Scott County, Indiana DECLARATION FOR WIDOW'S PENSION. Claim of Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel Late of Co. "B" 93" Reg't Indiana Vols. Oard Springs P.O. Scott County, State of Indiana Filed by John N. Maring Columbus P.O. Bartholomew County, State of Indiana. Declaration For Widow's Army Pension State of Indiana} } SS: County of Scott} On the 17th day of December, A.D., one thousand eight hundred and eight six, personally appeared before me, Charlie A. Manker, Clerk of the Circuit Court within and for the said County and State aforesaid, Sarah H. Skeel a resident of Oard Springs in the County of Scott and State of Indiana, aged 57 years, who being first duly sworn according to law. dot, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, approved July 14, 1862. That she is the widow of Nicholas J. Skeel who enlisted in the service of the United States at New Frankfort in the State of Indiana, on the 19 day of August, 1862, as a private in Company "B" commanded by Capt. Samuel S. Crowe in the 93" Regiment of Indiana Vols in the war of 1861; who while in the service aforesaid, in the line of his duty contracted a disability of which he died at Scott County in the State of Indiana, on the 20" day of October, A.D., 1870. She further declares that she was married to the said Nicholas J. Skeel in the County of Scott and State of Indiana, on the 22" day of December in the year 1860; that her name before her marriage was Sarah H. Christie; that her husband, the aforesaid Nicholas J. Skeel died on the day above mentioned, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She further swears that she has the following named children of her deceased husband and herself, under sixteen years of age, who are now living; the dates of whose births were given below to-wit: ________________(crossed out)__________________________________________________ And that the above named children are the only legitimate children of herself and her said husband now living who are under sixteen years of age. She further declares that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband, __________the following lines crossed out_____ . . . .She also declares that she has not in any manner been engaged in or aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States. She hereby appoints John N. Maring of Columbus, State of Indiana, her true and lawful Attorney, with full power of substitution to prosecute this claim for pension, and to receive the certificate that maybe issued therefor. She requests that her pension be paid at Indianapolis Agency, State of Indiana. Her Post Office address is Oard Springs, County of Scott, State of Indiana her Signature of Claimant: Sarah H. X Skeel mark Signature of Witnesses: James B. Keith Nancy M. Cordell Also appeared before me, at the time and place aforesaid James B. Keith, a resident of Scott County, State of Indiana and Nancy M. Cordell a resident of Decatur County, State of Indiana, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares each for therself, that they well know Sarah H. Skeel, who signed by mark the foregoing affidavit in their presence; and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be in said averment: ___________the following lines crossed out_______________ . . .They further swear that they or either of them, have no interest in this claim, either present or prospective; and that they are not concerned, directly or indirectly, in its prosecution, and are not near relatives of the claimant. Signatures of Identifying Witnesses James B. Keith Nancy M. Cordell Sworn to, Acknowledged, and subscribed before me this 17th day of December 1886 and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing declarations of claimant and affidavit of witnesses were made known to each of them before administering the oath, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Official Signature: Charlie A. Manker Clerk (note: the marriage date of 1860 is in error, it is actually 1850). GENERAL AFFIDAVIT Case of Widw's Claim for Sarah H. Skeel widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, B 93 Regt. Ind. Vols. Affidavit of John Mann, Oard Springs, Ind Filed by John A. Maring, Columbus, Indiana State of Indiana} }SS: County of Scott) In the matter of Widow's Claim #348307 of Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, Private, Co. "B", 93 Reg't. Ind. Vols. Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, John Mann, aged 59 years a citizen of the town of Oar Springs, County of Scott, State of Indiana, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case, as follows: That he was aquainted with Nicholas J. Skeel and was present when died and helped lay him out and that was in October 1870. That he cannot posatively say what disease he died of but can say that his sickneƒs was of short duration that he lived a short mile from him and heard of his serious sickneƒs and went to see him and he said Skeel died whilst he was there, and he further says that his knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following sources, viz: observation, and that he has no interest nor concern in this matter. John Mann (Signature of Affiants) Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I have read said affidavit to said affiant and aquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am nowise interested in this case, nor am I concerned with its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a creditable person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 14th day of October, 1887 Lewis H. Baldwin {seal} Justice of the Peace GENERAL AFFIDAVIT Widow's No. 348.307 2634 Case of Widows Claim for Sarah H. Skeel Widow of Nicholas J. Skeel Private Co. "B" 93" Ind. Vols. Affidavit of William B. Christie, Austin, Scott Co., Ind. Filed by John N. Maring Columbus, Ind State of Indiana} }SS: County of Scott} In the matter of Widow Claim #348307 of Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel. Private Co. "B" 93 Reg't Ind. Vols. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, William B. Christie, aged 65 years. whose post office address is Austin, Scott County, Ind, County of Scott, State of Indiana, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, who being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: That he has ben intimately aquainted with the husband of (Nicholas J. Skeel) the claimant for near thirty years last past. That he worked with him at different times before his enlistment in the late war and worked and was with him a grat del after his discharge from the service. And that so far as he was able to judge he was a very strong active able bodied man pryor to his enlistment in said service and judging from the complaints and the general looks and appearance of said Nicholas Skeel he was a great sufferror from Rheumatism and also of lung affection of which he complained often and did not seem to be able to do much work. This state of health continued to his death which occurred about 18 years since. and he further says that the knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following sources, viz: his own personal observation, and that he has no interest or concern in this matter. Attest-When Affiant signs by Mark (2 persons) his Davis W. Morgan Signature of Affiant} William B. X Christie Charles H. Hughbanks mark Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and aquainted him with it's contents before he executed the same and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a creditable person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal, this 25th day of August 1888. Joseph Morgan GENERAL AFFIDAVIT Widows No. 348.307 2634 Case of Widows Claim for Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel Private Co. "B" 93" Ind. Vols. Affidavit of Simeon Worley, Crothersville, Jackson Co., Ind. Filed by John Maring, Columbus, Ind State of Indiana } }SS: County of Jackson} In the matter of Widows Claim #348.307 of Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, Private, CO. "B" 93 Reg't. Ind Vols. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Simeon Worley, aged 41 years, whose post office address is Crothersville, County of Jackson State of Indiana, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case, as follows: That he was personally and intimately aquainted with Nicholas J. Skeel, husband of claimant for 30 years last past and lived in the same neighborhood from the date of his discharge from the army until his death except about 3 months prior to his death, affiant further declares that so far as he was able to judge said Nicholas was a great sufferer from Rheumatism going on canes and crutches a great deal of the time. Said Nicholas J. Skeel also complained of Lung trouble and from the appearance of the man he was suffering greatly with some ailment of that nature and was not able to perform much labor by reason of his physical condition. Affiant further declares that this state of health continued up to within 3 months of his death at which time affiant last saw him on or about June 1870 and he further says that his knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following sources viz: Personal knowledge, living neighbor and seeing soldier as before stated and that he has no interest nor concern in this matter. Signature of Affiant Simeon Worley Sworn t and subscribed before me this day by the above names affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and aquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in this case, nor am I concerned with its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a creditable person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 14th day of September 1888. Cert. on File (Sign here) George W. Bard Notary Public GENERAL AFFIDAVIT Wid. No. 348.307 2634 Case of Sarah H. Skeel, widow o Nicholas Pvt. Co. "B" 93" Ind Vols. Affidavit of Andrew Christie, Austin, Ind. Filed by John N. Maring Columbus, Ind State of Indiana} }SS: County of Scott} In the matter of Claim #348.307 of Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, Co. "B" 93" Regt. Ind. Inf. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Andrew Christie, aged 52 years, whose post office address is Austin, County of Scott, State of Indiana, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: That the affiant was personal aquainted with Nicholas J. Skeel for the last thirty years of his life that he the affiant was with the said Nicholas J. Skeel frequently had worked with him before his induction in the late war and knew him to be a sound able bodied man that he the affiant had worked with Nicholas J. Skeel after his discharge from the late war and that judging from his general appearance the said Nicholas J. Skeel was suffering continualy from a lung desease and was also trouble with Rheumatism and malarious pain on all of which the said Nicholas J. Skeel had finally told me that he had contracted while in the United States service. Affiant further states that in his judgement Nicholas J. Skeel died from the affects of the above names disabilities and he further states that his knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following sources, viz: living a near neighbor and beeing frequently with Nicholas J. Skeel and that he no interest nor concern in this matter Signature of Affiant Andrew Christie Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and aquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am nowise interested in this case not am I concerned with its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a creditable person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal, this 7th day of April 1889 (Signature) David N. Morgan Notary Public GENERAL AFFIDAVIT Wid. No. 348.307 2634 Case of Sarah H. Skeel widow of Nicholas J. Pvt. Co. "B" 93" Ind. Vols. Affidavit of David Butt, Crothersville, Ind. Filed by John N. Maring State of Indiana } }SS: County of Jackson } In the matter of Claim #348.307 of Sarah H. Skeel, widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, CO. "B" 93" Regt. Ind. Inf. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State David Butt, aged 62 years, whose post office address is Crothersville, County of Jackson, State of Indiana, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: That he was intimately aquainted with Nicholas J. Skeel, dec'd. husband of claimant prior to his entry into the army. Knew him personally from date of his discharge from service until date of his death living in same neighborhood during said period. Affiant knew that he died of disease of Lungs which he claimed he contracted while in the army and affiant never knew that soldier had any lung trouble prior to enlistment. Affiant was present at the death of said soldier and knows he that died of disease of the lungs. The statement of the physician at the time of death being that he died of congestion of the lungs. This statement is made to correct a former statement in which it appears that the statement was made that the soldier died of "Congestive chill" and he further states that his knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following sources, viz: living in same neighborhood and being present at death of soldier and that he has no interest nor concern in this matter. Signature of Affiant David Butt Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and aquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am nowise interested in this case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a creditable person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal, this 23" day of May 1890 Cert on file (Signature) George W. Bard Notary Public ACT OF JUNE 27, 1890, WIDOW'S CLAIM. Claimant: Sarah H. Skeel Soldier: Nicholas J. Skeel Service: Co. "B" 93" Regt Indiana Vol Infty Address: Austin, Scott County, Indiana Filed By: George W. Bard, Crothersville, Indiana, Atty for Claimant ACT OF JUNE 17, 1890 DECLARATION FOR WIDOW'S PENSION State of Indiana, County of Scott,SS: On this 16 day of June, A.D., one thousand eight hundred and ninety, personally appeared before me Sarah H. Skeel, aged 61 years, a resident of the Town of Austin, county of Scott, State of Indiana, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, who enlisted under the name of Nicholas J. Skeel at Frankfort, Indiana, on the 19" day of August, A.D. 1862, in Co. "B" 93" Regt, Indiana Vol Infty. and served at least ninety days in the late War of the Rebellion, who was HONORABLY DISCHARGED June 28" 1865, and died Oct 20" 1870. That she was married under the name of Sarah H. Christie, to said Nicholas J. Skeel, on the 22" day of December 1850, by William Montgomery near Austin Indiana there being no legal barrier to said marriage. Neither had been previously married. That she has not remarried since the death of said Nicholas J. Skeel. That she is without other means of support than her daily labor. That names and date of birth of all the children now living under sixteen years of age of the soldier are as follows: (blank). That she has heretofore applied for pension and the number of her former application is 348307. That she makes this declaration for the purpose of being places on the pension roll of the United States under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890. She hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation, George W. Bard of Crothersville, State of Indiana, her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim, the fee to be TEN DOLLARS as prescribed by law. That her post office address is Austin, County of Scott, State of Indiana. her Sarah H. X Skeel mark Signature of Claimant Gas**rn Norris Mary M. Norris Also personally appeared Gas**rn Norris, residing at Scottsburg, Ind, and Mary M. Norris, residing at Scottsburg, Ind, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Sarah H. Skeel, claimant, make her mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the claimant and an acquaintance with her of 20 years and 20 years respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim Gas**em Norris Mary M. Norris (Signature of Witnesses) Sworn and subscribed before me this 16th day of July, A.D. 1890, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc., were fully made know and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including words ________(blank)_____________erased, and the words ______________(blank)_________added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Mark Storen (Signature) Clerk Scott Cir. Ct. (Official Character) ACT OF JUNE 27, 1890 AFFIDAVIT THAT THE CLAIMANT HAS NOT RE-MARRIED, AND THAT SHE IS WITHOUT OTHER MEANS OF SUPPORT THAN HER DAILY LABOR. We, Samuel F. Chandler and William N. Lisler of the town of Oard Springs, County of Scott, State of Indiana, do solemnly swear that we are neighbors of Sarah H. Skeel who is the widow of Nicholas J Skeel, deceased, on whose account she applies for Pension under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890, and that for the past 20 to 30 years we have been well aquainted with Sarah H. Skeel; that from our frequent intercourse and conversation, and from other circumstances, we have every reason to believe, and we do believe, that the said Sarah H. Skeel has not re-married since the death of the above-mentioned Nicholas J. Skeel. Further we say that is she has re-married we have reason to believe that we should have known it. We also believe from the knowledge we have of said widow that she neither owns nor has in use any property of any kind from which a revenue can be derived; that she has no income or present means of support than her daily labor. That claimant does not own any property whatever either Real or personal and is entirely dependent upon her daily labor and her children for support; and that her children are all of full age and not legally bound to support her. Samuel H. Chandler William N. Lisler (Signature of Affiants) Attest: William Davis Edward Lisler (US Pension Office Stamp date 5 Dec 1890) Deposition of Nelson Stark Deposition C Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297.720 On this 8 day of October, 1895, at Union Township, County of Clark, State of Ind, before me, Herman Lowe, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Nelson Stark, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truely all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: my age is 76, occupation has been farming all my life, residence as above. P. O. address is Memphis, Clark Co., Ind, military service Co "B" 93 Ind. I knew Jack Skeel of my company after enlistment. He was a tolerable tall man, thin visaged and remember that he accidentally wounded one of his hands while cleaning his gun at Crows Fork near LaGrange Tenn. and afterward was transferred to the hospital at Memphis and don't recollect seeing him afterward and do not remember any other disability. No I do not remember his being sick, nor having a cold nor cough - it has been a long time since then. I understand the contents of this deposition. Nelson Stark Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8" day of October 1895 and I certify the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Herman Lowe Special Examiner Deposition of Alvin J. Hardy Deposition D Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297.720 On this 10 day of October, 1895, at Morrison's, County of Scott, State of Ind., before me, Herman Lowe, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Alvin J. Hardy, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truely all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: my age 64, Occupation farming, residence P.O. Scottsburg, Scott Co., Ind. Military service Sgt. Co. B 93 Ind. Inf. I knew Nicholas J. Skeel or as we called him, Jack Skeel, for several years before we enlisted and I never knew him to be sick or ailing any before service, nor until we were between Holly Springs and Bunton Station, Tenn. Soon after we left Holly Springs he took sick, but I can't remember just what ailed him. It was more than half seems to me he had the measles. but he stayed with us until we got to Bunton Station where he was accidentally wounded, had his thumb shot off. I knew he was sick and ailing before that for I had to do duty for him or in his place, but the nature of his sickness I could not tell now. I understand the contents of this deposition. Alvin J. Hardy Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10 day of October 1895 and I certify the contents were fully made known to the deponent before signing. Herman Lowe Special Examiner Deposition of William Gwyn Deposition E Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297.270 On this 7 day of October, 1895, at Lexington, County of Scott, State of Ind, before me, Herman Lowe, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared William Gwyn, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truely all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: my age is 52, occupation farming, Residence near Lexington, address Lexington, Scott Co., Ind., military service Co. B 98(?) Ind Vol Inf. I was not aquainted with Nicholas J. Skeel until after enlistment at New Albany, Ind. I remember that he was accidentally wounded in hand at La Grange, Tenn after a forced march from Holly Springs, Miss. He was sent to hospital at Memphis where I saw him a few times and recollect he was complaining some, but I can't say now what ailed him. No, I know he looked bad, but I cannot remembering his having cough or complaining of his lungs, I don't know what it was. I fully understand the contents of this deposition. William Gwyn Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7" day of October 1895 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Herman Lowe Special Examiner Deposition of Rufus T.A. Harris Deposition F Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297.720 On this 10 day of October, 1895, at Speed, County of Clark, State of Indiana, before me, Herman Lowe, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Rufus T. A. Harris, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truely all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: my age is 52, next birthday, occupation carpenter, residence Speed, Clark Co., Ind, P.O. address Sellersberg, Clark Co. Ind. I did not know Jack Skeel until after we enlisted, but he appeared to be in good health and all right. I left the company the last of June 1863 just before the surrender of Vicksburg, Miss. and saw nothing more of the company, nor of Skeel. I heard afterward that he had got one of his thumbs shot off but had no personal knowledge of the fact. No I never knew of his making any complaint of any sickness or ailment while I was with the company. He was a quiet fellow, never talking much, always ready for duty when called on. No I never heard that he had any cough nor throat nor lung trouble while I was with him and I never saw him after the war. I understand the contents of this deposition. Rufus T. A. Harris Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 10 day of October 1895 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing Herman Lowe Special Examiner Deposition of Elisha F. Mitchell Deposition A Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297.720 On this 14th day of February, 1896, at Indianapolis, County of Marion, State of Indiana, before me, Fred. H. Austin, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Elisha F. Mitchell, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truely all interrogatories propounded to him by this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim deposes and says: I am 55 years old, a carpenter and my address is Union Stock Yards, Indianapolis, Ind. I knew Nicholas Skeel. I have known him ever since I was ten years old. We were raises in the same neighborhood. We enlisted at the same time in Co 'B' 93rd Ind. Vol. Inf. in August 1862. I was discharged in August 1865. Skeel was with the regiment from the time we enlisted until the March or April following. He received a wound in his hand accidentally and was sent to hospital. and I don't believe I ever saw him after that. He must have lived some time after I came home but I don't think I ever saw him. He lived six or seven miles from where I did. I heard of his death. I moved away from that neighborhood four or five years after I came home but I remember hearing of Skeels death. At the time Skeel enlisted I thought he was a pretty good man. He was a kind of a long lean fellow but he was hearty and would stand lots of rough and tumble. At one time while he was with us some time in the winter he was down with what I though was a cold. He didn't go to hospital but kind of laid around and coughed and was kind of red in the face like he had some fever. There was about a week that time he didn't do any duty. I think we were at LaFayette Tenn or near there at the time he was complaining. He went to sick call every morning for four or five days or maybe a week, I think. I don't remember of his being sick another time. I don't know whether he recovered entirely from that spell of sickness. At the time he left the regiment he was in bad shape. After they amputated one of his fingers and dressed his hand they kept him there awhile before they sent him away. He got down and couldn't eat anything. He looked terrible bad when they sent him away. He had a cough up to the time he left us. I am not right certain but I think he had measles while he was with us. I did not see him during his last sickness and I don't know what he died of. The dates I gave in my affidavit are correct for I had a diary then which has since been destroyed. I am not related to claimant and have no interest in this claim. I fully understood your questions and my answers are correctly recorded. Elisha F. Mitchell Deponent Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of February, 1896, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Fred H. Austin Special Examiner Deposition of John A. Jennings Deposition A Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297.720 On this 17th day of August, 1896, at near Long Prairie, County of Wayne, State of Illn, before me, Cyrus E. Lingo. A Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John A. Jennings, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truely all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: age 60 next January, occupation farmer, Residence & P.O. address as above. I am not related to claimant. I have no interest in her claim for pension. I was late private & Corpl Co. "B" 93" Ind. Vol. Inf. I enlisted right after first of August 1862, and I was discharged August 20, 1865. I remember a man named Skeel who served in my Co. I don't recollect his given name now. We always called him Jack. I never knew him until after we went into camp at New Albany, Ind. He enlisted about the same time I did. I was in a tent e**** or ****-mate of his. We were stripped naked and examined at enlistment. There was none but one Skeel in my Co that I ever heard of. This man Skeel appeared to be a healthy enough man when I first became aquainted with him. He was always well enough and ready for duty so far as I knew while he remained with the company. He got one of his hands shot, about 25 miles east of Memphis, Tenn. I think it was in the winter of 1863. I I know we had not been out quite a year. I don't know how he came to get his hand shot. I think it was done accidentally in camp. After he got his hand shot he went to the hospital at Memphis, Tenn and never came back to the command any more. I think he was detailed at the hospital after his hand got well. I don't know whether he was discharged before the Regt was or not. I never saw him anymore after he got his hand shot, have not saw him from that day to this. I was with the command all the time. No, I never heard him complain of any disability prior to the time he shot his hand. Yes as far as I could tell he appeared to be in as good health while I knew him in service as he was when he first enlisted. No I do not know of his having a cough or of his complaining of is heart or lungs at any time in service. Yes sir I saw him nearly every day while he was in the company. He was a slim spare-made man. I have heard the foregoing read and my answers are correctly recorded. J. A. Jennings Deponent Sworn to and subscribed before me this 17" day of August 1896, and I testify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Cyrus E. Lingo Special Examiner Letter from Cyrus E. Lingo, Special Examiner to D.I. Murphy, Com. of Pensions Wids. Cerf. #297.720 Sarah H. Skeel Widow of Nicholas J. Skeel, Pri. Co "B" 93, Ind Inf PO address Oard Springs, Scott County, Ind Bar**: Soldier's death cause - consumption due to service Centralia, Ill, Aug 31, 1896 Hon. D.I. Murphy, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. Sir: I have the honor to return herewith the papers in the claim above cited and to submit my report thereon. This claim was referred to the S.E. Division to determine immediate cause of soldiers death and whether due to his military service, and came to me with notice waived for the testimony of Lt. Thom. H. Quail. Lt. Quail left Potoka, Ills, several months ago and is now in Sulpher, Bowie Co., Texas. His family is still in Potoka, Ills but I learned that he was not expected to return, that he did not get along well with his wife and had left her. I have taken testimony from Mr. Quail, in ****** and his reputation was reputed good. I am of the opinion however that he is somewhat biased in favor of the claimant. I ***** a deposition of Jno. A. Jennings who resides adjacent to my dirte** and same appear herewith, but it does not add to merits of claim. This witness bears a good reputation. The claim is one of probable merit. Claim was taken up in condition with st*** work. Further examination as to origin is recommended as follows: Thos. H. Quail, Sulpher, Bowie Co., Texas Moses Manley, Rockville, Park Co., Ind Very Respectfully, Cyrus E. Lingo Special Examiner SPECIAL EXAMINATION DEPARTMENT W.C. No. 297720 Claimant: Sarah H. Skeel Department of the Interior Soldier: Nich J. Skeel BUREAU OF PENSIONS Co: B 93 Reg't Ind. If Washington D.C. Oct 15, 1896 Enlisted: Aug 19, 1862 Discharged: June 28, 1865 Mr. Thomas H. Quail Sulpher Bowie Co. Texas Sir: To aid this Bureau in the settlement of the above described claim for pension, you are requested to answer the questions noted below. You will Please fill out, sign and return this circular, even though you do not remember the soldier or that he was wounded, disabled, or diseased in the service. The enclosed official envelope for your reply requires no stamp. Very Respectfully, D.I. Murphy Commissioner Q. Do you remember the soldier Nicholas J. Skeel as a member of your company? Ans. Yes Q. Do you remember that he suffered with any wound, injury, or disease while in service? And. Yes shot his finger of at Bunton Station Tenn in Feb 1863 on Sunday morning willfully Q. If you do remember any such wound, injury, or disease, state the nature of same Ans. Col. D.C. Thomas and Theodore Clancy Bugler and myself are they only ones who saw him commit the act so far as I know. (Signature:) Thomas H. Quail (Address:) Boggy Miller Co Arkansas Letter from Thomas H. Quail included with above questionnaire Boggy, Miller CO., Ark Nov 6 1896 D.I. Murphy Com. of Pens, D.C. Sir I have received a communication from Sarah H. Skeel's attorney months ago but did not feel like answering it under the circumstance which the wound was done when he shot his finger of. I will now give you the facts as I saw them it was early on Sunday morning the Col called my attention to the soldier and asked who he was and remarked that they soldier was going to shoot himself and I told the Col who he was but before my answer was completed he shot his finger of and as he was carried on the strecher to Surgeons Head Quarters by the Col's tent the Col remarked he wished Skeel had shot his head off My Capt. S.S. Crow and those who carried must have heard they remarks of the Col's it was the common talk of our Company's Skeels never came back to the Co. I was acting Orderly Sargeantt at the time and I messed with the Bugler that I suppose was the reason I was up so early and at Hd Quarters. there was none of Co. 'B' outside of their log houses to be seen when the act was committed so far as I saw. Surely N.J. Skeel's if the wound was committed in the line of duty could have evidence from the Col and myself willingly. T. Clancy died at Andersonville under the name of Cook as he had been in the C.S.A. Army. I owe this crude explanation to you and Mrs. S.H. Skeel's. Respectfully Yours Thomas H. Quail Capt Co 'B' 93 Ind Infty Vol Deposition of Thomas H. Quail Depositionn Case of Sarah H. Skeel, No. 297720 On this 28 day of Feb, 1898, at Columbia, County of Brayonia, State of Texas, before me, G.S. Arnold, a Special Examiner of the PensionOffice, personally appeared Thomas H. Quail, 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 age is 67 years, occupation Laborer, Residence & P.O. as above. During the late war I served a private, Lieutenant & Captain of Co b 93 Ind Vol Inft. I enlisted Aug 12, 1862 and was mustered out Aug 10, 1865. I recall Nicholas J. Skeel as a private in my company. He was from my neighborhood in Scott Co, Indiana. He was a stout able bodied man at enlistment. We had to pass a searching examination at enlistment and were stripped at the time. I do not recall of his being sick or disabled at any time up to the time he had his index finger of his right hand shot off. That happened about the last of January 63. It was Sunday and just before we went to Vicksburg. This was at Bunton Station, Tenn. This was no accident but self inflicted. I was a witness to the act. Col. D.C. Thomas was also a witness. I do not know whether or not he is now living. Skeel was sent to the hospital there and I never saw him after that. He was at that time a stout robust man and it was on account of the injury to his finger that he was sent to the hospital. I never saw him after the war. I went to Illinois immediately after discharge. I never heard anything about the condition of his health, He was a slim bony man of light complexion but muscular. Before enlistment he was a saw mill man. He never impressed me as being a man with weak lungs or having any bronchial trouble. Nothing of the kind ever came to my notice. I was orderly sergeant at the time he shot himself and was sent to the hoospital and I think if he had any bronchial trouble at the time I would have noticed it. I did not know any his people and can not say whether or not htere was a history of consumption in his family. If this mans death was due to his military service it can not be proved by me. James Tulle was above all others in my opinion best qulified to give testimony in this case. He was a good man and a good soldier. I can not now think of others who are not on your list. Our Capt. Jno. P. Carr lived in Seymour, Jackson Co., Ind. about 3 years ago. He ought to recall Skeel. I am not related and have no interest. I have understood your questions and I am recorded correctly. Thomas H. Quail Deponent Sworn to and subscribed beefore me this 28 day of Feb, 1898, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. G.S. Arnold Special Examiner Letter from G.S. Arnold, Special Examiner to H. Clay Evans, Com. of Pens. No. 297720 Sarah H. Skeel Widow of Nicholas J. Skeel Co. B. 93 Ind. Vols. P.O. Oard Springs Scott Co. Ind Hempstead Tex. Mar. 2 98 Sir: I have the honor to return herewith the papers in the above entitled claim and my report therein. The claim was referred for special examination to determine immediate cause of death of soldire and whether due to his military service and came to me for deposition of Capt. Thomas H. Quail. After much difficulty I located Quail on a little schooner on the Brazos River. He impressed me as a man who would make an honest statement although he was in this country to short a time to be well known. He recalled the soldier quite well and claimed to have seen him shoot the end of his finger off but as that had nothing to do with the case I did not go into details on that point. Quail ridiculed the idea of soldier having weak lungs or any indications of pulmonary trouble although he claimed that soldier was a slender and bony man. He had little regard for those who testified in the case as to the origin except Jas. Tulle whom he thought was a reliable man. The claim seems to be of probable merit and I recommend further examination by taking the deposition of Capt. Jno. P. Carr, Seymour, Jackson Co., Ind as to origin. Respectfully, G.S. Arnold Special Examiner Hon. H. Clay Evans Com. of Pensions Washington D.C. ACT OF JUNE 27, 1890 PENSIONER DROPPED UNITED STATES PENSION AGENCY INDIANAPOLIS, IND. OCT 8 1906 Certificate No. 297720 Class: Widow Pensioner: Sarah H. Skeel Soldier: Nicholas J. Skeel Service: P. B 93 Ind The Commossioner of Pensions Sir: I have the honor to report that the above named pensioner who was last paid at &8., to May 4, 1906 has been dropped because of death 18 May 1906. Very Respectfully Yours, A.O. Marsh United States Pension Agent