Civil War Pension & Widow's Pension Application of A. Jackson BISSETT; Greene Co, PA Contributed to the PAGenWeb Archives by unknown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************* Littleton, W.Va. April 21, 1884 Hon. W.W. Dudley, Commissioner State of Penna, County of Greene, SS: On this 28th day of June A.D. 1879 personally appeared before me, an acting justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, Sergeant A. Jackson Bissett whose claim for invalid pension No. 270.987 who after being duly sworn saith his place of residence is Springhill township, Greene county, Penna. His occupation for five years preceding his enlistment was the first two years of the five was engaged in the carpenter trade, next two years and half farming next six months attending college. Immediately after his discharge he was engaged in the mercantile business two years (which ended July A.D. 1867). He was engaged in farming up to late in the fall of A.D. 1871. When he drove hac? About one year A.D. 1878 Since then he has been living on a farm. Had the overseeing and managing of the same to the present time June the 28th 1879. He was captured on the 19th day of August 1864 at Yellow Tavern Welden Rail Road, Va and was taken to Richmond. Belle Island Feb the 20th A.D. 1865 and sent back to Libby Hospital Richmond Va was treated until March 9, 1865 by rebel physicians there. Exchanged on the James River was sent to Annapolis Md and enrolled from there. Came home on or about the last of March A.D. 1865 was not able to return when his furlough expired. Then his furlough was extended Dr. I. No. Owen of Deep Valley, Pa now of Mt. Morris, Greene county Pa. who has been his family physician during the time he was home on furlough and since up to May A. D. 1876 then Dr. W.C. D. Wilson of New Freeport Greene county Pa has been his family physician for the time from May A.D. 1877 up to the present time. He has not suffered from any attacks of acute disease since the incurrence of his disability. He has not performed but little manual labor from the date of discharge up to the present time. Sudden exposure to wet and cold will excite the chronic disease. Scurvy while exposure to heat or during the hot months of summer attacks of diarrhea followed by general debility. A. Jackson Bissett Sworn and subscribed to before me this 28th day of June A.D. 1879. I hereby certify that the content of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing and I have no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim and certify that my official character is certified to by the clerk of the court of Quarter Sessions in Greene county, Pa. and on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensioner with my hand and seal. James Stilers, JP of Pensioners, Washington, D.C. Sir: I have the honor to submit hencewith deposition of A. Jackson Bisset, late private Co. H. 191st Pa. Vols, pensioner under Cert. No. 206, 126, payable at the Pittsburg Agency, in which he states that he contracted to pay Frances Barger, of Deep Valley, Greene Co., Pa- a fee of $50 for prosecuting his claim before the Pension Bureaus; and, did pay him the sum of $15 declining to pay him the $50 because Barger did not fully comply with his part of the contract. He says Barger insisted upon his paying the $50 fee, telling him that he (Barger) "was the bee that made the honey" and threatening that unless the fee was fully paid the claim would be reported to the Department of Fraudulent. Under this threat- I leave Barger has succeeded in extorting money from various pensioners with illegal fees. There was no one present when the fee contract for $50 between Barger and pensioner was made nor was there anyone present when the pensioner paid the $15 or when Barger demanded the other $34. The pensioner stands well in this community and his oath would be entitled to full weight in a court of justice as I am reliably informed. Barger saw this man and tried to induce him to "not give him away," or, like words, he wanted him to swear a lie provided I should hear of the matter and call upon him to testify as to the legality of the fee demanded and received. It is true, he only received but $15 but there is an aggravated demand for $50 and threats to report the claim if it was not paid. I am of the opinion that although he only got $15 rather than the legal fee the demand was so aggravated that he should be prosecuted under Sec. 5385. However, I submit to the supervising Examiner as to what shall be done. Respectfully, L. C. Keener Spt. Exm. State of West Virginia County of Wetzel, SS: On this 23rd day of July 1897, personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the county aforesaid, Dr. H.N. Owen aged 70 years a Resident of Littleton, Wetzel county, WVa who after being by me duly sworn on his oath says I am personally acquainted with A. Jackson Bisset late of Co. H. 191st Regt. Pa. Inf. Vols. About March 1865 he came home on furlough after being paroled from prison. I was called on and gave him medical treatment. He was then suffering from Liver and other diseases, the Liver trouble was in my opinion result of malarial Poison. He also had chronic diarrhea and a dropsical tendency. I got his furlough extended. He was under my treatment at that time about forty days. I have given him medical treatment at intervals during all the time since then until this present time. The liver disease has continuously existed. The forgoing affidavit was written by J.A. Connely in my presence from my oral statement to just made to him and without the aid of any other person or of any written of printed statement or recital. I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. H. Col. Owen Subscribed and sworn before me this 23rd day of July 1897 and I certify that the forgoing affidavit was read and fully explained to the affiant that the affiant is a physician in regular practice and a credible witness and that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. J. A. Connelly Notary Public for Wetzel Co General Affidavit. STATE OF Pennsylvania, COUNTY OF Berks, SS: In claim No. 206126 of A. Jackson Bissett, of Co. H of the 191 Regt. Of Pa.Vols. Personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within and for said County, Uriah R. Burkert aged 53 years, whose P.O. is Reading, County of Berks, State of Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows to-wit: That on or about the 19th day of Aug. 1864 thirty-seven of the men of Company H were captives. Eighteen out of the number died, among the number captured was A. Jackson Bissett one of the Sergeants of the Company, but all broken down in health and in fact scarcely able to walk, that he met him at Parole Camp at Annapolis MD, and while there he complained a great deal of rheumatism and pains in the side and after their return to the regiment he was laid up nearly all the time until the final muster out and while with the regiment he was treated by the regimental surgeons. That he at one time gave him a pass to go to Washington to see whether he could get mustered out while encamped on Arlington Heights VA and when he returned orders had been received for all to be mustered out. All the above facts are known to the affiant having been captain of Company H 191st Regt. Pa. Vols. And is aware at disbanding of the regiment A. J. Bissett was a very sick man from rheumatism and pains in side, unable scarcely to take care of himself. U. E. Burkett, SWORN to and subscribed before me on the 7th day of November 1889, and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit was fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution. Edmund Sheetz U. R. Burkert SWORN to and subscribed before me on the 7th day of November 1889 and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit was fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution. Edmund Sheetz General Affidavit. STATE OF Pennsylvania, COUNTY OF Greene, SS: In claim No. 206126 of A. Jackson Bissett of Co. H of the 191 Regt. Of Pa. Vols. Personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within the for said County, Charles H. Golden aged 49 years, whose P.O. is Wind Ridge, County of Greene, State of Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn in, states that in relation to said claim as follows to-wit: I was well acquainted with A. Jackson Bissett, Sergeant Co. H 191st Regt. Pa Vet Vol. and was his bunk-mate, from June until August 16, 1864, when we both was taken Prisoners, at Reames Station on the Weldon R.R. Virgina. We remained side by side almost seven months in Libby, Belle Island, Salisbury stockade N.C. until February 21, 1865. I know personally that said claimant had the rheumatism in the worst form (cause) from sleeping upon the wet frozen ground. Claimant complained was totally and permanently disabled (cause) from the incarceration those Hell holes of the so called Confederates. Claimant was taken out of Salisbury Stockade on the morning of February 21, 1865 with the sick and those not able to walk and driven on the cars by way of Richmond, Va. While I marched and crawled across to Greensborough and thence to Wilmington N.C. And after days of suffering we met at Parole camp Annapolis M.D. Almost Maniacs On the 16th day of March 1865 we was Discharged by reason of Gen Order No 77, About June 15, 1865 And since then we have not met but a few times. Charles H. Golden SWORN to and subscribed before me on the 14 day of November 1889, and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit was fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution. D.H. Breven Peace Wind Ridge Greene County Pa 3-003/ GENERAL LAW DECLARATION FOR THE INCREASE OF AN INVALID PENSION THE PENSION CERTIFICATE SHOULD NOT BE FORWARDED WITH THE APPLICATION STATE OF West Virginia COUNTY OF Wetzel SS: On this 10th day of May, A.D. one thousand nine hundred and ten personally appeared before me, Archie Marshall, a notary public, within and for the county and State aforesaid, A. Jackson Bissett, aged 72 years, a resident of Littleton, County of Wetzel, State of West Virginia, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, enrolled at the Washington, D.C. Pension Agency at the rate of $17.00 per month, by reason of disability from chronic diarrhea and resulting piles and scurvy, gunshot wound of right leg, rheumatism and resulting disease of heart incurred in the military service of the United States while a Sergeant in Company H. 191 Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry . That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of increased disabilities and far effected eyes. That he was employed in the military prior to Feb. 29th, 1864. That he has not been employed in the military since June 28, 1865. The first enlistment was Company I, 8th Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve from July 11th 1861 to Feb 28, 1864. That the number of his pension certificate is 206126. That his post office is Littleton, county of Wetzel, State of West Virginia. A. Jackson Bissett Also personally appeared E.N. Murphy, residing at Littleton, WVa and B.A. Pyles, residing at Littleton, W.Va., persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and say A. Jackson Bissett, the claimant, sign his name (or make his mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him of 15 years and 8 years, respectively, that he is the identical person he represents to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. E.N. Murphy B.A. Pyles Subscribed and sworn to me this 10 day of May, A.D. 1910 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing. I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Archie Marshall Notary Public Act of May 11, 1912 3-014 DECLARATION FOR PENSION THE PENSION CERTIFCATE SHOULD NOT BE FORWARDED WITH THE APPLICATION. State of West Virginia, County of Wetzel, ss: On this 31st day of May, A.D. one thousand nine hundred and twelve, personally appeared before me, Archie Marshall, a notary public, within and for the county and State aforesaid, A. Jackson Bissett, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 73 years of age, and a resident of Littleton, county of Wetzel, State of West Virginia; and that he is the identical person who was enrolled at Waynesburg, Pa. on the 15th day of July, 1861 as a Private, in Company I. 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteers, Was made Corporal in Co. I 8th Reg. of Inf. P.R.V.C. June 29, 1862 in the service of the United States in the Civil War, and was honorably discharged by reason of re-enlistment as a Vet. Vol. under genl. Order No. 191, A.G. That he also served as Sergeant in Company H. 191st Regiment of Infantry Pennsylvania Vet. Volunteers and was discharged at Harrisburg, Pa. on the 28th day of June 1865. That he was not employed in the military or naval service of the United States otherwise than as stated above. That his personal description at enlistment was as follows: Height, 5ft, 8 inches; complexion, Dark; color of eyes, Brown; color of hair, Brown; that his occupation was Student; that he was born December 6th, 1838 at Greene county, Pa. That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: Deep Valley, Pa. 9 years, Ryson Station, Pa., 2 years, Waynesburg, Pa., 2 years, Wheeling, W.Va., 5 years, Benwood, W.Va., 5 years and Littleton, W.Va. 24 years. That he is a pensioner under certificate 206, 126. That his post office box is Littleton, county of Wetzel, State of West Virginia. A. Jackson Bissett Subscribed and sworn to me this 21st day of May, A.D. 1912, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing. I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Archie Marshall Notary Public My commission expires Dec. 30, 1919 STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, COUNTY OF WETZEL, SS: On this 7th day of December, A.D. one thousand nine hundred and fourteen, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public, within and for the County and State aforesaid, A. Jackson Bissett, who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, declares that he is Seventy Six (76) years old, and a resident of Littleton, County of Wetzel, State of West Virginia; that he is the identical person who was enrolled at Waynesburg, Pa., under the name of Andrew J. Bissett, on the 15th day of July, 1861, as a private in Company I 8th Regiment of Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteers, in the Civil War, and was honorable discharged from the service at Washington, D.C. on the 28th day of February, 1864, by reason of Re-enlistment as a veteran under Genl. Od. No. 191 A.G.O. series 1863, That I re-enlisted in Company H. 191st at Regiment of Infantry Penna. Vet. Volunteers, under the name of A. Jackson Bissett at Washington, D.C. on the 28th day of February, 1864, and that I was honorably discharged from the service on the 28th day of June, 1865, at Camp in the Field, Va., that I was not employed in the military or Naval service of the United States otherwise that as stated above, that my personal description at the time of my first enlistment was as follows: Five Feet and Eight Inches high, Dark complexion, Brown Eyes, brown hair, and by occupation, when enrolled I was a Student, that I was born on December 6, 1833, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, That there was no public record of my birth, and that there was no church record of my birth and that the Family Bible where my birth was recorded has been destroyed for a long time and that I am unable to furnish either a family record, Church Record or Public Record. Have been as follows; Wayensburg, Pa., Benwood, W.Va., I have lived at Littleton, W.Va. for over Thirty Years., That I am a pensioner under certificate No. 206, 126. That I make this declaration for the purpose of being placed on pension roll of the United States under the provisions of the Act. Of May 11, 1912, that I am 76 years old and saw Three Years and Eleven months and Thirteen days service, That my post office address is Littleton, county of Wetzel, State of West Virginia. A. Jackson Bisset Subscribed and sworn before me this 7th day of December, 1914, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Archie Marshall, Notary Littleton, WVa Feb. 8th 1915 G. M Saltzgaber Pension Commissioner Washington, D.C. Sir In answering your letter of Jan. 29, first I would like to state that my memory will nor permit me to state accurately all the information you desire and I am physically and financially unable to travel around to the places where I might possibly get all the facts relative to what you spoke of in your letter. But in the following I will as near as my memory will permit answer all that I can. During June 1850 I was living with my parents Brice Bissett father, Bythenia Bissett stepmother ("My Mother, Rachael Bissett being dead") at Springhill township ("formally Leppo Township") Greene county, Pennsylvania. New Freeport was our Post Office. The names of my Sisters and Brothers are as follows Sarah, Susan, Rachael, Cynthia, Mary and John, all dead. Thomas Bissett, half- brother and Margeret Hineman half-sister, Littleton, WVa. During June of 1860 I was working and living with Judge James L. Lindsay at Waynesburg, Greene county, Pennsylvania where I stayed until my enlistment. I do not remember the streets, ward, or township. I was born December 6, 1838 in Springhill township ("formally Leppo township") Green county, Pennsylvania. The above is as near correct as lapse of time and the physically condition of mind will permit. I only wish I was able to write you everything accurately. I would gladly do so. Very Respectfully A. Jackson Bissett 30389 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON, D.C., January 2, 1915 SIR: Please answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below. The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your widow or children. Use the enclosed envelope, which requires no stamp. Very respectfully, G. M. Saltzgaber, Commissioner. No. 1 Date and place of Birth? Dec. 6, 1838 Deep Valley, Green Co PA The name and organizations in which you served? Co I, 8th Reg. Inf. P.R.V.C. and Co. H 191st Reg. Inf. PA Vols. No. 2 What was your post office at enlistment? 1st Waynesburg PA 2nd Washington D.C. No. 3 State your wife's full name and her maiden name. Eliza Bisset (Nee) Mc Masters No. 4 When, where, and by whom were you married? April 21, 1864, Deep Valley, Green Co PA, by Rev. John West No. 5 Is there any official or church record of your marriage? I do not know. No. 6 Were you previously married? If so, state the name of your 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. No. No. 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. No. No. 8 Are you now living with you wife, or has there been a separation? I am still living with my wife. No. 9 State the names and dates of birth of all your children, living or dead. Milton, April 21, 1865, James Lindsay April 11, 1866, Cora Belle, 1868 Dead, Brice 1870, Spencer Jan. 1st 1872, Warren 1873, Samuel March 28, 1878, William Maxwell 1879, Andrew Jackson Jr. Nov.2, 1879, Mary Virginia 1880 Dead, Ephraim Jones March 11, 1883, Annie Laura May 15, 1885, Cecelia Tompson Jan 15, 1887. Date March 13, 1915 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BUREAU OF THE CENSUS WASHINGTON March 6, 1915 Sir: Referring to your letter of Febuary 15, 1915, "Civil War Division, Section I, Cert. No. 206, 126, A. Jackson Bisset, Co. H. 191st Inf., " data for 1850 and 1860 given below: Aleppo Township, Greene county, Pa., enumerated on the 17th day of October, 1850 Name Age Brison Bisset 45 Thener Bisset 24 John Bisset 16 Jackson Bisset 14 Mary Bisset 11 Thomas Bisset 1 Marion Township, Greene county, Pa., enumerated on the 8th day of August, 1860. James Lindsey 35 Sarah C. Lindsey 28 Arthur J. Lindsey 4 William Walter 2 John Lindsey 1/12 A.J. Bisset 24 Caroline Zimmerman 17 Very Respectfully, M.J. Harris, Director The Commissioner of Pensioners, Washington , D.C. Widow of A. Jackson Bissett Late of Co. H 191 Pa. Inf. Certificate No. 206, 126 STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, COUNTY OF WETZEL, SS: On this 26th day of February, 1916, personally appeared before me, Archie Marshall, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, H.E. Chaney, who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that his age is Fifty (50) years old, that his Post Office Address is Littleton, W.Va., that he is a member of the firm of Chaney & Antill, Undertakers, of Littleton, W.Va., that he has known A. Jackson Bissett (late of Company H 191st. Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry) for the past Thirty Five (35), that he died at his residence about one mile below Littleton, W.Va., on January 31, 1916, that he was called and went to his residence and prepared his body for burial, and that on the 2nd. day of February, 1916, Mr. H. Antill the other member of the firm took the hearse and went to the home of A. Jackson Bissett and conveyed his body to the "Old Anderson Cemetery" where it was interred, and that to the best of his knowledge and belief the corpse was that of A. Jackson Bissett whom he had known during his life time, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim for pension, and that I am not related to the claimant. H. E. Chaney Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of February, 1916, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit was fully made known to the affiant before he executed the same. And I further certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim, and that I believe affiant to be responsible and entitled to credit. Civil War Division W.O. No. 1, 062, 028 Eliza Bisset A. Jackson Bisset Co. H. 191st. Penna Inf. STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, COUNTY OF WETZEL, SS: On this 18th day of April, 1916, personally appeared before me, Archie Marshall, a Notary Public within the County and State aforesaid, A.J. Garrison, who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that my age is Seventy-two (72) years old, that I am a resident of Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia, that I was well acquainted with A. Jackson Bissett (late of Co. H 191st Penna. Inf.) and his wife Eliza Bissett, we grew up boys and girls together, I have know both of them ever since they attained a marriageable age, and know that neither one of them had been married previous to their marriage to each other, that I lived in Deep Valley, Pa. when they were married, I was not present at their marriage ceremonies, they were married in the Month of April, 1864, at Deep Valley, Pa. and it was the common talk of the neighbors that they were united in marriage by the Rev. John West, they went to housekeeping at Deep Valley, Pa., and Mr. A. Jackson Bisset run a store there after he was married, I have lived near them ever since they were married and know that they always lived together as man and wife, and that they were not divorced from each other, and that Eliza Bisset has not remarried since the death of her husband, that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim for pension. A.J. Garrison Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of April, 1916, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit was fully made known to the affiant before he executed the same. And I further certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim, and that believe affiant to be responsible and entitled to credit. Archie Marshall Notary Public Civil War Division W.O. No. 1, 062, 028 Eliza Bisset, A. Jackson Bisset, Co. H. 191st. Penna. Inf. STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, COUNTY OF WETZEL, SS: On this 19th day of April, 1916, personally appeared before me, Archie Marshall, a Notary Public within and for the county and State aforesaid, Eliza Bisset, who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that her age is Seventy-one (71) years old her last birth day, that her Post Office address is Littleton, Wetzel county, West Virginia, that she was married to A. Jackson Bisset, late of Co. H. 191st Penna. Inf., on the 21st day of April, 1864, at Deep Valley, Pa. by Rev. John West, that there was no church record kept of the marriage, and that there was no public record of the marriage, that there was a record in a family Bible but it has been destroyed for several years, that Rev. John West who married us has been dead for several years, and that there is not now any witness living who saw us married. X Eliza Bisett, her mark Witnesses: J. N. Jobes M. A. Wood Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 19th day of April, 1916. The records show: Bissett, Andrew J. XC- 2 658 392 Born:- December 6, 1836, Deep Valley, Green County, Pa. Enlisted:- July 15, 1861, private, Waynesburg, Pa. I, 8th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry (39th Inf) February 28, 1864, re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteer, transferred to H, 191st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry Discharged:- June 28, 1865, private with company Name appears of War Department records as A.J. Bissett and A. Jackson Bissett A.G.O. March 1, 1880 Died:- January 31, 1916, near Littleton, W.Va. PENSIONED Furnished by the Pension Index Section February 15, 1940 Monongah, W.Va. R.F. D. 4 May 11, 1933 Robert Ramsey House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Hon. Congressman: The information sufficient to present to the Administration in and endeavor to obtain a dependency pension, which I claim is due to me, are the following contents of my father Andrew J. Bissett's (Sr.) discharge. My father was a Corporal under Captain Kents Company (I) 8th Regiment of Pennsylvania. He was a volunteer. He was a veteran volunteer under General Ord. No. 191 A.G.O. series 1863. He was appointed Sergeant by the Commanding officer James Bonneau, 1st Lieut., Milton Weeden, Major, commanding the Regiment. With best wishes and kindest regards, I am Sincerely yours /s/ Andrew J. Bissett (Jr.)