PENSION PAPERWORK FOR COLONEL H. CATLIN, BLACKSMITH; CO. A, FIRST BATTALION NEBRASKA VET. CAVALRY & CO. A, FIRST REGIMENT NEBRASKA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY Transcribed from copies obtained from the National Archives by Jerelyn Leinweber. Submitted to the USGenWeb Nebraska Archives, June, 1998, by Jerelyn Leinweber (gjlein@ix.netcom.com). USGenWeb Project NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the internet, data may be used by non-commercial researchers, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, nor for presentation in any form by any other organization or individual. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than as stated above, must obtain express written permission from the author, or the submitter and from the listed USGenWeb Project archivist. *************** War of 1861 Declaration for Invalid Army Pension. STATE OF KANSAS, COUNTY OF McPHERSON, [18]88: On this 22nd day of Nov. one thousand eight hundred and eighty 7, personally appeared before me, H. E. Pyle, Clerk of the Circuit Court, a Court of Record, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Colonel H. Catlin, aged 48 years, a resident of Delmore in the County of McPherson in the State of Kansas, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Colonel H. Catlin, who enlisted in the service of the United States at Omaha, County of Douglas, State of Nebraska, on the 11 day of January, 1864, as a Blacksmith in Company A of the 1st Regiment of Nebraska Cavalry commanded by Capt. Lee P. Gillettes and was honorably discharged at Washington, State of Maryland, on the 10 day of October 1884. That his personal description is as follows: Age 48 years, height, 5 feet 9 inches; complexion light; hair light; eyes, blue. That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the service and in the line of his duty at or near a place called Fort Cottonwood, State of Nebraska on or about the last day of July 1864, (1) He incurred Chronic Diarrhea, Scurvy and Disease of Eyes. He was never sent to any hospital but went to the Hospital and got medicine and treated himself. He was excused from duty for some time, because of said disabilities, and was really not fit for military service after July 1864. Since his discharge he has at times suffered from bloating and soreness of bowels, and could not bear his clothes fastened. He has never been able to do any hard work since discharged, and has been a constant sufferer from Chronic Diarrhea, Scurvy and Disease of Eyes. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise than as stated above either before or since. Since leaving the service he has resided in Delmore, McPherson Co., Kansas and his occupation has been that of a farmer. That prior to his entry into the service above named, he was a man of good, sound, physical healthy being when enrolled a Blacksmith. That he is now partially disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries above described received in the service of the United States; and he therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States. He hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation CHAS. M. TRAVIS, of Crawfordsville, State of Indiana, his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim. That he has not received nor applied for a pension. His post office address is Delmore, County of McPherson, State of Kansas. [Signature] Colonel H. Catlin Witnesses: H.B. Kelly Geo. W. Allison Also appeared H.B. Kelly, P.O. McPherson, County of McPherson, State of Kansas and Geo. W. Allison, P.O. McPherson, County of McPherson and State of Kansas, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Colonel H. Catlin, the claimant, sign his name ... to the foregoing declaration and power of attorney; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; and that they have known him for 6 to 7 years last past; that his habits have been uniformly good, and his occupation has been that of a farmer, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. [Signatures] H.B. Kelly Geo. W. Allison Sworn to, acknowledged and subscribed before me, this 22nd day of Nov. 1887 and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing declaration of claimant and affidavit or 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] H.E. Pyle Clerk of Dist. Court ***************************** Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. Feb. 27, 1888. W. Div. A. L. C. Ex'r. No. 630795 Col. H. Catlin SIR: I have the honor to request that you will furnish from the records of the War Department a full Report as to the service, disability, and hospital treatment of Col. H. Catlin, who, it is claimed, enlisted Jan. 11, 1864, and served as Blacksmith in Co. A. 1 Reg't Neb. Vol. Cav.; also in Co. 1 Battalion Neb. Vet-Vol Cav. and was discharged at Washington, Md., Oct. 10, 1884. While serving in Co. A, 1 Reg't Neb. Vol. Cav. he was disabled by Chronic diarrhea, Scurvy and disease of eyes, Fort Cottonwood, Neb., July 31, 1864 ... and was treated in hospitals of which the names, location, and dates of treatment are as follows: none. Very respectfully, [Signed] John C. Black, Commissioner The Adjutant General, U.S. Army ***************************** War Department, Adjutant General's Office. Washington, Apr. 17, 1888. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Colonel H. Catlin, a Blacksmith of Company A, 1 Battalion Neb. Vet. Cavalry Volunteers, was enrolled on the 11 day of January 1864 at Omaha [for] 3 years, and is reported: On roll for Jan'y and Feb'y [18]64 absent or detached service at Omaha Indian Reservation; to Aug. 3 [18]64 present; to June 3 of [18]65. Present: On roll of Co. A. 1 Nebraska Vet Cav'y Vols. to which transferred July & Aug [18]65. Absent on furlough 30 days since Aug. 25 [18]65; Sept. & Oct. '65, deserted Oct. 9 [18]65 at Gilman's Station. "The charge of desertion of Oct. 9 [18]65 against this man is removed, and he is discharged to date Oct. 9 [18]65 to complete his military record under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 5, 1884." Co. Morning reports A 1st Reg. Neb. Vet Cav'y Vols. for Aug. 28 & 29 [18]65 show him absent on furlough 30 days: Oct. 2/65 returned from furlough; Oct. 9/65 deserted. Also borne [or known?] as Col. H. Catlin . Cause for which furloughed Aug. 1865 not stated. No additional information in case. Office of: R. C. DRUM, Adjutant General ******************************** 3-402 Certificate No. 448003 Name, Colonel H. Catlin Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C., January 15, 1898. SIR: In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment, please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below. Very respectfully, [Ornate Signature], Commissioner. First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full name and her maiden name. Answer. Betsy C. Smith, Catlin. Second. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer: June 15th 1861. Cincinnati, Ia. Mr. J. Bowman. Third. What record of marriage exists? Answer: Harrison Co., Iowa County seat. Fourth. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce. Answer: No. Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth. Answer: 4. James E., Mar. 25th '62. Joann, Jan. 28th '64. Hattie A., Feb. 16th, '67. Grant B., 1870. [Signature] Colonel H. Catlin Date of reply, Aug. 4th, 1898. ********************************** RETURN OF DEATHS IN THE COUNTY OF HARRISON [IOWA] FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st. A.D. 1902 Full Name of Deceased: Elizabeth C. Catlin Sex: Female Age: 76 - 9 - 23 [76 years, 9 months., 23 days] Occupation: (blank) Date of Death: Oct. 13 - 1902 Single, Married, Widow: Married Where Born: England Place of Death: Cincinnati Tp. Cause of Death: Pneumonia Place of Burial: St. John Cemetery I hereby certify that the above Return of Deaths is a correct transcript from the records in this office. E.S. Garrison, Clerk, District Court Dated May 30 - 1903 By, A.W. Blackburn, Deputy ***************************** THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES PENSIONER: Louise Legan, former widow of VETERAN: Colonel H. Catlin Can No.: 66756 Bundle No. 3 ******************************** Mr. Col. H. Catlin A 1 Nebr. Cav. to Mrs. Louise Smith NO. 3264 Before the County Judge of Washington County, Nebraska. Aug. 3rd 1904. MARRIAGE LICENSE The State of Nebraska; Washington County; OFFICE OF THE COUNTY JUDGE. License is hereby granted to any person authorized to solemnize marriages according to the laws of said State, to join in marriage Mr. Col. H. Catlin and Miss Louise Smith of the County aforesaid, whose ages, residence, etc., are as follows: Name of Parties: Col. H. Catlin Age: 65 Color: White Place of Birth: New York Residence: Cal. Junction [Iowa] Father's Name: Jasper J. Catlin Mother's Maiden Name: Joanna Ayres Name of Parties: Louise Smith Age: 46 Color: White Place of Birth: Iowa Residence: Ca. Junction [Iowa] Father's Name: Edward Whipply (or Whipple?) Mother's Maiden Name: Emeline Ferrel And the person joining them in marriage is required to make due return of the annexed Certificate to the County Judge of said County, within 90 days, of the names of the parties, time and place of marriage, and by whom solemnized. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at my office in Blair, in said County, this 3rd day of Aug 1904. GEO. C. MARSHALL, Judge. CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE TO THE COUNTY JUDGE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEBRASKA: THIS CERTIFIES, That on the 3rd day of August A.D. 1904 at Blair in said County, according to law and by authority, I duly joined in marriage Mr. Col. H. Catlin and Mrs. Louise Smith and there were present as witnesses Thos. T. Osterman, A.L. Cook, Blair, Nebr., Given under my hand the 3rd day of Aug. A.D. 1904. Geo. C. Marshall, Co. Judge. ********************************** Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Finance Division. Washington, D.C., Sept. 10, 1908 Pensioner: Colonel H. Catlin Certificate Number: 448003 Class: Invalid Service: A 1 Nebr. Cav. U.S. Pension Agent, Des Moines Sir: You are hereby directed to drop from the roll the name of the above-described pensioner who died July 31, 1908. V. Warner, Commissioner. REPORT. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir, The name of the above-described pensioner, who was last paid at $17 per month to July 4, 1908, has this day been dropped from the roll of this agency. W.V. Willcox, U.S. Pension Agent. Sept. 15, 1908. ******************************** DECREE OF DIVORCE In the District Court of the State of Iowa, within and for Harrison County, Nov. term. 1916. Hon. A. B. Thornell, Presiding Judge 2nd days proceeding Louise [Catlin] Legan VS. Dan W. Legan And now, to-wit: Nov. 9 A.D. 1916: it being after noon of the 2nd day of the regular Nov. term,A. D. 1916 of the District Court of the State of Iowa, within and for Harrison County. A. B. Thornell presiding judge, this cause comes on for hearing, the plaintiff appearing by her attorney C. W. Kellogg and the defendant not appearing in any manner, and the Court having examined the original notice and the service endorsed thereon, expressing finds and adjudges that the said defendant has been duly and legally served and personally with a sufficient original notice in time for this term of court as provided by law. It is therefore ordered [sic] and adjudged by the Court, that said defendant be and he is hereby declared to be in default for want of an answer and appearance. And afterwards to-with: Nov. 9 A.D. 1916, it still being of said term, this cause comes on for final hearing and trial before the Court, the plaintiff appearing in person, and by her attorney, and the Court having examined and inspected the pleading on file herein, and heard the evidence adduced by plaintiff in support of her petition, and being fully advised and satisfied in the premises, finds that the allegations of said petition are true, and that plaintiff is entitled to a decree of divorce, and for such other and further relief as therein prayed. IT IS THEREFORE FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED BY THE COURT, that said plaintiff be and she is hereby divorced from the defendant, and that the bonds of matrimony now existing between them, be and the same are hereby set aside and held for naught, and that said plaintiff be and she is hereby restored to all the rights and privileges of an unmarried person. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED BY THE COURT, that said plaintiff pay the costs of this action taxed by the Clerk of this Court, in the sum of Six and 20/100 Dollars, and judgment is hereby rendered therefore. A. B. THORNELL, Judge District Court ************************************ Declaration for Remarried Widow's Pension State of Iowa, County of Harrison. On this 20th day of November, 1916, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Louise Catlin, who, being duly sworn by my according to law, declares that she is 58 years of age, and that she was born June 1, 1858, in Wayne County, Iowa. That she was formerly the widow of Col. Hooker Catlin, who enlisted under the name of Colonel Hooker Catlin as a private in Co. A, First Neb. Vet. Cavalry... That otherwise than as herein stated said soldier (or sailor) was not employed in the United States service. That she was married to said soldier (or sailor) August third (3), 1904 under the name of Mrs. Louise Smith, at Blair, Neb., by George C. Marshall, Co. Judge. She had married (1) about Aug. 1872 at Logan, Iowa, James E. Smith who died about Aug. 1874, at Fairfield, Neb.; (2) she m. about Aug. 1875, at Logan, Iowa, Joseph F. Smith who died Sept. 1, 1900 at Laurel, Neb. Mr. Catlin had previously married Elizabeth Smith who died about 1902, at California Junction, Iowa. That said soldier (or sailor) died July 31, 1908, at California Junction, Iowa and that she was not divorced from him. That she was not formerly pensioned as the widow of said soldier (or sailor) ... that her pension or right to pension terminated because of her marriage July 7, 1913, to Daniel W. Legan, at Council Bluffs, Iowa ... that she was divorced from him upon her own application and without fault on her part November 9, 1916 at Logan, Iowa; that he did not serve in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States. That she did not marry again after the death of the soldier (or sailor), except to Daniel W. Legan. That she makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States, as a remarried widow, under the SECOND SECTION of the ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED SEPTEMBER 8, 1916. Signatures of Witnesses: M. H. Smith of California, Iowa; Harvey Hostetler of California, Iowa; and the mark (X) for Mrs. Louise Catlin of California, Iowa. SUBSCRIBED and sworn to before this 20th day of November, 1916, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing.... [Signature] I. Doyhuff [hard to read] Justice of the Peace in and for Harrison County Iowa. Notified Nov. 25, 1916. Chief, Law Division. ****************************** (Letter) Widow Division w.o. 1087216 Louise Legan Colonel Hooker Catlin A 1 Nebr. Cav. The State of Nebraska The County of Cedar I, Wilbur F. Bryant, County Judge within and for said county and state do, hereby certify that said Court is a Court of record; and is the Court of Jurisdiction in all Probate Matters in said County; that the Records of this Court show that Joseph F. Smith died on the first day of September, 1900. Witness my hand and the official seal at Hartington in said County and State this 4th day of March, 1921. [Signed] Wilbur F. Bryant County Judge. ********************************* 3-044 APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT State of Iowa; County of Harrison On this 29th day of June, A.D., one thousand nine hundred and 22, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hart R. Smith, aged 37 years, a resident of California [Junction], County of Harrison, State of Iowa, who, being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain reimbursement from the accrued pension for expenses paid (or obligation incurred) in the last sickness and burial of Mrs. Louise Legan, who was a pensioner of the United States by certificate No. 898,224, on account of the service of Colonel H. Catlin, blacksmith in Co. A, 1 St. Reg. Nebraska Cavalry. That pension was last paid to April, 1922. ..... 1. What was the full name of the deceased pensioner? Mrs. Louise Legan. 2. In what capacity was decedent pensioned? Widow. 3. [Line through this section.] 4. Did pensioner leave a child under 16 years of age? No. 5. Is any such child still living? No. 6. Were any sick or death benefits paid on pensioner's account? If so, give name of society and amount paid. No. 7. Was there insurance (life, accident, or health) in force on life of pensioner at time of death? No. 8-12. [Nothing recorded for those sections.] 13. Is there an executor or administrator, or will application be made for appointment of any person as administrator? No. 14. Did the deceased pensioner leave any money, real estate, or personal property? Clothing and personal effects. 15. If so, state the character and value of all such property. Valued about $20.00. 16. [Blank] 17. How was the pensioner's property disposed of? Divided between two daughters. 18. Did pensioner leave an unendorsed pension check? No. 19. What was your relation to the deceased pensioner? Son. 20. Are you married? No. 21. [Blank] 22. When did the pensioner's last sickness begin? May 21, 1922. 23. From what date did the pensioner become so ill as to require the regular and daily attendance of another person constantly until death? May 21, 1922. 24. Give the name and post-office address of each physician who attended the pensioner during last sickness. Dr. C.A. Heise, Missouri Valley, Iowa. 25. State the names of the persons by whom the pensioner was nursed during the last sickness. Miss Ethel Smith, Mrs. Jennie Smith, Mrs. E.P. Mace, Mrs. Peter Allison. 26. Where did the pensioner live during last sickness? California [Junction?], Iowa. 27. Where did the pensioner die? California, Iowa. 28. When did the pensioner die? June 14, 1922. 29. Where was the pensioner buried? St. Johns Cemetery, near Missouri Valley, Iowa. 30. Has there been paid, or will application be made for payment to you or any other person, any part of the expenses of the pensioner's last sickness and burial by any State, County, or municipal corporation? No. 31. State below the expenses of the pensioner's last sickness and burial. Names: Dr. C.A. Heise, Physician, Unpaid, Amount: $57. Dr. C.A. Heise, Medicine, Unpaid, Amount: $5. Nursing and care: Amount: None. T.J. Hennessey, Undertaker, Unpaid, $182. Livery: Amount: None. Cemetery: Amount: $10.00 32. Is the above a complete list of all the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the deceased pensioner? Yes. That my post-office address is ... town or city of California, County of Harrison, State of Iowa. [Signed] Hart R. Smith Claimant... ******************************* Also appeared Earl W. Smith and Ethel Smith who, being duly sworn, say that they saw Hart R. Smith, the claimant, sign his name ( or make... mark) to this application; that they know the claimant herein and that their answers to the following questions are true: 1. Did pensioner (if a soldier or sailor) leave a widow or a minor child under age of sixteen years surviving? No. 2. When did the pensioner die? June 14, 1922. 3. Did pensioner leave any property? If so, state its character and value: clothing and personal effects worth about $20.00. 4. We knew pensioner over 10 years. We believe above statements to be true because of personal knowledge. [Signed] Name: Earl W. Smith Name: Ethel Smith California, Iowa California, Iowa Subscribed and sworn before me, this 29th day of June A. D. 1922; and I certify that the contents of the foregoing application were fully made known and explained to the claimant and witnesses before swearing, that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim, and I further certify that the reputation for credibility of the witnesses whose signatures appear above is good. [Signature] Harvey Hostetler Justice of the Peace. STATEMENT OF ATTENDING PHYSICIANS Give date of the pensioner's death [Louise Catlin]: June 14, 1922 Give date of commencement of pensioner's last sickness: April 5, 1922. >From what date did the pensioner require the regular and daily attendance of another person constantly until death? About May 1st, 1922. During what period did you attend the pensioner? Apr. 5, 1922 to June 14, 1922. State nature of disease from which pensioner died: Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Give name of each person who rendered service as nurse, and who had made or will make a charge for such service. Miss Ethel Smith (Miss Jennie Smith - No charge) Give name of any other physician who attended the pensioner in last sickness. None. Does your bill include a charge for all medicine furnished the pensioner during last sickness? Practically, yes. Has your bill been paid; if so, by whom? No. I certify that the foregoing statement is correct. Mo. Valley Iowa June 30, 1922 Dr. Carl. A. Heise, Attending Physician ********************************** LOUISE LEGAN CALIFORNIA, IOWA 898224 MAY WID DROP REPORT-PENSIONER DISBURSING DIVISION JUL 13 1922 CHECK NO. 4255221 $90 dated JUL 4, 1922, Section 2 returned by postmaster with information that the above-described pensioner died (No Date) 1922 has been canceled. Per MAH E. E. Miller, Disbursing Clerk FINANCE DIVISION JUL 27 1922 The name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at the rate of $30.00 per month to April 4, 1922, has this day been dropped from the roll because of death. O. J. Randall Chief, Finance Division JUN 29 1922 ************************ END OF PENSION PAPERWORK FROM THE FILE OF COLONEL HOOKER CATLIN, BLACKSMITH, CO. A, FIRST BATTALION, NEBRASKA VET. CAVALRY, & CO. A, FIRST REGIMENT, NEBRASKA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.