GALLIA COUNTY OHIO - Civil War Pension: Alfred JAMES, Private (1899) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Mary Hill November 4, 2000 *********************************************************************** Notes: 1. This is a large pension file. I decided to include everything except the legal verbiage to provide information that might be of genealogical and/or historical interest. 2. The grammar and spelling have been copied directly from the papers. The only changes were to capitalize any surnames mentioned in the file and exclude the legal verbiage recorded for each statement. Surnames listed these documents: CARTER, CLINGER, DAMRON, DAVIS, DOUGHERTY, EVANS, FULTON, HAMILTON, HICKSON, JACOBS, JAMES, JENKINS, JONES, LOVELL, MARKHAM, MARTINDALE, MCFARLAND, MCGHEE, NEAL, POORE, RADCLIFF, ROUSH, SHACK, STIMMEL, WELBORN, WILLIAMS PAGE========== No. 698021 Alfred JAMES, Private P.O. Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio Service: B & E 56" OH Inf G 21 Ohio Inf. Enlisted: 11 November, 1861 in Co. E, 56" Reg't OVI Re-enlisted: Co. B, 56" Reg't OVI Discharged: New Orleans, LA., 25 April, 1866 PAGE========== ORIGINAL DECLARATION FOR PENSION Date: March 11, 1889 Name: Alfred JAMES Age: 46 Enlisted: November 11, 1861 in Co. E, 56 Reg't of OVI Commander: Capt. John Herbert EVANS Discharge: Honorably Discharged at New Orleans La. on April 25, 1866 Description at enlistment: Age 18 years, Height 5 Ft 11 in., Complexion Fair, Hair Light, Eyes Blue While a member of the aforesaid organization, while in the line of duty at MadisonVille in the State of Louisana on or about the 5th day of _____ 1864, he incurred Rupture while building Breast Works at MadisonVille Louisana. By lifting heavy logs he Ruptured on the Right Side. Immediately after receiving the injury was ordered on an Expedition to Shreaveport Texas, marched in pain, and said injury now bars him from manual labor to a great degree. Reenlisted as a Veteran at MadisonVille La in Co., B, 56 Regt - OVI - on the 31st day of January 1864. He was not treated in a hospital but treated in the regiment by the Surgeon of the Regt. PAGE========== Physical Exam on June 26, 1889 Disability incurred in the service: Rupture of the right side. Pulse rate per minute 80; respiration 20; temperature normal; height 5 feet 11 inches, weight 140 pounds, age 46 years. Exam revealed: There is direct inguinal hernia of the right side tumor as large as a goose egg protruding through the external ring opening 3/4 inch in diameter uncomplicated is reducible and can be retained by a truss. He is, in our opinion, entitled to a 8/18 rating for disability caused by Hernia of right side. PAGE========== April 17, 1889 State of Ohio, County of Gallia: In the matter of the claim of Alfred JAMES - Private Co. E of the 56" Regt Ohio Vol Inf - first enlistment on the 11" day of November 1861. Second enlistment at Madisonville Louisiana in Co. B - 56 Regt on the 17" day of December 1863. Sworn statement by: Alfred JAMES, age 41 years, a resident of Gallipolis, Gallia County. To the best of his recollection, he received an injury on or a bout the 15" day of December 1863 while in line of his duty at Madisonville Louisiana while building breastworks out of logs, and while lifting a heavy log he incurred rupture in the right lower side of his abdomen. Affiant says after getting hurt, he went and reported to MCFARLAND the Regimental Surgeon, who told him that he thought it was a bad strain, and he would get over it in a few days, and right immediately after he Veteraned with and being examined and mustered out of the old service into the new, by the United States Mustering Officer, Affiant further says that he suffered a greater ache from the injury he had received but kept with his Regiment and when not able to march he rode in an ambulance wagon and he treated himself by wearing a tight bandage to keep his bowels in place and in that condition had to fight when it was necessary and that was very frequent, and suffered more or less all the time while in the Services and have suffered from the injury ever since he received it, and is now so much disabled, he cannot lift anything of weight without pain. Affiant further says that since being discharged from the U.S. Service, he waived his claim for pension until he found that his injury affected him to such a degree, that he is no longer able to make his living by manual labor. Signed: Alfred JAMES Statement taken by R.D. NEAL PAGE========== August 2, 1889 Sworn statement by William RACTLIFF, age 48, of Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio as follows: That he was a member of 56th Regiment, Ohio Volunteers [legal verbiage deleted] and further knows of his own personal knowledge that when he Volunteered, that he was a Sound healthy young man as he and Claimaint were raised in the same neighborhood within two miles of each other. Affiant further says that he did enlist first in Co. E 56 Regt O.V.I. and in a short time after the Claimant Volunteered in the Same Company and Regt., and they served together and fought together when there was fighting to be done for three years first Service, and about the close of our Services they both Veteranized in Co. B, 56th Regt. Affiant further says that while the Regt was in camped at MadisonVille Louisana a short time before the Vetteraned and while they were building breastworks or fortifications at that place he saw said Alfred JAMES get badly hurt by a heavy log that he had hold of helping to place it on the breastworks and while carrying that log a cross a dich [ditch] just after a heavy rain, he sliped his left foot into the dick which throwed the weight of the log on his hip Right side, and he complained at the time of the right side of his haunch hurting him, and he seamed to be in a good deal of pain. Affiant further says, that after Said JAMES was hurt he was not able for duty and was left and never came to his Company & Regiment until the command was near Liberia on Red River in Louisana. He was then complaining of his injury, but remained in his Company and Regt and he saw him in every fight that took place while he was in the Services, that his company and Regiment were engaged in, during their Services and that they were both mustered out at New Orleans and discharged at Columbus Ohio. Affiant further says that when they were discharged that the Said Alfred JAMES was then still complaining of his injury that he had incurred as Stated. Signed by: William RADCLIFF Statement taken by James A. MCGHEE, Justice of the Peace PAGE========== 12 August 1889 Sworn statement by George MCGHEE, age 43, of Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio as follows: That he was well and intimately acquainted with the Said Alfred JAMES for 5 years or more prior to his enlistment in Said Co and Rgt in 1861. That he never knew or heard of his having any strain rupture or hernia. That Affiant and claimant were raised boys together were almost daily associated in all boyish sports and amusements. That if claimant had been so afflicted he would have known or heard of it. Affiant further states that after claimants discharge from the Service they worked together and that he then first heard him complain of Rupture That he apparently suffered much pain and misery than prior. That since the discharge of claimant from the army he has frequently heard him complain of this disability. Signed by: George W. MCGHEE Statement taken by James A. MCGHEE, Justice of the Peace PAGE========== 13 August 1889 Sworn statement by Newton I. ROUSH, age 44 years, of Gallia County, Ohio as follows: That he was a member of the same organization, and is well acquainted with the Claimant Alfred JAMES and having of his own personal knowledge, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be and he did incur while in the United States Service and while in line of his duty a Very Severe injury. Affiant further says that he saw him after he was hurt and is ______ the incurrence of the Claimants injury which occurred in the following manner: That while helping to build a fortification at Madison Ville Louisiana and in line of his duty he received an injury, on or about a little before he and Claimant were Veteranized into Co. B, 56" Regt. O' Vol Inft. Affiant further says that after Claimant was injured as Stated, he was left unable for duty and never came to his Co & ReGt until the Command was New Liberia on Red River in Louisana while on the Red River Expedition. Since Claimant was discharged from the United States Service he has Seen him at least twice a year and knows him to be the same soldier he served with in the U.S. Services and Affiant further says that he frequently heard Claimant complain of his injury incurred while in the U.S. Services. Signed by Newton J. ROUSH Statement taken by R.D. NEAL, Clerk of Court PAGE========== War Department Washington, August 19, 1889 Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Alfred JAMES Jr. a private of Company E, 56 Regiment Ohio Volunteers, was enrolled on the 11 day of Nov., 1861, at Addison, Ohio for 3 years and is reported on Rolls from enrollment to April 30, 1864 present. Re-enlisted a Vet Vol. Dec. 17, 1863. Roll May & June 1864 not on file. To Oct. 31, 1864 present. Same on Rolls Co. B. to which transferred. Nov & Dec 1864 to Feb 28, 1866. Mustered Out with Co. at New Orleans LA., April 25, 1866. Returns May & June 1864 do not report him absent. Also have on Rolls as Alfred JAMES. No further information. PAGE========== Received at the Pension Office on August 21, 1889 Sworn statement by Robert B. CARTER, age 58 years, of Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio as follows: That he is now and was well acquainted with the above named Claimant for several years prior to his enlistment in Said Co & Regt in 1861. That he frequently was in the employ of the Affiant. That he was to all outward appearances a sound and healthy young man and apparently free from hernia or other like disease. That the Affiant saw him on many occasions in a nude or naked condition whilst bathing with him and that if he had been afflicted with any such disease the Affiant would have known or heard of its existence. The Affiant further states that on or about 1866 Shortly after the Claimants discharge from the United States Service he frequently employed him to work and that he then complained of Rupture or Hernia and which he Alleged was received during his Service in the Army. Signed by Robert B. CARTER PAGE========== [Handwritten] Vinton Ohio, Dec 28th 1889 Com of Pensions Dear Sir I have nothing more to say than what I have all redy sayed in my former affidavit of the Second day of August 1889 in regard to the within Claim. W. H. RADCLIFF PAGE========== DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS Washington, D.C., Apl 5", 1890 No. 698021 Name: Alfred JAMES Co. E 56" Regt Ohio Vol P.O. Gallipolis, Ohio Enlisted Nov 11, 1861 Discharged Apl 25, 1866 Please furnish the names and P.O. addresses of officers and eight comrades of Co. E 56" Reg't Ohio Vol, for use in above case. John H. EVANS, Capt., Second St., Gallipolis, Gallia Co. Ohio Robert M. FULTON, Corp., Bulaville, Gallia Co., Ohio John E. BING, Musc., Clifford, Lawrence Co., Ky. Samuel CLINGER, Pvt., Byesville, Guernsey Co., Ohio Thos. JENKINS, Pvt. Holcomb, Gallia Co., Ohio Dennis JONES, Pvt., Edna, Gallia Co., Ohio John E. EVANS, Pvt., Kitchen, Jackson Co., Ohio Chas. H. DAVIS, Pvt., Gallipolis, Gallia Co., Ohio Newton J. ROUSH, Pvt., Cheshire, Gallia Co., Ohio A. R. WILLIAMS, Pvt., Neville, Clermont Co., Ohio T.J. WILLIAMS, Pvt., Thurman, Gallia Co., Ohio Thos. D. THOMAS, Pvt., Warren, Trumball Co., Ohio PAGE========== September 1, 1890 Deposition of Alfred JAMES at Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio. Taken by J. W. WELBORN My Post Office is Gallipolis Ohio. I am 46 years of age. I work at willow work when able to work. I enlisted in Co. E 56 Ohio Inf. Nov 11, 1861 and reenlisted in Co. B Same Regiment Dec 17 1863 and was finally discharged April 25, 1866 (dates taken from discharges). I served 5 years and 10 months. I claim a pension for rupture of right side incurred at Madisonville La. about Dec 15 or 16 in 1863 the last part, and it was just before I veteranized. There was no Medical Examination whatever at either enlistment. I was born and grew up near Vinton this county and lived there when I enlisted and after discharge lived there up to 12 years ago and since then have been traveling up and down the Ohio River in a trading boat making and selling willow door mats and chairs. At Vinton I worked at days works in brick yards and on farms. I quit hard work and went on the boat for the reason that I was not able to work on account of my rupture. I was entirely sound at enlistment and never was sick a day in my life up to that time. Dr. D. JACOBS now of Rio Grande this county was my fathers family physician but he never treated me any. My near neighbors at Vinton who have known me all my life were - Robert CARTER, Vinton Ohio Employer in brick yard George SHACK, Vinton Ohio Employer for 5 yrs since. Cannot say the years but for 5 years before going on the river (1873 to 1878). Geo. H. MCGHEE, Vinton, neighbor and employer since. MCGHEE and CARTER know I was ruptured when I came out of the Army and knew I was sound before. I was hurt at Madisonville La. building breastworks of cypress logs. Six men to a log and they were big and heavy. It was in the winter season wet and sloppy and we were crossing a ditch with a log and I was the middle man and when the front men raised up on the bank and I went to raise up out of the ditch my foot slipped and the weight of the log strained me. I done the best I could till I was relieved in the evening when I went to Dr. MCFARLAND the Regimental Surgeon and he told me it was a small strain that would not amount to much but to lay down and straighten out and rub myself and it would be all right in a few days. I was excused from duty and did no more duty while there. Shortly after this the Regiment received marching orders but I was left with the wagon train at Madisonville and followed with the train and never caught up with the Regiment until we got to New Liberia in Red River probably 3 or 4 weeks after. My injury was no better and probably worse and I went to see the doctor again and he told me all I could do was to wear bandages which I did from then on. I did duty with the company on up to discharge wearing a bandage all the time. I think Newton J. ROUSH, Cheshire Ohio and I know Wm H. RADCLIFF of Vinton Ohio were present when I was hurt. RADCLIFF had hold of the log at the time I got hurt. David JAMES was one of our orderly sergeants. John MARKHAM was orderly I think at the time I was hurt. I do not know where either of these men are. I did try to find JAMES but I could not find out where he lives if living. I have seen JAMES once years ago but have not seen or heard of MARKHAM since discharge. I know Capt. John W. EVANS but he was not with the company long after I was hurt and I did not know I was much hurt at that time. Capt EVANS resigned at the time I veteranized and Capt James STIMMEL took the company. I tried to get Capt. STIMMEL but he died before I found him and he would know if my rupture if living. I am acquainted with (list) Robert M. FULTON Thomas JENKINS Dennis JONES I am not sure that I know Charles H. DAVIS or T. J. WILLIAMS. I might if I saw their faces. I do not know whether FULTON, JENKINS or JONES know of my rupture or not. I never talked with them about it and have not seen them for years. I never was in any hospital during the service and had medical treatment once at Helena Arkansas for ague but did not go off duty. I never was treated in Regimental Hospital for fever or any thing else. The only ailment is as I say. I did duty with a shaking ague in 1862 but got well of it without going to Hospital. I bunked generally with a man named Benjamin HICKSON but he was out with the Regiment at muster out and I do not know whether he is living or where he lives if alive. I was discharged at Columbus Ohio April 25, 1866 and came to my fathers house in Vinton this county. There were in family only my younger brother not grown, when I came home my father and my self, my mother had died when I was small. My oldest brother Columbus JAMES lives in Vinton. Another brother Jefferson JAMES lives six miles back of Cheshire this county. These last two were married and lived to themselves when I came home. They might know that I was ruptured but I do not know. I have never worked with them any and have not seen much of them, as we do not do the same kind of work. I have had no medical treatment or advice whatever but just used a bandage. I have never been able to buy a truss and never used one. I married in about 2 years after the war and my wife is dead. I did not think of applying for a pension as long as I was able to work. This injury always bothered me but I worked an way. I have worked at different kinds of work because I had to do it but did not think of a pension as long as I could work. I understand your questions and the answers are correctly recorded. I have rheumatism pretty bad but I do not know whether I got it in the Army or not sometimes it affects my heart. It used to be in the small of my back but got up into my shoulders and right elbow. I did not apply for a pension on that. The above is correct. Signed by Alfred JAMES PAGE========== September 1, 1890 On this First day of September, 1890 at Gallipolis, County of Gallia State of Ohio, before me J.W. WELBORN, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Alfred JAMES, the applicant in the aforesaid pension claim, who says: Q. If it should become necessary to further examine your claim, by taking the testimony of witnesses elsewhere, do you desire to be present in person or be represented by an attorney, or both, at such further examination? If so, you will be notified as to the place and time when it is to be made. A. I could not be present and waive notice. Q. Should you change your mind and desire to be present, or be represented by an attorney during any further examination of your case, will you at once address a letter to the "Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, C.C.," giving the name and the number of your claim, informing him that you have so changed your mind, and desire to be notified when your claim is to further examined? A. Yes. Q. State the names of the person or persons and their post-office addresses, instrumental in the prosecution of your claim for pension. A. F. W. TALLMADGE Washington, D.C. Q. State what contract or contracts you have made with such person or persons for their services in prosecuting your claim for pension, and whether such contract or contracts were written or verbal. A. I have made a contract to pay him $25, if pension is allowed. Q. State the amount of fees paid by you or at your instance, to whom paid, and all the circumstance connected with the transaction. A. I have paid no fees. Q. Please give me the names of all witnesses that you desire examined elsewhere, with their post-office addresses and also state what you expect to prove by each witness. I do not know of any I want examined. I do not know the names of the men who were with me when hurt except RADCLIFF and ROUSH - the men were detailed from different companies. Q. Have you any complaint to make as to conduct manner, or fairness of the examination of your claim? If so, please state specifically what it is. A. No complaint. Q. Do you desire to introduce any more testimony before me? A. No. Signed by Alfred JAMES and J.W. WELBORN PAGE========== September 2, 1890 Deposition of Newton J. ROUSH at Cheshire, Gallia County, Ohio. Taken by J. W. WELBORN My Post Office is Cheshire Ohio. I am 45 years of age. I am a teamster. I enlisted in Nov 1861 in Co. E 56 Ohio Inf and reenlisted in the winter of 1863 & 1864 and was put into Company B, same regiment. There was no personal examination as to soundness at reenlistment. I was discharged April 25, 1866. I had a slight acquaintance with Claimant before the service. I spent over 5 years with him in the Company. I knew he got hurt while at Madisonville Louisiania it seems it was about Feby 1864. It was about the time we reenlisted but I can not give the exact date. Since I came to think it must have been the latter part of 1863 for I know he was left behind on account of it and did not come to us until we were at Liberia on Red River. I do not know how he got there but he came to us there as I recollect. I was not right by him when he was hurt, but the boys said he was ruptured while building breast works handling timbers. I heard this at the time. I suppose they knew it was a rupture at the time for that was what was said. I was with the Regiment but I was doing guard duty and did not work at the breast works just at that time. I never saw the place of his injury. I saw him the other day and he talked to me about his pension claim. I asked him how it was getting along. He was one of the witnesses in my pension claim. I have not seen much of him since the war. When I was talking to him a day or two ago he did not say any thing about the circumstances of his injury. What I have said I remember myself. Claimant was a good soldier and was always ready for any duty up to the time he got hurt. I don't know of his being sick at any other time. He did duty again after he joined the Regiment at Liberia till discharge. He was with us on the Red River Expedition and after that the duty of the Regiment was lighter. I understand your questions and the answers are correctly recorded. I am not related to Claimant and have no interest in his claim. Signed by Newton J. ROUSH Singed PAGE========== September 4, 1890 Deposition of Robert B. CARTER at Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio. Taken by J. W. WELBORN My Post Office is Vinton Ohio. I am 59 years of age. I am a carpenter by trade. I knew claimant from his childhood. In 1859 he worked for me in a brickyard as off bearer and general hand. He was an able bodied not grown. He was able to do a good days work. I remember that his regiment was one of the last to come out of the service and they came home in the spring of 1866. The first intimate knowledge I had of him after discharge was about a year or more afterward when he helped me to build some fence. He dug post holes and worked about the fence and maybe cut some wood. I discovered then that he was not the man he was before and complained a good deal but I did not know what was the matter. He remained in this neighborhood for 10 years after the war I would think. He was an intemperate man. He would get on sprees and was a heavy drinker and this was especially so after he came out of the army. He had some money and after his mother died got some from her estate and as long as the money lasted he drank. I don't know whether his complaint was from a spree but I remember that he was much of a physical wreck. I have always understood that he had a very hard and meritorious military service. That is my affidavit. The statement about bathing is true and was a daily occurrence about the brickyard. I know he worked for me soon after discharge but whether it was in 1866 or not I don't know. I must have known or heard something of his rupture that I considered reliable. I would not take his word, but I do not know how I came to put that in the affidavit for I have now forgotten it. I wrote the affidavit but I must have known of it from some reliable source. Signed by Robert B. CARTER PAGE========== September 5, 1890 Deposition of Newton J. ROUSH at Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Taken by J. W. WELBORN My Post Office is Vinton Ohio. I am 49 years of age. I am a farmer. I served in Cos E and B 56 Ohio Inf. from Nov 1861 to April 1866 and was with the Claimant all the way through with some exception maybe of short periods. I was working with the Claimant at Madisonville Louisiana back of New Orleans on a breast work the latter part of 1864 either Dec 1864 or Jany 1865. I was not in the same log but was close by when Claimant slipped carrying a log, and had to come out. He seemed to be hurt and it was said at the time that he was ruptured. I did not see his injured part. My impression is that he wore a bandage. He was off duty some little time on account of it. I felt sure at the time that he was hurt. He complained several times of it in my hearing during the balance of the service. I have heard him speak of it at different times since the war long before he applied for a pension. We were working detached from the company, it was done by a small detail from each Company. Unless Newtown J. ROUSH of Cheshire was with us I do not remember who were. Claimant was a good soldier and was generally on duty. I do not know of his going to the Hospital at all. I have always lived not nearer than 5 miles from him and of late years farther. I saw him a good many times when I went to Vinton some after the war but have not seen him often of late years. He has been so I have heard on a little trade boat on the river for the last 10 or 12 years. Signed by William H. RADCLIFF PAGE========== September 5, 1890 Deposition of George H. MCGHEE at Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio. Taken by J. W. WELBORN My Post Office is Vinton Ohio. I am 44 years of age. I am a farmer. I have known Claimant ever since I was a boy and was intimately acquainted with him for about 6 years before his enlistment. Claimant is my cousin. I saw him soon after he came from the army and came to his fathers house. The first I knew of his disability was in the summer of 1870 at Latrobe Furnace when we were cutting wheat together. He quit and said he would not be back next day that he was ruptured and was not able to work. I do not know how he was ruptured. I do not remember working with him before that after his discharge. He was in my opinion disabled. His looks showed it. He was not lazy and was a good hand when at himself. He drank some at times. He never quit work to get drink. I was with him some between 1866 and 1870 but I never heard him say any thing about his rupture. The way I came to learn it when I did was on account of a little rivalry between us in cutting wheat and he said that he was ruptured and was not able to work. He did not say how he got his rupture but when he was applying for a pension he said he got it down south some place. Signed by George H. MCGHEE PAGE========== [Handwritten letter] Original Invalid Claim No. 698021 Alfred JAMES, Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio Pvt Co's E and B 56 Ohio Inf. Gallipolis Ohio, Sept 17, 1890 Hon. Green B. RAUM Commission of Pensions Washington, D.C. Sir: I have the honor to return the papers in the above named case and to submit my report as follows: The case was referred to the S.E. Division "to have the witnesses in the service and at discharge cross examined relative to the nature of injury in service and where the rupture was first noticed after discharge" and sent to me for original examination. Claimant was advised of his rights and declined to be present and waived notice. Claimant is without social standing living in a boat on the river with one woman and another - and is a wreck physically. On account of his meritorious service in the army he was able to find good men to testify in his claim. All the witnesses are of good standing for truth except Robert B. CARTER who has the reputation of being untruthful when it is his interest. I am of the opinion that the claim is meritorious and recommend that it be submitted for admission. Very Respectfully J.W. WELBORN Special Examiner PAGE========== ORIGINAL INVALID CLAIM Soldier: Alfred JAMES P.O.: Gallipolis County: Gallia State: Ohio Rank: Private Company: E Regiment: 56 Ohio Vols Inf Rate: $8 per month, commencing April 8, 1889 Pensioned for: Right inguinal hernia Submitted: for Adm. Sept 24, 1890; J.W. WELBORN, Special Examiner PAGE========== DECLARATION OF INCREASE OF AN INVALID PENSION State of Ohio, County of Lawrence On this 4th day of Dec 1890 personally appeared before me, [legalese deleted] Alfred JAMES aged 46 years, [legalese deleted] duly enrolled at the rate of 8 dollars per month under Pension Certificate No. 503517 by reason of disability resulting from Right Inguinal Hernia incurred in the service of the United States, while serving as a private in Company # of the 56th Regiment of Ohio Infty Vols. that he believes himself entitled to an increase of pension for the following reasons: said hernia has grown much worse and is almost uncontrollable. His Post Office is Portsmouth, County of Scioto, State of Ohio. Signed by Alfred JAMES PAGE========== Applied for increase: Dec 1890 Physical Exam in Gallipolis Ohio on May 13, 1891 Reported disability incurred in service: Right inguinal hernia and rheumatism Currently receives $8 per month. Statement upon which he bases his claim for an increase: That he has rheumatism in the back and shoulders. Pulse rage 72; respiration 18; temperature normal; height 5 feet 11 inches; weight 160 pounds; age 47 years. There is direct complete inguinal hernia of right side the tumor is as large as a goose egg and descends in to the Sesvtum. The opening is 1/2 inch in diameter. The tumor is easily reduced and retained by a truss. There is tenderness of lumbar muscles and crepiters of both shoulder joints. No other signs of rheumatism. Hearts active normal with normal sounds. Area of dullness normal and apex beat in normal position. No other disability found. He is, in our opinion, entitled to a 8/18 rating for the disability cause by hernia, 4/18 for that caused by Rheumatism. PAGE========== Pensioned at $6 per month from April 8, 1889 Increased to $8 per month (when ?) Increased to $10 per month Oct 8, 1890 to Dec 4, 1891 and $12 thereafter. PAGE========== Questionnaire received pay voucher from Bureau of Pensions. Reply dated June 2, 1898. First: Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full name and her maiden name. Answer: Arrilla JAMES (Arrilla MARTINDALE) Second: When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer: Gallipolis. J G. DAMRON, J.P. Third: What record of marriage exists? Answer: [blank] 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: Yes. Marine JAMES, July 1876. Vinton Ohio [Irene DOUGHERTY JAMES] Fifth: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth. Answer: John JAMES, Charley JAMES, Ida Belle JAMES Signed by Alfred JAMES PAGE========== [Handwritten letter] Huntington, W. Va. May 25th 1912 Alfred JAMES pensioner under certificate No. 503517 states that his two discharges were dropped in the river and they are in such bad condition that some of the dates cannot be made out. Signed by Mark POORE Notary Public PAGE========== State of West Virgnia, County of Cabell Date: May 25, 1912 Age: 67 years Residence: Miller, Lawrence County, Ohio and is enrolled at Portsmouth Ohio. Born: about April 26, 1845, Huntington Township, Gallia County, Ohio Occupation: Laborer Places of residence since leaving the service: Vinton, Ohio; Gallipolis, Ohio; Huntington, W.VA., Miller, Ohio. PAGE========== Submitted for Reissue Dec. 4, 1912 P.O.: Miller County: Lawrence State: Ohio Rank: Private Service: E and B, 56 Ohio Inf. Rate: $19 per month, commencing May 27, 1912 PAGE========== [Handwritten letter] Huntington, West Va. January 22nd, 1913 Hon. J. L. DAVENPORT Com. of Pensions Washington D.C. Sir: I am a pensioner under Certificate No. 503577, Service Cos. E & B, 56 Regt Ohio Vol Infantry and an applicant for the benefit of the Act of May 11th 1912, filed May 27th 1912. My Post office address was then given as Miller, Lawrence Co. O. My present P. O. address is Huntington, Cabell co., West Va., General deliver and according to the reports of the work of the Bureau of Pensions it is time that I should receive a new certificate. I have the honor to be Your Obedient servant, Alfred JAMES Per M. POORE PAGE========== Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C., January 2, 1915 SIR: Please answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerate below. The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your widow or children. Use the inclosed envelope, which requires no stamp. Very respectfully, Commissioner 1. Date and place of birth? Answer: July 25th 1847, Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio The name of organizations in which you served? Answer: 21st Ohio Reg. under Capt. LOVELL of Co. G, and 56th OVI under Capt. Jno. H. EVANS Co. E and Capt. STIMMEL Co. B. 2. What was your post office at enlistment? Answer: Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio 3. State your wife's full name and her maiden name. Answer: Irene DOUGHERTY 4. Where, when, and by whom were you married? Answer: 1868 by Justice of Peace Rising 5. Is there any official or church record of your marriage? I have no record. 6. Were you previously married? If so, state the name of your former wife, the date of the marriage, and the date and place of her death or divorce. If there was more than one previous marriage, let your answer include all former wives. Answer: Married again September 4, 1889 to Aurilla FULTEN by J.G. DAMRON, J.P. (Aurilla MARTINDALE, Maden Name) 7. If your present wife was married before her marriage to you, state the name of her former husband, the date of such marriage, and the date and place of his death or divorce, and state whether he ever rendered any military or naval service, and, if so, give name of the organization in which he served. If she was married more than once before her marriage to you, let your answer include all former husbands. Answer: Present wife was formerly married to Stephen FULTON who never had any Military of Naval service. 8. Are you now living with your wife, or has there been a separation? Answer: Yes. 9. State the names and date of birth of all your children, living or dead. First Wife: William JAMES, 26 years at death Charles JAMES, Age 30 years. (Living at Gallipolis, Ohio) Elmer JAMES, Died at age of 2 years Effie JAMES, (Last account I have she lived in Chicago) Second Wife: Ida JAMES, Born Mch 26, 1883 Present address Court St., Huntington W. Va. Signed by Alfred JAMES March 25, 1915 PAGE========== Increase to $25 per month commencing April 26, 1915. PAGE========== [Typed Letter] Civil War Div. Section D. Certif: 503517 May 10, 1917 Mr. Alfred JAMES, Huntington, W.Va. SIR: In your above-cited claim for increase of pension under the act of May 11, 1912, you have made discrepant statements as to the date of your birth. You should, therefore, state under oath the correct date of your birth and how you are able to fix the same. Do not fail to inscribe upon such statement your name and service and the number of your pension certificate. Very respectfully, Commissioner. PAGE========== Civil War Service Commissioner of Pensions. Alfred JAMES Co. G, 21 Reg't Ohio Inf (3 mos 1861) age 18 was enrolled June 11, 1861 and M.O. Aug 12, 1861 >From muster in to muster out he held the rank of pvt. Typed note on form: May 11, 1917 Respectfully returned to the Adjutant General, War Department, for a full military and medical history as of Co. G, 21 Ohio Reg. in which soldier now alleges service, and also showing all periods of absence in arrest, in confinement or without proper authority in all services, and personal description in all services. Handwritten addition: Alfred JAMES, Jr. Pvt. Co E & B 56 Ohio Inf. Age 21 years; height 5 ft 11 in.; complexion light; eyes blue; hair light. Born in Gallia Co., Ohio. Occupation laborer. Age also shown as 20 years on Co. Discriptive Books as 18 years on Co. M.I. roll No record found in any service of absence without authority, in arrest or in confinement. No medical record found additional to that furnished in the statement dated June 8, 1889 herewith. PAGE========== [Typed Letter] Civil War Div. Section D. Certif: 503517 June 4, 1917 Mr. Alfred JAMES, Huntington, W.Va. SIR: In your above-cited claim for increase of pension under the act of May 11, 1912, you have made discrepant statements as to the date of your birth. You should, therefore, state under oath the correct date of your birth and how you are able to fix the same. You should furnish a certified copy of the public, church or family record of the date of your birth. If there is no public or church record and a copy of the family record is furnished, the officer certifying to same should state the year in which the Bible or other book in which the record appears was printed, whether the record bears any marks of erasure or alteration and whether from the appearance of the writing he believes the record to be a reliable one. If you are unable to furnish the required proof of your age, you should state the fact and the reason, under oath. You should also state the name of the town or township, county and State in which you lived in the summers of 1850 and 1860, with whom you lived in said summers and the names in full of your parents, brothers and sisters living in June 1850 and June 1860, and if you lived in a city, the Ward and street and between what streets. Do not fail to inscribe upon each piece of evidence filed, your name and service and the number of your claim. Very respectfully, Commissioner. PAGE========== [Handwritten letter] Huntington, Wva. June 20, 1917 Personally appeared before me a Notary Public for Cabell County, West Virginia Alfred JAMES who was a Private in Cos. E & B 56th Ohio Infty who is drawing a Pension under Crficate No. 503517. Who under oath testifies that there is no Public or private record of his birth that he can obtain and that he is unable to obtain any record of the exact date of his birth. He further testifies that he lived with his Parents in Vinton Gallia County Ohio during the summers of 1850 & 1860. His fathers name was Alfred JAMES. Maria JAMES was the name of his mother. His brothers names were Columbus JAMES & Jefferson JAMES. His sisters name was Isabel JAMES. All in the years 1850 & 1860. Signed by Alfred JAMES PAGE========== [Handwritten letter] Huntington, Wva. June 20, 1917 Now comes Eliza JAMES who being duly sworn deposes and says that she is the widow of Columbus JAMES, eldest brother of Alfred JAMES who draws a Pension under certificate 503517. That she was married to Columbus JAMES July 29, 1859 and that at that time Alfred JAMES was seventeen years of age according to information given her by Maria JAMES, mother of said Alfred JAMES; that said Maria JAMES died in 1859, the affiant, Eliza JAMES assumed the cares of the household of which said Alfred JAMES was a member and that he enlisted in the army in 1860 aged eighteen years; that she has means of knowing his age and to the best of her knowledge and belief he was born in 1842 and is now seventy-five years of age. Signed with an X [Written below] Eliza JAMES PAGE========== [Handwritten letter] Huntington, Wva. June 20, 1917 Now comes A. B. HAMILTON who being duly sworn deposes and says that he has known Alfred JAMES, who draws a pension under Ctf 503517, all his life, but is unable to fix the date of his birth; that said Alfred JAMES is the son of Alfred JAMES and Maria JAMES and that the said Alfred JAMES, your pensioner resided in the Village of Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio, with his said parents and his brothers, Columbus, Jefferson, his sister Isabelle, and brother Chauncey in the summer of 1850 and in June 1860. Signed by A.B. HAMILTON END==========