Heard County GaArchives Military Records.....Asa J. Smith - CSA Pension File March 6 1891 Civilwar - Pension Co. K, 56th GA Volunteer Reg - Cumming's Brigade ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Valerie (Johnson) Freeman vcjfreeman@aol.com March 3, 2004, 11:13 am Georgia CSA Pension Application Smith, Asa J. Franklin, Heard Co., GA Note: I have done this a little out of chronological order, so that the questionnaires with the most information are first. Valerie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Smith, Asa J. Heard Co. 7 Jan 1905 Fr Carroll 1903 ================ INDIGENT PENSION 1904 (Handwritten "See 1905") Name: A. J. Smith County: Heard Co.:________ Approved ________ 1903 ================ John W. Lindsey Commissioner of Pensions (Handwritten date at bottom) 9/17/04 ================ Questions for Applicant State of Georgia} Heard County.} Asa J. Smith of said State and County, desiring to avail himself of the Pension Act (Section 1254, Code), hearby submits his proofs, and after being duly sworn true answers to make the following questions, deposes and answers as follows: 1. What is your name and where do you reside? (give State, County and post-office) Asa J. Smith, Franklin, Heard County, Ga. 2. How long and since when have you been a resident of this State? Since birth 65 years 3. When and where were you born? 1839 -- Oglethorpe Co., Ga. 4. When and where and in what company and regiment did you enlist or serve? Spring 1862 Heard Co., Ga, Co. K, 56 Ga. Regt 5. How long did you remain in such company and regiment? Till almost 1st Sept 1863 -- about 1 1/2 years. 6. When and where was you company and regiment surrendered and discharged? 1865 - Still in N. C. somewhere (rest unclear J Ceurn?) 7. Were you present with your company and regiment when it was surrendered? No 8. If not present, state specifically and clearly where you were, when you left your command, for what cause and by whose authority? I was wounded May 1863 in left hand at New Hope Church. Sent to hospital Atlanta & kept there a few weeks. I got gangrene in right hand & was sent from there home on 68 days furlough 9. How much can you earn (gross)per annum by your own exertions or labor? Twenty five dollars 10. What has been your occupation since 1865? Nothing 11. Upon which of the following grounds do you base your application for pension, viz.: first, "age and poverty," second "infirmity and poverty" or third "blindness and poverty"? Infirmity & Poverty 12. If upon the first ground, state how long you have been in such a condition that you could not earn your support? If upon the second, give a full and complete history of the infirmity and its extent? If upon the third, state whether you are totally blind and when and where you lost your sight? I was wounded in left and. I was detached until I got able. Near gangrene cases in the hospital. I got right hand something & got gangrene in it. I am unable to work with either hand. Besides I have also Rheumatism and Diabetes. 13. What property, real and personal, or income, do you possess, and its gross value? None except little HH goods & apx 25.00 or 30.00 14. What property, real and personal, or income, did you possess in 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901 and 1902, and what disposition, if any, by sale or gift, have you made of same? None other except the crops I made and consumed. Have been a Renter or tenant all the time. 15. In what County did you reside during those years, and what property did you then return for taxation? In Heard up to 1901. Carroll 1901 to 1903. Heard since and now. 16. How were you supported during the years 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, & 1903? By what little I could do & the help of step-son, a man of his own [note: this is John H. Brigman] 17. How much did your support cost for each of those years, and what portion did you contribute thereto by your own labor or income? 80.00 2/3 up to 1902. Perhaps 1/4 since then. 18. What was your employment during 1898, 1899, 1901, 1902,and 1903? What pay did you receive in each year? None. Done little jobs tended patches garden. No pay. 19. Have you a family? If so, who composes such family? Give their means of support. Have they a homestead, or other property? Their ages and how employed? Self & Wife. She quite feeble. Neither property, income, Homestead or other means. 20. Are you receiving any pension? If so, what amount and for what disability? Yes, $25.00 for my disabled hands. 21. Have you made an application for pension before? Yes as above. 22. How many applications have you ever made and under what class? one -- the kind stated - Invalid. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the} 30th day of August 1904 } /s/ A. J. Smith Applicant Robt. G. Crain, Ordinary of Heard County --------------------------- QUESTIONS FOR WITNESS STATE OF GEORGIA } Heard County} F. M. Glover, of said State and County, having been presented as a witness in support of the application of Asa J. Smith for pension under section 1254, Code and after being duly sworn true answers to make the following questions, deposes and answers as follows: 1. What is your name and where do you reside? F. M. Glover -- Franklin, Heard Co., Ga. 2. Are you acquainted with Asa J. Smith, the applicant; if so how long have you known him? Yes, for over 40 years 3. Where does he reside, and how long and since when he been a resident of this State? near Franklin, Heard Co., Ga. All his life in Ga. 4. When, where and in what company and regiment did he enlist and how do you know? May 1862 Franklin - Heard Co. Ga -- Co K -- 56 Ga Regt. I did with him. 5. Were you a member of the same company and regiment? Yes 6. How long did he perform regular military duty? About 1 1/2 years 7. When and where was his command surrendered? At about April 26, 1865. I think 8. Were you present when it surrendered? Yes, I had been transferred to Home Guards 9. Was applicant present? Not with his Co & Regt. Was present with Home Guards. 10. If he was not present, where was he? Was a member of Home Guards at Franklin, Ga. When did he leave his command? May 1863 For what cause? Wounded -- sent to hospital - Atlanta By what authority he left? Furloughed from hospital 60 days. How do you know all this? I was a member of his co. I know that he was wounded in the hand at the new Hope Church fight. That he was sent to the hospital in Atlanta & from there was sent home. When his furlough was out he reported back to his co.. The surgeon, Dr. Petty, examined him & said his hands were so badly injured he would never be able for duty. He went home & joined the Home Guards & stayed with them till the surrender. I was transferred to them for disability & was with him. This is why I know. 11. What property, effects or income has the applicant? (Give your means of knowledge) None. A few old HH effects, not over 35.00. Can see for myself & have known him well. 12. What property, effects or income did the applicant possess in 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, and what disposition, if any, did he make of same? None except his patches & He used at to live on. 13. Has he conveyed away any of his property in the last four years; if so, what was it, and to whom? No. He has nothing to convey. 14. What is the applicant's occupation and physical condition? Farming has been his calling while he was able. Physical condition very bad. 15. Is the applicant unable to support himself by labor of any sort; if so, why? Yes. His hands are in a bad fix. He suffers with Piles and Rheumatism & trouble with his water. 16. How was he supported during the years 1898, 1899, 1900, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903? Well he works what he can and his step-son is good to him & helps him. 17. What portion of his support for these four years was derived from his own labor or income? Perhaps he 1/2 supported himself till 2 years ago. Don't suppose he can make 1/4 enough now. 18. Give a full and complete statement of the applicant's physical condition that entitles him to a pension under Section 1254, Code I have in 14, as well as I am able. I know he is suffering as stated. I see him often. 19. Who composes family? What property have they? Children's ages and their earning capacity? Himself & wife. She is old & sickly too. Neither have any property, means, Homestead, or income. 20. What interest have you in the recovery of a pension by this applicant? None Sworn and subscribed before me, this the} /s/ F. M. Glover 30 day of August 1904__ } Witness Robt. G. Crain, Ordinary ----------------------------------- AFFIDAVIT OF PHYSCIANS. _____________ STATE OF GEORGIA } Heard County} Personally came before me, J. R. Daniel and J. W. Daniel, both known to me as reputable physicians of said County, who being severally sworn, say on oath that they have examined carefully A. J. Smith, applicant for pension under Section 1254, Code, and after such personal examination, say that his precise physical condition is as follows: He is all crippled up with rheumatism Has a crippled hand and his constitution and general health is wrecked and he is not able to make a living for himself by labor of any sort. And that we have no interest in said pension being allowed. Sworn and subscribed before me, this the} J. R. Daniel M D 30 day of Aug 1904} J. W. Daniel M D Robt G. Crain Ordinary ================================================================================ ORDINARY'S CERTIFICATE. STATE OF GEORGIA, } Heard County} I, Robert G. Crain, Ordinary, in and for said County, hereby certify that the applicant, A. J. Smith, resides in said County, and has been a bona fide resident of this State since the 1 day of Jan'y 1899 and that the witnesses, viz: F. M. Glover are of trustworthy character, and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit. I further certify that before answering the foregoing questions the applicant and each witness took the oath hereon prescribed, and that the full text of the affidavits was read to the applicant and witnesses before same was signed. I further certify that the tax digests of Heard County show that applicant returned for taxation in his name in 1900 15.00 Dollars of property, and in 1901 nothing Dollars of property; in 1902 nothing Dollars of property; in 1903 nothing Dollars of property. In my opinion the foregoing claim is made in good faith. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 30th day of Aug 1904 Robt. G. Crain, Ordinary of Heard County. -------------------------- POWER OF ATTORNEY STATE OF GEORGIA } Heard County } I, A. J. Smith hearby authorize the Ordinary of Heard Co., Ga to receive and receipt for the pension allowed and request that he remit same to me or my order at Franklin, Ga. by cash or check. Witness my hand and seal this 4 day of July 1904. /s/ A. J. Smith [L. S.] Executed in presence of G. W. Daniel, NP ================ Smith, A. J. Heard Co. (FOR THOSE ALREADY ENROLLED) Fr. Carroll Co - 1903 No. 1637 ================ DISABLED SOLDIER'S PENSION 1904 ================ Name: A. J. Smith County: Heard Co.: K Regiment: 56 Ga Disability: Disabled Hands Amount: @35.00 Yr 1904 ================ John W. Lindsey Commissioner of Pensions ================ WARRANT HANDED TO Ordy ================ no data POWER OF ATTORNEY STATE OF GEORGIA } Heard County } I, A. J. Smith hearby authorize R. G. Crain of Heard County, Ga to receive and receipt for the pension allowed and request that he remit same to me by his check at Franklin, Ga. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 day of Jan'y 1904. /s/ A. J. Smith [L. S.] Executed in presence of Robt. G. Crain, Ordy FOR APPLICANTS HERETOFORE ALLOWED PENSIONS STATE OF GEORGIA} Heard County} Personally appears A. J. Smith of Heard County, State of Georgia, who being duly sworn, says on oath that he is a bona fide citizen and resident of said State, and has resided therein continuously ever since the day of birth 1839; that he enlisted in the military service of the Confederate States (or of the State of ________________) during the war between the States, and served as a Private in Company K, of 56th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers Cumming's Brigade; that whilst engaged in such military service in the State of Georgia, on the 24 day of May 1863, he was wounded, injured or diseased as follows: At the battle of New Hope he was shot by a minie ball in the left hand ball tearing bones out of left hand and causing a permanent injury and rendering said left hand substantially and essentially useless. Deponent makes application for the pension to which he is entitled for the year ending October 26th. 1904. I have heretofore, under said law, as a resident of Carroll County, been allowed an invalid pension of twenty-five Dollars, for the year 1903. Sworn to and subscribed before me, the} 12 day of Jan'y 1904. } /s/ A. J. Smith /s/ Robt. G. Crain Ordinary } Post- office_______________ Note - State fully the nature of the wound or character of disease which causes the disability, and explain particularly the extent of the disability resulting from the wound or disease. STATE OF GEORGIA, } Heard County } I Robt. G. Crain Ordinary of said County, do certify that I am well acquainted with A. J. Smith the applicant in the foregoing affidavit, and am well satisfied that the statements made by him in his said affidavit are true, and I know he is the individual he represents himself to be, and that he resides in the County. Given under my official signature and seal, this 12 day of Jan'y 1904. /s/ Robt. G. Crain Ordinary Heard County {Note: Now to start with the earlier items} (new page) FOR USE OF APPLICANTS WHO HAVE NOT HERETOFORE DRAWN STATE OF GEORGIA } Heard County } Personally appears A. J. Smith of Heard county, State of Georgia, who being duly sworn, says on oath that he is a bona fide citizen and resident of said State, and has been continuously since the birth 9 day of February 1839; that he enlisted in the military service of the Confederate States (or of the State of ___________) during the war between the States, and served as a private in Company K, of 56th Regiment of Ga Volunteers Cummings Brigade; that whilst engaged in such military service at the battle of excursion (?) New Hope in the State of Georgia, on the __________ day of _________ 1864, he was wounded as follows: by a minie ball entering the left hand near the wrist joint on the inside & went through said left hand ranging forward breaking the bone of said hand nearly all to pieces & they came out & some bones came out in 1890. Said hand is torn to pieces & ruined. All the bones of the 3rd finger of the hand are gone & said hand is stiff & the fingers are all stiff except the 1st finger & the 3rd finger lies flat in the palm of the hand and all of said hand & wrist is perished. Applicant has slight wound under the left shoulder and the are & hand are useless to. Deponent desires to participate in the benefits of the Act, approved October 24, 1887, and the acts amendatory thereof, and makes application for the allowance to which he is entitled for the year thereunder, ending October 26, 1890. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the} /s/ A. J. Smith /s/ R. J. McDowell the 6th day of March 1891 } COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S AFFADAVIT STATE OF GEORGIA, } Heard County } Personally came before me I. J. Stephens of the county of Heard, State of Georgia, who, being duly sworn, says that he was a commissioned officer in Company K, of 56 Regiment of Ga Volunteers, and that deponent knows A. J. Smith, and that he received the wounds (or contracted the disease) in the military service, as stated in his foregoing affidavit, and that wounds (or disease) permanently disables the said A. J. Smith as stated by him in said affidavit. Deponent further states that said A. J. Smith is a bona fide citizen of this State and resides in Heard county. Sworn to and subscribed before me this } /s/ I. J. Stephens 6th day of March 1891 } 1Lt Co K 56 Ga Vols /s/ G. A. Crain Ordinary STATE OF GEORGIA, } Heard County } Personally comes before me __________________ Ordinary of said county, W. A. Ware and O. C. Brittain, both known to me as reputable physicians of said county, who, being severally sworn, say on oath that they have carefully examined A. J. Smith and after such examination say that the applicant has been injured as follows: said ball entered at the wrist joint of the left hand on the inside, and came out on the top side of the knuckle of the 3rd finger, causing all the bones of the hand to be stiff & the bones of the 3rd finger are all out, and the 3rd finger is stiff & lies flat in the palm of the hand, and all the fingers of said left hand are useless except the thumb & forefinger. And the wrist is also partly stiff and the left arm & hand is substantially & essentially useless. Sworn to and subscribed before me this } /s/ W. A. Ware, M. D. 6th day of March 1891 } /s/ O. C. Brittain, M. D. G. A. Crain, Ordinary STATE OF GEORGIA, } Heard County } I, G. A. Crain Ordinary of said county, do certify that I am well acquainted with A. J. Smith the applicant in the foregoing affidavit, and am well satisfied that the statements made by him in his said affidavit are true, and he is disabled, as he claims, and I know he is the individual he represents himself to be, and that he resides in this county. I also certify that the foregoing witnesses are persons of respectability, and that their statements are worthy of full credit and belief. I further certify that R. J. McDowell before whom the foregoing affidavit were made and power of attorney signed, is a Justice of the Peace of said county, and the said affidavits and signatures thereto are genuine. Given under my official signature and seal, this 6th day of March 1891. /s/ G. A. Crain Ordinary Heard County POWER OF ATTORNEY STATE OF GEORGIA, } Heard County } Know all Men by these Presents, That I, A. J. Smith of Heard county, in said State, do hearby appoint W. A. Wright of Fulton County my true and lawful attorney in fact, for me and in my name, to receive and receipt for whatever amount of money I may be entitled to from the State of Georgia by reason of the injury received as aforesaid in the military service of the Confederate States (or of this State), as stated in the foregoing affidavit; hereby authorizing my said attorney to receipt in my name for any Warrant that may be issued by the Governor, or for any sum of money which may be coming to me for the reason aforesaid. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 6th day of March 1891. A. J. Smith [L.S.] Executed in the presence of us: /s/ R. J. McDowell, J. P. /s/ G. A. Crain DIRECTION If allowed, sent amount by Reg letter to me at Franklin, Heard Co., Ga, and oblige, /s/ A. J. Smith ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Note on reverse of application: Mr. W. H. Harrison Dear Sir - I send you application of Mr. A. J. Smith respectfully G. A. Crain, Ordy ~~~~~~~~~ Smith, A. J. Heard Co. 1891 No. 2528 APPLICATION FOR ALLOWANCE for Hand dis Applicant: A. J. Smith County: Heard Amount, $25 Date of Warrant Mch 12 Entered on record March 12 1891 WHH Secretary Executive Department Warrant Handed to W. A. Wright Smith, A. J. Heard 1891 Maimed Soldier Voucher No. 2528 Amount $25.00 Paid to A. J. Smith For Hand disabled Mch 12 1891 W. A. Wright AUDITED 1891 Mar 13 1891 Wm. A. Wright Comptroller General (new page) 1891 No. 2528 State of Georgia } Atlanta, Ga. Mch 12, 1891 Executive Department } Mr. A. J. Smith of the County of Heard having filed his application in the Executive Department for an allowance under the Act approved October 24, 1887 as amended by Acts approved Dec. 24, 1888 and Nov. 11, 1889, and the same having been examined and allowed for Hand disabled. He is entitled to receive the sum of Twenty-five ~~~~~~ Dollars for such disability, the same being the allowance due for the year ending October 24, 1891. The Treasurer will pay the same and hold his receipt on this voucher and return same to Executive Department for warrant. W. J. Northen Governor By the Governor W. H. Hamson Sec'y Executive Department $25. Received of R. U. Hardeman, Treasurer of the State of Georgia Twenty-five and 00/100 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dollars per above voucher, this 12 of Mch 1891. A. J. Smith Asa J. Smith continues to apply for pensions from Heard Co., GA in 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, & 1902. In 1903, he has moved to Carroll Co., GA: Transferred to Carroll County Heard County (for those already enrolled) Handwritten: To Heard Co. 1904 No. 1445 Transferred from Heard Co. 1902 =============================== DISABLED SOLDIER'S PENSION 1903 =============================== Name: A. J. Smith County: Carroll Co. "K" 56th Regiment Ga. Vols Disability: wound in hand Amount: $25.00 2/4 1903 =============================== John W. Lindsey, Commissioner of Pensions =============================== Warrant handed to Ordy =============================== FOR APPLICANTS HERETOFORE ALLOWED PENSIONS STATE OF GEORGIA } Carroll County} Personally appears A. J. Smith of Carroll County, State of Georgia, who being duly sworn, says on oath that he is a bona fide citizen and resident of said State, and had resided therein continuously all his life; that he enlisted in the military service of the Confederate States (or the State of _____________) during the war between the States and served as a private in Company "K" of the 56th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, Commings Brigadel that whilst engaged in such service in the State of Georgia, on the 24th day of Mary 1864 he was wounded, injured or diseased as follows: By gun shot while in line of battle at New Hope Church disabling left hand so that it is essentially and substantially useless. Deponent makes application for the pension to which he is entitled for the year ending October 26th, 1903. I have heretofore, under said law, as a resident of Heard County,been allowed an invalid pension of Twenty Five Dollars, for the year 1902. Sworn and subscribed before me, this the } /s/ A. J. Smith 19 day of January 1903. } Post-office: Carrollton, Ga S. J. Brown Ordy STATE OF GEORGIA } Carroll County } I S. J. Brown Ordinary of said County, do certify that I am well acquained with A. J. Smith the applicant in the foregoing affidavit, and am well satisfied that the statements made by him in his said affidavit are true, and I know he is the individual he represents himself to be and that he resided in this County. Given under my official signature and seal, this 19th day of January 1903. S. J. Brown Ordinary Carroll County. GEORGIA, Heard County I certify that A. J. Smith the holder of this Certificate was disabled Pensioner, and paid the sum of Twenty-five Dollars from this County, in 1902 and that he now resides in Carroll County. Given under my hand and official signature, this Jany 21 1903. Robt G. Crain Ordinary POWER OF ATTORNEY STATE OF GEORGIA, } Carroll County. } I, A. J. Smith hearby authorize S. J. Brown Ordinary of Carroll County, Ga. to receive and receipt for the pension paid hereon and request that he remit samt to ________________ by ________________ at ______________. IN WITNESS WHEREOf, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of January 1908. /s/ A. J. Smith [L. S.] Executed in presence of B. G. Brown J. H. Barron, CSCCC Asa moves back to Heard County for 1904 pension year, as transcribed at the top of this page. He the files in 1905, 1906, & 1907. 1907 is the final year he filed, according to the copies of his file sent to me by Washington Memorial Library in Macon, Georgia. http://www.co.bibb.ga.us/library/G&H.htm Additional Comments: Asa J. Smith was the 2nd husband of Caroline Elizabeth Miller. Her first husband was Robinson Brigman, who served in the same company, and died at the siege of Vicksburg. New Hope Church http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/ga/ga010.html Georgia American Civil War May 25-26, 1864 After Johnston retreated to Allatoona Pass on May 19-20, Sherman decided that he would most likely pay dearly for attacking Johnston there, so he determined to move around Johnston's left flank and steal a march toward Dallas. Johnston anticipated Sherman's move and met the Union forces at New Hope Church. Sherman mistakenly surmised that Johnston had a token force and ordered Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's corps to attack. This corps was severely mauled. On the 26th, both sides en-trenched, and skirmishing continued throughout the day. Actions the next day in this area are discussed under Pickett's Mills. Result(s): Confederate victory Location: Paulding Co., Georgia Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864) Dates: May 25-26, 1864 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman and Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS] Forces Engaged: Military Division of the Mississippi [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS] Estimated Casualties: Total unknown (US 1,600; CS unknown) Sources: U.S. National Park Service U.S. Library of Congress This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 26.3 Kb