(Company C, Cole’s
Cavalry)
Private John Sponcler: Letters about the
Family Bible
Submitted by
Gary Zeller
State of Pennsylvania County of Beaver
I, J.H. Sturgeon, a duly qualified and acting
Justice of the Peace in and for said
County and State, do hereby
certify that on August 4 A.D. 1913, within said County and State,
I personally examined the family bible belonging to and the
property of the Sponcler family; that the following is full, true,
accurate and correct copy of the records therein written and
contained so far as the same relate to John Sponcler, of Company C
1st P.H.B. Maryland Cavalry:
John Henry Sponsellar was born in Emmittsburg
on 29 day of October 1844, christened by the
Reverend John Phillips
That said family Bible was published at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the year A.D. 1824; that said
record bears no marks of erasures or alterations; and that I
believe from the appearance of said entries that the same were
made at, or about, the time and date therein given.
In witness whereof I have set my hand and
affixed my official seal this 4th day of August, 1913.
John H. Sturgeon Justice of the Peace in and for
said County and State.
To whom it my concern -
This is to certify that the above mentioned John
Henry Sponsellar is my brother and has for many years abreviated
the family name and spelled it Sponcler. I find the name spelled
in the family Bible in the marriage, birth and death records as
Sponsellar, Sponsler and Sponcer.
Attest,
G. Sponcler
Beaver Falls, Pa 8/4/13
Mr. John Sponcler Rothers
Wash.
Dear Uncle,
At Father’s request I write you in regard to
this enclosed affidavit which you sent us to have filled out. As
Mr. Shuster who made out this other paper is away. Father and I
went before Mr. John H. Sturgeon a Justice of the Peace of this
place and had him examine the family records as we did not like to
cause you any further delay which will account for this change of
name of this Justice, also the date. You will also note that
Father in making oath signed his name Sponcler the same as you do.
That is the way they all spell it here although it is spelled
Sponseller in the family record with the exception of Uncle George
which is the same as you spell yours. I hope this explanation will
be satisfactory proof that you are the John Henry Sponcler (or
Sponseller) referred to in the affidavit.
Hoping this finds you well and that we will hear
from you again soon. Your sister, Aunt Mary is still with us and
as well as can be expected.
I remain yours truly,
H. Howard
1118 - 10th Ave. Beaver Falls, Pa.
Written at the request of my Father-in-law, your
brother Jos. Sponcler
(Stamped as being received by the U.S. Pension
office August 14, 1913)