Gilchrist County FlArchives Military Records.....OSTEEN, W. S. 1928 Civilwar - Pension Home Guard ************************************************ 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: Jimmy R. Polk Nascar3Fan@aol.com June 9, 2007, 9:27 pm Pension Application A10430 FLORIDA CONFEDERATE PENSION APPLICATION FILES Surname: OSTEEN Given names: W. S. Service Unit: Home Guard Reference: Wife’s name: Jane Polk Application County & Year: Gilchrist Co. 1928 Page 001 A10430 Page 002 WIDOW’S PENSION CLAIM UNDER GENERAL PENSION LAW OF FLORIDA FORM A. State of Florida ] County of Gilchrist] On this 24th day of March, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and 36, personally appeared before me a County Judge in and for the County and State aforesaid Jane Osteen a resident of Highsprings (sic), 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 the General Pension Laws of Florida. That she is the lawful widow of W. S. Osteen who enlisted under the name of …………….. on the ….day of ………….., 186…, in Company …………..Regiment of the State of …………., and who was honorably discharged at ………………, 186….., on account of ……………(here give complete statement of other service if any.) That he also served……………………… (State here is husband drew a pension, and when.) For proof of husband’s war service, Refer to Pension #8831, Filed in the Comptroller’s office, Tallahassee, Florida. That she was lawfully married to the said W. S. Osteen under the name of Jane Polk, in the County of Alachua, State of Florida, on the Unknown day of Unknown, 1864, and that she was not divorced from him before nor has she remarried since his death, wich occurred on the 7th day of March, 1936, in the County of Gilchrist, State of Florida, except as hereinafter stated. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That she is a resident of Gilchrist County, Florida, and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since the All her Life. She is now 80 years old. Page 003 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 Highsprings, County of Gilchrist, State of Florida. Jane her X mark Osteen (Signature of Claimant.) Attest: (1) Hugh V. Miller (2) M. E. Whitty Sworn and subscribed before me this 24th day of March, A. D. 1936. 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. M. G. Akins County Judge, Gilchrist County, Florida (a) Note: This form left blank in its entirety. (b) State of Florida County of Gilchrist Before me, a County Judge, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared J. Hance Osteen and L. V. Polk, who, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, each for himself, that he was present at the marriage of W. S. Osteen and Jane Polk which occurred at Near Highsprings on the Unknown day of ……, A. D. 1864, in the County of Alachua, State of Florida, and that the ceremony was performed by Rev. Sim Sheffield. J. H. Osteen (L.S.) L.V. Polk (L.S.) Sworn and subscribed before me this 26th day of March, A. D. 1936. M. G. Akins County Judge Gilchrist County Florida (SEAL) Page 004 (c) State of Florida County of Gilchrist Before me, a County Judge, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Hugh V. Miller and M. E. Whitty 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 W. S. Osteen which occurred at Highsprings, County of Gilchrist, State of Florida on the 7th day of March, A. D. 1936. Hugh V. Miller (L.S.) M. E. Whitty (L.S.) Sworn and subscribed before me this 24th day of March, A. D. 1936 M. G. Akins County Judge Gilchrist County Florida. (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 date, the foregoing application of Jane Osteen 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 First day of April, A. D. 1936. (1) S. B. Hardee, Chairman (2) R. F. Pridgeon (3) W. Z. Bryant (4) Ira J. Philman (5) Dewey J. Stalvey, County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: H. E. Harllee Clerk Circuit Court NOTE—All Blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. Applicant 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. Page 005 These Blanks must be filled in by Pension Board Claim No…………… Name…………………. Property…………………. Co. Com…………………… Res…………………………. PROOF OF WAR SERVICE Witnesses……………………….. ………………………………….. ………………………………….. ………………………………….. Company……………………….. Regiment……………………….. Enlisted…………………………. ………………………………….. W. D. RECORD Company……………………….. Regiment……………………….. Enlisted…………………………. REMARKS ………………………………….. ………………………………….. ………………………………….. ………………………………….. ………………………………….. ………………………………….. Former Claim No………………. Application No. 24121 Pensioner No. 10430 CLAIM FOR PENSION By Mrs. Jane Osteen Of High Springs Postoffice Alachua County WIDOW OF W. S. Osteen Of ………………………Company ………………………Regiment FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT April 3, 1936 APPROVED AND FILED IN COMP- TROLLER’S OFFICE May 30, 1936 With pay from March 8, 1936 At the rate of $480.00 per annum Roumelle Bowen Secretary of Board Artcraft Printers, Tallahassee, Florida 112.00 Page 006 SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM Under General Pension Law of Florida as Amended by Acts of 1921. (FORM A.) STATE OF FLORIDA] County of Gilchrist ] On this 6th day of June, A. D. One thousand Nine Hundred and 28 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace 3rd Disct) (sic) in and for the county and State aforesaid, W. S. Osteen, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 80. years of age, having been born on the 28th day of January, 1848, in the county of Columbia, 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 28th day of January, 1848. That he is the identical person who enlisted at Old Nunansville, under the name of W. S. Osteen on or about the 1st of January 1864, in Company Capt Underwood as Home Guard of the State of Florida in the service of the (Here state whether the service claimed was in the Confederate States Army or in the service of a State.) Confederate Army and who was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida, on the At the Close of the War, 1865, on account of Close of the War (Here state fully any other military service performed by applicant.) I was Detatched (sic) from the army on Thursday of every Week to Carry Mail From Fort White Ferry to Cow Creek a distance of Fifteen Miles Without Compensation. (Here give date and place of capture, imprisonment, exchange or parole.) ……………… That I served faithfully until HONORABLY DISCHARGED from the service of the Confederacy in the year 1865, and did not desert the service of the Confederate Army nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States until after the surrender of the Confederate Armies. (Here state whereabouts at close of Civil War.) That I was At Fort White Florida at Close of the War. Page 007 That I have heretofore applied for a pension from the State of Florida and refer to Claim No. ……… for the proof contained therein. (Here state any disabilities, physical or mental.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That my postoffice address is Fort White, County of Gilchrist, State of Florida. W. S. Osteen (Claimant must sign name in full.) Attest: (2) J. A. Parish (1) John Phillips Sworn and subscribed before me this 7th day of June, A. D. 1928, 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. H. A. Sanders Justice of the Peace Page 008 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 W. S. Osteen, for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us, and we are satisfied that the representation made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted to the applicant. Witness our hands this 30th day of July, A. D. 1928 (1) J. T. Everett, Chairman (2) I. P. Philpot (3) J. O. Thomas (4) E. C. Sapp (5) A. L. Sanders, County Commissioners 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. Page 009 These Blanks to be filled in by Pension Board. Claim No………… Name…………………………….. Property 7526 Co. Com. 6640 Res………………………………. PROOF OF WAR SERVICE Witnesses……………………….. One wit. On Pen. Roll Company………………………… Regiment………………………… Enlisted………………………….. W, D. RECORD Company………………………… Regiment………………………… Enlisted………………………….. …………………………………… REMARKS …………………………………… …………………………………… …………………………………… Former Claim No. 2 Application No. 23334 Pensioner No. 8831 CLAIM FOR PENSION By W. S. Osteen Of Ft. White Postoffice Gilchrist County Late of …………………………… Of Underwoods Company Fla Regiment FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT Aug. 6, 1928 APPROVED AND FILED IN COMP- TROLLER’S OFFICE Nov. 14, 1928 With pay from Aug. 6, 1928 At the rate of $480.00 per annum Roumelle Bowen Secretary of Board …………………………….. T. J. Appleyard, Printer, Tallahassee, Florida Page 010 (FORM D.) AFFIDAVIT TO BE MADE BY A COMMISSIONED OFFICER NOTE: This form has been left blank in its entirety. (FORM E.) AFFIDAVIT TO BE MADE BY COMRADE STATE OF ………………] County of Gilchrist ] Before me, a Justice of the Peace 3rd District in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally came J. A. Parrish, of Fort White 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 or About January 1st 1928, (sic) T. J. Appleyard, Inc., Tallahassee, Florida Page 011 In Company Underwoods of Home Guards Reg Forgotten 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 W. S. Osteen enlisted in Company Capt. Underwood Regiment of the State of Florida, at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida, on Or About the First of January, 1864; that he served faithfully in the said organization until the The (sic) Close of the War, 1865, when he was HONORABLY DISCHARGED on account of Close of the War, at Fort White, 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. (Here state whether the soldier was transferred to another organization, or not, and if captured or imprisoned, state when and where.) Was not Transferred any other Organization but was detailed to Handle the Mail for the benefit of the Army and the Setlers (sic) of that Comunity (sic). I know personally of the above stated service, because I served with Him in the same Company, of Home Guards of the State of Florida, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Fort White, in the State of Florida, on the At 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. J. A. Parish Late of Company of Home Guards Regt. Sworn and subscribed before me this 7th day of June, 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 Justice of the Peace (FORM F.) AFFIDAVIT TO BE MADE BY COMRADE STATE OF Florida] County of Gilchrist] Before me, a Justice of the Peace 3rd District in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally came John R. Philipps (sic), of Fort White, 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 or about First of January, in Company of underwood (sic) of Home Guards Regiment of the State of Florida, which organization was regularly mustered into the service of the Page 012 Confederate States of America; that he knows of his own personal knowledge that W. S. Osteen enlisted in Company of Underwood of Home Guards Regiment of the State of Florida, at Old Nunansville, in the State of Florida on the 1st of January, 1864; that he served faithfully in the said organization until the Close of the War, 1865, when he was HONORABLY DISCHARGED on account of Close of the War, at Fort White, 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. (Here state whether the soldier was transferred to another organization, or not, and if captured or imprisoned, state when and where.) he handled the mail or Carried the Mail From Fort White and distributed amoung (sic) the Citizens of Cow Creek 1 (number 2 appears to be overwritten by number 1) days Each week. I know personally of the above stated service, because I served with Him in Company of Underwood as Home Guard of the State of Florida, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Fort White, in the State of Florida, on the At Close of 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. I. John Phillips Late of Company Underwood Regt. Sworn and subscribed before me this 7th day of June, 19228 (sic), 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 Justice of the Peace 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. Application was made about one year ago but was denied on account that proof was not made to show this mail service was part of the regular Service. Page 013 SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM NO. __________ ORIGINAL Filed the __________ day of _________ 19___ Name William S. Osteen Age 82 years. Address Ft. White State of Florida, County of Columbia, R.F.D.________ SERVED IN THE CIVIL WAR AS FOLLOWS: Enlisted in Captain Underwoods Company of Home Guards. At Nunansville, State of Florida, County of Alachua On the ___ day of spring of 1864 and served until the close of war 1865 COMRADE WITNESSES: Name Elias Osteen Address: dead, wife also dead Name Stephen Parish Address: dead, wife also dead Name John Phillips Address: dead. Name Willey Hines Address: High Springs Name_____________ Address: _______________ Name_____________ Address: _______________ Pension____________granted the _________day of_____________19___ STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF Gilchrist. Before me, a Notary Public in and for the State of Florida at large, personally appeared William S. Osteen, on this the 13 day of February 1931 who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says: I am 84 years old. I was born on the 28th day of January 1848 in the State of Florida, County of Columbia. I enlisted in Captain Underwoods Company of Home Guards in the spring of 1865 at Nunansville in the State of Florida, County of Alachua, and served until the close of war 1865. I was discharged on the close of war 1865 at Nunansville State of Florida. Captain Underwoods Company had about 12 or 15 men enrolled composed of young boys ten to fifteen years old. The men named below were some of my Comrades. See above The following named men never enlisted or served in Captain _______________ Company of _________: ___________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ I rendered service in the Civil War as follows: I never rendered any service during the Civil War. I was enlisted and ready for any duty if called upon, but I remained at home all the time--- Page 014 NOTE: This page is a typewritten copy of Page 013, which is handwritten. SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM NO. __________ COPY Filed the __________ day of _________ 19___ Name William S. Osteen Age 82 years. Address Ft. White State of Florida, County of Columbia, R.F.D.________ SERVED IN THE CIVIL WAR AS FOLLOWS: Enlisted in Captain Underwoods Company of Home Guards. At Nunansville, State of Florida, County of Alachua On the ___ day of spring of 1864 and served until the close of war 1865 COMRADE WITNESSES: Name Elias Osteen Address: dead, wife also dead Name Stephen Parish Address: dead, wife also dead Name John Phillips Address: dead. Name Willey Hines Address: High Springs Name_____________ Address: _______________ Name_____________ Address: _______________ Pension____________granted the _________day of_____________19___ STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF Gilchrist. Before me, a Notary Public in and for the State of Florida at large, personally appeared William S. Osteen, on this the 13 day of February 1931 who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says: I am 84 years old. I was born on the 28th day of January 1848 in the State of Florida, County of Columbia. I enlisted in Captain Underwoods Company of Home Guards in the spring of 1865 at Nunansville in the State of Florida, County of Alachua, and served until the close of war 1865. I was discharged on the close of war 1865 at Nunansville State of Florida. Captain Underwoods Company had about 12 or 15 men enrolled composed of young boys ten to fifteen years old. The men named below were some of my Comrades. See above The following named men never enlisted or served in Captain _______________ Company of _________: _____________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________ I rendered service in the Civil War as follows: I never rendered any service during the Civil War. I was enlisted and ready for any duty if called upon, but I remained at home all the time--- Page 015 W. S. Osteen 2 I was personally acquainted with Capt. Underwood. He lived in Alachua County about 3 miles West of Nunansville. Underwood was a big farmer. He was about 50 years old. The men named below never enlisted or served in Underwood’s Co. If they did, I had no knowledge of it. H. D. Douglas; F. M. Cooper; J. W. Harper; J. E. Lindsey; W. C. Lindsey; Sim Osteen; Geo. W. Roberts; Elias K. Roberts; Sam Sanders; Bryant Thomas; Silas J. Wright; W. C. Walker, and Alfred L. Hodge. The men who served in Underwood’s Company are about all dead except Wiley Hines and I. J. Phillips and John Parish were my witnesses when I made my claim. I was not a comrade witness for H. B. Douglas, or any one else. I was raised up in Page 016 W. S. Osteen 3 Alachua County, Fla. and have been in Alachua Co. practically all of my life. I have been married about 53 or 54 years. I was about 23 years old when I married. W. S. Osteen Witness: W. T. Thomas S. W. Osteen Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 13 day of February 1931. Tom J. Watts N. P. Page 017 PENSION CLAIM NO. _____________ Wm. S. OSTEEN. ADDRESS: BELL, FLA. H. D. Douglas, Bell, Florida Wiley Hines, High Springs Fla. Have made sworn statements, that Wm. S. Hines, never enlisted or served in Underwood’s Company. H. D. Douglas and Wiley Hines, claim to have served in Underwood’s Company, and to have knew (sic) the other men who served-and they say W. S. Osteen was never there. Jas. M. Guinn, Old Soldier’s Home, Jacksonville Fla. F. B. Dell, High Springs Fla. C. W. Stephens, Alachua Florida. Have all recently made sworn statements, that they were well acquainted with Capt. Underwood, and know about the Co. of Home Guards organized at Nunansville. They saw Underwoods men drill, and know the men enroled (sic) in the Co., but never saw W. S. Osteen there. Jas. M. Guinn, claims to have served in Underwood’s Co. and to be the only surviving member now living. He has no knowledge of Mr. Osteen service. ___________________________ 2/26/31. T.J.W. Original sworn statements of the men named in section one, above-may be found in the file covering their claims for pensions. Original sworn statements of the men named in Sec.two above- may be found in file Re. Underwood’s Co. Page 018 Page 2 William S. Osteen. I was personally acquainted with Capt. Underwood. He lived in Alachua County about 3 miles West of Nunansville. Underwood was a big farmer. He was about 50 years old. The men named below never enlisted or served in Underwood’s Co. If they did, I had no knowledge of it. Viz: H. D. Douglas. F. M. Cooper. J. W. Harper. J. E. Lindsey. W. C. Lindsey. Sim Osteen. Geo. W. Roberts. Elias K. Roberts. Sam Sanders. Bryant Thomas. Silas J. Wright. W. C. Walker. Alfred L. Hodge. The men who served in Underwood’s Company are about all dead except Wiley Hines and I. J. Phillips and John Parish were my witnesses when I made my claim. I was not a Comrade Witness for H. B. Douglas, or any one else. I was raised up in Alachua County, Fla. and have been in Alachua Co. practically all of my life. I have been married about 53 or 54 years. I was about 23 years old when I married. (Signed) W. S. Osteen. WITNESS: (Signed) W. T. Thomas. (Signed) W. S. Osteen. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 13th day of February 1931. (Signed) Tom J. Watts N. P. Page 019 PENSION CLAIM NO. 8831. W.S.OSTEEN. ADDRESS: FT.WHITE FLA ___________________________________ Claims to have enlisted in Underwood’s Company about January 1st. 1864, and served until the close of the war. WITNESSES: J. A. Parish, and John Phillips. (Both dead.) PENSION GRANTED by Special Act of the Legislature in 1927. Placed on the Pension Roll in November 1928. _____________________________________ INVESTIGATION _____________________________________ See sworn statement of Wm. S. Osteen, dated 2/13/31. in which he says: 1. That he is 82 years old. That he was born January 28th. 1848, in Columbia County, Florida. 2. That he enlisted in Capt. Underwood’s Company of Home Guards at Nunansville, in the Spring of 1865, and served. until the close of the war. Was discharged at Nunansville. 3. That Underwood’s Company had about 12 or 15 young boys ten to 15 years old. 4. That he only remembers the names of four of his comrades, all of whom are dead except Wiley Hines. 5. Wiley Hines and H. D. Douglas have recently made affidavits in which they state positively that William S. Osteen never enlisted or served in Underwoods Company. 6. J. M. Guinn, who claims to be the only surviving member of Underwoods Company, and that he knew the men in the said Company— also F. B. Dell and C. W. Stephens who claim to have been acquainted with Underwood and his men and often witnessed their drill practice have sworn that they never saw William S. Osteen in Underwoods Company. 7. W. S. Osteen now makes the swor (sic) statement that he NEVER RENDERED ANY SERVICE DURING THE CIVIL WAR—THAT HE REMAINED AT HOME ALL THE TIME. 8. That he was not a Comrade witness for any person making claim for a pension. We find that he was a Comrade witness in the claim of H. D. Douglas—which he now denies.” (sic) _______________________________________ 9. H. D. Douglas, and Wiley Hines, have recently sworn that Wm. S. Osteen, never enlisted or served in Underwood’s Company. Jos. M. Guinn, an inmate of the Old Soldiers Home at Jacksonville, who Claims to be the only surviving member of Underwood’s Co., F. B. Dell, and C. W. Stephens-highly Respected citizens olf (sic) Alachua Co. claim to have- Page 020 In Re. To Wm. S. Osteen. Page No. 2. Been well acquainted with Capt. Underwood, and the men in his Company. All have sworn that they never saw W. S. Osteen in Underwood’s Company. ________________________________________ CONCLUSION: I. That Wm. S. Osteen, is an imposter. That he never enlisted or served in the Civil War, in Underwoods Company, or any other Company. 2. That in as much as he admits that he performed no service. In Underwood’s Company. That he is not entitled to a Pension. _______________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That W. S. Osteen, be dropped from the Pension Roll, and his Claim cancelled. 2/24/31 T.J.W. Page 021 At Bell Fla 2/13/31 State of Florida County of Gilchrist Before me a Notary Public in and for the State of Florida at large personally appeared this 13 day of Feby. 1931, Sim Osteen who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says: I have signed up as a Comrade witness for the following men who served with me in Captain Underwoods Co. of Home Guards during the Civil War. Robert Randle Owen Smith (Dead) J. W. Harper Hun Osteen (Dead) If my name appears as a witness in any other cases it is a forgery and I know nothing about it. Sim his X mark Osteen Witness: William M. Harper Tom J. Watts Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 13 Feby. 1931. Tom J. Watts N.P. Page 022 July 20th, 1927. Hon. Ernest Turner 135 DeSoto St., Gainesville, Fla. Dear Mr. Turner: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 18th, with affidavits of the service of W. S. Osteen. These affidavits have been filed with his application for consideration of the Board at its next meeting, and he will be advised promptly when action is taken thereon. With kind regards and best withes, I am, Yours very truly, Comptroller. /B Page 023 NOTE: The following is on letterhead of the State of Florida, House of Representatives Fred H. Davis S. W. Getzen Frank Webb Speaker Speaker Pro-Tem. Chief Clerk (Seal of State of STATE OF FLORIDA R. T. Mickler Florida) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Asst. Chief Clerk Tallahassee Gainesville Fla. 135 – Desoto St. July 18, 27 Hon. Ernest Amos Tallahassee, Fla. Dear Mr. Amos: Enclosed will find duplicate of affidavits which were submitted with bill asking that W. S. Osteen of Fort White, Fla. be placed on the pension roll. If this is not sufficient, other affidavits can be secured. I assure you a favorable report will be very much appreciated as I feel that the old gentleman deserves it. I am, Yours very truly, Ernest Turner Page 024 July 8th 1927 Mr. W. S. Osteen % Nance Osteen, Ft.White, Fla. Dear Sir: I am just in receipt of a letter from Hon. Ernest Tucker, in regard to your Special Law for pension, and in this connection beg to advise that the Pension Board is required to investigate these claims also. I note that you have furnished me proof of your service, but he states you submitted affidavits with your claim to the Legislature but for some reason or another they never reached this office, and I would suggest that you secure other affidavits of members serving with you if possible and send to this office. The matter will then be presented to the Board and you will be advised of the action taken thereon. With best wishes, I am, Yours very truly, Comptroller. /B Page 025 State of Florida, Alachua County Before me a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Alachua County Personally appeared J. L. Koon to me well known, whom being first duly sworn says, that William Shade O’Steen is now a resident of Alachua County, (now Gilchrist) and has been for many years, and says that, to their own certain knowledge, that during the war between the States that he was in the Government service, as mail carrier, and delivered mail to the following people, Nancy Polk, Caroline Polk, Mary Polk, Annie Beach, Katie Beach, Martha Beach, Ollie Overstreet, Mrs. Jim Guynn, and one other Guynn, and that said mail was delivered to him at Old Fort White Fla. by John Biby who was then in the Service of the Government as Mail Carrier, from Lake City to Fort Fannin on the Suwannee River. J. L. Koon Sworn to and subscribed before me this July 6th. 1927.A.D. W. R. Jones Justice of Peace Alachua County, Fla., Before me a (sic) Officer duly authorized to administer oaths personally appeared William Shade O’Steen who being first duly sworn says that he has read over the above and foregoing affidavits and says that the same true and correct. & says he is 80 years old now. W. S. Ostean William Shade his X mark O’Steen Soen (sic) and subscribed before me this July 6th. A.D. 1927 W. R. Jones Justice of Peace Page 026 State of Florida, Alachua County Before me a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Alachua County Personally appeared Mrs. H. C. Sanchez & Martha Beach to me well known, whom being first duly sworn says, that William Shade O’Steen is now a resident of Alachua County, (now Gilchrist) and has been for many years, and says that, to their own certain knowledge, that during the war between the States that he was in the Government service, as mail carrier, and delivered mail to the following people, Nancy Polk, Caroline Polk, Mary Polk, Annie Beach, Katie Beach, Martha Beach, Ollie Overstreet, Mrs. Jim Guynn, and one other Guynn, and that said mail was delivered to him at Old Fort White Fla. by John Biby who was then in the Service of the Government as Mail Carrier, from Lake City to Fort Fannin on the Suwannee River. Witnes (sic) Mrs. H. C. Sanchez Martha A Beach her X Sworn to and subscribed before me this July 6th. 1927. A.D. W. R. Jones Justice of Peace Martha A. Beach her X Alachua County, Fla., Before me a (sic) Officer duly authorized to administer oaths personally appeared William Shade O’Steen who being first duly sworn says that he has read over the above and foregoing affidavits and says that the same true and correct. Witnes (sic) Annie Beach Soen (sic) and subscribed before me this July 6th. A.D. 1927 ________________________ Justice of Peace Page 027 State of Florida, Alachua County Before me a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Alachua County Personally appeared Geo. Beach & John Phillips to me well known, whom being first duly sworn says, that William Shade O’Steen is now a resident of Alachua County, (now Gilchrist) and has been for many years, and says that, to their own certain knowledge, that during the war between the States that he was in the Government service, as mail carrier, and delivered mail to the following people, Nancy Polk, Caroline Polk, Mary Polk, Annie Beach, Katie Beach, Martha Beach, Ollie Overstreet, Mrs. Jim Guynn, and one other Guynn, and that said mail was delivered to him at Old Fort White Fla. by John Biby who was then in the Service of the Government as Mail Carrier, from Lake City to Fort Fannin on the Suwannee River. John Phillips Geo. Beach Sworn to and subscribed before me this July 6th. 1927. A.D. W. R. Jones Justice of Peace Alachua County, Fla., Before me a (sic) Officer duly authorized to administer oaths personally appeared William Shade O’Steen who being first duly sworn says that he has read over the above and foregoing affidavits and says that the same true and correct. Witnes (sic) Ala. Douglas Soen (sic) and subscribed before me this July 6th. A.D. 1927 ________________________ Justice of Peace Page 028 State of Florida, Alachua County Before me a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Alachua County Personally appeared John A. Parrish to me well known, whom being first duly sworn says, that William Shade O’Steen is now a resident of Alachua County, (now Gilchrist) and has been for many years, and says that, to their own certain knowledge, that during the war between the States that he was in the Government service, as mail carrier, and delivered mail to the following people, Nancy Polk, Caroline Polk, Mary Polk, Annie Beach, Katie Beach, Martha Beach, Ollie Overstreet, Mrs. Jim Guynn, and one other Guynn, and that said mail was delivered to him at Old Fort White Fla. by John Biby who was then in the Service of the Government as Mail Carrier, from Lake City to Fort Fannin on the Suwannee River. John A. Parrish Sworn to and subscribed before me this July 6th. 1927. A.D. W. R. Jones Justice of Peace Alachua County, Fla., Before me a (sic) Officer duly authorized to administer oaths personally appeared William Shade O’Steen who being first duly sworn says that he has read over the above and foregoing affidavits and says that the same true and correct. Witnes (sic) P. E. Parneal Soen (sic) and subscribed before me this July 6th. A.D. 1927 ________________________ Justice of Peace Page 029 July 1st, 1927. Mr. W. S. Osteen, Trenton, Fla. Dear Sir: The last Legislature by Special Act, placed your name on the Confederate pension roll. However, a general Law, Chapter 9206, makes it the duty of the pension board to investigate the war record of every soldier or sailor, or their widows, granted a pension by special act of the legislature, and if, found to the satisfaction of the pension board that the soldier or sailor upon whose service the pension was based, deserted or did not render service the pension Board is empowered, directed and required to strike the name of such pensioner from the pension roll. At a meeting of the pension board held on June 30th, your pension was taken up and considered, an (sic) no proof of service appearing in the record, in conformity with the requirements of said Chapter 9206, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, you are respectfully requested to submit such proof of service to the pension board as you may wish in support of your claim within a reasonable time or show cause why you should not be stricken from the roll pursuant to the requirements of said Chapter 9206, as aforesaid. Yours most respectfully, Secretary, Pension Board. /B Page 030 Gainesville, Fla. C/o University Station June 28th ’27. Dear Mr. Amos: Your letter received stating that affidavits for pension of W. S. Osteen were “submitted with the Special Bill, but are not with the Special Law.” I do not know what could have become of affidavits as they accompanied the Special Bill. I trust that this will not hinder him from getting his pension as I know that he is worthy and deserves same. The affidavits I consider were very good. Would it not be possible for the Pension Board to defer action in this particular case until he can get up a duplicate of the affidavits? Wish you would write him relative to the matter-advising him what steps to take. His address: W. S. Osteen, Ft. White, Fla. c/o Hance Osteen. Your friend, Ernest Turner Page 031 A BILL TO BE STYLED AN ACT TO PLACE THE NAME OF W. S. OSTEEN, OF GILCHRIST COUNTY, UPON THE PENSION ROLL, AND TO PAY SAID W. S. OSTEEN THE ALLOWANCE NOW OR HEREAFTER ALLOWED BY LAW FOR CONFEDERATE PENSIONS UNDER THE ACTS OF FLORIDA NOW OR HEREAFTER ENFORCED. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA: Whereas, W. S. Osteen, a Civil War veteran, was engaged in the Confederate service in the army of the Confederate states, as mail delivery man from Fort White to Lake City, Florida, and that he was continued until surrender of the Confederate forces; and whereas, this service seems to be satisfactorily proven by the sworn affidavits of persons whose affidavit is appended hereto, and for these reasons the said W. S. Osteen therefore appears to be entitled to be placed upon the pension list of Florida at the compensation allowed other soldiers or sailors under the laws of Florida; therefore, SECTION 1: That from and after the passage and approval of this act the said W. S. Osteen of Gilchrist County, be, and he is, hereby placed upon the pension list under the laws of Florida at the compensation now or hereafter allowed soldiers and sailors. SECTION 2: That this Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon its becoming a law without such approval. Approved May 25, 1927 Page 032 Hou (page is torn and part text is missing) 308 Special Application No. 23089 W. S. Osteen C/o Hance Osteen Ft. White Gilchrist County. Filed in Pension Department June 8, 1927. Approved by Governor May 25, 1927 Approved by Pension Board NG Oct. 19-1927 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/gilchrist/military/civilwar/pensions/osteen29gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 39.0 Kb