GEORGE GALUSHA, Civil War Pension File Abstract / Eaton Co., MI **************************************************************** Copyright © 2002 by Janet Wilkinson Schwartz . This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ GEORGE GALUSHA, Private, Co G, 20th Michigan Infantry Cert. No. 49,950 Enlisted Aug 1, 1862 at Olivet, Eaton Co, MI Discharged Jan 12, 1865 at Alexandria, VA (3rd Div. General Hospital) Description at enlistment: age 20 years, height 5' 10", complexion fair, eyes blue, hair light, occupation shoemaker. GEORGE GALUSHA b. Feb 9, 1842 near Moravia, Cayuga Co, NY d. Jul 29, 1924 at Olivet, Eaton Co, MI Father: EDWIN GALUSHA, bp NY Mother: ELIZABETH WADE, bp NY Sister: Mentioned but not named (1915) Married (1) Aug 31, 1866 at Olivet, Eaton Co, MI by Ormal Hosford, J.P. BESSIE A. WATERSON b. date not given / at NY d. Apr 2, 1914 Buried: Olivet, Eaton Co, MI Children of George Galusha and Bessie A. Waterson: HARRY E. b. Jul 31, 1875 / d. Jul 14, 1941 at Byron, Shiawasee Co, MI GRACE E.M. b. 1880 / m. Seth Q. Pulver / res. Owosso, MI Married (2) date/place not given NAME NOT GIVEN b. date/place not given (George Galusha stated this wife was a little bit older than himself) d. date/place not given (no application for widow's pension so poss. d. bef 1924) Declarations, affidavits, etc. in support of pension claims: Apr 24, 1865--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 23 years, resident of Walton, Eaton Co, MI; stated he "received a gunshot fracture of right leg in battle with the enemy at Campbells Station near Knoxville", TN Nov 28, 1863; that since leaving the service he has resided at Walton, Eaton Co, MI; witnesses HENRY J. HIGGINS and JAMES W. HICKOK, residents of Eaton Co, MI. Jul 26, 1865--JOHN S. MONTGOMERY, resident of Eaton Rapids, Eaton Co, MI; stated he was captain of Co G, 20th Michigan Infantry; that he was present when the claimant received a gunshot wound to the right leg. Feb 13, 1889--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 47 years, resident of Eaton Co, MI; declaration for pension increase; witnesses WARREN A. GALUSHA and KARL D. KEYES, both residents of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; signed GEORGE W. KEYES, notary public Eaton Co, MI. Apr 26, 1890--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 48 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; declaration for pension increase; in addition to disability due to gunshot wound to right thigh, soldier claimed disability--that at Crabb Orchard, KY about Sep 1, 1863 he "contracted chronic diarrhea from exposure in hot and rainy weather and change of drinking water. It was just before the army under Gen. Burnside started for East Tenn. Claimant marched with his regt. but had a standing excuse to fall out anytime and would often do so, getting behind his Co and having to catch up in the night. This continued until the army started from near Knoxville East-Tenn for the Blue Springs fight near the Virginia line. Claimant was so sick with aforesaid diarrhea could not march so was given a team to drive in the supply train. Stayed with the train until was obliged to leave it on account of said sickness. Joined his co just before Battle of Campbells Station Nov 16, 1863 was wounded and sent to hospital at Knoxville Tenn. Never did any service after this."; witnesses JOHN GREEN and CYNTHIA GREEN. May 1890--OSCAR A. BROWN, aged 46 years, resident of Shelby, Oceana Co, MI; stated "I was well acquainted with the claimant before he enlisted we living near each other and attending the same school in boyhood before we enlisted. The claimant joined Co G while I joined Co I both of the same regiment and I kept as close watch and know his history full as well as I should had we both belonged to the same Co. I was present at the time claimant was attacked with diarrhea at Crabb Orchard, Ky. about two weeks before our regiment as one of the 9th Corps started over the mountains into East Tennesee. And I know from personal knowledge seeing the claimant many times each day. That he was taken bad with the above named complaint and was excused from all duty. He went with us until East Tennesee. He was excused from marching in the ranks on account of having to fall out so much, would sometimes have to catch up in the night because he wa to weak to march as fast as we did. Also after we got to Knoxville Tenn. and were ordered to Blue Springs Tenn. where we had a fight. The claimant was given a team to drive in the supply train because he was unable to march. He came back to his Co just before the Battle of Campbells Station where he the claimant was wounded he was still suffering from diarrhea. We all had to go into fight there, the sick and the well, he with the rest. He was taken to Knoxville put into the hospital during the siege, was finally sent away.". May 10, 1890--GEORGE GALUSHA, Eaton Co, MI; stated that claimant was "taken to assylum General Hospital Knoxville Tenn. after he was wounded Nov 16, 1863 and stayed there until about two weeks after the siege was over, then rec-d a furlough went home for thirty days at Olivet, Eaton Co Mich. Reported to Detroit, Mich at the expiration of said furlough. Was sent to St. Marys Hospital in Detroit. Stayed there about a month perhaps a little longer. Was then sent to Chestnut Hill Hosp. Philadelphia Pa. Was sent to Washington at the time Early tried to take the city. And from there was placed in Grosvener Hospital, Alexandria Va. until the last of Dec 1864 when claimant was discharged." May 10, 1890--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 48 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; stated he has resided in Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; that his occupation is shoemaker and dealer; claimed disability due to chronic diarrhea, piles and rheumatism; that in the fall of 1865 he was a patient of "Dr. L.P. Hazen, now residing at Grand Rapids Mich, then a practicing physician of Olivet Eaton Co Mich...he moved to Grand Rapids about the year 1872." Jan 15, 1891--Letter from GEORGE GALUSHA, Olivet, Eaton Co, MI, in his own hand, to Hon. James O.Donnell: "Dear Sir & Comrade. I have been sick all winter unable to do anything. I applied for an increase of pension on a new disability about one year ago, was examined about six months ago. I am anxious to get my claim allowed for I need the help and I wish you would oblige me by seeing the Commissioner of Pensions and eplain it to him. I do not want to ask for a special as possibly I am not worse off than many others but I really need the help. I think if you state the case fairly to him he will attend to my case. Resp, Geo. Galusha Republican from way back and one of your supporters in Eaton Co." Mar 25, 1892--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 50 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; declaration for re-rating of invalid pension; witnesses EDWIN F. NORTON and ALBERT L. LEE. Aug 10, 1895--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 53 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; restated his claim for an increase in pension; stated that he "believes he is justly entitled to more pension being totally disabled and having no means of support for himself and family - except his pension. Has a wife and daughter 15 years old, one son 22 years old who is a cripple and feble minded, and is a great care and expense.". Jan 28, 1915--WILLIAM GREEN, aged 40 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; stated "that he is the present Supervisor of the Township of Walton, county of Eaton and state of Michigan also that he is the custodian of the assessment roll of said township for the year 1914"; that the residence of GEORGE GALUSHA in Olivet was described as: "4th lot north of Mill St. and on east side of Kalamo St. a lot on south side of Drurey [?] St. 150 ft E of line of east side of Kalamo St. $850.00. It is exempt from taxation.". Jan 28, 1915--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 73 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; request for pension increase; stated his occupation for the past 20 years is insurance agent; stated he is totally disabled; that he "has no hired attendant, but what help and waiting on he needs is done by his sister who keeps house for him. That his wife died about a year ago. That he has an wholly dependent son, aged 40 years, who was born with spina bifida and has to be cared for the same as a child"; stated that "he does not pay his sister any regular salery but she stays with him to care for him and his son, and has her support the same as he himself all to be paid for out of his pension money.". Jun 14, 1918--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 76 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; stated he was born Feb 9, 1842 near Moravia, Cayuga Co, NY; witnesses M.D. BURKHEAD, resident of Olivet, MI who has known claimant 10 years, and L.D. McWILLIAMS, resident of Olivet, MI who has known claimant 15 years. Jun 14, 1915--GEORGE GALUSHA, 76 years, P.O. Olivet, MI; request for pension increase; stated he was born near Moravia, Cayuga Co, NY on Feb 9, 1842 but that he cannot furnish proof of age because no records of births or deaths were officially kept at that time and there is no one living who was present at his birth; signed OHLIN E. WALCOTT, notary public Eaton Co, MI. Nov 1, 1921--GEORGE GALUSHA, aged 80 years, resident of Olivet, Eaton Co, MI; stated his vision is worsening and he will soon be blind; witnesses FORREST BALL and OLIVER H. SHAW. Nov 1, 1921--ARTHUR H. BURLESON, MD, resident of Olivet, MI; stated that he has known the claimant for 15 years and treated him for a "very irregular heart", that he is anemic and has very poor vision probably due to cataracts; OHLIN E. WALCOTT, notary public Eaton Co, MI. Nov 4, 1921--Letter from GEORGE GALUSHA, in his own hand, to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington Gardner; "Dear Comrade, I write you this personal letter, as I hope to have you personally interested in my case. I used to meet you quite often at the old Methodist Church in Olivet, Mich. and at reunions of the Eaton Co. Battallion, but I presume you do not remember me- I was discharged for wounds received in action, service 2 yr 7 mo. I have no income and am totally unable to do anything in my own support. I now receive $50 per month act of Congress May 1st, 1920. I am 80 years old my wife a little older. Have a son 48 years old. Born with Spina Bifida and has always been more of a care than a little child. That makes three of us to be supported on $50 per month...Will you not kindly interest yourself on my behalf. Perhaps I had not ought to ask so much of you but I feel confident that you can and will look personally into my case. My best wishes attend you in your duties of Com of Pensions. Resp, Geo. Galusha". Nov 4, 1921--Letter from GEORGE GALUSHA, Olivet, MI to Pension Board of Review, in his own hand requesting pension increase; "I am now 80 years old and totally to do anything in my own support and have no income except my pension- have a wife a little older than I am, also a son 48 years old that cannot do anything for his own support: was born with a spina bifida and has always been a constant care being paralyzed all over hid body to such a degree that he cannot do a thing in his own support in fact has to be waited upon the same as a child. That makes three of us to be supported on $50 per month. Am nearly blind from cataracts can see but little out of my left eye the right is some better but I will soon be totally blind and the condition of my heart is so bad cannot take anesthetics for an operation...Geo. Galusha". Nov 4, 1921--PHIL H. QUICK, MD, Olivet, MI; stated he has known claimant for 25 years; that the claimant has been under his care for the past year. Dec 15, 1921--PHIL H. QUICK, MD, Eaton Co, MI; stated that GEORGE GALUSHA has been confined to the house for the past several weeks and is not able to go out of town for an examination. Oct 18, 1924--Copy of death record, county clerk, Eaton Co, MI; GEORGE GALUSHA, date of death Jul 29, 1924; male, white, widower; age 82 years 5 months 17 days; place of death Village of Olivet; cause of death "cebbrol hemorage"; birthplace NY; occupation retired; parents EDWIN GALUSHA and ELIZABETH WADE, birthplace both NY; date of record Aug 8, 1924. Jun 17, 1926--"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to place on the pension roll, subject to the provisions and limitations of the pension laws - The name of HARRY E. GALUSHA, helpless and dependent son of GEORGE GALUSHA, late of Company G, Twentieth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and pay him a pension at the rate of $20 through a legally qualified guardian." Jul 19, 1926--"I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of that part of act relating to beneficiary named, as it appears in copy certified by Department and on file in Law Division. O.L. Ganbine, Chief Clerk." H.R. 1671. Harry E. Galusha, aged 52 years, whose post office address is Charlotte, Mich., is the helpless and dependent son of George Galusha, late a private, Company G, Twentieth Regiment Michigan Infantry, from April 1, 1862, t Janurary 12, 1865, who was a pensioner under certificate no. 49950 at the rate of $50 per month and who died July 29, 1924. The parents of this claimant were married August 31, 1866. The mother died April 2, 1914. No one appears to have survived the soldier who has title to pension based upon his military service. This claimant has no title under existing laws for the reason that he attained the age of 16 years prior to the soldier's death. The evidence presented indicates the claimant is the legitimate son of the soldier; that he was born July 31, 1874, and that he has been a helpless cripple and dependent person all of his life, his deformity dating from his birth. The medical evidence shows that he requires the constant care and attention of another person by reason of congenital myxoedma. He has title to one-half undivided interest in a house end lot, entire value, $1,000. He has no income, and no one is legally bound to his support. It is recommended his name be placed on the pension roll at the rate of $20 a month, payable through a legally qualified guardian." Aug 24, 1926--HARRY E. GALUSHA, aged 54 years, resident of Bostwick St., Charlotte, Eaton Co, MI; declaration for special act pension on account of helpless child by reason of congenital spinal trouble; stated he was born Jul 31, 1872; that the mother of HARRY E. GALUSHA died Apr 2, 1914. Aug 25, 1926--Letter from S.Q. Pulver (letterhead - Pulver & Bush Attorneys Owosso, Michigan, Seth Q. Pulver, Walter M. Bush) to E. W. Morgan, acting commissioner of pensions: "In response to your letter of the 16th inst., regarding the Special Act of Congress approved June 17th, 1926, granting to HARRY E. GALUSHA a pension, at the request of Mr. Galusha I am enclosing herewith, his Declaration, which you forwarded to him. I am doing this on his behalf, as I am now taking care of him, as appears by the records in connection with the case.". May 31, 1932--Letter from S.Q. Pulver (letterhead as above) to E.W. Morgan, Director of Pensions: : "I am the guardian of Mr. HARRY E. GALUSHA, whose pension certificate number is 1,546,836. Upon the death of the father of HARRY E. GALUSHA, who was a soldier of the Civil War, I wrote to the Bureau of Pensions about arranging for a pension for HARRY E. GALUSHA as a dependent child. HARRY E. GALUSHA has been an invalid since birth and is the brother of my wife. I was informed by the Bureau of Pensions in reply to my letter that he was not entitled to a pension under the General Pension law at that time, and that if he received a pension, it would have to be done by virtue of a special act of Congress. Consequently, a special act was passed, which was the authority for the present pension payments. I have just received information recently that there is some error in my understanding of the situation and that as a matter of fact, HARRY E. GALUSHA was entitled to a pension amounting to $36.00 per month under the General Pension Act. He is and always has been a total invalid, very helpless and requiring constant care, and has been in this condition ever since he was born. Naturally I would like to receive the increased amount under the general act, if it is possible to do so, and I would appreciate your letting me know if this can be done, and in that event forward to me the necessary blanks for execution. Yours truly, S.Q. Pulver". Mar 14, 1937--Letter from Mrs. ALDEN P. MILLER, Olivet, MI, in her own hand, to Vet. Admin.; "Would it be improper for me to make inquery as to how much pension is received by Seth Q. Pulver Attorney at law, located at Owosso Mich. guardene for HARRY GALUSHA of Olivet Mich. son of GEORGE GALUSHA a vetran of the Cival War. He is totally disabled can not walk without assistance. I am caring for him and have for the past seven years and have wondered if his pension paid for his care of if his guardeene contibuated from his own private funds. I receive $1.00 a day and if his allowence more than covers his care I should have a raise for my services as they are rather heavy, board, room, washing, and shaving and his bath. Yours Truly, Mrs. Alden P. Miller, Olivet, Mich." Jul 31, 1941--Veterans' Administration Finance Form, Memorandum for Examiner- Payments Suspended; stated that HARRY E. GALUSHA, ward of SETH Q. PULVER, died Jul 14, 1941; latest address shown on payments 622 Clark Ave. Owosso, MI. Aug 11, 1941--Certified copy of record of death, HARRY E. GALUSHA, State of Michigan, County of Shiawasee; date of death Jul 14, 1941; male; white; single; age 67 yr 11 mo 13 da; place of death Byron, Mich., cause of death pneumonia; birthplace Eaton Co, MI; occupation invalid; parents GEORGE H. GALUSHA, birthplace NY and BESSIE WATERSON, birthplace NY; date of record Jul 14, 1941.