Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5818, Moses Beard, S. C.
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(S-1776)
SERVICE S.C.
Beard, Moses
NUMBER
W. 5818
Elizabeth
Born in Ireland
CONTENTS [blank]
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3781
Georgia
Moses Beard
of Clark in the State of Georgia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Petty of the Regl commanded by Col: Kershaw in the S. Car: [South Carolina] line for 2 years from 1780

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of Jan.y [January] 1833 and sent to Hon A. S. Clayton, Ho: of Reps

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 120-
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 40-
$460-
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book L Vol. 8 Page 128
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5429
Georgia
Elizabeth Beard dec
widow of Moses Beard S.C. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.
Ending May 7, 1849

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of May 1850 and sent to J. Knox Walker Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 208 Vol. 3..
H. E. Robinson

Sent to J. S. Morel May 18, 1850
Reported

(Following was crossed out)
[illegible] abercrombie May 30 1854
same Mar 13, 1854
Page 4

State of Georgia Clark County}
In Clark Sup Court - August Seven 1832

On this 17th day of August one thousand eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open court before me Charles Dougherty one of the Judges of the Superior Court of said State & presiding in the aforesaid court now sitting in afore the County of Clark Moses Beard a resident of the County & state aforesaid - He states there is no record of his age that he knows of but was always told that he was born in Ireland on the 22nd of April 1759 is therefore aged 72 years three month & twenty six days, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress  passed the 7th of June 1832 viz. That he entered the service of the U. S. under the following officers & served as herein stated.
1st He can not state the year or month particularly in which he entered the service but knows it was the year before the fall of Charleston in South Carolina. He was drafted & belonged first to a company commanded by Lieu. Luke Petty & attached to Col. Joseph Kershaw's regiment & served various tours under these officers. The [illegible] militia was drafted into three divisions & deponent fell into the first & marched to Moncks Corner & there formed several regiments, from thence he went under General Richardson to Purysburgh [Purrysburg] and Savannah River via Savannah adjoined Genl Lincoln, being called out for two months only at that time deponent returned home from Purysburgh & was relieved by another Division of the Drafted Militia. After remaining at home a short time he was called out again under the same Capt.
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he marched with the same regiment to Augusta in Georgia & joined a Genl Williamson on the South Carolina side of the river after remaining there for a considerable length of time how long deponent can not recollect he marched & joined Genl Lincoln again somewhere near Sommer or the Sister's Ferry on Savannah river between Augusta & Savannah & then marched with him to Stono where they had an engagement - after this he was discharged & went home & deponent can not possibly say what was the length of this service but he verily believes it was upwards of six months from the beginning to the end of it. After the Fall of Charleston in the month of July he thinks deponent volunteered to the Company of Capt. George Dunlap attached to the command of Genl Sumpter & joined the latter at Dock Harper's old place in what is now called Lancaster District then Kershaw Genl Sumpter then marched to rocky mount from thence to hanging rock when he had engagement from thence he returned with some prisoners by way with Sumpter, occasionally acting as a spy for Col Wm Washington's Dragoons until near the close of the war a space of time which when added to his first service was considerably more than two years. Deponent will say among the other skirmishes in which he was engaged he was at the taking of Rugely's Fort which was taken with a pine log made to represent a cannon. Deponent well recollects he aided in dragging the log.  He was living in South Carolina at the time of entering the service, Kershaw District, lived in South Carolina after the revolutionary till he removed to Georgia when he has
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remained ever since in the town of Athens, (Clark County. He was never a substitute & if he ever received a discharge which he can not now recollect it is lost. He states that he is known to the Revd Edward Thomas one among his many clergymen & Augustin S Clayton a member of Congress & one of his neighbors. He has no documentary evidence of the foregoing facts & with the exception of Genl Sumpter's certificate lately obtained (crossed out "he know of") and the affidavit of John Espey accompanying the declaration, he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. 

He hereby relinquishes his claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court being a court of Record, This 17th of August 1832
Robert Ligon Clerk
Moses Beard X his mark

We Edward L Thomas a clergyman residing in Clark County, Georgia & Augustin S Clayton of the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Moses Beard who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed this day and year aforesaid
Robert Ligon Clerk
Edward Loyd Thomas [signature]
A. S. Clayton [signature]
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And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicating was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Edward Lloyd Thomas who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Clark, Georgia, and that Augustin S Clayton who has also signed the same is a resident in the said County of Clark, Georgia and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

Witness my hand and seal the day & year above [illegible] Chas Doughtery J.S.C.M.C [seal]

I Robert Ligon Clerk of the Superior Court of Clark County Georgia, do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Moses Beard for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto to set my hand and Seal of Office this 27th day of August 1832
Robert Ligon Clerk
Supr. Court of Clark County Georgia
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In order to attain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows

State of Georgia Madison County} S.S.
On this fourth day of May Eighteen hundred and forty four before me James Long one of the Justice of the Inferior Court of Madison County State of Georgia personally appeared Elizabeth Beard widow of Moses Beard dec.d a revolutionary pensioner who is now a resident of the State of Georgia in the county of Madison aged Eighty years who being first duly Sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An act grating half pay and pensions to certain widows - that she is the widow of Moses Beard dec.d who was a private in the War of the revolution. For the necessary proof she begs leave to refer you to the Declaration of Moses Beard her Deceased husband now on file in the war Department of the United States.

She further declares that she was married to said Moses Beard in June Seventeen hundred and eighty two. That her husband the aforesaid Moses Beard died on the ninth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three in the county of Clark & State aforesaid. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety-four at the time above Stated.

She has no family record nor knows of no record of the marriage, nor does she recollect of any person living who can positively swear to her being married to her said dec.d husband Moses Beard but begs to refer you to the accompanying affidavits of Nancy A. White and Richard Wilson who testifies to the said Elizabeth Beard & Moses Beard living together as Man & Wife for a long time previous to the death of the said Moses Beard. 
[illegible]
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Also to the death of the said Moses Beard. All of which she begs may be taken as part of this declaration.  She is still a widow and has never been married since the death of her husband Moses Beard.  

She further declares that from the best information she can obtain, She lives between nine and ten miles from the place of holding County Court from old age and being very infirm she considers herself unable to attend the court for the purpose of making this declaration.  She therefore prays that her name may be placed on the pension list in conformity with the aforesaid act.

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me
James Long J.J.C. [signature]
Elizabeth Beard
her x mark

Georgia Madison County} before me James Long one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of Madison County State of Georgia personally appeared Nancy Anne White who after being duly sworn on oath saith that she was personally acquainted with Elizabeth Beard and the deceased Moses Beard for fifty years previous to the death of Moses Beard that they lived together as man and wife for that length of time that I was acquainted with them as Man and wife and the opinion of the neighbors were to that effect and from every circumstance I have always believed them to be such and have no doubt they were lawfully married and that she has not since the death of Moses Beard been married to any other person.
Sworn to & subscribed this 4th day of May 1844
before me James Long J.J.C
Names Ann White
her x mark
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Georgia Madison County}
Before me James Long one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of Madson County State of Georgia personally appeared Richard Wilson who after begin duly sworn on oath saith that he was personally acquainted with Elizabeth Beard who has made the foregoing declaration and her husband Moses Beard who he was acquainted with Eizabeth Beard and Moses Beard was a revolutionary pensioner eight years previous to the death of the said Moses Beard. - that the said Elizabeth Beard and Moses Beard her husband lived together until his death as Man and wife and was always considered as such. that the said Moses Beard husband of the said Elizabeth Beard died in the Month of February Eighteen hundred and thirty three - and that the said Elizabeth Beard has never been Married since the death of her husband Moses Beard but [illegible] remained a widow "Interesting before [illegible] with the words "was acquainted with Elizabeth Beard & Moses Beard between the fifth & sixth lines from the top". 
This 4th day of May 1844 - before me
James Long J. J. C
Richard Wilson

State of Georgia Madison County}
I James Long one of the Justice of the Inferior Court of Madison County & State of Georgia do Certify that Elizabeth Beard wife of the dec.d Moses Beard who has made the foregoing declaration before me is very Infirm and unable to attend the sittings of the County Court or Court of Ordinary and that Nancy A White and Richard Wilson who have made and subscribed the foregoing affidavits before me are credible witnesses and that good faith ought to be given to their affidavits as such - and I do further certify that the applicant Elizabeth Beard cannot from bodily Infirmity attend the court - Given under my hand the sixth day of May Eighteen hundred and forty four.
James Long J. J. C
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State of Georgia
Madison County}
I Walton H Griffith Clerk of the Inferior Court of Madison County do certify that James Long whose name appears to the forgoing declaration affidavits and certificates is an acting Justice of the Inferior Count in and for Madison County State of Georgia and that Good faith and credits is and ought to be given to his official act as such and that his signature is genuine. 
Given under my hand and [illegible] seal having no [illegible] of office and [illegible] the Sixth day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty four.
Walton H Griffith C. I. C [seal]
[side text]
1095
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Elizabeth Beard, Dec.d
Adui Acts '38
43444
at $80 year annum
deducting former pay to at $30 per ann.

Adui
Act 2 Feb 1848
at
$80 per ann.
from 4 March 1848 & Ending 7 May 1849
Payable to 
Jonathan Beard
Nancy White
Lavicy Peach
Lydia Walker &
Margaret Sneed, only surviving children
J. Knox Walker
[illegible]
Page 13

State of Geogia Clark County}
On this the 13th day of April 1850 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above written personally appeared Margaret Sneed a person whose statements are entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn according to the law makes the following Declaration in order to obtain the amount due her and her brother and sisters heirs of a deceased Revolutionary Pensioner.  She states that she is the child of Moses Beard and Elizabeth Beard both of whom were Pensioners of the United States her father Moses Beard drew in his life time under the act of Congress 7th June 1832 - 80 dollars per annum up to his death which accured on the 9th day of February 1833 that he died having a widow deponent's mother Elizabeth Beard who applyed and drew a Pension under Act of Congress 7th July 1838 but only drew 30 dollars per annum up to her death which accured  on the 7th day of May 1849  She therefore makes the Declaration in order to obtain the balance due her and her brother and other sisters under the several acts and Resolutions of Congress passed for the benefit of surviving heirs of deceased Pensioners.  She further states that she has only one brother living Jonathan Beard who lives in Hall County in this State and who is about 55 years old and three sisters to wit Nancy White living in this County aged about 60 years Lavicy Peach aged about 53 years living in Russell County Alabama and Lydia Walker aged about 45 years living in this County and deponents age 44 years last March.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written 
John Kirkpatrick J. Peace
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State of Georgia Clark County}
S.S. I John Calvin Johnson Clerk of the Superior Court of the County and State aforesaid, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced to the Court that Johnathan Beard, Nancy White, Lavicy Peach and Lydia Walker and Margaret Sneed are the only surviving children of Moses Beard and Elizabeth Beard both now Deceased and that John Kirkpatrick whose name appears to the foregoing declaration is and was at the time of Signing the [illegible] Justice of the Peace for said County and State duly Commissioned & qualified and that the forgoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Superior Courts Office, this 13th day of April 1850
John Calvin Johnson Clerk
[seal]
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VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Washinton 
November 9, 1936.
Honorable Carl Vinson
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
BA-J/ILL
Moses Beard
W. 5818
My dear Mr. Vinson:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Moses Beard, who received a pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. 

The data given herein were found in pension claim, W. 5818, based upon service of Moses Beard in that war.

Moses Beard was born April 22, 1759 in Ireland; the names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Kershaw District, South Carolina, he enlisted sometime in 1779, served two months as private in Captain Luke Petty's company, Colonel Joseph Kershaw's South Carolina regiment, during which he marched to Monck's Corner, returned home, re-enlisted and served about six months under the same officers, during which he marched to Augusta, Georgia, and was in the battle of Stono. He enlisted in the summer after the fall of Charleston, South Carolina, served as a private in Captain George Dunlap's South Carolina company, was in the engagement at Hanging Rock, at the taking of Rugely's Fort, also, acted occasionally as spy for Colonel William Washington's Dragoons until near the end of the war. His entire service amounted to at least two years.

The soldier resided in South Carolina after the Revolutionary War, and moved from there to Georgia, where he resided in Athens, in Clarke County.

Moses Beard was allowed pension on his application executed
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August 17, 1832, at which time he resided in Athens, Georgia. He died February 9, 1833, in Clarke County, Georgia.

Moses Beard married in June 1782, Elizabeth, whose maiden name is not shown. They were living in South Carolina as late as 1794.

Elizabeth Beard, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed May 4, 1844, at which time she resided in Madison County, Georgia. She was aged then eighty years; the date and place of her birth were not stated. She died May 7, 1849.

In 1850, the names of the surviving children of Moses Beard and his wife, Elizabeth, were given as follows: Jonathan Beard, aged about fifty-five years, of Hall County, Georgia: Lavicy Peach, aged about fifty-three years, of Russell County, Alabama: Nancy White, aged about sixty years, of Clarke County, Georgia: Lydia Walker, aged about forty-five years, also of Clarke County, Georgia: and Nancy Sneed, of Clarke County, Georgia, who in April 1850, stated that she was forty-four "last March", and referred also to her children, no names given. the names of the husbands of the soldier's daughters, listed above, were not stated.

In 1854, James Peach was a resident of Wacoochee Russell County, Alabama: his relationship to the family of Moses Beard was not stated.

Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller, 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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From certain facts communicated to me by Moses Beard I feel no hesitation in saying that he was with me during the Revolutionary war; the [illegible], as one of that name from Kershaw District, was with me, who belonged to Col. Marshall's Regiment of Lynch's Creek
[illegible] Sumter [signature]
[circular stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIES OF THE UNITED STATES
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[Circular stamp - illegible except JUN]
ZJ
The Honble [Honorable] Judge Clayton
Washington. D. C.

[upside down text]
8160 
Moses Beard's
Application for 1780 pension a year $80.
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Statesburgh, Mary 30, 1832
Sir,
General Sumter received a letter from Mr Robert B Houghton of Athens, in which he stated your desire to obtain a certificate of service for Moses Beard. General Sumter requests me to present his respects to you and to assure you of the pleasure it gives him to be of service to one who has served his country. I transmit to you a certificate [illegible] that it will answer.

I take this opportunity to express to a public servant the pleasure I, as well as the rest of my [illegible] experienced at the opposition you have evinced towards the U. States Bank and we hope that your able endeavors to put down an institution so repugnant to the true spirit of the Constitution may be attended with success.  
Yours with respect,
Thomas D. Sumter
(over)
Page 20

Georgia Clark County}
I Augustin L Clayton do hereby certify that at the last session of congress I present a memorial to that body from Moses Beard the present applicate under the act of the 7th of June 32 praying relief as a revolutionary soldier, that pending his [illegible] I wrote to him to furnish additional evidence of his service [illegible] previously told me he was known to Genl Sumpter [Sumter] as a soldier [illegible] him to procure his testimony. He procured a letter to be written General Sumpter [Sumter] to which I've @ this letter as an answer, enclosing this [illegible] certificate which came by due course of mail & which I verily believe to be genuine. It was about the last act in writing [illegible] General's life.
A. L. Clayton [signature]
Page 21

Georgia Clark County}
Came personally before me, Asbury Hull one of the Presiding Judges of the Inferior Court of said County. John Espey, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is well acquainted with Moses Beard who has made a declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832 and recollects this fact in relation to his serving in the revolutionary war - a short time before Gates Defeat in the marching & [illegible] marching of the American Troops on the Yadkin in North Carolina he met with Moses Beard the applicate in Gates Army. he had got detached from Genl Sumpter's [Sumter's] command & was trying to get back to his line & waited several days & deponent says being a well behaved young man & provisions being scarce, took him into the mess to which deponent belonged & having his arms along has no doubt he was in the American service & a good whig - So long as he staid he performed the regular duties of the rest of the soldiers in camp, frequently taking the place of others till he could get to his own troops - He remained some eight or ten days. At the time this occurred it was very troublesome times & great derangement of the different corps prevailed throughout the country. He was in the neighborhood of Camden.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 22nd August 1832
Asbury Hull J. J. C Clark County
John Espey [signature]
[Circular stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE UNITED STATES
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Washington City 27th January 1854
L P Walds Esqr
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you the letter of Mr. James Peach of Wacoochee Russell County Ala [Alabama] to which to call your attention.
James Abercrombie
Page 23

Elizabeth Beard
[illegible]
Please [illegible] this letter [illegible]

[side text]
Wacoochie [Wacoochee] Ala
July 23

Mr, James Abercrombie M C
Washington City
Page 24

In the case of Elizabeth Beard please allow pension for [illegible] service as may appear to be [illegible] and it will be accepted
[illegible]
Page 25

Genl Sumpter [Sumter] certifies that there was one of that name with him in the service & he has reason to believe claimant was the person.
[illegible] testifies that he saw this claimant in [illegible] army

[side text]
30
30
3
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into service the year before the fall of Charleston SC in Luke Petty's Colo. Jos Kershaw's regt served 2 mo (mila) again called out under the same Capt & same regt served about 6 mo. In the month of July after the fall of Charleston in  Capt Dunlap's Co under Genl Sumpter's [Sumter's] command.  acted as a spy occasionally and served about 2 years including his other tours.
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[illegible] 30/34
Page 28

548
Pension Office
Jany 30 1854
Sir
I return the letter of Mr James Peach and have the honor to inform you that the arrearage of pension due at the death of Moses Beard of Ga [Georgia], was properly paid to his widow, who was alone entitled to it. 
[crossed out - The children are entitled to any arrearage that may be due her of the balance of her pension [illegible] payment due at her death.]
Hon James Abercrombie HofR
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Hon. Jas Abercrombie
March 13/54
Page 30

Pension Office
March 13. 1854
Sir
In answer to the letter of James Peach, Esq, to yourself, dated the 23rd ult, I have the honor to inform you that the pension of Moses Beard from the 4th of March, 1831, to his death, and of his widow Elizabeth of Ga, from the 4th of March, 1836, to the time of her death, have been allowed and paid, for the entire time authorized by law, and at as high rates as, in the deliberate judgements of my predecessors and myself we were justified by law and evidence in allowing.  The letter of Mr. Peach is herewith returned.
Hon Jas Abercrombie
H. of Reps
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[Circular stamp]
SAVANNAH
GEO
MAY 14

FREE
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner
[illegible] Pensions
Washington D.C.

[sideways text]
May [illegible]
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[illegible] May 14th 1858
Dear Sir
Your communication in relation to the pension of Elizabeth Beard dec'd: If payable to her surviving children has [illegible]. The payment is to commence on the 4th March 1836 & to terminate in the 7 May 1849. Are these payments to include the year 1841 & 1842 or they to be excluded or in former payments under acts 1838' 43 & 49? As the instructions seemed to include these years & having no precedent to govern me, I has the question that I may not err in paying the pension when the vouchers are presented.
Respectfully [illegible]
James G Morse
Pension Office

JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pens. Washington DC
Page 33

Washington Apl 22 1850
Sir.
Enclosed I hand you the application of Mrs Margaret Sneed, on behalf of herself and the other children of Moses Beard & Elizabeth Beard.

Moses Beard was a pensioner at $80 per annum & died 9 Feb 1833 - his widow Elizabeth Beard was admitted a pensioner under act of 38 but only at $30 per annum.

This application of the children is for the difference of pension & the small arrear of pension.
J. Knox Walker Present
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm Pension
L. L.
Page 34

J Long
Sept 10 '45
Page 35

162
Pension Office
Sept 10. 1845
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 3rd inst
I have to inform you that Moses Beard alleged in his declaration that he entered the service the year before the fall of Charleston, in Luke Patty's [Petty's] company, Jos Kershaw's regiment, and served two months' that he was again called out, in the same company and regiment, and served about six months, and that in the month of July after the fall of Charleston, he entered Capt. Dunlap's company which was under General Sumpter's [Sumter's] command, and served, included his other tours more than two years, during which time he acted occasionally as a spy for Col. Washington's Troop. The affidavit of John Espey merely ('stated' crossed out) shews that he saw the claimant in the service and Genl Sumpter's [Sumter's] certificate states that a soldier bearing the name of the claimant of served with him and he had reason to believe that he was the same person.
Jas Long, Esq
Danielsville, Geo
10 957_38
[illegible]
Page 36

Danielsville Geo
6th Sept

The Honorable Secretary of War
Washington City

J. L. Edwards [illegible]
Commissioner of pensions
[sideways text]
Eliz Beard
[illegible]
Page 37

Danielsville
3rd September 1845
Dear Sir
I understand that Moses Beard made his declaration in Clark County when applying to be placed on the pension list never having seen the declaration and not knowing what facts he stated in his affidavit nor the tours of duty he performed nor the additional proof accompanying said declaration, I would ask the favor (if not contrary to the duty of this department) for a statement of his affidavit and the accompanying affidavits to see whether I can make an additional evidence of his serving so as to place his widow Elizabeth Beard (whose papers are on file in the department) on the pension list.
Yours Obt. Servt.
James Long
Page 38

Pension Office 38
June 2nd 1845
Sir.
The additional evidence in the case of Elizabeth Beard, has been examined and filed with her other other papers.
It is highly probably, nay indeed it amounts to almost absolute certainty that he was pensioned for more service than was performed by him.  At the time of granting his pension the office possessed far less information relating to revolutionary service, and particularly that of the militia than it has since obtained. Gen Sumter, merely certified that he was in service, and the affidavit of John Espey amounts to nothing more.

The certificate of the Comptroller General instead of strengthening matters furnishes grounds for the reflection of the claim as the name of Moses Beard is not found upon the records in his office.  Unless the the evidence of service of his comrades be produced, showing when
Page 39

and how long he served the claim must be rejected.

Margaret Sneed in her additional and amended affidavit to prove the date of the marriage says "and since examining their own family record, and the circumstances in regard to the ages of her own children" She arrived at the fact that Moses & Elizabeth Beard were married prior to January 1794.  Mrs Sneed should state what are the facts in her family record by which she is enabled to fix upon the precise dates contained in her affidavit.
James Long Esq.
Danielsville, Georgia

[sideways text]
James Long June 2nd '45
Page 40

War Department
Washington City
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 41

Danielsville 1st day of April 1845
Dear Sir
I once more trouble you with the enclosed affidavit of Margaret Sneed by way of showing more fully the reason of her believing that Moses Beard and Elizabeth Beard were man and wife which she wishes you to take in consideration with her former affidavit now on file in the War Department at present I know of no letter showing which Elizabeth Beard the petitioners can make in regard to her marriage with Moses Beard. I hope that this may prove satisfactory and that a certification for pension may issue.
I remain your Obt Svt
James Long
P.S. has the certificate issued in the case of [illegible] Bragg} J. S.
Page 42

Georgia Jackson County}
Personally appeared John Espy & being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he was personally acquainted with Moses Beard During the Revolutionary War and that he knows him to have been actively engaged in the war as a [illegible] man and deponent further states that he [illegible in between text] applied for and received a pension as a revolutionary soldier; and that the present applicant Mrs Elizabeth Beard is the widow of the said Moses Beard and that she is entitled to the benefit of the act of Congress made for the benefit of the widows of the Revolutionary Soldiers to the best of his belief.
John Espy [signature]

Sworn to and Subscribed
the 20th February 1845
Robert Espy J. J. C.

Georgia Jackson County}
I, John J McCulloch, clerk of the Inferior Court for said county do certify that Robert Espy whose name appears to the above affidavit as witness is a Justice of the Inferior Court for said County duly commissioned & qualified and that full faith & credit ought to be had & given to his attestation as such and that the signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my private seal having no seal of office and subscribed my name This 20th February 1845
John J McCulloch @Mz [handwritten Seal with "LS"}
Page 43

13 March 1845
Hon H. Cobb
Page 44

Pension Office March 15: 1845
Sir;
I have the honor to return herewith Mr. Wilson's letter, and to inform you that such evidence of the service of Moses Beard, and of his marriage with claimant Elizabeth Beard as has been required by my former letter has not been furnished.  She must show by the testimony of respectable and intelligent persons who can referring to some associate event in their own history that they have a knowledge of the period of which they testify, that the marriage took place prior to 1st January 1794, and establish the service of her husband by the Certificate of the Comptroller General of South Carolina

Hon Howell Cobb
Athens Ga
Page 45

James Long
March 17 '45
Page 46

346
Pension Office
March 14 '25
Sir:
When my letter to the Honorable Howell Cobb requiring addl proof of marriage and service in the case of Elizabeth Beard was written, it was not known that the certificate of the Compt. General S. C. had reached this office. This document affords no satisfactory evidence of the exact service performed by Moses Beard whose name it appears is not found on the records. The evidence of the date of the marriage remains insufficient

James Long Esq
Danielsville
Madison Co Geo.
10.9.57
Act July 7th 38
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[sideways text]
March 7 1845
Addl tes case of
Moses Beard

FREE
The Honorable
Secretary of War
City of Washinton
J. S. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
[circular postage stamp]
Page 48

Danielsville
1st March 1845

Dear Sir
The papers in the case of Mrs Beard are forwarded to the Honorable Howel Cobb which he will turn over to you 
by some overnight the letter of the Comptroller General of South Carolina was overlooked enclosed you have his letter.
Yours respectfully
James Long
Page 49

Georgia Jackson County}
I, John J McCulloch Clerk of the Inferior Court for said county do certify that Robert Espy whose name appears as witness to the within affidavit is a Justice of the Inferior Court for said county duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith & credit ought to be had and given to his attestation as such and that the signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my private seal having no seal of office and subscribe my name this 20th February 1845
John J McCulloch Crk 
[personal seal LS]
Page 50

Georgia Jackson County}
Personally appeared before me Joshua Wimberly who being duly Sworn deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Moses Beard a revolutionary soldier & pentioner and his wife Elizabeth Beard since Seventeen ninety four and that they were then living in South Carolina Kershaw district and had several children and deponent further states that he saw the said Beard in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two and he was then married and that they lived in the same neighborhood a number of years after the above date that he has no doubt but they were lawfully married people never having heard any thing to the contrary. 
Richard Wimberley [signature]
Sworn to and subscribed this 20th February 1845 
Robert Espy J. J. C.
Page 51

[postage stamp]
COLUMBIA
FEB 8

184
James Long Esq
Danielsville Madison County Georgia mail
[sideways addition]
5.50 - 50
5.00-25cents
4.75 - 50
4.25
Page 52

Comptroller General's office
Columbia So. Ca. February 6th /45
D Sear
Your communicating of the 3rd Inst is to hand and I regret to add that the Records in this office furnish no Evidence in the case of Mr. Moses Beard.
It is highly probably he never rendered his Aud. to the Commissioner; and if so it accounts for his name not being enrolled or noticed.
Archibald: Danl: Jams: John: Jonas: Mary: Robert: Ulrick, and Wm Beard are on Record
Very Respectfully
For Comptroller Genl.
Laval
Page 53

Washington City 8th Jan 1845
Sir
Enclosed you have a letter from Col Long which reached me only this morning or would have been earlier sent to you.
The first part of it is a memorandum intended for my own use as I was not sufficiently acquainted with the hand writings of the parties.
I should be pleased to hear from you in relation to the applications & other subjects mentioned in Mr Long's letter
I am very Respectfully your obt srvt
Howell Cobb

JS Edwards Esq
Com of Pens WC
Page 54

Georgia Clark County}
Before me Robert C Wilson a Justice of the peace in and for Clark County personally appeared Margaret Sneed who after being duly sworn on oath saith that she was well acquainted with Moses Beard and wife Elizabeth Beard during the years Seventeen hundred and Ninety-Nine and Ninety two & Seventeen hundred and Ninety three that during those years she was frequently at their house that they were much respected and esteemed and were considered man and wife and that she never heard any thing to the contrary but knows they were living as man and wife during those years from her frequent visits to their house.
Margaret Sneed [signature]
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of November 1844
Robert C Wilson J. P

Georgia Clark County} I Robert C Wilson a Justice of the peace do certify that Margaret Sneed appeared before me and made the foregoing affidavit and duly signed the same that she is a creditable witness and a lady of respectability, and that good faith and credit is and ought to be given to her affidavit as such given under my hand this 30th day of November 1844
Rober C Wilson J. P.

Georgia Clark County}
I Asa M Jackson Clerk of that Court of Ordinary in for said county do certify that Robert C Wilson is an acting Justice of the Peace with for said County and [illegible] good [illegible] credit ought to be given to his official acts [illegible] and that the foregoing signatures on the affidavits & certificates of said Justice of the Peace is genuine. Given under my hand & seal of office this 30th day of November Eighteen hundred forty four. Asa M Jacson CCO
Page 55

Georgia Clark County}
Before me Robert C Wilson a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Margaret Sneed who after being duly Sworn on oath Saith by way of making the following explanatory and amendatory affidavit by way of testifying more fully to her knowledge and belief of what she has heretofore testified to in her former affidavit. She says when she made her former affidavit that she did so from the recollection she had of Moses Beard and Elizabeth Beard living together as man and wife on  since examining her own family record and the circumstances in regard to the age of her own children - makes her certain that they the said Moses and Elizabeth Beard were married previous to the year Seventeen hundred and eighty three that they were living together as man and wife previous to the year Seventeen hundred and ninety four say 1790. 1791. 1792. 1793 and Seventeen hundred and ninety four this she testifies to of her own knowledge and that she was still acquainted with the said Moses & Elizabeth Beard until the death of Moses Beard and that they still lived together as man and wife until the death of Moses Beard that they were considered by the community at large Man and Wife and she never heard it disputed and she is still acquainted with Elizabeth Beard and that she remains a widow. She also further states from the circumstances of her own family record that they must have been married sometime in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two.
Margaret Sneed [signature]
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 1st day of April 1845 Robert C Wilson J.P.
Page 56

Georgia Clark County} 
I Robert C. Wilson a Justice of the peace in and for the said county do certify that Margaret Sneed appeared before me and made the foregoing affadavit and duly signed the same, and as I have before stated that she is a creditable witness and a lady of respectability and that good faith and credit is and ought to be given to her affadavit as such given under my hand this 1st day of April 1845
Robert C. Wilson J. P.

Georgia Clark County} 
Clerks Office Inferior Court I John Calvin Johnson Clerk of said Court hereby Certify that Robert C Wilson whose name appears to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, that full faith and credit is and of right ought to be had and given to all his official acts as such that the forgoing Certificate is in due form of law, and the signatures purported to be his is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of Office this 1st day of April 1845.
John Calvin Johnson Clerk
[seal]
Page 57

Georgia Clark County}
Personally appeared Margaret Sneed before me Robert C. Wilson a Justice of the Peace in and for said county for the purpose of making an supplementary or amendatory affidavit who after being duly sworn on oath saith that in her former affidavit when she has reference to her own family record and the ages of her children in regard to Moses and Elizabeth Beard living together as man and wife prior to the first of January 1794 and her belief of their marriage she does not wish to be so understood as arriving at the fact of the marriage of the said Moses and Elizabeth Beard from her own family record but that it is her wish to be so understood that on examining  her own family record and the ages of her children and comparing that with her former affadavit strengthens her recollection in regard to their being man and wife and living together as such and before testifyed and she now sais that the more she considers about said marriage that now she is strengthened in her belief that they were man and wife and still sais that they were living together as man and wife and still sais that they were living together as man and wife prior to the first of January 1794 as before testifyed which she prays may be taken as part of this affadavit being connected therewith
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 3rd day of January 1846
Robert. C. Wilson J. P. 
Margaret Sneed [signature]

Georgia Clark County}
I Robert C. Wilson a Justice of the peace do certify that Margaret Sneed appeared before me and made the forgoing affadavit and duly signed the same that she is a creditable witness and a lady of respectability and that good faith and credit is and ought to be given to her affadavit as such given under my hand this 3rd day of January 1846 
Robert. C. Wilson J. P.
Page 58

Georgia Clarke County}
Clerks Office Superior Court
I John Calvin Johnson Clerk of said Court hereby certify that Robert C Wilson is a magistrate at above being a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
Sworn under my hand and Seal of Office this 17th day of January 1846
John Calvin Johnson, Clerk
Page 59

Georgia Madison County}
before me James Long one of the Justice of the Inferior Court in & for Madison County State of Georgia personally appeared Nancy Ann White who after being duly sworn in addition and by way of explanation of her oath made on the 4th day of May 1844 - doth make the following amendatory affadavit in regard to her knowledge of Moses Beard & Elizabeth Beard living together as Man and Wife to wit.  She was living in the house with the said Moses Beard dec.d and Elizabeth Beard in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty three, 1784. 1785. 1786. 1787. 1788. 1789. 1791. 1792 and Seventeen hundred and ninety three during which time they lived together and bedded as man and wife and she has no doubt they were so since that time she was acquainted with them up to the death of Moses Beard and all that time they were considered Man & wife & She believes them to have been such. Since the death of Moses Beard she has still been acquainted with the widow Elizabeth Beard and that she Still remains a widow
Sworn to & Subscribed this 14th day of November 1844 before me 
James Long J. J. C
Nancy Ann White 
her + mark

Georgia Madison County} I James Long one of the Justice of the Inferior Court in and for Madison County State of Georgia do certify that Nancy Ann White whose name appears to the foregoing affadavit appeared before me and made and subscripted the foregoing affadavit. She is a credible witness and good faith and credit is and ought to be given to her oat as such given under my hand this 30th day of November 1844
James Long J. J. C.
Page 60

State of Georgia Madison County}
I. Jonathan Sanders Clerk of the Court of Ordinary of Madison County do certify that James Long whose name appears to the forgoing affidavit and Certificate is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court in and for Madison County State of Georgia and that good Faith and credit is and ought to be given to his official acts as such and that his signature is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of Office and Subscribed my name this third day of December Eighteen hundred and forty four.
Jona: Sanders C.C.O.
Page 61

10957
Elizabeth Beard Ga
8661447
Declaration
Elizabeth Beard Act 7 July 38
adm d
[illegible]
30
also act 43 & 44
30
Hon A H Stephens 
H of R
Page 62

November Term 1844
Georgia Madison County}
Inferior Court sitting as a Court of Ordinary
Present their honors John Griffith John E. Caldwell and William Sanders
I Jonathan Sanders Clerk of the Court of Ordinary do certify that the annexed and foregoing declaration of Elizabeth Beard widow. claiming a pension was submitted to said court this day and said declaration duly approved by said Court while sitting as a Court of Ordinary. and I do further certify that James Long whose name appears to the affidavits on said declaration is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court and that his signature is genuine and that Walton H Griffith whose name appears to the certificate in said declaration is the acting clerk of the Inferior Court of said County.
Given under my hand and seal of Office this fourth day of November eighteen hundred and forty four
Jona: Sanders C. C. O.
Page 63

James Long
Sept 13 '44
Page 64

Pension Office
Sept 13 44.
Sir the papers on the case of Elizabeth Beard widow of Moses beard claiming a pension under the act of July 7th '38 have been examined. The date of the marriage is not sufficiently established. Record or documentary evidence of a public or private nature shd be produced in [illegible] when [illegible] evidence as rec'd it must be of the most specific character as to duty showing by circumstances calculated to impress the time upon the memory, the reason why the witnesses are confident as to the period of which they speak.  The Declaration is herewith returned that the proceedings before the magistrate may be submitted to a Court of Record duly organized as such and approved thereby under seal. The Comptroller General of S. C. who has the Rolls of that State shd certify the amount of service of Moses Beard who says he served under Capt Petty Col Kershaw Capt Georige Dunlap - Genl William Gen Lincoln, Sumpter. When there is a seal of office the Sect of State or member of Congress [illegible] James Long Esq 10-9 57
Danielsville Ga Act 7th July 38
Page 65

Danielsville Geo
Dec 1844
Secretary of War
Washington City
J. S. Edwards. Esq
Commissions of pensions

[sideways text]
On Dec 9 1844
addl les case of Elizabeth Beard & Lucy Bragg
Page 66

Honorable Secretary of War} Danielsville 3rd December 1844
Dr Sir,
Enclosed you have the declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Beard with additional affadavits which [illegible] as near proving the Marriage with herself and Moses Beard as she is able at present to do - also additional affadavits in the case of [illegible] Bragg now on file in the war Department which is the best evidence of her marriage she is able to make and she hopes that those in addition to those heretofore made will prove sufficient - from every circumstance that has come under my knowledge I have no doubt they are both entitled. If any can be without proving their marriage positive.

Your Obt Servt
James Long
Page 67

10.9 57
Elizabeth Beard 
[illegible]
Act 7 July 38
Page 68

[envelope]
Danielsville Ga
May 1844
The Hon Secretary of War
Washington City
Declaration for pension

face

[sideways text]
10957 May 14th 
[illegible]
Elizabeth Beard
July 1838

Pension Office
Page 69

The Honorable Secretary of War
Danielsville 15th May 1844
Dr Sir
Enclosed you have the Declaration of Elizabeth Beard a Very aged, Infirm and poor woman the reason she has not applied sooner is that she was very ignorant about the provisions of the law. Should you wish any other Information please apply to the Honorable Howell Cobb a Member in the house of Representatives from the State of Georgia who I presume will be able to give you such other Information as may be required (if any is)
Your Obt. Sevt.
James Long
Page 70

[left side]
Georgia 7563
Elizabeth Beard
widow of Moses Beard who was a Private in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of February 1846 and sent to Hon. A. H. Stephens
House of Representatives

Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2 Page 172

[right side]
{Inc'd to 80 ded. former payments payable to children}
Page 71

[left side]
Hist to Hon Carl

[right side]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5818
Elizabeth Beard Widow Moses Beard
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby 2 [illegible]
Index: - Vol. A, Page 49
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 72


[left side]
Georgia 9867
Elizabeth Beard Widow of Moses Beard who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 9th February 1833 of Madison Co in the State of Georgia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Petty of the regit commanded by Col. Kershaw in the S. Carolina line for 9 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 30 Dollars [blank] cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of February 1846 and sent to Hon A. H. Stephens, House of Representatives
Total amount $150-
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book D. Vol 1. Page 317

[right side]
Inc'd to 80.00 May 10/50
[illegible] former payments payable to children
Page 73

SEVENTY-FOURTH CONGRESS
CARL VINSON GA., CHAIRMAN
PATRICK HENRY DREWRY, VA
STEPHEN W. GAMBRILL, MD
JOHN J. DELANEY, N. Y. 
FRANK C. KNIFFIN, OHIO
JOACHIM O. FERNANDEZ, L.A.
PATRICK J. BOLAND, PA.
LEONARD W SCHUETZ, ILL.
WILLIAM H. SUTPHIN, N. J.
JOSEPH B. SHANNON, MO.
WILLIAM J. SEARS, FLA.
JOHN J. MC GRATH, CALIF.
COLGATE W. DARDEN, JR., VA.
W. D. MC FARLANE, TEX
JOHN M. O'CONNELL, R. I.
STEPHEN M. YOUNG, OHIO
BYRON N. SCOTT, CALIF.
JOSEPH E. CASEY, MASS.
GEORGE P. DARROW, PA. 
CHARLES D. MILLARD, N. Y.
GEORGE BURNHAM, CALIF.
WILLIAM L. HIGGINS, CONN
MELVIN J. MAAS, MINN.
RALPH E. CHURCH, ILL.
SAMUEL W. KING, HAWAII
E. JULIAN PEACOCK, CLERK
ROBERT H. HARPER, ASST. CLERK

House of Representatives U. S.
Committee on Naval Affairs
Washington, D. C. 
November 4, 1936

The Director, 
Veterans Administratin,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
In re:
Beard, Moses
Revolutionary Veteran.
The above mentioned person before his death received a pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. I would appreciate it if you would give me any information you have regarding his service.
If any mention is made as to whom his relatives were, please advise me regarding same.
Yours very truly,
Carl Vinson [signature]
Carl Vinson, M. C.
[circular stamp - numbers 1 through 12 with dashes around circumference]
RECEIVED NOV 5 1936