Watson Spencer's Civil War pension file, Allegen County, Michigan Copyright © 2000 by Nancy Spencer. This copy contributed for use in the MIGenWeb Archives. MIGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed MIGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the MIGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is located at http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/allegen/miliary/civilwar/pension/s15204.txt _____________________________________________________________________ August 16, 2000The National Archives Pension Record Cert No. 779 634 Penshioner: Amanda J. Widow of Veteran: Watson Spencer Can no. 60 504 bundle #7 State of Michigan County of Allegan On this 1st day of October 1874 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and around the said county and state. Dr. J. Ball whom I certify to be a physician of good standing and regular practice who being duly sworn according to law, says that he was the family physician of Watson Spencer late a private in Company “A”, 1st Regular Michigan Light Artillery Volunteer previous to his enlistment in said service. That the said Watson Spencer was sound in bodily health and free from the disease of the hip and spine at his enlistment. That he has treated him since his discharge from the service for a period of about 5 years – from on or about the 25th day of December 1866 to on or about the 1st day of January 1870 for injury to the hip and spine. That said injury had not been aggravated or prolonged by intemperate or other bad habits or practices during the time of his treatments that he has no interest in this claim for Pension. Signed: James Ball, MD /Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of October 1874 and I certify that I have no interest in this claim for pension Signed: E.M Fitch, Notary Public State of Michigan I, H. b. Hudson, clerk of said County of Allegan, of the Circuit Court therein, being a Court of Record, having a seal: Do hereby certify, that E. M. Fitch, whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavit, and therein written was, at the time of taking such Affidavit, a notary public in and for said County, duly named and qualified, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and further, I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Notary Public and verily believe that the signature to the said Affidavit is genuine, and, as such, entitled to full faith and credit. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Circuit Court, at Allegan, this 2nd day of Sept AD 1874. Signed: H.B. Hudson, Clerk State of Kansas County of Shawnee On this day of 1874 personally appeared before me a _______ in and for said county and state Watson Spencer late private of Co., “A” 1st reg. Mich. Li. Atty. Vols. And applicant for pension no. 195 888 who being duly sworn according to the law says that he cannot procure the affidavit of his regimental surgeon as to the facts. Time and duration of treatment for his alleged injury for the reason that he had no regimental surgeon at the time of his injury. That his company was an independent company at the time he sustained his injury, and was not connected with any regiment or other organization. That he received treatment for his injury from the Regimental Surgeon of the 2nd regiment, VA Vols. That he does not know the whereabouts of said surgeon and this time and has never heard of or from him since his discharge from the service. That he cannot for that reason furnish the affidavit of said surgeon. He further declares that he has never been in the military of naval service of the United State pervious to the term from which he was discharged, May 31 1864- and that he has not been therein since that date. To wit = May 31 1864. Signed: W. Spencer Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of October 1874 and I certify that I have no interest in this claim Signed: D.L. Metsker, probate judge Shawnee Co., KS State of Kansas County of Shawnee On this 14th day of October 1881 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said county and state, Watson Spencer, late Pri. Of Co., “A”, 1st Reg. Mich Lt, Arty. Vols. And applicant for Pension No. 195 888 who being duly sworn according to law, says that he was treated for his disability to wit- Injury to right hip and spine while in the service by Regimental Surgeon of the 1st VA Regiment, to the best of his recollection – it may have been the surgeon of the 2nd Reg. Val Vols. But he thinks it was the 1st Reg. VA Vols.- that he does not remember what was stated in his affidavit of Oct 28 1874- but if it was different from the above, it was a mistake. That if he could see that affidavit or a copy of it, he could explain the discrepancy. The main point covered by that affidavit as he recollects it was as to his service since May 31 1864 and as to his not being able to get the affidavit of h is regimental surgeon because he had no surgeon. He now says that he had no treatment while in the service except from the surgeon of the 1st or 2nd VA Reg. Vols. And further he saith not. Signed: Watson Spencer Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of October 1881 and I have no interest in this claim: Signed: C.F. Spencer Notary Public, certificate of official character on file in pension office War Department Adjutant General Office Washington, July 7 1885 Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions, Watson Spencer, a Private of Company “A”, a regiment of Mich. Lt. Arty. Volunteers. Regimental Hospital register 2 West VA Vols. And Morning Reports Co. “A” 1st Mich. Lt. Arty. For Sept 1861 furnish no information. Regimental Hospital records 1 West VA Vols. Prior to Apr 3 1864 and Reg’tal Hospl records 1 Mich. Lt. Arty. Vols. Not on file. No evidence of alleged injuries . Signed: Thomas Maul Assistant Adjutant General Act of May 11, 1912 No. 346,865 Reserve UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Pensions It is hereby certified that in conformity with the laws of the United States, Watson Spencer who was a Private, Co. A, 1 Regiment Michigan Light Artillery is entitled to a pension at the rate of thirty dollars per month to commence May 28 1912. Given at the department of the Interior this twenty-first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and thirteen and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and thirty seventy Signed: ? Fisher Secretary of the Interior Countersigned: J. L. Davenport Commissioner of Pensions Supplemental Affidavit of Claimant State of Kansas County of Shawnee SS Claimant On this 8th day of October 1879, personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, Watson Spencer, late a Private in Co., A, 1st Reg. Mich. Lt. Arty. Vols. and applicant for Pension no. 195 888; who being duly sworn according to law says: that he is unable to furnish the evidence of commissioned officer of his Company or regiment as to his alleged injury to hip and spine because such officers have removed to parts unknown to this affiant. And further saith not. Signed: Watson Spencer Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8 day of October 1879; and I certify that I have no interest in this claim. Signed: C.W. Higginbotham, Notary Public ________________________________________________________________________ WASHINGTON STATE BOARD OF HEALTH BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS CERTIFIED COPY OF DEATH CERTIFICATE Place of Death County of King City of Seattle, no. 1022 Elmgrove St. Full Name: Watson Spencer Date of Death: June 10 1914 I hereby certify that I attended deceased from to and I last saw him alive on Jan 10 1914 and that death occurred, on the Sex: Male, Color: White date stated above at 10:30 PM. The cause of death was valvular heart disease Date of Birth: 1835 signed E.B. Schrock, MD, June 11, 1914, 1053 Thistle St. Married Birthplace: New York State Informant: Mr. C.D. Robinson of Seattle Filed: June 11 1914 J. S. McBride, MD Place of burial: Cremation BW, Date of Burial: June 14, 1914 Georgetown Undertaking Co, Seattle I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the certificate of death of Watson Spencer filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Board of Health of the State of Washington. Myrtle V. Goodnau, Aug. 3 1914 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF ALLEGAN SS I Andrew E. Schumann, Clerk of the county of Allegan and the Circuit Court thereof, the same being a court of record having a seal, do hereby certify that the following is a copy of the record of marriage of Watson Spencer and Amanda J. Downing now remaining in my office, and of the whole thereof, viz.: Record Number: 223, Name of Bride and groom: Watson Spencer and Amanda J. Downing; Age of each in years: 32, 18, White, residence of each: Wayland, Mich. Birthplace of each: N.Y., Ill. Occupation of each: carpenter, and blank; Date of Marriage: May 9 1868 in Wayland, Mich. Officiated by Rev. Ira R.A. Wightman. Witnessed by: Elijah Adams of Wayland, Mich and H. A. Wightman of Wayland, Mich. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Circuit Court, the 1st day of July, AD 1914. Signed: Andrew F. Schumann, Clerk Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, enumerated on the 30th day of July 1860. Geo. A. Smith, Assistant Marshal. Names Ages Watson Spencer 25 Lydia “ 23 Raymond “ 3 Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan, Enumerated on the 16th day of July 1860 Symantha Spencer 61 Maria “ 40 Harvey “ 27 (Stamped: US Pension Office, Apr 30 1910) ACT OF MAY 11 1912 DECLARATION FOR PENSION The Pension Certificate should not be forwarded with the application State of Washington, County of King ss: On this 23 day of May, AD, One thousand nine hundred and twelve, personally appeared before a notary public within and for the county the State aforesaid, Watson Spencer, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 77 years of age and a resident of Seattle, county of King, State of Washington: and that he is the identical person who was enrolled at Coldwater, Mich., under the name of Watson Spencer on the 13 day of Jan 1861, as a Pri. In Co., “A”, 1st Mich. Reg. Lt. Art. In the service of the United States in the Civil war, and was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn. On the 31 day of May 1864. ……………….that his occupation was carpenter; that he was born Mar 5 1835 at New York. That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: Mich. About 3 years, Kansas about 3 years, Texas between 3-4 years, then to Kansas 2 or 3 years to Washington nearly 30 years ago. That he is a pensioner under certificate no. 346,865. That he has applied for pension under original no. ----------. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under the provision of the Act of May 11, 1912. That his post-office address is Sta. S., 1022 Elm Grove, Seattle, County of King. State of Washington. Attest: (1) Ama S. M. Taylor signed: Watson Spencer (2) John Taylor Subscribed and sworn before me 23 day of May, AD 1912 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing including the words 3 line erased and the words 7, added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. Signed: Clara S. Taylor, Notary Public, Hinckley Block, Seattle, WA DECLARATION FOR WIDOW’S PENSION ACT OF April 19 1908 State of Washington, County of King ss: On this 22nd day of June, AD one thousand nine hundred and fourteen personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the county and state aforesaid Amanda J. Spencer aged 64 years, a resident of Seattle, County of King, State of Washington, who being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain pension under the provisions of the Act of Congress Approved, April 19, 1908. That she is the widow of Watson Spencer, who was enrolled, under the name of Watson Spencer, at _______ on the 13th day of January 1861, as a Pri. In Co. “A” 1st Regt. Mich. Vol. Lt. Art. And honorably discharged May 31 1864 having served ninety days or more during the late Civil War. That he was not in the military or naval service of the United States otherwise than as stated above. That she was married under the name of Amanda J. Downing to said soldier at Wayland, Mich on the 9th day of May 1868 by Ira R. A. Wightman; that there was no legal barrier to the marriage, that she had not been previously married; that the soldier had been previously married to Lydia Ann Hollister and she died and that neither she nor said soldier married otherwise that is stated above. That the said soldier died June 10, 1914 at Seattle, Wash that she was not divorced from him and that she had not remarried since his death. That she has not heretofore applied for pension: Soldier drew a pension under cert 346,865. She hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation: Ama S. M. Taylor of Seattle, Wash., 304 Hinckley Blk., State of Wash. Her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim and to receive therefor a few of $10. That her post office address is 1022 Elm Grove, Seattle, County of King, State of Washington. Attest: (1) John Arthur signed: Amanda J. Spencer (2) Laura M. Spencer Also personally appeared John Arthur, residing in Seattle Wash. And Laura M. Spencer, residing in Seattle, Wash, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Amanda J. Spencer, the claimant, sign her name to the foregoing declaration: that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with her of 15 years and 20 years, respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Signed: John Arthur Laura M. Spencer Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 22nd day of June, AD 1914 and I hereby certify that the contents in the foregoing declaration, etc. were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing. Signed C. B. Raymond, Notary Public Certificate No. 346, 865 Department of the Interior, Name: Watson Spencer Bureau of Pensions Washington, DC, January 15 1898 Sir: In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below. Very respectfully: H. Evans, Commissioner 1. are you married? If so, state your wife’s full name and maiden name Ans: yes, Amanda J. Spencer, maiden name Downing 2. when, where and by whom were you married? Ans: 9 of May, 1868 by Rev R.A. Wightman, Wayland, Mich 3. what record of marriage exists: Ans: marriage certificate 4. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce Ans: yes, Lydia A. Hollister died at Wayland March 1866 5. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth. Ans: J. R. Spencer, Alvah A. Spencer, Robt. Spencer, L. Dell Spencer, Walter W. and Laura M. Spencer, youngest one born June 1891. Date of reply, J June 6 1898 Signed: Watson Spencer W.O 1030.208 Pensioner Dropped Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Pd. At 30 to 6/4/14 July 7 1914 Certificate No. 346,865 Class: Act of May 22, 1912 Pensioner: Watson Spencer Soldier:_________ Service: A, 1 Mich L.A. The Commissioner of Pensions: Sir: I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at $30, to June 4 1914 has this day been dropped from the roll because of Death June 10 1914. (stamped) Watson Spencer Seattle Wash 346865, Act May 1022 Elm Grove Very respectively (illegible) Chief Finance Division \ 9