Gilchrist County FlArchives Military Records.....HARPER, J. W. 1943 Civilwar - Pension Captain Underwood’s Home Guard Company of Florida ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Betty Wilkerson wilkerbee@aol.com November 9, 2008, 6:53 pm Widow’s Pension Claim Under the Act of 1909 State of Florida County of Gilchrist On this first day of June, A.D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Forth three, personally appeared before me a Clerk, Circuit Court, in and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Minnie Harper, resident of Bell, County of Gilchrist, 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 lawful widow of J. W. Harper, who was enlisted under the name of J. W. Harper, on the 15 day of March, 1864, in Company of Capt. Underwood, Regiment of the State of Florida and who was honorably discharged at Old Nunansville on account of close of war. That he also served in for proof of husband’s war service, refer to Pensioner No. 8862, Application filed in Comptroller’s – Tallahassee, Fla. That she was lawfully married to the said J. W. Harper under the name of Minnie Cruse, in the County of Gilchrist, State of Florida, on the 23 day of May, 1837, and that she was not divorced from him and that she has not remarried since his death, which occurred on the 29 day of April, 1943 , in the County of Gilchrist, State of Florida. That she is a resident of Gilchrist County, Florida, and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since all of my life _____ day of¬¬¬¬¬______. ______,. *********************************************************************** That she has heretofore been granted a pension from the State of Florida under Certificate No. none. That she is not a pensioner of any other State. That her postoffice address is Bell, county of Gilchrist, State of Florida. Minnie Harper (Signature of claimant) Attest: D. H. __________(?) Mattie C. Cruse Sworn and subscribed before me this 1st day of June, A.D. 1943. 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. Asa _____________(?) Clerk, Circuit Court Gilchrist County, Florida State of Florida County of Gilchrist M. G. Akins, Co. Jude of Gilchrist County, Florida, hereby certify that the records in this office show that a marriage license was issued to J. W. Harper and Minnie Cruse on the 23 day of May, A.D. 1937. The records further show that the above named parties were married on the 23 day of May, A.D. 1937, and that the ceremony was performed by M. G. Akins, County Judge. M. G. Akins County Judge State of __________________ County of __________________ Before me, a ________________, in and for the county and State aforesaid, personally appeared _____________________ and ____________________, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says each for himself that he was present at the marriage of _____________________ and ________________ which occurred at ___________ on the ______ day of ____________, A.D.______, in the County of ________________, State of __________________, and that the ceremony was performed by _________________________________. _______________________(L.S.) _______________________(L.S.) Sworn to and subscribed before me this _________ __________________________ day of ___________________________________, _____________________ A.D. 19____ ___________________________ ************************************************************************ State of Florida County of Gilchrist Before me, a Notary Public, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared George W. Martin and J. B. H. Gay, 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 J. W. Harper which occurred at his home, County of Gilchrist, State of Florida, on the 29th day of April, A.D. 1943. George W. Martin L.S.) J. B. H. Gay, L.S.) Sworn and subscribed before me this 1st day of June, A.D., 1943. H. G. Cruse Notary Public, State At Large My Commission expires Jan. 8, 1946. (SEAL) REPORT OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Gilchrist, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of Minnie Harper 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 to the applicant. Witness our hands this 1st day of June, A.D., 1943. _______(?) Langford,, Chairman M. F. Rucker C. A. Jones W. D. Kelly J. O. Colemon County Commissioners By the county Commissioners . Attest: Asa L. _________(?) Clerk, Circuit Court NOTE: All Blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. Applicants may use either form (a) or (b) for proof of marriage, or she may attach certified copy of marriage certificate. Applicant may attach certified copy of official record of husband’s death in lieu of form (c) if preferred. Where the applicant for pension has remarried since the death of the soldier husband, upon whose service she is applying for a pension, she must establish the fact that she has again become a widow in the same manner as prescribed in above paragraph, or if divorced, she should forward certified copy of decree granting a divorce annulling such marriage. APPLICANT MUST GIVE PERMANENT ADDRESS ******************************************************************** Former Claim No. 24313 Application No. 24294 Pensioner No. 10579 CLAIM FOR PENSION BY Minnie Harper OF Bell Post Office Gilchrist County WIDOW OF J. W. Harper OF Underwood Company Home Gerard Regiment FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT June 23, 1995 and June 2, 1943 – Special Act. 1955 APPROVED Chapt. 30339 With pay from At the rate of ________ per annum ___________(?) Secretary of Board Denied by Pension Board 10/5/43 FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE ________________________, 19____ ********************************************************************** (Form D) AFFIDAVIT TO BE MADE BY A COMMISSIONED OFFICER STATE OF __________________ COUNTY OF ________________ Before me, a _________________________________________________in and for the county and State aforesaid, personally came ___________________________________ who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he was a commissioned officer with the rank of ___________in Company __________________Regiment of the State of _________________________ during the War between the States of the United States; that he was enlisted at ________________________in the State of ____________________________ on the ________ day of __________, 186__, and that he was commissioned _________________ in the above company and regiment on the _________ day of ___________________, 18____ and that he was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at __________________________________ on the _____ day of _________________, 186____, by reason of ____________________________. That he personally knew _______________________________________, who is an applicant for a pension under the Laws of Florida; that he knows that the said applicant enlisted in company ______________, Regiment of the State of _______________; that he served faithfully until HONORABLY DISCHARGED on the ____ day of __________________, 186____, on account of _______________________ at ____________________________, State of ______________________, and that the said applicant did not desert the service of the Confederate States, NOR DID HE TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE WAR. _________________________________ Late ________of Company _________ Regt. Sworn and subscribed before me, this ________ day of __________________, 19____; 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 foregoing for any purpose. (FORM E) AFFIDAVIT TO BE MADE BY COMRADE. STAT E OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF GILCHRIST Before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally came J. W. Harper of Bell, the County of Gilchrist, State of Florida who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical person who enlisted at Old Nunansville in the State of Florida on the 15th day of ****************************************************************** March in Company of Captain Underwood Regiment of the State of Florida, which organization was regularly mustered into the service of the Confederate States of America; that he knows of his own personal knowledge that J. W. Harper enlisted in Company of Capt. Underwood Regiment of the State of Florida at Old Nunansville in the State of Florida on the 15th day of March, 1864; that he served faithfully in the said organization until the close of war; at Old Nunansville in the State of Florida and did not desert the Confederate States service nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States before the close of the War. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ I know personally of the above stated service, because I served with J. W. Harper in Company of Capt. Underwood Regiment of the State of Florida and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Old Nunansville in the State of Florida. On the about the close of war not known, 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. John A. Parisk Late of Company Underwood, Regt. Sworn and subscribed before me, this 9 day of October, 1928_; 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. H. A. Sanders (FORM F) AFFADAVIT TO BE MADE BY COMRADE STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF GILCHRIST Before me, a Justice of the Peace 4th District, in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally came Simeon Osteen of Belle, the County of Gilchrist, State of Florida who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical person who enlisted at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida on the 15th day of March in Company Captain Underwood Regiment of the State of Florida, which organization was regularly mustered into the service of *********************************************************************** the Confederate States of America; that he knows of his own personal knowledge that J. W. Harper enlisted in Company of Captain Underwood Regiment of the State of Florida at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida on the 15th day of March, 1864; that he served faithfully in the said organization until the close of war when he was HONORABLY DISCHARGED on account of the close of war; at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida, and did not desert the Confederate States service nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States before the close of the War. I know personally of the above stated service, because I served with J. W. Harper in Company of Captain Underwood Regiment of the State of _Fla.______________, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida. On the the close of the war, 1865 by reason of close of the 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. Simeon Osteen Late of Company Underwood Regt. Sworn and subscribed before me, this 9 day of October, 1928, 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. H. A. Sanders NOTE: If the applicant has ever applied for a pension from this State before he may receive the benefits of all proofs made at that time by stating when such application was made. ************************************************************************ SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM UNDER GENERAL PENSION LAW OF FLORIDA AS AMENDED BY ACTS OF 1925. (FORM A) STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF GILCHRIST On this 1st day of May, A.D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and 29, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county and State aforesaid, J. W. Harper, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 80 years of age, having been born on the 12th day of Oct., 1848, in the county of Putman, in the State of Florida. That he is a bona fide citizen of the county of Gilchrist, State of Florida. That he has resided in the State of Florida continuously since the 12th day of Oct., 1848.. That he is the identical person who enlisted at Old Nunansville under the name of J. W. Harper on or about the 15th day of March, 1864, in Company of Capt. Underwood Home Guards of the State of Florida, in the service of the Confederate States Army and who was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Old Nunansville in the State of Florida on or about the at the close of the war_____day of ___________, 1865 on account of close of war. That I served faithfully until HONORABLY DISCHARGED from the service of the Home Guards in the year 1865, and did not desert the service of the Home Guards nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States until after the surrender of the Confederate Armies. That I was at Old Nunansville near Alachua Station *********************************************************************** That I have heretofore been granted a pension from the State of Florida under pension and refer to claim No. ________ for the proof contained therein. None. That my postoffice address is Belle, County of Gilchrist, State of Florida. J. W. X (his mark) Harper Attest: E. P. Turner M . G. Akins Sworn and subscribed before me, this 15th day of March, A.D., 1929, and I hereby certify that the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. M. G. Akins County Judge Gilchrist County ********************************************************************* REPORT OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Gilchrist, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of J. W. Harper for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us, that we are satisfied 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 6th day of August, A.D., 1929. J. T. Everett, Chairman A. C. Marable E. C. Sapp J. O. Thomas I. P. _________(?) By the county Commissioners . Attest: Alton Gay Clerk, Circuit Court NOTE: All Blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. ********************************************************************** Former Claim No. 5 Application No. 23531 Pensioner No. 8862 CLAIM FOR PENSION BY J. W. Harper OF Belle Post Office Gilchrist County LATE OF Capt. Underwoods Home Guards OF Underwoods Company ___________________Regiment FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT August 28th, 1929 APPROVED AND FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE Oct. 17, 1929 With pay from Aug. 28, 1929 At the rate of $480 per annum Rounnell(?) Bowen Secretary of Board ********************************************************************** (Letter) September 17, 1958 Mr. E. E. Johnston Re: XC 21 011 545 Director, Claims Service Harper, Jim W. Veterans Administration 3072-212A Veterans Benefits Office Mrs. Minnie Harper Munitions Bldg. Widow Washington 25, D.C. Dear Mr. Johnston: I have your letter of September 3rd enclosing application for death pension by Mrs. Minnie Lee Harper, widow of Jim W. Harper, Confederate pension, which is being returned herewith. I am enclosing photo copy of the application for pension of Mrs. Minnie Harper, widow of J. W. Harper, who receives a Confederate pension from the State of Florida under Certifi- cate No. 10579. You will note that Mr. Harper served in Captain Underwood’s Home Guard Company of Florida, (C.S.A.) With best wishes, I am, Yours very truly Secretary State Board of Pensions /RB P.S. Mrs. Harper was granted a pension by Special Act of the Legislature of Florida in 1955, under Chapter 30339. ******************************************************************** (Letter) VETERANS ADMINISTRATION VETERANS BENEFITS OFFICE MUNITIONS BUILDING WASHINGTON 25, D.C. State Board of Pensions XC 21 011 545 Tallahassee HARPER, Jim W. Florida 3072-212A Gentlemen: Mrs. Minnie Lee Harper has filed a claim for death pension as widow of Mr. Jim W. Harper as a Confederate veteran. Mrs. Harper states that she is receiving $100 per month as the widow of a Confederate veteran, based upon a special Act of the Florida Legislature under Pension Number 8862. She states that your office has the records of Mr. Harper’s service. We request that you furnish us your certification as to his service. We also request that you furnish us on the enclosed Form 8-4184 a certification in your records of Mr. Harper’s death. Very truly yours, E. E. JOHNSTON Director, Claims Service Encl. ****************************************************************** (Letter) PENSION CLAIM NO. 8862. J. W. HARPER, ADDRESS: BELL, FLA. Claims to have enlisted in Captain Underwood’s Company of Home Guards, at Nunansville Fla. March 15th. 1864- and served until the close of the war. COMRADE WITNESSES: John A. Parish, and Sim Osteen. AGE: Born Oct. 12, 1848. ________________________ See sworn statement of J. W. Walker, dated 2/13/31. in which he says: 1. That he is 78 years old. born Oct. 12th, 1853, in Putman county Fla. 2. That he enlisted in Underwood’s Compan of Home Guards blank day, month and year. he don’t re- member. Enlisted at Nunansville, and served until the close of the war in 1865. Was discharged at Olustee, blank date 1865. 3. That Underwood’s Company had about 50 men. composed of young boys ages ranging from eight to 14- and 15 years. 4. That he rendered service careing for the wounded- burying the dead, and looking after cattle. That he served about one year. 5. That at the time he enlisted in Underwood’s Co. he was EIGHT YEARS OLD – big enough to carry a gun and to do what he was told to do.” ______________________________________ 7. W. S. Osteen W. C. Walker Sam Sanders W. C. Lindsey H. D. Douglas, Wiley Hines Aaron Fowler, Have all made affidavits recently, that J. W. Harper never enlisted or ser- ved in Underwood’s Company. __________________________________________ CONCLUSION: That J. W. Walker, never served in Under- wood’s Co. and is not entitled to a Pension. It is entirely unreasonable, that a child 8 yrs. old would be accepted as a Home Guard, and that a child of that age could take any part in the care of the wounded, burying the dead, and looking after beef cattle, etc. as claimed. RECOMMENDATION: That this claim be cancelled, and pay- ment of Pension stopped. 2/24/31. T. J. W. *************************************************************** Page 2 J. W. Harper. At the time I enlisted in Captain Underwoods Com- pany, I was eight or nine years old. I was big enough to carry a gun and to do what I was told to do. When I enlisted, we were ordered to Orange Springs in Putman Company. We were there about one week, then we went to Palatka for one day; came back to my home in Alachua County, and remained there until after the battle of Olustee, and was discharged. I was under the command of Captain Underwood the whole time of my enlistment. I have no no recollection of seeing the men listed below, in Underwoods Company. They were not there. Viz: J. E. Lindsey. W. C. Lindsey. G. W. Roberts. Elias Roberts. Bryant Thomas. S. J. Wright H. D. Douglas. Francis Cooper. Alfred L. Hedge. If these men were in Underwoods Company, I never knew anything about it. I have lived in Florida all of my life. Hiram Sanders, a Justice of the Peace at Bell Florida, prepared my claim for a pension. I have paid Sanders $5.00, and I still owe him the balance for his services. I have never been a witness in any claims for pensions. I have never signed any papers except my own. My witnesses were Sim Osteen and John Parish. (Signed) James W. Harper. WITNESS: (Signed) William M. Harper, (Signed) Tom J. Watts. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 13th day of February 1931. (Signed) Tom J. Watts. N. P. *********************************************************************** SOLDIERS PENSION CLAIM NO. _____________ Filed the _________day of _________, 19____ Name James W. Harper Age: 78 years Address: Bell, State of: Florida County of: Gilchrist. R.F.D.____________ SERVED IN THE CIVIL WAR AS FOLLOWS: Enlisted in Captain: Underwood’s Company of: Home Guards At Nunansville; State of: Florida County of: Alachua, on the _____ day of ___________, 18__, and served until the: close of war 1865. COMRADE WITNESSES: Name: Sim Osteen Address: Bell, Florida. Name: Elias Osteen. Address: Bell Fla. Name: John Parish Address: Dead. Name: J. Robt. Randel Address: Dead Name: Wiley Hibes. Address: Don’t Know. Pension was granted the ______ day of ____________, 1929. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF GILCHRIST Before me, a Notary Public in and for the State of Florida at large, personally appeared James W. Harper on this the 13th. day of February, 1931 who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says: I am 78 years old. I was born on the 12th day of October, 1853 in the State of Florida, County of Putman. I enlisted in Captain Underwood’s Company of Home Guards on the ______ day of __________, 186____ of Nunansville, in the State of Florida, County of Alachua and served until the close of war 1865. I was discharged at the close of war ____ day of _________, 1865 at Olustee, State of Florida. Captain Underwood’s Company had about 50 men enrolled composed of young boys eight to 14 and 15 years old. The men named below were some of my Comrades. See List above. The following named men never enlisted or served in Captain ____________ Company of ________________. _____________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ I rendered service in the civil War as follows: Careing for the wounded, burying the dead, looking after cattle. I was in the service about one year from the time I enlisted until discharged. See Page 2. ********************************************************************* 10579 PENSION CLAIM NO. ----------J. W. HARPER. ADDRESS: BELL FLA. _______________________________________ W. S. OSTEEN, ADDRESS: BELL, FLA. Wm. C. Walker Same Sam Sanders Same W. C. Lindsey Same H. D. Douglas Same Wiley Hines Same Aaron Fowler Same Will swear, and have already made sworn statements that they enlisted and served in Underwood’s Company, and that J. W. Walker was not there.” The original sworn satements referred to may be found in the case papers of the above named men, in their claims for Pension. Jos. M. Guinn, Address: Old Soliders Home, Jax. Fla. claims to have been a member of Underwood’s Co. and that he has no recollection of seeing J. W. Walker there. Mr. Guinn knew Capt. Underwood, and the men enrolled in his Company. F.D.B.Dell, C.W. Stephens, Have made affidavits, which are on file as to Capt. Underwood’s Company, and they claim never to have seen J. W. Harper in Underwoods Co. Mr. Dell, and Mr. Stephens, lived at Nunans- ville during the war, and saw Underwood’s Co. and witnessed the Company Drill often, but have no recollection of seeing Mr. Harper. 2/26/31 T. J. W. ********************************************************************* J. W. Harper 2 at the time I enlisted in Capt. Underwood’s Company I was 8 or 9 years old. I was big enough to carry a gun and to do what I was told to do. When I enlisted, we was ordered to Orange Springs in Putman County. We was there about one week, then we went to Palatha for one day; came back to my home in Alachua Co. and I remained there until after the battle of Olusteo. A few days after the battle, I went to Olusteo and was discharged. I was under the command of Capt. Underwood the whole time of my enlistment. I have no recollection of seeing the men listed below in Underwood’s Company. They were not there. J. E. Lindsey; W. C. Lindsey; G. W. Roberts; Elias Roberts; Bryant Thomas; G. J. Wright; H. D. Douglas; Frances M. Cooper; Alfred L. Hodge. If these men were in Underwood’s Co. I never knew any thing about it. I have lived in Florida all *********************************************************************** J. W. Harper 3 of my life. Hiram Sanders, a Justice of the Peace at Bell, prepared my claim for a pension. I have paid Sanders $5.00 and I still owe him the balance for his services. I have never been a witness in any claims for pensions. I have never signed any papers except my own. My witnesses were Sim Osteen and John Parish. John W. x (his mark) Harper Witness: William M. Harper Tom J. Watts Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 13 day of February 1931. Tom J. Watts N.P. P.S. J. W. Harper says his father Mallis Harper was killed in the Olusteo Battle. ********************************************************************* (Letter) Unknown July 15, 1958 HARPER, Jim W. 880 – Misc. File Widow: (Confederate) Veterans Benefits Office Minnie Lee Harper Manitions Bldg., Rt. 1, Box 55 Washington 25, D.c. Bell, Florida Dear Sir: Attached hereto please find Confederate widow’s application VB 8—534 completed to the best of her ability. Sworn statements of Mars. Mattie Trail and May Bell Martin; C. W. Martin. Also, certified copy of the Marriage Certificate of J. W. Harper and Minnie Cruse, done on the 23rd day of May, 1937, Trenton, Florida. Certificate of Birth of Jimmie Lee Harper, born October 16, 1943, Gilchrist County, Bell, Florida. Letter dated May 23, 19955 to the Hon. H. G. Cruse, Bell, Florida from H. E. Lancaster, Representative, Gilchrist County, Trenton, Fla. Copy of Bill entitled an Act to grant a Confederate pension to Mrs. Minnie Harper of Bell, Gilchrist County, Fla. 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, MEDl:V MELVIN T. DIXON State Service Officer cc: Will G. May County Service Officer Trenton, Fla. ********************************************************************* Bell Florida July 12, 1958 Hon. Melvin T. Dixon State Service officer St. Petersburg, Fla. My dear Sir: In receipt of your of July 2, 1958 enclosing VA 534 wish to say thank you and am enclosing same together with evidence as you will note, will you please look this over and if you think of anything else or any changes will you please advise. The facts are set forth as near as I know how to give them. Again thank you Very truly yours Minnie Lee Harper ****************************************************************** PENSIONER NO. 10579 Application No. 21313 Mrs. Minnie Harper Gilchrist County Bell, Florida Filed June 23, 1953 Approved with pay from June 23, 1955 Act of the legislature of 1955 The date the Act became a Law Chapter 30339 Act of the Legislature of 1955 Widow of J. W. Harper at Under- wood’s Home Guard Company **************************************************************** File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/gilchrist/military/civilwar/pensions/harper38nmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/flfiles/ File size: 33.2 Kb