Lee County Georgia Military Pensions - Co. B 11th GA Ruth - Yawn Submitted by Harold K. Daniel, Jr USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation 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. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** Pension Records of the Soldiers of the 11th Georgia, Company B, from Lee County, Georgia *W. A. Ruth, Private Pension: His wife Caroline Ruth filed for his pension in Calhoun County, Georgia. They were married June 27, 1858 in Lee County, Georgia. She died in Calhoun County on July 5, 1922. Moses Morgan, William C. Gill, and P. P. Gill of Lee County, Georgia served as witness for her pension. Affidavit to be made by the Widow STATE OF GEORGIA, County of Calhoun. In person came before me, the undersigned Ordinary in and for the County of Calhoun Mrs. Caroline Ruth, who being sworn according to law, says under oath that she is the widow of Wesley A. Ruth, who was a soldier in the service of the Confederate States, and served as a member of Company B, of the 11th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, that he enlisted in said service on or about May 1862, and in the Confederate Army up to 27 September 1862. That while in the Army, he was on the 3oth day of August 1862, wounded by a shot threw the thigh at the 2nd Battle of Manassas and carried to the hospital and on the 27th day of September 1862 died from the effects of the wound received at the time and place mentioned. Widow gets her information from letter wrote by him giving description of the wound, time and place and a letter of his death. Deponent further swears that she was the wife of said deceased soldier during his term of service in the Army, and that she has never married since his death, that she became his wife on the 27th day of June 1858, and that she has resided in Georgia continuously since the 18th day of May 1841, that Georgia is her home, and was such on the 23rd day of December, 1890, and since has not lived in any other State or locality. Sworn to and subscribed to me, this, the 16th day of April 1891 John J Ragan, Ordinary Affidavit for Three Witnesses STATE OF GEORGIA, County of Lee. In person came before me, the undersigned Ordinary in and for said County, witnesses Moses Morgan, William C. Gill, and P. P. Gill (each known to said Attesting Officer as truthful, reliable and reputable citizens), who severally say under oath, that, from their own personal knowledge, Mrs. Caroline Ruth, of the County of Calhoun, State of Georgia, is the widow of Wesley A. Ruth, who was a soldier in Company B of the 11th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers. That said soldier enlisted in the service of the Confederate States (or the Georgia State Troops) on or about the 1st day of May 1862. That while in said service, or by reason of said service in the Army, he lost his life as follows: He was wounded at second battle of Manassas died at the Hospital and never re-turned home again. *W. Spillers, Private Pension: His wife Martha J. Spillers(Ridley) filed for his pension in Crisp County, Georgia. They were married in Worth County, Georgia on September 7, 1865 J. J. Hall and N. M. Bowen of Worth County, Georgia served as witnesses for her. Questions for Applicant What is your name and where do you reside? Martha J. Spillers, Cordele, Georgia. How long and since when have you been a continuing resident in the State of Georgia? All my life. When, where and in what company and regiment did you husband enlist as a soldier in Confederate Army or Georgia Militia? 1861 in Lee County, Co. B, 11th Georgia Infantry. When and where did the commands of your husband surrender or discharge from the army? Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9th 1865. Was your husband personally present at the time of the surrender of discharge of this Command? Yes. When and where did your husband die? Were you residing together when he died? August 1880, Worth County, Georgia, Yes. Have you heretofore been paid a pension by the State? No. Questions for Witnesses What is your name and where do you reside? J. J. Hall in Worth County, Georgia. How long and since when have you known Martha J. Spillers the Applicant? Since she was married in 1865. How long and since when had she continuously resided in this State? 1865 to my knowledge. When and to whom was she married? How do you know? In the fall of 1865 to W. C. Spillers, I was at the wedding. How long and since when did you know W. C. Spillers her husband? Since later part of 1861 and 1st of 1862. When, where and what company and regiment did W. C. Spillers enlist? He came in Co. 1861 or 1862 at Richmond Virginia, Co. B, 11th Regiment Georgia Volunteers. Were you a member of the same company? I was. How long within your personal knowledge did he perform actual military service with his company and regiment? Until May 1864 when I was captured and was not with the command anymore. When and where was did his command surrender and was discharged? He served to close of war April 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you personally present when it was surrendered? No. If not where were you? In Elmira N.Y. prison, captured by the enemy May 6,1864. Was the husband of the applicant personally present at surrender? Do not know of own knowledge. Questions for Witness What is your name and where do you reside? N. M. Bowen in Worth Co. Georgia. How long and since when have you known Martha J. Spillers the applicant? Do not know her. How long and since when did you know William C. Spillers her husband? Since 1862. When, where and in what company and regiment did W. C. Spillers enlist? In Spring of 1862 in Lee Co. Georgia, Co. B, 11th Georgia. Were you a member of the same Company? I was. How long within your personal knowledge did he perform actual military service with the company and regiment? From 1862 to 1865 to surrender. When, and where did his command surrender, and was discharge? April 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you personally present when it was surrendered? I was. Was the husband of applicant personally present at surrender? Yes. *Ulysses Sullivan, 1st Sergeant Pension: His wife Mary Sullivan filed for a pension in Early County, Georgia. Gildarhoy (or Gilderoy) Wills of Early County, Georgia served as a witness for her. Question for Applicant What is your name and where do you reside? Mrs. Mary Sullivan in Early Country Georgia. How long and since when have you been a resident of this State? Since May 1839. When and where you born? May 1839 Lee County, Georgia. When and where was your husband born - state his full name, and when were you and he married? Born in Lee county, Georgia. Married in October 1857. When and where, and in what regiment did your husband enlist or serve during the war between the states? In 1861 at Starksville, now Leesburg, Lee County, Georgia. In company B, 11th Georgia Regiment. How long did your husband serve in said company and regiment? To the 2nd battle of Manassas when he lost an arm. When and where did your husband's company and regiment surrender and was discharged? He was taken prisoner at above battle and afterwards exchanged. Was your husband present at the time and place when his company and regiment surrendered? Was not, because he did not return to Army after loss of Arm. If not with his command at surrender, state clearly and specifically where he was, when he left command, for what cause, and by what authority? At home since capture or before notice because of loss of arm was not fit for duty. When and where did your husband die? January 1875 in Lee County, Georgia. Which of the following grounds do you base your application for Pension? Age and Poverty. What has been your occupation since your husband's death? Doing what I could about the house. What property, real or personal, or income do you have or posses, and its gross value? None. Questions for Witness What is your name and where do you reside? Gildarhoy (or Gilderoy) Willis in Early County, Georgia. Are you acquainted with the applicant, Mrs. Mary Sullivan? If so, how long have you known her? Yes, since 1859. Were you ever acquainted with her husband? Yes. Where did he reside in 1861? Near Starkville in Lee county, Georgia. How long have you known him? Since 1858. Where you a member of the same company and regiment? Yes. How long did he perform regular military duty? Until 2nd Battle of Manassas. When and where did he leave his command? At the 2nd Battle of Manassas. For what cause? Wounded and captured. Where did he reside at his death and how long had he been a resident of Georgia at his death? In Lee County, Georgia since 1858. *Cicero Tison, Private Pension: His wife filed for his pension in Randolph County, Georgia. A. J. McLendon, R. G. Gill, S. H. Williams, and Ed McDonald of Lee County, Georgia served as witness for her. Questions for Applicant What is your name and where do you reside? Mrs. Martha A. Tison in Randolph Co. Georgia. How long and since when have you been a resident of this State? About 53 years since 1847. When and where were you born? June 17, 1837 in Lancaster Co. S. C. When and where was your husband born - state his full name, and when were you and he married? Cicero Tison, 1828 in Lawrence Co. Georgia, married in 1853. When and where, and in what company and regiment did your husband enlist or serve during the war between the States? May 1861 in Lee Co. Georgia, Co. B, 11th Georgia Regiment. When and where did your husband's company or regiment surrender and was discharged? April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Was your husband present at the time and place when his company and regiment surrendered? He was in prison at Elmira N.Y. If not with his command at surrender, state clearly and specifically where he was, when he left command, for what cause, and by what authority? He was captured at the battle of the Wilderness in May 1864 and remained a prisoner until the war closed. When and where did your husband die? October 15, 1888 in Georgia. What grounds do you base your application for pension? Age and poverty, I have been unable to do any work for three years or to earn a support. Have you ever made an application for pension before? Yes How many applications have you made for a pension, and under what class? Under the law where soldier died from effects of disease from war. Questions for witness What is your name and where do you reside? A. J. Mclendon. Are you acquainted with the applicant, Mrs. Martha A. Tison? Not acquainted with her. Were you ever acquainted with her husband? Yes. Where did he reside in 1861? In Lee County. How long have you known him? Over 50 years. Where did Cicero Tison enlist in the war between the States, and in what company and regiment did he enlist and how do you know this? In 1861 in Lee County Georgia, Co. B, 11th Georgia Regiment. Were you a member of the same company and regiment? I was. How long did he perform regular military duty? He was captured at the Battle of the Wilderness, and did not get home until after the war. When and where was his company and regiment surrendered and discharged from service? In 1865 At Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you with the command when it surrendered? I was. Was Cicero Tison the husband of the applicant present? He was in prison at the time. Do you if your own Knowledge know that applicant is the lawful widow of? I am satisfied of that. What interest have you in the recovery of this pension by the applicant? None. Questions for witness What is your name and where do you reside? R. G. Gill in Lee County, S. H. Williams in Sumter County, and 1st Lieutenant Late of Lee County. Are you acquainted with the applicant, If so how long have you know her? Ever since 1861. Where does she reside, and how long and since when has she been a resident of this State? She lives in Randolph County Georgia had lived in Georgia all her life. When and where was she born? Do not know. Were you ever acquainted with her husband? I was. Where did he reside in 1861? In Lee County Georgia. How long have you known him? Ever since 1858. When and where did Cicero Tison enlist in the war between the States, and in what company and regiment did he enlist and how do you know this? He enlisted in company B, 11th Georgia Regiment, I was with him. Were you a member of the same company and regiment? I was. How long did he perform regular military duty? From 3rd day of July 1861 - to the 6th day of May 1864. When and where was his company and regiment surrendered and discharged from service? Appomattox Court House, Virginia in 1865 - I think. Were you with the command when it surrendered? I was. Was the husband of applicant present? He was not he captured on 6th of May at Battle of the Wilderness. If not present, where was he? In northern prison. When and where did he leave his command? At Battle of Wilderness Virginia on 6th of May. For what cause? His being captured. By whose authority he left? The enemy. How do you know all this? I was present and I witnessed. When and where did he die? It is reported he died in Randolph County, Georgia. Where did he reside at his death and how long had he been a resident of Georgia at his death? Ever since 1854 and in Georgia all is life. Do you of you own knowledge that applicant is the lawful widow? I know they lived together as man and wife. Has she remained unmarried since her soldier husband's death, and is now his widow? I think she has. *James F. Watson, 4th Corporal Pension: His wife Leila Watson filed for his pension under Indigent Widows of Confederate Soldiers in Fulton County, Georgia. James F. Watson married Leila Rutland on July 17, 1885 in Muscogee County, Georgia. Questions for Applicant What is your name, and where do you reside? Mrs. Leila Watson, 15 Peachtree Place, Apt. 7, Atlanta, Georgia. (Fulton County) How long and since when have you been, continuously, a bona fide resident citizen of the State of Georgia? All my Life Give date, or year, of your birth October 29, 1859 When, where and to whom were you married? July 17, 1885, Columbus, Georgia, James F. Watson Have you married since the death of first and soldier husband? No When and where did your first husband die? March 1, 1900, Americus, Georgia Were you residing together when he died? Yes Are you now a widow? Yes Have you or your husband been paid a pension by the State? No When, where and in what Company and Regiment did your husband enlist as a soldier in Confederate Army or Georgia Militia? (Give name of Colonel and Captain.) State whether Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Reserves, State Guards, State Militia or State Troops. 11th Georgia, Lee County Volunteers, Co. B, When and where did the Commands of your husband surrender or discharge from the Service? Appomattox, Virginia, April 9, 1865 What was his physical condition when he left his command? Poor Was he captured by the enemy at any time? Yes, July 2, 1863 If so, when and where? In what prison was he held and when was he released? July 2, 1863, Gettysburg Note: James F. Watson enlisted in Lee County, Georgia. , and was appointed 4th Corporal of Co. B, 11th Georgia Regiment July 3, 1863. Appointed 1st Corporal January 1, 1863. Wounded and captured, Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. Died, result amputation of arm, General Hospital, Gettysburg, Pa. July 14, 1863. (Washington record). This record was checked again with Washington, D.C., August 1937, and above statement verified. Seems to be an error. See Judge Hooper's affidavit hereto attached. Letter of Judge Frank Hooper August 13, 1937 Pension Commissioner of Georgia, State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia In Re: Application of Mrs. Leila Watson for pension on Account of her husband, James F. Watson, Fourth Corporal, 11th Ga. Regiment Lee County Volunteers Dear Sir: I personally and intimately know J. F. Watson of Smithville, Lee County, Georgia, from the year 1887 until his death in 1990. He and I were both practitioners at the bar and were daily thrown together. He moved from Smithville to Americus about 1891. I never knew or heard of another J. F. Watson either at Smithville or Americus. He is well known to the family that he suffered with pneumonia while in the service and finally died with tuberculosis resulting from it. In my judgement there cannot be the slightest question as to the identity of the James F. Watson in service and the James F. Watson whom I knew so well, nor that there was no other James F. Watson who could be confused with him. I practice law in Americus from 1891 to 1909 and was Solicitor General of the Circuit from 1896 until 1908 and knew practically every white man in both Sumter and Lee Counties. Unfortunately, all the old Confederate Veterans whom I recall in those two counties have passed away. Very truly yours, F. A. Hooper *Stephen H. Williams, 1st Corporal Pension: Filed for pension in Sumter County, Georgia on the basis of infirmity and poverty. R. G. Gill of Lee County, Georgia served as a witness for him. Questions for Applicant What is your name and where do you reside? S. H. Williams in Sumter County, Georgia. How long and since when have you been a resident of the state? Since 1838. When and where were you born? 1838 - Sumter County, Georgia. When and where and in what company and regiment did you enlist or serve? 1861 in Lee County company B 11th Georgia regiment. How long did you remain in such company and regiment? Until the 9th day of April 1865. For how long a period did you discharge regular military duty? About 4 years. When, where and under what circumstances were you discharged from service? 1865 - Surrender of General Lee. What is your present occupation? Farming. Upon which of the following grounds do you base your application for pension? Infirmity and poverty. Give a full and complete history of the infirmity and its extent? I was wounded in the war at the Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia being paralyzed from the wound in my head. What property, effects or income do you posses, and its gross value? Nothing. How were you supported during the years 1897 and 1898? I lived with my children. They fed and clothed me. Have you a family? If so, who composes such family? Give their means of support? Have they a homestead? Have no family - my children are all of age - wife if dead. Questions for Witness What is your name and where do you reside? R. G. Gill (Lee County). How long have you known S. H. Williams? About 40 years. Where you a member of the same company and regiment? Yes. How long did he perform regular military duty, and what do you know of his service as a Confederate soldier, and the time and circumstances of his discharge from the service? He served in said company until the close of the war. The witness served with him in said company. What property, effects or income has the applicant? I don't know of any. *Gildarhoy Willis, Private Pension: He filed for pension in Sumter County, Georgia. N. M. Bowen of Worth County, Georgia served as a witness for him. Questions for Applicant What is your name and where do you reside? Gildarhoy Willis in Andersonville, Georgia. How long and since when have you been a continuous resident of this State? April 25 1844, all my life. Did you enlist in the Army of the Confederate States or in the organized militia of this State from 1861 to 1865? Yes. When and where, and in what company and regiment did you enlist? 1861, Co. B, 11th Georgia Regiment volunteers. How long did you remain in the actual military service with said company and regiment? Until April 9th 1865. When and where was your company and regiment surrendered or discharged from the Service? April 9th 1965 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you actually present with your command when it was surrendered or discharged? Yes. Were you captured during the war? No. Questions for Witness What is your name and where do you reside? N. M. Bowen in Worth Co. Georgia. How long and since when have you known the applicant? Since 1861. Where does he reside, and since when has he been a bona fide, continuing resident of this State, and how do you know? Andersonville, Georgia, he has been in the State of Georgia all his life. When, where and in what company and regiment did G. Willis enlist during was from 1861 to 1865? 1861, Co. B, 11th Georgia Volunteers. How did you obtain your information of this Service? 1861 to April 9, 1865. When and where was his command surrendered or discharged? April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you personally present at the surrender? Yes. If not, where were you and how came you there? Present. Was the applicant personally present with his command at surrender? Yes. Was the applicant captured as a prisoner? No. *James L. Willis, Private Pension: He filed for pension in Early County, Georgia. G. Willis of Spalding County, Georgia served as a witness for him. Questions for Applicant What is your name and where do you reside? James L. Willis in Early Co. Georgia. How long and since when have you been a resident of this State? Ever since July 29, 1841. When and where were you born? July 29, 1841 in Sumter, Co. Georgia. When and where and in what company and regiment did you enlist or serve? May 1861, Lee Co. Georgia, Co. B, 11th Georgia Volunteers. How long did you remain in such company and regiment? From May 1861 until June 1864. When and where was your company and regiment surrendered and discharged? April 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you present with you company and regiment when it was surrendered? I was not. If not present, state specifically and clearly where you were, when you left your command, for what cause and by whose authority? I was taken prisoner in June 1864 and carried to Elmira, N. Y. and there remained until surrender. What has been your occupation since 1865? Carpenter. Upon what grounds do base your application for pension? Age and poverty - I am 65 years old and for three years have not been able to earn my support. Have you ever made an application for pension before? No. Questions for Witness What is your name and where do you reside? G. Willis resides in Griffin, Spalding Co. Georgia. Are you acquainted with J. L Willis, the applicant, is so how long have you known him? All my life. Where does he reside, and how long and since when has he been a resident of this State? Early Co. Georgia since July 29, 1841. When, where and in what company and regiment did he enlist, and how do you know? May 1861 in Lee Co. Georgia, company B, 11th Georgia Volunteers, I know it personally. Were you a member of the same company and regiment? I was. How long did he perform regular military duty? From May 1861 to Summer of 1864. When and where was his command surrendered? April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Were you present when it surrendered? I was. Was the applicant present? He was not. If he was not present, where was he? He was in prison at Elmira N.Y. When did he leave his command? For what cause? Summer of 1864, he was captured. How do you know all of this? I was present and I know personally. *James Yawn, Private Pension: His wife Francis Yawn filed for his pension in Berrien Co. Georgia. W. C. Gill, Moses Morgan, and W. P. Gill of Lee County, Georgia served as witnesses for her. Affidavit to be made by the Widow Mrs. Francis Yawn, who being sworn according to law, says under oath that she is the widow of James Yawn, who was a soldier in the service of the Confederate States, and served as a member of Company B, of the Eleventh Regiment of Georgia Volunteers; that he enlisted in said service on or about the 4th day of July 1861, and was in the Confederate Army up to November 1861. That while in the Army, he Died of Pneumonia at Centerville, Virginia. Deponent further swears that she resided in Georgia continuously since the 1st day of January 1859. Affidavit for three Witnesses In person came before me, the undersigned Ordinary in and for said County, witnesses W. C. Gill, Moses Morgan, and P. P. Gill, who severally say under oath, that, from their own personal knowledge, Mrs. Francis Yawn, of the County of Bergen State of Georgia, is the widow of James Yawn who was a soldier in Company B of the 11th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers. That said soldier enlisted in the service of the Confederate States (or the Georgia State Troops) on or about the 4th day of July 1861. That while in said service or by reason of said service in the Army, he lost his life as follows: by sickness, fever, and Pneumonia - he died at Centerville, Virginia. Our opportunity for knowing the facts stated in reference to death of applicant's husband were: I W. C. Gill was First Lieutenant in said company and helped to bury said James Yawn. I Moses Morgan was a volunteer in said company and saw grave where James Yawn was said to have been buried. P. P. Gill says James Yawn never returned from said war.