CIVIL WAR WIDOW'S PENSION APP. - MARY ELIZABETH (ALLEN) COOPER, WIDOW OF FRANCIS M. COOPER, CHARLOTTE 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. 23559 Pensioner No. 10199 Widow's Pension Claim Under General Pension Law Of Florida FORM A State of Florida,} County of Charlotte} On this 1st day of July, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and twenty-nine, personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the county and State aforesaid Mrs. M. E. Cooper a resident of Punta Gorda County of Charlotte 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 Francis M. Cooper who served under the name of F. M. Cooper during the Summer of 1863, in Company F, 2nd Florida Calvary of the State of Florida, under Captain S. F. Row and who was denied further service with the Company at the Battle of Olustee on account of being under age. That he also served with the Home Guards in Captain Underwood's Company and assisted in the capture of 44 prisoners at Newnansville in the latter part of 1863. (State here if husband drew a pension, and when.) The veteran never applied for a pension. That she was lawfully married to the said F. M. Cooper under the name of M. E. Allen in the County of DeSoto State of Florida on the 15th day of October, 1902, and that she was not divorced from him before nor has she remarried since his death, which occurred on the 2nd day of July, 1921, in the County of Charlotte, State of Florida except as hereinafter stated. That she is a resident of Charlotte County, Florida, and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since a small child and for more than 35 years last past. That her Postoffice address is Punta Gorda, County of Charlotte, State of Florida. Mrs. M. E. Cooper Attest: (1) Mrs. W. A. White (2) H. O. Brown Sworn and subscribed before me this 1st day of July, A. D. 1929. 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. H. O. Brown Notary Public (a) State of Florida County of DeSoto I, Gordon Hays, County Judge, of DeSoto County, Florida hereby certify that the records in this office show that a marriage license was issued to F. M. Cooper and Mrs. M. E. Allen on the 15th day of October, A. D. 1902. The records further show that the above named parties were married on the 15th day of October, A. D. 1902, and that the ceremony was performed by A. E. Pooser, County Judge, DeSoto County, Fla. Note: No witnesses appear as no witness required under Fla. Law at that date. Gordon Hays County Judge-DeSoto County, Fla. (b) Blank (c) State of Florida County of Charlotte Before me, a Notary Public, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Jas. K. McClelland and Willie A. White 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 F. M. Cooper which occurred at Punta Gorda, County of Charlotte, State of Florida, on the 2nd day of July, A. D. 1921. Jas. K. McClelland Willie A. White Sworn and subscribed before me this 1st day of July, A. D. 1929. Edward ? Notary Public Report of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Charlotte, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of Mrs. F. M. Cooper 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 1st day of July, A. D. 1929. (1) W. C. Vickers, Chairman (2) Carl R. Farr (3) M. S. Roberts (4) D E. ? (5) J. C. Anderson County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: W. T. Oliver Clerk Circuit Court ******************************************************************************* L. L. Morgan & Sons Hardware * Furniture Morticians Arcadia, Florida June 8, 1929 Dear Mrs. Appleyard Thinking that you are where you can get a little information that I want I am taking the liberty of writting [sic] you. I would like to get a copy of the record of Mr. Frank Cooper, Sr. who before his death lived in Punta Gorda. It seems that the original record has been lost and his widow now is in need of assistance and if we could get his record we could prehaps [sic] get a pension for her as she is just and is entiled [sic] to one and I hope that throught [sic] the aid of the U. D. C. we may be able to help her. I know that the records are there and as Mr. Appleyard knows more about these things than I will ever dream of knowing I though that he would be glad to get the information for us. Thanking you many times in advance for this information. I desire to remain Yours Very sincerely (Miss) Mildred Morgan ******************************************************************************* Punta Gorda, Fla. June 19th 1929 Gen. T. J. Appleyard, Tallahassee, Fla. Dear Sir: At the request of Mrs. Mary E. Cooper, widow of Frances Marian Cooper, I am writing you to solicit your assistance in obtaining a State pension for Mrs. Cooper. Mr. Cooper, as I am advised was a member of the Home Guard, and was mustered out of service at Newnansville, Florida, is now Alachua, at the close of the War between the States, and later he became a member of the Confederate Veterans Camp at Arcadia, and was a member of this Camp when he died. Will you please examine the records in Tallahassee and see if you can find a record of Mr. Cooper's enlistment, and the number of his Company and Regiment in which he served, and if you find this record kindly send me a copy of same, and any further suggestions that you may have to make that will assist Mrs. Cooper in obtaining this pension as she is very much in need of same. This is the Hon. F. M. Cooper who served two terms in the State Senate and rendered his last service in the Senate in 1921. With Best Wishes for Mrs. Appleyard and Yourself I Am, Respectfully, Mrs. J. H. Hancock ******************************************************************************* T. J. Appleyard Tallahassee, Florida Fort Myers, Florida (608 First Street) June 26, 1929 Miss Mildred Morgan, L. L. Morgan & Sons, Arcadia, Fla. Re: Mr. Frank Cooper, Sr., deceased, of Punta Gorda; interest of widow Mr. Arnest Amos, Comptroller of State, Tallahassee, Fla. Dear Mr. Amos; I enclose herewith a letter from Miss Morgan (address above) asking for information about Frank Cooper, whose widow needs assistance, and who is supposed to be entitled to a pension. Will you kindly look up the record of this soldier, and write the ladies, the facts in the case; and if necessary and you think the evidence of record you secure justifies it, kindly send the widow a pension blank. Your kindness in helping out these old Confederate men and women is always appreciated. Truly yours, T. J. Appleyard, Maj. Genl, Commanding Fla. Div. U C V P S; Also enclose letter from Mrs. J. H. Hancock of Punta Gorda relating to same widow, Mrs. Mary E. Cooper (Frances Martin Cooper) ******************************************************************************* June 28, 1929 Mrs. J. H. Hancock, Punta Gorda, Fla. Dear Madam: Your letter of the 19th instant, has just been referred to me for attention, by General T. J. Appleyard. With reference to the war service of Frank Cooper, or F. M. Cooper, I wish to advise that the only record I have been able to find of Mr. Cooper's service, is in the application filed by Mr. Pooser sometime ago, making affidavit of his service. He states in the affidavit that he "was young, and have no record of details, but I did do service at Newnansville with E. W. Pooser in the same company with him. I did not leave Newnansville with the Company on account of my age, and did no other service with the company after the event of capturing 44 prisoners in the latter part of 1865, at Newnansville. I was not present when E. W. Pooser was mustered but I know that he served until the end of the war for I saw him on his return home, and know he did not desert." Mr. Pooser served in Captain Underwood's Company of Home Guards. This is very little information upon which to base a claim for pension, but if Mrs. Cooper applies for pension I shall be very glad to do all that I can to help her locate comrades and get same in proper shape for presentation to the Board. Yours very truly, Comptroller /B ******************************************************************************* July 14th, 1929 Earnest Amos, Comptroller Tallahassee, Fla. Dear Mr. Amos My request for a pension has been brought to your notice by friends of mine. Mrs. Della Robertson assured me she could get the necessary information from Washington so I have been waiting but I don't think its any use to wait longer and am asking you if I shall fill in the claim the best I can and send it in or shall I wait and try to get more proof. I did not ask my husband for dates or details of his service but have heard him tell about riding a mule and carrying a gun with the Home Guards and helping to capture 44 prisoners. He was a charter member of a Confederate veterans camp organized by A. E. Pooser in Arcadia, Fla. in 1903 or 1904. The members have passed away and the records have been lost can you find a record of this camp in your office and possibly get the information required. Any advise you give me will be considered confidential and your letter returned. If things had gone as my husband expected I would not need help. I am an old fashioned woman very capable in the home but no good anyplace else. My health is not good and I need this pension very bad. I know if I had applied sooner there could have been a bill passed during the session of the Legislature. At the cemetary [sic] on declaration day a friend called it to my mind that I was due a pension and I have been trying to get the necessary proof by trying to find the records of this confederate veterans camp my husband did so much for his community he neglected his own interest that is the reason I feel like asking for this help. I thank you for anything you can do. Respt. Mary E. Cooper Address Mrs. F. M. Cooper Box 156 Punta Gorda, Fla. ******************************************************************************* July 17th, 1929 Mrs. F. M. Cooper Box 156, Punta Gorda, Fla. Dear Madam: Replying to your letter of the 14th instant, I wish to advise that you may go ahead and make your application for pension if you like. However, the law is explicit in its requirement that an applicant for pension furnish specific proof of war service. That is proof of service should be established by the affidavits of two comrades serving with the solider, or the affidavit of a commissioned officer under whom he served. From information obtained on file in this office your husband only appears to have served a very short time, giving no reason of why he did not serve until the close of the war. I am enclosing herewith the names of two soldiers who appear to have served in Capt. Underwood's Company who may be able to make affidavit of your husband's service to be filed with your application for proof of his service. Respectfully, Comptroller /B ******************************************************************************* (FORM E) Affidavit to be Made by Comrade State of Florida} County of DeSoto} Before me, Gordon Hays, County Judge, DeSoto Co. in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally came S. T. Langford of DeSoto County of DeSoto, State of Florida who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical person who enlisted at Lake Butler, Bradford County, in the State of Florida on the ____ day of April, A. D. 1861, in Company Capt. Wesley Williams, Infantry Regiment of the State of Florida, which organization was regularly mustered into the service of the Confederate States of America. That F. M. Cooper at the time of service was a mere boy and under age; that he was not an enlisted soldier but did service with Co. F 2nd Fla. Calvary under Capt. S. F. Row; That he did service with and was on numerous occasions seen in said Regiment with his relative Merian R. (Farmie) Cooper; That the said F. M. Cooper was at that time about 12 or 14 years of age. I know personally of the above stated service, because I served with Co. F 2nd Fla. Calvary with above person in Company "F" Regiment 2nd Fla. Cal. in the State of Florida, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Lake City, in the State of Florida, on the ____ day of April, 1865, by reason of close of war and I did not desert the Confederate States service nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States before the close of the War. S. T. Langford Late of Company F, 2nd Fla. Calvary Sworn and subscribed before me this 27th day of August, 1929, and I hereby certify that the above declaration was fully made known to the affiant before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the pension claim sought to be established by this declaration. Gordon Hays County Judge-DeSoto County, Fla. ******************************************************************************* Dr. A. J. Holt Ministerial Supply Arcadia, Florida Sept. 25, 1929 To Whom it may concern: This is to certify that I have known Mrs. F. M. Cooper for several years and I consider her a worthy Christian woman. I understand that she is seeking a pension on account of the services of her husband the late F. M. Cooper during the life of the Southern Confederacy. Personally I would be gratified if she could secure such a pension. A. J. Holt Co. A 3rd La. Cavalry C. S. A. ******************************************************************************* H. O. Brown Attorney-At-Law Punta Gorda, Fla. Oct. 30, 1929 Hon. Ernest Amos, State Comptroller, Tallahassee, Fla. Re: Mrs. M. E. Cooper's Appl. Pension Herewith enclose application and affidavit of one comrade as to Senator Cooper's service and trust that same will be acceptable to the members of the Pension Board as we have been unable to locate another comrade that could give us any assistance. It appears that Senator Cooper made affidavit of his service and of the service of E. W. Poser's widows claim for pension and we trust that the Honorable Members of the Board will take into consideration the Senator's affidavit in behalf of his widow's claim at this time. Should the proof not be sufficient, please return and we will make another effort to meet the requirements of your Board. Thanking you for your past favors and soliciting a continuance of same, I remain, Yours sincerely, H. O. Brown ******************************************************************************* Nov. 2nd, 1929 Mr. H. O. Brown, Punta Gorda, Fla. Dear Sir: I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 30th, ultimo, enclosing application for pension of Mrs. M. E. Cooper, which has been filed in the Pension Department for consideration of the Board at its next meeting. In the application I note, that the word "Enlisted" has been stricken out and the word "Served" has been inserted. The law requires a soldier to have enlisted and served, and there is not a pensioner on the roll under the general law, except where the solider is shown to have enlisted, as required. The proof submitted also shows that Mr. Cooper served but was not an enlisted soldier. I shall be very glad to present the application to the Board, however, the application is not regular nor the proof submitted, and write you of the action taken thereon. Yours very truly, Comptroller /b ******************************************************************************* Wm. E. Dunwody Tax Agency Arcadia, Florida March 2nd, 1931 Mr. Roumelle Bowen, Secretary, Pension Board Tallahassee Dear Mr. Bowen: Mrs. Ella Posser has handed to me your form-letter of February 28th, in which she is advised that her name has been dropped from the Pension Roll. I assisted Mr. Pooser in securing the necessary proof as to his service to the Confederacy. Mr. Frank Cooper, of Punta Gorda, who served with him, made an affidavit to that fact. Mr. Cooper has passed on, as many others have who could have testified in behalf of Mr. Posser and it is more than I can understand why at this late date, your Board is now questioning the proof that was submitted. Will you please advise just what additional proof Mrs. Pooser is supposed to try and get at this time? I know that Governor Carlton knew Frank Cooper and I do not think for a minute that the Governor would feel that Frank Cooper would state what he did if he did not know whereof he spoke. I think that Taft Langford-one of the few surviving Veterans of this vicinity, knows that Mr. Pooser did serve as a soldier in the Confederate Army. Will an affidavit from him be of assistance? It seems too bad that such letters had to be sent out and particularly so, right at the time when checks were due. I sincerely hope that other Widows of Confederates have not had to go through the mental anguish, as has Mrs. Pooser, form the receipt of such letters. Will you please notify Mrs. Pooser just what information you have that would cause you to say that the Board has been shown that Mr. Posser did not render the service as outlined in his application. I know that it is not the desire of a Member of the Pension Board to cause undue anxiety to the Widow of a Confederate soldier and I trust you will let Mrs. Pooser hear from you promptly as to just what additional proof is desired. With regards, Very truly, Wm. E. Dunwody ******************************************************************************* March 5, 1931 Mr. Wm. E. Dunwody, Arcadia, Fla. Dear Sir: Replying to yours of the 2nd inst., I wish to advise that I took the matter up with the Pension Board, of Mrs. Ella Pooser, and the Pension Board reinstated her name to the roll, and I am enclosing herewith warrant for $40.00 issued March 1st. The service of all the pensioners, based upon service in Underwood's Home Guard Co., is being investigated owing to the fact that affidavits have been filed questioning the service rendered in that Company. As Mrs. Pooser's husband established his proof back in 1919 the Pension Board decided not to go further into the investigation of his claim. There appears to be only one member of this Company living at the present, but we have had a good many applications recently, and this is the reason that all pensioners were notified of the investigation; so many complaints have been received. Trusting that this will meet with your approval, and that Mrs. Pooser has not been greatly inconvenienced. Yours very truly, Secretary, Pension Board RB:ACG ******************************************************************************* In the County Judge's Court In and for Charlotte County, Florida In re. Guardianship of} Mary Elizabeth Cooper} An Alleged Incompetent} Letters of Guardianship (744.40) Whereas, Earl D. Farr was appointed guardian of the property of Mary Elizabeth Cooper, by the undersigned county judge on August 23, 1954; and Whereas, the said guardian has taken oath and given bond, as required by law, and is entitled to letter of guardianship; Now, therefore, I John T. Rose, Jr., county judge in and for the county of Charlotte, state of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority by law in me vested do hereby declare the said Earl D. Farr to be duly qualified under the laws of the state of Florida to act as guardian of the property, of Mary Elizabeth Cooper, incompetent because of non compos mentis with full power to ask, demand, sue for, recover, and receive any assets belonging to said incompetent; to pay the debts of said incompetent, if any, so far as the assets of her estate will permit and the law direct, and to protect the interests of said incompetent and her estate according to law, and to render due accounts of his guardianship. In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court, at Punta Gorda, Florida, August 24th, 1954. John T. Rose, Jr. County Judge I hereby certify that, on August, 1954, the foregoing letters of guardianship were recorded, as required by law. ******************************************************************************* In The County Judge's Court In And For Charlotte County, Florida, Sitting As Court Of Probate State of Florida County of Charlotte I, John T. Rose, Jr., sole residing Judge of the Court of County Judge in and for said County, and ex-officio Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true, perfect and correct copy of Letters of Guardianship issued to Earl D. Farr, in Re: Guardianship of Mary Elizabeth Cooper, a mental incompetent, the same being in full force and effect as of this date, as the same remain's of record in my office. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court in my office in Punta Gorda, this 25th day of August A. D. 1954. John T. Rose, Jr. County Judge and Ex-Officio Clerk of the Court of County Judge State of Florida County of Charlotte I, John T. Rose, Jr., County Judge and sole presiding Judge of the Court of County Judge in and for said County, do hereby certify that said Court is a Court of Probate Jurisdiction; that John T. Rose, Jr., whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, was at the time of signing and sealing the same, Judge of the Court of County Judge of Charlotte County, aforesaid, and keeper of records and seal thereof, duly elected and qualified to that office; that he is by virtue of said office ex-officio Clerk of said court and that full faith and credit are and of right should be given to all his official acts as such, in all courts of record and elsewhere and that his attestation is in due form of law and by the proper officer. Given under my hand and official seal this 25th day of August A. D. 1954. John T. Rose, Jr. County Judge ******************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee Mr. Earl D. Farr Punta Gorda, Fla. Re: Mrs. M. E. Cooper Confederate Pensioner Dear Mr. Farr: I am in receipt of "Letters of Guardianship" in re: Mrs. M. E. Cooper, Confederate pensioner, Confederate pension warrants for Mrs. Cooper will be mailed to you as guardian until further notice. I am enclosing herewith Warrant No. 49038 for $75.00 drawn in your favor as guardian of Mrs. Cooper for the month of August, 1954. With best wishes, I am, Yours very truly C. M. Gay, Comptroller By: R. G. Higgins General Auditor RGH/H/RB ******************************************************************************* July 5, 1957 Mr. Earl D. Farr Attorney-at-Law Punta Gorda, Fla. Re: Mrs. M. E. Cooper Confederate Pensioner Deceased - Wt. #429787 cancelled Dear Mr. Farr: I regret very much indeed to learn of the death of Mrs. M. E. Cooper, Confederate pensioner. The warrant you returned drawn in favor of Mrs. Cooper has been cancelled on the records of this office and I am enclosing blank which should be signed by the attending Physician at the time of the death of Mrs. Cooper and returned to this office. A new warrant will then be mailed to Minnie Wall Cooper, beneficiary designated by Mrs. Cooper, for the amount of pension accrued from June 1st, the date to which M. E. Cooper had been paid, through June 6th, the date of her death. With best wishes, I am, Yours very truly Ray E. Green, Comptroller By: W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Confederate pensions WCH/RB ******************************************************************************* July 23, 1957 Mrs. Minnie Wall Cooper Punta Gorda, Florida Re: Mrs. M. E. Cooper Confederate Pensioner Deceased Dear Mrs. Cooper: I am transmitting herewith warrant No. 9593 for $17.00, covering the amount of pension accrued from June 1, the date to which Mrs. M. E. Cooper, Confederate pensioner, had been paid, through June 6th, the date of her death. With best wishes, I am, Yours very truly Ray E. Green, Comptroller By: W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions WCH/RB CC to: Mr. Earl D. Farr Punta Gorda, Fla. ******************************************************************************* Death Registrations Persons 21 Years And Over Report for Charlotte County June 1957 Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Punta Gorda, Fla. Age 83 Certificate Number 18911 Sex and Race 2 ******************************************************************************* Claim For Pension By Mrs. M. E. Cooper Of Punta Gorda, Charlotte County Widow of Francis M. Cooper Of F 2nd Fla. Cav. and Underwoods Co. Filed In Pension Department Nov. 1, 1929 Refiled May 1, 1931 Approved and Filed In Comptroller's Office May 7, 1931 With pay from May 1, 1931 At the rate of $480.00 per annum Roumelle Bowen Secretary of Board ******************************************************************************* Application For Pension of Mrs. M. E. Cooper, Punta Gorda Copy of # 10199 handed to Mrs. Florence Anderson 6-10-60