Hempstead Co, AR Civil War Pension Application ************************************************************ Submitted By: Pamela Pearson Date: Feb. 2, 2005 Copyright: All rights reserved. ************************************************************ USGENWEB DISCLAIMER: http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************ Civil War Pension Papers for Laney M. Sweat Corporal, Company G, 6th Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry Application # 489.793; Certificate # 931.855 "A" Declaration for Original Invalid Pension dated 31 May 1883 Laney M. Sweat, age 47 and a resident of Redland Township, Hempstead Co, AR (Hickory Creek Post Office), swore that he enrolled on 15 Sep 1862 in Company G, 6th Regt. Tenn Cav Vols. commanded by Captain Webb. He was honorably discharged at Pulaski, TN on 6 Jul 1865. He declared he was disabled with "rheumatism contracted while in the service in 1863 in Tenn. I received no treatment while in the service - was not severe enough - but contracted it while serving. I am very often confined to my bed - mostly in the Spring and Fall. About half of every year am wholly incapacitated for performing manual labor -from its effects". James H. Sweat (Laney's son) and Phillip Broshears were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: His request for a pension was subsequently denied.] Affidavit of Laney M. Sweat dated 23 Aug 1883 (shown as written by Alex McDougald, J.P.; spelling mistakes included) Redland Township, Hempstead County, Arkansas I Laney M. Sweat lived in Macknary Co Tenn and Falcon Tenn was my PO for five years preceeding my enlistment and until January 1876 and my occupation was farming. I moved to Navada County Arkansas in 1876 and Prescott was my PO office untel February 1880 I moved to Pike Co this state and lived one year. In 1881 I moved to Hempstead County Ark Hickery Creek was my PO office from 1880 untel this writing. I taken theumatism February 1864 at Edge Field Tenn and I have had them ever since. Sumtimes I am unabel to work for two monts at a time & never abel to perform manuel labor. I don my own doctoring with patent medisen. I have had no acute disease of any kind. I have ben trying to farm ever since I was discharged but am lade up evry Spring for about two monts. Laney M. Sweat (signed) Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peice of Hempstead County Arkansas this the 23 day August 1883. Alex McDougald J.P. Surgeon's Certificate dated 5 Dec 1883 Dr. John D. Jordan of Prescott, Nevada Co, AR, examined Laney M. Sweat for an invalid pension resulting from rheumatism. The doctor described him as being age 48, 5'8", 145 lbs., and of fair complexion. The doctor found the claimant "suffering from muscular rheumatism, complains of muscle tenderness of muscles of chest and lower extremities, some tenderness in joints of lower extremities, no swelling. Cannot discover any trouble with heart. Claimant states that he is not able to perform manual labor more than half his time. Suffers much from pain in damp and cold weather. Total disability." Affidavit to Origin of Disability dated 6 Sep 1887 W. C. Henderson, age 51 and a resident of Ramer, McNairy Co, TN, swore that he served as a Sergeant in Co. G, 6 Reg't Tenn Cavalry with Laney M. Sweat. He testified that on or about the last days of December 1864, at or near Nashville, the said soldier [Laney M. Sweat] incurred "after the food rade an attack of rheumatism which I herd him complain of and continued to complain of as long as said complainant lived near me which was up to the date of 1875. I know nothing of his alleged disability since that time." Affidavit of Jackson J. King dated 7 Sep 1887 Jackson J. King, age 48 and a resident of Falcon, McNairy Co, TN, swore that he served as a Private in Co. G, 6 Reg't Tenn Cavalry with Laney M. Sweat. His testimony was the same as that given by W. C. Henderson in the above affidavit. General Affidavit dated 23 Nov 1887 B. L. James and O. McLane, ages 34 and 35 respectively and residents of Hempstead Co, AR, swore that they had known Laney M. Sweat for 5 to 6 years. Both of them lived within 2 miles of him. Both indicated they had met and conversed with him weekly during the whole time. Laney Sweat had complained of rheumatism more or less the whole time. He was also confined to his house and bed "with very severe pains" about half of the time they had known him. Surgeon's Affidavit and Certificate dated 17 Dec 1887 Dr. Virgil A. Wood of Wallaceburg, Hempstead Co, AR, swore that he had been the physician of Laney M. Sweat since July 1886 and, as the neighborhood physician, saw him frequently. Dr. Wood stated, "His disability is rheumatism principally of the right hip joint. I have seen the part and the whole leg swollen enormously. At these times he goes on crutches." The doctor described him as being age 53, 5'11 _" and 162 lbs. General Affidavit dated 6 Feb 1890 W. C. Henderson and W. I. Sweat of McNairy County, TN, swore they were well acquainted with Laney M. Sweat up to 1875 and he was disabled as much as half of his time with rheumatism. [Note: Willis I. Sweat was the brother of Laney M. Sweat] General Affidavit dated 25 Mar 1890 D. W. Moore and J. A. McCullum of Nevada County, AR, swore that Laney M. Sweat had suffered from rheumatism from 1875 to 1880. Declaration for an Invalid Pension dated 22 Oct 1890 Laney M. Sweat, age 55 and a resident of Hempstead Co, AR (Hickory Creek PO), declared he was suffering from rheumatism. He gave his personal description as age 55, 5'11", red complexion, sandy hair, and blue eyes. [Note: His request for a pension was denied.] General Affidavit dated 25 Nov 1890 P. H. Price and J. W. Andrew, ages 48 and 27 respectively and residents of Hempstead Co, AR, swore they were neighbors of Laney M. Sweat and had been acquainted with him since 1879. They stated that he had suffered from rheumatism since they had known him. Surgeon's Certificate dated 13 May 1891 Laney M. Sweat, age 56 and a resident of Elyville, AR, stated he had muscular rheumatism of the arms and small of the back. The doctor described him as being 5"11" and 140 lbs. The doctor found that his arm and lumbar muscles were "quite tender on manipulation and pressure". He found no other disabilities. [Note: His request for a pension was rejected.] General Affidavit dated 27 June 1892 Obediah McLain, age 38 and a resident of Elyville, AR, swore he had known Laney M. Sweat for about 10 years and that within that time he had been an invalid. He noted "more recently I have noticed his inability to do more than to move about the house but not able to work on the farm which is his only resource for a living. At this time he moves about in a very lame, crippled manner." General Affidavit dated 27 June 1892 Joseph Wiley Hood, age 43 and Postmaster of Elyville, AR, swore he had known Laney M. Sweat very intimately for about 3 years and that within that time he had been afflicted with rheumatism. He noted "he is a poor man and has no other way of making a living for himself and dependent family than by manual labor.the claimant is a man of good moral character. And that his reputation for truth is good." Surgeon's Certificate dated 6 Dec 1893 Laney M. Sweat, age 56 and a resident of Hickory Creek, AR, stated he contracted rheumatism during the war. The doctor described him as being 5"11" and 145 lbs. The doctor found that he had muscular rheumatism in his left leg, back and arms. Declaration for Original Invalid Pension dated 19 Apr 1894 Laney M. Sweat, age 58 and a resident of Pike, Pike County, AR, declared he was suffering from rheumatism. He described himself as 5'11 Į" with a red complexion, sandy hair, and blue eyes. E. Merrell and James H. Sweat were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: He received a pension of $8 per month effective 27 Apr 1894.] General Affidavit dated 17 Dec 1894 Laney M. Sweat, age 59 and a resident of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, swore he had signed his name by mark, on a claim made under the General Law, because he had a sore finger at the time. He also stated that he was only able to write his name. He noted he was born in McNairy County, TN in 1835. Surgeon's Certificate dated 5 Feb 1896 Laney M. Sweat, age 61 and a resident of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, stated he had contracted rheumatism during the war and he was unable to work. The doctor described him as being 5"10 Į" and 147 lbs. The doctor found that he had an irregular heartbeat and had difficulty picking up objects from the floor. General Affidavit dated 28 Feb 1896 Winfield McClure and Arthur Earl Kelly, ages 44 and 24 respectively and residents of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, swore they were well acquainted with Laney M. Sweat and knew him for the past year and eight months. They stated he had suffered from rheumatism during all that time, he did not have any vicious or bad habits, he did not partake of intoxicating beverages, and he was always temperate and regular in his habits. Affidavit of W. C. Henderson dated 11 Apr 1896 W. C. Henderson of Essery Springs, Hardeman County, TN, stated "there was a Laney M. Sweat in the com[pany] which was complaining with rheumatism before we ever mustered out who was all the time excusing hisself from duty complaining and I lived a neighbor to him for two or three years after the war. He complained enough then for two or three men. Me being no doctor I could not tell how bad they affected him. After that he moved off to Arkansas and I have no acquaintance with him since. Cannot tell how they are affecting him at this time." Questionnaire Response of D. W. Moore dated 1 Aug 1896 D. W. Moore of Prescott, AR, responded to the following questionnaire provided by the Bureau of Pensions: .) When did you first see claimant after he returned from the Army, and how do you fix the date? Answer: "I saw him in about two weeks he lived about 4 miles from whair I did." .) Of what disability did he complain, and how was he affected? Answer: "I did not hear him complain of anything then." .) How frequently have you seen him since your first acquaintance? Answer: "I think I have saw him ever year until the last two years." .) If he has continued to suffer with such disability, please describe the symptoms which were apparent to you, and state to what extent he has been disabled therefrom for manual labor during each year. Answer: "The first time I herd him complane I think was in 1882 he was down with rhumetism & not able to work. Sens then he has bin suffered with rhumetism ever time I saw him." .) My means of knowing the facts of the case are these: "I have bin to his house & he has bin to mine & he has told me that he was not able to work but very little work." Questionnaire Response of J. A. McCullum dated 1 Aug 1896 J. A. McCullum of Prescott, AR, responded to the following questionnaire provided by the Bureau of Pensions: .) When did you first see claimant after he returned from the Army, and how do you fix the date? Answer: "I saw Mr. Laney M. Sweat in May after the surrender." .) Of what disability did he complain, and how was he affected? Answer: "Complained of rheumatism in legs & back." .) How frequently have you seen him since your first acquaintance? Answer: "Until 3 years ago I saw him weekly." .) If he has continued to suffer with such disability, please describe the symptoms which were apparent to you, and state to what extent he has been disabled therefrom for manual labor during each year. Answer: "I do not remember the particulars but he was crippled up from rheumatism." .) My means of knowing the facts of the case are these: "I saw him weekly up to 3 years ago and he complained of rheumatism in legs & back." Declaration for Increase of an Invalid Pension dated 28 Jul 1897 Laney M. Sweat, age 62 and a resident of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, requested an increase of his pension under the Act of June 27, 1890. E. R. Ward and W. S. Mason were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: His request for an increase was denied.] Surgeon's Certificate dated 20 Jul 1898 Laney M. Sweat, age 63 and a resident of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, stated he "contracted rheumatism in 1863 at Edgefield Tenn, and was taken to hospital and remained there for about one week. The heart trouble came on about the same time, and has lasted me ever since. I get more disabled as age comes on and I am unable to do manual labor." The doctor described him as being 5"11" and 147 lbs. The doctor found he had rheumatism and heart disease. [Note: His pension was increased to $10 per month effective 20 Jul 1898] Declaration for Increase of an Invalid Pension dated 25 Sep 1899 Laney M. Sweat, age 64 and a resident of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, requested an increase of his pension under the Act of June 27, 1890. C. O. Barton and F. H. Carr were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: His request for an increase was rejected.] Physician's Affidavit dated 23 Oct 1900 Dr. T. C. Branum of Pauls Valley, Indian Territory, declared that he had known Laney M. Sweat since July 1897. He stated that he suffered with "heart trouble accompanied by its immediate sympathetic ailments." He also noted that he considered Laney M. Sweat physically unable to travel alone. Surgeon's Certificate dated 21 Dec 1900 Laney M. Sweat, age 66 and a resident of Oconee, Indian Territory, stated that he was suffering from rheumatism and increasingly severe smothering spells. The doctor described him as being 5"11 Į" and 145 lbs. The doctor found that he was totally disabled and unable to perform manual labor. Declaration for Pension dated 10 Mar 1907 Laney M. Sweat, age 69 and a resident of Elmore, Pickens County, Indian Territory, submitted a Declaration for Pension under the Act of February 6, 1907. He stated that at enlistment he was 5'10" and had a fair complexion, blue eyes, and light hair. He was a farmer, and he was born on 30 Jan 1838 near Purdy, TN. He had moved from Tennessee to Arkansas, then from Arkansas to Indian Territory in 1893. Isaac Taylor and Tilford H. Eskridge, residents of Elmore who had both know him for 3 years, were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: His pension was increased to $12 per month on 15 Mar 1907. Declaration for Pension dated 16 Nov 1909 Laney M. Sweat, age 70 and a resident of Elmore, Garvin Co, OK, submitted a Declaration for Pension under the Act of February 6, 1907. He stated that at enlistment he was 5'11 _" and had a fair complexion, blue eyes, and light red hair. He was a farmer, and he was born on 30 Jan 1839 in McNairy Co, TN. Since leaving the service he had lived in Pike Co, AR; Oaknee, I.T.; Choctaw Nation, I.T.; Elmore, I.T., and Elmore, OK. C. W. Liner and W. A. Grisham, residents of Elmore who had known him for 3 and 5 years respectively, were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: By reaching the age of 70, his pension was increased to $15 per month on 22 Nov 1909] Declaration for Pension dated 15 Jun 1912 Laney M. Sweat, age 74 and a resident of Olney, Young Co, TX, submitted a Declaration for Pension under the Act of February 6, 1907. He stated that at enlistment he was 6'1" and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light brown hair. He was born on 30 Jan 1837, and he had moved to Texas on 25 Jul 1911. Earl Hutchings and J. T. Hunt were witnesses to his declaration. [Note: His pension was increased to $30 per month on 20 Jun 1912] Deposition Regarding Date of Birth dated 9 Apr 1913 (shown verbatim) State of Texas, County of Young First National Bank of Olney, Texas Before me the undersigned authority, this day personally came and appeared, Laney M. Sweat, to me well known and who, after being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that there was a bible record kept of his age and the said bible had been destroyed by fire, and did further swear that he was 75 (Seventy Five) years old the 30th, day of Jany. 1913. Laney M. Sweat {his mark} Witnesses: Earl Hutchings and Otto Deitrich Sworned to and subscribed before me, this 9th, day of April 1913. E. W. Hunt, Notary Public, Young County, Texas Typed Document stamped by Pension Office on 9 Apr 1915 (shown verbatim) Laney M. Sweat was born January 30th, 1838. L. T. Caton was born July 9th, 1831 and died January 27th, 1893. He was a soldier in the Confederate Army. Nannie H. Price was born January 5th, 1825. She was first married to L. T. Caton, above named. She was married the second time to Laney M. Sweat, September 29th, 1914. [Note: His pension was increased to $40 per month on 10 Jun 1918.] Letter to Commissioner of Pensions from Laney M. Sweat dated 23 Feb 1920 (shown verbatim) Hess, Okla. Office of Dis---- Clerk, Washington D.C. Mr. Guy O. Taylor, Dear Sir, I am writing you a few lines. I am 82 years old and helpless and ask of you to help me to obtain std 72 rating if you please. I have been helpless for 2 years. Let here from you at an early date. Respectfully, Laney M. Sweat Response from Pension Commissioner dated 20 Mar 1920 Laney Sweat was advised that $40 per month was the highest rate provided for his age and length of service. The $72 rate was only allowed when a soldier was disabled as a result of military service. He had failed to furnish the evidence necessary to prove his disability was incurred during his service. Declaration for Pension dated 26 Mar 1921 Laney M. Sweat, age 84 and a resident of Humphrey, Jackson Co, OK, submitted a Declaration for Pension under the Act of May 1, 1920. Otis (or Obie) Sweat of Altus, OK, witnessed his declaration. [Note: His pension was increased to $50 per month under the Act of May 1, 1920.] Surgeon's Certificate dated 24 Apr 1921 The doctor described Laney M. Sweat, age 83 and a resident of Humphrey, OK, as age 83, 5"10" and 125 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and gray hair. The doctor found he was suffering from apoplexy, gangrene of his right foot (including the loss of his right toe), partial paralysis of his right side, and heart disease. He stated, "his food has to be carried to him, he cannot dress or undress himself alone, he cannot go out alone, he falls and cannot get up.this claimant is so totally and permanently disabled from paralysis, gangrene, ulcer of foot, old age, that he requires the regular personal aid and attendance of another person and is entitled to $72 per month." [Note: He did not receive a pension increase.] Letter to the Bureau of Pension dated 6 Oct 1925 J. H. Sweat, the son of Laney M. Sweat and a resident of Lockney, TX, reported that Laney had died on 6 Sep 1925. The place of death was not given. Š Compiled and contributed by: Pamela Pearson Extracts prepared by Pamela Pearson; November 2003