Red River County, TX - Civil War Pension Application - J. A. Jackson **************************************************************** Contributed by Glenda Sheppard Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm **************************************************************** [*Note:- This particular pension application is very interesting, it shows the hardships of the people back in the early 1900’s. This man had a very hard time getting his pension, then died a few months later, leaving a family who had to fight once again to get the pension started back. Records were not kept well in those times, with lots of human errors. - Glenda Sheppard - transcriber] #31893 ============================= FORM A ============================= Soldier’s Application for Pension ============================= The Commissioner of Pensions reserves the right to call for additional testimony if he deems it necessary. ============================= Name of Applicant J. A. Jackson Red River County Postoffice Bagwell R-1 ============================= Filed June 11, 1915 Approved Aug. 27, 1915 Pension Allowed from Dec 1, 1915 War Record ============================= J. C. Jones Commissioner of Pensions. ============================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (handwritten across top) Capt. B. J. Marchbanks Ennis, Ellis Co., Tex FORM A For Use of Soldiers, Who are in Indigent Circumstances ===================================================================== THE STATE OF TEXAS County of Red River I, J. A. Jackson, do hereby make application to the Commissioner of Pensions for a pension to be granted me under the Act passed by the Thirty-first legislature of the State of Texas, and approved March 26, A. D. 1909, on the following grounds: I enlisted and served in the military service of the Confederate States during the war between the States of the United States, and that I did not desert the Confederate service, but during said war I was loyal and true to my duty, and never at any time voluntarily abandoned my post of duty in the said service; that I was honorably discharged or surrendered Was at home on furlough when the war ended and that ended my service that I have been a bona fide citizen of this State since prior to January 1, A. D. 1880, and have been continuously since a citizen of the State of Texas. I do further state that I do not hold any national, State, city or county office which pays me a salary or fees one hundred and fifty dollars per annum, nor have I an income from any other employment or other source whatever which amounts to one hundred and fifty dollars per annum, nor do I receive from any source whatever money or other means of support amounting in value to the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars per annum, nor do I own in my own right, nor does any one hold in trust for my benefit or use, nor does my wife own, nor does any one hold in trust for my wife, estate or property, either real, personal or mixed, either in fee or for life, of the assessed value of over one thousand dollars; nor do I receive any aid or pension from any other State, or from the United States, or from any other source, and that I am not an inmate of the Confederate Home, and I do further state that the answers given to the following questions are true: 1. What is your age? 72 years in July 1913 2. Where were you born: In Sioux Co., Tenn. 3. How long have you resided in Texas: Nearly all my life came to Tex since 1856 4. In what county do you reside? Red River 5. How long have you resided in said county and what is your postoffice address? Since 1866 Bagwell, Texas R. F. D. #1 6. Have you applied for a pension under the confederate pension law and been rejected? If rejected, state when and where ____________ 7. What is your occupation, if able to engage in one? Can’t walk without assistance 8. In what State was the command in which you served organized? Texas 9. How long did you serve? give, if possible, the date of enlistment and discharge Enlisted July 27, 1861 at Cleburne then called Buffalo Springs 10. What was the letter of your company, number or name of battalion, regiment or battery? Co. C. 12th Tex Cavalry 11. If transferred from one command to another, give time of transfer, name of command and time of service Served with said Co through the war 12. What branch of the service did you enlist in--infantry, cavalry, artillery or navy? Cavalry 13. If commissioned direct by the President, what was your rank and line of duty? was Private 14. If detailed for special service, under the law of conscription, what was the nature of your service and how long did you serve? Not detailed 15. Have you transferred to others any property of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? No Wherefore your petitioner prays that his application for pension be approved and such other proceedings be had in ****** as are required by law. (Signature of Applicant) J. A. Jackson Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of April, A.D. 1913. Geo Morrison County Judge Red River County, Texas ___________________________ AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES [Note.--There must be at least two credible witnesses.] THE STATE OF TEXAS County of Red River Before me Geo. Morrison, County Judge of Red River County, State of Texas, on this day personally appeared ____________________________, who are personally known to me to be credible citizens, who, being by me duly sworn, on oath state that they personally know J. A. Jackson the above named applicant for a pension, and that they personally know that the said J. A. Jackson has been a bona fide resident citizen of the State of Texas since prior to January 1, A. D. 1880, and that they have no interest in this claim. (Signature of Witness) H. T. Jones (Signature of Witness) T. F. Gaines Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 4th day of April, A. D. 1913 George Morrison County Judge of Red River County, Texas. ___________________________________ AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES (If possible, the two witnesses should have served with the applicant in the army, and, if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath, their source of knowledge; also any information regarding applicant’s army service.) THE STATE OF TEXAS County of Travis Before me Wm Van Rosenberg Jr, County Judge of Travis County, State of Texas, on this day personally appeared John R. Haley and W. H. Kisby who are personally known to me to be credible citizens, who, being by me sworn, on oath state that they are personally acquainted with he foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in his application are correct and true to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and said applicant’s habits are good and free from dishonor. And they further make oath to the following facts touching the applicant’s service in the Confederate Army: (State fully your source of knowledge.) The witness John R. Haley says that he served in the same co. and Regiment with applicant and knows of his more personal knowledge that the applicant served in Co. “C” 12th Texas Cavalry in the Confederacy & served honorably and did not desert said service. The witness W. H. Kisby says that he served in Co. “J” in 12th Texas Cavalry of the Confederate Army during the war, and was acquainted with the applicant and knew him in the service and states that applicant was a member of Co “C” 12 Texas Cavalry & served honorably and did not desert said service. (Signature of Witness) J. R. Haley (Signature of Witness) W. H. his X mark Kisby Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 4th day of June A. D. 1915. J. M. Wood***** County Judge Travis County, Texas _______________________________________ CERTIFICATE OF THE STATE AND COUNTY ASSESSOR I, Chas Grant, State and County assessor in the County of Red River, State of Texas, do certify that J. A. Jackson or his wife, or his trustee, or trustee for his wife, whose name is signed to the foregoing application for a pension, under the Act of the Thirty-first Legislature, approved march 26, A. D. 1909, is charged on the land and personal property rolls of said county with estate, real, personal and mixed, at the assessed value of NOTHING dollars. Given under my hand, this 8 day of April, A.D. 1915 Chas Grant State and County Assessor. _______________________________________ OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS STATE OF TEXAS AUSTIN J. C. JONES, Commissioner To the Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to request the military record of J. A. Jackson who is reported to have enlisted in Company C, Regiment 12 Texas Cav. in service of the Confederate States Army. Purpose: The __________ person named is an applicant for a Confederate pension granted by the State, and I desire to verify his proof of service. Very Respectfully, J. C. Jones Commissioner of Pensions. ______________________________________ WAR DEPARTMENT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE WASHINGTON. June 15, 1915. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions, State of Texas, Austin. The records show that one Janes A. Jackson (name not found as J. A. Jackson), private, Company C, 12th Reg’t Texas Cavalry, C. S. A., enlisted October 28, 1861, and that he deserted July 1, 1864. No further record of him has been found. H. T. A. Cain The Adjutant General. __________________________________ OFFICE OF Commissioners of Pensions State of Texas Austin 8/18/1915 J. C. Jones Commissioner Philip D. Lissner Chief Clerk\ Miss Ella Bassist Ass’t Clerk Adjutant General, Washington D. C. Dear Sir: We are enclosing some further evidence in the name of Janes A. Jackson of Co. C, 12 Reg. Texas Cav. C.S.A., and will ask that you please have this case further examined, and if possible give a more complete record. Thanking you in advance, Yours truly, J. C. Jones Commissioner of Pensions __________________________________ WAR DEPARTMENT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE WASHINGTON August 24, 1915. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions State of Texas, Austin. A further careful search of the records on file in this office, based on the call herewith and the papers and affidavits *inclosed, has resulted in failure to find anything relative to the service of Janes A. Jackson, private, Company C, 12th Reg’t Texas Cavalry, C.S.A., additional to that contained in the communication addressed to the Commissioner of Pensions, State of Texas, on June 15, 1915. It is proper to add, however, that one of the rolls on file for said Company C is hown to have been signed by Benj. Barnes, 1st lieutenant, commanding the company; that one John Haley was 2d lieutenant, of the company, and that one Richard King (also borne as R. King) served therein and deserted January 8, 1864, but the name W.T. Shaw has not been found on any of the rolls of said company on file in tis office. The company was received into the Confederate service on October 28, 1861, date of first roll, and the last company roll is dated December 19, 1864, being that for September 1 to December 31, 1863. Noting additional found. J. P. MCain The Adjutant General 1 incl. * some words were misspelled on the application, I tried to type it with the spelling used on the original copy. ____________________________________ OFFICE OF COMMISSIONERS OF PENSIONS STATE OF TEXAS AUSTIN J. C. JONES COMMISSIONER PHILIP D. LISSNER CHIEF CLERK MISS ELLA BASSIST ASS’T CLERK Hon. Geo. Morrison, Clarksville, Texas, Dear Sir: We will thank you to give us any testimony you may have regarding one J. A. Jackson’s application, whom has applied for a pension; we desire to know his standing in the community, how long you have known him, and will ask that if you feel so inclined, we would like to have a letter of recommendation from you. This party is reported as a Deserter on the records at Washington, D. C. and states to us that there is undoubtedly a mistake; however we do not want to do him an injustice, and neither do we want to put him on the roll if the record is correct. Thanking you in advance to give me a prompt reply to this matter, as convenient, Yours truly, J. C. Jones Commissioner of Pensions Lis. 31893 ___________________________________ COUNTY COURT AND COMMISSIONER’S COURT OF EASTLAND COUNTY, TEXAS OFFICE OF JOE BURKETT COUNTY JUDGE CLYDE L. GARRETT, CLERK EASTLAND, TEXAS, THE STATE OF TEXAS, County of Eastland. Before me, the undersigned authority on this day personally appeared J. R. Haley and after being by me duly sworn, on his oath, deposes and says: That I know J. A. Jackson. Have known him since 1861. He joined the same Company I did. That Company was Co. “C” 12th Texas Cavalry, W. H. Parsons Regiment of Volunteers of Confederate Army. He served nearly four years in the Civil War, and I know that he made a good soldier, and never at any time deserted his post of duty or his command, and he was with said regiment and company when it disbanded on May 20, he was with said regiment and company when it disbanded on May 20, 1865 near Little Brazos. I was then in command of the Company, and had been since Sept. 28, 1864. J. R. Haley Sworn to and subscribed before me by J. R. Haley, on this the 7th day of August, 1915. Joe Burkett County Judge, Eastland Co., Texas 31893 _____________________________ Aug. 12,1915 This is to certify that I served as a member of Company C 12th Texas Cavalry Parsons Brigade Toaus Miss Department Confederate Army from the later part of 1863 to the close of the war and that I knew J. A. Jackson as a member of said company and always found him to be a brave true and faithful soldier to the end of the war. W. T. Shaw Traus Miss _____________ department Subscribed and sworn before me, this the 12th day of August A. D. 1915 George R. Allen Notary Public, County of Tarrant Texas 31893 ______________ [note* this letter is handwritten by J. A. Jackson --I’m sure I didn’t spell some of this exactly like the letter was spelled but did my very best to not change anything-- This will give you enough though to tell if it’s who you are looking for so you can order your copy.. maybe someone else later can figure out what I couldn’t --Glenda Sheppard] Detroit Texas Aug 14, 1915 Mr. John Y Haly My dear old friend I recvd you of the Aug 3, and all so the y I want of answered bu I ben mita set up I hafent bin to my labal in near 3 weeks the I set up by my bead and writen J. Haly and ave to W. Shawn yesterday I hop I will get a hearen soon Dear frind I won moe then glad to hear from you and let me thank you for you kindness to me 2 John I wish I can see you some time may well John true glad you sent me the record I can see morn just what I am accused of but Capt Ben Barnes wo the held cas of it John what has becom of Barnes I havnt hird of him in a long time John I sad I never went home with out papers Capt Ben furnished me with papers to go home to marry a sixten girl but I married a difernt one & Capt trynd __________ I coud take a leaf and be tru all say but let it go I will mak the best of it I can I get my last furlowe in 1865 after we cam in Texas may or Harror order Capt Barnes to draw up and sine it Barnes tird to keep out of sinen the papers but Farrars mad him comadors now J R Haley is known to this if he releet This mar it the old Rock fort in Natchesdaches **** sent home to remount I came E Miller but I see the record dont give eny a cannt of me after July 1, 1864 now JRH mows I am right he was in comand the last of the war & Capt Barnes was at home the last ot the war well thanken you a gain for your kindness to me Thank you all for past favrts yours truly J. A. Jackson hop to hear again (his handwriting was fairly legible compared to lots of I’ve seen) ______________________ (this letter is also handwritten) Estland Texas 8/13/915 Mr. J. C. Jones Dear Sir your communication to hans and contents duly noted first the government is in case as as regerand & J. A. Jackson disision, I hope make out our last muster rolls as** he was not so reported on them and as being present when we even disbanded when a man was absent with a furlow or permit ** alway concidered him present eve had several men on furlow and lots of time these furlows would expire all they had to do was to go to a sargent and get a cirtifficate and send to his Capt so if Jim wasnt with us he was at home protected by a Surgent Cirtifficate: We had other men that diserted Dick King Harry Mongomery Trick Jones you know that it has been fifty years since this transaction and it would be hard to remember every thing! hoping that this will be significant Yours truly J. R. Haley ______________ CLARKSVILLE, TEXAS August 21st, 1915 Hon. J. C. Jones, Commissioner of Pensions, Austin, Texas In Re. J. A. Jackson, Applicant for Pension. Dear Sir:- I certainly donot believe that old man Jackson ever deserted the Confederacy. He didn’t come of that kind of stock. I have seen several applicants met with the records showing the same marked deserter and in every one of these instances that could be run down showed that the record did not speak the truth. In some cases men were absent on duty and did not get back at the appointed time and were thus marked “deserter”! I recall one instance in particular and that was the record of Capt. John Allison who was Captain of a Company in the 11th Texas Regiment. This old Captain was also marked deserter on the Rolls, when in fact the old fellow had spent more than ten thousand dollars of his own money in raising the Company and equipping the same and when the record was shown him, he raised something else and the pension was granted him. I don’t know what you will do in this case: but by the Eternals, I know what I would do. If this old man with two witnesses swore that he did not desert nor voluntarily abandon his post of duty I would take it for granted that the record was erroneously kept as in all probability it was. I don’t belive the old man has sworn a lie nor would for the pitiable little sum of money that he will possibly get at the sun set of life. He is absolutely helpless. He walks on crutches and has for years so that if there is any man Texas who actually need a pension more and one in my opinion, more worthy to receive it I don’t know who it is. None I am sure(over) who has ever filed before me. Respectfully, Geo. Morrison __________________________________ * this letter is also handwritten W. O. DIFFIE LAWYER DETROIT, TEXAS, 8 / 23 / 1915 Dr A. C. Olnis Austin Texas Dear Dr. how are you by now Well I Hope I _____________ am as well as common, have been out 10 miles in the contry to see an old confederate Soldier J. H. Jackson of Co. C. 12 Texas and he Showed me Several letters from you he Applid for a Pension and he tells me you have rendered him much help. but his application was rejected and only thing that was Louis* him was the word rejected on acct of your war record he is much troubled ovr it he Served to the cose of the war was in the Last Battle in which his Co was ever ingaged on Yellow Bayou La he Showed me a letter W. T. Shaw of Fort Worth Ark. Gen M Shaw remembered J. A. Jackson well and that he was a True soldier & was with him to the last Battle also Lieutent John R. Haley of Eastland Texas was Mr Jackson Lieutenet last year of the war and I read a letter from him to Private JR Haley dated 7/30/15 in which the Leiutenant said J A Jackson was a true soldier and is ok Mr Jackson was struck with Paralasys in 1908 and has been Helpless evr sicne he a Pauper his wife washes for bread and often dont have bred to eat. he has some Small children too he lives in a poor part of our county people have helped them by donation he past 76 old and he has all ways been a True Confederate Soldier So Considered by his comrades Dr I know you have your hands full. But I want to Say to you I never so a man & family in harder Shape and I feel like you will take pleasure in seeing our Pension Commisioner and find out what is the matter. I know of three cases Soldiers Who was rejected on war record not Proved beyond all dout they remained True to last hour Dr. I would not under ordinary circumstances bouther you with a letter like this but my heart was tuchd at the Sight of this old Confederate Soldeir Who cant live at best but a few days & he is Suffering for Food and Clothing is out the question and my Heart goes out for him and I could not help trying to do somthing to aid him I want you to See that Commonder in person you Know me and can vouch for my word. Go See the Curmmisone and telll him who I am you might **** Treasurer E d words (Strets Treasurer) he knows me and will vouch for me and I will Say now after careful consideration I believe Mr J. A Jackson remained true to the last cause if the commissioner will give him a new hearing the comrades state Mr Jackson has found will furnish Satisfactory proof of Mr Jackson Loyalty to the End Excuse Pencil I am you old Friend WO Diffie ______________________________ (*this letter is also handwritten) Stamped at top DEAD Detroit, Texas 5/14/1916 J. C. Jones Pension Commisoner Austin Texas Dear Sir J. A. Jackson of Red River County Who drew a Pension under his application No 31893 approved August 27 1815 died April 19th 1916 had not filled out and sent in his last Affidavit He Leaves a Widow & Minor Children can they draw the amt due him on the last quarter if So Kindly inform me What is Required to get the amt the widow is in destitue circumstances AndAblyr you Very Truly W. O. Diffie Detroit Texas Rt D No 2 __________________________________________________ 5/17/1916 Mr. W. O. Diffie Detroit, Texas. Dear Sir:- In reply to your letter of the 14 inst., beg to state that the Atty. General Department, has ruled that when a pensioner dies prior to the end of the quarter for which warrant is issued, that said warrant cannot be endorsed nor collected, by any one, but must be returned to the State Treasurer for cancellation. In accordance with the above ruling, beg to state that as I understand the conditions, the warrant cannot be collected, although it is mailed him by the Comptroller at the end of this month. Would suggest that you have the widow file her application at once, and thereby avoid missing another quarter. Yourstruly, J. C. Jones, Commissioner. Lis. ________________________________________________ TEXAS CONFEDERATE HOME AUSTIN, Aug 6, 1915 Dr. A. C. Oliver, Superintendent Dr. T. F. Moore, Surgeon W. G. Dollahite, Storekeeper Mr. J. C. Jones, Austin, Texas. Dear Sir: I am enclosing you herewith War Department Record of one J. A. Jackson, which you were kind enough to send me. I thank you for your courtesy. Very truly, A. C. Oliver Supt. ___________________________________________________ OFFICE OF Adjutant General and Chief of Staff Fort Worth, Texas Aug 12, 1915 Dear Comrade Haley, Complying with your request I herewith hand you affidavit testifying to comrade Jackson’s record as a soldier and I sincerely trust you will be able to get him registered as a pensioner as he deserves. Your Comrade W. T. Shaw ________________________________________ [Note:- this letter is handwritten and very difficult to read, the writing is really good but the spelling is hard to figure out. You really need to see the original and see what I have typed together to figure it out. I’m trying not to put my interpretation in but type it the way it is originally. GS-Transcriber] Detroit, Texas July 1, 1915 Hon. J. C. Jones Austin Tex Dear Sir you of the 11 of June at hand say to hear the bad news. my Dear sir and friend I never went home with out leve. I got a furlow in July I believe or at least in the summer of 64 to go home I stayed Wel* over my time I married my first wife Mrs. Elizabeth J. Turpen in Ellis County stayed 2 weeks went back to Confeds in LA stayed (stad) all winter in the spring of 1865 I got a sick furlow went home I again was at home when the war end in May. The Rigtg com in home spring of in 1866 I moved my wife to Red River County where I have lived ever since I was in the first Battle the Redg men was in at Cotton Plant. A. K. July 7/62 my first Capt J. W Neal fell I haf take him off I was in gadg in the cuche Vill fit La all so nactish Very other war ingadg in yalrn Byeu 18 of May 64 where my section Capt Thomas Haley fell he did at his home the fall Faern my Dear Sir I never was Punished by Arna low or Sihel I never had a cas in District Cort in my life Tho I am nearly 74 year old. I am in a Very hard Shap hafent bin abel to walk sene 1908 I am a vary Por man have wife 4 small children spen all I had for meals ad sene I bin sick I bin in this condishen my Dear frend I send you a letter I Recvd of my old comby Dr Matthews I was a nurs in the hospital at the OK Ridg when Dr Matthews lanced that ulser in 1863 Now my Dear Sir I cant see why this Report was started it surprised me vary much well a nuff at Present yours truly J. A. Jackson Rout 2 Box 92 Detroit Tex PS my new Box in in Bagwell Rout is 3 mile distan R2 from Detroit is in haf mile of me so Pleas send my mail to Detroit R 2 Box 72 ________________________________________ [*Note:- another handwritten letter] Dr. Thos. M. Matthews, Sr. Athens, Texas, July 29th, 1907 Mr. J. A. Jackson Bagwell Texas My Dear Friend and old comrade Your very kind and much appreciated letter of the 23 inst came yesterday, and to show you I was glad to get it I write you at once. It is a very difficult matter for me to recall to memory all the boys with whom I was associated in the army. And but for the circumstances which you mention of my lancing that abeys for you at Oak Ridge (or Guru Ridge I think it was called by both names) I would hardly remember you. Are you not mistaken about our being in the battle at Mans = field? If you remember our Parsons Brigade was held in reserve at or near Hallsville in Harrison County, either to go to help Gust Price or Taylor, and the day after the Pleasant Hill Battle we were ordered to follow Banks army down Red River, and Guru foolishly fought the Guru boats at Blaire Sanding, where he was killed. There we bought Banks rear guard at Clocheyville, and Monettes Farry, where E**** Bee ran off and let the Yankers crop after they had stacked their arms and burn some of their wagons to surrender. If Bee Hadn’t been a coward we would have captured Banks and his army right there. Our Brigade then followed, fighting nearly ever day. You will remember that where the Yanks got ready to leave Alexandria LA, they drove our little comand out of the Red River bottom at McNutts hill, and we followed on and lead the Yellow Bayou fight, which was one of the bloodiest of the war, at least on this side of the Mississippi. It is hard for me to recall the incidents of those time of the long ago, and it troubles me that I can’t remember the names and faces of more of the boys. I tried my best to be kind to and tender with them, and I am glad to believe that I had but few if any enemies in the brigade. There will be a reunion of the Brigade on Aug 1st at Hillsboro. I wish I could go to it, but I cannot. It will be so hot and I am not strong enough to try it. I am now nearly 78 years old, and while my general health is fairly good, I am getting feebler every day. I cannot do any thing or walk much without getting out of breath. I have not accumulated much of this worlds good- am a poor man, but I feel that we all have a good home in the Confederate Home, at Austin where in case of necessity we can go and be cared for and finally laid to rest by loving hands. But I’ve written enough and again thanking you for your letter of remembrance I am. Your old comrade, Thos. M. Matthews S r.