Biography of Colonel Samuel P. Spear

Colonel Samuel P. Spear, 11th Pa. Volunteer Cavalry

Samuel P. Spear joined the Penn. Cavalry on Aug. 21, 1861. He was forty years old and he brought his own horse, which was valued at $175.00. He enlisted in his home town of Philadelphia, PA.

Spear mustered in as a First Sgt. and was promoted to Major an Sept. 14, 1861. His next promotion, to Lt. Col. came on Oct. 5, 1861. He was made Colonel on Aug. 20, 1862.

Cal. Spear’s next advancement was slow in coming. He was finally made Brevet Brigadier General, to date from March 13, 1865. His military record states that he was promoted because he showed "great personal gallantry at Darbytown, near Richmond, VA."

Col. Spear was wounded at Five Forks; VA, on April 1,1865, by a Mint ball in his leg. In a letter dated April 7,1865 he states, "The bone in my left leg is not broken but injured. The ball has been extracted. My right leg is exceedingly painful."

Cal. Spear resigned, under a cloud of controversy, on May 9, 1865. U.S. Army records show that he "resigned under charges of drunkenness on duty and conduct unbecoming an officer.

We should also note that the Record and Pension office issued a report on June 21, 1898 which states that much of the above charge is erroneous. This decision was rendered over thirty-three years after Col. Spear resigned.