SIXTH TENNESSEE INFANTRY, USA
SEVENTH TENNESSEE MOUNTED INFANTRY, USA
NINTH TENNESSEE CAVALRY, USA
Miscellaneous Items
From the papers of
Luther Mead Blackman
Transcribed by
Janelle Swearingen
Sixth Tennessee Infantry
Benjamin C. Bright, Company ?
State of Tennessee, County of Loudon. Magor W. Hickman being duly sworn says he is 37 years old whose post office is Piney Loudon County Tennessee and that he is personally and intimately acquainted with Benjamin C. Bright and has been for the last six years and that he is consideraly afflicted with rheumatism and moste especiley in the years of 1883 and 86 I know that he is troubled with Rheumatism to such an extent as to disable him from labor fuley one third of his time I have worked for the said Benjamin C. Bright when he was not able to work the said Benjamn C. Bright worked my land and I am not mistaken in the above statement. I went to his house the 26 day of August 1886 and found him almost helpless from the effects of Rheumatism and that I am not entrested in the prosicution of his clame.
M. W. Hickman.
Sworn to & Subscribed before me August 31st 1886. M. L. Mourfield, Clerk [R1-V-B-2]
Gregory under date of 21 July 1887 testifys was intimate with soldier prior to enlistment both as his neighbor and Physician living within miles of him and knew him to be an active able-bodied sound man had he been diseased would have known it. After discharge in Oct 1865 treated him for Rheumatism in legs, neck and shoulders, which had assumed a chronic type and was evidently contracted while in the service, since the above date have frequently prescribed for said soldier up to 1880 when again examined him and found him still suffering severe from chronic Rheumatism and at times totally unable to do any labor whatever. From 1880 up to the present time have prescribed and given medical advice from time to time, but kept no dates as he was unable to make any returns for such services. Said soldier is at present incapacitated for manual labor by reason of alleged chronic Rheumatism at least two thirds.
Gregory was living in Morganton in about Sept or Oct 1865 and had a horse stolen. Marsh Bozes suspected. Bright went with him 3 or 4 days in search of horse about Louisville. Treated him for Rheumatism and examined him in arms legs neck & shoulder. Next treated him gave other prescriptions at times subsequent. Prescribed for him when put Rafters on Barn. Examined him about 16th May 1887 found him 2/3
Dr. Blair prescribed for him
Gregory 2 yrs ago gave prescirtion for Rheumatism in Goens Drug Store
John L. Hunt, Company C
[letterhead] Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Washington D. C. Apl 2d 1884. [to] John L Hunt, Loudon Tenn. Sir: In reply to your inquiry relative to the pension claim no 397437 of John L. Hunt late of Co. AC@ 6th Reg=t Tenn Inft you are informed that it awaits evidence of origin and treatment while in the service and your physical condition at and prior to enlistment & since discharge - called for Nov 24/82 addressed to atty. The condition of the case has also been given to the atty this day. Wm. W. Dudley
[letterhead] J. L. McFarland, Claims and Patents, P. O. Box 513. Washington D. C. Apl 19th 1884. John L. Hunt, Esq. Loudon, Tenn. Dear Sir: Your pension claim requires evidence showing origin of disability and treatment for same while in the service and evidence showing your condition at and prior to enlistment and since discharge. Can you furnish this evidence. Resp J. L. McFarland.
Department of the Interior . . . June 30, 1880 Sir the Claim of Jno L. Hunt of Co. C. 6 Tenn for Pension has been received and will be examined . . .
South Division Department of the Interior Jany 6, 1881. Sir: The claim of John L. Hunt Co. AC@ 6th Tenn No. 397437 for Pension has been received and will be examined. . .
So. Department of the Interior Pensions Office . . . Jany6, 1881
Sir: In the claim for Invalid Pension No. 397437 of John L. Hunt the claimant is required to state under oath his place or several places of residence and occupationfor 5 years immediately preceeding his enlistment and what it has been during the time fromhis discharge to the present . . .history of his disability . . treatment . . . physicians . . . etc.
Seventh Tennessee Mounted Infantry, USA
Elias Roberts, Company E
Martha Roberts widow of Elias Roberts AE@ Co. 7th Tenn Mtd Infty. Mt. Vernon Tenn. Pow of Atty given to Robinson June 15, 1878. Claim filed before. Jenas Dye promises to look after claim. [R1-V-G]
Madisonville Tenn Nov 13/83
Dear Major: Was at Lindseys on Yesterday (Monday). Found all right & working well. Promised to return soon but cannot say just now when it will be. Want to go to Knoxville about 20th the time you mentioned. Saw Jennis Dye to day and he has ageed to be here on Saturday for the purpose of seeing you in the Martha Roberts pension case. I told him that I would write you and ask you to be here. He will undertake to work her case up and no doubt will succeed. He in my opinion has so become interested in the matter as to pay for services &c. Come up Saturday next, if possible, and will then talk other matters over. I expect to be at Sweetwater show on Friday Write. Yours King.
[written on back of above letter in Blackman=s hand]
When taken was on deck of Boat was taken in Cabin of Boat by Dr Lee where several officers Think Capt Hedgecock Leiut Best Capt Ragle (Reagle) Lieut Miller Henry Adams, Esq, James matlock and ord Segt James Ramsey. Simpson belonged Co. D had gone on before with 1st B__, Shipwash belonged to Caimant Co. Shipwash is at Morganton. Willis E. Hedgecock lives on Clinch near Geo Simpson. Henry Adams lives on Clinch. Esqr Matlock thinks he knows about Rupture. Robt Williams was present on Boat when took Colic. James Ramsey thinks he lives in Bradley.
James A. Roling, Company A
[letterhead] Department of the Interior, Pension Office Washington May 16, 1883. [to] L. M. Blackman, Madisonville, Monroe Co. Tenn. Sir: The claim of James A. Roling Pri Co AA@ 7 Regt Tenn Mtd Inf No. 481891, for Pension has been received and will be examined in its order . . . Wm W. Dudley, Commissioner
State of Tennessee, County of McMinn. . . Personally appeared .. . James A. Roling aged 52 years. Post office address Mecca McMinn County Tenn. Who being duly sworn according to law on his oath states that during the five years immediately preceeding his enlistment he resided as follows -- the first four of the five years at Ducktown Polk Co. Tenn and the last year of said five years in the same neighborhood where he now resides. His occupation being that of a farmer. That ever since his discharge he has resided continuously in the neighborhood of his present residence. That in the month of February or March, as well as he can now remember the date, his regiment - the 7th Tenn Mt. Infty - was encamped on Dry Creek Monroe County Tenn. And while so encamped he had an attack of Measles and he was sent to regimental hospital within the lines of said encampment where he was treated for said disease by regimental Surgeon Dr. Enoch Collins. That he remained in said hospital probably about one month when he was discharged therefrom. That soon after leaving said hospital his command moved to Athens, McMinn Co Tenn at which place it went into camp. He, affiant, being at the time in very feeble health not having fully recovered from his said disease, and having no shelter but a small tent and being obliged to lie on the ground he contracted a severe cold within about one week after reaching Athens which produced a violent cough and pains in breast left side, both hips and both legs from which effect of said cold he has ever since suffered. That he was not treated while in his regiment for said cold and its effects and was shortly after contracting same discharged with the muster out of his regiment. That ever since his discharge he has treated himself with diferrent [sic] kinds of teas for his cold and linaments for pains in his side, hips and legs. That since his discharge he has consulted Dr James Kelley of Williamsburg McMinn Co. Tenn (now deceased) and Dr. Cravey of same place both of whom told him that his present disabilities were the effects of measles and both advised him to persue the course he himself had adopted. That he has not had any attack of acute disease since his discharge.
Affiant further states that at no time since his discharge has he been able to perform more than one half the labor that he could before his enlistment or that an ordinary able bodied man could do or perform and that during the last three years he has not been able at any time too perform more than three fourths as much manual labour a healthy able bodied man could accomplish. That he is unable to give dates of periods when he has been prevented from following his occupation as a farmer on account of said disabilities but he can state in a general way that fully one half of the time since his discharge he has been totally disqualified for the performance of manual labor by reason of said diseases. Affiant further states that farming is the only occupation he has ever had by which to make his support as well as the support of his family. James (X) Roling.
Attest J. M. Davis. M. J. Derrick.
Sworn . . . 28th day of November A.D. 1883 . . . W. N. Cage, Clk Ct. Court
[letterhead] Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Washington D.C. December 19, 1883. [to] L. M. Blackman, Madisonville Tenn: Sir: In the claim for invalid pension no. 481891 of James A. Rowling late private of Co. A 7 Reg=t Tenn Mtd Infy the testimony indicated in paragraph no. 1 & 2 should be furnished.
1. The affidavit of the family physician which should show what the claimant=s physical condition was at and prior to enlistment, expecially whether he was free from lung disease and affection of back and legs . . .
2. The testimony of all the physicians who have attended him since the date of his discharge from the service, showing explicitly the history and degree of the disability from alleged lung disease and affection of back and legs . . .Wm. W. Dudley
[letterhead] Department of the Interior, Pension Office, December 19, 1883, [to] L. M. Blackman, Madisonville, Tenn. Sir: In the Invalid Claim, no 481891 of James A. Rowling, the testimony indicated in paragraph No1 & 2 should be furnished.
1. The affidavit of a commissioned officer of claimant=s company or regiment, which should state when where, and the circumstances under which the alleged measles, resulting in lung disease and affection of back and legs were contracted. . .
2. The affidavit of the surgeon, or assistant surgeon, of claimant=s regiment as to treatment for said disabilities . . . The Post office address of Dr. Enoch Collins late Asst Surgeon 7th Tenn Mtd Infy is Rhea Springs Tenn. . . Wm. W. Dudley
Athens Tenn, Jan the 17 1884. Mr. L. M. Blackman. Sir. Mr. J. A. Raland wishes me to make a statement in regard to his helth Before the war. I have been aquainted with him since 1858. I never heard him complain any and considered him a sound man up to the war. I have heard him complain often since I have been presonally acquainted with him ever since 1858. Yours Respectfully L. T. McNabb
Eve Mills, Tenn 3/14/84
Mr. James Roling,
I inclose blank for Dr. McNabb to use in making his statement in your case. Ask him to follow instructions in margin of blank as nearly as possible. You should obtain statements from Physicians who have treated you since your discharge if possible. I have received a call for the affidavit of a Commissioned officer of your Company or Regiment, stating when where and the circumstances under which you contracted measles. Can you furnish same? Lt Laster of your Company resides at Calhoun Tenn - so I am informed. I suppose Capt Cochran and Lt Duggan are both dead. Where is 1st Segt John W. Davis of your company? Please send me a sum sufficient to cover expenses in prosecuting your claim. Truly. L. M. Blackman.
Mecca, McMinn County, tenn. Apr the 1st 1884. Maj L. M. Blackman, Dear Sir you was misstaken McNabb is no Doctor though I wish to interduse him as a witness in case & I also will have E. L. Derrack first sarg and M I Derrick pri I__st write the afidavits and I will hav them ___ ___ I cant do eny thing in way of money now but will as soon posible. Yours and cc James A. Roling.
Mortimer, McMinn Cnty, Tenn, April 4, >89
Maj. L. M. Blackman, Eve Mills, Tenn. Sir - have you heard anything about my Pension claim has any proof been colled for if necessary send me the blanks and I will get up the proof. Please write me Yours Truly James A. Roling. My P. O. now is Mortimer, McMinn County, Tennessee. Maj. This is one of my friends attend to him- J. P. Brient.
Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, USA
Jacob Rines or Rhynes, Company K
Physicians Affidavit. State of Tennessee County of Loudon
In the Pension Claim of Jacob Rines . . . late of Company K 9th Tenn Cavalry . . . Personally came before me . . . A.. W. Gregory a citizen of Morganton in the county of Loudon and state of Tennessee . . . he was acquainted with claimant prior to Enlistment for Three years and that so far as his knowledge went he was an able boddied healthy man and Entiely free from his present troubles (vis) loss of right eye and ear. Affiant further states that it is his belief that said Claimant contracted the above disability during service in United States and that said disability was caused by an atack of varioloid. Affiant farther states that he has treated said Claimant since his discharge and considers his disability for manual labour to be at least one half.
A. W. Gregory M. D.
He further states that he has been a practitioner of medicine for thirty years . . . Sworn . . . 17 day of Feby A.D. 1883. N. A. Greer, Notary Public.
[letterhead] Department of the Interior, PensionOffice, Washington, May 16, 1883.
[to] L. M. Blackman, Madisonville Monroe Co. Tenn. Sir: The claim of Jacob Rines Pri Co. AK@ 9 Regt Tenn Cav No. 481889 for Pension, has been received and will be examined in its order . . . Wm. W. Dudley, Commissioner
[letterhead] Department of the Interior, Pension office, Washington D.C May 26, 1883. [to] Mr. Jacob Rines, Piney, Loudon Co. Tenn. Sir: In the claim for Invalid Pension No 481889 of Jacob Rines the claimant is require to state under oath his place or several places of residence and P. O. Address and what his occupation was for five years immedicately preceeding his enlistment [form letter asking for information] Wm. W. Dudley
Piney Tenn Aug 2nd 83. Mr. L. M. Blackman Dear sir I went to Athens yesterday and was in a vary hard rain and afraid this is ruined but could not help getting it wet. Vary sick like to a not got home hope this will find you well. Very respectfully. Jacob Rines.
State of Tennessee, Loudon County. Personally appeared before the undersigned authority, Jacob Rines aged 38 years. Post Office address Piney Loudon County, Tennessee who being duly sworn . . . states: That during the five years immediately preceeding his enlistment he resided within two (2) miles of Eve Mills P. O. Monroe County Tennessee his occupation being that of a farm laborer. That since his discharge he resided in the vicinity of Johnstons Mill aforesaid till 1873 when he moved to the neighborhood of Hamiltons Mills Loudon County Tenn - moved there in the fall and stayed one year. That he then moved back to the neighborhood of Johnson Mills where he stayed till the fall of 1884 when he moved back to the neighborhood of Hamiltons Mill where he stayed till the fall of 1882 when he moved to the neighborhood of Piney Loudon County Tenn where he has since resided. That while residing near Johnstons Mill his P. O. Address was Eve Mills, Loudon County Tenn, Affiant further states that he was captured by the rebel enemy under Gen=l Jones at Wyremans Mill, six miles above Cumberland Gap Va on the 22d day of February 1864. Was taken to Richmond, VA and sent to Libby Prison at that place in which prison he was kept about one week when he was sent to Belle Island Prison where he was kept about two months was then sent back to Libby Prison where he stayed about two weeks when he was sent to Small Pox Hospital in the vicinity of Libby Prison, he having contracted Small Pox or rather Varioloid. That he remained in said hospital two or three weeks when he was sent to Fortress Monroe and exchanged. That at the time he was discharged from said hospital he was suffering greatly from the effect of his aforesaid disease. Was suffering principally in his head with a pain running from the base of the nose to a point just behind the right ear. That he was also, at the time of his discharge almost totally blind (his hearing in right ear ____. Was suffering from an erruptive affection of the skin.) and his body was covered with scally humors. That after his exchange as aforesaid he was sent immediately to what he was informed was the Navy Yard hospital, Annapolis MD where he was treated as well as he can remember about three weeks. Was sent from that hospital to an invalid or convalescent camp in or rather near Washington D. C. - about two miles south of that city on theVirginia side. Stayed in said camp two weeks and was then sent by way of N. C & K to his regiment which was then at Cumberland Gap - by way of Cincinnati, Nashville, Chattanooga, & Knoxville, Tenn. That he arrived at the camp of his regiment sometime in the month of August cant give the day - 1864. That after his return to his regiment he was treated continuously until his discharge by Dr. Brandon (now deceased) the surgeon of said Regt. That since his discharge he has been treated by Dr. A. W. Gregory, Dr. Derias Jackson and by Dr. Francis Beals and in the order named. The first and last named now live at Morganton Loudon County Tenn. Dr Jackson is dead. That since his discharge from the service he has been able to perform manual labor to some extent, but not at any time has he been able to perform more than one half the labor of an ordinary able bodied man. That he has never passed a day since his discharge without a pain in his head, as well as suffering from general physical debility. That from the time he contracted varioloid as before stated his right eye and right ear has been gradually failing, and that in the year 1875 he became almost totally deaf and blind in the ear and eye indicated. That said ear and eye are practically of no use or benefit to him at the present time nor have those organs been of any use to him practically since 1875 and that outside of the disease of ear and eye he has been continuously physically disabled from performing manual labor fully one half from the date of his discharge to the present time. Affiant further states that he has had no acute disease.
[the following written in margin on the first page] teeth falling out on right side, face on right side shrinking. State that on his return w/ his regt he found that the 9th had been consolidated with the 11th. State whether he has had any acute disease. Wiggins thinks Rines was sent for to wait on patient to wait on small pox patients.]
So. Division, Department of Interior Pension Office. Jacob Rine, Co. K 9th Regt Tenn Cav. No. 481889, March 9, 188_ Sir: As the declaration for pension in this claim was filed subsequent to June 39, 1880, pension, if allowed would, under the provisions of the act of March 3, 1870, commence on the 3rd day of April 1883, the date of the filing of the declaraton in the Pension Office . . . Claimant was examined by the Board of Surgeons at Knoxville Tenn the 3rd day of March 1886 and the said board, in ther report, say they found no medical evidence of the existence of Deafness for which pension is claimed.
This claim cannot, therefore, be admitted as it now stands . . .
Notice of Issue. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, May 9, 1887
Sir:
You are hereby notified that a certificate no. 359101 for Orig. Pension has this day been issued n favor of Jacob Rines Piney Loudon Co. Ten and that the pension is payable by the Pension Agent at Knoxville who will also pay you a fee of $10. Rate of Pension $3 per month from April 30, 1883 and $8 per month from Mar 3, 1886 Dis:Impaired vision of right eye.
Very respectfully John C. Black, Commissioner.
Atty L. M. Blackman, Madisonville, Tenn
Richard Robinson, Company K
Application of Discharged Soldier for Arrears of Pay, &c
State of Tennessee, County of Loudon
On this ______ day of June, 1867, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for this County and State aforesaid, Richard Robinson, of ______, in the County of Loudon, and State of Tennessee who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that his age is _____ years; that he is a resident of Loudon, County of Loudon, State of Tennessee, and that he is the identical R. Robinson who enlisted as a Private in Company AK@ of the 9th Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry Volunteers, on the 10th day of June 1863, and who was discharged from the service of the United States at Knoxville Tennessee, on the 11th day of September, 1865, by reason of Special order No. 48 Hd. Qurs. Dept Tennessee dated Aug 22, 1865 and there is Bounty still due him he having only received the additional Bounty Act July 28, 1866. That his discharge is herewith sent. I hereby authorize and empower J. L. McFarland of Washington D. C. to prosecute this my claim . . .[incomplete and unsigned]