Tennessee Genealogy Research by Debbie W. Spero

In my continuing research for Revolutionary War soldiers in my family tree, I have found two ancestors who are listed as Revolutionary War Patriots.   I am descended from Charles Dillehay, born ca 1717 died after 1784, married to Elizabeth or Eliza through his son Arthur Dillehay, b. 13 July 1741.   Arthur married Sarah and my [...]

On the same day in August 1832 that John Knight filed his application for a Revolutionary War Pension, William Jones and Phillip Day, both citizens of Smith County, Tennessee appeared in and before the justices of the court of Smith Co, TN and stated that Day was in the service of the United States with [...]

Jemima Williams, my 5th great grandmother, was the widow of Revolutionary War Soldier, Tobias Williams of NC and Smith County, TN.  Tobias Williams was granted a pension in 1833, and died in April 1834.    Following is the penison application of widow, Jemima Williams… Smith Co. TN:  On this 21st day of November in the year [...]

I have spent the last couple of years researching my Civil War ancestors and applying for membership in the Civil War Families of Tennessee through the East Tennessee Historical Society.    I am almost finished with the applications and supporting papers for Lewis Bradshaw Pilkerton and his father Aaron Pilkerton of Rutherford Co, who both served [...]

Silas James Langford of Smith and Dickson Co., TN died in May 1905.    His widow, Emma Langford, then applied for a widow’s pension for Silas James’ service to the U.S. during the Civil War.     Following are the affidavits that were filed concerning her application. W.R. Jones, of Daniel, Dickson Co. TN, age 45, declared 23 June 1905 [...]

The next information on the Civil War Pension of Silas James Langford/Lankford of Smith and Dickson Co Tennessee was his medical records.     There were general and medical affidavits detailing his physical disabilities by neighbors and doctors. First was a general affidavit by T.W. Harper, M.D., age 33 of Bellburg, Dickson Co, TN and W.L. Weakley, age [...]

Continuing with the pension file of Silas James Langford/Lankford, the next form was a questionnaire dated 26 April 1902. No.1  Are you a married man and if so please state your wife’s full name and her maiden name. Answer:   Yes, Emily Langford, maiden Hunter. No.2  When, where and by whom were you married? Answer:  15 [...]

It could have taken up to six months for me to get it, but it didn’t!    Last week while I was away,  I received the full pension file–Civil War–of Silas James Lankford!    And, it is CHOCK FULL of information. Over the next few days, I will detail the info given in this pension file.    It [...]