Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1,781, John Wear, N.C.

Page 1

Service N.C.
Wear, John
Number S:1781
Contents Born in Penn
carded

Page 2

13579
East Tennessee 
John Wear
of Sevier Co in the State of E Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Sevier 
of the Regt commanded
by Col Ware in the North Carolina
line for 10 months

Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of May
1833 and Sent to James
Hair Knoxville
Arrears to the 4th of March
66.66 
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 1666
$83.32

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk
Book C Vol. 7 Page 66

Page 3

24.382
John Wraes
Levier Co
Tennessee
from 1781 private
10 months
33.33
3
_
1 - 2
James Hair
Knoxville
Tennessee

Page 4

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of John Wears, Sevier Co, Tennessee
Period when the service was rendered
Jan 1781
Aug 1781
Jun. 1782
Apr 1782

Duration of the
claimant's service
Years: Months: Days
0: 3: 0
0: 3: 0
0: 2: 0
0: 2: 0

Rank of the claimant.
Priv
"
"
"

Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Cap. Sevier
Col. Not recol? - Cap. Tate
Cap. Moore
Col. Ware - Cap. Moore

Age at present, and place of abode
when he entered the service.
92 years - Green Co, N. Car

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 5

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss.
On this ____ day of ____
personally appeared (a) before ____
A. B. a resident (b) of ____ in the county of ____ and State, Territory, or District of aged (c) ____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ____, with _____ and served in the ____ (e) regiment of the ____ line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
[____ of the Court of ____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of ____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of ____
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ____ and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ____, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ____ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, ____ Clerk of the Court of ____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of ____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ____ day of ____
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

Page 6

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
Case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

-----
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ____ year ____ months, and ____ days, I served as a ____ and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration in highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit,
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.


MODE OF AUTHENTICATING PAPERS.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

PROOF OF SERVICE.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] and [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowen

Page 7

State of Tennessee ⎬ On this 5th day March 1823     Sevier County ⎬ Personally appeared before me Josiah Pragus one of the acting Justices of the Court of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County and State at his own house in the said County and State he being entirely unable to attend Court by reason of old age and bodily infirmity John Wear a resident of the said County and State in the said County of Sevier and State of Tennessee aged 92 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer and served as herein stated.  He was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on Shammany Creek on the 12th day of January 1741.  He has no record of his age at this time he had one in his family bible but he gave the bible to his daughter and has not seen it for a number of years.  He lived in Greene County, North Carolina but now Tennessee on Nolichucky River or perhaps it was called Washington County at that time at which place in the first of January 1781 as he thinks at this time he volunteered under Capt John Sevier he thinks said Sevier was Capt but is not certain whether he was not Col at that time. We had no regular place of rendezvous the company collected to the Capt We marched onto Roans Creek and up it to the Station lay there some time and scouted through the country then we marched into the neighborhood of Abington, Virginia to quell the tories lay there some time caught same tories and the balance fled. We then marched back to the station on Roans Creek lay there some time and scouted through the Country we then returned back to the place where we started from and was then honorably discharged but verbally by telling us we might go home got no written discharge He claims pension for three months service at this time he was dismissed or discharged about the first of April 1781.  Again while living at the same place he went with his wagon to Richmond, Virginia for a load of salt.  he had a waggoneer and he road (rode) a

Page 8

single horse before he got home he met a company of his neighbors going on to Join General Washington's army he thinks it was in Amherst County, Virginia that he met them he left his horse borrowed a gun and Joined the company as a volunteer under Capt William Bate he thinks it was about the last of August 1781 we marched through the country and joined the main army at Yorktown he was in the siege of that place and helped to take Cornwallace (Cornwallis) after the siege was over they returned home and was honorably but verbally discharged about the last of November 1781 he does not recollect the name of the Col that commanded him at the siege he claims Pension for three months service at this time he got no written discharge. Again He then moved into the neighborhood where Greenville now stands on the waters of Nola Chuky (Nolichucky) river at which place he volunteered under  Capt Moses Moore against the Cherokee Indians in January 1782 as he thinks be rendezvoused when Greeneville now is we had no Col we then marched to Wilsons station on the East fork of little Pigeon River he then marched to Wears Fort on the west fork of little Pigeon we made that our headquarters and scouted through the country in quest of Indians our company killed two Indians in Wears Cove we had no regular battle lay there at the said Fort till our time was out and was there honorably discharged which discharge was signed by the said Capt Moore but is lost long since he was discharged in March 1782. He claims Pension for two months service at this time. Again Amidiately (Immediately) after he returned home he got the report that the Indians were committing depredations on the whites and he volunteered under the said Capt Moses Moore in the first of April 1782 as he believes they Rendezvoused where Greenville now stands we marched to said Wears fort on the West fork of litle Pigian (Little Pigeon).   Col Samuel Wear commanded us after we got to the fort we made the fort our headquarters and scouted

Page 9

through the country after the Indians they fled from us.
We had no battle we lay there till the first of June 1782 and was there verbally but honorably discharged he claims pension
for two months service at this time. He claims
Pension for ten months service in the whole.
He may be mistaken as to some of the dates above mentioned as he is old and his memory much impaired. He is certain he served the full time above mentioned. He served same tours that he is not able to specify the particular and consequently leave them out.
He has lived since the revolutionary was in the following place towit. He lived in the said Greene County till about the year 1800 he then moved to Cape Jerio (Girardeau) on the
Mississippi River lived there but a few months then moved into Christian County, Kentucky lived there about a year then moved to said the Sevier County, Tennessee and has lived there ever since and still lives there.
He never was a substitute nor never went as a draft man but always went as a volunteer. He does not recollect the names of any regular officers who were with the troops where he served farther than above stated nor the
names of the Continental or militia regiments except that Genl Washington commanded at the age of York. His memory is very imperfect at this time. He received one discharge from the service which is had as above stated. He never held a commission in the time
of the Revolution - He is acquainted in his present neighborhood with Josiah Rodgers Esq. Elijah Rodgers, Joseph Abbott,  Mans Crow & William Cannon all of whom he believes would testify that he is a man of veracity and that they believe him
to have been a soldier of the revolutionary war.
He had documentary evidence and he knows of no person where testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension role of the agency of any state. There is no clergyman living in his immediate neighborhood nor name that he knows of that he can produce
who can testify to the report of his service.
Sworn to and subscribed.

Page 10

John Wear
the day and year aforesaid before
Josiah Rogers, Justice
of the Court of Pleas and
quarter Sessions
We Man B Crow and Joseph Abbott
residing in the said
County of Service and state of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John
Wear who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be
92 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur
in that opinion sworn and
subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Jonah Rogers Justice of Court of Pleas and quarter sessions
Moses Brown his X mark
Joseph Abbott his X mark

And the said Justice dose hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicant
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states & the said Justice further certifies that it appears
to him that Mans B Crow & Joseph Abbott
who has signed the preceding
certificate are residents in the said County of Sevier and state of Tennessee and a credible
persons and that there statement is entitled to credit & that the said application is entirely unable to attend court by reason of old age and bodily infirmity
of the Court of Pleas and
Jonah Rogers Justice of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions

I George McCown clerk of the said Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in & for the said County
of Sevier and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that Jonah Rogers before whom
the foregoing proceedings were had in the matter of the application of John Wear for a pension
is an acting Justice of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County
hereby commissioned and sworn as such and that full faith and credit is due and ought
to be given to all his official acts and that the foregoing signatures which purports to be
his are his genuine signatures In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office at office in Sevierville
this 8th day of March 1833
Geo McCown Clerk
[seal]

Page 11

March 30, 1937

John Wear
S. 1781
BA-J/AWF

Mr. S. S. Nicklin, Jr.
707 East 4th Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Dear Sir:


Reference is made to your letter in which
you furnish further information in regard to John
heir in whom you are interested. You state that
he was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, served
from Augusta County, Virginia, and was pensioned
While living in Sevier County, Tennessee.

That pensioner spelled his surname "Wear". His
record follows as found in pension claim, S. 1781,
based upon his service in the Revolutionary War he
served in the North Carolina troops, however.

John Wear was born January 12, 1741 on Shammony
Creek, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The names of his
parents were not stated.

While a resident of Greene County, North Carolina
(which was later Tennessee), he served as
private in the North Carolina troops as follows-
From January 1, 1781, three months in Captain
John Sevier's company, in pursuit of Tories; from
the last of August, 1781, three months in Captain
William Tate's company, and was in the siege of
Yorktown, and the capture of Cornwallis; from the
latter part of January, 1782, four months in Captain
Moses Moore's company, the last two months under
Colonel Samuel are, out against the Cherokee Indians
and in some skirmishes.
John Wear remained in Greene County until in

Page 12

1800, when he moved to Cape Jericho on the Mississippi River, was there only a few months, then moved to Christian County, Kentucky, where he lived on year and moved to Sevier County, Tennessee.

The soldier, John Wear, was allowed pension
on his application executed at "his own house" in Sevier County, Tennessee, March 5, 1833. He at that time referred to a daughter, but gave no name.

The name of soldier's wife is not given, there
are no further data relative to children, and it was not stated that the Colonel Samuel Ware referred to herein was a relative,

In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following data-

John Wear
Certificate # 13579
Issued May 24, 1833
Rate 33.33 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
East Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 13

John Wears
-
Application for A Pension
24382

Direct every thing
on the subject to
James Hair
Knoxville
Tennessee

Page 14

[Left side]
1917 Sept. 25 Hist. to Louise L
Reynolds Letter in S.F. 3573
John Wilson
1917 Oct. 12. History to or
Margaret K. Wilson
1918 March 4 Hist. to Mrs. Fred Alexander
1918 March 16 Hist. to Miss L.A. Stevens
1918 March 16 Hist. to Mrs. John M Spargers
1918 March 16 Hist. to Mrs. J. Stanley Stevens
1919 Feb 5. Hist. to Mrs. Chas. R. Pepper an 
1919 Apr 3 Hist. to Jas W. Gaines.

1922 Nov. 6 Hist. to Miss Bessie Magill Ew
1923 July 23 - Hist. to Mrs. L. Jeff. Smith MMHS
1823. Sept. 12 Mrs. T. J. Smith inf
no widow's claim, (oncirc)
1930 July 18. Hist. to Margaret R. Wilson 
1931. Aug 27. Hist. to Mrs. Howard Bailey 
1937 - March 30 Hist. to S.S. Nickols
1939 - Sept 12 Photos to Mrs. Y.D. Mathes. 
His request in Mitchel Porter W. 1477- MSMC

[Right side]
Rev War.
1781
INVALID.
---
File No. 1781
John Wear.
Priv. N.C. Lines

Act: June 7, 1832.

Index: -- Vol. A, Page 397 ┃
(Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 15

Rev 1 A R C
Washington D.C
Will you please send me the
Revolutionary War Record
of John Wear-Born Jan. 12. 1741-
Shamonong Creek, Bucks Co.
Penn. Enlisted in Greene Co.
(N.C.) Tennessee Jan 1, 1781-6 mos.
Col. Sam'l W. Berr (Ware)
Capts Jno Sevier
Wm Tate
Rose Moore
Residence at application
Sevier Co. Tennessee
date of application 1835.
can you tell me any thing
of his family?
Thanking you Truely

(Miss) Margaret H. Wilson

Dodd City, Texas. Oct. 6th 1917

Page 16

Seal of East Tennessee State Normal School - Education, Agricultural, Commerce
JOHNSON CITY
Pension Bureau Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Kindly send
me
the
pension record
and service of "John Wear"
who received

Page 17

a pension Revolutionary
from Sevier County
Tennessee.
There are several John
Wares on record, but
this one was born in
Bucks County, Penn.
Residence Sevier
County - Tennessee

Page 18

Thanking you kindly - 
Very truly.

Mrs. Fred Alexander
201 Maple St.
Johnson City,
Tennessee.
[Stamp]
Pension Office
Feb 23, 1918

[Stamp]
Pension Office
Feb 23, 1918

Page 19

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Please send me the Revolutionary War Record of John Near. Wear
Date of Enlistment or appointment / Length of Service / Rank / Captain / Colonel / State

Jan. 1, 1781- / 3 mos. / Pvt / John Sevier / r / N.C.
Aug. 1781 / 3 mos. / / William Tate / r / /
Jan. 1882 / 2 mos. / / Moses Moore / r/ /
Apr 1, 1782 / 2 mos./ / Moses Moore, Samuel Ware / r/ /

Battle engaged in, Siege of York & capture of Cornwallis.

Residence of soldier at enlistment Greene Co, N.C.

Date of application Pension March 5 1833. His claim was allowed residence at date of application Sevier Co. Tennessee.
As of date of application, Born Jan. 12, 1741, in Shammany Creek, Bucks Co. Pennsylvania
Can you send any thing about his family
and oblige
Miss Lorraine Angeline Stevens
Dodd City, Texas
March 7th 1918

Page 20

Department of the Interior
Buren of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Please send me the Revolutionary War Record - John Wear
Dates of Enlistment appointment/ Length/ Rank/Captain-Colonel/State

Jany 1, 1781/3 mons/ Pvt/ John Sievier x/ N.C.
Aug 1781/ 3 mons/ Pvt/ William Tate x
Jany 1882/ 2 mons / - / Moses Moore
Apr 1, 1782/ 2 mons/ -/ Moses Moore, Samuel Ware
Moses Moore
Apr. 1, 1781
Battles engaged in Suge of York and capture
Samuel Ware

Battle engaged  in - Siege of York and Capture  - Cornwallis
Residence Soldier at enlistment - Greene County, North Caroline
Date of application for pension Mch 5. 1833. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application. Sevier County, Tennessee
Age at date application, Born Jany 12, 1714) on Shaumorey Creek Bucks
County Pennsylvania
Can you find anything about his family

And Oblige
Mrs. J. Stanley Siever
Alada City, Texas
March 1st, 1918

Page 21

Department of the Interior,
Washington D.C.
Rev War
Please send me the Revolutionary War
Record of John Bear
Dates of Enlistment
Jany 1. 1781- 3 mons -  Pvt. Captain
Aug 1781- 3 mons - John Sevier
Jany 1782  - 2 mons - William Tate
Apr 1782 - 2 mons -Moses Moore
Colonel
Saml Ware - State  N. C.
Battles engaged in siege of York & Capture of 
Cornwallice.  Residence, Greene Co
N.C. Date Application for Pension
March 5, 1833. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application
Residence Sevier Co. Tennessee.  Age at date
of application, Born Jany 12, 1741
Shammony Creek, Bucks Co. Penn
and oblige
Mrs. John M. Sparger
524 E. Washington St.
McAlister,  Oklahoma

Page 22

M J Jeff Smith
502 N. 19th St., Waco, Tex
[stamp]
Waco
8:30 PM
JUN 2
1923
TEXAS
[stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
JUN 6 1923

THIS SID OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS

[stamp]
JUN 6 1923 
RECORD DIVISION

To Commissioner of Pensions
Bld. between- 4-5 F. L Y.

Washington
D. C
[stamp]
One Cent Stamp

Page 23

Waco Tex
June 2nd, 1923
Gentleman: 
Will you please send me the
pension paper, or record
of Mrs Weir, widow of-
Jno. Weir who drew
a pension from the
gov. for service on
the Revolutionary War. 
I am anxious
to get her name. I
Know she drew a pension
after his death
because she lived with
my mother, and died in
West Tenn. but my grandfather died in E. Tenn.
He was born in Pa. 
Mrs L. Jeff Smith

Page 24


Chattanooga, Tenn.June
Oct. 4, 1922
Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
[Seal]
Pension Office U.S. 
Oct 6, 1922
Will you please
have the records examined
for the Military Services
of my ancestor John
Ware (brother of Col. Samuel Wear)
in the War of the American

Page 25

Revolution
I understand that he
fought at the battle
Kings Mountain and
that he drew a pension.
I would be glad if you could verify this.
Thanking you and
hoping for the 
the fast of
a reply.
Yours very truly
(Miss) Bessie Magill
37 Virginia Apts.

Page 26

JOHN W. GAINES
308 3RD AVE. NO.
ATTORNEY AT LAW

Mch 27
NASHVILLE, TENN.

The
Hon. Court of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

D Sir:
"John wear age 93" in 1831" in 1831, was then 
sustained as a resident of Sevier Co. Tenn. He was in the Rev. war from N. C.

Please give me a digest of his family history
& military history shown by the files in yr. office. Is the name spelled "Wear" in all the files?  Is it spelled Wair or Waire?
Yours 
Jno. W. Gaines

Page 27

[]ent of Latin and French
College, Sherman, Texas
Chas. R. Pepper

Jan. 28th - 1919
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Will you please send me "The Revolutionary service of John Wear of Sevier Co. Tennessee."
& oblige.
Mrs. Chas. R. Pepper
1313 Richard St.
Sherman, Texas
[Seal]
Pension Office U.S.
Jan 29, 1919

Page 28

Address
Mrs. Jefferson Smith
502 N. 19" St. Waco, Tex
Mc Washington Gardner -

Waco Texas
July 24" 1923.
Washington Gardner 
Coms. of Pens.

[postal seal]
US Pension Office
Jul 31 1923

My dear sir: 
Allow me to thank you for so promptly sending me the pension paper - of Jno Wear of Sevier Co. Tenn. I am quite sure now he is my
grandfather, or great grand father & now I am going to ask you for one more favor. I know great grand mother drew a pension, for she live with my mother whos ancestry I am
trying to Establish - Now won't you please look for her pension paper for she drew it after his death, with my mother, I don't remember her given name - but she was Mrs. Wear - or Weir.

Thanking you in advance
I subscribe myself
Mrs. T. Jeff Smith

Page 29

From
Mrs. L. Jeff Smith
502 N. Waco, Tex

Waco Texas
Aug. 29th, 1923

Mr. Washington Gardner
Com. of Pens
Washington D C

ans Sept 12, '23

My dear Mr. Gardner

Please don't think we a nuisance, I read. Your
letter yesterday in answer to mine
of July 9" but I am so anxious to 
get my ancestry connected up
I am going to ask one more favor
you.   It's true you sent me the pension papers of Jno. Weir of Bucks Co. Penn. Some years ago, but I find he is not my direct ancestor
But Jon. Wear of Tenn. whose pension papers & war record you sent me a few weeks ago. It is his wife's Penson paper. I am now asking for. 
I think her name is Nancy Wear. Won't you please look again. she lived with my mother & drew a pension. I know about 1835 or 45. I'll be most grateful & you will get this missing lin.

Very Truly
Mrs. J. Jeff Smith

Page 30

department of Interior    [[6] on right side of page]
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentleman,
Will you kindly send me the Pension Record
of John Blackburn Summer History S. N. Virginia
N.855. Jefferson County (Tennessee) Records
He was a soldier in the Virginia Militia 1776 - 83
He served 6 years in the American Revolution and was at and participated in the Battles
-
Kings
Martin Enliett in Washington Co. Virginia
see Jessons
any, surmise Records
John Blackburn was the brother of Genl
Samuel Blackburn, the County of Agust, yet
Commonwelth of Virginia
hour
Margaret, who married John Werr (Myr, Wier)
was a sister of John Blackburn, John Mer
was a Rev. Soldier F N Carolina and grieve
County, Tennessee, Revolutionary War and
pertin . . . . . 1. 1881. also kindly send me a copy
of the above named John Wear
1
Miss Margaret K Wilson
road City, Texas
June 6th 1930.

Page 31

IN REPLY REFER TO
REV. and 1812
Wars Section.
EEl

REV 3-2562
UNITED STATES
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON

May 14, 1931

Louisa S. Bailey (Mrs. Howard)
4944 Lindell Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri

Dear Madam:

I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter. 

Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.

First name of widow: Nancy Blackburn sister of General Samuel Blackburn

Full name of soldier: John Wear (Weir, Ware)

Residence of soldier at enlistment: Augusta Co, Va.

Residence of soldier after service: Wautanga, Tenn.
Name of state from which he enlisted: one of the above.

Approximate dat of birth: Bucks Co. Pa 1742 emigrated to VA. & Wautaga, Tenn.

Approximate date of death:

Kindly return attached letter with your reply.

Respectfully,
E. W. Morgan [signature]
E. W. Morgan

[postage stamp]
Received Aug 24 1931 
Receipt Section
Pension Files Sub-Division

Additional data John & Samuel Wear were sons of Robert & Rebecca who bought land in "Borders Trout"  with John Cunningham & moved from Pa to Va. Both John Wear (Major?) Samuel Wear were officers at "Kings Mt" & at Yorktown surrender.

Page 32

Missouri Society
Daughters of the American Revolution
MRS. HOWARD BAILEY, STATE REGENT
4944 LINDELL SOULEVARD
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI

Mr. & Mrs. Morgan
acting Commissioner -

Dear Sir

Through witness & all
I have been delayed in security the 
information to fill out this questionnaire
that I am trying to prove is that Samuel Wear 
has present at Yorktown surrender and have read in a book that Major? John pension paper so ? while searching for John. Please advice me of any mention of Samuel. My ancestor with appreciation of your country.

P.S. Will be glad to pay for photo stats if you can  [illegible] to have there mude
(Mrs. Howard)

I remain cordially Louise L. Bailey state Regent 
A MO D.A.R.

State Regent of MO. D.A.R.
AUG 25 1931

Page 33

signs - Wear
[Stamp]
Received 3PM Mar 24, 1937
Mail Sub-Div
---
707 East 4th Street,
Chattanooga, Tenn.
March 23rd, 1937.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

BA-J/ILL
John Nelson
W. 5414

Gentlemen,

In reply to your letter of the 18th inst., I wish
to say that the " Census of Pensioners for 1832 shows the name of John WEIR, aged 95, living in Sevier Co., Tenn. The name, I know, was variously spelled: Weir, Wier, Wear, Ware, etc.
I believe that this John Weir, however his name may have been spelled, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., served in the Revolution from Augusta Co., Va., was at the battle of Kings Mountain and
at the Surrender at Yorktown, his wife's name was Nancy Blackburn and he served under Gen. Nathanael Greene. I understand
that about 15 years ago a lady in California got a copy of this record from the then Pension Office, but I do not have her address and so can not write to her about it. I hope that the
above information will enable you to find this pensioner.
Very truly yours,
S.S Vickling

Page 34

September 12, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MMHF/ady

Mr. Y. D. Mathes
Room 1040 A
Arlington Building
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

You are furnished herewith, as requested,
photostatic copies of original papers on file in the Revolutionary War claims for pension based upon service of the soldiers named below:
Mitchel Porter / W. 1477 / 12 pages
John Wear / S. 1781. / 5 pages
Alexander McCown / W. 3027 / 9 pages

and of six pages of the originals thereof on file in the claim for pension, W.C.24563, based upon service of Fleming B. Mays in the War of 1812.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 35

BA-J/ady Rev. & 1812 No. 475,
September 6, 9.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
 Navy Ex. 970
Rev. War claim for pension of John Wear, File No.
S. 1781.
Actual 1 of each page.

NOT TO BE CERTIFIED.

Sol's appl March 5, 1833 = 4 pp.
Sol's left jacket = 1 p.

$1.25. . . .  5 pages
XXX

Kindly leave margin of 1½ in.
at top of each page and return papers in
each case in folder with corresponding
name and number. The word "omit" written
in pencil on page not to be copied.


Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

Page 36

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
August 27, 1931

Mrs. Howard Bailey          BA-J/AWF
4944 Lindell Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri.

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.1781, that John Wear was born January 12, 1741 on Shammony Creek, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Greene County, North Carolina (which was later Tennessee), he served as private with the North Carolina Troops, as follows -- from January 1, 1781, three months in Captain John Sevier's company;
from August 1781, three months in Captain William Tate's company, and was in the siege of Yorktown and capture of Cornwallis; from January 1782, two months in Captain Moses Moore's company; from April 1, 1782,
two months in Captain Moses Moore's company, Colonel Samuel Ware's regiment. In these last two tours, he was out against the Cherokee Indians.

After the Revolution he remained in Greene County, until 1800, when he moved to Cape Jericho on the Mississippi River and was there for a few months, then moved to Christian County, Kentucky, where he lived one year, and
then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 5, 1833, then living in Sevier County, Tennessee.

The soldier referred to a daughter, but gave no
name, and there are no further family data.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

Page 37

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF:MLB
July 18, 1930
Miss Margaret K. Wilson
Dodd City, Texas
Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S. 1781, that John Wear was born January 12, 1741, on
Shammony Creek, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Greene County, North Carolina (which was later
Tennessee), he served as a private with the North Carolina troops, as follows:

From January 1, 1781, three months, in Captain John Sevier's Company; from August, 1781, three months, in Captain William Tate's Company, and was at the siege of York and the capture of Cornwallis; from January,
1782, two months in Captain Moses Moore's Company; from April 1, 1782,
two months in Captain Moses Moore's Company, Colonel Samuel Ware's
Regiment. In these last two tours of service he was out against the Cherokee Indians.

After the Revolution he remained in Greene County, North Carolina, until 1800 when he moved to Cape Jericho on the Mississippi River and was there for a few months, then moved to Christian County, Kentucky,
where he lived one year and then moved to Sevier County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 5, 1833, at which time he was living in Sevier County, Tennessee.

The soldier referred to his daughter but no name is given and
there are no further family data on file.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

Page 38

S.F. 1781

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ---------, 19---

In reply to your request of ----------,
received -----------
for a statement of the military history of
John Wear a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT. / LENGTH OF
SERVICE. / RANK. / OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. - CAPTAIN. / COLONEL. / STATE.
Jan, 1m 1781 / 3 mos. / Pvt / John Sevier / / N.C.
Aug. 1781 / 3 mos. / Pvt / William Tate / / /
Jan, 1782 / 2 mos. / Pvt / Moses Moore / Chas Fred / /
Apr. 1, 1782/ 2 mos. / Pvt / Moses Moore / Samuel Ware / / 

Battles engaged in, Siege of York and Capture of Cornwallis
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Greene Co. N.C. (Later Tenn.)
Date of application for pension, Mar 5, 1833, Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Sevier Co. Tennessee.
Age at date of application, born Jan. 12, 1741 in Shammany Creek, Bucks Co, Pa.
Remarks: til 1800 in Greene Co. N.C. [lien]to Camp Jericho at Weirs River a few. He deferred to his daughter, but no name is stated and there is no other family data on file.

Mos. [lien]to Christian Co. Ky 1 yr [lien]


Respectfully,
5 -- 285C 
Commissioner.