Civil War Pension: William H. WORTZ (1865 - 1920); Centre Co., PA This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sean Drury < spdrury@earthlink.net >. ************************************************************************ * USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. ************************************************************************ FROM THE FILES OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WASHINGTON, D.C.: To all whom it may Concern. Harrisburg, Pa. July 8, 1865 Paid in full /signature illegible/ Paymaster USA Know ye, That William H. Wortz, a Pvt. Of Captain William Vanormer, Company B, 53 Regiment of Pennsylvania VOLUNTEERS, who was enrolled on the twenty-seventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and Sixty four to serve three years or during the war is hereby Discharged from the service of the United States this 30? day of June 1865, at near by reason of S.O. No. 158 US Army of Potomac (no objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist). Said William H. Wortz was born in Centre Co. in the State of Pennsylvania, is eighteen years of age, five feet six « inches high, fair complexion, gray eyes, Dark hair, and by occupation, when enrolled a farmer. Given at Near Alexandria Va. this 30? day of June 1865. Wm. Van Ormer Capt. Commanding the Company ___________________________________________ War Department Adjutant General?s Office Washington, _________, 188__ Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. William H. Wortz, a Private of Company ?B? 148 Regiment Pa. Volunteers, was enrolled on the 27 day of Feby, 1864 at Bellefont, Pa., 2 yrs. And is reported ?present? on Roll for Mar & Apl. 1864. May & June 64 absent ?sick, sent to Hospl. May 5 64.? Same report for July and Aug. ?64. Sept. & Oct. ?64 ?present? Same to Apl. 30, 1865. Mustered out with Co. J. 53rd Pa. Vols., to which transferrer, June 30, 1865. /signature illegible/ Assistant Adjutant General ________________________________________________ Examining Surgeon?s Certificate In the Case of an Original Applicant No. 456,453 Name: Wm. H. Wortz Rank: Pt. Co.: B Regt.: 148 State: Per entry P.O.: Clearfield Co.: Clearfield State: Pennsylvania Exam Date: November 8, 1882 I hereby certify that I have carefully examined this Applicant, who claims that while in the service of the United States, at or near a place named Brandy Station, and while in the line of duty, on or about the spring day of ____ 1864 he incurred cold with results and that in consequence thereof he is partly disabled for earning his subsistence by manual labor. He states that he is 37 years of age, that he weighs 145 pounds, and that he is 5 feet 9 inches in height. His pulse-rate per minute is 72, his respiration 76, and his temperature 98«. The examination reveals the following facts: History of catching cold with activant sore throat. Subsequently he had same continued fever. Since then has always had a little sore throat; poorer and better; with some cough and expectoration; and pain across the top and front at chest. I find his general condition good, no cough or expectoration to day. The (illegible) at potate and pharynx same what congested. Sounds at respiration normal. Percussion and anscultation reveal nothing abnormal. Hear to action normal. It may be that he has, as he claims, a little sore throat and eligible bronchial (illegible) from time to time. It is however unimportant and its origin and (illegible) scarcely due to his service in the army. From the condition and history of the claimant, it is my opinion the disability was not incurred in the service as claimed and that it is not aggravated or protracted by vicious habits. I find the disability as above described to entitle him to no rating. /s/ H.B. Van Valgale Examining Surgeon ____________________________________________ Original Claim Pension Claim No. 456,453 Name: William H. Wortz Address: Summerhill, Pa. Rank: Private Co.: B 148 Regt.: Pa. Inf. Board: Johnstown, Pa. Date: Oct 14, 1891 We hereby certify that in compliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who states that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the service, viz.: Cold affecting breast & throat bronchial trouble, rheumatism & kidney trouble affecting back. He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for Original: My breast & throat troubles me more in dank weather than in dry. I take cold very easy. I must be very careful not to get wet. The rheumatism affects me mostly in my legs ? bed during wet weather. My back troubles me a great deal at times. Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Pulse rate, 80; respiration, 20; temperature 97.; height 5 feet 7« inches; weight 137 pounds, age 46 years. General condition poor. Muscles soft & thin. Skin normal, tongue coated. Lungs: bronchial rates in upper left tube (see diagram) Heart normal. Has Pharyngitis & nasal & post nasal catarrh. Has crepitation in all joints. Joints stiffened somewhat. Slight impairment of motion. Distal phalanx of great toe ? left foot is off. Epigastrium tender. Tympanitic over entire colon. Urine: acid. Sp. Grav. 1,015. No albunin. No sugar. No other disability discovered to exist. He is entitled to our opinion a 4/18 rating for the disability caused by bronchitis, 4/18 for that caused by Pharyngitis & catarrh and 4/18 for that caused by rheumatism & specific for loss of distal phalanx by toe. J.C. Sheridan, Pres. D.W. Evans, Secy. T.J. Danson, Treas. ___________________________________________ Act June 27, 1890 Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C., January 15, 1898 First. Are you married? If so, please states your wife?s full name and her maiden name. Answer: Yes, Nancy Jane Wortz maiden name Nancy Jane Iddings Second. When, where and by whom were you married? Answer: On 8th day of May 1874 by Samuel Jones Justice of the Peace Tyrone, Pa. Third. What record of marriage exists? Answer: Certificate Fourth. Were you previously married? Answer: No. Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and dates of their birth. Answer: James H. Wortz born Nov 15th 76; Frances O. Wortz (crippled for life) born March 4th 1878, Albert R. Wortz Born May 4th 1881; John W. Wortz Born April 5th, 1884; Freddie Wortz born Nov 16th 1887. /s/ William H. Wortz Date of reply, July 4th, 1898 ______________________________________________ US Pension Office May 23, 1912 Mr. J. L. Hartman Dear Sir My discharge I sent to the Commissioner of Pensions in Washington when I got my Pension & it was not Returned to me so you will See I could not give my Description at Enlistment. Very Truly, William H. Wortz ________________________________________ War Department The Adjutant General?s Office Washington Mar 8, 1915 Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions with the information that in the case of William H. Wortz, Cos. ?B? 148, ?J? 53 Reg?ts Pa. Inf. In addition to the statement or statements herewith returned, the military records show the following: Age 18 y, height 5 feet, 6« inches, complexion Fair, eyes Grey, hair Dark, place of birth Centre Co., Pa., occupation farmer, He was recd. In Rendez. Harrisburg, Pa., Mch 2, 1864, a recruit for the 184 Pa. If. Sent to regt. Mch 7 64. He was transferred to 53 Pa. If June 1 65 & was M.O. with Co. ?J.? of that reft. June 30/65. The military records do not show any unauthorized absences or confinement. 18 y only age found. The medical records show him treated as follows: May 26 to June 6 & June 6 to Oct. 31, 64, typhoid fever, deserted Oct. 31 64 no additional record of disability found. H.P. McCain Adjutant General _________________________________________ Disbursing Office Received Jan 5, 1916 Bureau of Pensions South Fork, Pa. Jan 4, 1916 Mr. Guy Taylor Dear Sir Res. A check for $48.00 for William H. Wortz No. 746534. Please Look over the Records and you will find I was 70 years old July 15 ? 1915 and I am Entitled to $20.00 pr month as this check is not correct I will not get it cashed till I hear from you wisk & early Reply. Right yours William H. Wortz Lock Box 422 South Fork, Pa. _____________________________________ Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C., March 4, 1916 Respectfully returned to the Adjutant General War Dept. requesting a report showing the full military and medical history?periods of unauthorized absence or in confinement, if any, personal description and other ages of record covering both organizations. 2 enclosures. Inv. Ctf. 746,534 William H. Wortz Co. B, 148 Pa. Inf. & Co. I, 53 Pa. Inf. /signed/ E.C. Tieman Acting Commissioner ________________________________________ Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Civil War Division Washington, D.C., March 7, 1916 William H. Wortz Box 422, South Fork Pa. No. 1. Date & Place of Birth? Answer. Born July 15, 1845 Boggs township, Centre Co. Pa. The name of organizations in which you served? Answer. In Company B 148 & Company J 53 Pa. Regts Volunteers Infantry No. 2 What was your post office at enlistment? Answer. Milesburg Centre Co. Pa. No. 3 State your wife?s full name and her maiden name. Answer. Nancy Jane Iddings No. 4 When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer. May 8th, 1874 by Samuel Jones Justice Peace at Tyrone Pa. No. 5 Is there any official or church record of your marriage? No. No. 6 Were you previously married? No. Only married once my wife died July 10 ? 1903 and have not Remarried. No. 7 (Not applicable) No. 8 Are you living with your wife? Answer No. No. 9 State the names and dates of birth of all your children, living or dead. Answer Lizzie R. Wortz born October 9 ? 1874 Centre Co. Pa. dead James Homer Wortz born November 15 ? 1876 Centre Co. Pa. Francis Orville Wortz born March 4 ? 1878 Clearfield Co. Pa. Albert Roy Wortz born May 4 ? 1881 Clearfield Co. Pa. John W. Wortz born April 5, 1884 Clearfield Co. Pa. Fredrick Wortz born November 16 1887 Cambria Co. Pa. Bessie Wortz born October 21 ? 1889 Cambria Co. Pa. dead Date: March 10th, 1916 Signature /s/ William H. Wortz ______________________________________________ Declaration for Inc. of Inv. Pension Act of May 1, 1920 ? Sec. 2 State of Pennsylvania, County of Centre, ss: On this 3rd day of Nov. A.D. 1923, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid, William H. Wortz who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 78 years of age, and a resident of Huston Twp., county of Centre, State of Pa., and that he is the identical person who was ENROLLED at Bellefonte, under the name William H. Wortz on the (cites record) in the service of the United States, in the Civil War and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Harrisburg, Pa. That he served (none). That his personal description was as follows: (cites record); that his occupation was a laborer. That he requires the regular personal aid and attendance of another person on account of the following disabilities: General debility arising from a complication of ailments, namely rupture of right side, severe deafness of both ears, debility of head, periodical fainting spells, at which time he falls Down ? hence he dare not be alone and therefore requires a regular attendant. That this condition has existed for a year past. That since leaving the service he has resided at Forest City, St. Cloud, Minn., Cambria Co. and Centre Co. Pa. and his occupation has been Laborer ? at present an invalid. That he has applied for pension under ? Certificate No. 746534. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under the provisions of the act of May 1, 1920 ? Sec. 2. Claimant Signature: William H. Wortz Claimant?s Address: Julian, Centre Co., Pa. Signature of Witness: Jacob A. Knisely, Jr. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3rd day of Nov. A.D. 1923 ? Signature: J.H. Oliger Justice of the Peace Bellefonte, Pa. _____________________________________________ Julian Pa. Augt. 8 ? 24 Commissioners of Pensions Gentlemen I went to Bellefonte twice & there was only one Doctor in Doctor M.J. Locke. I got sick & down with Rheumatism and I did not get back since and I see this order Blank in run out as I cant work I have to be helped around. Please advise me as I think I am entitled to the $72 pr month. William H. Wortz __________________________________________ Certificate of Medical Examination Certificate No. 746,534 Claimant: William H. Wortz Box 02A Julian, Pa. Date of Examination: Aug. 26, 1924 Address of Board: Bellefonte, Pa. Disabilities: Rheumatism ? Hernia ? General weakness ? Attacks of unconsciousness. He receives a pension of $50.00 per month. He makes the following statement in regard to the origin of his disabilities and date when first discovered by him: Rheumatism for past year ? Hernia for 4 years ? General weakness for past year ? Attacks of unconsciousness for past 6 years. Birthplace, Boggs Twp. Centre Co. Pa., age 80 years; height 5 ft 5 in, weight, 125 pounds; complexion Dark; color of eyes, Gray; color of hair, Gray; occupation, none. It is hereby certified that upon examination the following objective conditions are found: Pulse rate, 88 104; respiration, 20 24; temperature 98 2/5. Disabilities: Rheumatism ? Cupilation noted in all large gouts ? Painful in motion. Right hip very painful and has loss of 50% in motion. Walks with a cane and then with great difficulty. Can not put on or take off shoes himself. Can not dress or undress himself. Hernia ? Large right direct injurial hernia ? Six inches long and four inches wide and protrudes through abdominal wall three inches. Is very painful and can be reduced with difficulty. Can insert three fingers in openings. Does not wear truss. General weakness ? This man is very weak-can scarcely get around the house without aid. Muscles are soft and flabby. Heart ? Impulse can be seen and felt in normal area. Sounds are pure but weak. No cyanosis noted. To lyspustic in exertion ? Lungs negative. Attacks of unconsciousness ? About twice in month falls over and becomes unconscious. This condition lasts for 3 or 4 hours. Does not bite his tongue or have convulsions. Above disabilities not due to vicious habits. Due to rheumatism and general weakness and to large painful hernia and the attacks of unconsciousness, this claimant needs the constant ad and attendance of another person and is entitled to $72.00 per month. David Dale, Pres. ________________________________________ Certificate of Death No. 449948 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics Place of Death: County of Centre, Township of Houston Full Name: William H. Wortz Sex: M Color: White Marital: Widowed Date of Birth: July 6 ? 1845 Age: 86 years, 5 months, 6 days Occupation: Invalid Birthplace: Centre County, Penna. Name of Father: George Wortz Birthplace of Father: Centre Co. Penna. Maiden Name of Mother: Brawer Birthplace of Mother: Penna. Informant: Franklin Wortz Address: Julian RFD, Pa. Filed: Jan 10, 1931 Registrar: H.H. Osman (sub-Registrar) Date of Death: Jan 7, 1931 I hereby certify that I attended deceased from Jan 3 ? 1931 to Jan 7 ? 1931 and that I last saw him alive on Jan 3, 1931 and that death occurred, on the date stated above, at 4 a.m. The cause of death was as follows: Apoplexy, 10 days. Signed: John Sebring, M.D. Address: Bellefonte Dated: Jan 8, 1931 Place of Burial: Stover Cemetery Date of Burial: Jan 11 ? 1931 Undertaker: Samuel S. Osmon Address: Port Matilda, Pa.