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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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@gte.net), she said:
I don’t know why Henry’s (William’s father) clan moved to Tenn. Henry was
born in Virginia. From what I can deduce, it was Dennis (William’s brother) who went
to Tenn first 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 Tenn 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 did 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.
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.)
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 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
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
Introduction | Index | Pages 1-15 | Pages 16-30 | Pages 31-45 | Pages 46-62