Pension File - William C Christy, Shelby County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 2000 Ronald Ulmer The following pension file was transcribed by Ronald H. Ulmer (Ronald_ulmer@vapower.com) State of Illinois Shelby County On this the day of May 1875 personally appeared before me the clerk of the Circuit Court within and for said County Jonas Christy and Jacob Lockhart residents of said county persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled with full faith and credit who being duly sworn upon oath say that they have resided in the immediate neighborhood of Mary Christy the mother of William Christy and who was a Sergt. of Co. C of the 35th Regt of Ill Vols for past 18 years, and that they have been during all of said time well and personally acquainted the family affairs of Mary Christy during their said acquaintance and that they know the fact to be true that he the said William Christy was the main support of his said mother for at least two years prior to the time he enlisted in said service on the 3rd day of July A.D. 1861. He labored on the farm for her & raised all the means of subsistence for her during said time and that they are not interested in the claim nor concerned in its prosecution. x Jonas Christy x Jacob Lokart Subscribed and sworn to before me on this the 20th day of May 1875 said J. Christy that I am not interested in this claim nor concerned in it's prosecution. N. A. Cochran Clerk (Examination Order.) Department of the Interior, Pension Office (Widow's Division), Washington, D. C., August 25, 1875 Sir: Nicholas Christy, Husband of Mary Christy applicant for pension (Claim No. 221,140) as dependent mother of William Christy has been referred to you for examination. Please to fill out the accompanying blank and return the same at once to this Office, transmitting this order with your monthly account. Your attention is invited to the marginal notes of two within blank certificates. Very respectfully, H. W. Atkinson Commissioner. Dr. ----- Van Syke Examining Surgeon. Shelbyville Shelby Co. Ill's N. B. - The surgeon will indorse the date of examination on this order. WAR DEPARTMENT, SURGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE, RECORD AND PENSION DIVISION, Washington, D. C., Feby 8, 1876 (Transcript From Records.) It appears from the records filed in this Office, that Sergt. William Christy, Co. C, 35th Ills. Vols., was admitted to City G. H., St. Louis, Ills, Nov. .17, '61, with Febris Typhoides, & died of that disease Nov. 18, '61. Appears also as (?) William Christy. By order of the Surgeon General: J. J. Woodward Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army Vol. 9 (?) J. (?) No. 734 Per (Note. - This transcript should not be detached from the accompanying papers. If additional information is desired relative to the case, the papers should accompany the application therefor.) Widows' Division SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION OF A DEPENDENT RELATIVE. Claim No. 221,140 __________ State: Illinois ,County: Christian Post Office: Pana Feby 22nd , 1876 I hereby certify that I have carefully examined Nicholas Christy husband of Mary Christy, who claims a pension as the dependent mother of William Christy who is alleged to have died Nov 18, 1861, and that in my opinion, based on such examination and personal acquaintance with him for ----- years, the said Nicholas Christy is and has been physically incapacitated for support of himself and family, the nature, degree, and duration of his disability being as follows: [Here present a full and explicit statement as to the nature of the disability, and the particular manner and degree in which it has interfered with his procuring a subsistence, from prior to the son's enlistment and death to present date, giving his occupation and approximate age. If the facts are not within your personal knowledge, please to so state, and give your best judgment as to the probable duration and extent of the disability.] I have no acquaintance with Nicholas Christy - never saw him until he presented himself for examination. I find his present condition as follows: Is troubled with chronic diarrhea having from four to six bloody slimy operations per day - with great pain both before and after each operation. Tongue red ------- & dry - with papillae enlarged. Bowels more or less tympanitic. Considerable emaciation. Height 5'-6". Weight 130. Age 58. Pulse - 90. Resp 20. Is also troubled with chronic Rheumatism more of less enlargements about joints. Extremely sensitive to atmospheric changes. His occupation is that of a farmer. I'm inclined to think from his present condition and considering his, age that his disability is permanent. Should rate him one half or $4.00. Dr. J. M. Harnett lives in Shelbyville Shelby Co. (?) of Cowden Shelby Co. as the order states. He is in every way a reliable man and his professional standing is above reproach. H. H. Dewey, MD Widows Division Confidential Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, D.C. April 4th, 1877 Sir: Please furnish this office at your earliest convenience any information you may have, or be able to obtain, from reliable and disinterested persons, relative to the present means of support of Mrs. Mary Christy, mother of William, late a Sergt. in Co. "C" 35th Ill. Vols., the cause and extent of the physical disability of her husband, if any; the value of her property and of that of her husband in 1860 and from that time to the present; the amount of her income from all sources, and of that of her husband; whether the son left surviving him widow or children, and the extent and manner of his contributions to the support of his said mother. Please return this letter with your reply. Claim No. 221,140 Very Respectfully J. A. Bentley Commissioner Chas. E. Zeigler Esq. Cowden Ill. Guardian's Claim for increased pension (?) ================================================================= STATE OF Illinois } }SS. Shelby County,} On this 11th day of June A.D. 1877, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, Clerk of the County Court, a Court of Record, in and for the County and State above named, and by law duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes, Nicholas Christy who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he resides at Cowden & P.O. Cowden in the County of Shelby State of Illinois and is aged 59 years, That he is the legally appointed Guardian of Charles W. Christy who is the only surviving child under sixteen years of age, of William Christy who was a Private in Company C of the 35th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, _______________ in the civil war of 1861-5, for suppression of the Rebellion against the United States Government, and that he and his said ward have not in any way been engaged in, or aided or abetted said Rebellion. That his said ward is not now in receipt of a Pension under an act of Congress, entitled "An Act to grant Pensions," approved July 14, 1862. That the said William Christy, father of his said ward, died at St. Louis Mo. on or about the 18th day of November 1861, by reason of Typhoid Pneumonia Fever while in the service of the United States and in the line of his duty; that the mother of the child aforesaid died [if again married, say, "married again, being now the wife of Ephraim Edwards"] at Shelby Co. Ill on the 17th day of April A.D. 1861 ; and also that the said William Christy and Rebecca Huffman the parents of said ward, were never married; that he believes there is -(blank)- public record of their marriage, and that there is -(blank)- private record; and that the date of the birth and present residence of said ward is as follows: Charles W. born at Shelby Co. Ill on the 28th day of August 1861. Nicholas Christy Guardian. _____________________ And also on the 11th day of June 1877 personally came before me Minerva Edwards and Levi Sanford residents of Dry Point in the County of Shelby and State of Ill persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, declare that they are personally acquainted with Nicholas Christy and say that they were present and saw him sign his name to the foregoing declaration. And they further swear that, from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with him and the above mentioned ward, they believe them to be the identical persons he represent himself and him to be; that the mother of the child aforesaid "married again, being the wife of Ephraim Edwards" at Shelby Co, Ill. on the 17thday of April A.D. 1861; and they further testify that, according to their best knowledge and belief, all the averments in said declaration are true, and that they reside as above stated, and have no interest in the prosecution of this claim, and that said child is living at the date of said Guardian's declaration. Minerva Edwards} Levi Sanford } Witnesses. The above application and affidavit of witnesses were duly sworn to and subscribed, and Power of Attorney acknowledged, before me, this 11th day of June A.D. 1877, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. (?) Lloyd Clerk of the County Court. Division. From Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, D.C. July 21, 1877 Madam In your claim No. 221,140 as mother of William Christy you are again informed that the claim is awaiting evidence called for Feby 11, 1876 and May 16, 1877 viz. a verified copy of public record to show the value of the taxable property of yourself or husband from 1861 to the present time and competent testimony to show the income derived or derivable therefrom, and other means of support possessed by you while you were receiving the contributions of the soldier, and all letters of the soldier addressed to, or in which he referred to you. This, and the letters above referred to should be returned with your reply. Power of Attorney from Mary Christy (Mother) Claimant in Case No. 221140 to Henry T. L. Reynolds of Shelbyville Illinois Know all men by these present that I Mary Christy mother of William Christy and claimant in case No. 221140 have made constituted and appointed and by these present do make constitute and appoint Henry T. L. Reynolds of Shelbyville Illinois my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name place and stead to prosecute my Claim for Pension No. 221140 now pending before the Commission of Pensions giving and granting unto my said attorney full powers and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully and to all intent and purposes as I might ar could do if personally present with full power of substitution and revocation hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 17th day of August A. D. 1877 Mary Christy Witness Chas Zeigler Joseph (?) State of Illinois Shelby County On this the 17th day of August A. D. 1877 before me the County Clerk of the County of Shelby in the State of Illinois affirmed Mrs. Mary Christy personally known to me to be the real person whose name is subscribed to the forgoing Power of Attorney as having executed the same and then acknowledged the execution thereof as her free act and deed given under my hand and seal J McLloyd Co Clk Shelbyville Shelby Co. State of Illinois Aug 20th 1877 O. P. G. Clarke Esq. My Dear Sir Enclosed you will please find power of attorney from Mary Christy mother claimant in case 221,140. She earnestly requires the requirements in her case and what is yet necessary - Respectfully yours Henry T. L. Reynolds Widows Division. Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, D.C. Sept 4th, 1877 Madam: In your claim No. 221,140 as mother of William Christy, you are informed, that no further action will be had in the claim until the requirements of office letters of Feby. 11, 1876, May 16 and July 21, 1877, now in your possession are fully complied with. This and the above mentioned letters should be returned with the evidence. Very respectfully, J. A. Bentley Commissioner (?) Mrs. Mary Christy Care of Henry T. L. Reynolds Esq. Shelbyville Shelby Co. Ill's. REJECTED War of the rebellion Act of July 14, 1862, and subsequent acts. ORIGINAL PENSION OF MINOR CHILDREN. Charles W. Christy, Child of William Christy Rank, Private Company, "C" Regiment, 35th Ill's. Vol's. Guardian, Nicholas Christy Residence of Guardian, Shelby County, and State of Illinois Post Office, Cowden " " " " Attorney, guardian Fee, $ none Articles of Agreement not having been filed. By last marriage. Charles W. born Aug 28, 1861 Sixteen " 27, 1877 Rejected , 18 , , Examiner DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS. Minor's app. filed, June 30, 1877 Last marriage, none INCIDENTAL MATTER This claim is rejected on the ground of the illegitimacy of the minor as shown by the guardians declarations. ALLEGATIONS OF GUARDIAN. SUMMARY OF PROOF GUARDIANSHIP No letters filed. OTHER MINOR FORMER MARRIAGE. DEATH OF FORMER WIFE. Soldier was not married. LAST MARRIAGE. MARRIAGE OF Mother of child shown by guardians declarations. April 17, 1861. DATE OF BIRTH OF WARD. Charles W. born August 28th, 1861. Shown by the declarations of guardian. CUSTODY OF CHILDREN BY FORMER MARRIAGE. (Note: Estimated date of this rejection notice is September 13, 1877 per letter of J. A. Bentley dated June 7th, 1880 (RHU)) Widows Division DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE Washington, D.C.____________________ 18_____ Sir: You are hereby notified that your claim No. 232146 as guardian of the minor child of William Christy, is rejected, on the ground of the illegitimacy of the minor. Very respectfully. Commissioner. Nicholas Christy Esq. Cowden. Shelby Co. Ill's. 221140 Christy Shelbyville Illinois July 19th 1878 J. A. Bentley Esq. Hon Sir, I would most respectfully state that case in No. 221,140 (?) Mrs. Mary Christy - on account of the death of Wm. Christy - that the above Wm. Christy left one child a boy now 14 years old by one (?) Minerva Huffman that this child was successfully proven to be his but that they were never married. Can this child not born in wedlock but claimed and owned by him draw a pension on account of said soldiers death his parents never being married. Very Respectfully Yours the above by info others Henry T. L. Reynolds Shelbyville Illinois October 22nd, 1879 O. P. G. Clarke Esq. Hon Sir William Christy left one minor child but he was never married to the childs mother but the fact can be established that the child was his. Can the child if these facts are proven obtain a pension. His mother Mrs. Mary Christy claimed a pension on account of the childs father claim no 221140, please reply & obey. Your obt servant Henry T. L. Reynolds Widows Div. Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, D.C. Nov 6, 1879 Madam: In your claim No. 221,140 as mother of William Christy, you are informed that the testimony of the officer having custody of the proper records, is required, showing the value of all taxable property of yourself and husband from 1861 to the present time. Competent testimony should be filed showing the income derived from all sources during the above mentioned time. All letters of the soldier in existence, addressed to, or in which he refers to you should be filed, or their absence satisfactorily explained under oath. The claim No. 232,146 of the guardian of minor child of the above named soldier, will be disposed of upon receipt of evidence to complete your claim. Please return this letter with the reply thereto. Very respectfully O.P.G. Clarke Acting Commissioner ____________ Mrs. Mary Christy Care of Henry T. L. Reynolds Shelbyville Shelby Co. Ills. STATE OF Illinois COUNTY OF Shelby BE IT KNOWN, That on this 4th day of December, in the year eighteen hundred and seventy nine, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Nicholas Christy to me well known to be the identical person who executed the foregoing Letter of Attorney, and the same having been first fully read over to him and the contents thereof duly explained, acknowledged the same to be his act and deed, and that I have no interest present or prospective in the claim. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF< I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the day and year last above written. Joseph B. Heaclin Notary Public POWER OF ATTORNEY No. 232146 Claim of Minor of W. M. Christy for Original Pension of Minor Child FILED BY Henry T. L. Reynolds of Shelbyville Illinois POWER OF ATTORNEY ====== Know all Men by these Present, That I Nicholas Christy Guardian of William Christy's Minor of Cowden Shelby Co. in the State of Illinois have made, constituted and appointed, and by these present do make, constitute and appoint Henry T. L. Reynolds of Shelbyville Ills my true and lawful attorney irrevocably, for me and in my name, place, and stead, hereby annulling and revoking all former Powers of Attorney or authorizations whatever in the premises, to Attend to my Pension Claim No 232,146 of the Guardian of William Christy's minor child, Charles W. Christy and to, from time to time, furnish any further evidence necessary or that may be demanded, giving and granting to said Attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do, if personally present at the doing thereof, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or His substitute may of shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this 4th day of December eighteen hundred and seventy-nine. Nicholas Christy (SEAL) Two witnesses who can write Henry T. L. Reynolds J. B. Heaclin Ill. Div. E. B. S. Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, D.C. June 7th, 1880 Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, by your reference, of the enclosed letter signed Nicholas Christy, relative to claim No. 221,140, of the mother of Wm. Christy, late Sergt. Co. C. 35th Ill. Vols and in reply to inform you that the character and cash value of all property, personal and real, possessed by the claimant or husband in 1861 and since with the yearly income from same and in what manner derived, their means of subsistence since the soldiers death and precisely why the husband has not been and is not now able to maintain his family by his labor and income of property should be shown by the testimony of neighbors not related and who have personal knowledge. The husband of claimant should also make an affidavit stating the above facts. The extent to which he was disqualified for the performance of manual labor during 1860, 1861 and each year since should be clearly shown. Dr. Harnett should state whether he has ever treated him. Is so, he should state the dates of treatment and for what disability. He should also state his means of knowing that he suffered from chronic rheumatism. I have also the honor to inform you that claim No. 232,146 of the minor of Wm. Christy, was rejected September 13, 1877 on the ground that the child was illegitimate, the soldier never having been married. Very respectfully J. A. Bentley Commissioner Hon. John A. Logan U. S. Senate. General Affidavit. State of Illinois, County of Shelby} ss In the matter of mother of Wm Christy no. 221140 on this (?) day of March A.D. 1882; personally appeared before me, a Clerk of Court in and for the aforesaid county, duly authorized to administer oaths. Mrs. Mary Christy aged 56 years, a resident of Cowden in the County of Shelby and State of Illinois whose Post Office address is Cowden Illinois and well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows that Dr. J. M. Harnett is now dead and therefore his testimony cannot be obtained but that her husband has had the chronic Rheumatism for the last past twenty years and that the soldier never had been married and she had no property in the year A.D. 1861 in her name, and that the principal part of her husbands real estate is in timber land and it is therefore unproductive and her boy worked for her and also for her husband as a farm hand. And that my husband Nicholas Christy died at Shelby County Illinois on the 7th day of February A.D. 1882 of old age and general debility. x Mary Christy General Affidavit. State of Illinois, County of Christian} ss In the matter of Mary Christy mother no. 221140 on this 24th day of March A.D. 1882; personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid county, duly authorized to administer oaths, _____________________ aged ________ years, a resident of Pana in the County of Christian and State of Illinois whose Post Office address is Pana Illinois and well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows that I have known Nicholas Christy the husband of Mrs. Mary from the year A.D. 1860 and up to the time he died and each year thereof and I know that Nicholas Christy has been an invalid and drawn partly up by Chronic Rheumatism and therefore unable to work often confined to his bed particularly when it reached the muscles of his spine & back he has not been able during the whole of the time from A.D. 1860 up to time of his death been able to do any labor not enough to the time he died or during any year from A.D. 1860, to earn his clothes even that he has since died of Rheumatism old age and general debility. I have always known him from A.D. 1860 up and know that the most of his land that he owned was timber and not of a character to yield any income. I further declared that I have no interest in said case and I am not concerned in its prosecution. J. H. Dodge, MD State of Illinois, County of Christian ss: Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant and I certify that I read said affiant including the words Christian present time & erased, and the words time he died the added and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible person and a regular (?)of good standing. J. T. Mc(?) Notary Public Declaration of an Original Pension of a Father or Mother. This must be Executed before a Court of Record or some Officer thereof having Custody of the Seal. State of Illinois, County of Shelby, ss. On this 24th day of August, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty five personally appeared before me Clerk of the County Court a Court of Record within and for the county and State aforesaid Mary Christy aged 60 years, who, being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the Pension provided by Acts of Congress granting Pensions to dependent relative: That she is the mother of William Christy who enlisted under the name of William Christy at Shelbyville Ill. on the 3rd day of July A.D. 1861 in Co. C. 35th Regt, Ill. Vol Infy in the war of 1861-5 who died of pneumonia at St. Louis Mo. having first contacted mumps at Benton Barracks, afterwards typhoid fever which finally terminated in pneumonia from which he died in hospital in said City of St. Louis on the 17th day of November A.D. 1861 who bore at the time of his death the rank of sergeant (2nd or 3rd), in Co. C. 35th Ill Vol Infy that said son left neither widow nor child under sixteen years of age surviving; that the said declarant was married to the father of said son at Fairfield Co. Ohio on the 11th day of May A.D. 1842 by ----- Harper a Justice of the Peace that she was wholly dependent upon said son for support; that the father of said son died at Shelby Co. Ill on the 7th day of July A.D. 1882 that there were surviving at date of said soldier's death his brothers and sisters, who were under sixteen years of age as follows: Michael L. Christy born Aug 17th 1854 John H. Christy born May 30th 1848 James M. Christy born June 17th 1857 Jonas F. Christy born Aug 4th 1859 That she has not heretofore received but has applied for pension but papers were all destroyed or taken by Reynolds former agent that she has not aided or abetted the rebellion; and that she has not again married. Declarant hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation Soule & Co. of Washington D.C. her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim; that her residence is Shelby Co. Illinois and her Post Office address is Cowden, Illinois. Levi Sanford James M. Christy Mary Christy [Two witnesses who can write sign here] [Signature of Claimant] Also personally appeared Levi Sanford residing at Cowden, in Shelby Co. Ill, and Geo B. Carlisle residing at Cowden in Shelby Co. Ill persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Mary Christy the claimant sign her name, to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents her self to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Levi Sanford Levi Sanford his James M. Christy George B. x Carlisle [If witnesses sign by mark, mark two persons who can write sign here.] [Signature of witnesses.] Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day of August A.D. 1885 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words -------------------- erased, and the words ---------------------, added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. James E. Frazer, Clerk Co. Court By Fhost Graham D. E. Orig. 221,140 Minor Orig. 232,146 FEE AGREEMENT. No.____________ claim of Mary Christy, mother of Wm Christy Co. C, 35 Reg't Ills Vols. FOR PENSION Filed By Soule & Co., Attorneys & Solicitors of Patents & Claims, P. O. Box 16, Washington, D. C. TO BE EXECUTED IN DUPLICATE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COST TO CLAIMANT. ____________ ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT. ____________ WHEREAS I, Mary Christy, mother of Wm Christy, dec'd late a _________ in Company "C", of the 35 Regiment of Ills volunteers, war of the rebellion, having made application for pension under the laws of the United States. NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITHESSETH: That for and in consideration of services done and to be done in the premises, I hereby agree to allow my agents, SOULE & CO/. of Washington, D. C., the fee of TWENTY-FIVE Dollars, which shall include all amounts to be paid for any services in the furtherance of said claim; and said fee shall not be demanded by, of payable to my said agents, in whole or in part, except in case of the granting of my pension by the Commissioner of Pensions; and then the same shall be paid to them in accordance with the provisions of sections 4768 and 4769 of the Revised Statutes, U. S. Chas W. Christy Wm Akins Mary Christy [Two Witnesses Signatures.] [Signature of Claimant.] Cowden, Illinois [Post-office address] State of Illinois, County of Shelby, ss Be it known that on this, the 2" day of September A. D. 1885, personally appeared Mary Christy, the above named, who, after having had read over to her in the hearing and presence of the tow attesting witnesses the contents of the foregoing articles of agreement, voluntarily signed and acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed. [L.S.] Wm Akins [Official Signature] Notary Public Agent's Acceptance. And now, to wit, this 9" day of Sept. , A. D. 1885, we accept the provisions contained in the foregoing articles of agreement, and will to the best of our ability, endeavor faithfully to represent the interest of the claimant in the premises. We hereby certify that we have received from the claimant above- named the sum of -(blank)- dollars and no more -(blank)- dollars being for fee, and the sum of -(blank)- dollars being for postage and other expenses. And that these agreements have been executed in duplicate without additional cost to the claimant, as required by law, in excess of the fee above-named, the said agents making no charge therefor. Witness our hand the year and day above written. J. H. Soule [Signature of Agent.] DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CITY OF WASHINGTON, ss. Personally came J. H. Soule, representing the firm of Soule & Co., whom I know to be the person he represents himself to be, and who, having signed above acceptance of agreement, acknowledged the same to be their free act and deed. Witness my hand and seal this 9" day of Sept. 1885. [L.S.] (Notary Public) Commissioner's Approval. Approved for ______________________________ Dollars and payable to ____________________ of _________________________ the recognized attorney. _____________________________ Commissioner of Pensions. Western Division, Pension Office, Washington, D. C., Oct 15, 1886 No. Claim, 221,140 Claimant, Mary Christy Soldier, William Christy Co. "C", 35 Reg't Ill Vols ------------ Respectfully referred to Mr. A. S. Coleman, Chief of S. E. Div'n for Special Examination. The investigation should show the names, ages and relationships of all members of claimants family in 1861; the celibacy of the soldier; the full amount of income that was derived from the husbands occupation, from his farm, and from all other sources during each year from 1861 to his death and the full value of all his property at that date; and in what manner the soldier aided in claimants support prior to his death; and how the claimant has obtained maintenance since that time. In view of the doubt as to the claimants dependence upon the soldier for support at the date of his death, based upon information received by this Office, a special examination is deemed necessary. Order 76 complied with. A. A. ______________ Chief of Western Division. DEPOSITION Ex A Case of Mary Christy, No. 221140 ------------- On this 19th day of Novem , 1886 at Cowden, County of Shelby State of Ill, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Mary Christy, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My name is Mary Christy, I am 61 years old. My occupation house keeping. My post office address Cowden Shelby Co. Ills. I was married to Nicholas Christy May 11, 1842 near Amanda, Fairfield Co. Ohio. My late husband Nicholas Christy died Feby 7, 1882 in this county (Shelby Co) and this state. We had lived together as husband & wife from the date of our marriage until he died. I had born to me by my husband nine children viz William Christy born Oct 22, 1842 Nicholas Christy " July 22, 1845 John H. Christy " May 30, 1848 Peter Christy " Apr 12, 1851 Michael L. Christy " Augt 17, 1854 James Christy " June 17, 1857 Jonas Christy " Augt 4, 1859 Mary Ann Christy " Feby 16, 1862 Hannah E. Christy " Sept 14, 1864 I have lost by death four children viz Peter Christy died July 28, 1854 Nicholas Christy " March 13, 1868 Michael Christy " May 13, 1871 My husband went down to St. Louis Mo. in Nov 1861. We had heard that our son William Christy was sick in the army there and when my husband got to St. Louis Mo., my son was dead. The person at St. Louis Mo. in charge of the hospital told my husband that my son had died on the 17th Nov 1861. I am mother of William Christy deceased who enlisted into Co. "C", 35 Ills Regt Aug 1st 1861 and who died at St. Louis Mo. Nov 17th 1886 [sic] cause of death Typhoid Pneumonia. William Christy deceased was my oldest child and had always worked at home on our farm until he enlisted into the army as above stated. I have lived since the year 1852 about one mile south of Cowden Ills on a farm. Except during the last three years I have lived here in town. Cowden Shelby Co. Ills. My son William Christy was going on nineteen years of age when he went into the army. He had worked for me all his life, from the time he was able to do anything, and in that way contributed to my support. I have no letters that my son William wrote me while he was in the army. He never sent me nor any member of our family any money while he was in the army. My husband sent my son William $5.00 while my son was in the army. At the time my son William died my husband and myself owned 320 acres of land, 2 houses, wagon & horses and agricultural implement sufficient to cultivate the farm 2 milch cows six hogs about fifteen sheep. The team wagon & harness was worth about $200.00 " 2 milch cows $15 @ = $30.00 " agricultural implements $25 " 6 hogs @ $4 $24 " 15 sheep @ $1 $15 At the time my son William died there was about one hundred acres of our farm under cultivation and the remainder of the farm was wood land. I think the land was worth about $10 per acre which would make the whole place worth about $3200.00 and the personal property worth about $294.00 and the total amount of real & personal property $3494.00. There was a mortgage on the land for 1200 and we owed besides that $800.00 in Ohio and also about $1600 for debts to different persons such as store accounts and borrowed money, besides the $800.00 & $1200.00. Total indebtedness$3600 I feel safe in saying that my husband & myself owed at least $3600 at the time my son William died. I will say that the 320 acres of land was in my name and belonged to me up until about three years ago, then I divided it up among my children (six children). They are to pay the mortgage of $1200 and one of them, James Christy is to pay me $30 a year for and in consideration of the part he got of the land. James Christy got the part of the farm on which the house stands. My husband owed about $3600 all the time from the death of the soldier until my husband died. We never had any more personal or real property than I have already stated. None of my children are to give me any support in lieu of the land I turned over to them. Except James Christy who is to pay me $30 a year during my life time and is so stipulated in the deed. I think the land was worth about $20 per acre at the time my husband died and I do not think it was worth more than $20 per acre when I deeded it to my children and I do not think it would be worth more than $20 per acre now. There was about 290 acres of the land in cultivation when my husband died and about 30 acres in timber. My late husband cultivated the land and carried on farming all the time until his death with the assistance of the boys. Yes, I received a comfortable & sufficient support while my husband lived. He carried on the farm and with the assistance of the three boys my sons. I had a fair comfortable living up until the death of my husband. I have not remarried since the death of my husband Nicholas Christy. I had an interest in the personal property the same as any wife. I am now worth about $550.00. I own this little brick house of four rooms and two lots and about $50 worth of furniture. I paid $500 down cash for this house and I owe $100 on it yet. I bought the house at a valuation of $600. I think that I had to pay about $800 after the death of my husband for debts we owed and I also paid about $200 debtor bills viz doctor bills $200 other debts $800 mortgage $1200 total indebtedness $2200 at death of husband and valuation of property viz 320 acres @ $20 = 6400 personal property = 300 total amt. $6700 - 2200 = $4500 amt. of claimants property at her husbands death. Yes, I think that I have given in all the indebtedness that was standing against me & my husband ($2200) at the time he died, also that I have given a correct list and valuation of all our property both personal ($300) & real estate ($6400) which would leave a balance of $4500. My son William Christy deceased was never married. He left no child or children after his death. I have no money on interest. I have no money due me nor property of any kind other than I have stated. I have no money on hand, nor have I any bonds of any description. We never rented out any of our land we always cultivated all of this land that was not in wood. There were 80 acres in meadow at the death of my son William (timothy meadow) and 10 acres in corn & 10 acres in wheat, about that many. We would cut about a ton of hay to the acre, get about 10 to 15 bushels of wheat to the acre & 25 to 30 bushels of corn to the acre. The hay was worth about $2 per ton - corn worth about 20cts per bushel and wheat about 75cts per bushel = hay $160, corn $60 & wheat $75 = total $295.00. We gradually kept clearing some of the land each year up until about two years before my husband died when then we had about 290 acres cleared. During the last several years before my husband died we had in cultivation about 40 or 50 acres in wheat & 40 or 50 acres in corn and about 40 acres in blue grass and a hundred acres in timothy meadow. There was at least 40 or 50 acres of the land that was cleared that was so rough and broken that we did not try to put it even in grass or anything else. I don't know of any land being rented in our neighborhood for cash rent it was always rented for 1/3 of the crop. It is impossible for me to give exact amount of my husbands & my own income each year since the death of my son William. We usually managed to make our living from the farm each year since my son William died. None of my children owe me any money or notes of any kind. I received no money from any of children when I deeded the land to them nor am I to receive any money from any them in consideration of the land I gave them. Except James Christy my son, he is to pay me $30 per year as long as I live. We never sold any stock in the way of cattle or hogs or horses to amount to anything since the death of my son William. We had several years since the death of my son William that we did not raise hardly anything on our farm because of the drouth. I am unable to state the exact years we had drouth. It is impossible to give the exact number of acres we had in cultivation each year but I will put it at about 170 each year. Some years we had more and some years less. I suppose the land would rent for about $2 1/2 or $3 per acre cash rent if the season was fair. We always lived on the farm and had no house rent to pay. At the time my son William died I had five children living at home. I have had the custody control & maintenance of all of my children from the birth of each until they were old enough to go to theirselves and work for their living. My second son Nicholas was affected with the Rheumatism at the time William died and continued to be afflicted with it for a couple of years when he died and was not able to assist me scarcely any for several years before he died. My husband was afflicted with Rheumatism ever since we were married, he had the Rheumatism all over him and seemed to be worse about the time my son William died. The Rheumatism drew my husbands neck and head forward. My husband did work some on the farm but would not have done so only we were not able to live without him working. My husband was not an _____________ man. Dr. J__ Wills of Beecher Fayette Co Ills begun to treat my husband about 20 years ago. Treated him through a spell of fever. My deceased husband never employed a physician to treat him for Rheumatism. He doctored himself by using simple household remedies. Q You have stated in this affidavit that you owned the 320 acres of land until three years ago. While in former affid signed by you March 1882 you allege you had no property when your son Wm died 1861. A I did not intend to say I owned the land in 1861. My husband deeded the 320 acres of land to me about sixteen years ago and I owned it until about three years ago. My deceased husband owned the 320 acres of land at the time my son William died. Our land was situated about 1 1/4 miles south of Cowden Shelby Co Ills. Dr. Clark Carr of Cowden Ills attended my husband during his last sickness. I do not remember the cause of his death, he was sick only a few days. Q You allege in affi signed March 1882 that your husband died with old age & general debility while in this deposition you assert you do not know what caused your husbands death. A I did not know that I signed affi stating my husband died of old age & general debility. Mr. Reynolds my attorney put that in the affidavit without my knowing it. Mr. Reynolds also got an affidavit from Joseph Logsdun as you have shown me that I know nothing about and I would not have called upon Logsdun for an affidavit. I don't think I can name any person who was comrade with my son William who saw him at the time he died or who seen him after he was dead. Mr. Jacob Lockhart of Cowden Ills took our team & wagon and went to St. Louis Mo in about two or three weeks after my son William died and brought his corpse home to us and we buried him about six miles east of here in the Gallagher grave yard. Squire Bruning also went with Mr. Lockhart but Mr. Bruning is dead. Q Please state the names & post office address of those having a personal Knowledge of your deceased husband's physical & financial condition at the time your son William died & each year since until your husband died, also your husband's yearly income & your financial income each year since death of son William and your financial condition at death of son William & each year since to the present time, also those who knew that William Christy was your oldest son & that he had been never married. A William Nigh Cowden Shelby Co. Ills Dr. J(?) Wills, Beecher Fayette Co. Ills J. H. Dodd, Pana, Christian Co. Ills Joseph Logsdun, Cowden Shelby Co. Ills Jonas Christy, Cowden Shelby Co. Ills Jacob Lockhart, Cowden Shelby Co. Ills J(?) Johnson Kansas Q Your claim will probably have to be further examined by taking the testimony of witnesses in Pana Ills, Beecher Ills, & in Kansas. Do you desire to be present, either in person or by attorney or both at such further examination! If you do you will be notified of the time and place it is to be made. A I do not desire to be present, either in person or by atty. during the examination of any of the witnesses here or any other place. Q Should you change your mind, and desire to be present or be represented by attorney, during any further examination of your case, will you at once address a letter to the "Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC giving your name and the number of your claim, informing him that you have so changed your mind and desire to be notified when your claim is to be further examined. A I will. Mary Christy Deponent. -------------- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of Novem 1886, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. DEPOSITION B Case of Mary Christy, No. 221140 ____________ On this 19th day of Novem , 1886 at Cowden, County of Shelby State of Ill, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jonas Christy, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My name is Jonas Christy. I am 63 years of age, my occupation farmer my post office address Cowden Shelby Co. Ills. I became personally acquainted with Nicholas Christy and also with Claimant ever since I was a small boy. Nicholas Christy and I were brothers. Claimant and my brother Nicholas Christy deceased were married at least forty years ago and lived together as husband & wife until Nicholas Christy died about five years ago. I lived within three miles of claimant and her husband (deceased) during the last thirty years. Nicholas Christy husband of Claimant owned between three & four hundred acres of land in the year 1861 the land was situated about 1 1/2 south of Cowden Ills. He continued to own the land for several years after the year 1861 and then I think he deeded it to claimant. The land was worth about $10 per acre in 1861. Claimants husband owned from 2 to 4 milch cows and about four work horses and hogs enough to furnish him in meat, about 7 or 8 head of hogs, he may have had a few head young horses or colts & some calves but I could not say positively as to that in the year 1861. I think there was about 160 acres of the land in cultivation and the remainder was woodland in the year 1861. Claimants husband owned a wagon & harness for about four horses and agricultural implements sufficient to cultivate his farm in 1861. He did not have a reaper or mower in 1861. The 320 acres @ 10 = $3200 4 Horses @ $50 = " 200 4 Cows " 10 = " 40 7 Hogs " 3 = " 21 1 Wagon " = " 25 2 Set harness = " 15 Agricultural Implements " 50 Total real & personal property $3551.00 owned by husband of claimant in the year 1861. Claimants husband continued to own the land & personal property for several years but I can not say how many years and then he deeded the land to claimant because he got in debt and she owned the land until two or three years ago when she gave the land to her children and I understand the children were to furnish claimant a support in lieu of the land. Claimant deeded the land to her four sons & two daughters so I heard claimant say. She said the children owned the land. I understand that the children were to support the claimant on account of her turning the land over them. I think there was about 320 acres of the land which claimant gave her children. Claimants husband continued to clear the wood off of several acres of the land each year up until he died and I guess there was about 240 acres of the land in cultivation when he died. I think the land was worth about $20 per acres when the claimants husband died. The land that was in cultivation would have rented for about $2 per acre one year with an other since 1861 up till the present time I have no idea how many acres they had in each year since 1861 nor could I say what variety of crops they raised nor the amounts. Claimants husband always furnished her a good comfortable support ever since I have known them during their married life. I think claimant owns at the present time a small brick house and two lots in this town. I do not know how many rooms in the house. I would say the house & two lots are worth about $400.00. Claimant has some household furniture but I so not know what it is worth I have no idea. Claimants husband had been afflicted with Rheumatism all over him for the last thirty years of his life he was in about the same condition physically the year 1861 as he had been before that and since that year. Claimants husband was not able to do more than 1/2 the manual labor of an ordinary man during the last thirty years of his life he was bent over forward in the shoulders and was crippled in the hips. William Christy deceased went into the army about the beginning of the war. I don't know the Company & Regiment he served in. I heard he died in St. Louis Mo don't know when he died. William Christy deceased was claimants oldest son he was never married, he worked for his father and mother on their farm until he went into the army. He William Christy worked for his father & mother on their farm until he enlisted and in the way he assisted in supporting the family and himself. I never heard William Christy say that he had to support his mother or that he had to assist in supporting his mother the claimant. I can not say how many children claimant had when her son William died nor do I know how many children were living with her at the time William died. Yes claimants husband managed the farm and attended to the business affairs of his farm during his life time. I considered he always provided a fair comfortable support for claimant as long as he lived. Claimant had no property in her individual right in the year 1861. She had a wifes interest in the land & personal property already mentioned herein. I think claimant & her husband had about as much personal property during the year 1861 as they had any year since. Claimant & her husband had no income other than what they derived from the cultivation of their land. Q For Affidavit read & shown to witness & asked to explain discrepancies. A Yes that is my signature. I did not intend to have stated that William Christy was the main support of claimant. He worked on his father's farm and assisted in providing a living the same as any son that worked for his parents. Whoever wrote the affidavit must have known the Co & Regt soldier served in and date of his enlistment. I did not know it. I do not know what amount claimants husband owed at any time, nor do I know what claimant owed at any time. I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. I thoroughly understand and comprehend the questions asked and my answers to them have been correctly recorded in this deposition. Jonas Christy Deponent. -------------- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of Novem 1886, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. DEPOSITION C Case of Mary Christy, No. 221140 ____________ On this 20th day of Novem , 1886 at Cowden, County of Shelby State of Ill, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jacob Lockhart, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My name is Jacob Lockhart. My age 80 years. My occupation farmer. My post office address Cowden Shelby Co. Ills. I became personally acquainted with Nicholas Christy claimants husband fifty years ago and lived within 3/4 of a mile of him from 1859 until he died some four or five years ago and have know claimant at least fifty or sixty years. Claimants husband in 1861 owned about 300 acres of land. I thought the land worth $13 per acre. I bought my land which joined his about a year before & I paid $13 per acre. There was at least 140 acres in cultivation and the remaining in wood land in 1861. The land that was in cultivation would have rented for about $2 1/2 per acres. Christy cleared the wood off of several acres each year from 1861 until he died and I presume there was in cultivation about 250 acres when he died. The land would not have rented for more than $2 1/2 per acre any year since 1861 to the present or I mean one year with an other. I think the land was worth about $25 per acre at the time Christy died and had been worth that for many years before Christy died. Christy had in the year 1861 (I can only approximate) probably had four to six horses and I would say he had about 50 head of horned cattle big & little and perhaps 40 or 50 hogs and 20 or 30 sheep , wagon & harness for four to six horses and agricultural implements sufficient to cultivate his farm. Christy continued to have about the above amount of personal property until a few years before he died. He sold off and let his personal property run down during the last few years prior to his death. Christy's horses was common ordinary farm horses worth about $50 a head and the sheep worth $1 per head. Nicholas Christy was always a well to do farmer and furnished his wife the claimant a good comfortable living while I lived near them. I was well acquainted with William Christy claimants oldest son for several years before he went into the army, he was never married, he served in Co. "C", 35 Regt Ills and died at St. Louis Mo in the latter part of the fall of 1861. I went to St. Louis with a team & wagon and brought the dead body of William Christy to this county and he was buried at Gallagher County about six or seven miles from here. I think the soldier had been dead about seven weeks when I had him taken up from his grave. Claimants son William the soldier worked on his fathers farm the same as any farmers son until he enlisted. I did not consider the soldier the main support of the claimant. I considered that claimants husband was well able to and did furnish claimant a good comfortable living while I lived near them. Claimant had at home 1861 five sons & two daughters two or three of the boys were big enough to plow when the war broke out and they did stay at home and work on their fathers & mothers farm until some of them grew up except Nicholas Jr. & Mike who have been dead ten or fifteen years. I do not know the age of any of the children. I do not think the soldier was of age when he enlisted. I think claimant has now living four sons and two daughters. Claimant had no property in her own right in the year 1861. She had a wifes interest in the property owned by her husband Nicholas Christy. Claimants husband was in debt some in the year 1861 but I could not say how much. May have owed $500.00 or maybe more. Claimants husband borrowed $1200.00 a few years before he died and I think mortgaged 80 acres of his land he had not paid off the mortgage when he died. I think claimants husband deeded all of his land to claimant a few years before he died. Part of the land was subject to the $1200.00 mortgage. Claimant turned all the land over to her children a few years ago. I understand she deeded the land to the children divided it among them. I don't think the children paid claimant anything for the land. I don't know that the children are to pay claimant anything for the land. I don't know that the children are to furnish claimant a life support in lieu of the land. I do not know what amount of property claimant has now nor what she has had since she turned the land over to the children. Claimants husband was a hard working man and did as much manual labor as any ordinary farmer and I think he did more work than many farmers. I have seen him at work in weather that I would not attempt to work. Claimants husband during the war and before it worked and did as much manual labor as any ordinary farmer but he was crippled some about the shoulders bent over. I think claimants husband was troubled with the Rheumatism in his back & shoulders more or less during the last twenty five years and longer but he managed to work and did as much as most men. I am not related to claimant. I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. I could not give the yearly income of claimants husband in 1861 and each year since until his death. I know he carried on farming about the same as other farmers situated as he was and made a good comfortable support for his family. He was a very industrious man and hard worker. He was a man who dealt a good deal in live stock bought sold and traded stock for many years. I don't know that claimants husband owed anything other than the $1200.00 mortgage at his death, he may have owed some little debts around about like all men who carry on a farm as long as his. Q Former affid read & shown to witness and asked to explain discrepancies. A I did not intend to state in former affi that soldier was claimants main support for two years prior to his death or at any other time. The soldier was a good boy to work and did work for his father and mother on their farm and in that way contributed to the support of the family and himself the same as any farmers son. I thoroughly understand and comprehend the questions asked and my answers to them have been correctly recorded in this deposition. attest N. H. McGuire Mary A. Yorrence his Jacob x Lockhart mark Deponent. -------------- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of Novem 1886, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. DEPOSITION D Case of Mary Christy, No. 221140 ____________ On this 20th day of Novem , 1886 at Cowden, County of Shelby State of Ills, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared William Nigh, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My name is William Nigh. I am 56 years old. My occupation farmer. My post office address Cowden Shelby Co. Ills. I became personally acquainted with Nicholas Christy claimants husband forty years ago & longer. I lived about eight miles from Mr. Christy for several years before the war and up to 1863 when I moved within about 2 miles of him and then lived within about two miles of him until he died. He has been dead some four or five years. I became acquainted with claimant at least forty years ago. Claimants husband owned in 1861 about 300 acres of land about a mile south of Cowden Ills. The land was worth about $12 per acre in 1861. He had about six work horses and some young colts, don't know how many of the latter. He also had at least twenty head of horned cattle & about 40 or 50 head of hogs. I don't think he had any sheep. He had no farm machinery, had a few plows & harrow and two wagons and harness for about three teams. The horses were worth about $60 per head and the cattle about $15 per head and the hogs about $4 a head. His harness wagons and agricultural implements was worth in 1861 about $150.00. There was in cultivation of the land in the year 1861 about 150 acres. The land that was in cultivation would have rented for about $2 per acre. The wood land would rent for nothing. The claimants husband cleared the timber off of several acres each year from 1861 until he died and I should think there was in cultivation about 240 acres at his death. Claimants husband owned about 300 acres of land from before the war until his death. The land was worth about $20 per acre at his death and is worth about that amount now. I think claimants husband had about the same amount of personal property as above described, one year with another since 1861 until his death, some years he had more and some years less. I do not know that claimants husband was in debt one dollar during the year 1861. He borrowed $1000 or $1200 a few years before he died & gave a mortgage upon 80 acres of the land and he owed that money when he died. If claimants husband ever deeded the land to claimant I am not aware of it. A few years after claimants husband died the land was divided among the claimant and her children according to law. I think there are four sons & 2 daughters now living. I think claimant has six sons & 2 daughters living at her home in the year 1861. Claimants children continued to live with her until they became large enough to work for themselves or until they became of age. She never had any property in her won right. She had a wifes interest in the land and personal property which her husband owned. Claimant now owns a little brick house of 4 rooms and two lots in Cowden Ills. The house is worth about $600.00. She has some household furniture worth about $25.00. I think claimants children have been assisting to support her since her husbands death. She had no income now that I am aware of nor has she had any income since her husbands death. I don't think she has any property other then the brick house, two lots & house hold furniture. Claimants husband carried on farming during the last thirty years & more of his life. He always made a good comfortable support for claimant and his family. He was a very industrious and hard working man. Claimants husband did as much work if not more than an ordinary farmer during the years I have known him. I was well acquainted with William Christy deceased who enlisted into Co."C", 35 Regt Ills. He enlisted sometime in the summer of 1861 and died someplace in Missouri. I don't know the date of soldiers death. The soldier was claimants oldest son. He was never married. The soldier worked on his father and mothers farm until he went into the army and was a good boy to work. The only contribution I ever know soldier to give his mother was by his working on their farm before he enlisted and he continued to work for his parents until he enlisted. Claimants husband was afflicted with Rheumatism for thirty years. He was bent over forward in the back & shoulders, but he worked all the time, did all kinds of farm labor and as much if not more than most farmers, during the years I knew him. I am a cousin by marriage to claimant. I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. I have no personal knowledge of claimant's children ages exactly. They are all and each of them of age. If claimants husband owed any money at his death other than the $1000.00 or $1200.00 he borrowed on mortgage I am not aware of but I am inclined to think he was not in debt except for the amn't of the mortgage. It would be impossible for me to give an exact statement as to the yearly income of claimants husband from the year 1861 up to his death. I am pretty positive he made a good support for claimant and family because he was a well to do farmer and a hard worker and very industrious. It is true he was bent over in the shoulders and back but that did not seem to prevent him from doing a great deal of manual labor, in fact he did as much if not more that most men. Claimant and her husband lived upon their farm until he died. I think claimants husband kept about one half of the land that was cleaned in grass and meadow & the remainder was used for grain of various kinds. The land was fair ordinary about an average compared with other land in this neighborhood. I thoroughly understand and comprehend the questions asked and my answers to them have been correctly recorded in this deposition. William Nigh Deponent. -------------- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of Novem 1886, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. DEPOSITION E Case of Mary Christy, No. 221140 ____________ On this 22nd day of Novem , 1886 at Near Beecher, County of Fayette State of Ills, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Dr. John Wills, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My name is John Wills. I am 61 years old. My occupation physician & surgeon. My post office address Beecher Fayette Co. Ills. I have been engaged in the practice of medicine & surgery for 34 years. I am graduate Western R(?)University Cleveland Oh. I became personally acquainted with claimant and her deceased husband Nicholas Christy about twenty sever or eight years ago. I lived about 7 miles from claimant & her husband and saw them every few weeks. Claimants husband has been dead for about four years of five years ago last spring. Claimants husband was engaged in farming during my acquaintance with him. Claimants husband owned two or three hundred acres during my acquaintance with him and I think the land was worth on an average about $10 per acre in the year 1861. Claimants husband had considerable personal property in 1861. I can not say how much his personal property was in the year 1861. I suppose claimants husband in 1861 had at least four to six horses, fifteen to twenty head of cattle, 15 or 20 head of hogs, wagons, & agricultural implements & harness sufficient to cultivate his farm. The horses was worth at least $50 a head the cattle was worth at least $10 a head the hogs was worth $3 or $4 a head. Claimants husband was a well to do farmer and made as good a living for his wife and family as any man in the neighborhood. He was a good (?)and always made a good living and had plenty for his family. Claimant & her husband continued to have about the same amount of personal property from the year 1861 until he died or about the same amount. I think the land had been in the claimants name when her husband died but I don't know it positively. Claimant and her husband had about or the same amount of land during my acquaintance some 2 or 3 hundred acres. The land was worth about $20 per acre when her husband died. In the year 1861 there must have been in cultivation about a hundred acres of the land and when her husband died there was in cultivation at least 200 acres or 250 acres. I think claimants husband cleared the timber off of several acres each year from 1861 until he died. Claimants husband was a very hard working man and did as much if not more manual labor than any ordinary man during the whole time I was acquainted with him. He was never idle always engaged in some kind of work on his farm. I have no idea what claimant's husbands yearly income was during the year 1861 and each year since, or until he died. Claimant never had any property in her own individual right but she had a wife's interest in the land & personal property of her husband and I am informed that at the time her husband died the land was in her name. I have no idea how long the land was in claimants name when her husband died. I became acquainted with William Christy deceased claimants oldest son. He went into the army in 1861. I don't know the company he served in. He was in the 35 Ills Regt. He died in the army. I don't know when he died nor where nor the cause of his death. Claimant's son William was never married. Claimant had five sons living at home when her son William enlisted and these children lived with her until they became of age. I am informed that William Christy the soldier worked upon his father & mothers farm until he enlisted. I never considered that William Christy the soldier was claimant's main support. I thought he worked for his father and that way assisted in supporting the claimant and the rest of the family the same as any son who worked at home. I don't know what property claimant has at the present time. I have heard that claimant had given the land to her children. Claimant has now living three sons and two daughters. I saw claimant about 1 1/2 years ago & she then owned a small brick house & lot. I suppose the house was worth four or five hundred dollars. The house was in Cowden Shelby Co. Ills. I don't think claimants husband was in debt in the year 1861. If claimants husband was in debt in the year 1861 I was not aware of it. The first treatment I gave claimants husband was in Sept 1863. I don't remember his ailment at that time. Claimants husband was drawn up & bent forward and in the back & shoulders I never treated him for his Rheumatism. I guess Rheumatism was what ailed him. Claimants husband was always during my acquaintance with him drawn up in the back & shoulders but he always worked hard on his farm and done as much manual labor as any ordinary man & more than many men and always provided well for his wife the claimant and his family. I am not related to claimant. I have no interest in the prosecution of the claim. I thoroughly understand and comprehend the questions asked and my answers to them have been correctly recorded in this deposition. John Wills Deponent. -------------- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22nd day of Novem 1886, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. CLAIMANT'S STATEMENT DEPOSITION Ex G Case of Mary Christy , No. 221140 ______________ On this 22nd day of Novem , 1886, at Cowden, County of Shelby State of Ills, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special examiner of the Pension Office, Personally appeared Mary Christy , the applicant in the aforesaid pension claim, who says: Q. If it should become necessary to further examine your claim, by taking the testimony of witnesses elsewhere, do you desire to be present in person or be represented by an attorney, or both, at such further examination? If so, you will be notified as to the place and time when it is to be made. A. I wave my presence & notice of further examination. Q. Should you change your mind and desire to be present, or be represented by an attorney during any further examination of your case, will you at once address a letter to the "Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.," giving the name and the number of your claim, informing him that you have so changed your mind, and desire to be notified when your claim is to be further examined? A. I will. State the name of the person or persons and their post-office addresses, instrumental in the prosecution of your claim for pension. A. Lawyer Capp Shelbyville Ills. Mr. Reynolds Shelbyville Ills. & Soule & Co Washington DC. Q. State what contract or contracts you have made with such person or persons for their services in prosecuting your claim for pension, and whether such contract or contracts were written or verbal. A. Verbal contract with Mr. Capp & Mr. Reynolds. Written contract with Soule & Co. I paid Mr. Capps ten dollars and that was all I paid except $1 for postage to Soule & Co. Q. State the amount of fees paid by you or at your instance, to whom paid, and all the circumstances connected with the transaction. A. $10 paid Mr. Capps and $1 in postage to Soule & Co. I am to pay Soule & Co. what ever the law will allow them. I don't know how much that will be. Q. Please give me the names of all witnesses that you desire examined elsewhere, with their post-office address, and also state what you expect to prove by each witness. A. Q. Have you any complaint to make as to the conduct, manner, or fairness of the examination of your claim? If so, please state specifically what it is. A. None. Q. Do you desire to introduce any more testimony before me? A. None. Mary Christy Deponent. Sworn & Subscribed before me this 22nd day of Novem , 1886 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. DEPOSITION F Case of Mary Christy, No. 221140 ____________ On this 23rd day of Novem , 1886 at Pana , County of Christian State of Ills, before me, N. H. McGuire, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Dr. J. H. Dodge, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My name is J. H. Dodge. I am 66 years old. My occupation physician & surgeon. My post office as above stated. I have been practicing medicine & surgery for 37 years. I am a graduate of St. Louis Medical School of St. Louis Mo. I can not remember a man by the name of Nicholas Christy nor can I remember Mary Christy. I may have known Mr. Christy and Mrs. Christy when I lived down in that part of the county of Shelby but I can not recall either of them to mind at this time. No I can not recollect that I ever knew Nicholas Christy or Mary Christy or William Christy nor have I any personal knowledge of Mary Christy's financial condition at any time. Q Have you made a former affidavit? A No sir. I have no recollection of ever making an affidavit before today in this claim. Q Former affid read & shown to witness. A The signature looks a little like mine, but I do not think I ever made it. The letter g in the word Dodge is not like mine. No sir. I do not think I ever signed that affidavit. I have no recollection of the claimant, Her husband or their son William Christy. Q You have heard claimant's statement read, does it refresh your memory? A No sir. I can not remember ever knowing claimant her husband or members of the family. As I have already said herein, I may have known the family when I lived down in that part of the country but I can not remember them now. I used to live about 7 miles west of where Cowden Shelby Co. Ills now stands. I thoroughly understand and comprehend the questions asked and my answers to them are correctly recorded in this deposition. Erasures made before signing Ex. J. H. Dodge Deponent. -------------- Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of Novem 1886, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. N. H. McGuire Special Examiner. Decatur, Macon Co., Ill November 26, 1886 Sir I have the honor to return the papers herewith and submit my report on the pension Claim No. 221140 of Mary Christy mother of William Christy dead late pri Co."C", 35 Reg't Ill, present post office address Cowden Shelby Co. Ill. Claimant was not given the normal two weeks notice. She waved two days notice and desired the examination of her claim to begin at once. She was fully informed of her rights and privileges in the premises and afforded ample facilities for being present during the examination. She waved her presence during the examination of all witnesses. I conversed with many persons who had known claimant and her husband prior to the war and each year since, who had lived near neighbors to her. They said claimants husband was a well to do farmer, a very hard working industrious man, that he did more manual labor than most men that he provided claimant & his family an ample and generous support at all times until he died and left her a sufficiency after his death to provide her a good living. Joseph Logsdun Exh 9 brief jacket an unreliable man not worthy of belief. I did not call upon him as claimant waived his testimony. She did not know he had testified until I read his affidavit in her presence. This case had been in the hands of one Reynolds who had to run away because of his trickery in pension matters. All evidence provided by me was read in claimant's presence before taking her final statement. From the evidence in this claim I believe it to be wholly without merit. I therefore recommend this claim be rejected without further examination. John Johnson (former affiant Exh No. 7 brief jacket) post office address Altoona Kansas. Respy Hon Jon C Black N. H. McGuire Comm(?)Pensions Sp Ex Washington DC Claim No 221,140 Mother of William Christy Co. C. 35th Ills. Vols. Respectfully returned to Genl. W. McE. Dye, Chief of S. E. Div. for further sp. examination to determine whether there is any written contract, or stipulation in any deed conveying property whereby any one, or more of Claimant's children have become obligated to furnish her a support etc., and if so, the date when such agreement took effect, and whether such contract is being kept. From statement to Special Examiner, it is probable that promised support may be found as consideration of conveyance of property to children, and Office should be in possession of information upon this point before final action. Considering the fact that husband was somewhat disabled with rheumatism and had five minor children, to provide for, in addition to claimant, at the time of soldier's death, I am of opinion that dependence may be accepted. F. Wood Rev. Dec. 18/86 In my opinion this case should be rejected. The testimony adduced upon special examination is decidedly adverse and negatives the claim of dependence. Eliminate that evidence and there is nothing left upon which to base favorable action. Dependence in such a case as this should be affirmatively shown. D. Kerr Re. Rev. January 11/87 WAR OF THE REBELLION DEPENDENT Mother's PENSION Claimant, Mary Christy Soldier, William Christy P.O., Cowden Rank, Sergt. Co., C County, Shelby , State, Ills Regiment, 35 Ills Vols Rate, $ ,Commencing ,18 . RECOGNIZED ATTORNEY: Name, Soule & Co. Fee $ 25 ,Agent to pay. P.O., City Articles filed Sept 10 ,1885 Submitted for Rejection Nov. 30, 1886, N H McGuire ,Examiner APPROVALS: U.S. Approved for Rejection on the ground that the claimant after being afforded a special examination of her claim has failed to produce evidence of certain (?)but on the contrary witnesses cited by herself all testify that she was comfortably supported by her husband in year the soldier enlisted and died. Feb. 10, 1887. A. T. Parsons, Legal Reviewer. BRIEF PARENTS' claim No. 221140 Mother of Soldier, William Christy Submitted for final action ______________________ ,18 by Emma B. Smith, Examiner. WAR OF THE REBELLION DEPENDENT Mother's PENSION. Claimant, Mary Christy Soldier, William Christy P.O., Cowden Rand, Sergt. Co. "C" County, Shelby, State, Ill Regiment, 35th Ill. Vols Rate, $___________ , Commencing __________________________ ,18 RECOGNIZED ATTORNEY: Name, Soule & Co. Fee $______ ,Agent______ to pay. P.O., City Articles filed Sept 10, 1885 Submitted for S. E. D. Oct 15, 1886, E. R. Campbell, Examiner. APPROVALS: IMPORTANT DATES Enlisted July 3rd ,1861 Death of ------ ,18 Mustered Aug 6th ,1861 Remarriage of mother ---- ,18 Discharged ------- ,18 Invalid app'n filed ----- ,18 Died Nov 18th ,1861 Invalid last paid to ---- ,18 Declaration filed May 24 ,1875 Husband died Feb ,1882 INCIDENTAL MATTER: HISTORY OF ATTORNEYSHIPS: 1st app't,___________ ,18 , Recognized as above By ________________________ Name and P.O.,___________________ War of the Rebellion Act of July 14, 1862, and subsequent acts. C. DEPENDENT PARENTS. Claim No. 221140 for original pension. Brief app'd ______ ,18 , by _______________ Certificate No. __________ , forward to _______________ Agency. TITLE. Mary Christy mother, of William Christy who was a Sergeant (pensionable rank Sergeant) in Co. C. 35th Ill. Vols is entitled to a pension at the rate of ________ dollars per month, to commence ___________ , 18 , ____________ and to end ___________ , 18 , __________. RESIDENCE, &c., OF CLAIMANT AND ATTORNEY. DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS. Enlistment, July 3rd ,1861. Right accrued, ,18 Muster into rank, August 6th, 1861. Claim completed, ,18 Discharge, not , 18 . Death of husband, not dead,18 Death, November 18th ,1861. Re-marriage of claimant, ,18 Invalid app. filed, not ,18 . Invalid last paid to " ,18 . Application filed May 24th ,1875 INCIDENTAL MATTER Postmaster at Cowden in letter filed January 15, 1878 states from personal knowledge and from knowledge of responsible citizens, that claimant and husband were never dependent upon the soldier for a support. That the husband of claimant was at the commencement of the war and is now worth from ten to $15,000 and is considered by the people to be an independent and well to do farmer. SUMMARY OF MATERIAL FACTS. Ex Surgeon March 1, 1876 Finds chronic diarrhoea, and chronic rheumatism with more or less enlargement about joints, extremely sensitive to atmospheric changes. Occupation farmer. Weight 130. Age 58. Thinks his disability is permanent, rates him at $4.00. Dr. J. M. Harnett May 24, 1875 Knows that claimant's husband has been in a feeble state of health for the past twenty years by reason of chronic rheumatism. Evidence A. PROPERTY J. E. Frazer Clerk of Shelby Co. Jany 5, 1880 Certifies that claimant's husband has been assessed on an average of about $2200 from 1861 and personal property assessed at an average of about $600. Evidence B. INCIDENTAL MATTER - Continued Charles E. Zeigler, in answer to office letter, states that their means of support was as good in 1860 at the present time, and that their present condition is good financially. That they own a large farm of two or 3 hundred acres of land. That the soldier left no widow but did leave an illegitimate child. SUMMARY OF MATERIAL FACTS. Jonas Christy & Jacob Lekart May 24, 1875 That the soldier was the main support of claimant for two years prior to enlistment. That he labored on the farm for her and raised all the means of subsistence. Adjutant General Died in St. Louis Hospital Nov 18, 1861 Surgeon General Admitted to City G. H. St. Louis, Mo. Nov 17, 61 with Febris Typhoides & died of that disease Nov 18, 64. Madam: You are informed that your claim No. 221,140, as mother of William Christy is awaiting a verified copy of the public records showing the value of the taxable property yourself & husband from 1861 to the present time, and competent testimony showing the income derived therefrom and from all other sources during all of that time. All letters of the soldier etc. The claim No. 232,146 of the guardian of minor child of the above named soldier will be disposed of upon the receipt of evidence to complete your claim. Cowden, Ill., Nov. 14, 1888 Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C. Sir I am informed that several years ago my guardian filed for me a claim for pension, the atty. employed in the case having absconded and my guardian having died I can get no information as to what was done with the claim, I suppose, except from the Pension office, Will you give me such information. The application was filed for Charles W. Christy son of William Christy - Prv. in Co. "C" 35 Regt. Illinois Inft. Vols. who died at Jefferson Barrack Mo. I have not the No. of the claim. Very Resp. yours Chas W. Christy Cowden, Shelby Co. Illinois ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. 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