Ahnentafel #216 - John Speer

John Speer

Born: August 17, 1785, Morgantown, Burke Co., North Carolina

Died: November 12, 1856, Oldham County, Kentucky

Buried: in family cemetery on the Speer farm in Oldham County, Kentucky

Married:  ca. December 1805 Mary Grove in Morganton, Burke Co., North Carolina.  As his son John Grove Speer described it:

At that time he liked nine months of being twenty-one years of age.  Now something occupied his attention and another bargain had to be made, and he was not slow about it.  There resided in the town a sturdy Dutchman, engaged in the tanning business, and who had several industrious, healthy daughters.  One of these, shall I say it, bewitched him, so that he could not rest satisfied until he got her indentured for life, at the same time giving her a like pledge on his part, which they faithfully kept.  She was the third daughter of John Grove, and was named Mary Barbary Grove.  After the marriage she was at home with the young smith, at his father's where they resided for about five years, or until they started West. [Speer, John. Reminiscences of the Speer Family, pp. 16-17].

General description: From what has been written you could or might say that John Speer was useful and industrious.  He was tall, stout, healthy, angular, and well proportioned, muscles and nerves strong and active, as he willed; was a very slender man, but possessed of much strength in his arms and shoulders, and carried himself erect.  His hair was dark, and rather thin on top of his head, deep, piercing blue eyes, set deep in, under heavy eyebrows and a good forehead, his complexion and skin very fair, showing large veins and strong tendons.  With this make-up, by a word or frown, we were all awed into quiet submission and obedience to his wish or will.  As to the physical man, he seemed to be about as perfect a specimen as any one.  He was not given to foolish jesting or anything of that sort, yet on some occasions was fond of a good joke, and would laugh as heartily as any one.  Yet he never wanted too much fun, mirth or play.  . . . He never wore whiskers; always shaved clean.  This was done after a fashion, with a good rattler razor, and was quite a job, as the skin was very loose.  

Had John Speer gone to school, as he should have done, and been better educated, there is no telling what position in society he might have been honored with.  He said he often regretted not doing so.  Although he went to school only about two months, he could read and write and keep his own books.  It seemed he could learn very readily anything he wished.  Whatever he undertook to do he tried to do well, and used to say whatever was worth doing was worth doing well, and he never liked to see any work slighted, botched, or poorly done.  He was a good man with the plow and hoe, and as at the anvil, all had to be done well, and everything else that he undertook.  I never knew him to have a fight or a quarrel with anyone; that was not his way of doing.  With him it seemed that when sufficient provocation was given, the next thing would be a word followed by a strike.  However, as said, he was never put to the test.  On suitable occasions, such as the 4th of July celebrations, he contributed as liberal as any one, and seemed to take a deep interest as well as pleasure in having an abundance for all who might attend and enjoy the festivities of the day.

On these occasions pits were dug in the ground in which a good fire of coal was kept burning, over which the beef, shoat and mutton was roasted or barbecued, superintended by some white man, and the darkeys were kept busy cooking, seasoning and preparing this rich repast of juicy meats to tempt the large assembly.  A shady arbor was made and covered with green leaf brush, and under this, the ground having been made as smooth and clean as possible, the young ladies danced to the music of the violin to their heart's content.  Such was the custom in my early boyhood days.  In those days we had company battalion and regimental musters every year, where the officers, with their tassled, glittering shoulderstraps and uniforms, and the regiments assembled to drill in military tactics.  Robert Wooden, Jr., and John Speer who were Captains, took a pride in putting their regiment through the evolutions.  

My father in politics was a Democrat, and always took an active part in the elections, and was quite interested in the result.  He took the Louisville Journal.  Voted for General Jackson, Van Buren and all, even down to Buchanan and J.C. Breckinridge.  Desiring to vote at that election, he was taken out of bed, dressed and assisted into a carriage and driven to the polls, where he his last vote was cast, a few days before his death.  Realizing his hopeless condition he sent for Cornal Wilson to come and write his will, in which each one of his children were made to  be equal sharers with each other of his estate left behind, and James M. and Marcus D. Speer were named as his executors without bond.  The doctor failing to save his life, he died after much suffering of urenial poison. Thus passed away one of whom it might be said, "the world was better by his having lived in it."  He did many acts of kindness and charity for the good of society. [Speer, pp. 25-28]

Occupation: Blacksmith, Miller, Farmer, Magistrate, Sheriff

[John Speer, Sr.] furnished his son with a wagon and team to go on the road and bring up goods from Charleston, SC, for the merchants, there engaged in that business.  How long he was engaged in this or how many trips was made I do not know, but from some cause or other he had to give up that work when about twenty years of age.  This caused serious thoughts as to what he had best do.  This caused serious thoughts as to what he had best do.  Being a much indulged and petted son, some said he would not stick, but he died, to their surprise.  Having determined to learn a trade, he went to a blacksmith named Williams and said: "I want to learn the trade; on what terms will you take me as an apprentice?"  "Well," said Mr. Williams, "if you will bind yourself to stay with me two years, I will learn you the trade."  The answer came quick, "I will do it," and it was done.  Of course his parents interposed no objection.  So he entered the shop where two fires were in service, put on the leather apron, picked up the sledge hammer and blazed away at the fiery metal, when placed on the anvil.  Much of the blacksmithing in those days was very laborious; the iron was in large bars and had to be split, cut and drawn out to make almost everything.  But now the iron used in blacksmith shops is ordered ready made.  So you have scarcely no use for a sledge hammer . . . 

. . . we return to say something more of this young John Speer, who has indentured himself to the blacksmith.  When having served eighteen months, the smith concluded he wanted to retire from the business, and proposed to sell out to him on fair and reasonable terms, but he must be paid for the six months labor yet due.  The trade was made and then and there the apprenticed young man took possession and carried on the business continuously until he determined to move to Kentucky.  [Speer, pp. 15-16]

The road from Newcastle to Louisville passed just in front of our house, and through Floydsburg, a small village adjoining our land, where there was a store, hotel and shoemaker's shop.  The blacksmith shop was on this road, nearly half way between the home and town, where for a number of years all the neighbors around came to have their smith work done.  . . . After some years most of the farm was cleared.  Eighty acres more of land was bought of Elijah Yager in the forks of Curry and Floyd's creeks.  There was about twenty acres of very rich bottom land cleared on it, and ten acres of good upland in cultivation and the balance thickly timbered.  On it was a double hewn log house, kitchen, stable, etc., and a young orchard of several acres, all Milam apples.  On this farm fine crops of corn were raised and stored in the big room of the house.  The question was then -- what is best to do with it? Several neighbors had started distilleries and were making their corn into whisky, and he concluded to build him a house for that purpose, so that by this means he might finish paying for the farm.  At that time whisky was selling at fifty cents a gallon.  He then bought of Mr. Paggett a horse mill, which me moved and set up on his own land at Floysburg.  It would grind with two horses, but four horses could grind with much more ease.  

I have spoken of this mill because of its usefulness.  Some would have their grain ground at one or the other of the water mills, but this was patronized and gave entire satisfaction.  People came from miles around with wheat and corn for bread, and wagon loads for the distilleries.  When the water became low and the mills had to stop, you could hitch to this, grind the grain, bo[ught] the wheat, and go home with flour or bran.  And then it was so convenient for home grinding.  Wheat was always raised for home use, and rye for malt for the still-house.  Ten or twelve acres more of timbered land were bought from Bohannon.  From this land the timber was cut to supply fuel when needed for the still-house.  Hogs were raised, and when about eighteen months old were fattened on corn and still-slop, and as many as could be spared were sold, and the remainder killed and put up for home use.  A sufficient had to be cured for two large families -- one white and one black. 

For many years he would take his heavy target rifle, (made by Simpson, of Morgantown, for the purpose of shooting beef, at target matches,) when the first snow fell and a deer could be tracked, mount his horse and ride to the most likely place a deer or a flock of wild turkeys were to be found, which he often brought home, to the delight of all the family.   I remember his coming home once from a hunt and telling Tom to hitch a horse to a slide and go to a certain place and bring home two deer he had killed.  On the west side of Curry's fork was a place where deer came to lick the salt or mineral water issuing therefrom, and on the opposite sides was a very slender tree, which showed signs of their visits.  One moonlight night, with gun in hand, he climbed away out on this and waited for the coming of the deer.  After waiting a short while a deer came in sight, and bang! went the gun, and down came the deer. 

I could tell you of other sports he had in shooting and hunting, but this will suffice.  He always had a delight for hunting on suitable occasions.  He never hunted much nor neglected his business to engage in any sport.  A farm of about 130 acres adjoining the 80 acre tract of land was bought of John Asher.  This was located on Curry's fork. . . . Thomas Cassady, who married Maggie Speer, a daughter of Marcus Speer, now lives on it.  A part of the tract of the John Bryan farm was then bought, and afterward the William Boulward tract and the James Beecher farm were bought from Jacob Shrader, to which Brother Marcus moved when married.  Just after 1850, while I was in California, the Harry Snyder farm was bought.  This was where my wife was raised, and where we were married. Mr. Snyder sold to Isaac Southern.  He died and the farm was bought. 

From this you see that John Speer was the owner of several hundred acres of land and much of it was very productive and rich land.  Once when speaking to me of what he had and possessed, said, "It was all acquired by honest toil and labor."  And so it was.  He also signified that he had enough and he desired no more.  [Speer, pp. 22-26] 

First it was Captain Speer, then Esquire Speer, then Sheriff Speer, for after having served many years as magistrate, he became sheriff.  Having served two years as sheriff, he was given a quietus from headquarters fro having faithfully performed his duties.  James M. Speer was made his deputy, and attended the largest portion of the business, which was well done, and of whom I shall have more to say farther on. [Speer, p. 28]

Military Service:  John Speer may be the John Spears, drum major who served in Capt. William Keller's Company, Second Regiment, KY mounted militia during the War of 1812.  The following is listed in the Kentucky Adjutant General’s report: Lt. Col. James Allen's Regiment of Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Militia John Spears, drum major, Sep. 29, 1812, 31 days, distance traveled from 170 to 250 miles

Migration:  During this period [1806-ca. 1811] several hundred dollars, a good wagon and team of four horses and his tools were accumulated.  With these a start was made for the West, with all necessary supplies for the journey stored away.  One or two other families, with their outfits, were a part of the company clear through.  They came over the mountains, across Cumberland and Clinch rivers into Kentucky.  This was in the fall of 1811. On the first night they encamped not far from town, so that if anything left was needed, or the stock got away, all could be easily obtained.  Next morning came and then and there five hundred of his hard-earned dollars had to go.  It happened as follows: The colored girl given them and who was traveling with them, was married and had one child.  Her husband was [a] young negro man, whom they tried to purchase, but his old Master McIntire, who kept a hotel, and was blind, would not sell, but his son-in-law Walton, who attended to his business, came to the camp that morning and sold him for five hundred dollars in silver.  This made Thomas Gr[aves] and his wife, Chany Graves, happy.  This transaction deprived father of the means to get as much land as he desired to own, so he had to look for some other way to get such a home. The last night camp was close to the home of George Bohannon, who had lived there for several years, on a survey made by a pioneer whose name was Daniel Curry, of whom he bought the land.  Curry lived near by, or with Bohannon, and died at his home about the year 1814.  Land was what was wanted, and it seemed that Bohannon wanted a good wagon and two more good horses.  A trade was made and Bohannon got the wagon and two horses and father got a warrantee deed to forty acres of heavy timbered land.  [Speer, John. Reminiscences of the Speer Family, pp. 17-18].

Records:

1790 – Burke County, NC – a Jno. Spears on the census with 2 males under 16, 2 males over 16 and 1 female, may be John’s family.  He would have been 5 years old.  There is also a John Speer family in Surry County, just northeast of Burke County that could be his family.

1800 – Burke County, NC – John Spear family consisting of 3 sons, 3 daughters, parents and 9 slaves is consistent with John being 15 years old.

1810 – Burke County, NC - John Spear family in Morganton:

• 2 males under 10, Samuel and John Grove
• 3 males 16-26 John Speer, ? and ? probably brothers
• 1 male 45+ John Speer (his father)
• 1 female 16-26 Mary Barbary
• 1 female 45+ Margaret (his mother)

1811 - John Grove Speer says the family moved in the fall of 1811. 

It was not long until he was getting pretty good interest on that $500 left back in the old tar heel state.  Thomas was a good axe-man and the two went to work with a will; and down came tree after tree, until sufficient was cleared for a place to build.  The logs were cut, scalped, or hewn, and two houses were built -- one for the whites and one for the blacks, and then [a] blacksmith shop for the bellows and anvil.  The land was near the mouth of Curry's fork, about half a mile distant.  Havinga  shop with bellows to be blown, a Tom to strike the red hot iron, the smith s[at] there at his trade again doing all the work that comes to him.  When not in the shop, their axes made by the smith, were busy felling those large beautiful poplar trees.  The large walnut, sugar and beech must all be gotten out of the way.  Rails must be made and the farms fenced, then the plow must start and turn up the rich virgin soil, that bread stuff may be raised to supply daily wants.  [Speer, pp. 18-19]

1812 – John probably participated in the War of 1812

The Indians had given the early settlers on this side of the [Ohio] river some very bad scares, and some of them were killed.  The State of Kentucky has placed a monument where a number of her pioneer citizens were killed and scalped and thrown into sink holes.  The place is south of Floyd's fork, and west of Long Run Creek in Shelby county, Kentucky.  I was often told of their being scared away from near the Ohio river, to the more remote and safer settlements in the savage massacre at the Pigeon Roost settlement, just across the Ohio river, from our home, are you surprised that here, too, was organized a volunteer company to pursue and if possible overtake and inflict vengeance on the foul murderers of women and children? A company was soon made up and George Bohannon was made captain.  Clayton, the father of Judge John W. Clayton, of Langrange, Kentucky, John Speer and others, armed with good rifles, powder and lead and plenty of flints, struck out thirsting for blood, and I was told, crossed the Ohio river at West Port, and on they go till they reach Vincennes on the Wabash river, where they take a rest, and return to their Kentucky homes.  I don't think they ever got sight of an Indian.  If I am not mistaken, they were gone about ninety days.  Before father's death, through Judge J.M. Clayton's instrumentality he was granted a pension for this volunteer service. [Speer, pp. 21-22]

1820 – Jefferson County, KY census – Jno. Spears family consisting of John and Mary with 4 sons and 3 daughters.  The family owned eight slaves whom were probably Thomas & Chany Graves and their two sons and four daughters.  Three people are listed as engaged in agriculture. John aged 34

1823 – December 15 Oldham County formed from parts of Jefferson, Henry and Shelby Counties. 

1830 – Oldham Co., KY census – John aged 45 living with Mary and 3 sons and 4 daughters. He owned fourteen slaves. 

1840 – Oldham Co., KY census – family consisting of John, Mary and the three youngest children.  There is a man age 80-89 who is probably Mary’s father John Grove.  The family owns 9 slaves.  5 people are engaged in agriculture.  John was 55 years old.

1850 – Oldham Co., KY census – John is listed as a 65 year old farmer with real estate valued at $7500.  He is said to have been born in Virginia.  He and Mary were raising their six grandchildren the children of John Grove Speer who was in the California gold mines.  There are also children Henry Eddings and Martha Cadwallader in the house.  John owned seven slaves.

1853 – Oldham Co., KY deed from John Speer to son Marcus Speer for $2437.00 sixty-two acres on Floyd’s Fork in Oldham County.

1856 – November 7 John Speer wrote his will:

In the name of God Amen,

I, John Speer of Oldham County and state of Kentucky knowing the uncertainty of human life and being in feeble health but of sound mind and disposing memory think proper to arrange my worldly concerns in such a manner as I deem best.  I therefore make this my last will and testament and

First - After all my just debts are paid it is my will and desire that the property that I possess shall be disposed of follows, viz.

Item 1st It is my desire that I be laid to rest in my Family grave yard near my dwelling, and that the said grave yard be set apart forever for a burial place and not transferable and not to be appropriated to any other use including an area of one quarter of an acre unto the privilege of the right of way and free access to the same form the Henry road the said grave yard I desire to have enclosed with a good stone wall and an iron gate to the same.

Item 2nd It is my will that all my property with the exception of special bequests both real and personal shall be sold by my executors hereinafter appointed so soon as practicable and upon the terms they may think best for the interest of my heirs and of the money I may have on hand at the time of my demise and the first accruing from the sale of my property. It is my will that three thousand dollars be set apart and securely vested, the interest accruing from which to be annually collected and paid over to my beloved wife Mary during her lifetime for her use comfort and maintenance.

Item 3rd.  I will and bequeath to my beloved grandson John Henry Speer a yellow filly now in my possession.

Item 4th It is my will that my son Marquis D. Speer shall have all my land on the East side of Curry's fork known as the Asher place provided he is willing to pay my executors for the benefit of my heirs twenty four dollars per acre.  If he does not agree to take it at that rate it is to be sold to the highest bidder.  If he takes said land he is to pay at the same time and like payments as the other land is sold for.

Item 5th It is my will that after the special bequests and legacies heretofore named are adjusted and set apart to the persons named that the money arising from the sale of my property real and personal and from all other sources, be distributed among my heirs as to make them equal.  I have at various times made advancements to several of my children all of which is charged to them in my account book, it is my wish that as the money is collected it shall be paid out to those who have had the least advancement, until the are all made equal with the one that has received the greatest and then an equal division of the remainder of payments be made among the heirs; the portion of my estate which by this will descends to my daughter Susan Taylor, I resign for her special use and bodily heirs.

Item 6th It is my will that my sons Marquis D. Speer and James M. Speer be and I hereby appoint them my executors of this my last will and testament and empower them to pars deeds and titles of sale for the land and negroes when sold and do not require them to give security in court for the performance of their duties as Executors.

Given under my hand this November 7, 1856.

John Speer {seal}

Attest

James F. Wilson

D.L. Freman

Kentucky, Oldham County Court Sct

November Term 1856

A paper purporting to be the last will and testament of John Speer dec'd was produced in court and was proved to be such by the Oaths of James F. Wilson and D.L. Freeman the two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded, which is done accordingly.

Brent Hopkins, clk

pr. W.G. Taylor DC

1856 – Dec. 30 – Deed by Marquis & James Speer executors of John Speer to Marquis Speer 122 acres on Curry’s Fork in Oldham County, Kentucky for $25 per acre, part of the settlement of John Speer’s estate.

1862 – Aug. 21 – a mortgage on property by Charles Hinkle to Speer heirs for the money Hinkle owed to his father-in-law John Speer.  There were two notes in the amount of $1768.33 each.  This is part of the settlement of John Speer’s estate.

Children:

Samuel b. 1806, d. 1828, never married 

Let me pay a tribute of respect to the memory of the oldest son, Samuel Speer, who was born November 18th, 1806, and died September 14th, 1828.  He went to school to various teachers and did fairly well, but seemed to prefer work to the study of books; was strong and full of ambition and nerve, and grew to be over six feet tall, weighed about one hundred and eighty pounds, with no surplus flesh, fair skin, blue eyes, auburn hair; loved work and was used to it, which gave him strong muscular endurance.  Physically he was a number one man.  A very serious accident happened to him once, when nearly grown.  In riding a blind horse over bars into the stable lot, it stumbled and fell, and caught one of his legs under it, and broke his thigh bone, from which he suffered dreadfully.  He bore it manfully and finally got sound and well again.  In those days every farmer cut his grain with cradle or reap-hook.  He and old Tom went into a ten acre field of wheat once and with their cradles cut it down sometime before sundown.  And he was just as good with the mowing scythe in the meadow when grass for hay had to be cut.  He was very temperate and did not indulge in whiskey or spirits.  The blessed good women would sometimes bring out into the field a bucket of sweetened vinegar and water, nice and cool, of this he drank to allay thirst, as did others.  About two years before his death a Light Horse company was organized at our home town.  Mr. Rowe was elected captain, Samuel Speer 1st lieutenant, Michael Souther 2nd lieutenant and Benjamin Rupel 3rd lieutenant.  These officers, with their beautiful tasselled epaulets on their shoulders, their scarlet sash andgl ittering swords, mounted on slick nice spirited horses, were something to be admired, and attracted the attention of all, especially the women and children.  His sword and epaulets may now be in the family of Col. J.M. Speer.  Susan Wood an aunt died in August, 1828, of typhoid fever.  He set up and waited on her; always ready and willing to be useful in such cases, and assisted in the interment.  About ten days after he was stricken with the same fever and knew but little after the attack and died in about two weeks.  I was at his bedside much of the time and was powerless to do good, save to wet the parched lips and mouth with water, and give the fluids and medicine left for him.  I had been reading medicine with Dr. Hiram B. Weathers since early in the spring.  These grave cases of old typhoid fever were dreaded by the doctors and people, and were often fatal.  Thus passed away a son, a brother, beloved and highly esteemed by all.  Father had his mortal remains laid away in the garden near the house, he being the first interred there.  If you ever go to the old home at Floydsburg, Kentucky, go through the garden; you enter where not only Samuel Speer sleeps, but many others of the family.  Father, mother, brothers, sisters and our much loved companion are all gone.  Here in solemn silence let us consider our own destiny for very soon, we must go as they have, the way of all mortals. [Speer, pp. 29-31]

John Grove b. 1809, d. 1909 md. 1) Sarah Snyder 1830, 2) Lucy Button, children by Sarah Snyder:

• Judith b. 1831
• Susan b. 1833
• Mary b. 1834
• Richard b. ca. 1836, d. ca. 1846
• James b. 1837
• John b. 1840, d. 1925 md. Sarah Yager 1866, children: Berilla, John & Harryee
• Ann b. 1841
• Marcus b. 1844, md. Ida Souther 1869, children: Albert, Susan, William, Etta, Herbert, Edward
• Joseph b. 1847

Margaret Cloyd b. 1811 md. John Conyers 1830

I wish to speak of Margaret Cloyd Speer.  At home, school, everywhere, at all times and places, she was the same steady quiet person.  And in her word you could place confidence; was industrious, and went about her work in a quiet manner; was five feet ten inches in height and the stoutest of any of her sisters; had a well rounded body, a large head with a heavy coat of black hair, dark blue eyes, set deep under a heavy brow.  Here in the rounded body and deep blue eyes the Cloyd crops out.  She never liked to be flattered, praised or made much of; still she liked to be treated with courtesy, and treated others that way.  Her son Albert Conyers and his only daughter had this peculiarity.  I think it was inherited from the Cloyd side of the family, and it was appropriate to put Cloyd in her name.  Father possessed much the same disposition.  She was good at all household work, such as spinning, weaving, etc., but never sat down satisfied if the house needed sweeping; no, no, but she would sweep and sweep and have things in good order, before taking a rest.  [Speer, pp. 31-32]

• Susan b. 1831, d. 1904 md. Elisha Yager in 1850, children: Mary, Clauda (male), Joel,  Sarah, Allen, Kate and Laura
• Mary b. 1833, d. 1861 md. James Ewell in 1853, children: Virinda, Dicey, Mattie, Lewis
• William b. 1835, d. 1876 md. Eliza Taylor in 1857, child: Sarah b. 1858
• Martha b. 1837, d. 1858 md. George Brown in 1856, child: Lenna (male)
• Nancy b. 1840 md. Benjamin Dawson in 1836, children: Charles, Minnie, Joseph, William, Ada
• John b. 1842, d. 1864, never married a member of Company A, 1st Kentucky Cavalry
• Albert b. 1845, d. 1882 md. Sarah Knox in 1877, child: Adda Clyde
• James b. 1847, d. 1920 never married

Susan b. 1813, md. 1) March Hinkle 1832, brother of Susan Hinkle, wife of Marquis D. Speer

Not long after this [1832, Susan and March] moved to a good farm on Floyd's fork, just over in the edge of Shelby county, near where he was raised, and went to farming.  On this they both labored and toiled together, to add to their stock and store, and were doing well, until death swooped down and carried away the kind and genial husband friend and brother, thus leaving the wife the sole protector, guardian and provider for two boys and two little girls.  With commendable zeal and industry she set out to do the very best she could under the circumstances to run the farm and provide things needful for her own and the little ones' comfort and pleasure; and this she did with the help, council and advice she obtained from her father, whom she often consulted.  On this farm she lived until the three surviving children were about grown.  She lived in Daviess County several years, and again came and lived on the old home place with her children until the war, when John S[peer Hinkle] went South.  In the meantime Samuel [Hinkle] bought [John Speer's] old home place, or rather a part of it, where now stands the two story brick residence, and on which is the place of the sleeping dead of many of the family.  Afterwards he traded this to his mother and Mary and lived and died where she had been raised.  Her mother [Mary Barbary (Grove) Speer] made her home with her and died at the old home.  

Susan (Speer) Hinkle, was a favorite sister of mine and was very kind and clever to me and my wife, of whom she was very fond, and my children, and how could I say anything else of her than that she was one of the noblest of women, a loving sister, a true friend, and was possessed of a generous, sympathizing heart, which prompted her to do many kind deeds.  I thought much of her and was often with her in her declining days trying to return kindness for kindness.  With her and my dear mother I spent two winters for no other purpose than to be with them and do all I could for their comfort and relief.  Let us ever hold in kind remembrance the good deeds done by them for our comfort and happiness in days gone by, and be thankful to the Lord for such friends.

Sister after being a Methodist and sprinkled, lived a member of that body for years, but when she thought she had learned the way of the Lord more perfectly, was immersed into the Church  of Christ, and went on her way rejoicing.  [Speer, pp. 117-119]

• Mary Pamela b. 1833 md. William Furguson, children: John, Henry
• Charles Samuel b. 1835 md. 1) Jane (--?--)  & 2) Mahulda (--?--) ca. 1859, children: Ida, Anna, Susan, Joseph, Julia and two died before 1900.
• John Speer b. 1837 md. Martha Williams in 1867, children: Charles, Jennie, Mary, Susan, Annie 
• Susan Elizabeth

Marquis married Susan Hinkle, sister of March Hinkle, above. 

Amelia b. 1818, d. 1854 md. Thomas Furniss

They lived in Floydsburg for a number of years, where he carried on the hatters trade.  Then run a market wagon and made weekly trips to Louisville, which he followed for a number of years.  During this time his wife died, and his daughter kept house for him until after he moved to Daviess County.  His wife was not as stout as some of her sisters; was afflicted at one time with a scrofulous enlargement and supuration of the submanilary gland.  She was of medium height, very fair complexion, and inclined to freckle, had a well shaped head, with black hair, dark blue eyes, and was quite graceful and comely in appearance.  She favored her Grandmother Speer more than any of [the] sisters.  She was possessed of a fine intellect and memory.  Was a loving wife, friend and mother, and done her part as well as she could in her enfeebled state of health.  The scrofulous disposition developed into lung trouble from which she died.  She was buried at our old home. [Speer, p. 120]

• Mary b. 1837, d. 1907 md. John Taylor ca. 1836, children: Willie, John, Claud, Lillie, Robert, Annie
• Ann b. 1840, d. 1922 md. John White, no known children
• Martha b. 1841
• Thomas b. 1848, d. 1931 md. Edie Ellison, two sons
• Francis Marion b. 1851, d. 1932, never married
• John b. 1853, d. 1928 md. Sinah Curl 1873, children: Annie, Bettie, Minnie, Charles, Willie, Lillie, Mannie, John, Clarence and Clara

James Monroe b. 1820, d. 1895 md. Sarah Johnston 1843

James Monroe Speer a son of John and Mary B. Speer was born near Floydsburg, Oldham County, Kentucky, January 19, 1820.  He attended the village school and worked on his father's farm until he was nineteen years of age; when he commenced clerking for Colonel James F. Wilson, then the leading merchant of the place, which position he retained until his marriage in 1843.  After this he bought a good farm a few miles east of where he was raised, to which he moved, there he engaged in farming; this was in 1844.  While there he was deputy sheriff under his father, and at the first election after the constitution of 1850 went into effect, he was elected sheriff and again at the next election and served four years.  Immediately following this he was elected to the state legislature; serving the session of 1855-56.  In 1853 he sold his farm on which he resided, and bought on Harrods Creek near Brownsboro, Oldham County, which he owned and lived on at the time of his death, October 18, 1895.  He added to the original purchase several times; making it both in size and fertility, one of the finest farms in that county.  Having lost many slaves during the war of 1861-65 he turned his attention to orchard grass, then comparatively a new crop, and became an extensive and leading grower of the seed.  

During these years up to his illness, he was prominent in national, state and county politics.  He possessed a mind on legal matters that would have made him a renowned lawyer, had he studied the profession.  He was one of the men to whom you could go for council and advice.  He was a large strong man without any surpulous flesh, was over six feet in height, and was possessed of a very fine active brain and intellect which he exercised for his own good and that of his friends, and he had many.  He was ready at all times to join in with others and do his part in anything praiseworthy, and for the good of society. 

It was through him and some of his good neighbors influence that the pike roads were built in this section.  And he was one of the leading men in the purchase of a piece of ground for a cemetery near Brownsboro, Kentucky, adjoining the Harrods  Creek churches of worship, and having it improved and it is now a beautiful place, with graveled drives, in through, and around among the sleeping dead, there interred and being interred as the Master calls them hence.  It was in this beautiful place that his body was deposited in mother earth, to await the call of the voice of the Son of God, when all shall come forth to receive a reward according to their works. 

When J.M. Speer moved down on his farm on Harrods Creek, he gave his attention for some years to raising wheat, corn and other valuable products for the Louisville market.  He now has the house remodeled and enlarged and made a capacious two story building, with many rooms and conveniences attached.  On this farm there is a good barn and orchard and also an abundance of good running water to supply the needs of the outer man.  He and his kind and industrious wife labored and toiled together to secure more of this worlds treasures and succeeded very well in their efforts, and were able and did give substantial aid and assistance to their children.  He bought property in  Louisville, Kentucky, on which now stand two brick houses, on Chestnut Street where Albert Button and wife now live; the other adjoins theirs and is the property of Bettie Garr and is rented. 

James M. and Marcus D. Speer were made executors of their father's will, without any bond.  James M. attended to the most of that business, and after his brother's death had to settle the whole affair, and his brother's estate also; so you see he led a very busy life, and was decidedly a man of business, and much esteemed and highly respected by all who knew him.  [Speer, pp. 136-139]

• Laura b. 1844, d. 1916 md. Albert Button 1863, children Bettie and James
• Josephine b. 1848, d. before 1850
• Bettie b. 1850, d. 1936 md. Thomas Garr 1870, no chidlren

Elizabeth b. 1822 d. 1825 age 3
Martha Jane b. 1824, d. 1910 md. William Taylor 1850

Martha Jane a daughter of John and Mary B. Speer was born July 12, 1824.  [William Taylor served in the Mexican War.]  After  his return home and marriage, they moved on a farm on the road to Ballardsville in Oldham County, where they lived a year or more and then moved to Daviess Co., where they bought a farm in the forks of Panther Creek, and after some years he bought another farm adjoining the one already owned by him; then he built a two story frame house where he lived when the Civil War broke out. His wife Martha J. Taylor gets a pension of eight dollars a month as the widow of a soldier in the war with Mexico.  She strove hard to do her part and right well has she done it; quietly and easily she goes about things, that have to be attended to, to make home comfortable and desirable for all.  She is so kind and good to our dear old sister.  Why should we not love and esteem her very much?  I am not forgetful of the kindness shown me and will ever be thankful that I have a sister and friend so dear to me.  

Returning home at the close of the [Civil] war, he sold one of his farms and built a comfortable cottage house on the farm he first lived on.  On this his wife is now living and also her son J. Samuel Taylor, who heired a part of it  and bought out the other heirs. [Speer, pp. 142-145]

• John b. 1850, d. 1941 md. Almeta Dodson, 1872, children: Mary, Thomas, Ollie, John
• Joseph b. 1853, d. 1911 md. 1) Fannie Kirk 1875 & 2) Mary Kirk 1879 children: Earl, John, Forest, Imogene, Katie, Ellis
• Henry b. 1855, d. 1922 md. Alice Percell 1856. children: Harmon, Monorah, William, Clyde, Charles, Mary, John
• Mary b. 1857, d. 1946 md. James Camp 1877, children: Oscar, Mattie, Maude, Paul, Minnie

Francis Marion b.  1826, d. 1832 age 6
Julia Ann b. 1828 md. James Johnston ca. 1850

They lived for a time at John Conyers, then bought a farm on Floyd's Fork, and erected a two story house and resided there for several years.  They sold this farm and bought another on Curry's Fork, where he again built a good cottage home.  On that they lived until the two oldest boys were grown, when they gave it to them and moved down on Harrod's Creek to a farm he had bought of George Neatherston & Bro.  There he erected another good, comfortable frame cottage, barn, &c.  On this they lived until a few years ago, worked hard and made money; sold that, too, and bought a cottage house and lot at Beard's Station, on the railroad, about eighteen miles above Louisville, where they now live alone.  Three of their children have married and the other one is working on the farm on which he left the two oldest.  He and his wife have been very industrious and labored and toiled hard to accumulate wealth, and by a continuous effort and economy have enough to make them happy and comfortable, if money can make any one happy.  They have lived well and have an abundance to carry them through life's journey; besides giving their four children material help in land and money.

She is the smallest of the girls.  She has black hair, blue eyes, fair skin and of medium height; is a fine reader, a good talker, and has a fine memory and an active brain.  She delights to meet friends and acquaintances.  They are kind and hospitable and good neighbors and citizens.  They both show the effects of age and the labor through which they have gone.  It is telling on their mortal bodies, as time wings us all on to that abode from which no traveler returns. [Speer, pp. 149-150]

• Medora b. 1848 md. Joseph Hampton 1865, children William, Marcus, Benton, James, Olivia, Richard, Rosa, Mary, David
• William b. 1852 md. Ada Smith, a son and a daughter
• Orlando b. 1855, d. 1931 md. Mary Smith 1884, a boy died young and a daughter
• Arthur b. 1859

Elvira b. unknown, d. probably as a child.