CIVIL WAR WIDOW'S PENSION APP. - LOUISA ELIZABETH (HUGGINS) BOOTH(E) SKIPPER, WIDOW OF JAMES MONROE BOOTH(E), Bay 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. ******************************************************************************************* Widow's Pension Claim Under General Pension Law Of Florida FORM A State of Florida,} County of Bay} On this 27th day of September, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and 37, personally appeared before me a notary public in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. J. A. Skipper a resident of Panama City County of Bay State of Florida, who being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain a pension under the provisions of the General Pension Laws of Florida. That she is the lawful widow of James Monroe Boothe who enlisted under the name of J. M. Boothe on the 20th day of February, 1862, in Company A 54 Ala. Regiment of the State of Ala. and who was honorably discharged at ____, 1865, on account of ____. That she was lawfully married to the said James Monroe Boothe under the name of Louisa Huggins in the County of Dale State of Ala. on the 8th day of April 1897, and that she was not divorced from him before his death, which occurred on the 21st day of Sept., 1907, in the County of Dale, State of Ala., except as hereinafter stated. That she is a resident of Bay County, Florida, first moved to Jackson County, Fla. 1919 or 1920 and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since the 15th day of Oct. 1931. Age 69 years. That she was heretofore granted a pension from the State of Florida under Certificate No. ____. That she is not a pensioner of any other State. That her Postoffice address is Panama City, County of Bay, State of Florida. Mrs. J. A. Skipper (Signature of Claimant.) Attest: (1) Eb Standifer (2) L. Chandlee Sworn and subscribed before me this 27th day of Sept., A. D. 1937; I hereby certify that the above declaration, etc., was made known and fully explained to the applicant before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. L. Chandlee Notary Public, State of Florida at Large (a) & (b) Blank (c) State of Fla. County of Bay Before me, a notary public, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared D. H. Brannon and J. C. Alexander who, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, each for himself, that he knows of his own personal knowledge of the death of James Monroe Boothe which occurred at Ehco, County of Dale, State of Ala. on the 21st day of Sept., A. D. 1907. D. H. Brannon (L.S.) J. C. Alexander (L.S.) Sworn and subscribed before me this 27th day of Sept., A. D. 1937. L. Chandlee Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* Report of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Bay, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of Mrs. J. A. Skipper for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us; that we are satisfied that the applicant has been a bona fide citizen of the State of Florida for eight years just preceding the date of this application, and that the representations made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted the applicant. Witness our hands this 4 day of Oct., A. D. 1937. (1) J. C. Garner, Chairman (2) Randall Newberry (3) Dee Williams (4) Roy VanKleeck (5) Bruce Vickers County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: ? Clerk Circuit Court ******************************************************************************************* The State of Alabama Dale County Marriage License To any Licensed Minister of the Gospel in Regular Communion with the Christian Church or Society of which he is a member or Judge of the Supreme Circuit, or City Court, or Chancellor within the State or Judge of Probate or Justice of the Peace within their respective counties or the Pastor of any Religious Society according to the Rules ordained or Custom Established by such Society. Greeting: You are hereby authorized to solemnize Marriage between Mr. James Monroe Booth and Miss Louisa Huggins and to join them together in Matrimony and certify the same in writing to this office as required by law. Given under my hand 3rd day of April, 1897. W. W. Morris, Judge of Probate This Certifies that I have solemnized Marriage between Mr. James Monroe Booth and Louisa Huggins according to Law at J. M. Booths in said County and State on the 8th day of April, 1897. Wesley Riley I, Frank O. Deese, Judge of Probate for said County in said State, hereby certify that the above License and Certificate of Marriage of said parties as the same appears of record in my Office in Marriage Record for year 1897 Page 149 this 14th day of August 1937. Frank O. Deese Judge of Probate ******************************************************************************************* Former Claim No. 6 Application No. 24183 Pensioner No. 10540 Claim For Pension By Mrs. J. A. Skipper Of Panama City Postoffice Bay County Widow Of James Monroe Booth Of A Company 54 Ala. Regiment Filed In Pension Department Oct. 5, 1937 Approved And Filed In Comptroller's Office Jan. 30, 1940 With pay from Jan. 1, 1940 At the rate of $600.00 per annum Roumelle Bowen Secretary of Board Approved upon information that you get copy of application from Ala. ******************************************************************************************* Application For The Relief of Confederate Soldiers and Sailors THE STATE OF ALABAMA, Dale County To The Honorable Board of Examiners of Said County: Your petitioner, J. M. Boothe, respectfully represents to your honorably board that he is a resident citizen of Dale County, in the State of Alabama, and that he resided in said State on the first day of January in the year 1899. That he enlisted in the service of the State or Confederate States, as a Private in Company A in the 54th Alabama Regiment on the 20th day of February, 1862 at Haw Ridge in the State of Alabama; and that he was honorably discharged from such service on the 2nd day of March in ____, 1865; that he did not desert the service of the Confederate States, or of the State of Alabama; that he was wounded at the battle of ____ in the State of ____, that he is now unable to make a living by manual labor on account of rheumatism; that he is at the time of filing this application 62 years of age, and that his post office address is Ozark, Route #6, Alabama; that he does not own property either in his own name, nor that of his wife, to the value of four hundred ($400) dollars; that his annual income does not exceed three hundred ($300) dollars, and that he has no children living with him upon whom he can depend for support. Your petitioner files herewith a complete schedule of all the property owned by himself and wife. In consideration of the foregoing facts, your petitioner asks that his name be placed upon the pension rolls, in the class that your honorable board may adjudge him to belong, that he may participate in the division of the fund provided for the relief of Confederate and Alabama soldiers and their widows, by an Act of the General Assembly, approved February 10, 1899. J. M. Boothe Applicant THE STATE OF ALABAMA Dale County Before me, J. R. Levy, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said State and County, personally appeared J. M. Boothe whose name is signed to the foregoing, personally known to me who, after being duly sworn deposes and says, that each and every statement in the foregoing application is true and correct. Sworn to before me this the 4th day of May A. D. 1907. J. R. Levy, Clerk, Circuit Court In and for said County AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES THE STATE OF ALABAMA County of Coffee I, H. J. Mixon, do solemnly swear that I am personally acquainted with J. M. Boothe, whose name is signed to the foregoing application, and I know of my own knowledge that the said J. M. Boothe did serve as set forth in the application, and that he did not desert the service, but was honorably discharged therefrom. H. J. Mixon Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 8th day of May, 1907. I hereby certify that affiant is known to me, and that he is a person of integrity and veracity. T. J. Simmons, N. P. and Ex Off. J. P. in and for said State and County AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES THE STATE OF ALABAMA County of Dale I, Furney Clark, do solemnly swear that I am personally acquainted with J. M. Boothe, whose name is signed to the foregoing application, and that I know of my own knowledge that the said J. M. Boothe did serve as set forth in the application, and that he did not desert the service, but was honorably discharged therefrom. Furney Clark Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 15th day of May, 1907. I hereby certify that affiant is known to me, and that he is a person of integrity and veracity. W. L. Head, N. P. & Ex. Off. J. P. in and for said State and County TO STATE BOARD I will hereby state that I am personally acquainted with J. M. Boothe, that he has 37 acres of land exceedingly poor and that said advantages, and in my opinion he has valued it at full figures. This man has consumption and as stated by his doctor is unable to work, besides has a delicate wife and no children to help him. These facts are known to me. H. J. Smisson, M. D., Pension Commissioner, Dale County I, Chas. E. McCall, State Auditor, hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Confederate Pension Application of J. M. Boothe as full and complete as the same appears of file in this office. Given Under my hand and Seal of Office this the 25th day of September, 1937. Chas. E. McCall State Auditor ******************************************************************************************* Application Of Widows Whose Husband Was On The Pension Roll and Who Has Since Died THE STATE OF ALABAMA,} DALE COUNTY} TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF SAID COUNTY: Your petitioner L. A. Boothe, respectfully represents to your Honorable Board, that she is a citizen of Dale county, in the State of Alabama and was such on the 1st day of January, 1899; that she is the widow of J. M. Boothe, who was upon the Pension Roll of the State of Alabama. That her husband died on the 20th day of Sept. 1907; That she has not since remarried; that she has no children upon whom she can depend for support; that all of her property does not exceed four hundred dollars in value, and that her annual income from all sources does not exceed four hundred dollars. She therefore respectfully asks your honorable board to place her name upon the pension rolls of the State as a member of the fourth class, that she may participate in the division of the fund provided for the relief of needy Confederate soldiers and sailors, and their widows, by an Act of the General Assembly, approved February 10, 1899. Respectfully, L. A. Boothe THE STATE OF ALABAMA,} DALE COUNTY} Before me W. P. Windham, a Judge of Probate in and for said State and County, personally appeared Mrs. L. A. Boothe whose name is signed to the foregoing, who is personally known to me after being duly sworn deposes and says, that each and every statement in the foregoing application is true and correct. Sworn to before me this 8 day of Febry. A. D. 1908. W. P. Windham, Judge of Probate In and for said County AFFIDAVIT FOR WITNESSES TO APPLICATION OF WIDOWS THE STATE OF ALABAMA,} DALE COUNTY} I, Charley Riley, do solemnly swear that I am personally acquainted with L. A. Booth, the widow of J. M. Booth and that she ha not remarried since his death. Charley Riley Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 6 day of July, 1908. I hereby certify that affiant is known to me, and that he is a person of integrity and veracity. W. P. Windham, Judge of Probate In and for said County AFFIDAVIT FOR WITNESSES TO APPLICATION OF WIDOWS THE STATE OF ALABAMA,} DALE COUNTY} I, V. T. Goff, do solemnly swear that I am personally acquainted with L. A. Boothe who is the widow of J. M. Boothe and that she has not remarried since his death. His X mark: J. T. Goff Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 6 day of July, 1908. I hereby certify that affiant is known to me, and that he is a person of integrity and veracity. W. P. Windham, Judge of Probate In and for said State and County Class No. 4 Application of Mrs. L. A. Boothe of the County of Dale Report of County Board We, the undersigned members of the Pension Board of Examiners for the county of Dale hereby certify that we have examined the within application by law directed, and we find that said application should be granted and the applicant placed in Class 4. E. B. Ard, M. D. T. J. Killebrew Board of Examines for Dale County Finding Of State Board Of Examiners We, the undersigned State Board of Examiners, hereby certify that we have examined the within application, and recommend that said application be granted, and that the applicant be placed in Class 4 under the Act of February 10th, 1899. This the 12th day of August, 1908. E. S. Starr, Chairman S. M. Singleterry State Board of Examiners ******************************************************************************************* State Board Of Pensions No. 24183 Governor Comptroller Treasurer State of Florida Department of Pensions Tallahassee Nov. 26, 1937 The Adjutant General Washington, D. C. Sir: In the consideration of an application for a State Pension under the laws of Florida, it is necessary to have information of the military record of James Monroe Booth who it is claimed was a member of Company A, 54th Ala. Regt. Confederate States Army. Any information or record of this soldier you may be able to furnish me will be greatly appreciated. Yours very truly, Roumelle Bowen Miss Roumelle Bowen Secretary of the Pension Board ******************************************************************************************* War Department The Adjutant General's Office Washington December 3, 1937 Respectfully returned to State Board of Pensions, Tallahassee, Florida There are no muster rolls on file in this office of Company A, 54th Regiment Alabama Infantry, Confederate States Army, and nothing has been found of record to indicate that a man bearing the name James Monroe Booth served as a member of any company of the regiment. E. T. Conley Major General, The Adjutant General ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida County of Jackson This is to certify that to my own knowledge Mrs. J. A. Skipper has lived in the State of Florida for the past sixteen years or more. E. A. Hinson Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of October 1937. J. E. Fillingim Justice of the Peace State of Florida County of Jackson This is to certify that to my own knowledge Mrs. J. A. Skipper has lived in the State of Florida for the past sixteen years or more. K. J. White Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of October 1937. J. E. Fillingim Justice of the Peace ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida County Of Bay Before the undersigned Notary Public, personally appeared Mrs. J. A. Skipper, who being duly sworn deposeth and says that she has lived in the State of Florida consecutively for the term of 16 years and that the date named in her application should read that she moved to Fla. December 31st 1919 and that she has lived in Bay County since Oct. 15th 1931. Mrs. J. A. Skipper Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 4th day of December A. D. 1937. L. Chandlee Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* 2-12-38 Panama City, Fla. Mr. J. M. Lee, Comptroller Dear sir I am writeing [sic] in regards to my application for Confederate soldiers widows pension please give this matter some consideration I want to know something at once as it looks like I am being given no consideration at all in this matter. Yours truly, Mrs. J. A. Skipper Panama City, Fla. Gen. Del. ******************************************************************************************* 4-15-38 Panama City, Fla. Mr. J. M. Lee, Comptroller Dear sir I am writeing [sic] you in regards to my claim for Confederate soldiers widows pension I want to know if I am entitled to the pension or not the board turned my claim down because my present husband is liveing [sic]. That is not the way the law reads so please advise me at once just what to do. Yours truly Mrs. J. A. Skipper Panama City, Fla. Gen. Del. ******************************************************************************************* Law Offices Of Mathis, Mathis & Mathis Sherman Arcade Panama City, Florida November 18, 1939 Miss Roumelle Bowen Secretary State Board of Pensions c/o Comptroller's Office Tallahassee, Florida My Dear Miss Bowen: I have received copy of your letter of November 14 addressed to Mr. Frank Barefield, Secretary of the Alabama Pension Commission, concerning the application for pension of Mrs. J. A. Skipper. I thank you very much for sending me this copy. I have been unable since my return to see Mrs. Skipper, but I will do so in a day or so. A neighbor of hers saw me yesterday on the street and asked me if I had been able to do anything about the matter. He knew I was trying to handle the matter for Mrs. Skipper and he told me that she certainly was in dire need of help. I will greatly appreciate it, and I know she will, for any assistance you can render in the premises. Very respectfully, C. R. Mathis, Sr. CRM:WM ******************************************************************************************* Alabama Pension Commission The State Capitol Montgomery Nov. 23, 1939 Miss Roumelle Bowen, Secretary State Board of Pensions Tallahassee, Florida Dear Madam: Your letter of November 14th requesting certain information relative to an application of Mrs. J. A. Skipper for a Confederate pension has been received. Due to the fact that the Alabama Department of Archives and History is in the process of moving into a new building at this time, it has been difficult to hurridly assemble such data as you desired. Since the records are in a disturbed condition, we have been unable to locate the original affidavits of Messrs. Mixon and Clark stating that they personally knew that J. M. Boothe actually served as a Confederate soldier. However, under date of September 25, 1937, this office sent Mrs. J. A. Skipper of Panama City, Florida, a certified copy of the pension application of Mr. Boothe, the same copy which you have on file, I feel sure. The record discloses that H. J. Mixon drew a pension during his life time in this State. His application states that he enlisted as a Private in September 1861, in Montgomery, and served in Company "H" of the 40th Tenn. Infantry under Colonel Walker, Lieut. John A. Minter and Capt. Law. He was taken prisoner at Island Ten and held at Camp Butler Illinois until exchanged. Furney Clark also drew a Confederate pension in this State. His service record as disclosed by his application states that he was a member of Company "A", 54th Regiment of Alabama. He drew a pension as a Lieutenant. The following is taken from the History of Alabama by Brewer, Page #665: "****Fifty-Fourth Alabama (Infantry). This regiment was made up of six Alabama companies of the first Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Regiment of Col. Baker of Barbour and four Alabama companies of the regiment of Col. L. M. Walker of Tennessee. These companies had been captured at Island Ten, after nearly a year of arduous service above Memphis.****" "****Field and Staff. Colonels - Alpheus Baker of Barbour; captured at Island Ten; wounded at Baker's Creek, promoted. John A. Minter. Lieut. Colonels - John A. Minter of Coffee; captured at Island Ten; promoted. Captains & Counties from which the companies came. Cofee- T. T. Law; captured at Island Ten and Atlanta.****" According to officials files in Washington, Company "A" of the 54th Alabama was formerly Company "H" of Walker's Tenn. It will thus be seen from the above extract from Brewer's History of Alabama that the 54th Alabama was organized upon being exchanged after capture at Island Ten, and that Col. Walker's regiment of Tennessee was one of the regiments captured. According to Mr. Mixon's service record he served in Col. Walker's Tennessee Regiment, so it would therefore appear, that Mr. Mixon served as a soldier in the same Company with Mr. Boothe. Mr. Clarke's service record states that he was in Company "A", 54th Alabama Regiment which was of course the same organization your letter states Mr. Boothe served in. We trust this information will serve its purpose and also answer your inquiry. If we can be of further service, let us know. Yours very truly, S. C. Blackshear, Secretary, Alabama Pension Commission SCB:m ******************************************************************************************* Law Offices Of Mathis, Mathis & Mathis Sherman Arcade Panama City, Florida November 27, 1939 Miss Roumelle Bowen Secretary State Board of Pensions Capitol Building Tallahassee, Florida My dear Miss Bowen: Yours November 24, duly received, enclosing copy of letter from the Secretary of the Alabama Pensions Commission. I note statement in your letter to the effect that "the service records of the witnesses has been established." I have carefully read the letter from the Alabama Commission. It appears to me that this furnishes conclusive proof that the two witnesses, Mixon and Clark, were comrades in the same company, at least the same regiment, as Mr. Boothe. Do you think it advisable that I appear with you again before the Pension Board? As I have said before, this old lady is in dire need of this help and I hope that the board will not quibble over this matter any further. There is no question in my mind that the two witnesses served in the Confederate Army with Mr. Boothe. Let me hear from you at once. Thanking you, I am, Yours respectfully, C. R. Mathis, Sr. CRM:WM ******************************************************************************************* Certificate Of Death Florida 1. Place of Death: County Bay, City or Town: Sellers Still In this community: Eight years 2. Usual Residence Of Deceased: (a) State Fla (b) County Bay (c) City of town Sellers Still (d) Street No. R. D. # 1 Panama City 3. Full Name Of Deceased: James Alvin Skipper 4. Sex Male 5. Color or race White 6. Single, married, widowed or divorced: Married 6. (a) If married, widowed or divorced, husband of (or) wife of Louisa Skipper 6. (b) Age of husband or wife, if alive 67 years 7. Birth date of deceased: Sept. 7th 1861 8. Age: 79 years, 6 months, 29 days 9. Birthplace: Henry County, Alabama 10. Usual occupation: Farmer 11. Industry or business 12. Father's Name: D. K. 13. Father's Birthplace: D. K. 14. Mother's Maiden Name: Bashba Buffalo 15. Mother's Birthplace: D. K. 16. Informant's Signature: J. O. Skipper 16. (a) Address: Gen. Del. Panama City, Fla. 17. Burial, cremation or removal? Removal 17. (a) Date: Apr 7th 1940 (b) Place: Wiggins Church 18. Funeral Director's Signature: J. S. Wilson 18. (a) Address: Panama City, Florida 19. Filed 20. Date of Death: April 6th 1940 21. I hereby certify that I attended the deceased from April 6th 1939 to April 6th 1939; that I last saw him alive on April 6th 19__: and that death occurred on the date and hour stated above. Immediate cause of death: chronic myocardial W. E. Middlebrook, M. D. ******************************************************************************************* Alabama Pension Commission The State Capitol Montgomery Jan. 14, 1941 Miss Roumelle Bowen, Secretary State Board of Pensions Tallahassee, Florida Dear Miss Bowen: As requested in your letter of recent date, I am pleased to enclose herewith copy of the application of Mrs. L. A. Boothe for a Confederate Pension in this State. If I can be of further service to you do not hesitate to call on me. Yours very truly, S. C. Blackshear Secretary Alabama Pension Commission SCB:m Encl: ******************************************************************************************* State Of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee Pursuant to the conditions and provisions of House Bill 80, Chapter 18045, Laws of Florida, Acts of 1937, I hereby designate James Oscar Skipper of Panama City, Florida to receive from the State of Florida after my death, all amounts accruing to me as a Confederate pensioner of the State of Florida from the date of the last payment of my pension that may be made to me until the date of my death. This 25th day of August 1941. Mrs. J. A. Skipper (Signature of pensioner) Witness: Coy C. Rushing Marcelle Wilcox State of Florida County of Bay Before me, a Notary Public, or other officer authorized to take acknowledgements, personally appeared Mrs. J. A. Skipper who acknowledged that she signed the foregoing instrument for the purpose therein expressed. Dated at Panama City, Florida, this 25th day of August 1941. C. S. Russ, County Judge By Anne Mae Poster, Clerk ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs State Service Office P. O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Florida July 2, 1958 Mrs. J. A. Skipper 1102 South Beach St. Lakeland, Florida Dear Mrs. Skipper: This office is charged with the responsibility of rendering assistance to all veterans and their dependents or survivors by the State of Florida. We are advised that you are presently being paid a pension as the widow of a member of the armed forces of the Confederate States of America, by the State of Florida. Recent Federal legislation authorizes the payment of a Federal pension to the widows of members of the armed forces of the Confederate States of America. Should you desire to apply for this new Federal benefit, please execute and sign the enclosed VA Form 534 and return it to this office for processing. Your acceptance of this Federal pension will in no way affect the continued payment of your widow's pension from the State of Florida. If you wish assistance in the execution of the VA Form 534 please call on the Service Officer whose name and address is listed below, who, we assure you, will be glad to render every assistance in this matter. Trusting you will find it convenient to return the completed application at an early date and with every good wish, I remain Very truly yours, Melvin T. Dixon State Service Officer MTD:V cc: H. W. Buchanan County Service Officer P. O. Box 821 Bartow, Fla. ******************************************************************************************* Office of Veterans Services County of Polk State of Florida Bartow, Florida July 9, 1958 SKIPPER, James Oscar Widow: Mrs. J. A. Skipper 1102 So. Beach St. Lakeland, Florida Mr. Melvin T. Dixon State Service Officer Fla. Dept. of Veterans Affairs P. O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Florida Dear Mr. Dixon: We are enclosing VA Forms 2-22 (AL) and 8534 as requested in your form letter to Mrs. Skipper, dated July 2nd, 1958. As we do not have a file on the deceased veteran, we have attempted to complete this application with the information furnished by his widow. Sincerely yours, H. W. Buchanan County Service Officer HWB:h Encls. ******************************************************************************************* July 10, 1958 Veterans Benefits Office Munitions Bldg., Washington 25, D. C. Dear Sir: Attached hereto please find Confederate Widow's application VB 8-534 complete to the best of her ability. Also, please find Form 2-22 in favor of The American Legion signed by the widow. This widow is in receipt of $100.00 per month Confederate pension from the State of Florida. It would be deeply appreciated if the attached application could be placed in line for immediate consideration. Very truly yours, Melvin T. Dixon State Service Officer MTD1:V encl. Form 534 Form 2-22 A.L. cc: H. W. Buchanan, CSO P. O. Box 821 Bartow, Fla. ******************************************************************************************* Veterans Administration Veterans Benefits Office Munitions Building Washington 25, D. C. Jul 17 1958 In Reply Refer To: SKIPPER, James Oscar 3072/212B Mrs. Louisa A. Skipper 1102 South Beach Street Lakeland, Florida Dear Mrs. Skipper: Reference is made to your claim for pension payments as the widow of a Confederate veteran, under the provisions of PL 85-425. Attention is invited to the paragraph checked below: 4. As soon as we have resolved all procedural questions concerning the administration of this particular legislation, we will communicate with you further. Very truly yours, E. E. Johnston Director, Claims Service cc: Nat'l. Rehab. Comm. Mr. John J. Corcoran, Director The American Legion 1608 K Street, N. W. Washington 6, D. C. ******************************************************************************************* Mrs. J. A. Skipper of Lakeland called for a photo copy of her claim for pension and it was given to her personally, that is the part relating to proof of war service, marriage, and husband's death. July 30, 1958 RB ******************************************************************************************* August 27, 1958 2-22: A. L. Misc. File SKIPPER, J. A. Confederate Widow: Louisa A. Skipper 1102 So. Beach Street Lakeland, Florida Mr. H. W. Buchanan County Service Officer P. O. Box 821 Bartow, Florida Dear Bud: With further reference to your letter of July 9, 1958 regarding the above captioned Confederate Widow, please find attached copy of letter from E. E. Johnston, Director, Claims Service, Veterans Benefits Office, Washington, D. C., which I believe is self-explanatory. With kindest regards, I remain Very truly yours, R. V. Pollard Sr. Asst. State Service Officer RVP1:bf Encl. Veterans Administration Veterans Benefits Office Munitions Building Washington 25, D. C. August 22, 1958 SKIPPER, J. A. SSO - Misc. File 3072-212B Department of Veterans Affairs State Service Office Post Office Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Florida Gentlemen: Your letter of July 10, 1958 in behalf of Mrs. Louisa A. Skipper, 1102 South Beach Street, Lakeland, Florida, enclosing Form 8-534 has been received. The Form 8-534 appears to have been submitted on the service of James Oscar Skipper, step-son of the applicant, under XC 1 728 240. There is enclosed Form 8-534 for the use of Mrs. Louisa A. Skipper to be filed on the service of her husband, who was a Confederate veteran. The name of the veteran is not of record. The form should be completed insofar as is possible with information based on the service of her husband, rather than on the service of her step-son. When the form has been received, further consideration will be given to the claim. Very truly yours, E. E. Johnston Director, Claims Service Encl: (1) cc to: The American Legion 1608 K Street, N. W. Washington 6, D. C. ******************************************************************************************* Board of County Commissioners County Of Polk State of Florida Bartow, Florida Office of Veterans Services H. W. Buchanan Service Officer September 5, 1958 Misc. File SKIPPER, J. A. Confederate Widow: Louisa A. Skipper 1102 S. Beach St. Lakeland, Fla. Mr. Raymond V. Pollard Senior Asst. State Service Officer Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs P. O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Florida Dear Mr. Pollard: We are returning the copy of letter which was enclosed in your letter of August 27th, as you suggested on your recent visit to Bartow. The above widow is unable to furnish this information after such a long period of time has elapsed. Thank you so much for your help. Yours sincerely, H. W. Buchanan County Service Officer HWB:dl Enc. ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs State Service Office P. O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Florida September 9, 1958 SKIPPER, J. A. Widow: Confederate Louisa A. Skipper Mr. Ray E. Green Comptroller State of Florida Tallahassee, Florida Att: W. C. Hoffman, Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions Dear Mr. Hoffman: As you know we have been assisting the Confederate widow's of our State in trying to establish claims with the Veterans Administration under the provisions of Public Law 85-425. We sent an application to the above named widow and she signed same which was forwarded to the Veterans Administration Benefits Office, Munitions Bldg., Washington 25, D. C., and they have come back with and asked for information that they do not have the name of her husband as a Confederate veteran. This widow is not in a position to furnish us with any identifying information, and since she is on the state pay-roll would you be so kind as to furnish us with the full name and any service data that you have of her husband, so that same can be furnished to the Veterans Administration in order for her to receive the benefits under Public Law 85-425. Many thanks for your kind assistance in this matter and awaiting your reply, I remain Very truly yours, R. V. Pollard Sr. Asst. State Service Officer RVP1:V cc: H. W. Buchanan County Service Officer P. O. Box 429 Bartow, Florida ******************************************************************************************* September 16, 1958 Mr. R. V. Pollard Sr. Asst. State Service Officer P. O Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Fla. Re: Louisa Skipper, Widow of James Monroe Booth, Confederate Soldier Dear Mr. Pollard: I have your letter of September 9th and I am pleased to hand you herewith a photo copy of the claim for pension of Mrs. J. A. Skipper, who receives a pension from the State of Florida under Certificate No. 10540, based on services rendered by her former husband, James Monroe Booth, relating to proof of service, marriage and death of Mr. Booth. With best wishes, I am, Yours very truly, Ray E. Green, Comptroller By: W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions WCH/RB ******************************************************************************************* September 19, 1958 SSO: Conf. File SKIPPER, J. A. Louisa A. Skipper Booth 1102 S. Beach Street Lakeland, Florida Confederate Soldier Mr. H. W. Buchanan County Service Officer Post Office Box 429 Bartow, Florida Dear Bud: With further reference to this Office trying to assist Mrs. Skipper in establishing a Confederate widow's pension. I wish to advise that I, as you know, wrote to the Comptroller's Office in Tallahassee, Florida, and have been advised she is receiving her pension based on services rendered by her former husband, James Monroe Booth. Since she remarried after the death of her first husband, the Confederate Veteran, she is not eligible for any Confederate widow's pension. With kindest regards. I remain, Very truly yours, R. V. Pollard Sr. Asst. State Service Officer RVP1:pc ******************************************************************************************* Mr. J. J. Corcoran, Director National Rehabilitation Commission The American Legion 1608 K Street, N. W. Dear Mr. Corcoran: This in reply to your letter of January 19, 1959, in behalf of Mrs. Louisa A. Skipper, widow of a Confederate veteran. We have no record of a claim for pension from Mrs. Skipper. Nor do we have a record for the veteran, J. A. Skipper. If Mrs. Skipper files a claim, we will act on it promptly. Very truly yours, E. E. Johnston Director, Claims Service ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee Pursuant to the conditions and provisions of (Chapter 291,) Section 291.32, Florida Statutes of 1957, I hereby designate James E. Huggins of 1102 S. Beach Ave., Lakeland, Florida to receive from the State of Florida after my death, all amount accruing to me as a Confederate pensioner of the State of Florida from the date of the last payment of my pension that may be made to me until the date of my death. This 23rd day of July 1959. Mrs. J. A. Skipper (Signature of Pensioner) Witness: H. L. Palmer Sonja Carolyn Schrimsher State of Florida County of Polk Before me, a Notary Public, or other officer authorized to take acknowledgements, personally appeared Mrs. J. A. Skipper who acknowledged that she signed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein expressed. Dated at Lakeland, Florida, this 23rd day of July 1959. H. L. Palmer Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee March 3, 19-Safety-4 Mr. James E. Huggins 1102 S. Beach Avenue Lakeland, Florida Re: Mrs. J. A. Skipper, Confederate Pensioner, Deceased Dear Mr. Huggins: Warrant #443753, dated February 24, 1964, issued to Mrs. J. A. Skipper for the month of February for a Confederate Widow's Pension has been returned by the Post Office with information that she passed away February 16, 1964. It is with regret that I learn of her death and extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy. Under date of July 23, 1959, Mrs. Skipper executed a certificate as required by Florida Law, in which she designated you as agent and beneficiary to receive any accrued amount of her pension that might be due on the date of her death. There will be 16 days of this pension accrued subject to payment. As required by the Pension Law I am attaching hereto the certificate for the execution of her attending physician and if you will have him insert the proper information in the spaces provided and sign same, when it is returned to my office properly executed a warrant will be issued payable to you in the amount due as soon there after as possible. If there has been a Death Certificate issued and it is more convenient for you to furnish this certificate it can be used in lieu of doctor's Certificate of Death. Very truly yours, W. C. Hoffman, Secretary State Board of Pensions WCH/vm Encl. ******************************************************************************************* Office of Ray E. Green, Comptroller Tallahassee, Florida March 4, 1964 To: Mr. A. E. Strickland, Auditor From: W. C. Hoffman, Chief Auditor, Confederate Pensions Re: Cancellation Confederate Widow's Pension Warrant I am advised that Mrs. J. A. Skipper, Confederate Pensioner, died February 16, 1964, and the warrant has been returned for cancellation, the following listed warrant being the one subject to this action. Wt# Payee Date Amount 443753 Mrs. J. A. Skipper 02/24/64 $125.00 The above listed warrant is attached hereto for your handling and beneficiary payment to the named agent and beneficiary, Mr. James E. Huggins, when cancellation of the February warrant is accomplished. W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions WCH/vm Encl. ******************************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee March 10, 1964 Voucher Number 80768 Object Payee Code Amount Amount James E. Huggins, Agent and 4200 68.97 68.97 Beneficiary of Mrs. J. A. Skipper, Confederate Pensioner, Deceased Pensioner died: February 16, 1964 as per doctors certification attached Subject to payment of 16 days @$4.31034 based on total allowable of $125.00 per month. 16 days @ $4.31034 . . . 68.97 13 * * * . . . 56.03 per month. . . . . . . . 125.00 Payable From: Code No: Confederate Pensions-Benefits Account: GR 1-10-102-0200 Approved: W. C. Hoffman, Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions March 6, 1964 (Certificate to be made by attending Physician of Mrs. J. A. Skipper, Confederate Pensioner, Deceased.) Full Name Of Pensioner: Mrs. J. A. Skipper Certificate No. (If Known) # 10540 Date of Death: February 16, 1964 Place of Death: Lakeland, Polk County, Florida (To be Signed by:) William A. Liston, L. F. D. (Address) Gentry Morrison F. Home ******************************************************************************************* Certificate of Death Florida 1. Place of Death: Polk County 2. Usual Residence: State of Florida, Polk County City, Town or Location: Lakeland, 1103 S. Beach Ave. 3. Name of Deceased: Louisa Elizabeth Skipper 4. Date of Death: Feb. 16 1964 5. Sex: Female 6. Color or Race: White 7. Widowed 8. Date of Birth: Jan 26 1870 9. Age (In years last birthday) 94 10. Usual Occupation: Housewife 11. Birthplace: Florida 12. Citizen of What Country? U.S. 13. Father's Name: Jack Huggins 14. Mother's Name: Millisa Alexander 15. Was Deceased Ever In U. S. Armed Forces? No 16. Social Security No.: Blank 17. Informant's Signature: Mrs. Lizzie Dunn, Lakeland, Fla. 18. Cause of Death: Coronary thrombosis 19. Was Autopsy Performed? No 20. Death occurred at 7:10 AM on the date state above; and to the best of my knowledge, from the causes stated. 21. ? R. Langston, Coroner 22. Address: Lakeland, Fla. 23. Burial, Cremation, Removal (Specify): Removal, Feb. 16, 1964 Name of Cemetery or Crematory: Evergreen Mem., Panama City, Fla. 24. Funeral Director's Signature: W. H. Garrison, Gentry Morrison This is to certify: The foregoing is a true and correct copy of the death certificate filed with the office of the Polk County Health Department, Lakeland, Florida. Witness my hand and seal this 6 day of March 1964. Notary Public: Vance P. Lanier State of Florida