Gilchrist County FlArchives Military Records.....OSTEEN, John Hance 1941 Civilwar - Pension Mail Srv ************************************************ 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 August 3, 2007, 3:10 pm PENSION APPLICATION A08946 FLORIDA CONFEDERATE PENSION APPLICATION FILES Surname: OSTEEN Given Names: John Hance Service Unit: Mail Srv Residence: Wife’s Name: Application County & Year: Gilchrist Co 1941 Page 001 A8946 Page 002 Form 118-5-16-1002-2M I. B. Hilson, State Printer Tallahassee SOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION. STATE OF FLORIDA } GILCHRIST COUNTY} On this 4th day of September, 1937, personally appeared before me, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said county and State, John Hance Osteen, who being by me duly sworn says that he is a son of James A. Osteen and Mary P. Osteen, of Columbia County, Florida, near Fort White; that affiant was born December 22d, 1856, near Fort White, Columbia County, Florida, and was brought by his parents to then Alachua County, -nor (sic) Gilchrist County, Florida, during the year, 1857, and that during his childhood, and during the civil war between the States of the United States of America, he actually performed the service and helped deliver the mail to the wives of Confederate Soldiers, for about the latter half of the year, 1863, and continuously to the end of said War, as set forth in the hereto attached written statement, which he hereto attaches, and to all of which he hereby swears to be true and correct, for the purpose therein indicated, as tho (sic), as fully and to the same extent that he would if it were herein copied haec verba, and hereby submits the same as a part of this printed application for a pension; that my wife, Sarah F. Osteen, died in Gilchrist County, Florida, on February 4th, 1935, and that I am now unable to gain a livelihood by manual labor; that I have continuously since January 1st, 1885, been a citizen of Florida; that neither I, nor my wife, nor both combined, own real and personal property to the value of $800 in this or any other State, and have not purposely disposed of our property for the purpose of availing ourselves of the provisions of the pension laws of Florida; that I am not otherwise enabled, or in a position to earn, and have no income from any source sufficient for a livelihood by manual labor, and that I never deserted the Confederate service, and that I receive a pension from no other source. John Hance Osteen (signature) P. O. Address High Springs, Alachua County, Florida, R.F.D. into Gilchrist County, Florida. Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day September, 1937. H. E. Harllee (signature) Clerk Circuit Court Gilchrist County. Circuit Court seal affixed Page 003 I do solemnly swear that I was born on the 22d day of December, 1856, in Columbia county, State of Florida, and that I am now past the age of sixty-five (65) years; that I was a bona-fide citizen of this State on January 1st, A. D. 1885, and have continuously resided in this State since that date; that I do not own property, real or person, or real and personal, to the value of eight hundred dollars ($800), and that I am by reason of age incapable of providing a living by manual labor for myself. John Hance Osteen (signature) P. O. Address High Springs, Florida. Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of September, 1937. H. E. Harllee (signature) Clerk Circuit Court Gilchrist County. We do solemnly swear that we personally knew John Hance Osteen the above applicant for pension during the Civil War of 1861 to 1865, that we served with him in ….Company…..Regiment, and know of our own knowledge that he did receive the injuries set forth in the above application at the time and place claimed, and that the disability therefrom claimed to exist, does exist, and that he never deserted the Confederate Army. L. V. his X mark Polk Late of …. Co. …. Reg. To be Subscribed by two Persons. Aaron his X mark Polk Late of ….. Co. …..Reg. Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of Sept. 1937 as to L. V. Polk J. W. Dykes, J.P. (signature) My Commission Expires Jan. 1941. Witness To X mark of Aaron Polk M. G. Akins, Trenton, Fla. (signature) V. B. Osteen (Signature) We do solemnly swear that we are familiar with the value of all the property owned by John Hance Osteen and his wife, directly or indirectly, in this or any other State, and that the actual combined value thereof does not exceed $800; that they have not disposed of any property for the purpose of availing themselves of the provisions of the pension laws of Florida, and that he is not physically or otherwise able, or in a position to earn a livelihood, by manual labor. J. B. Polk (signature) P. O. Address High Springs Lonnie L. Langford (signature) P. O. Address Trenton, Fla. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of Sept., 1937. J. W. Dykes, J.P. (signature) As to J. B. Polk My Commission Expires Jan. 1941 Page 004 We, the undersigned physicians, residents of the State and county aforesaid, do solemnly swear that we have carefully examined John Hance Osteen, who is personally known to us to be the person above applying for a pension under the laws of Florida, and find him suffering from Arteriosclerous (sic), Chronic Myocorditis (sic), Chronic Intestitine (sic) Nephritis. W. E. Whitlock, M. D. (signature) Residence High Springs, Fla. P. V. Heedy, M. D. (signature) Residence High Springs, Fla. Sworn and subscribed before me this 4 day of September, 1937. Kate Ryals (signature) Notary Public, State of Florida at Large My Commission Expires Mar. 3, 1941 I certify that the above affidavits are genuine; that all of the affiants are persons of respectability and good reputation, and that their statements are worthy of belief; that the attesting officers are duly authorized to attest said affidavits, and that their signatures thereto are genuine. H. E. Harllee (signature) Clerk of Circuit Court We, the undersigned County Commissioners of Gilchrist county, Florida, do hereby certify that we have carefully investigated the above application for pension made by John Hance Osteen and are satisfied that the conditions and alleged facts therein stated are true and correct, and that he is legally and justly entitled to the pension provided by the act, approved May 3, 1901. Ira J. Philman (signature) Chairman J. P. Dupree (signature) W. Z. Bryant (signature) C. R. Colson (signature) Dewey J. Stalvey (signature) County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: H. E. Harllee (signature) Clerk Circuit Court. REVISED STATUTES OF FLORIDA, CHAPTER II, ARTICLE I. 2077. The children of parents who are unable to support themselves, shall be required to make provisions for their support. 2078. On information filed before the Justice of the Peace of the proper district by any person whomsoever, stating that certain persons have made no adequate provision for their father and mother, or either of them, the Justice shall cause a summons to be issued to said parties, and evidence to be taken as to the truth of the facts stated in the information, and if the same shall be found true, after a fair trial in which the defendants shall have the right to be heard by counsel, the Justice shall issue an order making an assessment on the said children for such amount as shall be necessary for the support of their parents. 2079. Said order shall carry with it the right of enforcement by execution, and shall have the force and effect of a writ of garnishment on the wages of such children, and shall further provide for the person to whom and the manner in which the money assessed therein shall be paid. Page 005 24180 8946 CLAIM FOR PENSION BY John Hance Osteen, Of High Springs, (Gilchrist County), Late Of (As Mail Carrier.) FILED IN EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT …………………… 190.. APPROVED …………………… 190.. ………………….Secretary of Board FILED IN COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE DENIED BY PENSION BOARD Feb 17 1938 Denied 3/29/39 Page 006 Note: The following is written on a WESTERN UNION telegraph form: Ira J. Philman Bell Fla Roumele, this man wants to be notified if you know of a Pension Board meeting for enough in advance. Page 007 Note: This page consists of the printed back of a WESTERN UNION telegraph form. Page 008 Nov. 26th, 1940 Honorable Lex Green Member of Congress Starke, Florida Dear Mr. Green: Your letter of November 16th, addressed to Honorable Fred P. Cone, Governor, has been referred to this Department for the attention of the State Board of Pensions, and his claim for pension, Mr. J. Hance Osteen, will be considered by the Pension Board at the earliest date possible and you will be advised immediately upon action being taken thereon. Under the provisions of the General Pension Law, pension is provided especially for enlisted Confederate soldiers and the widows of enlisted Confederate soldiers and Mr. Osteen was not a regularly enlisted soldier but served as a ferryman during the War between the States. Yours very truly Secretary STATE BOARD OF PENSIONS /B CC to: Honorable Fred P. Cone Governor. Page 009 Note: The following letter is written on letterhead of the State of Florida, Executive Department. The word “COPY” is written across the face of the letter. November 18th, 1940 Honorable Lex Green Member of Congress Starke, Florida Dear Lex: Your letter of November 16th relative to a Confederate pension for Mr J Hance Osteen of High Springs has been received. I am referring it to Miss Romelle Bowen, Secretary to the Pension Board for attention. I am sure that you will hear direct from Miss Bowen in regard to this in a few days. With best wishes, I am Sincerely yours, Fred P Cone (signature) Governor FPC:Raj CC: Miss Romelle Bowen Secretary to the Pension Board Capitol Page 010 Note: The following letter is written on letterhead of Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Starke, Florida November 16, 1940 Honorable Fred P. Cone Governor Tallahassee, Florida Dear Fred: My attention has been called to Chapter 19614, No. 619, House Bill No. 1015, an Act granting a Confederate pension to Mr. J. Hance Osteen, of (High Springs) Gilchrist County, Florida. It became a law on June 12, 1939. I understand that Mr. Osteen has never received benefits under this Act. Uncle Hance as he is well known in all circles, is about 84 years of age and unable to follow gainful occupation. His case is one of merit and worthiness and I shall deeply appreciate your cooperation to the end that he may be allowed payments. Awaiting your advice at Starke, Florida, I am Sincerely yours, Lex Green (signature) Lex Green Member of Congress Page 011 Samuel Wyche Getzen Attorney At Law Suite 13-14-15 Vidal Building University Avenue Gainesville, Florida Associates: T. H. Getzen J. C. Getzen August 13, 1940 file Honorable W. V. Knott State Treasurer Tallahassee, Florida Re: Hans O’Steen High Springs, Florida My dear Mr. Knott: Acknowledging with thanks your letter of the 8th instant, I assure you that I appreciate the attention that you have given the same herein. I sincerely hope that you and others of the pension board will see the justice in this case and that you will meet allowing me time sufficient to be able to be present and to assist in presenting the facts with reference to this application and the law passed for payment thereof of a pension to Mr. O’Steen. If I did not know and feel as though that this was a just application you know me well enough that I would not ask you to do this for I am most sincere and honest in my convictions with reference to Confederate Pensions in our State. I will appreciate most kindly if you will advise me several days in advance when you anticipate having this board meeting so that I might arrange my conferences enabling me to be present. Thanking you and with kindest personal regards, I remain Respectfully yours, Sam. W. Getzen (signature) SAMUEL W. GETZEN (typed) SWG:bp Page 012 Samuel Wyche Getzen Attorney At Law Suite 13-14-15 Vidal Building University Avenue Gainesville, Florida Associates: T. H. Getzen J. C. Getzen August 9, 1940 Miss Bowen Honorable J. M. Lee State Comptroller Tallahassee, Florida My dear Jim: I am enclosing herewith to you copy of letter which I have just received from the Governor in the same mail that your letter came in. I am also enclosing a copy of my letter to Mr. Cone in reply thereto including a list of my speaking engagements. I do not agree with Governor Cone in the conclusion met and I know that it is within you all’s hands to grant it which you have authority over the bill passed and I am sure that you not only desire to help Mr. O’Steen as a personal friend of yours but myself too. I am hopeful of having Mr. O’Steen with me when your Board meets and I do desire to appear before the Board in this matter. I am counting on you to be with me herein. Will you be so kind as to talk with Mr. Knott? Thanking you and with personal regards, I remain Respectfully yours, Sam (signature) SAMUEL W. GETZEN (typed) SWG:bp Page 013 August 9, 1940 Honorable Fred P. Cone Governor of Florida Tallahassee, Florida Re: Hans O’Steen Dear Governor: Acknowledging receipt of your letter of the 7th in answer to mine of the 3rd in regard to the pension of the above named party permit me to thank you for your attention given. I am today in receipt of a letter from Jim Lee in answer to a request of mine in these same premises. Mr. Lee advises me that on account of the fact that you are Chairman of the Board and that no one can set the Board together except yourself, I would appreciate most kindly if you would have a Board meeting in this matter advising me sufficiently in time so that I might make arrangements to be at the meeting. I believe that it would be possible for me to show to you where Mr. O’Steen is justly entitled to this pension in accordance with the law as passed during the last session of the Legislature. I am enclosing herewith to you a copy of our speaking itinerary in my campaign doing so with the request that you have the Board meeting on a day that we do not speak as if it were set on a day which we were speaking I could not attend. Thanking you and with kindest regards, I remain Respectfully yours, SAMUEL W. GETZEN (typed) SWG:bp Page 014 COPY Seal of State of Florida STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF STATE TREASURER W. V. Knott TALLAHASSEE Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner August 8, 1940. Hon. Samuel W. Getzen 13 Vidal Building, University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. Dear Mr. Getzen: This will acknowledge your esteemed favor of the second instant with reference to pension application of Mr. Hans O’Steen. Mr. O’Steen’s application will have careful consideration by the Board. Thanking you for your letter and with best regards, Yours sincerely, W. V. Knott. (typed) Wvk/e Page 015 C C State of Florida C C O O O O P P EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT P P Y Y Tallahassee Honorable Samuel W. Getzen Gainesville, Florida Dear Mr. Getzen: Your letter of August 3, in regard to a pension for Hans O’Steen, of White Springs, has been received. I took the matter up with Miss Bowen, Secretary of the Board, who advises that, according to the records, Mr. O’Steen served with the Home Guards, but was not enlisted and, according to the law in regard to granting of pensions, it is necessary that a man be enlisted in order to be eligible for said pension. Just as soon as I am able, we intend having a meeting of the Pension Board and his case will be considered along with the others. With best wishes, I am Very truly yours, FRED P. CONE (signed) Governor FPC/Rc Page 016 Samuel Wyche Getzen Attorney At Law Suite 13-14-15 Vidal Building University Avenue Gainesville, Florida Associates: T. H. Getzen J. C. Getzen August 2, 1940 Honorable W. B. Knott State Treasurer Tallahassee, Florida In Rel: Hans O’Steen R. F. D. High Springs, Florida PENSION My dear Mr. Knott: I am asking you to grant me a personal favor which will not mean very much to me but will mean a great deal to the above named gentlemen (sic), Mr. H. O. O’Steen, who is, I understand, eighty-four years of age. Senator Black and the House of Representatives in their last session passed a Pension Bill by an almost unanimous vote, giving a pension to this fine, old, gentlemen (sic), as a pioneer, and he has stated to me that he has always voted for you and that he could not understand why and your Board would not meet and give him this pension. I have made investigation of it and I find that he is justly entitled to it. I would appreciate most kindly if you would ask Mr. Lee, and the Governor to met (sic) upon your giving this to him, and make the same become effective when it became a law. Forward the check to me so that I might have the pleasure of delivering it to him. As you know, a man of this age and who does not have anything to live upon and is not getting any pension, is certainly worthy of it and it would certainly prove a life saver to him in the remainder of his life, just like your pension will be to you when you finish your terms of office. Thanking you, I remain Cordially yours, Samuel W. Getzen (signature) SAMUEL W. GETZEN (typed) SWG:mfw Page 017 August 23, 1939. Mr. John Hance Osteen High Springs Florida Dear Mr. Osteen: Referring to your claim for pension, Chapter 19614, Act of 1939, I wish to advise that the State Board of Pensions took this matter under consideration yesterday afternoon and declined to place your name on the pension roll for the reason that you were not a regularly enlisted soldier but served as a mail carrier. Yours very truly Secretary STATE BOARD OF PENSIONS /B Page 018 CHAPTER 19614 – (NO. 619) House Bill No. 1015 AN ACT Granting a Confederate Pension to J. Hance Osteen, of Gilchrist County, Florida. WHEREAS, J. Hance Osteen of Gilchrist County, Florida, is now near the age of eighty-three years, and is now by virtue of his aged and helpless condition, in a state of dependency, and WHEREAS, the said J. Hance Osteen did actually perform valuable services in behalf of a cause of the Confederacy during the Civil War, as is fully established by a number of affidavits, now on file in the office of the State Board of Pensions, Tallahassee, Florida, said services rendered by the said J. Hance Osteen, being the carrying of the mails as a home guard mail carrier, and WHEREAS, the said J. Hance Osteen, was during the performance of such services as aforesaid, living, acting and working in full subordination to the military authorities for the purpose of successfully prosecuting the war to a conclusion, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA: Section 1. That the Board of Pensions of the State of Florida, be, and it is hereby authorized and directed to place the name of the said J. Hance Osteen upon the Pension Roll of the State and that the Comptroller is hereby instructed to issue his warrant to him in payment of pension hereafter, in the same manner, and the same amount, that other pensioners of the State of Florida are paid. Section 2. This Act shall take effect upon its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon its becoming a law without such approval. Section 3. All laws or parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Became a law without the Governor’s approval. Filed in Office Secretary of State, June 12, 1939. Page 019 AN ACT Granting a Confederate Pension to J. Hance Osteen, of Gilchrist County, Florida. WHEREAS, J. Hance Osteen of Gilchrist County, Florida, is now near the age of eighty-three years, and is now by virtue of his aged and helpless condition, in a state of dependency, and WHEREAS, the said J. Hance Osteen did actually perform valuable services in behalf of a cause of the Confederacy during the Civil War, as is fully established by a number of affidavits, now on file in the office of the State Board of Pensions, Tallahassee, Florida, said services rendered by the said J. Hance Osteen, being the carrying of the mails as a home guard mail carrier, and WHEREAS, the said J. Hance Osteen, was during the performance of such services as aforesaid, living, acting and working in full subordination to the military authorities for the purpose of successfully prosecuting the war to a conclusion, now therefore Be It Enacted By The Legislature Of The State Of Florida: Section 1. That the Board of Pensions of the State of Florida, be, and it is hereby authorized and directed to place the name of the said J. Hance Osteen upon the Pension Roll of the State and that the Comptroller is hereby instructed to issue his warrant to him in payment of pension hereafter, in the same manner, and the same amount, that other pensioners of the State of Florida are paid. Section 2. This Act shall take effect upon its passage and approval by the Governor, or upon its becoming a law without such approval. Page 020 Note: The following is on letterhead of County of Gilchrist, State of Florida, Trenton. November 25th, 1938. Miss Roumelle Bowen, Secretary to Pension Board, Tallahassee, Florida. Dear Miss Bowen:- As I told you yesterday, if, after talking with Mr. Osteen, we decided that waiting to see Mr. Lee would be useless, we returned home without seeing you again, as we concluded that Mr. Lee would be too much involved to take up sufficient time with us. I received your Special Delivery letter upon my return. I regret not having it in time to prevent trip. But we most highly appreciate the kind courtesy extended us by yourself and Mr. Knott. Tho (sic) young, you can readily see that Mr. Osteen, during the last year of the War, was about eight years of age, large enough to materially assist in the way claimed and proved by him, and as it was performed, and accepted, practically under military authority, it seems that he might be rewarded therefor by his State; he was doing what he could to help win the War. There can be no question with the Board as to the type of man he is, as tax receipts laid serially one upon another from 1882 to 1937 conclusively prove him to be a loyal tax payer, and I might say that the same spirit of lyalty (sic) prompted him to regard himself as one of the boys drilling under Captain Underwood, and submit himself to military law and necessity, and brave frontier dangers and pick/up and deliver mail to the families of Confederate Soldiers, Homeguards, and all of the ones who cared anything about saving the Country and the lost cause. He must have enlisted as all of the other Home Guards. Miss Bowen, I trust that you and the Board can fully appreciate the circumstances under which this service was performed, and the merits of Uncle Hance’s application, and do something for him in his very last few days. He will not live long to draw it. Should he marry and thereby try to lengthen the draw, I would report him to the Board, and let it cut him off. Very sincerely, O. Lamar Crocker (signature) O. Lamar Crocker (typed) Page 021 Note: The following is on letterhead of State of Florida, House of Representatives, Tallahassee Trenton, Florida November 7th, 1938. Miss Roumelle Bowen, Secretary to Pension Board Tallahassee, Florida. Dear Miss Bowen:- I wish that you would refer to your copy of a letter from Governor Cone, of 1st, instant, to me, relative to a hearing before the Board for me. My client is Mr. John Hance Osteen, of High Springs, Florida, whose application was simply filed, considered and denied by the Board. I have some new matter for him, and I want to present it to the Board personally. Therefore, in accordance with Gover (sic) Cone’s said letter, please arrange a hearing for me and my client before the Board, on any day, if possible, next week, other than Monday, the 14th, and Tuesday, the 15th, instant, and advise me so that I may advise my client by letter thru slow mail. I shall appreciate your kindness, and remain, Very sincerely, O. Lamar Crocker (signature) O. Lamar Crocker. (typed) Page 022 Nov. 7th, 1938. Hon. O. Lamar Crocker Trenton Florida Dear Judge Crocker: Replying to your letter of the 7th, I wish to advise that Mr. John Hance Osteen applied for a Confederate pension and same was denied Feb. 17, 1938, because he was not a regularly enlisted solider, but served as a mail carrier. He stated in the application and also in a statement furnished this office that he was born Dec. 22nd, 1856. As Monday the 14th, was the only day next week at which all members of the Board would in Tallahassee, it will probably be the 23rd or during the week beginning the 21st before the Board can have a meeting if that date will be suitable to the Governor, and I am informed that will be alright, if you can appear before the Board at that date, with the information you have to present. If this is not agreeable, kindly advise. Yours very truly, Secretary State Pension Board /B Page 023 Ft. White, Fla. Oct. 11 – 1938 Gov. Fred P. Cone Tallahassee, Fla Dear Sir: I have a fried (sic) whos (sic) name is Hance Osteen who thinks he is intitle (sic) to a pencion (sic) for his services in helping his Brother W. S. Osteen deliver the main to the wives and children of the Confedrate (sic) soldiers the last two years of the Cival (sic) war. And said he was 7 & 8 year of age. I have known him all of his life as we were raised up together when children Page 024 2 and I am about 2 ½ year older than he. I know he has always been a reliable man and of a good reputation. Yours very truly M. M. Gwynn By Request of Hance Osteen Page 025 State of Florida, Gilchrist County. On this day before me, the undersigned authority personally appeared Jane Osteen, a widow who, being duly sworn, says that she knows John Hance Osteen, and had known him ever since before the Civil War, and that the said John Hance Osteen, as a small boy, during the last two years of said War, assisted in delivering the mail to the Confederate Soldiers, widows and families; that said service was performed in what is known as the Cow Creek community, near Mount Horeb Church, in what is now Gilchrist County, Florida. Jane her X mark Osteen Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 30th day of June, A. D. 1938 O. Lamar Crocker Notary Public, State of Florida at Large My Com. expires 9-15-1941. Page 026 RE: Application of John Hance Osteen STATE OF FLORIDA, GILCHRIST COUNTY. On this day before the undersigned authority personally appeared John Hance Osteen, a resident of said County all of his life, who, after being duly sworn, says that in his application for a State Confederate Pension he stated that he was never enlisted, and that what he meant by said statement was that he never did enter the service of the Confederate States of America or the State of Florida on a written enlistment, -but in explanation of such statement he says that he was considered a Home Guard Mail Carrier, with his brother, W. S. Osteen, now deceased, and that he, as all the other people in the community, lived and acted, worked and conducted themselves in a spirit of full subordination to the military authorities for the purpose of successfully prosecuting the War to a conclusion; that the Company of Home Guards operating in that community was known as the “Underwood” Company, and that affiant visited then (sic) while drilling, and, in the community life, was considered as rendering a military service to the Confederate cause as well as the older boys were by drilling and preparing themselves for the front; that the older people considered said affiant as doing military service just as they did those drilling in the Home Guard Company aforesaid, and all were considered working together for the common cause, and said affiant, in delivering the mail as he did, was subject to military orders in the community as much as the said boys who were drilling as Home Guards for the front lines, as well as preserving order at home, and that he really enlisted to the same extent that any of said boys who were drilling as Home Guards did, for none of them had or have written enlistments, and that he enlisted in the same manner that they did. John Hance Osteen (signature) Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 19th day of October, A.D. 1938. O. Lamar Crocker (signature) Notary Public, State of Florida at large. My Commission Expires September, 15th, A.D. 1941. Page 027 State of Florida County of Gilchrist I, J. Hance Osteen was borned (sic) Dec. 22, 1856 in Columbia County, Fla. (3) three miles southeast of Ft. White. In January 1857 my father moved to what is now Gilchrist County, Fla. In 1863 my father bought out a ferry boat what is known as flat. At old Fort White on Santa Fe River where the older people had a fort in time of the Indian war. Later my father, James Osteen, an (sic) my elder bro. (sic) W. S. Osteen built a new flat this was the latter part of 1863. During this time ther (sic) was a mail route establist (sic) from Live Oak Fla. to Fort Fannin which was made on horse back. John Biby was the mail carrier. He would leave Like Oak Monday morning an (sic) come to the ferry which my father kept an (sic) spend the night. Then Tuesday he would go on to Ft. Fannin an (sic) spend the night. Then Wednesday he would return back to the ferry where my father was an (sic) spend the night an (sic) on Thursday he would returnin (sic) to Live Oak Page 028 My Bro. Shade which is W. S. Osteen would meet him at the ferry an (sic) git (sic) the mail for the surounding (sic) settlement an (sic) bring it to my mothers, a distance of (8) eight miles. Then myself an (sic) one of my elder bro. Elise Osteen, would walk an (sic) run all over the settlement an (sic) deliver the mail to the Soilders (sic), widows an (sic) there children. At times I would go with my bro. Shade to meet the mail carrier an (sic) git (sic) the mail. An (sic) now as I have past the age of (80) eighty years an (sic) I not able to work much I feel like Ir (sic) an (sic) due an (sic) desire some consridation (sic) an (sic) iff (sic) the board thinks I am due any thing I would like to have it. J. Hance Osteen (signature) Page 029 24235 John Hance Osteen 8946 HB 1015 Ayers Of Gilchrist Approved June 4th, 1941 With pay from June 12, 1939 Roumelle Bowen Secy Pension Board 12/19/39 Passed for Funds to be Passed by Legislature 1/29/41 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/gilchrist/military/civilwar/pensions/osteen55gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 33.5 Kb