Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,168, for John Steers, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Steers, John.
S. 6168
Carded.
CONTENTS

Let to Hon. H. Hall Jany 21, 1842
Did Jan 18. 1837 See A. B.
2676 Virginia
John Steers - of Spotsylvania in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Dowles of the Regt. commanded by Col. Buckner in the Virginia line for 7 months from 1776
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 23 - Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Decr. 1832 and sent to Wm. G. Minor, Williamsburg, Va.
Arrears to 14th of Sept. 1832 - 34.99 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 1833 311.67
$46.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk Book L Vol. 7 Page 127

7
No 1647. Steam Prop Certificate
Canada
PO
Original

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832 State of Virginia } County of Spotsylvania } s.s.
On this 7 th day of August personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Spotsylvania John Stears a resident of and in the County of Spotsylvania and State of Virginia aged Seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the Year 1776 with Capt. Oliver Towles and served in the Sixth  Virginia  line  regiment of Col M c Donell's Buckner's Lieutenant Col Thomas  Aylett's  Infantry Hendricks , and Benjamin  Alrop  Sergeant He was enlisted in Spots- ylvania county and marched to Fredricksburg . from there to Williamsburg . thence to Hampton . He then returned to Williamsburg and there received orders to march to New York . He was taken sick & in consequence of ill health the Surgeon decided him to be unfit & he was discharged. He was enlisted on the 29 January 1776 and was discharged the last of August 1776 . He was born in 1757 or 1758 he does not recollect. He has no record of his age with him. He has always lived in Spotsylvania . He lost the discharge which he received. Benjamin Alrop the said Sergeant was with him and knows the facts
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State. sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforesaid
John Stears
and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. J. R. Stevenson Clerk of the Court of Spotsylvania do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the applica- tion of John Stears for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 11 th day of August 1832. R. L. Stevenson

September 11, 1939
BA-J/MCS John Steers, S.6168
Virginia Steers Walker West Virginia
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to David Evans and John Steers who served in the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.6168, based on the military service of John Steers; the name also appears as John Stears.
John Steers was born in 1755 or 1757. The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
He enlisted in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, January 29, 1776, served as private in Captain Oliver Towles' company in Colonel Mordecai Buckner's 6th Virginia Regiment and was discharged the last of August, 1776.
John Steers was allowed pension on his application executed August 7, 1832, at which time he was living in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where he stated he had always lived.
He died January 18, 1837. There are no data on file relative to family.
If you desire to obtain the date of last payment of pension of this soldier and the name and address of the person to whom it was paid, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
John Steers, Certificate 2676, issued December 3, 1832, rate $23.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.

The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information relative to the David Evans described by you.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

I Benjamin Alsop a sergeant in the Sixth Regiment of Virginia line in the year 1776 do hereby certify that the facts and statements contained and set forth in the declaration of John Steers bearing date 7 August 1832 and hereto annexed are true and correct, he the said Steers having served under my immediate command. Witness my hand this 5 day of Nov 1832. Benj a Alsop.
Virginia Spotsylvania Co
To wit
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the said County, Benjamin Alsop, the above affiant, who made oath in due form to the truth of the above affidavit and I hereby certify that said Alsop is a resident of said County, and a gentleman of character and truth and all confidence may be placed in his statements. Given under my hand and seal this 5 Nov 1832.
Am Brittonfield
I Richard L Stevenson Clerk in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Oscar M. Brittonfield who has signed the above certificate is now a justice of the peace in and for said county and his faith may be placed in his certificate in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 5 Nov. 1832 —
R L Stevenson

Vallejo Va. } Nov 11. }
John Stuart, Esq. June 1776 per month 4 months $22.50 Mr
The Secretary of War.
City of Washington
Pension Dept. of M c L Edwards Esq r }
Nov 11. 1862

Sir
Nuttallboro P.O. Virginia 1832 Nov 10
As Counsel for Mr. Steers I have the honor to return the Rev. declaration of him amended according to yr instructions
You will confer a favour on myself and the members of the Bar in this section of the Country who solicit in Court these claims, by informing me if a declaration which has been made before a Court of Record can be amended before a Justice of the peace? Yr instructions are silent on this point
With Respect
I have the honour to be Yr obed Servt W. F. Minor
J. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office

John Steers

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Steers ————— proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? ye III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes.

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Has the evidence of a witness as to his service XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Has a witness XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no - XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
Not required in this, the claimant having served in the Virginia line on the continental establishment
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeh and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____ ; and for such service I claim a pension.”

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.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Rehran
6168
INVALID.
File No. 6168
John Steers Bi. Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. M , Page 358
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1939. Sept. 11 Sent to Virginia Steers. V.A.O.

Walker, W. Va. Aug 7, 1939.
Veterans Administration.
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen
I find a memorandum, Thurs. - 1 John Steers, 1755-1837-(1770) served with Capt. Eric O'Howles, Co - Spotsylvania County Virginia, Militia. The authority is not firm. Will you please send me any records you may have in regard to his service in Rev. War. If a member of family is mentioned. (said to have a son George) I will be grateful for any information.
Yours Truly, Virginia Steers.
For. D.A.R. information.

Ans.
9/11/39
Walker W. Yan
Aug 24 1939.
Veterans Administration.
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen: A family matter has come up, we wish to establish the record of John Steers service in war of Revolution.
He is supposed to have served with Capt Orrie D. Bowles Co. of Spotsylvania Co. Va. militia, born in 1755 - died in 1837 - enumerated in 1790, in Pa.
This is exclusively a family matter. and we will all be very grateful for any information.
Yours Truly.
Virginia Steers.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Ua
★ Steers, Richard
S. 6163
Carded
CONTENTS

12088 Virginia
Richard Steers - Birt h in the State of Va: who was a Pvt: - in the - - - commanded by Captain - - - of the Regt commanded by Holliday in the Va: - line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 - Dollars 1 - - - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of March 1830 and in the Wm G - Minorville Va
Arrears to the 4th of March 1830 160 - Semi-ant. allowance ending 7 Sept - 40 - 200
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 25

Rev. War
6163
INVALID.
File No. 6163
Richard Steers
Br Rev War
Act: June 14 82
Index:—Vol. M , Page 358
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of Virginia
County of Spotsylvania
On this 10th 11th day of August 1832, personally appeared before the Justices of the Court of Spotsylvania now sitting Richard Steers a resident of and in the county aforesaid, and State of Virginia aged 70 — years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
He was drafted in the Virginia Militia in June 1779 under Capt. John White of Spotsylvania County. He then marched down to Mill- iamsburg Hampton and the sea board of Virginia. He was then under the command of Capt. Tuckers and was then un- der the command of Captain Holliday. He continued in service under the command of Capt. Holliday until a few days after the Siege at York Town in October 1781. He does not now recol- lect the precise day when he was drafted or when he was dischar- ged. Philip Vap now living was with him at York town — He was at the fight at Osburns —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Rolls of the Agency of any State.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Richard Hens
We Philip Pendleton — a clergyman residing in the County of Spotsylvania and Philip Vap — residing in the same County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Steers who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and we believe him to be seventy 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
Philip Pendleton
Philip Vap
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter and after putting the inter- rogatories 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 Philip Pendleton — who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman re- sident in the said County of Spotsylvania and that Philip Vap who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Spotsylvania and is a credible person and that their state- ment is entitled to credit.
J. R. Stevenson Clerk of the Court of Spotsylvania County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Steers — for a Pension.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 8 th day August 1832, R. L. Stevenson
Declaration of the aforesaid applicant Richard Stens continued and amended -
State of Virginia County of Spotsylvania ss I Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County the aforesaid applicant Richard Stens who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear posi- tively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned be- low and in the following grades. For Two years and three months I served as a militia man, and from old age and consequent mental debility I can in no other particular amend my Declara- tion aforesaid. - And for such service I claim a pension - Given under my hand as Justice aforesaid this 14 th day of January 1833. -
Richd. Mitchell
J. R. L. Stevenson Clerk of the county Court of Spotsylvania do hereby certify that who has signed the preceding certificate is and was at the time of signing a Justice of the peace in for said County, and all faith may be placed in his said act In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this day of 1833.

State of Virginia } County of Spotsylvania To all } Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the said county, Philip Vane who is named in the above mentioned declaration as the witness, who upon oath on oath that he is well acquainted with the said Richard Stear, that he is a person of character & credit, that he has full confidence confidence in his declaration as amended as he saw the said Stear in company at Fork Town & living at the time in same neighbourhood, he knows the said Stear was for a long time in the service given under my hand 1446 hand this 14 th day of January 1833. Stear Richard M. notified
Certificate
State of Virginia } Pennsylvania County to Wit, Richard L. Stevenson Clerk of the Court of Spotsylvania County in the state aforesaid do certify that O. M. notified has signed the with above certificates annexed to the declaration of Richard Stear was at the time of signing the same and now is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County of Spotsylvania duly commissioned and qualified to the said office. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af- fixed the seal of my office this 14 th day of January 1833. R. L. Stevenson
Original

Henry Richard's
Certificate
Original

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832.
State of Virginia } ss County of Spotsylvania }
On this seventh day of August personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Spotsylvania Richard Stevens a resident of and in the County of Spotsylvania, and State of Virginia, aged Seventy  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 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the Year  with  and served in the 
regiment of the line under the following named Officers. He did not enlist but was drafted in the Virginia Militia in June 1779. Under Captain John White of Spotsylvania County. He then marched down to Williamsburg Hampton and the sea board of Virginia. He was then under the command of Capt. Tankersley, and was then under the command of Capt. Holliday. He continued in service, until October 1781 after the battle at York Town. He was at the fight at Osburns. He does not now recollect the day when he was drafted or the day when he was discharged which was a few days after the battle at York Town. Philip Voss now living was with him at York Town. He was born in Sept. 1762. No record of age with him. Always lived in Spotsylvania County. He recollects Col. Newmarch. Major McWilliams and Capt. Taylor -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Richard Stevens
and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states
I Richard L Stevenson Clerk of the Court of Spotsylvania County do hereby certify 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 this 8 th day of August 1832 R. L. Stevenson