fifth day of September 1848.
M.P. Bernus Clerk
By R.O. Green Dept Clerk
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Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer
7 July 1838

Certificate of NY.
Comptroller of Services in 1781.
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In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
1st Dec 1781 John Spencer Lieut L50 8 11

State of New York,
Comptroller's Office, Albany, May 10th 1844.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 2. now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
First - under Capt Peter Van Rensselaer in Col. Marenus Willett Regt.
Philip Phelps
Dep Comptroller

127
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Rev Widow, &c.
File No. 19389
Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer
Lieut Rev War
Act: Feb 29 48
Index: Vol. M, Page 235
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1907 Feby. 15. History to Mrs. A.E. Ferris
1914 Sept 3. Henry S. Dermott ref. to aud. for last paymt of pen.
1914 Sept 16: H.S. Dermott admit that family data furnished February 15, 1907 is all of data in claim. Mrk
1915. Jan 13: History to Mrs. Harriet W. Thomas Mrk
Page 36

Rev. War Section.
September 3, 1914.
Mr. Henry Sage Dermott.
554 Hudson Avenue.
Albany, N.Y.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the 31t ultimo, you are advised that in order to ascertain the date of last payment of pension and to whom paid, you should forward this paper to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U. S. Treasury Department, Washington, D. C.
"Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer. Certificate No. 2829. Issued January 5, 1849, for $126.98 per annum from March 4, 1848, under the Act of February 2, 1848, at the Albany, New York Agency".

Very respectfully,
E. C. Tieman, Acting Commissioner.
Page 37

Rev. War Section.
3-1865
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions, Washington
November 25, 1914.
Mrs. F. W. Thomas,
#117 Main Street,
Silver Creek, N.Y.
Madam:-
In response to your letter dated the nineteenth instant, you are advised that this Bureau is unable to furnish the record of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been filed on account of his services, and in order to identify such a claim, if filed, for John Spencer, it will be necessary for you to furnish some of the following data: names of some officers under whom he served, places of residence at enlistment and after discharge, approximate dates of his birth and death, given name of his widow.
Very respectfully,
G.M. Saltzgaber Commissioner.
Page 38

117 Main St
Silver Creek, N.Y.
Jan 8th 1914.
This letter has done some traveling since it left Washington with the result of obtaining the information given you below.
Rev Joh Spencer was born May 24 - 1758
died August 24 - 1826
Married in 1782
Wifes name was Rebecca both are buried in Sheridan, Chaut Co. N.Y.
Served under Col. Willet or (Wiltet)
"Moved to [illegible], Atsego Co. soon after the war". Cant tell place of enlistment. With these facts can you give me the rest of his record, as we are very anxious to obtain it for the list we are compiling. Thanking you before for the trouble to you.
Most sincerely
Harriet W. Thomas
Chairman 
R.S.G. of D. A. R.
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Department of the Interior
Received
Jan 31 1907
P. & M. Division.
6341 Miscls.
January 27, 1907.
Trinidad, Colorado.
A. E. Ferris.
Requests information of the military record of John Spencer in the Revolutionary War, from the records of Pension Office.

Department of the Interior,
February 1, 1907
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions, for reply to writer, and the latter so advised.

Thos Ryan
First Assistant Secretary.

Feb 2 1907
Page 40

Trinidad Public Scools
District No. 1
620 E. Main St
Trinidad, Colorado, Jan. 27 1907
To the Honorable Secretary of the Interior,
Washington, D. C.
My Dear Sir, will you please give me all the information available concerning the record of John Spencer who was in Col. Marinus Willett's regiment, in south central New York, in the Revolutionary War. The sons of the American Revolution in Chautauqua Co. N.Y. have had some information from the Dept. of the Interior, Pension department, I think.
If this information is not to be obtained from your dept. please tell me to whom to apply, and render me greatly your debtor.
Very Respectfully
A. E. Ferris
Page 41

No 554 Hudson Ave
Albany NY 31 Aug't 1914.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
My Dear Sir:
Will you have the kindness to tell me date of, and to whom last payment was made under pension Rev. War W. File #19,389 allowed to Rebecca Spencer (widow of John Spencer) who resided 1843, time of application, at Sheridan, Chautauqua Co N.Y.?
With Thanks
Yours very truly
Henry Sage Dermott
Page 42

Pension Office U.S.
Sep 1 1914
Page 43

No 554 Hudson Ave
Albany NY 10 Sept 1914.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
My Dear Sir: The application for pension, executed August 1843, made by Rebecca Spencer (W. File 19,389) is so replete with family data as to suggest that the information conveyed was obtained from a Bible and that its leaves were removed and filed with the petition. It has seemed posible that all the family record was not included in the applicaiton as not being material thereto as great efforts have been made to seure a Spencer family geneology. Would it be asking too much to examine again the papers submitted, in the hope that further geneological data might be obtained?
With thanks for courtesy of reply
Yours very truly
Henry Sage Dermott
Page 44

Pension Office U.S.
Sep 11 1914
Page 45

Rev. War Section.
September 16, 1914.
Mr. Henry Sage Dermott,
554 Hudson Avenue,
Albany, N. Y.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the 10t instant, you are advised that the family data furnished under date of February 15, 1907, is all and the only family data found in the claim of Rebecca Spencer widow of John Spencer, Wid. File No. 19, 389. Rev. War.
Very respectfully,
G.M. Saltzgaber, Commssioner.
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Rev War Section.
January 13, 1915.
Mrs. Harriet W. Thomas,
117 Main Street,
Silver Creek, N.Y.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 8t instant, relative to the military services of John Spencer of New York, you are advised that his widow, Rebecca Spencer, (W. File No. 19,389) was allowed pension on an application executed August 8, 1843, at which time she was a resident of Sheridan, Chatauqua County, New York.
She stated that John Spencer was born at Spencertown, New York, May 24, 1758, and served more than four years in the Revolutionary War; that he was under Captain Graves at Saratoga, served under Colonel Vose, was a First Lieutenant of Captain Peter Van Rensselaer's company, Colonel Marinus Willett's regiment, served at Quebec, Montreal, Johnstown, Providence, Rhode Island, Fort Plain, New York, and that he was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. (No dates given).
She further stated that she was born April 14, 1763, daughter of Ithamar and Rebecca Spencer, and was married to John Spencer of Spencertown, New York, February 14, 1782; that
Page 47

her husband was a Congregational Minister and died at Busti, Chautauqua County, New York, August 25, 1826.
The following family data is on file in the claim.
John Spencer born May 24, 1758
Rebecca Spencer born April 14, 1763.
Married February 14, 1782.
Elizabeth Spencer born April 27, 1783.
Mary Spencer born September 1, 1786.
Seth Spencer born February 17, 1789.
Abram Spencer born August 26, 1791, died December 16, 1792.
Rebecca Spencer born April 9, 1794.
Lydia Spencer born September 29, 1796.
Joel Spencer born July 31, 1799.
Cyrus Spencer born October 6, 1801, died January 31, 1803.
Philip Spencer born April 25, 1804.
Anne Spencer born December 19, 1806.
John Steele Spencer born April 15, 1810, died April 20, 1811.
John Spencer died August 25, 1826.
Anna Spencer died April 21, 1827
Seth died May 5, 1830.
Elizabeth Allen, eldest daught of John and Rebecca Spencer, died October 8, 1835.
Very respectfully,
Gm Satlzgaber Commissioner.
Page 48

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Rebecca Spencer
Page 49

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Augt 12 1844
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department it appears that the name of John Spencer is borne upon the Continental Army books, as a private in the 1st regt. Col Vose, Capt Willet from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 1779 - 12 mos, and a bounty of [illegible] [illegible] by the town of "Rocester" & from Jan 1 to March 12, 1780 of "Noble army", 2 mos & 12 days - in all 14 mos & 12 days.
The name of John  Spencer is borne from a pay roll of Mt Washington from July 13, 1780 3 mos & 1 day.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 50

Giles F. Yattes of the City of Schnectada N.Y. being duly sworn saith, that he is the attorney or agent for the widow of John Spencer an applicant for a pension. John Spencer resided during the revolution at Spencertown now within the bounds of Columbia County, N.Y and resided most of his military service as a Lieutenant under New York State officers. But he served for one term or more under Colonel Vose of Massachusetts but of this last named service she can give no particulars. She was married to him in February 1782.
G.F. Yates
Subscribed & sworn this 18th day of July 1844 before me
M.C. Myers
Commission of Deeds
Page 51

Schenectada N.Y. Aug 19 1844
Sir,
I send annexed some additional documentary evidence to show that John Spencer served in Vose's Regiment of Massachusetts. Spencertown when he hailed lies in the immediate neighborhood of Mt. Washington. The other town "Nobletown" no longer exists under that name, so neither does "Rocester". As there is no other John Spencer who served under Col. Vose, the service described in the annexed certificate, must surely be applicable to the case of Rebeccah Spencer (under the act of 7 July 1838.)
[19 months & 13 dys]
I am very respectfully
Your obt. Sevt.
G.F. Yates
P.S. I trust that the enclosed affidavits respecting the marriage, will settle that point. I am &c.
G.F. Yates.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm. of Pensions.