Pension File # 12684
State of Tennessee
SOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION
NAME H. F. Gibbons
Co. A 20 Tenn Cav Rgt.
Filed Apr. 18, 1911
Allowed _______
Died Nov. 23, 1929
FILE ISN’T STAMPED Rejected or AcceptedSOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION
I, H. F. Gibbons a native of the State of Tenn and now a citizen of Tennessee, resident at Maury City in the County of Crockett in said State of Tennessee, and who was a soldier from the State of Tenn in the war between the United States and the Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under the Act of the General Assembly of Tennessee, entitled “An Act for the benefit of indigent and disabled soldiers of the late war between the States, and to fix the fees of attorneys or agents for procuring such pension, and fixing a penalty for the violation of the same.” And I do solemnly swear that I was a member of Co. A Reg 20th Tenn Cavalry in the service of the Confederate or United States, and that by reason of disability and indigence I am now entitled to receive the benefit of this Act. I further swear that I do not hold any National, State, or County office, nor do I receive aid or pension from any other State, or from the United States, and that I am not an inmate of any soldier’s home, and that I am unable to earn a reasonable support for myself and family. I do further solemnly swear that the answers given to the following questions are true:
In what County, State and year were you born?
Answer: Laurance County, Tenn Feb. 26th 1847
When did you enlist and in what command? Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you served.
Answer: 1863 Forest 20 Tenn Reg. Johney Pains Co. Gen. Forest Bells Brigade Conel George Nixon Captain Tom Pain
In what battle or battles were you engaged, and, if not wounded, state what disabilities did you receive, if any?
Answer: Fulton Alabama, Nashville
What was the precise nature of your wound or disability, if any?
Answer: Not wounded
Were you incapacitated for service by reason of said wound or disability incurred?
Answer: No
Were you discharged from the army by reason of said wound or disability?
Answer: No
If discharged from the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war?
Answer: On furlow at close of war
What was the name of the surgeon who attended you?
Answer: None
How did you get out of the army, when and where?
Answer: Got a furlow at Riansy Miss after Hoods raid
Were you ever in prison? If so, what prison and when released?
Answer: No
Were you paroled? If so, when and where?
Answer: No
Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government?
Answer: No
If so, when and under what circumstances?
Answer: No
Are you married, or have you been married?
Answer: Yes
If so, what is the size of your family living together?
Answer: Wife and Little Girl
What are the respective ages of your wife and children living with you?
Answer: 46, No children of ours living with us.
To what sex do your children belong?
Answer: None
In what business are you now engaged, if any, and what do you earn?
Answer: ___________
What estate have you in your own right, real and personal, and what is its value?
Answer: Doing noth Pri—?, try to do little carpentry jobs
What estate has your wife in her own right, real and personal, and what is its value?
Answer: None val nothing
How have you derived support for yourself and family for the past five years?
Answer: By doing such carpenter work as I could
Do you use intoxicants to any extent?
Answer: No
How long have you been an actual resident of the State of Tennessee?
Answer: Always
Have you an attorney to look after this application?
Answer: No
If so, give his name and address.
Answer: _________________
Witness my hand, this 7 day of April 1911
(Signed) H. F. Gibbons
WITNESSES:
(Signed) D. A. Revelle, Physician, Postoffice Address: Maury City
(Signed) A. J. Montgomery, Witness, Postoffice Address: Maury City
(Signed) J. B. Ezell, Witness, Postoffice Address: Maury City
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
I, J. F. Peal, Trustee of said County, certify that H. F. Gibbons and his wife _____________ are assessed with 1 lot acres, valued at $ 500 and with $ _________ of personal property.
Witness my hand, this 10 day of April 1911
Signed J. F. Peal
If applicant and his wife have no property, the Trustee must so certify.
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett COUNTY.
Personally appeared before me, J. M. Neal, a Notary Public of said County, the above named H. F. Gibbons, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and fully explained to him, as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the said statements and answers are true.
Witness my hand, this 7 day of April 1911
(Signed) J. M. Neal
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, J. M. Neal, a Notary Public of said County, the above named D. A. Revelle one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, and who is a physician of good standing, and being duly sworn says that he has carefully and thoroughly examined _________________, the applicant, and finds him laboring under the following disabilities:
Have had catarrh? of the head for the last 12 years: For the last 2 or three years have had Rheumatism in my body & limbs at times I am not able to dress myself. Have worked at the carpenters trade but cannot do nearly anything now in that trade.
(Signed) D. A. Revell
Witness my hand, this 10 day of April 1911
(Signed) J. M. Neal
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, J. M. Neal, a Notary Public of said County, the above named C. R. Gibbons and J. J. Dobins, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, whom I am personally acquainted, and known to me to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicant’s habits are good and free from dishonor. And C. R. Gibbons further make oath to the following facts touching the applicant’s service in the Confederate army:
(Very hard to read writing below)
I now when he joined army and stayed about 2 years seen him when he came home had on uniform under Forest in Colonel Nixons Regiment Co. A. Said J. J. Dobin says he was well acquainted with H. F. Gibbons soldier in Confederate army and was a neighbor to him and he went just? near? Fred? Colonel? Nixons Regiment Co. A. My brother and the soldier messed together in war Now when he left home and stayed off 2 years or more came home with uniform on
Witness my hand, this 15 day of April 1911
(Signed) J. M. Neal, Notary Public
Three page handwritten letter in file (Very hard to read):
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State of Tennessee
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me J. M. Neal a Notary Public for said County H. F. Gibbons aged 67 years a resident of Maury City Tenn being duly sworn in petition to his claim for pension states as follows. He asks that his claim for pension be prepared? and that he be allowed to make an additional affidavit in his case and the affidavit of his other comrades. He states that he was in Co. A. 20th Tenn. and that he served in that Co. and Regt. until after Hoods rade and the battles of Franklin and Nashville Tenn. He was furloughed to go to his Grand father in Miss with a number of his company to recint? themselves and horses and when their furlough was about to expire they reported to this office duty. That the enemy had gotten between us and the command and Lieut. Brasham
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told me and others to take care of ourselves the best we could, that we could not make it back to the army.
I done the best I could and I never was captured.. The army —- disbanded and the boys came home. I was not paroled neither did I ever take the oath I joined the Joseph E. Johnson Brigade #25 and Camp #915 as soon? as they were organized at Alamo, Tenn and was awarded the Cross of Honor. I believe I am entitled to draw a pension because I tried to make a faithful soldier and never had any notion of deserting our cause and simply obeyed the command of my officers. My comrades have been —– and died —– my for? pension and I have supplied the proof as far as I can and as quick as I could. My condition Physically and financially are about the same.
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H. F. Gibbons
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this the 6th day of April 1914 and I certify that affiant is a respectable person and entitled to full weight? as a witness. I further certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim for pension.
Witness my hand and seal of office date? above.
J. M. Neal
Notary Public
Typed document in file:
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
WASHINGTON, April 27, 1911
Respectfully returned to the
President, Tennessee Board
of Pension Examiners,
Nashville
There are no rolls on file in this office of Nixon’s Tennessee Cavalry, nor of the 22d or 20th (Nixon’s) Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate States Army, nor has any record been found of the capture or parole of a man named H. F. Gibbons as of any of those organizations.
(Signed) T. E. D——k
The Adjutant General
Handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City, Tenn.
Feby 23, 1912
Dear Sir & Com
Please wil— or Com H. F. Gibbons of this place what has been done with his application for pension. Will oblige you very much yours truly
B. H. Harmon
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H. F. Gibbons, No. 12,684
Maury City
Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 26, 1912
Dear Sir:
The Board of Pension Examiners have considered your application, and it stands disallowed, with these endorsements by the Board on the specifications following:
Service in the army.
Endorsed Proven
Present physical disability. If wounded, state extent.
Endorsed Proven
Indigency.
Endorsed Proven
How applicant got out of the army.
Endorsed. Not satisfactory. War Records have no account of your service, capture or parole. You say, furloughed after Hood’s raid, ever returned to service. Those furloughs were? given in Jan. 65, and none of them for over 30 days. You should have returned to service.
Capt. Moses is absent, and I answer for him.
Character as a soldier and citizen.
Endorsed Proven
The specifications not satisfactory to the Board may be corrected by proof, but no proof will be considered unless taken before an officer using a seal. Board meets second Tuesdays in January, April, July and October.
Respectfully,
John P. Hickman,
Secretary
Handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City Tenn
June 12th 1914
Mr. John R. Hickman
Comisenor of the Pension Board
Dear Sir, I wish know what you done with me and my Pension application in your last meeting I in close stamp for an answer and oblige you as ever yours.
H. F. Gibbons
Two page handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City Tennessee
June 17th 1914
Mr. John P. Hickman
Dear Sir,
Your welcome answer at hand and glad to hear from you in regard to my pension claim some time in January or February 1865 after Hoods rade from Nashville back in to Mississippi I went to my Captain Thomas H. Payne and ask him for a furlow to visit my grand father out in Mississippi and he said he could not give me a written furlow. He said he thought he got orders to move from there in a few days but for me to go and stay a few days so by his consent I went and the yankys got all over the country so I never got back as he was gone some where else and I did not know where now this is a true statement and as you think I am unworthy of a pension I have a Cross of Honor I will inclose to you that you may have and do with it as you
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choose with it if it is not Honorble —- I dont want it to my sorrow I went in to the war and several? with the confederate army 18 or 20 months and never was paid any thing for my servis and now I wish I had stayed at home and got a good edgeication, and I would be better off now so I am down and out never to bother you again for a pension as wer yours.
H. F. Gibbons
Two page handwritten letter included in file
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State of Tenn
Laurence Co.
Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said state and county, J. L. Bassham aged 74 years resident of Laurence Co. State of Tenn. who being duly sworn depose in relation in the Pension claim of H. F. Gibbons as follows. I am acquainted with the petitioner H. F. Gibbons and knew him several years before the Civil war broke out in 1861-65. He Gibbons enlisted in my Company A. 20th Tenn. Cav. Nicksons Regiment Thos. H. Payne was Capt. Jas. Hurn was 1st Lieut. I was 2nd Lieut. of said Co. He further states that after Hoods raid, at Franklin and Nashville Tenn. said Gibbons and others were furloughed to said Gibbons grandfather in Miss. about Mar. 1st. 1865 and when the furlough had about expired I went down to Miss and we started
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for the army, but finding the Ferderal scouts raiding over the country, I thought it best to disband the boys as I saw no chance to get to the army. I told the boys 12 in number to do the best they could for themselves.
I saw that it was a matter of only a short time until the whole army would have to surrender. So they acted according to my suggestions and command. Comrade Gibbons made a good soldier. I further state that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim for pension.
This 1 day of Apr. 1914
(Signed) J. L. Bassham
Two page handwritten letter included in file
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State of Tenn
Lawrence Co.
Personally appeared before me, W. O. Crowder, N.P. in and for said state and County, T. J. Glass, aged 69 years who is a resident of said state and county. Appleton P.O. who being sworn depose in the relation to the pension claim of H. F. Gibbons as follows. I have known him from our early boyhood days. We joined Thos. H. Paynes Co. Geo. H. Nicksons Cav. Reg. under? Gen. Bedford Forest. We were soldier together until Hoods Nashville and Franklin raid. I was in the Henryville and Duckriver battles. I was taken sick a day before the Franklin battle and was furloughed. I was not in the army any more. I never saw H. F. Gibbons any more until after the close of the war.
I further state that I have no interest in the prosecution
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of said pension claim said H. F. Gibbons made a faithful and true soldier.
This 31 day of March 1914.
T. J. Glass
I certify that affiant is a creditable person and I affix my official seal this 31 day of March 1914.
W. O. Crowder, Notary Public
Appleton, Tenn
Handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City Tenn
April 6, 1914
Col. John P. Hickman —-
Nashville Tenn
Dear Sir & Comrade,
I send you herewith —– — affidavits Bushams, Glass & Gibbons to support of H. F. Gibbons claim #12684. Hope you and board will find suff—? Thanking you and your assists I am yours very truly,
H. F. Gibbons
By B. H. Harmon
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H. F. Gibbons, No. 12,684
Maury City
Nashville, Tenn., June 13, 1914
Dear Sir:
The Board of Pension Examiners have considered your application, and it stands disallowed, with these endorsements by the Board on the specifications following:
Service in the army.
Endorsed Proven
Prsent physical disability. If wounded, state extent.
Endorsed Proven
Indigency.
Endorsed Proven
How applicant got out of the army. Not satisfactory.
Endorsed. War records report no record can be found of the service, capture or parole of H. F. Gibbons. You say and prove your were furloughed, after Hood’s raid, and never in the army again. You must have been furloughed in Jan. 65, and no furlough at that time were given for over 20 or 30 days. You should have returned to duty. All evidence con—- and disallowed
Character as a soldier and citizen.
Endorsed Proven
The specifications not satisfactory to the Board may be corrected by proof, but no proof will be considered unless taken before an officer using a seal. Board meets second Tuesdays in January, April, July and October.
Respectfully,
John P. Hickman,
Secretary
Document included in file:
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Nashville, Tenn., May 3, 1918
Dear Sir:
The Board of Pension Examiners have passed upon your Application, No. 12,684 (give number when writing), and it stands disallowed. There has been no change in the laws. A soldier must have been in the army at the close, or clearly proven why he was not.
Respectfully,
Jno. P. Hickman, Secretary
Handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City, Tenn., May 3, 1918
Mr. John P. Hickman, Pension Comissioner?
Sir thought I would write you in regard to my Pension (No 12684) service & Approved indorsed present physical disabelis approved indigence proved.
How applicant got out of army not satisfactory
I state I left camps by permission from Captain F. H. Pain Co A — W. Nixons regiment. I had permission verbal from Captain Pain to go to my Grand fathers he lived about 30 miles from Camp. No one to prove this by now write me if these laws? been a law passed doing a way with Discharge business or a law passed allowing one a pension that actually served in Army & abl (obe?)
H. F. Gibbons
Handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City Tenn
Apr 2d 1921
John P. Hickman or Sucessor Sir I applied for a Pention some time a go. Application No 12684. learn that there has been Passed in last Ledisluture an act to allow all Confeder Solderis a pension Dont now the particutars of said act. So will request you send such papers as is nessary in such cases & obe?
H. F. Gibbons
Two page handwritten letter included in file
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Maury City Tenn
May 15, 24
Tenn Pension board
Nashville Tenn
Gentlemen: We have an old confederate soldier here in the person of H. F. Gibbons who greatly deserves a pention. He would not be on the roll long if granted. I find from him that he was at Rianzi? Miss, and got permission from his captain Tom Pain to visit his grand father who lived
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about 40 miles away. His Col was Geo. Nixson. He asked for a furlough & his captain would not grant that, but gave him permission to visit his grand father.
While he was away the war came to an end. So he was left without any papers. This case deserves your careful attention & am in sympathy with all confederate solders and am writing this on my own accord.
W. A. J. Riddick
Handwritten letter in file:
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Maury City Tenn
Aug. 10 – 27
Sec. Confederate Pension Board
Nashville Tenn
Gentleman: We have a confederate Soldier here in the person of Hiram F. Gibbons whose pension has been denied him up to this time because of the fact that he did not posess his discharge. He thinks now he may qualify under the new act with regard? to confederate pensions.
The reason he has no discharge is this he happened to be away by verbal permit from Thos. H. Pain Captain of the 20th Tenn. Calvary, given at —— —- just as its close of the war.
Co. A. 20 Tenn Cal. Please send necesry papers for qualification.
W. A. J. Riddick
His card #12684 is in the hand of the Governr?
Two page handwritten letter included in file
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Memphis, Tenn.
Nov. 8, 1944.
Confederate Pen. Board;
War Mem. Bldg.
Nashville, Tenn.
Gentlemen:
Will you please furnish me with the service record of my great-uncle? I believe he was on the pension list the last year he lived. His name: Hiram Franklin Gibbons. Address, Maury City, Tenn. He served three years in the civil war and was a native of Giles County in his youth. He was 83 years old when he passed away Nov 22, 1929. His widow, my great-aunt by
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marriage said she buried some medals with him and she wasn’t able to tell me his regiment number etc.
I understand he was a southern soldier. I remember his telling me when I was small, that he was a Drumer Boy. I think he was 14 yrs of age when he entered service. His widow tells me he only drew a pension the last year of his life.
I will appreciate your giving me all the information possible at your earliest convenience. I am enclosing a stamped envelope addressed to me. Thanks again,
Yours sincerley
Mrs. W. Joe Godwin
1416 Somerset Pl.
Memphis, Tenn.
Typed letter in file:
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November 16, 1944
Mrs. W. Joe Godwin
1416 Somserset Place
Memphis, Tennessee
Dear Mrs. Godwin:
This will acknowledge your letter of November 8 asking for the service record of your great-uncle, Hiram Franklin Gibbons, Maury City, Tennessee.
The records on file in this office show that H. F. Gibbons, Maury City, Crockett County, Tennessee was granted a Confederate pension in this State in October 1927 under application #12684; that he continued to receive this pension until his death on November 21, 1929. His wife, Cynthia A. Gibbons, was granted a Confederate Widow’s pension in January 1930 under application #9727.
The application of Mr. Gibbons shows that he enlisted in the Confederate Army in the year 1863 in Company A, 20th Tennessee Cavalry, under General Forrest, Colonel George Nixon and Captain Thomas Payne. After Hood’s Raid at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, about March 1, 1865, Mr. Gibbons was furloughed, along with others, and went to his grandfather in Mississippi. When his furlough had expired he tried to return to the service but was unable to reach his Command because of the Federal Scouts, who were at that time raiding the country where he was.
I hope this information will serve your purpose.
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Lorena Steinhauer?, Director
Division Confederate Pensions