Marion County FlArchives Military Records.....BEST, Wilson Williams 1899 Civilwar - Pension Co. C 1st SC Inf. Regt. ************************************************ 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 http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00022.html#0005485 August 1, 2009, 9:38 am FLORIDA CONFEDERATE PENSION APPLICATION FILES PENSION APPLICATION A04611: Surname: BEST Given Names: Wilson W. Service Unit: South Carolina Reference: Wife’s Name: Sue Mixon Application County & Year: Marion Co 1899 Page 001 A4611 Page 002 Application For An Increase In Pension. Under The Laws of Florida. To The State Board Of Pensions, Tallahassee, Fla.: I, Wilson W. Best, Pensioner No. 355 of the State of Florida under the Laws of Florida do hereby make application for an increase in the amount of pension now allowed me, as per certificate of disabilities stated below. I am now receiving $120.00 per annum, and I am Seventy One years of age. Signed Wilson W. Best Applicant Address Fairfield Fla Certificate Of Disability. Physicians’ Affidavit. (N. B. Physicians making this certificate will please answer all questions and in stating nature of disability from which applicant is suffering, state plainly the trouble avoiding the use of technical terms.) 1. Have you examined the above applicant? Yes 2. Is he personally known to you? Yes 3. Because of injuries, disease or age, is the applicant unable to earn a livelihood by manual labor? Two wounds in left hip give him a great deal of pain at times & too old to work. 4. Is his physical condition such as to warrant you in certifying that he is Permanently and totally disabled? Yes 5. State below the disabilities from which applicant is suffering, stating any loss of limbs or eyesight. Two wounds of left hip received at Wilderness & Fort Harrison 1864 these give him considerable pain associated with Rheumatism, Old age. Signed: H. Gatrell M.D. Physician R. J. B. Lamb, M.D. Physician Reddick Fla (In case of total disability this certificate must be signed by two physicians.) State of Florida} County of Marion} Before me an officer duty authorized to administer oaths, came this day [Wilson W. Best] H. Gatrell and R. J. Lamb both well known to me to be the physicians who signed the above certificate, and each for himself deposes and says that the answers above given and the statements made in the above certificate are true and correct. Each further deposes and says that he is a physician and that he is a resident of the State of Florida, and of the county aforesaid. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22nd day of Mar. A. D. 1913. S. L. Fridy Notary Public Page 003 Widow’s Pension Claim Under The Act Of 1917 Form A. State of Florida} County of Suwanee} On this 28 day of February, A.D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs. Sue Best a resident of Fairfield County of Marion 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 7259, Laws of Florida, approved June 7, 1917. That she is the lawful widow of W. W. Best who enlisted under the name of W. W. Best 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 if husband drew a pension and when.) Refer to Number 5059………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That she was lawfully married to the said W. W. Best under the name of Sue Mixion in the County of Marion State of Florida on the 31 day of August, 1867, and that she was not divorced from him before nor has she remarried since his death, which occurred on the 27 day of Jan., 1920, in the County of Marion, State of Florida, except as hereinafter stated. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That she is a resident of Marion County, Florida, and has continuously resided in the State of Florida since the 27 day of Jan. Page 004 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 Fairfield Fla, County of Marion, State of Florida. Mrs. Sue Best (Signature of Claimant.) Attest: (1) Mrs Maud Best (2) Mrs Ursula Pendarvis Sworn and subscribed before me this 28 day of Feb, A. D. 1920. 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. Fred D. Phillips Notary Public My Commission Expires Jan. 9 192- (a) State of Florida County of Marion I, W. E. Smith County Judge, of Marion County, Florida, hereby certify that the records in this office show that a marriage license was issued to Wilson Best and Susan Mixon on the 30 day of August July, A. D. 1867. The records further show that the above named parties were married on the X day of August, A. D. 1867, and that the ceremony was performed by Rev. J. J. Kirkland. W. E. Smith, County Judge, Marion County, Florida (b) 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…. ……………………………………. ……………………………………. Page 005 (c) 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 knows of his own personal knowledge of the death of……………………, which occurred at…………. County of…………………, State of…………………., on the…………day of……….., A. D. ……………… …………………………….(L.S.) …………………………….(L.S.) Sworn and subscribed before me this…………….day of……………, A. D. ……………. …………………………………… …………………………………… (Seal) Report Of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of…………., Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of……………………………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 representation made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted the applicant. Witness our hands this…………………day of…………………., A. D. ……………… (1) O. H. Rogers Chairman (2) J. T. Hutchins (3) J. W. Davis (4) R. B. Meffert (5) …………………… County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: ……………………………………. 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. Soldiers and Widows of Soldiers who were mustered into regular service of the Confederate States army and members of the State Troops and Home Guards of Florida, upon proper proof, are entitled to a pension under Act of June, 1917. State Troops, Reserves and Home Guards of other States are not entitled to a pension under said Act. Applicant Must Give Permanent Address. I have known Mrs. Best for many years and can certify that this application is honest and straight. Alfred Ayer Tax Assessor Marion Co. Page 006 These Blanks to 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 …………………………… …………………………… …………………………… …………………………… OK Former Claim No. ……….. Application No. 21647 Pensioner No. 4611 Claim For Pension By Mrs Sue Best Of Fairfield Postoffice Marion County Widow Of W. W. Best Of ………………….Company ………………….Regiment Filed In Pension Department April 8, 1920 Approved And Filed In Comp- Trollers’s Office May 4, 1920 With pay from Jan. 27, 1920 At the rate of $240.00 per annum Sinclair Wells Secretary of Board ……………………………… T. J. Appleyard, Printer, Tallahassee, Florida 6266 Page 007 Soldier’s Pension Claim Under The Act Of 1909. (Form A.) State of Florida} County of Marion} On this 10th day of July, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the county and State aforesaid, Wilson Williams Best who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 67 years of age, having been born on the 19th day of October, 1842, in the county of Barnwell, in the State of South Carolina. That he is a bona fide citizen of the county of Marion, State of Florida. That he has resided in the State of Florida continuously since the……day of November, 1882. That he is the identical person who enlisted at Charleston, S. C., under the name of Wilson Williams Best, on the 12 day of April 1861, in Company C, Regiment First of the State of South Carolina 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 States Army and who was honorably discharged at Appomatox Court House, in the State of Virginia, on the 9th day of April, 1865, on account of Surrender and Subsequent parole. (Here state fully any other military service performed by the applicant.) This claimant and applicant further says that the Company in which he enlisted as above stated was organized as Company “H” of first regiment of South Carolina Infantry and that said Company “H” was subsequently reorganized and known as Company “C” of first regiment of South Carolina Infantry and served as such until the capture and surrender of Company “C” at Appomatox Court House, Virginia, April 9th, 1865, from whence he was ordered home on parole. That I served faithfully until honorably discharged from the service of the Confederate States Army in the year 1865, and did not desert the service of the Confederate States 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 Appomatox State of Virginia at the close Page 008 of Civil war and on April 12th, 1865, was sent home to South Carolina on parole. That I do not own property, including real estate, personal property, stocks, bonds, mortgages or other collateral securities of any kind in this or any other State, nor does my wife own with me jointly or separately, property to exceed in value the sum of five thousand dollars. That the following is a true and correct statement of all the property owned by me or by my wife, jointly and separately in this or any other State: Real estate, located at Benedict Heights, Marion County, Fla. To Wit 4.45/100 Acres $40.00 Cattle, horses and other live stock 2 Cows and 2 Calfs (sic) $20.00 Personal property Household furniture $20.00 Stocks $……. Bonds $……. Mortgages, notes and other securities $……. Total $80.00 That I have heretofore been granted a pension from the State of Florida under pension certificate No. 133, at the rate of $120.00 per annum. (Here state any disabilities, physical or mental.) Shot twice in left hip which now causes total physical disability. (Here state any wounds received, or loss of limbs and eyesight.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That my postoffice address is Fairfield, County of Marion, State of Florida. Wilson Williams Best (Claimants must sign name in full.) Attest: (1) John W. Snook (2) J. A. Thomas Sworn and subscribed before me, this 10 day of July, A. D. 1909; 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. Edgar S. Smith, Notary Public, State at Large My Commission Expires February 12th – 1913 Page 009 (Form F) Physician’s Affidavit State of Florida} County of Marion} Before me personally came Henry Gatrell, who being duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is a physician, that he is a resident of the State and County aforesaid, that he personally knows W. W. Best Pensioner #133, the applicant named in the foregoing application for an increase of pension. This deponent further says that he has carefully examined the said applicant’s physical condition and finds: (Here state nature, character and extent of wopunds (sic), disease or disability.) Tow Bullet wounds in left hip that produce muscular cramps from any exertion. Wounds of such a nature as surgical operation would not be of benefit. This deponent further says that the said W. W. Best is permanently totally disabled by reason of such wounds from earning a livelihood for himself by manual labor. (Add “and totally,” if the facts are such as to warrant such statement.) (If the application for pension is based upon age, strike from the above last line the words “by manual labor.”) Henry Gatrell M.D. Physician Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25 day of July, A. D. 1907. Edgar S. Smith Notary Public, State at large My Commission Expires February 15th, 1909 Certificate of Clerk of the Circuit Court I certify that the above affidavits are genuine, that all of the affiants are persons of trustworthy character and their statements are entitled to full faith and credit; that the attesting officers are duly authorized to administer oaths; that their signatures are genuine, and that the said applicant…………………..is a bona-fide resident and citizen of the State of Florida. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court for …………..County, this……………day of………………………., A. D. 19….. ……………………………………….. Clerk Circuit Court Page 010 10. What is the applicant’s occupation and physical condition?………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 1………………………………………. 2………………………………………. Witnesses. Sworn to and subscribed before me this………….day of……………..A.D. 19…… (Form E) Affidavit for Adjutant of a Camp of United Confederate Veterans State of…………………..} County of………………..} Before me personally came…………………………….., who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is the Adjutant of Camp…………………of the United Confederate Veterans of the County of…………………..in the State of……………….. That he knows…………………….., the within named applicant for pension under the laws of Florida; that the said applicant was a soldier or sailor in the service of the Confederate State (sic) during the war between the States, and that he is a member in good standing of Camp………………of the United Confederate Veterans. The Adjutant will please state here any proof in his knowledge or possession favorable to the applicant. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… …………………………………. Adjutant Camp…………………. ………….United Confederate Veterans. Sworn to and subscribed before me this………day of………………..A.D. 19….. Page 011 (Form B) State of Florida} County of Marion} We, the undersigned citizens of Marion County, State of Florida, do hereby certify that we personally know Wilson Williams Best, who is an applicant for a pension under the laws of Florida, and that from our own personal knowledge, and from the best information available, we believe that the applicant does not own property (including the property of his wife) to exceed in value the sum of $5,000, and that the statements made by him relative to the value of his property are true and correct. (To be signed by two citizens.) John W. Snook J. A. Thomas Sworn and subscribed before me, this 10th day of July, 1909. Edgar S. Smith, Notary Public, State at large My Commission Expires February 12th, 1913. (Form C) Physician’s Affidavit State of Florida} County of Marion} Before me personally came Henry Gatrell, a practicing physician, who being duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is a physician; that he is a resident of the State and County aforesaid; that he personally knows Wilson Williams Best the applicant named in the foregoing application for a pension. This deponent further says that he has carefully examined the said applicant’s physical condition and finds: (Here state nature, character and extent of wounds, disease or disability. Please avoid technical terms.) Two wounds rec’d during war in left hip that give rise to a great deal of pain. This deponent further says that the said Wilson Williams Best is permanently totally disabled by reason of such wounds from earning a livelihood for himself by manual labor. (Please note carefully resolution below before certifying to total disability.) H. Gatrell MD Physician Sworn and subscribed before me, this 10th day of July, A. D. 1909. Edgar S. Smith, Notary Public My Commission Expires February 12th, 1913. At a meeting of the State Board of Pensions held July 10th, 1907, at which the Governor, Comptroller and Treasurer were present, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved: That persons entitled to Pensions under the Laws of Florida, who apply for the amount allowed in cases of total disability, must submit the affidavit of a reputable physician stating specifically the personal ailment and conditions that render the applicant entirely helpless and incapacitated, physically or mentally, for any work or business. Page 012 Report of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Marion, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of Wilson W. Best for a pension under the Laws of Florid, was investigated by us; that we are satisfied that the applicant does not own property (including the property of his wife) to exceed the value of $5,000, 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 3rd day of August, A. D. 1909. (1) illegible signature Chairman (2) J. M. Mathews (3) W. J. Crosby (4) N. A. Fort (5) M. M. Proctor County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: S. T. Sistrunk Clerk Circuit Court Note – All blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. Pension No. 5059 Act of 1913 Former Claim No. 133 Application No. 14801 Pensioner No. 355 Claim For Pension By 120 Wilson Williams Best Of Fairfield Postoffice Marion County Late Of “C” Company 1st S. C. Infantry Regiment Filed In Pension Department Aug 7 1909 Approved Aug 21 1909 With pay from Jul 1 – 1909 At the rate of $120 per annum ……………………………… Secretary of Board Filed In Comptroller’s Office …………………….., 19….. Capital Pub. Co., State Printer Tallahassee, Florida Page 013 Soldier’s Application for Pension. State of Florida} Marion County} On this 2nd day of October, 1899, personally appeared before me, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said county and State, of Florida who being by me duly sworn, declares he is the identical person who enlisted on or about the Twelfth day of April, 1861, in Captain Ben Kirkland’s Company, county of Barnwell, in the State of South Car., and that while in actual service in said company 1st S. C. Regiment, of the State of S. C., and in line of duty as such soldier, at the Wilderness, State of Virginia, on or about the Sixth day of May, 1864, I (Here state fully and clearly all the facts, showing the injury, its character, and especially the extent of the injury and disability resulting therefrom.) was shot through the left hip – also at Fort Harrison in the State of Virginia – on the 30th day of September A. D. 1864 – I was shot through the same hip – both wounds incapacitating me from daily labor and that as the direct result of said injuries, thus received in line of duty during the war, I am now unable to gain a livelihood by manual labor; that I have continuously since January 1st, 1880 been a citizen of Florida; that neither I, nor my wife, nor both combined, own real and personal property to the value of $600 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, and that I have no children or other relation able so to do, and whose legal duty it is to support me, and that I never deserted the Confederate service, and that I receive a pension from no other source. W. W. Best P. O. Address Fairfield – Fla. Sworn and subscribed before me this 2nd day of Oct., 1899. S. T. Sistrunk Clerk Circuit Court Marion County Page 014 We do solemnly swear that we personally knew W. W. Best, the above applicant for pension during the Civil War of 1861 to 1865, that we served with him in Capt. Ben B. Kirkland’s Company, Co. “C” 1st S. C. V. 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. W. W. Best Late of B. B. Kirkland’s Co. “C” 1st S.C.V. Reg. W. R. Brabham (To be subscribed by two persons.) O. W. Barker Sworn and subscribed before me this 18 day of Sept., 1899. W. Gilmore Simms CCP We do solemnly swear that we are familiar with the value of all the property owned by W. W. Best and his wife, directly or indirectly, in this or any other State, and that the actual combined value thereof does not exceed $600; 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, and has no income from any source sufficient for a livelihood, and no children or other relation able so to do, whose legal duty it is to support him. M. L. Payne P. O. Address Fairfield Fla L. S. Dupuis P. O. Address…………………………… Sworn and subscribed before me this 2nd day of Oct., 1899. S. T. Sistrunk Clerk We, the undersigned physicians, resident of the State and county aforesaid, do solemnly swear that we have carefully examined W. W. Best, who is personally known to us to be the person above applying for a pension under the laws of Florida, and find on him four (4) large scars on the left hip resulting from the effects of an injury received some time ago. The limb (left thigh) is very limited in its movement and (illegible word marked out) its condition renders Page 015 him incapable of earning an independent livelihood. E. Van Hood M.D. Residence Ocala Fla …………………………...M.D. Residence…………………. Sworn and subscribed before me this 2nd day of Oct., 1899. S. T. Sistrunk Clerk 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. W. Gilmore Simms Clerk of Circuit Court Sept. 18, 1899. We, the undersigned County Commissioners of Marion county, Florida, do hereby certify that we have carefully investigated the above application for pension made by W. W. Best 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 June 2, 1899. W. E. Allen Chairman D. L. Morgan H. W. Long J. M. Liddell A. C. McLeod County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: S. T. Sistrunk 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 provisions 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, 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 016 423 Pension No. 133 Pay from Sept. 30/99 at rate of $72.00 per year (Old No. 216) $120.00 Claim For Pension By W. W. Best Of Marion County Late of Capt. Ben. Kirkland’s Company 1st So. Carolina Regiment Filed In Executive Department …………………………, 1…… Approved by the Board Nov. 15/99 for pay from Sept. 30/99 At rate of $72.00 per year. D. Lang Secretary Filed In Comptroller’s Office ………………………, 1……. Tallahassee Job Office, Tallahassee, Fla. 120.00 Page 017 That the following is a true and correct statement of all property owned by me in this or any other State. That I do not own property, including real estate, personal property, mortgages or other collateral securities, stocks or bonds in this or any other State to exceed in value the sum of Five Thousand Dollars, exclusive of my home and land upon which said home stands. Real estate, located at Near Fairfield Marion Co., Fla. $500.00 Personal property….None $……… Cattle, horses and other live stock…..None $……… Stocks……None $……… Bonds……None $……… Mortgages, notes and other securities……None $……… Total $……… Mrs. Sue Best Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20 day of March 1920. W. A. Yongue Justice of the Peace Page 018 April 23rd., 1920. Mrs. Sue Best, Fairfield, Fla. Dear Madam: Upon examination of your application for pension filed sometime ago, I find that you failed to furnish proof of your marriage as is required by law and I am enclosing herewith blank for this purpose. This proof may be made by affidavits of two persons present at the ceremony or by official record. Yours very truly, Comptroller. /B Page 019 April 9th., 1920. Mrs. Sue Best, Fairfield, Fla. Dear Madam: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your application for pension, which has been filed and will be presented to the State Board of Pensions for consideration at their next meeting. Yours very truly, Comptroller. /B Additional Comments: NOTE: Words in [] are lined through in original. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/marion/military/civilwar/pensions/best619gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 28.6 Kb