CIVIL WAR WIDOW'S PENSION APP. - JOANNE ANNIE (ABBOTT) RUFFNER, WIDOW OF HENRY D. RUFFNER, INDIAN RIVER CO., FL File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Janet Steadham, (steaddanjan@earthlink.net) ******************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or publication by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ******************************************************************************* CONTRIBUTOR'S NOTE: I have no relationship to anyone mentioned in the below file. ******************************************************************************* Application No. 23015 Pensioner No. 2767 Marriage License State of Florida, Monroe County To any Minister of the Gospel, or any Officer Legally Authorized to Solemnize the Rite of Matrimony: Whereas, Application having been made to the County Judge of Monroe County, of the State of Florida, for a license for marriage, and it appearing to the satisfaction of said County Judge that no legal impediments exist to the marriage now sought to be solemnized. These are, Therefore, To authorize you to unite in the Holy Estate of Matrimony Henry D. Ruffner and Annie Abbott and that you make return of the same, duly certified under your hand, to the County Judge, aforesaid. Witness, my name as County Judge, and the seal of said Court, at the Courthouse in Key West this 16th day of May A. D. 1904. B. B. Whalton, County Judge I Certify, that the within named Henry D. Ruffner and Annie Abbott were by me, the undersigned, duly united in the Holy Estate of Matrimony, by the authority of the within License. Done this 16th day of May A. D. 1904. Witnesses to Ceremony: Mrs. B. B. Whalton B. B. Whalton, County Judge State of Florida, County of Monroe I, Hugh Gunn, County Judge, in and for Monroe County, Florida, hereby certify the within to be a true and correct copy of an original Marriage License, now on file in my office; that the same was duly executed and recorded in the Public Marriage Records of Monroe County, Florida, in Book No. 5, Page 571. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Court at Key West, Fla., this 3rd day of Sept. A. D. 1926. Hugh Gunn County Judge, Monroe County, Florida ******************************************************************************* War Department The Adjutant General's Office Washington Dec. 7, 1926 Respectfully returned to Mrs. H. D. Ruffner Roseland, Indian River County, Fla. Box 27 The records show that Henry D. Ruffner was appointed 2nd Lieut. Co. H, 22nd Va. Inf., C. S. A. May 8, 1861, at Kanawha C. H., and on muster roll for July 31 to Aug. 31, 1861, (last on which borne) is shown absent, "Tendered his resignation July 24, cause unknown." Subsequent rolls on file cover the period July and Aug. 1862 to Oct. 31, 1864. The records show that Henry D. Ruffner was appointed Capt. Co. G, 19th Regt. Va. Cav., C. S. A., Mch. 12, 1863, at Frankfort, and on muster roll dated Mch. 12, 1863, (only roll on file) is shown present. The name Henry D. Ruffner appears on a Register of Appointments, C. S. A., which Register shows that he was appointed Major F & S 46th Batt'n. Va., Cav., C. S. A., Feb. 26, 1864 and on a list of absent officers belonging to Jackson's Cavalry Brigade, list dated Oct. 25, 1864, is shown absent, "cause of absence, wounded." There are no rolls on file in this office for the above named organization. The records show that the 46th and 47th Battalions Va. Cav. were consolidated to form the 26th Va. Cavalry and the name Henry D. Ruffner is shown, on a Register dated Feb. 9, 1865, Lt. Col. of the latter organization, date of appointment not shown. His name appears on a List of Prisoners of War paroled at Charleston, W. Va., May 10, 1865. Robert C. Davis Major General, The Adjutant General ******************************************************************************* Widow's Pension Claim Under General Pension Law Of Florida FORM A State of Florida,} County of Indian River} On this 3rd day of January, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and twenty-seven, personally appeared before me a notary public in and for the County and State aforesaid Annie Ruffner a resident of Roseland County of Indian River 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 Henry D. Ruffner who enlisted under the name of Henry D. Ruffner on the 8th day of May, 1861, in Company H, 22nd Va. Inf. Regiment of the State of Virginia and who was paroled at Charleston, W Va., May 10, 1865, on account of surrender. (Here give complete statement of other service if any.) That he also served as Captain Co. G, 19th Reg't., Va. Cav. C. S. A., Major F & G 46th Batt'n. Va Cav., Lt. Colonel Consolidation of Regiments That she was lawfully married to the said Henry D. Ruffner under the name of Annie Abbott in the County of Monroe State of Florida on the 16th day of May, 1904, and that she was not divorced from him before nor has she remarried since his death, which occurred on the 25 day of July, 1925, in the County of Indian River, State of Florida except as hereinafter stated. That she is a resident of Indian River County, Florida, and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since the 20 day of October 1896. That she was heretofore granted a pension from the State of Florida under Certificate No. (No). That she is not a pensioner of any other State. That her Postoffice address is Roseland, County of Indian River, State of Florida. Annie Ruffner Attest: (1) G. H. Braddock (2) G. A. Braddock Sworn and subscribed before me this 3rd day of January, A. D. 1927; 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. G. H. Braddock Notary Public ******************************************************************************* Report of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Indian River, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of Mrs. Annie Ruffner for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us; that we are satisfied that the applicant has been a bona fide citizen of the State of Florida for eight years just preceding the date of this application, and that the representations made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted the applicant. Witness our hands this 4 day of January, A. D. 1927. (1) John H. Atkin, Chairman (2) G. A. Braddock (3) J. W. LaBruce (4) J. J. P. Hamilton (5) O. O. Helseth County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: Miles Warren Clerk Circuit Court ******************************************************************************* Florida State Board of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics 1. Place of Death County: Indian River Precinct: Roseland 2. Full Name: Henry D. Ruffner 3. Sex: Male 4. Color or Race: White 5. Single, married, widowed, or divorced: Married 5a. If married, widowed, or divorced Husband of (or) Wife of: Annie Ruffner 6. Date of Birth: Aug. 15, 1834 7. Age: 90 yrs. 11 mos. 10 ds. 8. Occupation of deceased: Gentleman 9. Birthplace: Charleston, W. Va. 10. Name of Father: Augustus Ruffner 11. Birthplace of Father: Charleston, W. Va. 12. Maiden Name of Mother: Mary Rogers 13. Birthplace of Mother: Philadelphia, Penn. 14. Informant: Mrs. H. D. Ruffner, Roseland, Florida 15. Filed: July 25, 1925, David Rose, Registrar 16. Date of Death: July 25th 1925 17. I hereby certify, That I attended deceased from July 12, 1925 to July 25, 1925 that I last saw him alive on July 23, 1925 and that death occurred on the date stated above. The cause of death was as follows: senility. Signed: David Rose, M. D. Sebastian, Florida Place of Burial, Cremation, or Removal: Charleston, W. Va. Undertaker: Fee Date of Burial or Removal: July 28, 1925 Address: Fort Pierce ******************************************************************************* Claim For Pension By Mrs. Annie Ruffner Of Roseland, Indian River Widow of Henry D. Ruffner Of H Company 22nd Va. Regiment Filed In Pension Department Jan. 12, 1926 Approved and Filed In Comptroller's Office May 30, 1927 With pay from Jan. 12, 1927 At the rate of $480.00 per annum Roumelle Bowen Secretary of Board ******************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee Pursuant to the conditions and provisions of (Chapter 18045,) Section 291.32, Florida Statutes of 1953, I hereby designate Kanawha Valley Bank, Trustee Estate of Annie Ruffner of Charleston, West Virginia to receive from the State of Florida after my death, all amounts accruing to me as a Confederate pensioner of the State of Florida from the date of the last payment of my pension that may be made to me until the date of my death. This 1st day of May 1954. Mrs. Annie Ruffner Witness: Mintene Edwards ? A. Crawford State of Florida County of Indian River Before me, a Notary Public, or other officer authorized to take acknowledgements, personally appeared Annie Ruffner who acknowledged that she signed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein expressed. Dated at Vero Beach, Florida, this 1st day of May 1954. John W. E. Wheeler Notary Public ******************************************************************************* State of Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs State Service Office P. O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Florida September 30, 1958 Xc No. 210 113 36 Ruffner, Henry D. SS0 - Misc File 2-22 FDVA Widow: (Confederate) Mrs. Annie Ruffner Rt. 2 Vero Beach, Fla. Mr. Ray E. Green Comptroller, State of Florida Tallahassee, Florida Att: W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Dear Mr. Hoffman: The widow of the above Confederate veteran who is 91 years of age has made application to the Veterans Administration for a Confederate pension and has been requested by the Veterans Administration to furnish proof of death of the veteran and also her marriage to the veteran. Will you be so kind as to furnish this office with the needed information so that we may take the appropriation in her claim with the Veterans Administration. Many thanks for your kind cooperation in this matter, I remain Very truly yours, Melvin T. Dixon State Service Officer MTD1:V cc: Mr. James E. Roberts County Service Officer Vero Beach, Fla. ******************************************************************************* Oct. 1, 1958 Mr. Melvin T. Dixon State Service Officer P. O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, Fla. Re: Ruffner, Henry D. Xc No. 210 113 36 Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Widow Dear Mr. Dixon: I have your letter of September 30, with reference to the service of Henry D. Ruffner during the War Between the States and proof of death of the veteran, and also proof of marriage. I am enclosing photocopies of proof of the death of Mr. Ruffner, proof of his marriage to Annie Abbott in Monroe County, Florida, on May 16, 1904, Official Transcript from Washington of Mr. Ruffner's service and the first two pages of Mrs. Ruffner's claim for pension. Assuring you of my desire to assist the Confederate widows in every way possible to establish their claims for Federal Pension, I am, Yours very truly, Ray E. Green, Comptroller By: W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions /RB ******************************************************************************* Mecca Inc. Convalescent Home P. O. Box 1312 Vero Beach, Florida Telephone JO 2-3246 October 24, 1959 Mr. W. C. Hoffman State Board of Pensions State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee, Florida Dear Sir: Mrs. Annie Ruffner has requested that Mr. Hamilton Floyd of Floyd's Undertaking Establishment be made beneficiary of the Confederate Pension. However, when Mr. Floyd was approached he felt that our present laws prevent prepayment of funeral expenses. Will you be kind enough to give the accepted policy in your office pertaining to this matter. Dr. Kip Kelso, in Roseland, is the Medical Doctor in charge of the case of Mrs. Ruffner, who has been living here for several months. We are looking forward to an answer to our question soon. Thank you. Sincerely, Marguerite Claggett, R. N. chj ******************************************************************************* November 3, 1959 Mecca Inc. P. O. Box 1312 Vero Beach, Florida Attn: Marguerite Claggett, R. N. Re: Mrs. Annie Ruffner Confederate Pensioner Dear Mrs. Claggett: This will acknowledge your letter of October 24, relative to the request of Mrs. Ruffner that Mr. Hamilton Floyd be made her beneficiary to receive whatever portion for pension that may be accrude at time of her death. Under the pension laws and regulations there would be no objection in Mrs. Ruffner naming Mr. Floyd as her beneficiary as this is the prerogative of any pensioner, as he and she has a right to determine who they shall designate as agent or beneficiary to receive any amount due after death. As this payment would not be paid until after death of the pensioner there would not appear to be a pre-payment or an obligation. If this does not completely answer your problem, I will be pleased in helping you further. Very truly yours, W. C. Hoffman, Secretary State Board of Pensions WCH/vmc ******************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee Pursuant to the conditions and provisions of (Chapter 291,) Section 291,32, Florida Statutes of 1957, I hereby designate Hamilton Floyd of Floyd Funeral Home (Vero Beach) to receive from the State of Florida after my death, all amounts accruing to me as a Confederate pensioner of the State of Florida from the date of the last payment of my pension that may be made to me until the date of my death. This 10th day of November 1959. Mrs. Annie Ruffner Witness: Caroline H. Johnson Annie D. Claggett State of Florida County of Indian River Before me, a Notary Public, or other officer authorized to take acknowledgements, personally appeared Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Vero Beach, Fla. who acknowledged that I signed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein expressed. Dates at Vero Beach, Florida, this 16 day of November 1959. James N. Dempsey Notary ******************************************************************************* Mecca Inc. Convalescent Home P. O. Box 626 Vero Beach, Florida October 9, 1961 Ray E. Green Comptroller Tallahassee, Florida Dear Mr. Green: Please change the address of Mrs. Annie Ruffner from R.F.D. # 2 Vero Beach, Florida to: Post Office Box 626 Vero Beach, Florida The fund code number is: EXP 1-006-0350 21393. If you have any questions pertaining to this correspondence, please contact me at the above address. Thanking you in advance for your cooperation, I remain, Yours truly, Annie Ruffner AR:fm ******************************************************************************* October 13, 1961 Mrs. Annie Ruffner Post Office Box 626 Vero Beach, Florida Dear Mrs. Ruffner: This will acknowledge your letter of October 9, 1961, in which you request that your monthly warrant be addressed to you at Post Office Box 626, Vero Beach, Florida. Our records have been changed accordingly and effective as of the month of October your warrant will be mailed at this address until further notice is advised from you. Very truly yours, W. C. Hoffman, Secretary State Board of Pensions WCH/vmc ******************************************************************************* Law Offices Heath, Smith & Herring P. O. Box 518 1601 20th Street Vero Beach, Fla. Telephone JO 7-4351 May 4th, 1962 Ray E. Green, Comptroller Treasurer of the State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee, Florida In Re: Joanna Ruffner, Deceased State Warrants - Annie Ruffner Fund Code: Exp 1-006-0350 Dear Sir: This office represents the estate of Joanna Ruffner, who died in Indian River County, Florida, on February 22, 1962. Mrs. Ruffner was the recipient of State Warrants from your office under the name of Annie Ruffner. I am enclosing three of these Warrants which have been forwarded to this office, as follows: Voucher No. 66721, dated 02/22/62, Warrant No. 368673, in the amount of $100.00 Voucher No. 77563, dated 03/27/62, Warrant No. 430026, in the amount of $100.00 Voucher No. 86539, dated 04/24/62, Warrant No. 479309, in the amount of $100.00 I would appreciate your advising this office if any portion of these checks would be payable to the estate of Mrs. Ruffner or if any death benefits are accruing to her estate; and, if so, what papers are required from us to expedite the payment of the same. Yours truly, Chas. E. Smith CES:KdeF Enclosures ******************************************************************************* May 8, 1962 Messrs. Heath, Smith & Herring Law Offices P. O. Box 518 Vero Beach, Florida Re: Mrs. Annie Ruffner Confederate Pensioner, Deceased - Certificate # 2767 Dear Sir: This will acknowledge and thank you for your letter of May 4, 1962, in which you advised that Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Confederate Pensioner, died in Indian River County, Florida, on February 22, 1962, and return warrants issued to her under dates of February, March, and April, of this year which had been issued due to the fact that her death had not been reported. The warrants returned by you will be cancelled and under the law the beneficiary designated by Mrs. Ruffner under date of November 16, 1959, and being Hamilton Floyd of Floyd Funeral Home will be entitled to payment of accrude amount of this pension for twenty-two days in February. The Pension Law requires that a certificate be filed by the attending physician of the deceased indicating month, date, and years, and other information, this certificate is herewith enclosed partially filled in and it will be appreciated if you will see that appropriate action is taken or refer it to the proper source for this action. Immediately upon return of this certificate properly executed the warrant for the accrude amount of pension due will be drawn and mailed to the beneficiary. Very truly yours, W. C. Hoffman, Secretary State Board of Pensions WCH/vmc cc: Mr. Hamilton Floyd ******************************************************************************* Office of Ray E. Green, Comptroller Tallahassee, Florida May 8, 1962 To: Mr. Harry Guerry, Assistant General Auditor From: W. C. Hoffman, Chief Auditor, Confederate Pensioners Re: Cancellation Confederate Pension Warrants The following listed warrants are subject to cancellation due to the pensioner, Mrs. Annie Ruffner, having died under date of February 22, 1962, according to the information from Heath, Smith & Herring, Law Offices, P. O. Box 518, Vero Beach, Florida, and are as follows: Wt# Date Payee Amount 368673 02/22/62 Mrs. Annie Ruffner $100.00 Deceased 430226 03/27/62 " " $100.00 479309 04/24/62 " " $100.00 Total $300.00 The beneficiary designated by the pensioner under date of November 16, 1959, indicates that accrude amount of pension due to date of death is payable to Hamilton Floyd of Floyd Funeral Home, Vero Beach, Florida. W. C. Hoffman Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions WCH/vmc ******************************************************************************* Law Offices Heath, Smith & Herring P. O. Box 518 1601 20th Street Vero Beach, Fla. Telephone JO 7-4351 Mr. W. C. Hoffman, Secretary State Board of Pensions State of Florida Tallahassee, Florida Re: Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Confederate Pensioner, deceased - Certificate 2767 Dear Mr. Hoffman: In accordance with your request, I am enclosing original and copy of Physician's Certificate, which has been signed by Dr. Kip G. Kelso. Yours truly, Chas. E. Smith CES:KdeF Enclosures Vero Beach, Florida June 7, 1962 (Certificate to made by attending Physician of Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Confederate Pensioner, Deceased.) Full Name of Pensioner: Mrs. Annie Ruffner Certificate No. (If Known) 2767 Date of Death: February 22nd 1962 Place of Death: Indian River County, Florida (To be Signed by Physician:) Kip G. Kelso, M. D. (Address) Sebastian, Fla. pay - 22 days @ $35714 - $78.57 pay 6 days @ $35714 - 21.43 Proof $100.00 ******************************************************************************* Death Registrations Persons 21 Years and Over Report for Indian River County Feb. 1962 Name & Address of Deceased Age Certificate Sex & Month Year Number Race Ruffner, Joanna Abbott 94 7727 2 2 62 Indian River or Roseland, Fla. ******************************************************************************* June 13, 1962 Messrs. Heath, Smith & Herring Law Offices P. O. Box 518 1601 20th Street Vero Beach, Florida Attn: Mr. Charles E. Smith Re: Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Confederate Pensioner, Deceased - Certificate # 2767 Dear Sir: I am enclosing State Warrant #565383, dated June 12, 1962, in the amount of $78.57, payable to Hamilton Floyd of Floyd Funeral Home designated as agent and beneficiary of Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Confederate Pensioner, deceased. As required by the law this warrant has been prorated for twenty-two days the number of days that Mrs. Floyd [sic] survived in the month of February. Since all of our communications in this relation have been handled through your office for the account of Mr. Hamilton Floyd the warrant is enclosed for your disposition. Thank you for your interest in this matter. Very truly yours, W. C. Hoffman, Secretary State Board of Pensions WCH/vmc Encl. ******************************************************************************* State of Florida Comptroller's Office Tallahassee June 11, 1962 Voucher Number 101460 Payee: Hamilton Floyd of Floyd Funeral Home, Designated Agent and Beneficiary of Mrs. Annie Ruffner, Confederate Pensioner, Deceased. Amount: $78.57 Pensioner died February 22, 1962 as per Doctors certification attached. Pay 22 days @ $3.5714 per day . . . $ 78.57 Deduct 6 days @ 3.5714 " " . . . 21.43 Proof $100.00 Payable From: Code Confederate Pensions - Benefits Account: GR 1-10-006-0350 Approved: W. C. Hoffman, Chief Auditor Confederate Pensions