Persinger pension records
The Pension Records of
William and Ann Conkin Persinger
Lewis and Ann Conkin Persinger Crawford
Crawford-Persinger family photo. Courtesy of Gladys Owens.
INTRODUCTION
I have been researching the different surnames in my family since I was fourteen or fifteen years old.
My maiden name is Persinger. My father, Ernest Clyde Persinger, had one aunt living, Mary Persinger Cleek, at the time I was growing up. I used to go to her apartment and spend the weekends with her in Kingsport. Hanging on her wall was a picture of her father, Thaddeaus Preston Persinger, with his second wife, Frances Compton, and his children by his first wife, Molly Dykes.
Thaddeaus was tall, thin and had a black handlebar mustache. Aunt Mary Cleek told me Thaddeaus’ mother was Ann Conkin. She had married for a second time to Lewis Crawford in November 1868, and had five children by him. I asked her who was Thaddeaus’ father. Either she did not know or she did not want to say. I never found out.
My father would take us around to visit with the Crawfords and he would tell us “they are half first-cousins.”
I decided to find out how we were related. I found Thaddeaus’ marriage record in Gate City, VA. He had listed his father as “W.A. 
Persinger.” I asked my grandmother, Dona Simpson Persinger (pictured right, with James Persinger; photo courtesy of Gladys Owens), about W.A.’s identity. She said she did not know, and “besides, we ain’t Persingers – we are Smiths raised by a Persinger.”
I went to the archives at ETSU. I looked for any Persingers with the first name beginning with “W.” I found a Company Muster Roll showing William Persinger enrolled August 31, 1862 into the 5th Reg’t East Tenn. Infantry, Company K. at Camp Morgan for a period of three years. The company muster roll stated that William died August 13, 1863 at Carthage, Tennessee.
The death date was a few years before Thaddeaus was born. I thought Thaddeaus’ birth date may have been off. I sent for the pension record and indicated I wanted the whole file. Washington Archives told me there were eighty pages to the file. I sent the required money and anxiously waited for the file to come in.
When the file finally arrived, I was thrilled. This file is a rare glimpse into the atmosphere in Sullivan County at this time. It speaks volumes about what we were dealing with shortly after the Civil War. The file is a testimony of one woman’s struggle with herself, death, childbearing, and her own existence in a semi-puritan community.
I have studied this file and often find myself wondering what I would have done if I were in Ann’s shoes. I can imagine being a young woman, recently married, in love with my husband only to have him traipse off to a war I did not understand and be killed. I imagined finding myself alone, unloved at a time when a woman’s place in society was determined by the man who is taking care of her.
Ann Conkin was born ca. 1840. I believe she was the daughter of John Conkin (born 1810) and Sarah Watts (born 1812.)
William Persinger was born ca 1836 in Virginia. I believe he was the son of Henry Persinger, born 1806 in Virginia and Nancy Carnes, born 1814 in Virginia.
Lewis Crawford was born 1848 in Tennessee.
When you read this file, please do not judge those involved. It was a time of intense hate, jealously and desperation. Many neighbors were envious of those who did receive pension. I have another file where neighbors had complained the widow was running a brothel. After the investigation, it was revealed the neighbors were jealous because the widow was receiving pensions from two Civil War soldiers.
After reading this file, I realized “we ain’t Persingers, but Smiths.” William did not have any children, but I inherited his name, Persinger. It is a proud name and one that should be honored. William gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, fighting for what he believed in. Biologically, William is not my great great-grandfather. Spiritually, he is. I have researched the Persinger surname and hope to find as much as I can about it.
Ann Conkin Persinger Crawford was a beautiful woman. There is a picture of her and Lewis Crawford (left) on page 33 of the Sullivan County Tennessee Pictorial History, published by the Sullivan County Genealogical Society. She has a dark brooding look on her face. Her dark hair is parted in the middle and pulled back from her face. I wonder what she was thinking when the picture was taken.
Someone asked me recently what I would do if I found out something terrible about one of my ancestors. I told them there was nothing revealed which would bother me. Besides, the Federal Government had labeled my great-great-grandmother a “strumpet.”
I have indexed the names of those mentioned in the file with some notes beside the names. If you know these people and have information about them, please let me know.
Enjoy!
The military information, mostly, came from a posting by Jessie Blalock at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tn4cav/index.html Other information I found in the Palmer Room of the Kingsport Library, and/or “graveyard hopping.”
Civil War Pension
Box 35647
Cert. 237101
Anna Crawford – former widow of William Persinger
WAR DEPARTMENT
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
Washington, D.C., March……..
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension NO. 191.065, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.
It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office that William Persinger was in Co, K, 5 Regiment of Tenn Volunteers. On the Muster Rolls of Co K of that Regiment, from enrollment to June 10, 1863, he is reported present. July, Aug, Sept and Oct. 63, (4 mos. muster). Died Aug. 13, 1863. Hospital Carthage, Tenn. His name is dropped from all sub. rolls of Co. return for Aug, 1863, is not on file.
No Final Statement on file.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
(unreadable)
Assistant Adjutant General,
(unreadable)
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Page 2
Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE
Oct. 27, 1870
Sir:
You are respectfully requested to furnish official evidence of the enrollment, muster, service, duty, and cause of death of William Persinger, who was Private in Company 5th; Regiment of Tenn. Inft. Vols., reported died Aug. 18, 1863.
If the above name is not found on the rolls of said Company, will you so state, and report as to enrollment, etc., in the case of any man bearing a similar name, whom you have good reason for believing to be the soldier inquired for. When the rolls show him to have been a prisoner of war, let that fact be reported.
Please return this circular with your report,
Claim NO. 191065
Respectfully, yours.
H. Vaucseruam (spelling?)
Commissioner.
Adjutant General U.S.A.
Present
Room No. 18
Page 3
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
Washington, D.C.
Oct. 31, 1870
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27 day of Oct. 1870, requesting a “Statement of Service” of William Persinger. The following information has been obtained from the files of this Office, and is furnished in reply to your inquiry: 191065
In the case of William Persinger there is no original Enlistment or Muster-in Roll showing him to have been enrolled or mustered into the service of the United States as an enlisted man in Company K, of the 5th Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers, on file in this Office up to date.
The Muster Rolls of Company K, of that Regiment, contain the following evidence of service; It is stated he was enrolled Aug. 1st, 1862. At Camp Morgan VA for threes years. Roll for July, and Aug, and Sept, and Oct. 1863 Reports him. Private Died Aug 13, 1863 Hospital Carthage Tenn.
I am, sir, very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
H. Martin
Assistant Adjutant General
To
Commissioner of Pensions
Int. Dept.
Page 4
State of Tennessee
County of Sullivan
On this the ……day of January 1871 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid. Anna Crawford late widow of William Persinger. Who after being duly sworn according to law declares ??? he oath that she was married to William Persinger who was a private in Co. “K” 5th Regt. Tenn. Inft. on the 5th day of July 1860 and that she has no record of their marriage. The only record was that of the County Circuit Clerk of the County aforesaid. Which were burned or destroyed during the late war. She further declares that she cannot get the certificate of any of his Officers, or the Regimental Surgeon as their residents are unknown to her, but files the affidavits of two eye witness as to her marriage and certificate of ????– T.H. Easely who was well acquainted with said Wm Persinger.
Anna Crawford
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and date – first- above, written and on the same day personally appeared Thomas H. Easley and John N. Dolen residents of near Fall Branch as follows. ?????? they are well acquainted with Anna Crawford who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit and that they were present in Sullivan County on the 5th day of July 1860 and witnessed the marriage of William Persinger to Anna Conkin, by one John Depew a Justice of the Peace for Sullivan County, Tennessee and that said Anna Conkin is the late widow of said William Persinger who was a Private in Co. “K” 5th Regt. Tenn. Inft. and died at Camp Carthage about the 18 day of August, 1863 of measles, they further declare that they have no interest in the prosecution of said Anna Crawford’s claim for pension ??????.
x T.H. Easley
x J.N. Nolen
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 16th day of January 1871 and I certify that the affiants (sic) are intitled (sic) to full credit and I have no interest in the matter whatever.
Noble M. Carr
J.P. in and for the County and State aforesaid.
State of Tennessee Jas. P. Poder Clerk of the County and of the
County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Noble M. Carr
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is a magistrate in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 1st day of September 1870, and will expire on the 1st day of September 1876 and that his signature above written is ??????.
Given under my hand and official seal office in Blountville
January 18th 1871
James P. Poder, Clerk
by A. ???, Clerk
Page 6
COMMISSIONED OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE OF SOLDIER’S DEATH
January 18th, 1871
I hereby certify that William Persinger of Captain Ragal Company “K” of the 5th regiment of Tenn. Inft. Vols was enlisted by_____________of the_________regiment of _________at Cumberland Gap on the ______day of August 1862, to serve three years; he was born in ________in the state of Virginia is 26 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by occupation when enlisted farmer That while in the service of the United States, and in the line of his duty* He was taken sick of measles at Camp Carthage, Tenn. While in line of duty were he died on or about the 18th day of August 1863. I further certify that I was acquainted with said Persigner before the war and during his service saw him frekently (sic). And that I have no interest in the prosecution of the claim.
Thomas N. Easley
Late Capt. Co “B” Tenn. Vols. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of January 1871 C. Ragle, N. Carr, J.P. in and for the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee
The Company Commander will here add a statement of all the facts known to him, concerning the cause of the death of the soldier, the time, place, manner, and all the circumstances under which it occurred.
If the facts are not known to the Company Commander, the certificate of some other commissioned officer having such knowledge, will answer.
State of Tennessee
Count of Greene
On this the 19th day of April 1873 personally appeared before me, Alexander N. Price a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and state aforesaid, Anna Crawford late widow of William Persinger deceased, who after being duly sworn by me, deposes and says that her deceased husband William Persinger had no child or children living at the time of his death
Anna Crawford
Sworn to subscribed before me on the day and date find above written and I certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of the claim for penision what ever.
A.H. Price
J.P. in for said County and State
State of Tenessee
Greene County
J.V.S. Malaney Clerk of the County of said County do hereby certify that A.H. Price, Esq. before whom the foregoing Afidavit was made and whose genuine offical signature appears to the same is and was at the time of taking, signing the same Justice of the Peace for said county of Green, duly elected, commissioned and ?????? according to law that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and official seal at office in Greeneville, the 21st day of May 1873
J.S. Malaney, Clerk
Page 8
Making no charge for service unless successful, claimants are requested to postal stamps for reply and return of papers.
DECLARATION OF GUARDIAN FOR PENSION OF CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE
Must be executed before a Court of record or some officer thereof having custody of its Seal. also the Certificate of Guardianship
MUST BE sent.
STATE of Tennessee
COUNTY of Washington
On this 6th day of May, A.D. on thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight (1878), personally appeared before me S.S. Luttnell Clk Cir. Ct., the same being a court of record within and for the County and State aforesaid, Noah D. Barnes a resident of Falls Branch, County of Washigton, in the State of Tennessee aged 28 years, who, being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided for by Acts of Congress for children under sixteen years of age; That he is the only legal guardian of Matison Persinger ligitimate child of William Persinger who volunteered at Cumberland Gap, KY, on the……..day of July, A.D. 1862 to serve in Co. “K” 5th Tenn. Infty, in the war of 1861-5 who died of measles at Camp Carthage near Nashville, Tenn. on the 18 August, A.D. 1863 and who bore at the time of his discharge or death the rank of Private in Co. “K”, 5th Tenn. Inf. that he left a widow surviving she remarried Nov. 28, 1868 that the above named is the only surviving legitimate child of said William Persinger who was under sixteen years of age at the time of his death, of whom none have died. That said child was the issue of said soldier as follows, the date of its birth being as hereinafter stated: Matison Persinger, of Soldier by Anna Persinger, born Nov. 16, 1862.
(note: I do not know who this Matison is. I suspect this was an attempt to make Thaddeaus legitimate. Thaddeaus was born February 1866. In the 1870 Census for Sullivan County, Thaddeaus is living with Lewis and Ann Crawford. He is listed as being four years old. Also, in the household is his half-brother, John Crawford, two years old and half-sister Lennah M. Crawford, less than a year old.)
That the father was married under the name of William Persinger to Anna Conkin, July 5, 1860 by John Deprigh, Esq.,(this name is most likely, Depew) there being no legal barrier to such marriage; that the said
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child was not aidied or abetted the rebellion; and that a prior application has been filed by widow in 1870;
That Declarant hereby appoints, with full power of subtitutuion and revocation, GEORGE E. LEMON, of Washington, D.C., he is true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute his claim. That his Post Office is Fall Branch, Washington Co. Tennessee
N.B. Barnes
C.A. Shipley
R.N. McAdams
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873
Noah D. Barnes
Falls Branch, Tenn. Guard, minor child of William Persinger of Co. “K” 5 Tenn. Inf. Vols died near Nashville. Tenn, Aug.18/63 of measles, no other claim.
Wid.-191.065
May 27, 1878 L. M. Taylor, Clerk
Application filed May 15, 1878
Attorney: Geo. E. Lemon, present
Rejected
Suspected
Page 10
Elisha Harbour
Fall Branch, Tenn
March 23, 1878
Relative to a supposed fraudelent claim for pension to be presented in favor of T. P. L. Persinger (Thaddeaus Preston, I do not know what the “L” stands for)
First Auditors Office
May 27, 1878
Respectfully referred to the Third Auditor H. K. Leaven
March 23rd 1878
Know all men by there is a conspiracy on foot to defraud the U.S. out of about 1400 dollars in favor of one Thaddaus P. L. Persinger-alias Smith a bastard. The circumstaces (sic) are this way Wm Persinger belonged to the U.S. Army and died in the early part of the year 63 leaveing (sic) a childless widow who attempted to obtain money from the U.S. and I believe succeeded and in the early part of the year 66. This child was born and she said his father’s name was Smith and in 68 she married a man by the name Lewis Crawford and I understand they are now trying to get a pension for the by on the death of her 1st husband. If my word is not good refer to Eli A. Keen, T.H. Easley, G. G. Crawford, T. J. Carr, Ellen Carr or Wm J. Conkin all at Fall Branch PO, Washington County and if you desire I can give more references these all served in the 1st, 4th and 8th Cavalry except Ellen Carr. I served in the 2nd Tenn. Infantry and we join in saying that the by boy is a bastard and his mother a strumpet. Therefore be careful how you deal with that case. Suppress my name if you can but if a disclosure is necessary, let it come.
Elisha Harbour
P.S. If this is not at the proper office please pass it to the
proper office. Your unworthy informant.
(note: Elisha Harbour, 2nd Lt. Company F 2nd TN INF. from November 4, 1861 to August 3, 1865. He was a Mexican War soldier.)
G. G. Crawford, PVT, Company B 4th TN CAV from July 18, 1862 to July 12, 1865.
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T.J. Carr PVT Company H 4th TN CAV from Sept. 8, 1862 to July 12, 1865.
William J. Conkin PVT Company B 4th TN CAV from November 14, 1861 to July 12, 1865. (William was Ann’s first cousin.)
Page 12
SUMMARY OF PROOF
MARRIAGE
The marriage of William Persinger to Anna Conkin is shown by witnessess present.
NO BAR BY PRIOR MARRIAGE
NONE
SERVICE
The Adjutant General U.S.A. reports name on rolls as William Persinger also the rank, company, and regiment, and the dates of enrollment and death as stated on preceding page. He also reports
DEATH
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1st. Report of Adjutant General. |
5th. Testimony of Officers. |
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2d. Report of Surgeon General. |
6th. Testimony of FellowSoldiers. |
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3d. Certificate of Disability |
7th. Testimony of Attending Physician. |
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4th. Testimony of Army Surgeon |
8th. Other testimony |
1. Adj. General reports no original enlistment a muster in roll on file of Company K 5th Reg, Tenn. Vol. The muster rolls of Company K of that regiment state he was enrolled August 1, 1862 at Camp Morgan, VA. for three years–Roll for July, August, September and October 1863, report him private, died August 13,
1863 at Hospital, Carthage, Tennessee.
2. Surgeon General reports “Records of Reg and Carthage Tenn are not on file.
3. None on file or called for.
4. None on file or called for.
5. testifies “He was taken sick of measles at Camp Carthage, Tenn. While in line off duty, where he died on or about the 18th of August, 1863. (Written in the margin was: T.H. Easley Capt. Co. B, 4 Tenn Cav.)
6,7, 8. None on file or called for.
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INCIDENTAL MATTER
The re-marriage of the claimant to Lewis Crawford on the 29th day of Nov. 1868, is shown by record evidence.
Clerk of Court file March 13, 1880 certifies that the marriage records of Sullivan Co. Tenn. was destroyed by fire September 22, 1863.
P.M. at Fall Branch filed December 7, 1880, states that Anna Crawford was the widow of Wm Persinger, but that the child was born 18 months after soldiers death.
Claimants affidant (sic) filed March 23, 1883 says: that there were no children living at the date of the soldier’s death
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WIDOW’S PENSION
Claimant: Anna Persinger now Crawford
P.O. Box: Blairs Gap
County: Sullivan
State: Tenn
Rate: $8.00 per month, commencing Aug 14, 1863
Soldier: Wm Persinger
Rank: Private
Regiment: 5th Tenn. Vol. Inft.
Children by former marriage: none
Children by last marriage: none
All pension to terminate Jul 1, 1865, date of commencement of adulterous cohabitation.
Recognized Attorney: G.E. Lemon
P.O: City
Fee: $25.00
Articles filed: Nov 10, 1884
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WIDOW’S PENSION
Claimant: Anna Persinger now Crawford
P.O: Blairs Gap
County: Sullivan
State: Tenn
Soldier: Wm Persinger
Rank: Private Co. “K”
Regiment “5” Tenn. Vols. Inf.
Children by former marriage: none
Children by last marriage: none
Recognized Attorney: G. E. Lemon
P.O: Washington, D.C.
Fee: None
Articles Filed: Nov 10, 1884
Approvals:
Submitted for rejection July 2, 1887
Examiner: Wm H. Howe
Approved for rejection-on the ground of open and notorious
adulterous cohabitation. Other points not considered.
Act Aug 7, 1882
Legal Receiver: (unreadable)
July 9, 1887
Important Dates:
Enlisted: Aug 1, 1862
Discharged: died in service 1863
Died: August 13, 1863
Declaration filed: Oct. 19, 1870
Invalid application filed: none
Invalid last paid to: none
Claimant’s marriage to soldier: July 5, 1860
remarriage Nov 29, 1868
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GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Washington
In matter of pension claim Anna Crawford late widow Wm Persinger K. 5th Tenn. Inf.
Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State Henry Clark of Haws Road County of Washington, State of Tennessee, late private of Co. K 5 Tennessee Inft. Vols. person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid cases as follows: That he was mustered in Co. K 5th Tennessee Infty. Vols. and that said William Persinger ???? and at his enlistment and the said soldier William Persinger died at Carthage Tennessee on or about the 18th of August 1863. Said soldier William Persinger was sick and suffering with fever and diarrhea when the said soldier William Persinger was sent to the hospital at Carthage Tennessee. Witness further state that he visited the said soldier William Persinger at Carthage Tennessee while the said soldier was sick in hospital. Witness further states that he makes this statements from his personal knowledge and ????? and he further declare that he has no interest in said case, and he is not concerned in its prosecution.
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Nannie A. Shipley |
Henry Clark |
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23 day of Dec., 1881, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiant before swearing thereto, in including the words——-in line—–, erased, and in line———the words——–, added; that the affiant is to me well known and is respectable and worthy of full credit, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
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L.H.Shipley, J.P. |
The officer before whom this Affidavit is executed must be sure and note in his certificate all erasures and interlineations, as indicated above.
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NOTE.-It is preferable that this instrument be executed before a Clerk of a Court. When executed before a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace, the certificate of Clerk of Court below MUST be filled out.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Washington
I, E.A. Shipley, Clerk of the County Court in and for aforesaid County and State, do certify that L.H. Shipley, Esq., who had signed his name to the foregoing jurat, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, dully commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 24 Day of Dec., 1881. E.A. Shipley Clerk of the County Court.
Received in Pension office April 17, 1882.
ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE for In Service AFFIDAVIT of Comrade Henry Clark Co. K, 5 Tenn Vos. Filed by George E. Lemon Offices, No 615 Fifteenth Street, N.W. P.O. Drawer 325 Washington, D.C.
Page 18
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of claim for Widow No 191065 Anna Crawford, late widow of Wm Persinger K 5 Tenn Vols.
Personally came before me, a Notary Public, in and for aforesaid County and State Thomas J. Carr age 62 years a resident Sullivan County Tennessee and whos (sic) Post Office is Blairs Gap Tennessee person of lawful age, who, being sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: That said claimant Anna Crawford has lived within the neighborhood of Affiant (sic) every since the Fall of 1865 or Spring of 1866. She lives within 1/2 one half mile of Affiant (sic) from the Fall of 1865 or Spring of 1866 until she married Lewis Crawford. She was pregnant when she came to this neighborhood in Fall of 1865. She lived on Mr. David Shipley’s farm for some. She told Affiant (sic) the said child belonged to one Smith. She lived at affiants (sic) house in the Fall of 1866 until the Fall of 1867. Affiant (sic) further states that she never lived or cohabited with said Smith that he never saw or heard of said Smith being in the neighborhood since the Fall of 1865 never heard of him living in neighborhood at any time.
He further declare that he has no interest in said case, and he is not concerned in its prosecution.
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H.B. Dykes |
Thomas J. Carr |
Page 19
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of the Pension Claim of Anna Crawford late widow of William Persinger Co. K 5th Tenn. Vols.
Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State Franklin Golloway age 38 years of age a resident of Sullivan County, Tennessee whos (sic) Post Office is Blairs Gap, Tennessee person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: that he was a private of Co. K 5 Tenn. Vol. and that the said soldier William Persinger was a private in said Co. K 5th Tenn. Vols. that he personally new (sic) the said soldier prior to his enlistment and that the said soldier William Persinger died at Carthage, Tennessee on or about the 18th day of August 1863. Said soldier was suffering with diarrhea when the said soldier was sent to hospital he further states that he visited the said soldier while the said William Persinger was in hospital: at Carthage, Tennessee he further states that he makes this statement from his personal knowledge. And he further declare that he has no interest in said case, and he is not concerned in its prosecution.
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Susan Mullenix |
Franklin X (his mark) Golloway |
Page 20
STATE OF: Tennessee
Sulivan County
County Court Clerk’s Certificate
Destruction of records.
J.A.J. Cox clerk of the Circuit Court of the County and State aforesaid hereby certify that all the marriage records and papers pertaining thereto belonging to said County and on deposit in the County Court Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse of said County were destroyed by fire in the burning of the Courthouse of said County which as shown of record why office occurred the 22 day of September 1863; that in the County Court Clerk’s office in said Courthouse is and was the proper and legal place of deposit for such marriage records and papers and that there is now in said office no record of marriages that were celebrated prior to the said 22 day of September 1863.
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Given under my hand and official seal of office in Blountville, January 2, 1880 A.J. Cox, |
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GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of claim for Widow No. 191065 Anna Crawford late widow of Wm Persinger K 5 Tenn. Vols.
Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County and State, David Shipley age 66 years a resident of Sullivan County Tenn and whose Post Office is Blairs Gap Tennessee person of lawful age, who being dully sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows. That in the fall of 1865 claimant Anna Persinger came to my house staid with me for some time. At that time she was pregnant about half gone and that she moved in a house on his farm and lived there until her child was born. She told affiant that said child belonged to David Smith. Claimant lived on his farm about 5 months and that he knew her from that time up to her marriage to Lewis Crawford. Affiant never saw said Smith the alleged father of claimants child while she lived in his neighborhood if Smith had been to see her he would of known it. He further declare that he has no interest in said case, and is not concerned in its prosecution.
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H.B. Dykes |
David Shipley |
SWORD TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this the 11 day of June, 1887, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made know and explained to the affiant before swearing thereto, including the words…..David. The words….William added. That the affiant he is to me well known and is respectable and worthy of full credit, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
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A.K. Mullennix N.P. |
(Written notations on the side of this document were, “Adultery and Pregnant”)
NO. 191065 ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE. Case of Anna Crawford late widow of William Persinger Co “K” 5 Tenn. Inft. Vols for AFFIDAVIT OF DAVID SHIPLEY Filed by GEORGE E. LEMON, ATTORNEY
Office 615 Fifteenth St. N.W. Washington, D.C.
Page 22
Feb 16, 1887
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In matter of the Pension Claim of Anna Crawford widow of William Persinger late Co. K, 5th Tenn Infty Vols No. 191065 on this the 16th day of February A.D. 1887 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County dully authorized to administer oaths Anna Crawford Claimant-age 45 years a resident of Blairs Gap in the County of Sullivan and the State of Tennessee well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit and who being dully sworn declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: that on or about the first of July A.D. 1865 she made the acquaintance with David Smith was in his company some five or six days during her stay with said Smith she cohabited with him some two or three times. This was the beginning and the ending of said cohabitation with said David Smith. After this occurrence she never saw said Smith after that time her Post Office is Blairs Gap.
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Received in Pension Office April 17, 1882
STATE OF: Tennessee
Sullivan County
Clerk’s Certificate
J.A.J. Cox Clerk of the County of the County and State aforesaid hereby certify that all the marriage records and papers pertaining thereto belonging to said County and State were destroyed by fire in the burning of the courthouse of said County which occurred on the 22 day of September 1863, that in the County Court Clerk’s Office in said courthouse was then and now is the proper and legal place of deposit for such marriage records and papers, and that there is now no evidence of any marriage in said office that occurred prior to the burning of the courthouse on or before said which occurred on September 22, 1863. I have no interest in the prosecution of Anna Crawford for pension.
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Given under my hand and official seal of office in Blountville this 24th day of August, 1881. |
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SECONDARY PROOF OF MARRIAGE.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
On this 12 th day of December, A.D. 1881, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace personally appeared Anna Crawford who, being duly sworn, deposes as follows: I am the widow of William Persinger decease, who was a Private in Captain A.N.Ragell’s Company K 5th Tenn Regiment Infty, Vol.: that my maiden name was Anna Conkin that I was lawfully married to said deceased at N. Dolins, County of Sullivan, State of Tennessee by John Depew, J.P. on or about the 5th day of July 1860. (The following words were marked out: “That I have by said marriage the following children, whose ages and dates of birth are correctly set forth, to wit: That these are the only legitimate children now living of myself and my deceased husband, and that my said husband left no children by any first marriage”). That I have made repeated and diligent efforts to procure a copy of the records of my marriage, but have been unable to do so, because the County Court Clerks’s Offices was all destroyed by fire. That I cannot obtain the affidavit of the party who performed the marriage ceremony, because the said John Depew, a Justice of the Peace is dead, that my said husband died on the 18th day of August A.D. 1863; that I lived with deceased from the date of my marriage up to the date of his death, and that I file herewith the best evidence of my marriage that I can obtain.
|
Anna Crawford |
Susannah Mullenix
(Signature of Witness)
And also at the same time personally appeared Thomas H. Easley and Sarah A. Easley, of the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee, to me well know as respectable, credible persons, who, being by me duly sworn, do severally say that they have known the claimant Anna Crawford and her deceased husband William Persinger who was a Private in Company K, 5th Regiment of Tennessee Vo. for 5 years, “and that they were present and saw claimant and said deceased married, as above stated by claimant; that claimant’s maiden name was Anna Conkin, and that she was married to said William Persinger, at N. Dolins in the State of Tennessee, by John Depew a J.P. on or about the 5th day of July 1860, that deceased always treated and acknowledge claimant as his lawful wife; and that they lived and cohabited together as
Page 25
such, and were so received in society, and were so regarded by their acquaintances; that they never heard the fact of their marriage disputed; that they often heard deceased in his life time speak of claimant as his wife.
(Again words were crossed out pertaining to children by this marriage.)
That they are satisfied that claimant has made diligent efforts to procure record evidence of her marriage, and has been unable to do so for the reasons stated by her. That they are in no way interested, directly or indirectly, in the claim for Pensions for which this affidavit is required.
|
T. H. Easley |
Subscribed in my presence and sworn to before me by the claimant and said witnesses, this 12th day of December A.D. 1881, after the same had been carefully read and explained to them; and I certify that I am in no way interested in the prosecution or proceeds of this claim, directly or indirectly.
|
A.K. Mullenix Justice of the Peace |
I certify that A.K. Mullenix, Esq., who hath signed his name to the foregoing declaration and affidavit was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereunto is genuine.
Witness my hand and seal of office, this 19th day of Dec 1881.
|
A. J. Cox |
Received in the Pension Office April 17, 1882
Page 26
INDEX
TO SPECIAL EXAMINER’S REPORT
|
Claim of Anna Crawford |
ctf. No. 237.101 |
|
______________________________________________________________ |
||||
|
Pages |
Name of Witnesses, etc. |
Exhibits |
Deposi |
Reputation |
|
______________________________________________________________ |
||||
|
Index |
||||
|
1 to |
Notice to Claimant |
|||
|
3 to |
Summary |
|||
|
7 to |
Claimant’s Statement |
A |
Bad |
|
|
10 to |
E.H. Dykes |
B |
Good. |
|
|
10 to |
H.B. Dykes |
C |
Doubtful |
|
|
14 |
James Basket |
D |
Good |
|
|
15 to |
Final Statement |
E |
Bad |
|
Page 27
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EXAMINER U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
At Lovelace, Tenn
Sept 11th, 1895
NOTICE OF SPECIAL EXAMINATION.
CASE OF: Anna Crawford CTF No. 237.101
To: Anna Crawford, CLAIMANT:
Your are hereby notified that, by order of the Commissioner of Pensions, the undersigned will, on the 13th day of Sept., A.D. 1895, and continuing thereafter long as may be necessary, at Lovelace, County of Greene and State of Tenn, and elsewhere if necessary, conduct a special examination of the aforesaid pension claim, at which time and place all material witnesses will be heard.
And you are further notified that you have the privilege of being present, in person or by attorney, during said special examination, and of cross-examining said witnesses and of introducing any material evidence on your own behalf, if you so desire
H.L. Williams
Special Examiner.
To: H. L. Williams
I acknowledge service of copy of above notice this 11 day of Sept., 1895, and desire the examination begin at once.
Anna x (her mark) Crawford
J.C. Fulkerson
A. H. Price
Page 28
N. B. —–Examiners should be particular to have affiants sign on the line next below the closing words of their depositions so as to leave little or no space between their signatures and the end of their depositions.
DEPOSITION A
Case of Anna Crawford CTF, No. 237101
On this 11thd day of Sept., 895, at deponent’s house, County of Greene State of Tenn, before me, H. L. Williams, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Anna Crawford, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interiagatores propounded to her during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, aposes and says: I am 53 years old; am the widow of Lewis Crawford and my post office is Lovelace Greene Co., Tenn. I was formerly the widow of William Persinger and was a pensioner as his widow and up to my marriage to Lewis Crawford in 1869 I think it was. My husband Lewis Crawford was also a soldier in Co. F. 3rd Tenn, Mtd Inf. I claim as the widow of said soldier Lewis Crawford. My claim is under the new law. Said soldier died Oct 9th, 1882 and I have not remarried since his death.
Question: Have you ever lived with any man since your last husbands death?
Answer: No sir.
Question: Have you ever had intercourse, sexual intercourse with any many since Oct. 9th 1882, the date of your husbands death?
Answer: No sir. None at all.
Question: Did you have sexual intercourse with M. M. Hensley?
Answer: No sir.
Question: Did you ever with James Banks:
Answer: Not since Mr. Crawford died. I don’t think you ought to ask no such questions. I did a long time ago though. I reckon it was before my marriage to Mr. Crawford. I don’t reckon I had any sexual intercourse with him after I married Mr. Crawford.
Question: Did you ever have sexual intercourse with E.H. Dykes?
Page 29
Answer: If you can prove I have that will do I recon.
Question: What do you say about it?
Answer: I’ve got nothing to say about it. I don’t expect to swear anything about it.
Question: Will you state whether you had intercourse with E.H. Dykes since the death of your husband Lewis Crawford?
Answer: I ain’t going to state or have any thing to do with it. I ain’t going to get any pension any how I know.
Question: Why do you state that your are not going to get any pensions?
Answer: I just know I ain’t.
Question: Did you ever have any sexual intercourse with Henry B. Dykes after the death of your husband Mr. Crawford?
Answer: I done told you I ain’t going to tell you any more about it, nor have anything to do with the pension business.
Question: Have you ever had sexual intercourse with any other men besides E.H. and H.B. Dykes since the death of your last husband?
Answer: No.
Question: I have showed you the statements made by E.H. Dykes. What do you wish to say about that?
Answer: I have nothing to say about it.
Question: Will you state whether it is true or not?
Answer: You can let it go as it is I ain’t going to say anything about it. He gets no decision from me. I don’t want you to examine any witnesses for me. I haven’t any intercourse at all. You can prove anything you wish. I shall have nothing further to do with it. My statement ????.
Anna (her mark) Crawford
Mr. James C. Fulkerson and Alex H. Price certify that it was proven on the 11th day of April 1895 and heard the above claiment Anna Crawford make the following deposition under oath, and that
Page 30
the statement were correctly recorded by the special examiner, and that we heard it read over to her and that she admits that her statements were correctly recorded, but that she refused to sign the deposition
A.H.Price
J.C. Fulkerson
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of Sept 1895, and I certify that the contents were fully made know to deponent before signing.
H.L. Mullinex
Special Examiner
Page 31
DEPOSITION B
Case of Anna Crawford CTF No. 237101
On this 28th day of August, 1895, at Blairs Gap, County of Sullivan State of Tenn, before me, H.L. Williams a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared E.H. Dykes, who, being by me duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: I am 31 years old am a farmer and my post office is Blairs Gap, Tenn. I know the above mentioned Anna Crawford the widow of Lewis Crawford who was a soldier. For the past six years any how. I’ve known nothing at all wrong about the woman’s character; about that time she became religious and swore to try to live a correct life. Before that time she lived up here in the hollow, and while she lived there she used to see the men at times. I slept with her once or twice, about the time you was around her before (notation by the Examiner: “June 1889”). I had sexual intercourse with her probably five times altogether. I don’t know if anybody else having intercourse with her, but it was mentioned that my brother H.B. Dykes had intercourse with her before I did. I never saw anything wrong between them. I used to see him go over there and stay there over night. I never heard of anybody else particularly staying with the woman. All my intercourse with her was in less than a year’s time. She was old then. No, I never paid her anything. I approached her and she let me go with her without any trouble. No, she never told me of anybody else going with her. No, I don’t think I caught any diseases from her. I had it after I stayed with her but I had other chances to take the disease and I can’t say whether the Crawford woman gave it to me or not. It was the clap I had, not the pox. I have no interest or prejudices at all in this case. I hate to make this statement. I wouldn’t if I could help it. My statements are correctly worded.
E.H. Dykes
Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 day of August, 1895, and I certify that the contents were fully made know to deponent before signing.
H.L. Williams
Special Examiner
Page32
DEPOSITION C
Case of Anna Crawford CTF. No. 237101
On this 12 day of Sept., 1895, at ????? deponent’s house, County of Hawkins State of Tenn., before me, H. L. Williams, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office personally appeared Henry B. Dykes, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: I am 44 years old and my Post Office is Blairs Gap, Sullivan County, Tenn. I have known the above mentioned Anna Crawford ever since just after the war. She was first the widow of Wm Persinger who died in the Army. I understand that some time after the war 2, 3, or 4, years, she was remarried to Lewis Crawford who died some time in 1882, I think. She had a bastard child before she remarried Mr. Crawford, I always understood. After the death of her husband Lewis Crawford she lived in the hollow and lived some ??? years and then went to VA and then came back here on the mountain then went over into Washington Co. Her character was not good while she lived here after her husband’s death. She was considered to be a whore. I had sexual intercourse with her some few times not very many. I can’t say how many times — can’t say whether it was as many as a dozen times. I would have sexual intercourse with her occasionally during the time she lived up here in this hollow. All my intercourse with her was after Crawford’s death, but I’ve seen other men there at her house. She had a bad character down on Beech Creek while she lived down on Beech Creek in Hawkins County, but I never touched her except while she lived here near Blairs Gap in the hollow. No, I don’t know if W.W. Hensley ever had intercourse with her, but I saw him at the house some two or three times. No, I never slept with her all night at any time. No, I never knew her to have any venereal disease. If she did I didn’t take it. She went from the hollow down into Hawkins Co. on Beech Creek before she went to VA. She stayed there not over 12 months, I think. Am not related to her and have no interest or prejudices in her case. I make this statement unwillingly. My statements are correctly recorded.
H.B. Dykes
Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12 day Sept. 1895, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
H.L. Williams
Special Examiner
Page 33
DEPOSITION D
Case of Anna Crawford CTF. No 237.101
On this 11th day of Sept., 1895, at Jeroldstown, County of Greene State of Tenn, before me, H.L. Williams, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared James G. Basket, who being by me duly sworn to answer truly all interogatories propounded to him during the Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: I am 46 years old; am a farmer and my Post Office is Lovelace Greene Co. Tenn. I have known the above named Anna Crawford ever since before the death of her husband Lewis Crawford. As far as I know the said Mrs. Anna Crawford has led a virtuous life since her husband’s death. I have never had sexual intercourse with her since his death, but I will acknowledge that I did have sexual intercourse with her before his death and during his life time while she was his wife. I would have sexual intercourse with her only occasionally, but I can swear positively that I never touched the woman after her husband died. Am not interested at all one way or the other in this case. My statements are correctly recorded.
James Basket
Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of Sept., 1895 and I certify that contents were made fully know to deponent before signing.
H.L. Williams
Special Examiner
Page 34
CLAIMANT’S STATEMENT
DEPOSITION E
Case of Anna Crawford CTF, No. 237.101
On this 11 day of Sept., 1895, at deponents house, County of Greene State of Tenn, before me, H.L. Williams, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Anna Crawford, the applicant in the aforesaid pension claim, who says:
Question: If it should become necessary to further examine your claim, by taking the testimony of witnesses elsewhere, do you desire to be present in person or be represented by an attorney, or both, at such further examination? If so, you will be notified as to the place and time when it is to be made.
Answer: No
Question: Should you change your mind and desire to be present, or be represented by an attorney during any further examination of your case will you at once address a letter to the “Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.,” giving the name and the number of your claim, informing him that you have so changed your mind, and desire to be notified when your claim is to be further examined?
Answer: Yes
Question: Sate the names of the person or persons and their post office addressed, instrumental in the prosecution of your claim for pension.
Answer: J.M.T. Peltier always claimed he was my attorney but I never appointed him.
Question: State what contract or contracts you have made with such person or persons for their services in prosecuting your claim for pension, and whether such contract or contracts were written or verbal.
Answer: I never made any agreement with him at all.
Question: State the amount of fees paid by your or at your instance, to who paid, and all the circumstances connected with the transaction.
Page 35
Answer: I never paid any.
Question: Please give me the names of all witnesses that you desire examined elsewhere, with their post office addresses, and also state what you expect to prove by each witness.
Answer: Have no witnesses.
Question: Have you any complaint to made as to the conduct, manner, or fairness of the examination of your claim? If so, please state specifically what it is.
Answer: No I’ve got nothing against you at all.
Question: Do you desire to introduce any more testimony before?
Answer: No
|
Witness: |
Anna (her mark) Crawford |
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11 day of Sept., 1895, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
H.L. Williams
Special Examiner
Page 36
| Hon. Wm Lochron Commissioner of Pension Washington, D.C. |
Johnson City, Tenn. |
Sir:
I have the honor to ??? her with the paper in claim CTF. No. 237.101 of Anna Crawford (formerly Persinger) widow of Lewis Crawford, Co. F, 3rd Tenn. Mtd. Inf. whose post office address is now Lovelace, Greene Co., Tenn, and who is an applicant for pension under the Act of June 27, 1890.
The claim was referred for special exam in order to determine whether the claimant had violated the Act of Aug. 7th, 1882, or charged by her attorney J.W.T. Peltier. The claimant’s address was give as Blairs Gap, Sullivan Co. Tenn, but when I inquired for her there, I learned that she had moved and was living in Greene County. As one of the witnesses referred to by Mr. Peltier lives at Blairs Gap, I, in order to save time, took his deposition before I saw the claimant. I called at her house when at Lovelace ?? ??? work and served the written notice. She was anxious to have this investigation proceed at once. After placing her under oath, I commenced to propound the questions in reference to the points at issue, and she became very stubborn. It was difficult for me to get her to answer at all. She states at first that she had never had sexual intercourse with any man after the death of her husband, but when I propounded the direct question in reference to E.H. and H.B. Dykes, she refused to reply, and showed plainly by her demeanor that she was guilty. After completing the deposition I read it to her and she acknowledged that her statement was correctly recorded but she refused to make her signature saying it would do no good for her to sign it and that she would not do it. I therefore got two witness to the fact that she did acknowledge that I had correctly recorded her statement and had them to certify to the fact on the bottom of the deposition. I knew of no other course to pursue. She kept insisting that she knowed she “wasn’t going to get any pension”, and states that she didn’t want to have anything more to do with the matter. I read to her the statements of E.H. Dykes, and she would not deny its truth. The James Basket referred to by Mr. Peltier denied having had sexual intercourse with claimant after the soldier’s death but said that he had committed acts of adultery with her during his life. H.B. Dykes testifies that he had sexual intercourse with her at various times after her husband’s death and while she lived in the hollow near Blairs Gap. I could not find M.M. Hensley as he was away
Page 37
some where in Hawkins Co., but I do not believe his testimony would be material as I know that it was before the soldiers death when he was suppose to have cohabited with the claimant. Furthermore, I think that the testimony her wit is sufficient to prove that the Act has been violated.
This woman has a bad record. Before her marriage to her last husband, the soldier, and after her first husband’s death, she gave birth to an illegitimate child, then after her marriage to Crawford she committed adultery, and since said soldier’s death she has cohabited with at least two men on various occasions. I could find no evidence that she has been guilty of any immoral acts during the past few years, but she is old now and is in very feeble health. Her throat and neck are terribly swollen.
I recommend that the claim be rejected.
Very respectfully,
H.L. Williams
Special Examiner
Page 38
(Note: This part of the file pertains to Lewis Crawford. This information was collected before the Special Examination. Of course, I have been more concerned with the information pertaining to William Persinger, but Lewis Crawford’s part in this little drama needs to be told.)
Widow No. 504481
WAR DEPARTMENT RECORD AND PENSION DIVISION.
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Lewis Crawford Co. R, Reg’t 3rd Tenn. Mtd. Inf. was enrolled July 1st, 1864 and ______________, 186_____________ Muster in Roll of Co. is the only record on file. From July 1, 1864, to Nov. 29, 1864 he held the rank of Pvt. and during that period the rolls show him present except as follows_____________. The medical records show him treated as follows: No wounds found. the Second Auditor of the Treasury reported to this Department under date of June 15, 1891, that he was last paid to include Nov. 29, 1864, on Form 5 by authority of the Second Comptroller. By authority of the Secretary of War:
F.E. Armsworth Major and Surgeon, E.S. Army Date Jun 17, 1891
Commissioner of Pensions.
Received in Pension office June 18, 1891
Page 39
DECLARATION FOR WIDOW’S PENSION
ACT OF JUNE 27, 1890
Note—This can be executed before any officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. If such officer uses 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: Sullivan
ON THIS 3rd day of October, A.D., one thousand eight hundred and ninety personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, Anna Crawford aged 48 years, a resident of Blairs Gap, County of Sullivan, Sate of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Lewis Crawford who enlisted under the name of Lewis Crawford at Tennessee, on the first day of July A.D., 1864 in Co. “F” Third Tennessee Mounted Infantry Vols. Joseph R. Barter’s Company, and served at least ninety days in the late war of the Rebellion, who was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Knoxville, Tennesee 13 in Nov. 1864, and died the 9th day October 1882. That she was married under the name of Anna Persinger, to said Lewis Crawford on the 29th day of November, 1868, by N.M. Carr, J.P., at Sullivan County, Tennessee, there being no legal barrier to such marriage was married to William Persinge who was deceased about Aug. 1863. That she has not remarried since the death of the said Lewis Crawford. That she is without other means of support than her daily labor. Thane names and dates of birth of all the children now living under sixteen years of age of the soldier are as follows:
William (Crawford), born Sept. 16, 1875
Mary F. (Crawford), born Feb. 20, 1878
Martha A. (Crawford), born Nov. 29, 1880
Lewis R. (Crawford), born Oct. 26, 1882
(Note: As indicated earlier, in the 1870 census, John Crawford is four years old. John was born December 1868, his sister Lennah M. less than a year old, was born 1870. By the time of this statement, John is married. I do not know what happened to Lennah M. Crawford. This would indicate Ann had six children by Lewis Crawford.)
That she had heretofore applied for pension and the number of her former application is NO. 27101 filed by A.B. Webb, Washington,
Page 40
DC. That she 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. She hereby appoints——her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim, and she directs tat the sum of ten dollars be paid for services. That her post office address is Blairs Gap, County of Sullivan, State of Tennessee.
Anna Crawford
Also, personally appeard Isaac Eads, residing at Fall Branch, and W.H. Mullennix, residing at Blairs Gap, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Anna Crawford, claimant, sign her name or make her mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and an acquaintance with her of ten 10 years and 15 fifteen years, respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Isaac Eads
W.H. Mullennix
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of Oct. A.D., 1890 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc, were fully maded known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
A.K. Mullennix
Notary Public
Page 41
Act of June 27, 1890
DECLARATION FOR WIDOW’S PENSION
To be executed before a Court of Record or some officer thereof having custody of its seal, a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace, whose official signature shall be vertified by his official seal, and in case he has none, his signature and official character shall be certified by a Clerk of a Court of Record, or a City or County Clerk.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
On this the 17 day of March, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninty-one, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public of the ——- within and for the County and State aforesaid Anna Crawford, aged 44 years, a resident in the ——-of Blairs Gap, County of Sullivan State of Tennessee, who, being duly sworn according to law, declres that she is the widow of Lewis Crawford, who enlisted under the name of Lewis Crawford in Greene Co. Tenn, on the first day of July A.D. 1864, in Capt. Joseph R. Bourns Co. 3rd Tenn Mtd. Inft. Vo. as a private in said company and served at least ninety days in the lat War of the Rebellion, in the service of the United States: who was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Knoxville, Tenn 13 Nov 1864, and died October the 9th 1882. That she was married under the name of Anna Persinger, to said Lewis Crawford, on the 29th day of November 1868, by N.M. Carr, J.P., at Esqr. N.M. Carr’s residence there being no legal barrier to said marriage. She having been previously married to Wm Persinger on the 5th day of July 1860 who died Aug 14, 1863. that she has not remarried since the death of the said Lewis Crawford. That she is withoud other means of support than her daily labor. that names and dates of birth of all the children now living under sixteen years of age of the soldier are as follows:
Wm (Crawford), born Sept. 16, 1875
Mary F. (Crawford), born Feb. 20, 1878
Martha A. (Crawford), born 29 Nov. 1880
Lewis A. (Crawford), born Oct. 26, 1882
That she has heretogre applied for pension and the number of her former certificate is 237101. That she 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.
Page 42
She hereby appoints W.T. Peltier, of Knigsport State of Tennessee, her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim and receive a fee of $10.00. That her post-office address is Blairs Gap County of Sullivan, State of Tennessee.
| Attest: (1) E.B. Ingle (2) R.T. Hite |
Anna Crawford (Claimant’s signature) |
Also, personally appeared E.B. Ingle, residing at Slaughter, and R.T. Hite, rsiding at Slaughter, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who, being by me duly sworn say they were present and saw Anna Crawford claimant, sign her name or make her mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and an acquaintance with her of four months and four months respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
1. E.B. Ingle
2. R.T. Hite
(signatures of witnesses)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 17 day of March A.D., 1891, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words________erased, and the wordes___________added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
A.K. Mullinex
Notary Public
The Act of June 27, 1890, requires, in widow’s case:
1. That the soldier served at least NINETY DAYS in the War of the Rebellion and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED.
2. Proof of soldier’s death (death cause need not have been dur to Army service).
3. That widow is “without other means of support than her daily labor.”
4. That widow was married to soldier prior to June 27, 1890, date ot the Act
Page 43
5. That all pensions under this act commence from the date of receipt of application in Pension Bureau.
(Received in the pension office March 25, 1891)
WIDOW’S APPLICATION.
Claimant, Anna Crawford
Soldier, Lewis Crawford
Service, Co. F. 3rd, Tenn, Mtd, Intf.
Discharged at Knoxville, Tenn.
Address:
Blairs Gap, Tenn
Attorney:
J.W.T. Peltier
Address:
Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tenn.
Page 44
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of pension of Anna Crawford widow of Lewis late of Co. F 3rd Tenn Mounted Inft. Vols.
ON THIS third day of July A.D., 1891; personally appeared before me A.K. Mullenix a N.P. in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, Anna Crawford, SR aged 72 years, (This Anna Crawford is not the one married to William Persinger and Lewis Crawford. I do not know who she is, but I suspect she is closely related to Lewis Crawford, by the fact she was at the birth of one of their children) a resident of Blairs Gap in the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee whose Post Office is Blairs Gap, Tennessee. Careline Crawford aged…..years, a resident of Blairs Gap in the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee whose Post Office address is Blairs Gap well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: States as follows that in relation to the aforesaid claim that thye both was sent for as neighbors and friends at the birth of one of Lewis and Anna Crawford’s children. Martha A. was the child’s name. We both was present and waited on the mother of said child Anna Crawford. We remember the date of said birth of said Martha A, which was on the 29th of November 1880 by places and at which house said Lewis and Anna Crawford lived. Affiant Anna Crawford, SR was a neighbor at the time of said birth of Martha A. and at the time of said birth of Martha A. and affiant Careline Crawford was the Nurse and waited on the wife of Lewis Crawford “Anna” at and prior to the birth of said Martha A. which was on 29th November 1880. We further declare that we have no interest in said case and we are not concerned in its prosecution.
H.B. Dykes
Isaac Eads
If affiants sign by mark, two persons who can write sign here.
Anna x (her mark) Crawford, SR
C. X (her mark) Crawford
Page 45
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
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__________and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant are personally known to me and that they are credible persons.
A.K. Mullenix
Notary Public
No. 504481 ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE CLAIM of Anna Crawford widow of Lewis late Co. F 3 Tenn Mounted Inft. Vols. AFFIDAVIT OF Anna Crawford, SR and Careline Crawford filed by J.M. Peltier, Kingsport.
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GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of Anna Crawford widow of Lewis Crawford late of Co F 3rd Tenn. Mounted Infty.
ON THIS 3rd day of July A.D. 1891; personally appeared before me A.L. Mullinex, N.P. in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, Martha Shipley age 35 years, a resident of Blairs Gap in the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee whose Post Office address is Blairs Gap. Catherine Dykes age 70 years, a resident of Blairs Gap in the County of Hawkins and the State of Tennessee whose Post Office address is Blairs Gap, 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: That they both are personally acquainted with claimant Anna Crawford lived within one mile of said Anna Crawford-was present at the birth of one of her children Lewis R. which occurred on or about 26th of Oct. 1882. We both remember the date by the death of Lewis Crawford the late husband of said Anna Crawford who died on or about the 9th of October of 1882. We further declare that we have no interest in said case and we are not concerned in its prosecution.
Martha Shipley
Catherine X (her mark) Dykes
If Affiants sign by mark, two persons who can write sign here.
Isaac Eades
H.B. Dykes
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiants, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiants, including the words____________erased, and the words________________added and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in it
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prosecution; and that said affiant are personally known to me and that they are credible persons.
A.K. Mullenix
Notary Public
ADDITION EVIDENCE CLAIM OF Anna Crawford widow Lewis NO. 504481 affidavit of Martha Shipley and Catherine Dykes filed by J.M. Peltier, Kingsport
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GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of Pension Claim of Anna Crawford widow of Lewis Crawford late Co F 3th Tenn Mounted Infty Vols.
ON THIS 17th day of March A.D. 1892 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, Shaderic Crawford aged 46 years, a resident of Blairs Gap Tennessee in the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee whose Post Office address is Blairs Gap in the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee. Isham Dykes aged 38 years, a resident of Blairs Gap in the County of Sullivan and State of Tennessee whose Post Office address is Blairs Gap 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: That they both was personally acquainted with said soldier Lewis Crawford late husband of Anna Crawford. Lived near neighbors was both present at his death which occurred on the 9th day of October 1882 was at his burial and both remember the dates of said Lewis Crawford by family records we both visited him after and during his last sickness. We further state that Anna Crawford is still the widow of said Lewis Crawford to our best knowledge if she had resume marriage relations we would have had reasons to have known it. And that further declare that they have no interest in said case and are not concerned in its prosecution.
Shaderic Crawford
Isham Dykes
Page 49
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
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_____________added and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiants are personally know to me and that they are credible persons.
A.K. Mullenix
Notary Public
ADDITION EVIDENCE CLAIM OF Anna Crawford widow Lewis Crawford late of Co F 3 Mounted Inft. Vols.
AFFIDAVIT OF Shaderic Crawford and Isham Dykes filed by J.M. Peltier, Kingsport.
Page 50
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In matter of pension claim of Anna Crawford. Widow of Lewis Crawford late Co “F” 3rd Tenn Mtd. Vols, No. 505581. Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the County aforesaid. Claimant Anna Crawford and produces the following family record of Lewis Crawford her late husband which is as follow:
1st. William Crawford was born Sept. 16, 1875
2nd. Mary F. Crawford was born 20th Feb. 1878
3rd. Martha A. Crawford was born 29th Nov. 1880
4th. Lewis R. Crawford was born Oct. 26, 1882
Anna Crawford claimant further states that the parties present at the birth of (“2”) children by her said husband Lewis Crawford to wit William and Mary “F” is dead and their evidence cannot be furnished. Claimant further states that she is now unable to prove the death of her former husband William Persinger late private of Co “K” 5 Tenn Infty. and that she asks for the proof of said death to be taken in her pension claim for said William Persinger certificate No. 237.101 and that the same evidence be excepted in her claim for pension for Lewis Crawford late of Co “F” 3 Tenn Mtd. Infty. as to the death of her former husband William Persinger. She further states that her Post Office address is Blairs Gap, Sullivan County, Tennessee.
Anna Crawford
Sworn to and subscribed before me 25th day of March 1892, by the above named claimant Anna Crawford and I certify that I read said affidavit to said claimant and acquainted her with its contents before she executed the same and I certify that said Anna Crawford claimant exhibited to me the said family record and that this is a true transcript or copy of the births of (“4”) four children and that said book is kept as family record of said Lewis Crawford.
A.K. Mullinex
Notary Public
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STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the matter of pension claim of Anna Crawford widow of Lewis Crawford late of Co. “F” 3 Tenn Mdt. Inft. Vols. on this 14th day of May 1892 personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid county, duly authorized to administer oathes. Thos. J. Mowell age 47 years a resident of Blairs Gap, Hawkins County, Tenn. and whos Post Office is Blairs Gap Tenn and Shaderic Crawford a resident of Blairs Gap, Tenn and whos age is 46 years. Well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That they both was members of Co “F” 3 Tenn, Infty, Vols. and that they both was personally and intimately acquainted with claimant’s husband Lewis Crawford who was also a private of Co. “F: 3 Tenn Infty. Vols and the affiants further states that Lewis Crawford never rendered any service in the military or navel service except Co. “F” 3 Tenn Infty. Vols. and that the further state that said claimant Anna Crawford widow of said Lewis Crawford has not remarried since the death of her said husband Lewis Crawford to the best of our knowledge and our knowledge and circumstances are such that if she had remarried since the death of said Lewis Crawford we would have known it. They further state that the children of the said Lewis Crawford and Anna Crawford is still living. Wit. William, Mary F., Martha A., and Lewis R. They also state that they are personally acquainted with the claimant’s means of support and that she has no means of support except her own labor. She has no income or no one legally bound to support her. They further state that she is in most needy and helpless conditions. They further state that they have no interest in said case and are not concerned in its prosecutions.
Shaderic Crawford
Thomas J. Mowell
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Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiants, and I certify that I read said affidavits to said affiants and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case nor am I concerned with its prosecution and that said affiants are personally known to me and that they are credible persons.
A.K. Mullinex
Notary Public for Sullivan County
Page 53
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
On this the 8th day of September 1892 personally appeared before me A.K. Mullenix Notary Public in and for Sullivan Co. State of Tennessee aforesaid Hannah Crawford whose P. Office address is Blairs Gap, Tenn. and T.J. Mowell of Blairs Gap Tennessee both of lawful age and reputable and entitled to credit who being duly sworn in relation to the matter of the claim of Anna Crawford #504481 for pension deposes and says that they were both present at Esq. Noble M. Carr’s a Justice of the Peace in and for Sullivan County and saw Lewis Crawford and Anna Persinger married by the said N.M. Carr on the 29th day of November 1868 and that they were personally acquainted with the parties previous to their marriage. They further state that they are not of kin or counsel to claimant and not interested in the prosecution of this claim directly or indirectly
Sworn and subscribed to this Sept 8, 1892
A.K. Mullenix N.P.
Hannah X (her mark) Crawford
Thomas J. Mowell
Witness W.H. Mullenix
H.B. Dykes
Page 54
In the matter of the claim of Anna Crawford No. 504481 widow of Lewis Crawford late private Co “F” 3rd Tenn Mtd Infty under Act June 27, 1890. Personally appeared before me A.K. Mullenix a Notary Public in and for the County of Sullivan State of Tennessee. Henry B. Dykes whose Post Office address is Blairs Gap, Tenn age 42 years and Nathan Crawford of the above Post Office age 35 years both of whom I certify to be reputable and entitled to credit who being duly sworn according to law in relation to the aforesaid matter deposes and says: We have been acquainted with Lewis Crawford late Pvt. Co F 3rd Tennessee Mtd. Inft. all our lives. We were neighbors of the said Lewis Crawford and from our personal knowledge state that the said Lewis Crawford was never previously married to his marriage with the Anna Persinger widow of Wm Persinger. We further state that if the said Lewis Crawford had ever been married except as above stated we would have known it as we were almost daily with the said Crawford. Except as to the time he was in the service of the U.S. in the army of the Rebellion. We further state that we are in no wise interested in the prosecutions of this claim.
H.B. Dykes
Nathan Crawford
STATE OF: Tennessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
On this the 29th day of August 1893 personally cause H.B. Dykes and Nathan Crawford the above subscribing affiants with whom I am personally acquainted. Who made oath in due form of law that the facts stated in the above affidavit are true to the best of their knowledge and belief and I certify that I am not interested in persecution of this claim.
A.K. Mullennix, N.P.
504481 Affidavit Claim of Anna Crawford will Lewis Crawford late Privt Co. F 3rd Tenn Mtd. Infty.
Filed by JM. Peltier, Kingsport, Tenn
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STATE OF: Tenessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
In the pension claim No. 504481 Anna Crawford widow of Lewis Crawford late of Co. F, 3rd Tenn Mtds. Inftry Vols. personally appeared before me A.K. Mullenix a Notary Public for Sullivan County Tennessee—-John C. Dykes age 37 years of age and T.J. Mowell 50 years of age and whos residence is Blairs Gap, Tenn and whos Post Office is Blairs Gap, Sullivan County, Tenn—–after being dully sworn according to law deposes as follows: That we have been acquainted with Lewis Crawford late of Co F 3rd Tenn., Mtd. Infty Vols. all our lives up to his death. The said Lewis Crawford lived in this neighborhood until his marriage with Anna Crawford the claimant—from our personal acquaintances with he he was never previously married if he had been we would have had reasons to know it. This statement writted by H.B. Dykes from the oral statements of the affiants in the presents of us and A.K. Mullenix at Blairs Gap, Tennessee on this 1st day of May 1894 and making the same he did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or privited (sic) statement—or veital (sic) prepara (sic) or dictated by any other person and not attached as an exhibit to this our testimoney (sic) and we further state we have no interest in this claim nor corncerned (sic) in its prosecution.
John C. Dykes
T.J. Mowell
Sworn to before me this the 1st day of May 1894 and I certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavits fully made known and explained by me to affiants before swaring (sic) there to and I certify that the affiants is to me well known and entitled to credit. And I further certify that I have no interest in said claim or conserved (sic) in its prosecutions.
A.K. Mullenix
Notary Public
Claim of Anna Crawford widow no 504481 Co. F, Reg Tenn Mdt. Infty Vol. affidavit of T.J. Mowell and John C. Dykes.
Filed by claimant Blairs Gap Tenn.
Received in pension office May 8, 1894
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Note: The next few pages are various notes written on smaller pieces of paper pertaining to the entire file.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C., March 10, 1892
Respectfully returned to the Officer in charge of the Record and Pension Division War Department with the request that he state whether the inclosed certificate of discharge is considered genuine and if so, all ?????? of the record to conformm there to is requested.
Wid #504481
Lewis Crawford
3’ Tenn. Mtd Inf.
Green B. Rawn
Commissioner
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Record and Pension Division
Washington, March 12, 1892.
Respectfully returned to
The Commissioner of Pensions.
It has been determined by this Department that Lewis Crawford, private, Co. F, 3d regiment, Tennessee Mounted Infantry, was discharged at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service.
By authority of the Secretary of War
F.C. Aimsworth
Major and Surgeon, U.S. Army
STATE OF: Tenneessee
COUNTY OF: Sullivan
A.J. Phillips
Clerk of the aforesaid Court and fore said County of State, do herby certify that the rites of Matrimony was soleminezed between Lewis Crawford and Anna Persinger on the 29th day of November 1868 by N.M. Carr a Justice of the Peace in Sullivan County, Tennessee as appears upon the records of this Court. Given under my hand & official seal at Blountville, Tennessee this April 1st 1870.
A.J. Phillips
Clerk
Page 58
Anna Persinger now Crawford widow of William Persinger rank Pvt. Company K Regiment 5″ Tenn. Vol. Inf. Rate per month $8.00 commencing Aug 14″ 1863. Ending July 1″ 1865 date when legally barred (Note: This is the date Anna cohabitated with David Smith). Certificate dated Sept. 15″, 1887 and sent Sept. 21, 1887. Payable at Knoxville Agency. Fee $25.00.
Atty Letters, birth only child, mother states soldier left no child this to be explained identy of child born Wm 16, 1878.
To Atty. Claim is rejected. Minor died prior to soldier’s death April 23, 1878.
Note: I do not know what child they are talking about. I know William born Sept. 16, 1875 is mentioned as being alive as late as 1890. William died 1863 and Lewis died 1882, so what soldier died April 23, 1878? Or, is it the date of the note? Did William and Anna have a child named Matison who died before he went to war?
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IN CONCLUSION
Anna received $8.00 from August 1863 until her remarriage in 1868. From 1870 to 1895, Anna was embroiled in this controversy.
Whether she was guilty of these charges I do not know. Could they have been the results of inner neighborhood jealously? I do not know. In recent correspondence with Gail Persinger (persinger (at) gte.net), she said:
I don’t know why Henry’s (William’s father) clan moved to Tennessee. Henry was born in Virginia. From what I can deduce, it was Dennis (William’s brother) who first went to Tennessee and the rest followed very shortly….I do know the story that Henry would not allow the Confederacy to conscript his boys into the Confederate Army. He would hide them out. At one time when a contingent of Confederates came for the boys, he refused to give them up. They roped him and dragged him behind a horse for several miles. I think that it was after this that Dennison the boys joined up in the Union Army. One must keep in mind that Tennessee was split into two camps. Half was Confederate and half Union.
Shortly after the 1870 census, the remainder of Henry Persinger’s family moved to Repulic County, Kansas, thereby, leaving Ann Persinger Conkin without any of William’s family for testimonies. That is why I was not able to find any mentioning of any other Persingers in this file.
I do know Ann Conkin Persinger married William Persinger. I suspect Anna and William did have a child, Matison, and he died before William died or shortly after. In February 1866, Anna gave birth to Thaddeaus Preston Persinger. Thad married Molly Dykes when he was nineteen years old and Mary was fourteen. I had heard Molly had died in the Greene County flood, but recently, I was talking to the granddaughter of Ann and Lewis Crawford, Mrs. Dorothy Fleming, and she said she had heard Molly died at childbirth. She had a picture of Thad, Molly and their children, except for the youngest child Charlie “Worley.” Thad married second Frances Compton, a widow whose husband died in the flood.
page 60
Thad and Frances did not have children. Aunt Mary Cleek was the only girl of Thad and Molly Dykes Persinger. Thad and Molly’s son James Persinger married Dona (pronounced Daunie) Simpson. Their son Ernest Clyde Persinger married Mary Kate Housewright and they are my parents.
Anna Conkin Persinger Crawford is buried near her son Thad and his first wife at Lovelace Cemetery. Frances is buried near her first husband in another area of the cemetery.
Henry Persinger
born ca 1806 in VA
married
Nancy Carnes
born ca 1814 in VA
Children: (as per 1850 Botetourt County, VA Census)
1. John 16
2. Dennis 14
*3. William 10
4. Andrew 12
5. George 8
6. Mary 7
7. Martha J. 6
8. Sampson 3
9. James 1
William Persinger
born 1836-1840 in VA
died August 13, 1863 Carthage, TN
married July 5, 1860
Anna Conkin
born ca 1838 in TN
died between 1895-1903
(I was told she died in the Greene County flood. I have not found anything to dispute this, yet.)
William and Anna had:
1. Matison Persinger
born November 16, 1862
died before 1863 (According to a statement made in this file.)
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Lewis and Anna married November 28, 1868 and had:
1. John Crawford born December 1868
2. Lennah M. Crawford born February 1870
3. Susan M. Crawford born 1872
(The first three children are from the 1880 Sullivan County, TN Census.)
4. William Crawford born September 16, 1875
5. Mary F. Crawford born February 20, 1878
6. Martha A. Crawford born November 29, 1880
7. Lewis R. Crawford born October 26, 1882
(The last four children are from the Pension File.)
Anna had:
*1. Thaddeaus Preston L. Persinger
born February 1866
died after 1900
married 1885 Molly Dykes born 1871 died ca 1903
married second Frances Compton born 1862 died 1942
Thaddeaus and Molly’s children:
1. Ernest
2. Charlie “Worlie” died 1917 killed by a train
3. Mary born 1902 died 1972 married Zeke Cleek had children, but was told she was dying and she adopted her children out to her brothers. Buddy went to Neal. Ernest adopted one child but I do not his name. She had two daughters: Helen and Margie.
4. Zeke went to Kentucky or Michigan
5. Preston
6. Dave “Frostine” left Tennessee went to Ohio, Michigan or Kentucky
7. Neal
*8. James born August 22, 1897 died May 13, 1946 married Dona Simpson ca 1917, she was born June 6, 1895 died March 27, 1984
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James and Dona’s children:
1. Margaret Nannie born June 27, 1927 married Edward Barnes Skeens
2. Juanita Mildred born October 9, 1919 married Russell Dishner
3. Paul Edward born March 16, 1925 El Hammonds
*4. Ernest Clyde born June 23, 1923 died June 6, 1981 married Mary Kate Housewright
5. Jack David “JD” born June 9, 1931 married Helen Greer
6. John Preston born January 13, 1915 died January 13, 1915
7. James Marion born June 15, 1921 died August 6, 1997 married Lucille Brown
8. Glen Donald born August 6, 1936 died May 31, 1979 married Mattie Lou
9. Harold Wayne born June 26, 1938 died March 3, 1953 he was electrocuted by accident
10. Jesse Herman born August 19, 1917 died March 18, 1997 married Bea Carroll
11. Harce William born May 25, 1933 died August 2, 1972 married Alva Crigger
I am Dorothy Conkin Mullenix, Granddaughter of Charlie Chase Conkin an Bessie Mae Crawford Conkin. Great Granddaughter of James Knox Polk Conkin. Anna Conkin is related to me. My grandparents lived in this hollow referred to. I have been trying to find out who my grandmother father was. Hannah Crawford was her mother. James KP Conkin was married to Martha Mowell first, she died. Then Hannah Crawford who already had Bessie and Cordelia. She died, then he married Del Sene Nelson. This is very interesting and sad. She went through so much and everyone was against her. Jealousy and naturally, even in this day an time, men using her to their benefit. Then calling her names.