Fannie C. Trahan, Civil War Widow's CSA Pension Application,Calcasieu, LA Submitted by: Keith A. Melancon ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The below pension for Fannie C. Trahan, resident of Port Neches, Jefferson County, Texas. She was the wife of Alcide Trahan who served in Company B, 7th Louisiana Cavalry under Captain Whittica. This pension application was transcribed by Keith A. Melancon from records on file at the Texas State Archives in Austin, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- Trahan, Fannie C., widow of: Trahan, Alcide Private of Company B, 7th Louisiana Cavalry -------------------------------------------------------------------- First Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- 43953 Fannie C. Trahan PO Box 276 Pt. Neches Deceased Sept. 20, 1947 Form B Widow's Application for a Pension The Commissioner of pensions reserves the right to call for additional testimony if he deems it necessary. Name of Applicant Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan Jefferson County R.F.D. or Street No. Post Office Port Neches, Texas. Filed: June 28, 1928 Approved: August 16th, 1928. Pension allowed from: June 1st, 1928. Rejected: [Signed] S.H. Terrell Comptroller of Public Accounts. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Widow's Application for Confederate Pension The State of Texas, County of Jefferson I, Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan, do hereby make application to the Comptroller of Public Accounts for a pension, to be granted me under the Act passed by the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Texas, and approved April 7, A.D. 1913, on the following grounds: I am the widow of Alcide Trahan, deceased, who departed this life on the 16th day of September, A.D. 1908, in the [county is crossed out] Parish of Calcasieu, in the State of Louisiana. I have not remarried since the death of my said husband,* and I do solemnly swear that I was never divorced from my said husband, and that I never voluntarily abandoned him during his life, but remained his true, faithful and lawful wife up to the date of his death. I was married to him on the 21st day of February, A.D. 1881 in the [county is crossed out] Parish of Calcasieu, in the State of Louisiana.* My husband, the said Alcide Trahan, enlisted and served in the military service of the Confederate States during the war between the States of the United States, and that he did not desert the Confederate Service. I have been a resident of the State of Texas since prior to January 1, A.D. 1910, and have been continuously since a citizen of the State of Texas. I do further state that I do not receive from any source whatever money or other means of support amounting in value to the sum of $300.00 per annum, nor do I own in my own right, nor does anyone hold in trust for my benefit or use, estate or property, either real, personal or mixed, either in fee or for life, of the value of one thousand dollars, exclusive of the home of the value of not over $2000.00; nor do I receive any aid or pension from any other state, or from the United States, or from any other source, and I do further state that the answers given to the following questions are true: 1. What is your age? 68 2. Where were you born? Henry, Louisiana 3. How long have you resided in the State of Texas? Since February 1st, 1909 4. How long have you resided in the county of your present residence? Feb.1, 1909 5. What is your postoffice address? Port Neches, Texas 6. Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate pension law and been rejected? Yes If rejected, state when and where. Applie (sp) in state where my husband served (Louisiana) but was told to apply in state where I now live 7. Did your husband draw a pension? No. If so, give his file number. 8. What was your husband's full name? Alcide Trahan 9. In what State was your husband's command originally organized? Louisiana 10. How long did your husband serve? During latter part of the war. If known to you, give date of enlistment and discharge. Not known 11. What was the name or letter of the company, or number of the battalion, regiment or battery of artillery in which your husband served? If he was transferred from one branch of service to another, give time of transfer, description of command and time of service. Company B, 7th Louisiana Cavalry, under the command of Capt. Whittica 12. Name the branch of service in which your husband served, whether infantry, cavalry, artillery, or the navy, or if commissioned as an officer by the President, his rank and line of duty, or if detailed for special service, under the law of conscription, the nature of such service, and time of service. Cavalry 13. Do you own any property other than that rendered for taxes in your county? If so, state the value of same and county where located. None other than that rendered in Jefferson Co., Texas. 14. Have you transferred to others any property of any kind for the purpose of becoming beneficiary under this law? No Wherefore your petitioner prays that her application for pension be approved and that such other proceedings be had in the premises as are required by law. (Signature of Applicant) [Signed] x Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan Sworn to me and subscribed before me this 18 day of May A.D. 1927 [Signed] B.B. Johnson County Judge Jefferson County, Texas. [Note: Originally signed by S.C. Montgomery, a Notary Public in and for Jefferson County, signature and block lined and exed out] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Third Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- AFFADAVIT OF WITNESSES. (Note - There must be at least two credible witnesses.) THE STATE OF TEXAS, County of Jefferson Before me, S.C Montgomery, a Notary Public in and for Jefferson [County Judge of exed out] County, State of Texas, on this day personally appeared Henry Deyotte and Avery Hebert who are personally known to me to be credible citizens, who being by me duly sworn on oath, state that they personally know that Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan, applicant for a pension as the widow of Alcide Trahan, deceased, is in truth and fact he widow of the said Alcide Trahan, deceased; that they personally know that she has not remarried since the death of her husband, for whose services in the army she claims a pension, and that they have no interest in this claim.* (Signature of Witness) x Henry Deyotte (Signature of Witness) Avery Hebert Sworn to me and subscribed before me this 27th day of July A.D. 1928 [Signed] B.B. Johnson County Judge Jefferson County, Texas. [Note: Originally signed by S.C. Montgomery, a Notary Public in and for Jefferson County, dated 18th May 1928. Date, signature, and block lined and exed out] *Where applicant has remarried it is necessary that she state facts covering particulars of last marriage, date, to whom married, and date of last husband's death. She must also state that she is now a widow. AFFADAVIT OF WITNESSES. (Note - There must be at least two credible witnesses.) THE STATE OF TEXAS, County of Jefferson Before me, S.C Montgomery, a Notary Public in and for Jefferson [County Judge of exed out] County, State of Texas, on this day personally appeared Henry Deyotte and Avery Hebert who are personally known to me to be credible citizens, who being by me duly sworn on oath, state that they personally know that said Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan has been a bona fide resident of the State of Texas since prior to January 1, A.D. 1910, and that they have no interest in this claim. Sworn to me and subscribed before me this 27th day of July A.D. 1928 (Signature of Witness) x Henry Deyotte (Signature of Witness) Avery Hebert [Signed] B.B. Johnson County Judge Jefferson County, Texas. [Note: Originally signed by S.C. Montgomery, a Notary Public in and for Jefferson County, dated 18th May 1928. Date, signature, and block lined and exed out] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Fourth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- AFFADAVIT OF WITNESSES. (If possible, the two witnesses should have served with the applicant's husband in the army, and if so, let them, or either of them, state it in their oath; also any information regarding the army service of the applicant's husband.) THE STATE OF TEXAS, County of Before me, County Judge of County, State of Texas, on this day personally appeared who are personally known to me to be credible citizens, who being by me sworn, on oath state that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in her application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim. And further make oath to the following facts touching the service of the applicant's husband in the Confederate Army; (State fully your source of knowledge): (Signature of Witness) (Signature of Witness) Sworn to me and subscribed before me this day of A.D. County Judge County, Texas. CERTIFICATE OF STATE AND COUNTY ASSESSOR I, A.L. Leonard, State and County Assessor in the County of Jefferson State of Texas, do certify that Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan whose name is signed to the foregoing application for a pension, under the Act of the Thirty-third legislature, approved April 7, 1913, is charged on the tax rolls of said county with a homestead of the value of $150.00 Dollars, and of other property, real or personal, or both, of the value of Dollars. Given under my hand, this 13 day of June A.D. 1927. [Signed] A.L. Leonard State and County Assessor By Chas L. King, Deputy -------------------------------------------------------------------- Fifth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Comptroller's Department State of Texas Austin To the Adjutant General War Department Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to request the military record of Alcide Trahan who is reported to have enlisted in Company B Regiment 7th Louisiana Cavalry In service of the Confederate States Army Very Respectfully, [Signed] S.H. Terrell Comptroller of State of Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sixth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- WAR DEPARTMENT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE Washington, June 20, 1927 Respectfully returned to Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin, Texas. There are no muster rolls on file for Co. B, 7th Louisiana Cavalry, C.S. Army, and no record has been found of the service, capture or parole of Alcide Trahan as of that organization. [Signed] Lutz Hahl Brigadier General The Adjutant General -------------------------------------------------------------------- Seventh Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Comptroller's Department State of Texas Austin August 6th, 1928 To the Adjutant General War Department Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to request the military record of Alcide Trahan who is reported to have enlisted in Company B Regiment 7th Louisiana Cav., under Capt. Whittica. In service of the Confederate States Army Very Respectfully, [Signed] S.H. Terrell Comptroller of State of Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- Eighth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- WAR DEPARTMENT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE Washington, August 11, 1928 Respectfully returned to Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin, Texas. There are no muster rolls on file for Co. B, 7th Louisiana Cavalry, C.S. Army, and no record has been found of the service, capture or parole of Alcide Trahan as of that organization. One Captain Whitaker served in that regiment, and was paroled as of Co. C. [Signed] Lutz Hahl Major General The Adjutant General -------------------------------------------------------------------- Ninth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- State of Louisiana, Parish of Vermillion. Before me, the undersigned authority, personally came and appeared Charles Frederick, personally well known to me, to be a man of good character and who tells the truth, who declared that during the last one month of the Civil war, while Alcide Trahan, the de husband of Fannie Choate Trahan, was a member of the Confederate army, in the Cavalry, in some Company of the 7th., La., Regiment, under the leadership of Cap. Whittica, he (sp) affiant, was detailed from Co. B. 7th., La., to join Cap. Whittica's Co., and he well remembers that he spent one month wth the said Alcide Trahan, who was a member of Cap. Whittica's Co., in the 7th., La., that this was during the last month of the Civil War. That he believes that he served to the end of the war Honorably. Sworn and subscribed before me, this the 19th day of October, A.D. 1926. [Signed] Charles Frederick [x his mark] [Signed] P.L. Broussard Clerk of Court -------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- State of Louisiana, Parish of Vermillion. Before me, personally came and appeared Pierre Desormeaux, a resident of Vermillion Parish, La., who after being sworn says: that he is receiving a pension, that he knew Alcide Trahan, deceased, Confederate Veteran, husband of Fannie Choate, that he saw said Trahan in the Cavalry of the Confederate army; that they were in the same Company or in neighboring Companies, that he knows that Alcide Trahan was a good soldier; that he verily believes that Alcide Trahan was honorably discharged after serving to end of the war. [Signed] Pierre Desormeaux x his mark Sworn to and subscribed before me, October 20th, 1926 [Signed] P.L. Broussard Clerk of Court -------------------------------------------------------------------- Eleventh Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- B.B. Johnson County Judge Beaumont, Texas 6/27/1928 State Comptroller, State of Texas, Austin, Texas. Dear Sir: It seems to me that the enclosed application was forwarded to you several months or perhaps about a year ago for your consideration. The applicant, Mrs. Trahan, inquired about it, and I found it in my office. I do not know how it got back here. I am wondering if another application by her was forwarded to you. I understand, that she is not receiving a pension. If you have not received another application, please advise me whether or not this one is correct. If it is not, let me know what is wrong with it and I will endeavor to have it corrected and returned to you. Yours truly, [Stamped] B.B. Johnson County Judge June 28, 1928. Hon. B.B. Johnson, County Judge, Beaumont, Texas. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Twelfth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Judge Johnson: I have your letter of June 27th, enclosing the Application for Confederate Pension of Mrs. Annie C. Trahan. You are advised that this application was received by this department sometime in June, 1927, and was forwarded to Mrs. Trahan to Port Neches, Texas, on June 14, 1927, a copy of the letter sent her at that time by this office is enclosed and self-explanatory. If the requests made in the enclosed letter is complied with and returned to this office, the application of Mrs. Trahan will have further consideration. Yours very truly, State Comptroller Of Public Accounts -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thirteenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- June 14, 1927 Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan Port Neches, Texas. Dear Madam: I am in the receipt of your application for Confederate pension, but must return same that you may have County Judge make certificate and attach to application as provided by Article 6209, R.C.S 1925, since application was made before Notary Public instead of before County Judge, as the law directs. You will also have County Tax Assessor complete his certificate on Page 3. When this application has been done you will return application to this department for further consideration. Yours very truly, Comptroller of Public Accounts -------------------------------------------------------------------- Fourteenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- August 18, 1928. Hon. B.B. Johnson, County Judge, Beaumont, Texas. Dear Judge Johnson: You are advised that from a consideration of all the testimony filed with regard to the military record of Alcide Trahan as a Confederate soldier, under whose military record Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan has filed application for pension, that he did perform the military service as claimed by Mrs. Trahan and under this testimony I am today approving the application of Mrs. Trahan. Mrs. Trahan will in the next few days receive formal notice of approval, at which time affidavit will be forwarded to her to be executed covering issuance of first quarterly warrant to which she will be entitled, which warrant will issue August 31st. Yours very truly, State Comptroller Of Public Accounts -------------------------------------------------------------------- Fifteenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Port Neches, Texas, November 2nd, 1943. Mr. Geo. H. Sheppard Comptroller of Public Accounts Austin, Texas Dear Sir: I am enclosing my pension checks Nos. 982, 3177, and 5340 for the months of August, September, and October. There is no amount put on these checks and I am unable to get them cashed. Please put on the proper amount and return them to me. Your [sp] very truly, [Signed] Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan Port Neches, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sixteenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 4, 1943 Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan Port Neches, Texas Dear Mrs. Trahan: Enclosed, I am returning your Confederate Pension Warrants for the months of August, September, and October, 1943. The amounts of these warrants are #30.00 each. The amendment to the Confederate Pension Law passed by the Forty-eighth Legislature which became effective on August 10, 1943 increased payments to Confederate widows from $25.00 per month to $30.00 per month. I am very sorry the amount of these warrants were omitted. It was an error which was overlooked by this office when changing our files. I rust it has not caused you any inconvenience. Yours very truly, Geo. H. Sheppard Comptroller of Public Accounts -------------------------------------------------------------------- Seventeenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Confederate Pension Austin, Texas Gentlemen, Enclosed is death certificate of Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan, who passed away on Sept. 20, 1947. It is my understanding that there is a $100.00 tombstone fund for dependents such as Mrs. Trahan. As she was making her home with me at the time of her death, will you please advise me as to the above. Should her monthly check come before you receive this certificate, it will be promptly returned. Cordially Yours, Mrs. Avery Hebert Box 2124 Port Neches, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- Eighteenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- A true + correct copy. I hereby certify. [Signed] E.B. Moys Local Registrar Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics Standard Certificate of Death 1. Place of Death State of Texas County of Jefferson City or Precinct No: Pt. Neches, Texas 2. Full Name of Deceased: Mrs. Fannie Trahan Length of Residence Where Death Occurred: 37 Years Months days (Social Security No: ) Residence of the Deceased: Personal and Statistical Particulars 3. Sex: Female 4. Color of Race: White 5. Single, Married, Widowed, or Divorced (write the word): Widowed 6. Date of Birth: Dec 11, 1858 7. Age: 88 years 8a. Trade, Profession, or Kind of Work Done: Housewife 8b. Industry or Business in Which Engaged: 9. Birthplace (State or Country): Louisiana 10. Father - Name: Halston Choate 11. Father - Birthplace (State or Country): Louisiana 12. Mother - Maiden Name: Mary Lee 13. Mother - Birthplace (State or Country): Louisiana 14. Informant - Signature: [Signed] Mrs. Avery Hebert. Address: Pt. Neches, Texas 15. Disposition - Place of Burial or Removal: Greenlawn, Pt. Arthur, Texas. Date: Sept 23, 1947 16. Undertaker - Signature: [Signed] S.B. Sheffield #801. Address: Pt. Neches, Texas 17. Date of Death: Sept 20, 1947 18. I hereby certify that I attended the deceased from Sept 15, 1947 to Sept 20, 1947. I last saw her alive on Sept 20, 1947. The death occurred on the date stated above at 4:00 P.M. The primary cause of death was: Cerebro [sp] Vascular Accident. Contributory causes were: Pnemonia [sp] and Hypertension. If not due to disease, specify whether: Accident, suicide or Homicide: Date of Occurrence: Place of Occurrence: Manner of Means: If related to occupation of the deceased, specify: Signature: [Signed] Ross J. Stroble, M.D. Address: Pt Neches, Texas 20. File Number: File Date: 9/23, 1947 Signature of Local Registrar: [Signed] E.B. Moys Postoffice Address: Nederland, Texas. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Nineteenth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- APPLICATION FOR MORTUARY WARRANT (Please have application for Mortuary Warrant properly executed and have the Undertaker attach to it a sworn itemized statement showing the cost of each item furnished for the burial. Return to Geo. H. Sheppard, Comptroller, Austin, Tex.) [Stamped] Must return before 40 days expires from date of Pensioners' death. THE STATE OF TEXAS County of Jefferson I, S.B. Sheffield do hereby certify that I am the person to whom is entrusted paying the accounts and indebtedness of the late Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan, who was a pensioner of the State of Texas, and whose file number was 43953 and whose original county was Jefferson. The said pensioner, Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan, died on the 20 day of Sept, 1947, in the town of Port Neches, County of Jefferson, Texas. The pensioner died in the home of Her Residence who was related to the pensioner as . That the warrant, which application is hereby made for, shall be applied to paying all or part of the funeral expenses incurred by the said pensioner. Yes. I further certify that the warrant for the current month has not been cashed by the pensioner, to the best of my knowledge and belief I am related to the pensioner as not related, that my postoffice address is Port Neches, Texas, Box 661. Signed S.B. Sheffield Sworn to before me this 7th day of October, 1947 (Ted Lott) [Signed] Ted Lott Notary Public in and for Jefferson, State of Texas. CERTIFICATE OF UNDERTAKER I, S.B. Sheffield, do certify that I am undertaker in the town of Port Neches, County of Jefferson, State of Texas, that I had charge of the body of Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan, who died in the town of Port Neches, County of Jefferson, State of Texas, on the 20th day of September, 1947. That said body was prepared for burial by me on the 23rd day of September1947, and that I am of the opinion that warrant herein applied for should be issued to the said Sheffield Funeral Home who makes foregoing application. Signed S.B. Sheffield Undertaker CERTIFICATE OF PHYSICIAN I, , do certify that I am a practicing physician, and that I attended in his last illness, and am of the opinion that his ailments were . I further certify that I am of the opinion that the Mortuary Warrant above requested should be issued in the name of the aforementioned applicant, in accordance with Act passed by the Thirty-eighth Legislature and approved March 2, 1923. Signed Physician's Address September 29, 1947. Execute and return at once. Sheffield Funeral Home Phone 1100 or 1119 Port Neches, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- Twentieth Document -------------------------------------------------------------------- Statement for Mrs. Fannie C. Trahan. Casket $395.00 Cards 5.00 Embalming 50.00 Hearse 35.00 Family Car 15.00 Flower Car 30.00 Dress + Underwear 45.00 Washing + Dressing 10.00 Removal to Funeral Home 10.00 Cemetery Expense 27.00 ---------- $622.00 SHEFFIELD FUNERAL HOME By [Signed] S.B. Sheffield, OWNER Single Acknowledgement THE STATE OF TEXAS County of Jefferson: Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, on this day personally appeared S.B. Sheffield known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this the 7th day of October A.D. 1947 [Signed] Ted Lott Notary Public in and for Jefferson County, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------- End of File --------------------------------------------------------------------