CIVIL WAR WIDOW'S PENSION APP. - MAHULDAH R. (BRADLEY) BASS, WIDOW OF MASTON GREEN BASS, Alachua Co., FL File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Janet Steadham, (steaddanjan@earthlink.net) ******************************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or publication by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ******************************************************************************************* CONTRIBUTOR'S NOTE: I have no relationship to anyone mentioned in the below file. ******************************************************************************************* Application No. A03309 Widow's Application for Pension State of Florida,} County of Alachua On this first day of January, 1898, personally appeared before me, a ____ in and for the said County and State aforesaid, Mrs. M. R. Bass aged 63 years, who being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided by Act of the Legislature, approved June 8th, 1889, and amended June 2d, 1893, and June 15th, 1897, for unmarried widows of deceased Confederate soldiers and sailors; I am the widow of Maj. M. G. Bass who enlisted as Captain of Company E, 59th Ga. Regiment G. T. Anderson's Brigade, and who at The Battles below Richmond in the State of Virginia, while in said and in the line of duty on the seventh day of October 1864 received a gunshot wound in the head, from which he died on the 16th of the same month that I have been a bona fide citizen of the State of Florida continuously since January 1st, 1880, and am now a citizen of Alachua County; that I do not own property to the value of $1,500 in this or any other State, and am not otherwise enabled or in a position to earn a livelihood; that I am not receiving a pension from the United States or any State; and have not remarried since the death of said M. G. Bass and that he never deserted the service of the State or of the Confederate States. M. R. Bass Evinston Postoffice Sworn and subscribed before me this 1st day of January 1898. Evans Haile Notary Public We do solemnly swear that we personally know the said deceased Maj. M. G. Bass that we served with him in the Army of Northern Va. and that he received at the time and place claimed the wound which resulted in his death, as claimed, and that he never deserted the service of the State or of the Confederate States. J. T. Weaver B. L. Brown Sworn and subscribed to before me this 28th day of January 1898. R. L. Perryman, Ordy. I, R. L. Perryman Ordinary of Early County, Ga. hereby certify that J. T. Weaver & B. L. Brown are of trustworthy character and that their statements are intellect the full forth & credit. R. L. Perryman Ordinary We do solemnly swear that we personally know the above applicant, Mrs. M. R. Bass that she was the lawful wife of Maj. M. G. Bass now deceased, that she has never remarried since his death, that she is a person of "respectability and good reputation," that she does not own property to the value of $1,500 in this or any other State, and that she is not physically or otherwise enabled or in a position to earn a livelihood. B. A. Thrasher L. A. Thrasher Sworn & subscribed to before me this March 17th A. D. 1898. Evans Haile Notary Public I certify that I read the above affidavits to the affiants and acquainted them with the contents before the same was signed; I further certify that I am in no way interested in this claim and that affiants are known to me, and are credible persons. Evans Haile Notary Public I certify that the above affidavits are genuine; that all of the affiants "are persons of respectability and good reputation," and that their statements are worthy of belief; that the attesting officers are duly authorized to attest said affidavits, and that their signatures thereto are genuine, except those who reside in Georgia. H. C. Denton Clerk of the Circuit Court We do hereby certify that Stonewall Camp No. ____, U.C.V's. at Gainesville Fla. has carefully and fully investigated the above application for pension by Mrs. M. R. Bass and find that the facts alleged are correct in every particular, and therefore recommends that the pension be granted. Maj. F. King Commander of the Camp Attest: J. O. Andrews Adjutant ******************************************************************************************* Evinston Apr. 6, 1898 Board of Pension Examiners, Tallahassee, Fla. Mrs. M. R. Bass widow of Maj. M. G. Bass of 59th Ga. Reg. has been a resident of Florida continually since Dec. 1876. She has been a citizen of this community for twenty years. W. P. Shettleworth W. H. Smith Attest: F. B. Hester Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* Claim for Pension By Mrs. M. R. Bass Widow Of Maj. M. G. Bass Late of "E" Company 59 Georgia Regiment Filed In Executive Department April 1st 1898 ******************************************************************************************* Widow's Application for Pension State Of Florida,} Alachua County} On this ____ day of ____, 1__, personally appeared before me ____ in and for said county and State, Mrs. M. R. Bass, aged 65 years, who, being by me duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided by the act of the Legislature, approved June 2, 1899, for indigent widows of deceased Confederate soldiers and sailors: I am the lawful widow of Maj. M. G. Bass, who enlisted May, 1862, in Captain M. G. Bass Company, "E" 59 Regiment of the State of Georgia, G. T. Anderson Brigade, and who while in actual service and in the line of duty as such officer & soldier, was on the 7th day of Oct. 1864, at Ft. Wilson or Darlington ? Richmond, in the State of Virginia mortally wounded in the head. Was taken to hospital # 4 for officers only Richmond, Va. and was operated on the 12th and died on 16 Oct. 1864. Remains brought home and interred in Columbus, Ga. That I was legally married to said soldier on the 27 day of November 1851, at Ft. Gaines, Ga., in the State of Ga.; that I have been a bona fide resident of the State of Florida continuously since the 1st day of January 1880 that I do not own property, real and personal, to the value of $600 in this or any other State, and am not otherwise enabled, or in a position to earn a livelihood, and have no income from any source sufficient for a livelihood; that I have no children or other relation able so to do and whose legal duty it is to support me, and that I have not purposely disposed of my property for the purpose of availing myself of the provisions of this act. M. R. Bass P. O. Address: Evinston Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of September, 1899. H. C. Denton Clerk Circuit Court, Alachua County Signature to affidavit on file, Lieut. B. L. Brown, J. T. Weaver, J. T. F?, are resident of Blakely, Ga. Maj. M. G. Bass was treated by surgeon of hospital No. 4 for officers only in Richmond, Va. I certify that the above affidavits are genuine; that all of the affiants are persons of respectability and good reputation, and that their statements are worth of belief; that the attesting officers are duly authorized to attest such affidavits, and that their signatures thereto are genuine. H. C. Denton Clerk of Circuit Court We, the undersigned County Commissioners of Alachua county, Florida, do hereby certify that we have carefully investigated the above application for pension made by Mrs. M. R. Bass and are satisfied that the fact and conditions stated therein are true and correct, and that she is legally and justly entitled to the pension provided by the act, approved June 2, 1899. T. F. Thomas, Chairman P. G. Ramsey J. G. Dampier E. L. Johnson County Commissioners By the County Commissioners, Attest: H. C. Denton Clerk Circuit Court ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida} Alachua County} Personally appeared before me, W. P. Shettleworth, Geo. S. Means, I. B. Bishop, C. S. Means, W. C. Reeves, I. U. Lamar, A. L. Smith, H. C. Walkup, M. Bateman and W. H. Smith who being first duly sworn says that they are acquainted with Mrs. M. R. Bass of Evinston, Florida and know that she has resided in the present neighborhood in the State of Florida living prior to January 1 1880 and continuously since said time has so resided there. W. P. Shettleworth Geo. S. Means, M. D. I. B. Bishop C. S. Means W. C. Reeves I. U. Lamar A. L. Smith H. C. Walkup, M. D. M. Bateman W. H. Smith Sworn to & subscribed before me this first day of May 1899. F. B. Hester Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* Evinston, Fla. Sept. 25, 1899 Sec. D. Lang, Sir: I send some of papers mentioned in advance of application which is held by chairman of County Commissioners for full member of signatures where they meet ?. Other papers are with application - unmistakable proof of wound and death, and the faithful services of a noble Confederate hero who fell in battlefield in defense of the Southern Confederacy and its capital Richmond. May if please his Excellency Gov. Bloxham examine all papers, and excuse and pardon the delay which has been unavoidable. If these papers are not ? needed please return them. With much respect, M. R. Bass ******************************************************************************************* Pensioner No. 462 Claim For Pension By Mrs. M. R. Bass Widow Of Major M. J. Bass Late of 59th Georgia Regiment Approved: Jany. 22/00 for pay from Sep. 30/99 at rate of $60.00 per year. Secretary Filed In Comptroller's Office: Jan 22 1900 ******************************************************************************************* Widow's Pension Claim Under The Act Of 1909 (FORM A) State of Florida,} County of Alachua} On this 13th day of July, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and nine, personally appeared before me, a notary public in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. Mahuldah R. Bass a resident of Evinston County of Alachua State of Florida, who being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain a pension under the provisions of Chapter 5885, Laws of Florida, approved June 7, 1909. That she is the widow of Maj. M. G. Bass 59th Ga. Reg., who was enlisted, under the name of Capt. M. G. Bass Cotton Planters' Guards Fort Gaines, Ga. on the 10th day of May, 1862, in Company E 39th Regiment of the State of Ga. and who was honorably discharged at wounded in charge on Ft. Dawson, Richmond, Va., Oct. 7th, 1864, on account of died Oct. 16th at hospital No. 4 Richmond, Va. Remains brought home, interred in Bass enclosure Columbus, Ga. I hold certificates as Captain's ? 59th Ga. Reg. muster roll letter written on battle fields, telegrams announcing wound and death sent to ?, Ga. He also served in State Militia at Savannah, Ga. during the fall and winter of 1861, 3 Reg. 1st Brigade. That she was lawfully married to the said Maston Green Bass Fort Gaines, GA. under the name of Mahuldah R. Bradley in the County of Clay, State of Georgia on the 27 day of Nov., 1851, and that she was not divorced form him and that she has not remarried since his death, which occurred on the 16 day of October, 1864, in the City of Richmond State of Va. That she is a resident of Alachua County, Florida, and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since the ____ day of Nov. 1876. That she does not own property, including real estate, personal property, mortgages or other collateral securities, stock s of bonds in this or any other State to exceed in value the sum of Five Thousand Dollars. That the following is a true and correct statement of all property owned by me in this or any other State: Real estate, located at Evinston, Alachua, Fla. 16 acres land . . . . $ 200.00 North 1/2 Lot 5 Town of Evinston. . . . . . . $ 500.00 Personal property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 100.00 Cattle, horses and other live stock 3 cows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 45.00 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 845.00 That she has heretofore been granted a pension from the State of Florida under Certificate No. 462. That she is not a pensioner of any other State. That her Postoffice address is Evinston County of Alachua, State of Florida. Mahuldah R. Bass Attest: (1) C. B. Fontane (2) F. B. Hester Sworn and subscribed before me this 13th day of July A. D. 1909; and I hereby certify that the above declaration, etc., were full made known and explained to the applicant before swearing; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. F. B. Hester Notary Public (FORM B) State of Florida,} County of Alachua} We, the undersigned citizens of Alachua County, State of Florida, do hereby certify that we personally know Mrs. M. R. Bass, who is an applicant for a pension under the Laws of Florida, and that from our own personal knowledge, and from the best information available, we believe that the applicant does not own property to exceed in value the sum of $5,000, and that the statements made by her relative to the value of her property are true and correct. W. P. Shettleworth R. C. Eaires Sworn and subscribed before me this 13 day of July 1909. F. B. Hester Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* Report of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Alachua, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of Mahuldah R. Bass for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us; that we are satisfied that the applicant does not own property to exceed the value of $5,000, and that the representations made in the petition and affidavits are true and that a pension should be granted to the applicant. Witness our hands this 4 day of Aug., A. D. 1909. (1) J. G. Dampier, Chairman (2) O. P. Cannon (3) C. W. Summers (4) J. F. Townsend (5) J. W. May County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: S. H. Wienges Clerk Circuit Court ******************************************************************************************* Evinston, Fla. May 3d 1909 Comp. A. C. Croom, May I be permitted to ask a favor of you as a member of the State Board of Pensions to show enclosed clipping to other members and his excellency the Governor and then please ? them with other ? proofs to my application for pension 1899 under Governor Bloxham's administration. I think the widow should prove herself worthy and entitled to the pension; and the aged war widow whose husband fell on battle field is justly entitled to the strongest and highest pension claim; and if our committee over pensions will pause and reflect but a few moments, in memory of the fallen battle braves their aged widows will not be forgotten or neglected. She may have a small amount of property from which there is an income to patch the leaks in her roof, or the destroyed sills under her floor, not a few dollars for a little insurance should her house get burned she is not able to build a shelter. I am one of those old war widows 75 years of age will not be in need of a pension much longer, and my help for a living has been my pension, for which I am not merely thankful, but very gratefully [sic]. I have some property the small income of which ? certain insurance does ? keep it in repair. May I ask another kind attention and remembrance that the pension of the old war widow be not held back until there is a sufficient sums for all including those sincere and ?. ? respect M. R. Bass ******************************************************************************************* Pension file-B May 15, 1909 Mrs. M. R. Bass, Evinston, Florida Dear Madam: I am in receipt of your recent letter enclosing clippings from the letters written by your gallant husband, Major Bass. I have read them with interest and will comply with your request and then file them with your application. I hardly think there will be a change in the pension law that will affect such claims as yours. Yours very truly, Comptroller ******************************************************************************************* Former Claim, No. 462 Application No. 15661 Pensioner No. 4102 Claim For Pension By Mr. M. R. Bass Of Evinston Postoffice Alachua County Widow Of Maj. M. G. Bass Of E Company 50 Georgia Regiment Filed In Pension Department Aug 11 1909 Approved Sep 9 1909 With pay from Jul 1 1909 At the rate $120 per annum. ******************************************************************************************* The following articles are taken from newspaper clippings included with the pension application. An Interesting Letter Mrs. Martha Holland, of our city, is in receipt of a letter from Mrs. M. R. Bass, of Evinston, Fla., giving her the information that she now has in her possession the original muster roll of the Cotton Planters' Guards, of which command her husband left Fort Gaines as captain, and from which he was promoted to major. If a small number of the surviving members of the famous and historic company can be induced to subscribe through Mrs. Bass, to the Confederate Veteran, published at Nashville, Tenn., she will be able to get the roster published in that periodical for preservation. We publish below an article from the Gainesville, Fla., Sun, giving an account of the connection of Mrs. Bass with this work. If any of our readers should desire to see the letters referred to by the Sun, they can do so by calling on Mrs. Holland, as they will be in her possession for a short while, and she will assist them to communicate with Mrs. Bass in the matter of subscription. "Among those who are visiting this city is Mrs. M. R. Bass of Evinston, who is a guest of her sister, Mrs. L. A. Thrasher. Mrs. Bass is originally from Fort Gaines, Ga., and her husband was a gallant and brave soldier of the Civil War, having organized the cotton Planters' Guards, Fifty-Ninth Georgia Infantry, in which regiment he was afterward promoted to be major, but who eventually lost his life in the charge of Fort Wilson, Va., on October 7th, 1864. This gallant soldier fell in this battle mortally wounded, but survived until the 16th of the same month, when he died from his wounds. Mrs. Bass brought to this office a number of valuable relics in the form of an original muster roll, which was yellow with age, and which contained a number of names which were familiar to the city editor of The Sun, who was born and partially reared in the Georgia hamlet in which the company was organized. She also has a number of letters, greatly faded, which were written by her husband, and which contain the stories of various battles, and the hardships with which the members of his regiment were subjected. Altogether the records are very interesting, especially to those who manifest an interest in the memorable campaign, and naturally the owner prizes them very highly." Rare Confederate Collection Mrs. M. R. Bass of Evinston is in the city, a guest of her sister, Mrs. L. A. Thrasher. Mrs. Bass is the widow of Major M. G. Bass, Fifty-Ninth Georgia Regiment, C.S.A., who was wounded in battle near Richmond, Va., Oct. 7 1864, from which death resulted on the 16th of the same month. He is interred in Columbus, Ga., cemetery, and Mrs. Bass has the photograph of a handsome monument she had erected over his grave. Above the inscription is carved an emblem of three Confederate flags in cluster-a very design. The photograph was taken on the last decoration or memorial day, and gracefully draped above the tomb are three Confederate flags, placed there by the Columbus U.D.C. Chapter, which chapter also decorated the grave with fragrant flowers. Mrs. Bass has in her possession a number of relics in the form of letters written by her husband, with the Confederate envelope, stationery and stamp, which are indeed interesting. She has a large collection of relics of this kind. Graves Of Dead Lovingly Decorated Daughters of Confederacy Strew Them With Flowers Lengthy and Appropriate Address Delivered by Dr. C. L. Crow of University. From Tuesday's Daily Sun: In memory of the lost cause and honor to the departed dead, the Confederate Veterans, Kirby Smith, J. J. Finley and Mildred Lee chapters, U.D.C., and a general sprinkling of the G.A.R., participated in the memorial services held in this city Monday, Judge Horatio Davis acting as commander for Stonewall Camp, U. C.V. During the forenoon members of Kirby Smith and J. J. Finley chapters visited the cemetery and placed wreaths upon the graves of those who have passed away. The ladies of Kirby Smith Chapter also decorated very appropriately their large and handsome monument on the court house square. The audience that assembled at the Tabernacle almost filled that spacious building and was one of the largest ever seen here upon a similar occasion. The exercises were under the auspices of Stonewall Camp, U.C.V., and were among the most enthusiastic and successful ever held in this city. Judge Davis, master of ceremonies, opened the exercises at the Tabernacle, which was followed by prayer by Rev., F. R. Bridges of the Methodist church. Miss Hester Tittman played "Dixie," which was greatly applauded, causing many to show their enthusiasm, following which the crosses of honor were presented by J. J. Finley Chapter to Mrs. M. G. Bass and H. E. Stokes. Dr. Charles L. Crow then delivered one of the most appropriate and timely addresses ever heard in this city upon such an occasion. He spoke fittingly of the bravery of the Confederate soldier and of the devotion of the Southern women, and paid a high tribute to the slaves who remained faithful while their masters were away. The University Cadets, in charge of Major Walker, took a prominent part in the ceremonies, and made a fine showing in their brilliant gray uniforms. Judge Davis in a few well-chosen remarks thanked the audience for their attendance, and referring to the war, said it was the duty of the children to learn from their parents what manner of men their fathers and grandfathers were, for they had every reason to be proud of their ancestry. The monument decoration were very handsome, being Confederate flags spaced along at close distance on four large banners or red, white and blue, flowers and evergreens being placed at the end of the bunting on the railing around the coping. Letter From the Battlefield Written by Maj. M. G. Bass of the 59th Regiment, Georgia Volunteers, to His Wife. Editor Times-Union: Please allow me to say I am now more than pleased with your valuable paper since space has been given for true Confederate history. You will pardon me for the extracts from letters written on the battlefield by Major M. G. Bass, Fifty-ninth Regular Georgia Volunteers. My husband, who fell mortally wounded on the battlefield October 7, 1864, in defense of Richmond, Va., the capital of the Confederacy. The Fifty-ninth was one of the Georgia regiments in Hood's division. I am an old Confederate war widow of Major M. G. Bass, who was in one of the last battles of the war at Columbus, Ga. I have just read the latter dated: "Chambersburg, Pa., June 29, 1863 - Dear Wife: Here we are in the state of Pennsylvania. * * * The alarm has just been sounded that the Yankees are approaching. Gen Pickett's division has been ordered out to meet them. We remain here until wanted. Hagerstown, Md., July 8, 1863 - Gen. Ewell's command attacked them on the evening of the 1st of July. We were about four miles off, but were immediately put in motion and arrived upon the battlefield after dark. The next morning, 2nd day, we were ordered into the fight. We were ordered to charge a battery, which we did in gallant style, but the Yanks stood their ground, defending themselves with desperation, and we were repulsed; we charged them the second time and were repulsed. We rallied the men and charged them the third time, almost into the mouths of their cannon. Grape, canister and musket balls fell in a shower like hail around us. I could hear bones crash like glass in a hail storm. The ground was piled with the dead and dying, Yanks and Confeds lying in piles together. Night coming on and our men being exhausted, we were compelled to fall back and rest on our arms until morning. At daylight the next morning we were ordered, our regiment, the Fifty-ninth Georgia, to the extreme right of the line where the Yankee cavalry were attempting to flank us. We found them and soon gave them a good whipping, they running after a hotly contested fight for about fifteen minutes. I led the regiment in the third charge on the second day, Col. Brown having been wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Of my old company Cotton Planters' Guards, Ft. Gaines, Ga., First Lieut. B. L. Brown, Third Lieut. W. Witheskie are wounded and in the hands of the enemy. July 14, 1863 - We are again on Virginia soil, about five miles from Williamsport, Md., on the Potomac. I last wrote you from Hagerstown on the 8th ins. On the 10th inst., at the battle of Funkstown, Md., the following Georgia regiments lost heavily in the fight, the Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, Seventh, Fiftieth, Sixty-first, Tenth and Fifty-ninth. Our regiment, the Fifty-ninth Georgia, out of 227 lost in killed and wounded eighty-eight. We must say with the poet: "Oh. Georgia's glorious chivalry! The loved ones and the brave! They poured their blood like water forth And died that they might save." Do excuse the intense interest and intrusion, or interruption, if such it may be, upon your valuable time by this old Confederate woman. Very truly, M. R. Bass Evinston, Fla., March 10.