Pvt. Moses Beard

A Patriot of the American Revolution for SOUTH CAROLINA with the rank of Private. DAR Ancestor #: A125023

Moses Beard was born in Ireland on April 22, 1759 and died on February 9, 1833 in Clarke County, Georgia.

It is not yet known when he came to America. He married Elizabeth and settled in South Carolina. It is not yet proven that Elizabeth was a Blackstock, as many webtrees suggest. It is not yet proven when or where she was born.

During his stay in South Carolina, the American Revolution began. Moses was drafted to serve in the state militia. He qualified for a government pension based on his two tours of duty, which are outlined in his pension application. Moses was granted a pension at the rate of $80 per year, commencing March 4th, 1831, for two years service in the South Carolina militia as a private.

At some point after the war, he and his family settled in Clarke County, Georgia. The family shows up in the 1830 US Census for Clarke County.

After Moses' death, Elizabeth applied for a widow's pension, which was granted at $30 per year. Elizabeth died in 1849, at which time her daughter Margaret Beard Sneed petitioned to receive any remaining benefits from her parents' claim. In her affidavit she also named three sisters and one brother who would share in that claim.

Most facts found so far for Moses Beard and wife Elizabeth have been found in their pension file [see below].

Moses is buried in the Jackson Street Cemetery, also known as the Old Athens Cemetery, on the grounds of the University of Georgia. His name is included on a memorial stone for all Revolutionary War dead buried there. The inscription reads: Moses Beard, b. 4/22/1759, d. 2/9/1833, In honor of the soldiers of the American Revolution 1776-1783 buried here

Children of Moses Beard and wife Elizabeth:

• Nancy Beard, who married a Mr. White, was born c.1790 in South Carolina
• Jonathan Beard, born c. 1795 in South Carolina
• Lavicy Beard, who married a Mr. Peach, was born c.1797 in South Carolina
• Lydia Beard, who married a Mr. Walker, was born c.1805 in South Carolina
• Margaret Beard, who married a Mr. Sneed, was born March 1806 in South Carolina

Sources -

• https://www.fold3.com/image/11021792 - the complete 73 page pension file [note - subscription required]
• http://revwarapps.org/w5818.pdf - volunteer transcription and summary of the above pension file, only five pages long.
• http://www.interment.net/data/us/ga/clarke/jackson/index.htm