The Pension Records of
John S. and Lucinda Taylor Nelson

Introduction

This is the pension file of John S. Nelson and his wife Lucinda “Cindy” Taylor. John was born May 30, 1836 in Washington County, TN. He died November 17, 1896 in Sullivan County, TN and is buried at Depew’s Chapel in Kingsport, Tennessee. John was the son of Levi and Elizabeth “Betsy” Ann Irvin Nelson. Levi (born ca.1803) was the son of Nathan Nelson.

Washington County, Tennessee Wills, 1777-1872 Page 21
Proven July Sessions, 1824, Nathan Nelson
Son, John received $300. Son, Isaac to have $300 and the mill until the youngest child comes of age. Daughter, Rachel, wife of Charles Deakins, youngest daughter, Hannah and sons, Nathan, Levi and James are under age, also daughters Thurza and Ruth.
Teste: William Smith, Benja. Jackson, Jacob Taylor (Jacob Taylor was Lucinda’s grandfather).

Levi married first Elizabeth “Betsy” Ann Irvin on May 28, 1835. They are listed in the 1850 Washington County, TN census:

I suspect Frances and Rachal are Betsy’s parents. John S. named his only son William Frances Nelson (Uncle Bill) after his brother and grandfather.

In the pension file, John S. had his half-brother, Joseph M. Nelson, to testify for him along with his full-blooded brother, William J. Nelson. Calculating Joseph’s age, he would have been born ca 1856.

I looked in the 1860 census and found Levi Nelson in Washington, Hoggards District 2.

Levi married secondly to Elizabeth Gibson on September 26, 1855 in Washington County, TN. I have not been able to find Levi in the 1870 census, yet. I am still looking, but in the 1880 census, he is in Sullivan County and married the third time to Martha Ann Short. They married September 12, 1867.

Lucinda “Cindy” Taylor was born ca. 1841 and died April 18, 1913. Cindy’s brothers testified for her. They were James I. Taylor (born ca. 1843) and J. O. Taylor (born ca. 1857.) James and J. O. were residing in Washington County, Tennessee at the time of their testimonies. Another brother, W. M. Taylor (born ca. 1850) as well as John P. Taylor is mentioned in this file.

1860 Sullivan County, TN Census District 18, Yoakley’s Store Post Office:

Lucinda “Cindy” is listed in the household of Richard Yoakly as a Domestic Servant, nineteen years old. Comparing the testimonies of Cindy’s brothers and the 1860 census, I believe David and Sarah Taylor were Cindy’s parents.

According to some researchers, David’s parents were Jacob and Lydia Taylor. David’s wife was Sarah Hopkins.

John’s and Cindy’s children were:

1. Sarah C. Nelson was born ca 1869.Sarah died after 1900 but before 1910. She married John Simpson born August 4, 1850 and died March 28, 1934. John Simpson married second Rachel Emaline Crawford, daughter of John and Hannah Archer Crawford, born July 2, 1876 and died December 6, 1921.

2. Margaret C. Nelson was born ca 1873. She married Abraham Fulwiler November 20, 1892.

3. William Frances “Bill” Nelson was born ca 1875. He died February 1953. He married Matilda Simpson, ca 1908. She was born February 22, 1891 and died August 22, 1980. She is buried at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Hawkins County, TN.

John Simpson’s death announcement sent to me by Gladys Lovin:

SERVICE TO BE AT WALKER’S FORK CHURCH -REV. HOOD TO OFFICIATE-BURIAL THERE: John Simpson, 84, died at Lone Star at 2:30 p.m. yesterday following a lingering illness. He was born and raised in Sullivan County where he had resided all his life. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Donnie Persinger and Miss Minnie Simpson, both of near Kingsport; also nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow from the Walker’s Fork Church with Rev. Lafayette Hood officiating. Burial will follow in a nearby cemetery.

Sarah C. Nelson and John Simpson’s children were:

1. Susan Simpson born February 1894. I believe she died young. She shows up in only one census.

2. Frances (Dona) Simpson born June 1894 (censuses say 1896) died March 27, 1984. She married James Persinger, son of Thaddeaus and Molly Dykes Persinger.

3. Virgie Simpson born May 1897. She married Joe Carroll.

4. John W. (William) Simpson born April 1900. William was twenty-one years old when he died on February 25, 1922. The informant was G. H. Crawford. He is buried at Walker’s Fork Cemetery in Kingsport, TN. The death record lists his parents as John Simpson and Sarah Nelson. (My grandmother called him “Little Willy.”)

John Simpson and Emaline Rachel Crawford’s children were:

1. George F. born August 1910. He is listed in the 1910 census with John and Emaline, but not in the 1920 census.

2. McKinley Simpson born 1911. He died after the 1930 census supposedly after eating a poisoned crabapple.

3. Minnie B. Simpson born 1912.

If anyone has any information concerning any of these people, please let me know. My e-mails are: gladowens@aol.com or gladysowens@hotmail.com

Thanks to Gladys Owens for providing these records. If you have any additional information on these people or have a pension record you would like to submit, please contact the Sullivan GenWeb coordinator.

Created 09 Mar 2000

 

 

Page 1

STATE OF Tennessee
Washington County

Personally appeared before me the under signed authority in and for the state and county aforesaid Wm B. Bowman whom I certify to be a substantial citizen of my county and entitled to full faith and credit as a witness, who after being by me dully sworn states as follows:

That he was in prison with John S. Nelson at Rock Island state of Illinois, and that they both enlisted out of prison into the federal service. They having been so confined as prisoners of war. It is the best impression of affiant that Nelson enlisted prior to the time he did but does not now remember distinctly. Nelson enlisted in the 2nd US Infantry and affiant in the 3rd Regt. but were associated together to some extent after our enlistment or enrollment. And release from prison, and disconnected from prison, but yet at Rock Island after enlistment or enrollment in to the US service, Nelson became sick, but I do not now remember with what specific disease he was afflicted  with. I may have known the disease at that time but do not now remember. Affiant does not now remember where he was sick but his best impression is that it was in the early part of the year 1865. Nelson and affiant were both residents of Washington County, Tenn and were members of Co. G 29th Regt. Tenn. Vols. Confederate service and were intimate with each other and entered prison in the latter part of the years 1863. Affiant does not remember of said Nelson being sick at any time while a prisoner of war, not until after he had been enlisted for some time.  Affiant further remembers the fact that all the prisoners who were enlisted out of prison were stripped of their clothing and put through a close medical examination as to their physical ability for admittance in to the service. Affiant further states that he has no interest in said Nelson’s claim for pension.

 

W. B. Bowman

Sworn to and subscribed before me this April 18th 1887 and
certify that I have no interest in this matter.

Jacob Leab
County Court Clerk

Page 2

DECLARATION FOR AN ORIGINAL INVALID PENSION.

This must be executed before some Officer of Court of Record having custody of the seal.

STATE OF Tennessee, County of Washington

On this 19 day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven personally appeared before me Jacob Leab Clerk of the County of Court of Record with in and for the County and State aforesaid John S. Nelson aged 45 years, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical John S. Nelson who was enrolled on the 13th day of October 1864 in Company K of the 2nd Regiment of U.S. Inft. commanded by Capt. Cartin Berkley and was Honorably discharged at Ft. Leavenworth on the 7th day of November 1865; That the personal description is as follows: Age 45 years; height 5 feet 5 inches; complexion ruddy, hair light; eyes blue. That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the service and in his line of duty at Rock Island in the state of Illinois on or about the ……. day of February 1865 from exposure or contracted scurvy and chronic diarrhea, from which he still suffers and is thereby largely incapacitated for manual labor. That he was treated in hospitals as follows: Rock Island, Ill. in the hospital but dont know the number or name. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise that as stated above except in Confederate service about 17 months prior to his capture in December 1863 Co. G 29th Tenn Infy. That he has not been in the military of naval service of the United States since the 7 day of November 1865. That since leaving the service this applicant has resided in the Counties of Washington, Sullivan and Carter in the State of Tennessee, and that his occupation has been that of a farmer. That prior to his entry into the service above named he was a man of good, sound physical health, being when enrolled a farmer. That he is now greatly disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries, above described, received in the service of the United States. He hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation E.A. Shipley of Jonesboro, Tenn. his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim; That he has not received nor applied for a pension that his residence is……and that his post office address is Clover Bottom, Sullivan Co. Tenn.

John (his mark) Nelson

J.R. Taylor
J.O. Taylor

Page 3

This form of fee contract is prescribed by the Commissioner of Pensions and approved by the Secretary of the Interior, July 8, 1884, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 4, 1884.

TO BE EXECUTED IN DUPLICATE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COST TO CLAIMANT.
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT,

WHEREAS, I, John S. Nelson late a Pvt in Company “K” of the 2nd regiment of U.S. Inft. Volunteers War of 1861, having made application for Pension under the laws of the Untied States;

NOW, THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH, That for and in consideration of service done and to be done in the premises, I hereby agree to allow my Agents, E. A. Shipley, of Jonesboro, Tenn the fee of Twenty-five dollars, less no fee paid, which shall include all amounts to be paid for any services furtherance of said claim; and said fee shall not be demanded by or payable to my said agents, in whole or in part, except in case of the granting of my pension by the Commissioner of Pensions, and then the same shall be paid to them in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4768 and 4769 of the Revised statutes, U.S.

J.R. Taylor J.O. Taylor (Two Witnesses’ Signatures:)

John S. (his mark) Nelson (Signature of claimant)

STATE of Tennessee, COUNTY of Washington
BE IT KNOWN, That on this, the 19 day of April A.D. 1887, personally appeared John S. Nelson, the above named, who, after had read over to him in the………(the rest was cut off)

Page 4

STATE OF ARKANSAS
Washington County

In the matter of Invalid Pension Claim of John S. Nelson late Private Co. K of the 2nd Regiment of U.S. Infantry. On this 1st day of July A.D. 1887 personally appeared before me the undersigned authority in and for the state and county aforesaid William J. Nelson aged 45 years, a resident of Aquilla, in the County of Washington and State of Arkansas whose Post Office is Aquilla Arkansas aged 45. Who is well known to be to be reputable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

I am well acquainted with John S. Nelson of Sullivan county State Of Tennessee who was a private in Company K 2nd regiment of United States Infantry and that I served in the same company and was a (unreadable) of his and I further state that in the month of February 1865 while in the line of duty as a soldier he was attacked with bone scurvy in both legs and also diarrhea and was taken to the hospital at Rock Island in the State of Illinois and remained there some three or four weeks. He was not at anytime after his return from hospital to the company able for regular service in consequence of his said disabilities of which he continued to complain the remaining portion of the time in service and did but light duty such as driving a wagon etc. as he was not able to work but little. affiant further states that said claimant was complaining of and suffering from said disabilities at date of discharge. That he resided after discharge with said claimant as a neighbor up to about ten years since and that he continued to suffer and complain of his legs and diarrhea and was greatly disabled thereby from the performance of manual labor during the period mentioned. Affiant further states that he has no personal interest whatever in said pension of John S. Nelson and his P.O. address is Aquilla Arkansas

William J. Nelson

Sworn to and subscribed before me this first day of July 1887 and certify that I have no interest in this matter also that my commission as Notary Public expires May 24th A-.D. 1890

E.B. Wall
Notary Public

Page 5

STATE OF Tennessee
Washington County

Personally appeared before me the under signed authority in and for the state and county aforesaid. John P. Riggs whom I certify to be a reputable witness who after being by me duly sworn states as follows to wit.

That he was in prison as a Confederate soldier at Rock Island, Illinois together with John S. Nelson and others, and that he enlisted out of prison into the Third Regiment of United States Infantry in October 1864 and that said Nelson also enlisted and went into the 2nd Regiment US Infantry about the same time affiant enlisted and that some time during the early part of 1865 according to affiants best impression Nelson was taken sick and was as affiant was informed by his associates sent to hospital. This occurred while we were all at Rock Island in camps and in the service. Affiant does not remember the nature of the disease with which Nelson was suffering as the time has been so long and having nothing by which to refresh his recollection affiant knew Nelson well while in prison and also knew him prior to the war having lived by him as a neighbor all his life up to the war. Consequently were very intimate personally. Affiant has no recollection of Nelson being sick at any time while in prison. Never heard of him being sick until after he had entered the federal service as a soldier. Affiant knows the fact that all the enlisted men were taken through a very strict medical examination before they were accepted into the service and many of them were rejected. Affiant further states that he has no interest in said Nelson’s claim for pension and that his P.O. address is Caukling Washington County, Tennessee

J.P. Riggs

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 26th day of May 1887 and I certify that the words “that he was” were erased before swearing and made known to affiant and that I have no interest in this matter.

A.R. Piper
Deputy Clerk
Circut Court

Page 6

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

August 25, 1887

SIR:

I have the honor to request that you will furnish from the records of the War Department a full Report as to the service, disability, and hospital treatment of John S. Nelson, who, it is claimed, enlisted October 13, 1864, and served as Pvt in Co. “K” “2” Reg’t U.S. Inf. and was discharged at Fort Leavenworth November 2, 1865.

While serving in Co. and Reg’t or above he was disabled by scurvy and Chronic Diarrhea contracted at Rock Island, Ills about February 1865

(It is very evident that claimant served in Co. “K” 2nd U.S. Vols–not 2nd U.S. Inf as alleged) and was treated in hospitals of which the names, location, and dates of treatment are as follows:

Rock Island, Ills. (no date)

Claimant was a member of Co. “G” 29th Tenn. Inf (CSA) and served in said organization about seventeen months, prior to his capture in December 1863–please examine Confederate records for treatment in their service.

Very respectfully,

John C. Black
Commissioner
The Adjutant General, U.S. Army.

 

Page 7

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE

August 25, 1888

Respectfully requested of the ADJUTANT GENERAL U.S.A., A report for the records of his Office as to the presence or absence, on or about February, 1865, William J. Nelson, Co “K” 2nd U.S. Vols of the station, at that date of the Claim No. 615616. John S. Nelson Co “K” 2nd U.S. Vols

Wm E. McLean

 

Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE

Washington, Sept 27, 1887

Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.

William J. Nelson, a Private of Company K 2nd Regiment U.S. Volunteers, is reported: present on roll from Oct 13, 64 to April 30th 65. first on file. Regimental return for Jan 65 no on file.

R.C. Drum
Adjutant General

WAR DEPARTMENT
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Washington, September 28, 1887

RESPECTFULLY RETURNED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS.

John S. Nelson, a Private of Company K, 2nd Regiment U.S. Infantry Volunteers, was enrolled on the 13th day of Oct. 1864, at Rock Island, Ill. for one year and is reported; Present on roll from Oct. 13, 64 to April 30th 65 (first on file). May and June 65 absent on detach services in War Dept. at Fort Guarde, KS> By S. Order No 86 dated Ft. Guarde, KS April 20th/65. July and Aug 65 present, Sept and Oct 65 same report. Mustered out with Co. Nov 7th 1865 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The records of this office furnish us evidence of disability while in the above organization.

Page 9

Single surgeons will use this blank, changing “we” to read “I”, and “our” to read “my”. They will erase the words, “Pres.,” “Sec’y,” “Treas.,” and “Board” where the words appear, and sign at the foot of the certificate, and also, on the back of the same.

SURGEON’S CERTIFICATE
in case of

John S. Nelson
Co. K, 2nd Reg’t U.S. Inf

APPLICANT FOR Orig
No. 613.616

DATE OF EXAMINATION:

October 5, 1887.
E.E. Hunter, Pres.,		}
C.L. N. Dobson, Sec’y,			Board
E. S. Miller, Tres.,

Post Office, Johnson City
County, Washington
State, Tenn
P.S. Write your Post-Office address plainly and in full.

PROVIDED FURTHER, That all examinations shall be thorough and searching, and the certificate contain a full description of the physical condition of the claimant at the time, which shall include all the physical and rational signs and a statement of all the structural changes. [Extract from Section 4, Act of Congress approved July 25, 1882.]

Page 10

Attention is invited to the outlines of the human skeleton and figure upon the back of this certificate, and they should be used whenever it is possible to indicate precisely the location of a disease or injury, the entrance and exit of a missile, an amputation, etc.

The absence of a member from a session of a board and the reason therefor, if know, and the name of the absentee, must be indorsed upon each certificate.

Insert character and number of claim:
Original. Pension Claim No. 615616

Name and rank of claimant:
John S. Nelson, Rank, Pvt Company K, 2 Reg’t US Inf, Johnson City, Tenn State, (Post Office address of the Board.)

Claimant’s post office address:
Clover Bottom, Tenn.,
October 3rd, 1887 (Date of examination)

We hereby certify that in compliance with the requirements of the law* we have carefully examined this applicant, who states that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the service, viz:

Cause of disability: Scurvy and Chronic Diarrhea

If a pensioner, fill in the amount. If not, erase the whole line: (The line was marked through)

Pulse rate per minute, 78; respiration, 18; temperature, 98 1/2; height, 5 feet 7 inches; weight, 115 pounds; age 48 years.

Here give the claimant’s statement as briefly and as compactly as possible:

He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for Original Claimant states he contracted the above disabilities at Rock Island, Ill and was in Hospital at that place. Still has attacks of Diarrhea in the spring and summer season. His mouth gets sore very often and cannot eat in comfort.

Here give a full symptom picture of the cause embracing all the physical and rational signs, but confining it to the present conditions of the claimant. It must be borne in mind the duty of

Page 11

the Surgeon is to give an opinion as to the proportionate degree of disability, as 1/4, 1/2, total., & c., through the grades without any regards to dollars and cents, and to make such full particular description as will afford to this office the ground for intelligent opinion and action in rating:

Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: As evidence of scurvy we find all the teeth upon the upper jaw gone and the above olar process is occurring (??) much. This makes and there is one cieatriy (?) on the inside of left cheek. We find many teeth on lower jaw gone and the remainder discolored loose and the processes broken down. We find his tongue old and rough. Skin normal. Stomach tenderness and sactrn (?) distended. and slight tenderness over liver. Bowels sactrn (?) distended. Rectum normal-contains one small intesnul pile but not bleeding or infected. He is rather emancipated and defective nutrition due to indigestion. Heart normal also kidneys. We think he is 1/2 disabled for performing manual labor.

Rate for each cause of disability. If prolonged by vicious habits, the word should be erased and the reason for erasure given:

From the existing condition and the history of this claimant, as stated by himself, it is, in our judgment,……probable that the disability was incurred in the service he claims, and that it has not been prolonged or aggravated by vicious habits. He is, in our opinion, entitle to a 1/4 rating for disability caused by Scurvy, 1/4 for that caused
by indigestion, and ……..caused by…..

E.E. Hunter, Pres. A.J. M. Dobson, Sec’y. E.S. Miller, Tres.

(Note: There are more physical examinations conducted on John S. Nelson. The above is a complete form. The next examination forms in this file will not have the form intructions. I will type just the information written in.)

 

Page 12

Affidavit of John T. Taylor relating to Original Pension Claim of John S. Nelson Co. “K” 2nd Regt US Vols No. 615616. Filed by E.A. Shipley, Jonesboro, Tenn.

STATE OF Tennessee
Washington County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned authority in and for the state and county aforesaid; John T. Taylor who I certify to be a highly reputable person and entitled to full credit as a witness who after having by me duly sworn states as follows to wit:

That he has been well and intimately acquainted with John S. Nelson an affiant for original pension No. 615616, late of Co. “K”, 2nd Regt US Vols. ever since his return from the service in Dec. 1865. Affiant was then living in same neighborhood with claimant less than one mile distant from him. Affiant lived in this same neighborhood with claimant for some seven or eight years and saw him almost every day during this period and had every opportunity of knowing claimants physical condition. Affiant knows the fact that claimant was in delicate health when he came home from the service in Dec. 1865 was complaining with diarrhea and scurvy and was unable to do any manual labor at that time. Affiant knows the fact also that said claimant continued to suffer in like manner during the period named. Sometimes some what better then again worse, but not at anytime well. After the lapse of some seven or eight years affiant and claimant removed several distance apart and did not know quite so much of each other, but not so far distant apart as to loose sight of each other quite frequently both of us being (unreadable) made frequent changes and went thrown pretty close together for a while and there again further away and that they now reside about five miles apart. At any rate they have known much of each other since the separation married and have had continued opportunities of knowing the physical condition of said claimant, but not so intimately as at first. Affiant has heard claimant frequently complain of said disabilities and knows that he has be continuously unable to perform manual labor to any measurable extent on account of his said disabilities–being in affiants opinion a hopeless invalid. affiant further states that he is in

Page 13

no way related to said claimant other then by marriage and that he has no interest whatever in said Nelson’s claim for pension.

John T. Taylor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 15th day of Nov 1887 and I certify that the contents of the forgoing were fully made known to affiant before signing and fully understood by him and that I have no interest in this matter whatever

Jacob Leab
County Court Clerk

Page 14

STATE OF Tennessee
Sullivan County

In the matter of the original pension claim of John S. Nelson, No. 615616 late of Co. K 2 Regt US Vols. On this 27 day of December 1887 personally came before me the undersigned authority in and for the state and county aforesaid John N. Dolen whom I certify to be a respectable person and entitled to credit as a witness. Who after being duly sworn states as follows to wit:

In regard to John S. Nelson’s health I have know him for the last six or seven years and he has worked for me. He is not a sound man he has scurvy his gums and teeth tell that and he has diarrhea he has worked for me more or less for the last six or seven years and I consider him not able to do one fourth part of a stout man’s labor. He is a poor man and lives by labor when he is able. I am no relation neither have any interest in this claim. My PO address is Butterfly, Sullivan Co. Tennessee

John N. Dolen

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and date above mentioned and I certify that I am not interested in this claim nor am I concerned in its prosecution.

Dutton Hood
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee, Sullivan County,

I, N. D. Bachman Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that Dutton Hood whose genuine signature appears to the attached instrument is now, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice ofthe Peace in and for said County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified as such.

WITNESS my hand at office, this 5 day of January 1888

N. D. Bachman Clerk

By L. H. Denny, D.C.

Page 15

STATE OF Tennessee
Sullivan County

In the matter of the original pension claim of John S. Nelson, No. 515.616 of Co K 2nd Regt U.S. Vols

This day came before me the undersigned authority in and for the state and county aforesaid William Claud and Thomas Parker whom I certify to be reputable persons and entitled to full credit who after being by me duly sworn state in relation to the above mentioned claim as follows:

That they have known said claimant John S. Nelson intimately for the past eight years and have lived in the same neighborhood during this period. Said Nelson having been in the —–of affiant Claud for about five years during this time soon after affiants became acquainted with said Nelson. They observed the fact that he we —-physically and as certified that he was suffering from scurvy and diarrhea and from which disabilities he has continued to suffer during the period they have known him. Sometimes better then again worse. Quite frequently he is entirely incapacitated from the performance of manual labor. That he complains of his legs and is frequently quite lame and his mouth—to be in a bad condition most of the time affiants means of knowledge have been from personal observations having been with said claimant a great deal and know much of him during the period mentioned. Affiants further state that said Nelson is in very poor financial circumstances and has to depend upon his daily labor for the support of himself and family which he is unable to do on account of his said disabilities. Affiants further state that they are in no way related to said claimant and have no interest what ever in his said claim. And that their P.O. address is Kingsport, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.

Two witnesses Sam N. Cloud Judy Clound

William (his mark) Claud Thomas (his mark) Parker

Page 16

STATE OF Tennessee
Washington County

Personally appeared before me the under signed authority in and for the state and county aforesaid John S. Nelson whom I certify to be a highly reputable person and entitled to full credit as a witness who after being by me duly sworn states in relation to his Original Pension Claim No…..late Private Co “K” 2nd United States Vols as follows to wit:

That he is unable to furnish medical testimony in support of his said claim showing treatment since his discharge from the service for the reasons that Drs. J.W. Hartware and William Manteil who treated him are both dead and that Dr. John Heuley who also treated him has gone from claimants section of the county and that his whereabouts is now unknown to claimant

Attest J.R. Russell

John S. (his Mark) Nelson

W.S. February

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of Jan 1888 and certify that I have no interest in this matter and that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known to affaint in their presence and fully understood______? before swearing.

Jacob Leab
County Court Clerk

Page 17

Additional evidence claim of

John S. Nelson
Co “K” 2nd US Vols
No. 615616

Affidavit of W. H. Hickman

Filed by E.A. Shipley, Jonesboro, Tenn

STATE OF Tennessee
Washington County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned authority in and for the state and county aforesaid—Wm H. Hickman whom I certify to be a highly reputable person and entitled to full credit as a witness who after being by me duly sworn as required by Statutes states in relation to the Original pension claim of John S. Nelson No. 615616 late Private Co “K” 2nd United States Vols. as follows to wit:

That he was a near neighbor to said John S. Nelson at the close of the late war and saw Nelson immediately after his return home from the service in Dec 1865. Affiant knows the fact that said Nelson was in bad health when he returned home and complained of diarrhea and scurvy which diseases were apparent his mouth was in a bad fix “and he also complained of his legs and was frequently lame.” (note: this line was marked through) Affiants remained a neighbor to said Nelson continuously after this up to about the year 1879 with the exception of about 18 months when Nelson removed to Carter Co. about 1878 and remained there about 18 months, when returned to affiants neighborhood and remained until about 1879. Affiant states from his personal knowledge that all these years after the was said Nelson was the subject of scurvy and diarrhea and was at no time a well man on this account and was by no means able to perform manual labor to such extent as would be expected from an able bodied man. Affiant has pulled teeth for him which had to be extracted on account of the scurvy and that said Nelson was very frequently unable to do any labor in consequence of his said disabilities that he has saw claimant frequently since he removed from his neighborhood in 1879 and that he has continued to complain in like manner and his appearance has always indicated that he has continued to be afflicted in same manner. affiant further states that said Nelson has always been in very poor financial circumstances and has a considerable family and has always done his utmost to support them being necessarily compelled to do labor where he was not at all able to do so. On account of his

Page 18

poverty and actual necessity for food to supply his family compelled him to do so. Affiant further states that he is not related to claimant and has no interest in his claim for pension and that his PO address is Morning Star Washington Co. Tennessee

W. H. Hickman
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 19 day of January 1888 I certify that I have no interest in this matter.

R.M.K. Deakins
Justice of the Peace
STATE OF TENNESSEE, Washington County.

I, Jacob Leab Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that RMK Deakins whose genuine signature appears to the attached instrument is now, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected, commissioned, and qualified as such.

WITNESS my hand at office, this 26 day of January 1888

Jacob Leab

Page 19

STATE OF Tennessee
Washington County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned authority in and for the state and county aforesaid George Irvin whom I certify to be a reputable person and entitled to full credit as a witness who after being by me duly sworn as required by law states in relation to the Original pension claim of John S. Nelson No…..late Private of Co “K” 2nd Regt United States Vols as follows to wit:

That he was a near neighbor to said Nelson at the close of the late war and saw him immediately after his return home from the services in Dec of 1865. Affiant observed that claimant was in bad health and ….? as ….? that he was suffering from scurvy and diarrhea. He complained of his bowels and had frequent occasions to go to stool. His mouth was also in a very bad case …..? and was at times lame and complained of his legs, said Nelson continued to live in affiants neighborhood very nearly all the time after he came home up to about the year 1879 when he removed about 10 miles away where he now resides.   Affiant knew him intimately and saw him every few days during the period mentioned with the exception of about 18 months while he was in Carter co. and had every opportunity of knowing claimants physical condition. Affiant knows the fact that said claimant continued to complain of scurvy and diarrhea from the time he returned home in 1865 up to the time he left the neighborhood and in fact has heard him complain since then. Affiant also knows the fact that said Nelson was greatly incapacitated from the performance of manual labor in consequence of his said disabilities and was very frequently not able to labor at all.  Affiant further states that he has no interest whatever in said Nelson’s claim for pension and that his P.O. address is Haws X Roads (Note: Haws Crossroads) Washington Co. Tennessee

G. M. Irvin

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 23rd day of January 1888 and certify that I have no interest in this matter.

T. M. Wells
Notary Public

Page 20

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

For the testimony of EMPLOYEES OR NEAR NEIGHBORS of soldier, (other than relatives) who have known him before his enlistment, or since his discharge and return from the army.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS.

In the matter of the application for pension of John S. Nelson for original pension No. 615616. Co “K” 2nd Regt US Vols

ON THIS 26 day of January A.D., 1888; personally appeared before me, a ……in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths Wm M. Taylor aged 38 years, a resident of Jonesboro in the County of Washington and State of Tennessee whose Post Office address is Jonesboro, Tennessee well known to me to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: That I have been well and personally acquainted with John S. Nelson for 22 years, and 22 years respectively, and that he lived a near neighbor when Nelson returned home from the service in Dec 1865 and saw him within a day or two after his return and know the fact that he was sick and complained of scurvy and diarrhea. Affiant remained in the immediate neighborhood for some 5 or 6 years afterward and that said Nelson continued to complain in like manner more or less. Affiant has saw Nelson frequently since he removed from the old neighborhood visited his house frequently when he lived in Carter Co., Tenn. and live near him again about two years where he now resides. During all these years affiant knows the fact that said Nelson has been greatly incapacitated from the performance of manual labor has frequently known of his being confined to his bed sometimes cause his mouth has always …..? to be in a very bad condition having lost most of his teeth on account of scurvy and that he has also saw signs of diarrhea by him complaining and his frequency at stool. According to affiants best opinion said Nelson has been unable to do one half manual labor since the war on account of his disabilities and that he has saw him labor when  he was not able to do so, but being a very poor man he has been compelled to try his hand (note: I think this is what it says) to make a scanty living for purse and family. Affiant has frequently waited upon him when claimant took to his bed soon after the war and had good opportunities of knowing his condition. I further declare that I have no interest is said case and I am not concerned in its prosecution.

Page 21

W. M. Taylor

STATE OF Tennessee
COUNTY OF Washington SS

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested insaid case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible person.

Jacob Leab
County Court Clerk

Page 22

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D.C. March 2, 1888

Respectfully referred to the Surgeon General US Army, requesting a report of all treatment give this claimant in the hospital at Rock Island, Ills. from Dec 1st 1863 to Feby 28th 1865. One enclosure: Orig. Inv. No. 615616 John S. Nelson  Co. K, 2d US. Vols

John C. Black.
Commissioner

WAR DEPARTMENT
SURGEON GENERAL’S OFFICE,
RECORD AND PENSION DIVISION

Washington, D.C., Mch (March) 8., 1888.

Sir:

I have the honor to return herewith your request for a report of hospital treatment in Claim No. 615616, with such information as is furnished by the records filed in this office, viz: that John S. Nelson Prv. Co., G. 2g Tenn. Vols entered Prison Hospital Rock. Island Ills. Oct 14, 1864 with Lcorbutres (or Scorbutres) and returned to duty Oct. 28, 1864. Records of Rock Island Ills from Dec 1. 1863 to Mch (March) 1. 1865 furnish no additional evidence in this case.

By order of the Surgeon General:

F. C. (or E.) Armsworth
Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army.

To the Commissioner of Pensions. Per TSB

Page 23

PROOF OF DISABILITY.

Note—-This affidavit must be executed by a Commissioned Office, if possible, if not possible to secure such evidence then two of the soldier’s comrades should testify.

STATE OF Indiana, COUNTY OF Madison, SS

ON THIS—–day of Feby (February) A.D. 1889; personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths Frances M. Huston aged…years, a resident of Elwood in the County of Madison and State of Indiana and duly sworn according to law, state that he was acquainted with John S. Nelson applicant for Invalid Pension, and know the said John S. Nelson to be the identical person of that name who enlisted or volunteered as a private in Company “K” 2nd Regiment of United States Infy Vols., and who was discharged at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas on or about the 7th day of November, 1865 by reason of cessation of hostilities.

That the said John S. Nelson while in the line of his duty, at or near Rock Island in the State of Illinois did, on or about the——day of Feby (February), 1865, become disabled in the following manner, viz: he became sick and according to affiants best recollection and belief was sent to hospital at that place where he remained some time and it is affiants best recollection that claimant was afflicted with scurvy and diarrhea. Affiant was in same Company with claimant and was quite intimate with each other. Affiant remembers the fact that when said claimant returned to the Co from hospital he was in delicate health and did not seem to recover his health while in the service. He continued to complain of his legs hurting him and was lame quite frequently and was detailed a part of the time as a teamster and was in the ordinance department also a portion of the time this was done as affiant now remembers on account of said claimant being unable to walk and do regular duty in the Co. on account of the scurvy affecting his legs. Affiant further states that according to his very best knowledge recollection and belief that said claimant even after his return from the hospital continued to suffer from scurvy and diarrhea to a greater or less extent all the while until discharged from service and was (Note: the rest was cut off when copied by the Archives)

And deponent further state that he was well acquainted with the claimant, having known him while in the service together about 12 months and further, that his knowledge of the facts above state are derived from said acquaintance, and from having served as Private of Company “K” of the 2nd Regiment of United States Volunteers from the 13th day of October 1864 to the 7th

Page 24

day of Nov 1865. And deponent further state that the claimant was a sound and able-bodied man at and prior to enlistment, so far as he knew, and that he is totally disinterested in this claim.

Post office address of affiant is Elwood Madison Co. Indiana

Francis M. Huston

STATE OF Indiana, COUNTY OF Madison, SS

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, including the words…….erased (Note: no words were erased or added) and the words…..added and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested to said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me and hat he is a credible person.

C. M. Brownlee
Notary Public

Certificate on file

 

 

Page 25

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Org. No. 615616
Jno. S. Nelson
Co. K 2 Reg’t US Vols

Washington D.C. Mch (March) 14, 1889

Return this letter with your reply.

Sir:

Referring to your recently filed affidavit in the above named claim please state on the back of this letter how you cause to know that claimant suffered from chronic diarrhea in the service. In what manner was he affected thereby and what was his condition at discharge.

Very respectfully,
John C. Black
Commissioner

Francis M. Huston
Elwood Ind.

(Note: This same letter was written to John P. Riggs at Conkling or Coupling, Tenn.)

Page 26

Jonesboro, Tenn. March the 23/89
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, DC

Sir,

About February 1865 I visited the comand that John S. Nelson belonged and found …..reliabel information that he was in the hospital at Rock Island, Ill and that he was sufreing from scurvy and diarehoe. I saw Nelson ameadlty (Note: is suppose to be “immediately”) after he was discharged from service he was in delicate helth and complained of scurvy and darrhoe. I have know Nelson and have seen him evry year more or less cince the war and I know that he has complain of said disabilitys all the time and has bin gratly disabeld from manuel labor and has bin a continued suffrer. I hav no doubts that he contracted said disabilitys while in the U.S. sirefs.

Yours Restectfuly
John P. Riggs

Note: The spelling is exactly as written by Mr. Riggs.

Page 26

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Washington, May 3, 1889

Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.

(It is) reported: Francis M. Houston Pvt. Co. K 2nd U.S. Vols is reported on roll from enrollment to Apl (April) 30/65, present. Retn (returned) for Mch (March) ‘65 (not on file) does not show him absent. Not borne as Huston. The name Jno. P. Riggs is not borne on rolls of Co.

R. C. Drum
Adjutant General.

Page 27

John C. Black
Com Pension Claims

Dear Sir;

In regard to the claim of John S. Nelson will say that I came to know John S. Nelson by being associated with him in the service in the same company as my self. He was not able for duty for some time before his discharge. He being affected with chronic diarrhea up to the time of his discharge from which date I have not seen him.

Francis M. Houston
Elwood, Ind.

Page 28

ORIGINAL INVALID CLAIM.

 

Soldier, John S. Nelson
P.O., Clover Bottom
Rank, Private
County, Sullivan
Company, K
State, Tenn
Regiment, 2 US Vol. Inf
Rates, $2.00 per month, commencing July 7, 1887 and $4.00 from March 27, 1889
Pensioned for Chr. diarrhea and resulting piles

 

RECOGNIZED ATTORNEY.

Name, E. A. Shipley
P.O., Jonesboro, Tenn
Fee, $25.00
Agent……to pay
Articles filed July 6, 1887

 

APPROVALS

Approved for *Adm: Chr. Diarrhea and results
Submitted May 29, 1889: A.C. MacNulty, Examiner.
*and rej. at scurvy not contracted in line of duty but existing prior to discharge

Approved for Chronic Diarrhea resulting disease of recurring. Not alleged, shown by Med. Ex. ref for action ibed. Ref. Scurvy results-rejected contracted in prior military serve in CSA as per record
H.W. Hall, Legal Reviewer.

Page 29

June 4, 1889 J.M.D, Re-Reviewer.
Approved for Chr Diarrhea and resulting piles.
2/18 to Mch (March) 27th 1889. 4/18 there after
J. Laws, Med. Ex’s
(unreadable), Med, Reviewer,
June 10, 1889

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Enlisted, Oct. 13, 1864
Discharged Nov. 7, 1865
Declaration filed July 7, 1887
Not in service since Nov. 7, 1865

BASIS OF CLAIM

Alleges Chr. Diarrhea and scurvy at Rock Island, Ill, in Feb 1865.
Clt signs X
No MG

Page 30

Note: On September 25, 1889, John Nelson went for another medical examination for an increase in pension. They used the same form that I typed on page 10 of this file. On this page, I am typing only the information, not the entire form.

John S. Nelson
Co. K
2 Ret’t U.S. Vol Inf
Applicant for inc(rease)
No. 436.947

(note: the examining board was:)

E. B. Hale, Pres.,
J. B. A. Dice, Sec’y
J.A. Loving, Treas.,

Post Office, Morristown
County, Hamblen
State, Tenn

Increase Pension Claim No. 436.947
John S. Nelson, Rank, Pr.
Company K, 2 Reg’t U.S. Vol Inf
Clover Bottom, Tenn
P.O. of the Board Morristown, TN
Sept 25th, 1889

The board certified John S. Nelson was suffering from, “Chronic diarrhea and resulting piles and that he receives a pension of Four dollars per month.”

Pules rate per minute, 72
Respiration, 22
Temperature, 99
Height, 5 feet 8 inches
Weight, 126 pounds
Age, 48 years

The board stated: “The disability has increased.”

Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Tongue red and fissirned (or frssined, the word is unrecognizable) Liver and spleen both enlarged and tender. Heart area measured 1/4 mill. Mitial engorged tooth near mouth. Rectum-one internal pile, hemmorrhoidal vessels engorged. No

Page 31

(unreadable) or bleeding. He is poorly nourished and (unreadable).

He is, in our opinion, entitled to a 8/18 rating for the disability caused by chronic diarrhea 2/18 for that caused by piles

E. B. Hale, Pres.
J.B.A. Dice, Sec’y
J.A. Loving, Treas.

Page 32

DECLARATION FOR THE INCREASE OF AN INVALID PENSION.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS:

ON THIS 20 day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty nine personally appeared before me, a County Court Clk within and for the County and State aforesaid, John S. Nelson aged about 48 years, a resident of Clover Bottom County of Sullivan State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the Untied States, enrolled at the Knoxville Pension Agency at the rate of Four dollars per month, Certificate No. 436947; by reason of disability from Chronic Diarrhea and resulting piles and scurvy incurred in the military service of the Untied States, while serving as a Private Co “K” 2nd Reg’t United States Vol Infantry. That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of the fact that he

…..believes his present rating extremely inadequate in amount compared with the nature and extent of his said disabilities. That he hereby makes application for the further consideration of his original claim relating to the disease “Scurvy” which it seems has been ….. ….. in his original allowance recently made and amends that there is abundant proof on file to establish his claim on account of said disability and requests that a careful review of the papers be made with a view to this allegation and amends that he should be entitled to a Re-issue and re-rating when duly considered that he hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation, E. A. Shipley of Jonesboro, Tenn his true and lawful attorney, to prosecute his claim. His Post Office address is Clover Bottom, Sullivan Co., Tenn

J.R. Taylor W. M. Taylor	John S. (his mark) Nelson
(Two witnesses who can write, sign here.)

Page 33

Also personally appeared W. M. Taylor residing at Jonesboro, Tenn and J.R. Taylor residing at Jonesboro, Tenn persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw John S. Nelson, the claimant make his mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.

J.R. Taylor
W.M. Taylor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20 day of July 1889 an I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c, were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing and I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.

Jacob Leab
County Court Clerk

Page 34

Note: On September 25, 1889, John S. Nelson had an increase of $8.00 a month. The examiner was Silas Boyce who signed the increase form December 31, 1889. The Legal Reviewer was C. S. Montogue, who signed the form December 25, 1889.

 

The Certificate of Examination was completed on September 24, 1890. In this form it is listed he receives a pension of “eight dollars”. John stated he based his claim on:

1. Chro. (Chronic) Diarrhea, Diarrhea and Constipation

2. Piles, harr piles, badly at times

3. Dis (Distended) Stomach full con & tender

4. Dis Heart, fluttering smothering & pain

5. Dis Chest, & Cough almost constantly

His respiration, 22
Temperature 98 1/2
Height 5 feet 7 inches
Weight 109 pounds
Age 53 years

The examiners found

1. Chr (Chronic) Diarrhea, tongue very red and fissured slight increase are of liver dullness distention and apparent tenderness of stomach. One small internal pile rectum irritated

2. Piles. See Chr. Diarrhea

3. Dis (Distended) Stomach. See Chr. Diarrhea

4. Dis Heart pulsation diffused and intermit and mitral regurgitate murmur

5. Dis Chest chest measure 28 1/2, 30 and 31 dry raler over both lungs, no change on percussion

It was in their opinion he was entitled to:
8/18 rating for disability caused by Chr. Diarrhea
2/18 rating for piles
8/18 for dis Heart
2/18 for Dis Chest

It was signed by:
J.M.C.A., Pres.
J.H. Alexander, Sec’y
J.S. Stuart, Treas.

Their Post Office was Johnson City, Washington, Tennessee

On the form submitted March 20, 1891, John’s rate was increased to $10.00 per month commencing September 24, 1890.

Page 35

Again, on August 12, 1891 in Rogersville, Tennessee, an Examination Board met. The Board consisted of:

L.F. Brown, Pres.
J.B. Mitchell, Sec’y
G.H. Morgan, Treas.

John S. Nelson is receiving $10.00 per month and is requesting more. He states:

My legs and back of neck hurt me which are effects of scurvy. I also have piles results of diarrhea.

The Board examined John and found:
Pulse rate, 90
Respiration, 30
Temperature, 98 4/5
Height, 5 feet 8 inches
Weight, 132 pounds
Age, 53 years

 

They indicated: No piles tumors no congestion but relaxation of walls of rectum and considerable relaxation sphincter muscle. He is pale badly nourished sallow and lean liver slightly enlarged and tender lungs and heart normal limbs region tender with considerable nervousness. The teeth are all gone except two cicatrization of gums. Pain in legs soreness of and along check of tibra. Pains an stiffness of neck. No other disability found. He is entitled to a 4/18 rating for effects of diarrhea, 6/18 for scurvy, 2/18 for nervousness.

Page 36

DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF AN INVALID PENSION
ON NEW DISABILITY ONLY

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS:

ON THIS 7 day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninty one personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid John S. Nelson, aged 53 years, a resident of Clover Bottom County of Sullivan, State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States by certificate number 436.947, and duly enrolled at the Knoxville Pension Agency, at the rate of ten ($10.00) dollare per month, by reason of disability incurred in the service of the United States while serving as Pr. in Co. “K” 2nd Regt U.S. Infy. that his present physical condition is such that he believes himself entitled to receive and increased pension.

Application is also herby made for increase of pension on account of a new disability, to wit: At Rock Island, in the State of Ill, on or about the Feb, 1865 he contracted scurvy, said disability was alleged in his original declaration for pension but was not admitted when he claim was settled upoin diarrhea. He asks taht the claim for pension on scurvy be completed then take up the claim on same and if further testomony on same is necessary let it be called for and an effort will be made to furnish it. He doed not asks in this declaration for any increase on diarrhe, but on scury, only. That he hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation M. L. Peoples of Jonesboro, Tenn his true and lawful attorney, to prosecute his claim for scurvy. His Post Office is Clover Bottom, Tenn.

J.C. Smith Jerry Edwards	John S. (his mark) Nelson
(two witnesses who write)

 

Note: J.H. Peoples, Notary Public swore to J.C. Smith and Jerry Edwards crediability.

Page 37

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washinton, SS:

In the matter of John S. Nelson Co. “K” 2nd US Infy.

ON THIS 25 day of Sept. A.D., 1891; personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, Joseph H. Crouch aged 48 years, a resident of Keeblers X (Cross) Roads in the County of Washington and State of Tennessee well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

Affiant was a member of C. “G” 29 Regt CSA and said John S. Nelson was a member of the same Co. and Regt. We were well acquainted during our service in the same service. I lost a leg at the fight of Chickamauga about the 19 of Sept. 1863. said Nelson was free from scurvy or any other disability while he was in the Confederate services. If he had suffered from said scurvey while in said service I certainly would have known it. The facts above stated are from personal knowledge and ……

His Post-Office address is Keeblers X Roads, Tenn.

Jas. H. Crouch
Co. G. 29th Tenn
….C. Smith

Note: J. H. Peoples, Notary Public, swore to Mr. Crouch’s credibility.

Page 38

 

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington SS:

In the matter of John S. Nelson, Priv. Co. “K” 2nd US Infy

ON THIS 26 day of Sept. A.D., 1891; personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, John P. Riggs aged 45 years, a resident of Jonesboro, in the County of Washington and State of Tenn. well know to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

Affiant and John S. Nelson were personally acquainted before, during and since the war. About the 19 of Jany, 1864, I went to Rock Island, Ill as a Confederate prisioner of 1st Tenn H Co. Arty. CSA. I met John Nelson in said prison and we remained there together until about fall of said year (1864) and were together all the time and very intimate as we have been old acquaintances before the war. Said Nelson did not have or suffer from any scurvy while in said prison. If he had had anything of the kind I would have known it. Said Nelson volunteered in 2nd US Infy about Oct 1864 and I volunteered in Co “E” 3rd US Infy about Nov. 17th 1864. Said Nelson was suffering from scurvy when he was discharged from service. Have made an affidavit in this case here to fore. His Post-Office address is Jonesboro, Tennessee.

John P. Riggs

Note: E.J. Baxter, Notary Public swore to John P. Riggs’s credibility.

 

Page 39

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington

In the matter of John S. Nelson Co K 2nd U.S. Infty.

ON THIS 29 day of Sept A.D., 1891; personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, Isaac E. Pecay (Note: Pesay ?, but he signs this form as Isaac E. Burns) aged 49 years, a resident of Jonesboro, in the County of Washington and State of Tenn. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

I was in the service of the Confederate States as Lieutenant in Co. G 29th Tennessee Infantry from the Summer of 1861 to sometime in the year 1863, when I was promoted to the Captaincy of said Company which position I continued to hold until about the close of the war in 1865. The above named John S. Nelson was a private in said Company serving in such from the organization of the Co. until about November 1863 when he was captured at the battle of Mission Ridge near Chattanooga, Tenn. During the period of said Nelson’s service in the C.S.A., I was with him continuously in the service with the exception as I now remember of a few weeks when he was in the hospital for medical treatment having as well as I now remember, fever which he contracted in….. I never knew or heard of him having scurvy or any kindred troubles when he was in said service. I think he had an attack of the mumps during said service which disabled him from duty for a few days and with the exception stated he was a soldier in good health when in active duty.

His Post-Office address is Jonesboro, Tenn.

 

He further declares that he has no interest in said case and is not concerned in its prosecution.

Isaac E. Burns

Page 40

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF PENSIONS

 

Washington, D.C. Jan 18, 1892

Sir:

PLEASE RETURN THIS CIRCULAR AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE, WITH ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. Are you a married man, and if so, what is your wife’s full name, and what was her maiden name: ANS. I am married. Wife’s name, Lucinda. Her maiden name was Taylor.

2. When and where were you married? ANS. Married at Haws Cross Roads, Tenn. July 25th 1866.

3. What record of marriage exists? ANS. Record in the County Court Clerk’s Office in Jonesboro, Tenn.

4. If you had been previously married state the name of your former wife and the date of her death or divorce. ANS. Married in 1861 to Mary A. Gate she died in 1862.

5. If you have any children living state their names and ages, ANS. 1st child Sarah C. 21 years of age, 2nd Margaret C. 18 years of age, 3rd Wm F. 17 years of age.

This information is desired for use in the pension claim above referred to.

 

Very respectfully,
Goconir B. Rawn
Commissioner.

Clover Bottom, Tenn

Page 41

DECLARATION FOR INVALID PENSION

ACT OF JUNE 27, 1890

Note——This can be executed before any officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. If such officer has a seal certificate of Clerk of Court is not necessary. If no seal is used, then such certificate must be attached.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington

ON THIS 26 day of March, A.D., one-thousand eight hundred and ninety two personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the county and state aforesaid John S. Nelson aged 53 years, a resident of the P.O. of Butter-fly County of Sullivan State of Tennessee who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical John S. Nelson who was ENROLLED the 13 day of Oct., 1864 in Co. K 2nd U.S. Regt. Infty. in the war of the rebellion and served at least ninety days and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Ft. Leavenworth Kansas on the 7 day of November, 1865, that he is wholly unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of Chronic diarrhea and resulting piles. Scurvy and varicocele (naricocele ?). Said varicocele (naricocele?) was incurred at Ft. Gera in Kansas. Just a short time before his discharged while lifting and hauling rock to build a garrison commissary. That said disabilities are not due to vicious habits and are to the best of his knowledge and belief permanent. That he has……applied for pension under application No. 615616. that he is a pensioner under Certificate No. 436.947 at $10 1/2 per month under old law for “Cr. Diarrhea and resulting piles”. that he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension-roll of the United States under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890. He hereby appoints M. L. PEOPLES of Jonesboro, Tenn., his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim and directs that the sum of ten dollars be paid him for his services.

 

That his POST OFFICE ADDRESS is Butter-fly

County of Sullivan Sate of Tennessee

James W. Stowe J.C. Smith	John (his mark) S. Nelson
(two witnesses who can write sign here.)

Page 42

Note: On June 1, 1892, John (S. Nelson) went again for a physical, asking for an increase of his pension.

His statements of his disabilities:
1. Chr. Diarrhea
2. Piles
3. Dis. Stomach
4. Dis. Heart
5. Dis Chest
6. Nervous Detutily (?)
7. Scurvy
8. Vonicucile (?)

The examining board consisted of:

J. H. Alexander, Pres.
J. Miller, Secy.
J. S. Stuart, Treas.
Their post office was Johnson City, Tenn

The board found:
Pulse rate, 80
Respiration, 20
Temperature, 98 1/2
Height, 5 feet 7 inches
weight, 127 1/2 pounds
Age, 54 years

1. Chr. Diarrhea. Tongue-fissuned and red. Stomach distended org. of dullness extents 3 in below ribs on rt side. Bowels protrutaus and distended-no jaundice-no piles-but rectum highly engorged…..? …..? Chr. Diarrhea.
2. Piles see above
3. Dis stomach see above
4. Dis Heart=mummurs prominent all and …?. Cystulic and mitral very marked. area of cardiac dullness increase 2 1/2 in radius from ….? Normal apr=pulsatiaries diffused no other change found due to …..? in circulation. Six eighteenths
5. Dis Chest 31 1/2 33 1/2-no change in lungs
6. Nervous Disability. No evidence of such.
7. Scurvy every evidence is absence of all his teeth except 2 lower incisors, gums all right-cause loss of teeth ….? ….?

Page 43

8. Vonicocil. No vonicocele but hrocile is large as double fist, no complications four eighteenths=Not other disability is found to ….?

Board indicated John Nelson was:
10/18 rating for disability of Chr. Diarrhea
6/18 for Dis Heart
2/18 for Hydrocile

John was denied an increase on April 22, 1893.

On November 17, 1896, John S. Nelson died.

Page 44

WIDOW’S DECLARATION FOR PENSION OR INCREASE OF PENSION

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Sullivan, SS:

ON THIS 2 day of December (1896) A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety six, personally appeared before me a Notary Public, a Court of Record within and for the County and State aforesaid Lucinda Nelson, aged 56 years, who, being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the Pension provided by Acts of Congress granting pension to widows: That she is the widow of John S. Nelson, who enlisted under the name of John S. Nelson in Co. “K” of the 2nd. Regt. of United States Vol. (War of 1861-65) who was a pensioner under the general law, on Certificate, No. 436.947 for disability called in Cert. “Chronic Diarrhea and resulting piles”. Said soldier (Nelson) died at his home at Clover Bottom, Tenn. on November 17, 1896 who bore at the time of his death the rank of a pri. in the aforesaid Co. and Regt. that she was married under the name of Lucinda Taylor, to said John S. Nelson, on or about July 1866 A.D. in Washington, Co Tenn. by Jesse Riggs, M.G. there being no legal barrier to such marriage; She was not previously married, but the soldier was, and his former spouse died before he and Claimant were married. Soldier has no children by his first wife, and none under the ages of sixteen (16) years by the Claimant. Hence no children to claim pension on account of claimant has not remarried since the death of the soldier (John S. Nelson). In addition to asking for a Widow’s Pension under the general law, she asks to be paid the accrued money in her own right, that was due the soldier on his Current Pension, from August, 4th 1896 up to Nov. 17″ 1896, date of his death.

Soldier was not in any prior nor subsequent service of the U.S. other than the aforesaid service. Co. “K” 2nd Regt. No prior application has been filed by Claimant that she hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation, M.L. Peeples of Jonesboro, Tennessee her attorney to prosecute the above claim; that her Post Office address in Clover Bottom, Sulliven Co. Tennessee.

George A. Fields John N. Dolen	Lucinda (her mark) Nelson
(Two witnesses who can write, sign here.)

Note: A.K. Mullenix, Notary Public swore to the credibility of John N. Dolen and George A. Fields both residing at Butter-fly, Tennessee.

Page 45

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS:

In the matter of Pension of Lucinda Widow of John S. Nelson, Co. “K” 2nd Regiment United States Vol.

On this 5″ day of Dec. A.D., 1896, personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths James I. Taylor, aged 53 years (Note: this would make him being born ca 1843), a resident of Harmony in the County of Washington and State of Tennessee, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

I am a brother of Lucinda Nelson the above named Claimant. John S. Nelson married my above mentioned sister about July 1866. The Claimant in this case was not previously married before her marriage to said Nelson. said Nelson had been married before this time to one Ann Gate, and she only lived a few months and did while residing in Sullivan co. Tenn. She the first wife (Ann) had no children. Said John S. Nelson died at his home Clover Bottom Tennessee Nov. 17″ 1896. I was there and attended his funeral and burial and know that he died at that time. Said Nelson leaves no children under the age of sixteen years. Claimant and soldier (Nelson) were never divorced from each other and they lived together until his death. The Claimant has not remarried since his death. Said Nelson left the Wid. no personal property to amount to any thing. He left her a small piece of land that he paid about fifty ($50) dollars for and I think it is assessed at about the same price. Claimant has no property other than this. She is really very poor, and is dependent upon her daily labor for a support and has no one that is legally bound to support her since the soldier John S. Nelson died. I make this statement orally to M. L. Peoples who has recorded it to writing for me in my presence in Jonesboro, Tenn date given in appropriate page. I make this afft. from my personal knowledge of the facts in this case and I make it without the aid of any written or printed statement or direction from any one.

His Post office address is Harmoney, Tennessee. He further declares that he has no interest in said case, and is not concerned in its prosecution.

James I. Taylor

Page 46

 

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS:

In the matter of Pension of Lucinda widow of John S. Nelson, Co.”K” 2nd Regiment United States, Vol.

On this 7″ day of Dec. A.D., 1896, personally appeared before me a clerk of a Court, in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, John P. Taylor, aged 66 years (Note: which would make him being born ca 1830), a resident of Jeraldstown, in the County of Greene, and State of Tennessee, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

I am a brother of the above named Claimant (Lucinda Nelson). Her husband died on the 17″ day of last month as I am very immediately informed as. It is general neighborhood report that said Nelson died on the day mentioned. Said Nelson and Claimant were married in Washington Co. Tenn, in the summer of 1866. The soldier (Nelson) had been previously married to a woman by the name of Ann Gate, and she only lived a few weeks, or months, and died and she did not have any children. the Claimant was not previously married before her marriage to said Nelson and he was not otherwise married only as above stated. The Claimant has not remarried since said Nelson’s death. They were never divorced from each other and claimant lived with him until his death (Nov. 17″, 1896). Soldier left no children under the age of sixteen (16) years by claimant. Claimant is very poor as she has only a small piece of rough mountain land left her by the soldier that he paid fifty dollars for and it is not worth that amount and she really has no personal property to amount to anything. She is dependent upon her daily labor for a support. Said John S. Nelson was not in any prior service of the military nor the Naval services of the U.S.A. other than Co. “K” of the 2nd U.S.A. I know these facts because of my personal acquaintance with the soldier (Nelson) from before the war of 1861-5 and up to his death. I make this affidavit orally to M.L. Peeples, who has recorded it to writing for me in my presence in Jonesboro, Tenn date given on apposite page. I make it from personal knowledge without the aid of any written or printed statement or direction from any one.

His Post office address in Jearldstown, Tenn.

John P. Taylor
Note: Chas. S. Mason, Deputy County Court Clerk swore to John P. Taylor’s credibility.

Page 47

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS:

In the matter of Pension of Lucinda widow of John S. Nelson, Co “K”, 2nd Regiment U.S. Vol.

On this 14 day of Dec.. A.D. 1896, personally appeared before me, a Clerk of a Court, in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Joseph M. Nelson aged 40 (Note: which would make him being born ca 1856), years a resident of Morning Star in the County of Washington, and State of Tennessee, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

I am a half-brother of the above named John S. Nelson. Said John S. Nelson died at his home at Clover Bottom Sullivan, Co. Tenn Nov. 17, 1896. I was present when he died and was at his funeral and burial. Said soldier (Nelson) was first married to an Ann Gate, and she only lived a short time and died. Said Nelson then married the Claimant in this case. Soldier was not otherwise married only as above stated. His widow (Lucinda) was not previously married before her marriage to said Nelson and she has not remarried since his death. Said soldier (Nelson) and the Claimant were never divorced from each other and Claimant lived with him until his death. Soldier left no children under the age of sixteen years by Claimant. This widow has no property that is personal to amount to anything. Her husband left her twenty-five acres of rough mountain land that he paid fifty dollars for and I think the same is assessed of fifty dollars. She is really wholly dependent upon her daily labor for a support. I make this statement orally to M. L. Peeples, who has recorded it to writing for me in my presence in Jonesboro, Tenn date above given. I make it from my personal knowledge of the facts in this case. I make it without ….? the aid of any written or printed statements or recital from anyone.

His Post Office address is Morning Star, Tennessee.

 

A. J. Sherfy Jno. B. Shipley	Joseph M. (his mark) Nelson
(two persons who can write sign here)

Note: Jacob Leab, County Court Clerk swore to these men as being credible.

 

Page 48

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Sullivan, SS:

In the matter of Pension of Lucinda widow of John S. Nelson, Co.”K”, 2nd regiment U.S. Infy.

On this 5th day of May A.D., 1897, personally appeared before me. W.N.N. Gaines, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, S. W. Horn, aged 54 years, a resident of District No. 14 in the County of Sullivan, and State of Tennnessee well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

I have been in the practice of medicine for ten years graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Baltimore, MD. I was called to see John S. Nelson on July the 7th 1896 and found him suffering from chronic diarrhea and piles or hemorrhoids and disease of the lungs and very enemic he being predisposed to tuberculosis and the diarrhea running the system down cause the tuberculosis to develop rapidly which possibly would not had the system not been run down by the diarrhea which cause a suitable hidus (?) for the tubercle bacilus to develop. I kept no memoranda of the pulse rate or temperature but can say they run the usual course in this case as in others similar to it. The diarrhea was such as to cause me to believe that the tuberculosis had extended to the bowels. I gave him treatment for time to time and he continued to grow weaker until about the 17th of November 1896 at which time he died. The diarrhea played the leading part as I regarded it as the leading cause of his death and the tuberculosis the resulting cause or secondary part the piles also contributing to his death. In my opinion death was the result of the diarrhea as it was the leading disease in his illness. I make this statement from my professional knowledge of the case and in my own hand writing.

 

S.W. Horn, M.D.

His Post office address is Kendricks’ Creek, Tennessee

Note: W. H. H. Gaines Notary Public swore to the credibility of Dr. Horn.

 

 

Page 49

 

State of Tennessee,
Washington County.

I Jacob Leab, Clerk of the County, Court in and for the County of Washington, and State of Tennessee, do hereby certify that Marriage license were issued on July 21st 1866, for John S. Nelson, to marry Lucinda Taylor, and that said License have been returned to office showing that said parties were legally married on July 26, 1866, by Jess Riggs, a Minister of the Gospel. All of which appears of record in my office.

Given under my hand and Official Seal of Office in Jonesboro, Tenn. This May 7″ 1897.

Jacob Leab
Clerk of the County Court.

 

 

Page 50

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

STATE OF Tennessee, COUNTY OF Washington, SS:

 

In the matter of Pension of Lucinda Widow of John S. Nelson, Co. “K”, Regiment 2nd. U.S. Infy.

On this 7″ day of May 1897 A.D., personally appeared before me a Notary Public, in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths. James I. Taylor, aged 54 years, a resident of Jonesboro, J. O. Taylor age about 40 years a resident of Jonesboro, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

The above named Lucinda Nelson is our sister, and we know and have to state that she has not remarried since the death of her husband, (John S. Nelson), who died Nov. 17″ 1896. at his home near Clover Bottom, Sullivan, Co. Tenn. claimant has no children under the age of sixteen years. Claimant and soldier were never divorced from each other, and Claimant was no previously married before her marriage to said John S. Nelson. Soldier was previously married before his marriage to Claimant, to a Miss Tate, and she died, and he married the Claimant in this case. James I. Taylor further states that he has heretofore made an affidavit in support of this claim. See same on file.

 

James I. Taylor
J. O. Taylor

Note: J. H. Peoples, a Notary Public, swore to James and J.O.’s credibility.

 

 

Page 51

 

 

No. 445.725                                                      Original

 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF PENSIONS

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED That in conformity with the laws of the UNITED STATES Lucinda Nelson Widow of John S. Nelson who was a Private Co. K 2nd Regt. United States Vo. Infty. is entitled to a pension at the rate of twelve dollars per month, to commence on the Eighteenth day of November 1896 and to continue during her widowhood.

GIVEN AT THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
this second day of June one
thousand eight hundred and ninety
seven and of her Independence of
the United States of America, the
one hundred and twenty first.

Cornelious A. ……?
Secretary of the Interior

Countersigned
J.L. Davenport
Acting Commissioner of Pensions

Page 52

Form 2992.

415167
In answering this letter
address “Auditor for the
War Department,” and refer
to above number.

 

Requesting Abstract of Evidence

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

OFFICE OF AUDITOR FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT,

 

Washington, D.C., March 2, 1910

 

Hon. Commissioner of Pensins,

Sir:

Please transmitt an abstract of any evidence on file in your Office in the case of John S. Nelson, Co. K. 2nd U.S. Vols. tending to show the marriage and death of said soldier.

Claimant, Lucinda Nelson
Post-office address, Fall Branch, Tenn
No. of pension certificate, 445725.

Repectfully,

Auditor,
By ……

 

 

Page 53

3-4-10

March 9, 1910

Auditor for the
War Department.

Sir:

Replying to your call of the 2nd instant, received the 7th, (F. 314-415167), relative to the case of Lucinda Nelson of Fall Branch, Tenn., as widow of John S. Nelson, Co. K, 2nd U. S. Vo. Inf., Widows Ctf. No. 445725, you are advised that Dr. S. W. Horn of Sullivan, Tenn., testified under date of May 5, 1897 that John S. Nelson died Nov. 17, 1896.

A certified transcript from the marriage records of Washington County, Tenn., shows that John S. Nelson and Lucinda Taylor were married July 26, 1866.

Other evidence shows that the claimant had not been previously married.

Very respectfully,

Commissioner.

 

Page 54

PENSIONER DROPPED.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES PENSION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

May 31, 1913
Certificate No. 445.725

Class C.W. Widow

Pensioner Lucinda Nelson

Soldier John S. (Nelson)

Service Pri. K 2 U.S. Inf.

THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the above=named pensioner who was last paid at $12, to 4 Feb, 1913 has been dropped because of Death April 18, 1913

Death reported by P.M. at Fall branch, Tenn.

 

Very respectfully,

A.G. Thompson
United States Pension Agent

 

Note: Every name dropped to be thus reported at once, and when cause of dropping is death, state date of death when known.

 

Page 55

Note: When Lucinda died, she owed D. & W. Roller money for merchandise she had bought on credit. The following pages are concerning the account. I have never heard of D&W Roller. I assume it must have been a country store, similar to our present day hardware stores.

H.B. Clay, Vice-President

John G. Preston, Vice-President

David Roller, President                                                                                 John B. Nall, Cashier

BANK OF KINGSPORT

CAPITAL, $20,000.00

Kingsport, Tenn. July 8th 1913.

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Enclosed find papers sworn to by D. & W. Roller, showing an account due them by Mrs. Nelson for provisions furnished her before her death. I trust these papers will receive due consideration from the department.

Yours truly,

John B. Nall, Cashier.

Please return pension certificate if possible

Page 56

MONTHLY STATEMENT

JULY 8, 1913
D & W ROLLER

KINGSPORT, TENN

TO MRS. LUCINDA NELSON
1913

Feb 25	flour	.85
	coffee	.25
	meat	1.05
	snuff	.05
Mch 1	1 p shoes	1.50
	calico	.56
	coffee	.46
	meat	.66
7	flour	.85
	1 p shoes	1.75
	meat	.70
	salt	.05
	salts	.05
	tob	.10	(Tobacco?)
	snuff	.05
	Lamp chimly	.05
8	1 bush corn	.65
	48* meal (1 bush corn)	1.20
	meat	1.08
	Forward 11.91
11	By 1 p shoes returned	1.50
	Bal due	10.41
	Meat	1.00
	Camphor	.05
	coffee	.46
18	snuff	.10
	soda	.05
	tob	.10
	asfortida asafetida/asafoetida	.05	(I do not know what this is.)”The gum from roots of a number of plants used in medicine as a nerve stimulant and catharic.”
	camphor	.05
	Hose	.10

Page 57

	turpentine	.10
	coffee	.46
	shoes	1.75
	thread	.10
	domestic	.50
	Forward	15.28
March 21	corn 60 meat 100	1.60
24	1 p pants 100 flour 85	1.85
	soap 10 tob 10 pepper 5	.25
	beans 15 cabage 5 beets 5	.25
27	Meat 100 meal 60	1.60
29	flour 85 meal 45 cabage 8	1.88
	camphor 15 osfoetida 5	.10
	saten (satin?) 80 tob 10	.90
	31 India linen 30 gingham 48	.78
	coffee 46 hose 10 outing 30	.86
	calico 17 tob 20 thread 10	.47
	snuff	.05
April 4	Meat 100 corn 60	1.60
	5 flour 85 coffee 46 camphor 5	1.36
	domestic 25 tob 10	.35
10	meat 127 meal 60	1.87
12	calico 28 soda 5 tob 10	.43
	snuff 5 coffee 46 shoes 150	2.01
12	Brought forword	33.49
14	flour 85 meat 80	1.65
	B. Powder 5 sugar 7	.12
	salt 5 oil 5	.10
16	meal 60 meat 85	1.45
		36.81

Lucinda Nelson the widow of John S. Nelson, pension certificate #445725, she died April 17, 1913. Amount due D. & W. Roller at her death $36.81.

John B. Nall
Notary Public

Page 58

July 16, 1913

Mr. John B. Nall,
Cashier, Bank of Kingsport,
Kingsport, Tennessee

Sir:

Replying to your letter of the 8th instant, received the 10th, in the case of Lucinda Nelson, certificate number 445,725, you are advised that there is no law authorizing the Bureau to pay the bill of D. & W. Roller, presented with your letter.

The pension accrued from the date to which payment was last made to the date of the pensioner’s death is available to reimburse the person who bore the expenses of her last sickness and burial, if she did not leave assets sufficient to meet such expenses.

The articles enumberated in the statement present by you are not considered expenses incident to the last sickness.

The pension certificate must be retained with the other papers in the case.

Very respectfully,

E.L. Trenior
Acting Commissioner.

 

Page 59

Fall Branch, Tenn

Feb 15, 1915

Hon Sam R. Sells.

Dear Mr. Sells: –Mrs Lucinda Nelson who was drawing a pension under Certificate #445725 under Civil War died more than a year ago, her coffin has never been paid for, burial clothes, ect. Now isn’t there a way to have the Gov. bear these expenses tis a shame for a widow of a Federal Soldier die leaving things this way, please write me giving me instruction

Your friend
T.J. Duncan

Note: The reply concerning Mr. Duncan’s letter

Sam R. Sells
1st Tenn. District

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON

Feb 17, 1915.

 

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I enclose herewith letter which will explain itself, and will ask that you send the party necessary blanks and instructions in the case of Mrs. Lucinda Nelson and oblige.

Yours Very Truly,

Sam R. Sells

 

One enc.

Page 60

Feb. 19, 1915.

 

Mr. T. J. Duncan,

Fall Branch, Tennessee

Sir:

At the request of Hon. Sam R. Sells dated the 17th instant,  in the case of Lucinda Nelson, certificate number 445,725, you are informed that the Federal Government makes no allowance for defraying the expenses of the pensioner’s last sickness and burial other than to the extent of the pension accrued to the date of her death, and then only in the event she did not leave assets sufficient to meet such expenses. A blank form upon which to present a claim for the accrued pension as reimbursement is herewith enclosed. The law and instructions are printed on the blank.

Very respectfully,

? M. Saltzgaber

Commissioner.

Page 61

Feb. 19, 1915.

Hon. Sam R. Sells,

House of Representative,

Washington, D.C.

My Dear Mr. Sells:

Replying to your letter of the 17th instant, inclosing a communication of Mr. T. J. Duncan, of Fall Branch, Tenn., in the case of Lucinda Nelson, certificate number 445,725. I have the honor to advise you that the Federal Governmont makes no allowances for dfraying the expenses of the pensioner’s last sickness and burial other than to the extent of the pension accrued to the date of her death, and then only in the event she did not leave assets sufficient to meet such expenses. A blank form upon which to present a claim for the accrued pension as reimbursement … ? has been mailed to Mr. Duncan.

Very truly yours,

..? M. Saltzgaber

Commissioner.

 

 

Page 62

IN CONCLUSION

On parts of the files are notes written by the lawyers, commissioners, etc. needing different forms of evidence, proof, etc., but one note worth mentioning is “(John S. Nelson) …. …captured on picket Monday evening Nov 23d/63 at Missionary Ridge.”

Reading pension files can be enlightening. They give us a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. If you let yourself go and imagine being one of these people, you can almost feel the tension, desperation and hope they dealt with each day.

I love reading about the Civil War. I am amazed by the far reaching effects of this War. It is like throwing a pebble in the water and watching the rings continue to spread out. In this, the twenty-first century, we are still feeling the effects of the pebble.

Recently, we went to Virginia to do some researching. We stopped at a service station just outside of Lynchburg, Virginia. While we were getting gas, the attendant noticed our Tennessee tags. He said told us his family and some friends were coming to Tennessee to visit the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge. We had just been there the month before, so we told him about what would happen when he went in. We told him he would be put on either the North side or the South side and the program was based on the Civil War. In his Virginia accent he informed us he would not allow them to put him on the Northern side. “No good Southerner would tolerate that,” he said.

I hope you enjoy reading these files. If you find anything in them that pertains to your ancestors, please let me know. I would love to hear about them.

The spelling has been written as it is in the file.

My mailing address is: Gladys M. Owens, 321 Woodland Lane, Church Hill, TN 37642. My e-mail is: gladysowens (at) hotmail.com

 

INDEX of the Pension Records of John S. and Lucinda Taylor Nelson

ALEXANDER	J.H.	34, 42
ARMSWORTH	F.C. (or E.)	22
BACHMAN	N.D.	14
BAXTER	E.J.	38
BOWMAN	Wm B.	1
BERKLEY	Capt. Cartin	2
BLACK	John C.	6, 22, 25, 27
BOYCE	Silas	34
BROWN	L.F.	35
BROWNLEE	C.M.	24
BURNS	Isaac E.	39
CLAY	H.B.	55
CLOUD	Judy	15
	Sam N.	15
	William	15
CROUCH	Jas.	37
	Joseph H.	37
DAVENPORT	J.C.	51
DEAKINS	R.M.K.	18
DENNY	L.H.	14
DICE	J.B.A.	30, 31
DOBSON	A.J.M.	11
	C.L.N.	9
DOLEN	John N.	14, 44
DUNCAN	T.J.	59, 60, 61
DRUM	R.C.	8, 26
EDWARDS	Jerry	36
FEBUARY	W.S.	16
FIELDS	George A.	44
GAINES	W.N.N.	48
GATE	Mary A.	40, 45, 46
HALE	E.B.	30, 31
HALL	H.W.	28
HARTWARE/HARTMAN	J.W.	16
HICKMAN	W.H.	17, 18
HOOD	Dutton	14
HORN	S.W.	48, 53
HUNTER	E.E.	9, 11
HUSTON	Frances M.	23, 24, 25, 27
IRVIN	George	19
LAWS	J.	29
LEAB	Jacob	1, 2, 13, 16, 18, 21, 33, 47, 49
LOVING	J.A.	30, 31
MANTEIL	William	16
MASON	Chas S.	46
McLEAN	Wm E.	7
MILLER	E.S.	9, 11
	J.	42
MITCHELL	J.B.	35
MONTOGUE	C.S.	34
MORGAN	G.H.	35
MULLENIX	A.K.	44
NALL	J.B.	55, 57, 58,
NELSON	Jno. S.	25,
	John S.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23,  26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 57, 62
	Joseph M.	47
	Lucinda	44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61
	Margaret C.	40
	Sarah C.	40
	William J.	4, 7, 8
	Wm F.	40
OWENS	Gladys M.	62
PARKER	Thomas	15
PEOPLES/PEEPLES	J.H.	36, 37, 50
	M.L.	41, 47
PIPER	A.R.	5
PRESTON	John G.	55
RAWN	Goconir B.	40
RIGGS	Jess	49
	Jessee	44
	John P.	5, 25, 26, 38
ROLLER	David	55
RUSSELL	J.R.	16
SALTZGABER	M.	60, 61
SELLS	Sam R.	59, 60, 61
SHERFY	A.J.	47
SHIPLEY	E.A.	2, 3, 12, 17, 28
	Jno. B.	47
SMITH	C.	37
	J.C.	36, 41
STOWE	James W.	41
STUART	J.S.	34, 42
TAYLOR	J.O.	45, 50
	James I.	2, 3, 50
	J.R.	2, 3, 32, 33
	John P.	46
	John T.	12, 13
	Lucinda	40, 44, 49
	Wm M.	20
	W.M.	21, 32, 33
THOMPSON	A.G.	54
TRENIOR	E.L.	58
WALL	E.B.	4,
WELLS	T.M.	19