Abstracts of information from Confederate pension applications of soldiers or widows.
- Mary Tennessee Acuff--Bledsoe Co. TN
- Leander P. Frizzell- Rutherford Co. TN
- James Fulks--Bedford Co. TN
- Rebecca Fulks-Bedford Co. TN
- Lawson H. Hillis-Van Buren Co. TN
- John Hitchcock-Van Buren Co. TN
- Mary Elizabeth King-Dekalb Co. TN
- W.R. King- Dekalb Co., TN
- J.H. Mahaffey-Dekalb Co. TN
- Florence Pitman-Warren Co. Tn
- James K. P. Robinson--Coffee Co. TN
- N.E. Stephenson-Bedford Co. TN
- Martha Walling-Warren Co. TN
- Shelby Walling--Van Buren Co TN
- America Ward-Warren Co TN
- Rufus Ward-Van Buren Co TN
These applications were viewed from the microfilm collection of Wallace State College's Genealogy Collection (located on the 5th floor)at the campus in Hanceville, Alabama. I previously had these files on my Freepages Genealogy Website that was hosted at Rootsweb. You can now access the TN Confederate Pension files at Familysearch.org (Log on required for some portions of the site but it is free) This post should give you an idea of the type of information found in those files. Please check out the digital images of the originals at FamilySearch for these and other pension applications.
Confederate Pensions were paid by the States not the Federal Government. Also, keep in mind that they were filed in the state of residence which may or may not be the state in which they served. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state. The states which paid Confederate Pensions were Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Mary Tennessee Acuff--Bledsoe Co. TN Widow's Pension Application #7838
Mary Tennessee Acuff Filed May 13, 1922
widow of James Hamable Acuff(Note: notation along the side that Mary died March 3, 1934)Residence Pikeville Route 1 Bledsoe County Tennessee residents of the state of Tennessee since birth April 4, 1857, born in Roane County TennesseeHusband, James Hamable Acuff, was born January 5, 1845
We were married at my mother's home in Roane Co. TN by John H. Denton MG
Enlisted in the spring of 1862 near Cumberland Gap Oak Springs Post Office.
Co. F 2nd Reg Cal and served over two years
He crossed TN River with Gen John Wheeler on a Raid through Sequatchie Valley where
he burned a wagon train. He went by home and (rest is illegible)
He died Oct 30, 1921 at his home
9 Children 7 boys and 2 girls
Hon B. Dead Jas F.(40) Sarah J.(38) David H.(34) John S.(31) Robt B(27) Scott(20)
Albert Sidney(18)
James Acuff also borne as J. H. Acuff Pvt Co. F(Ashby's) TN Cav CSA
Enlisted Nov 24, 1862 at Pikeville Tennessee on Muster Roll Nov and Dec
1864(last on file) is shown Absent without leave no later record has been
found Robert C. Davis The Adj. Gen.
in Bledsoe County Tennessee
Leander P. Frizzell--Rutherford Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #315
L. P. Frizzell Soldier's Pension S315
Carlocksville, Rutherford Co. TN
Co. A. 44th TN Inf Reg.
Wounded in battle at Chickamauga
Lost Right leg -- cut off just below the knee
Born in TN Aug 1835
Enlisted at Wartrace in Capt Haggards Co.
Williamson Haggard
Col McDonald (1st col)
John Fulton (last col)
Where were you til close of war?
"Was in hospital most of the time"
Dr. Jackson
Married but wife is now dead.
Family consists of himself and 6 children
Oldest is 18. Next is 17..15....13...11...8
All girls
What have you done to support yourself and family over
the past 5 yrs.?
Try to Farm & mend shoes.
------June 11th 1891
Attorney is Sparks & Sparks
James R. Frizzell--witness
[Marie's notes:--- this is James Ruben Frizzell,
Leander's brother who was in the war in the same
Co. A 44th Reg.]
Statement by J. B. Murphee
Loss of right leg caused by a gunshot wound received
in service of the Confederate States Army. Leg amputated
4 or 5 inches above the ankle. For the past 3 yrs he has
suffered with a troublesome cough. In my opinion he is
unfit for manual labor and disability is permanent.
J. B. Murphee..physician
Frank White ...clerk
[Marie's notes:----D. C. Taylor(Leander's brother-in-law
who was married to Mary Elizabeth Frizzell) is also
mentioned on the statement which is given by witness'
but that form only has their names and none of the
questions answered. Perhaps Leander's statements were enough. ]
James Fulks--Bedford Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #10351
James M. Fulks
Co. E. 4th Tenn Cav. (McLemore's)
Born Rutherford County TN Oct 1, 1841
Enlisted 1861
Fought at Chickamauga, Richmond KY and about all of the battles that
was involved in. No disability or wounds
Was paroled at the surrender in NC
April 6 or 26th 1865
Family?
Self, wife and 3 children.
2 boys 1 girl
Wife 53 children 15, 19, 21
Engaged in farming
May 15th 1908
Note on Pension that J.M Fulks died Nov 22, 1918
Rebecca Fulks--Bedford Co. TN Widow's Pension Application #7096
Rebecca J. Fulks
December 26, 1918
Widow of J.M. Fulks
married August 27th 1882
Bell Buckle Route 1
Rebecca Fulks of Bell Buckle, Bedford County TN
How long have you been a Resident of TN? All of my life
Born Oct 25, 1853 Rutherford County Near Howen Gap
Maiden Name? Rebecca Drake
Husband died Nov 22, 1918
5 children 3 girls and 2 boys
John 35, Mattie 33 yrs, Jessie 31 yrs, J. A. 29 yrs, B.B. 25 yrs
Property?
Some. Small Farm that my husband owned when his pension was granted
valued at $400. My only income is what this farm produces.
Have you a family?
My son J.R. Fulks; dau Jessie. My son has bought piece of land on credit
and owes for it.
Name of someone we can write to about your case.
T. F. Smalling
Dec 17, 1918
Marriage of Rebecca J. Drake & James M. Fulks
Solemized on Aug 27 1882 by J. M. Hoover
License taken out on Aug 26th 1882.
Lawson H. Hillis--Van Buren Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #7356
Confederate Soldier Pension Application 7356
Lawson Hillis
Co. E. 38th Reg TN
Lawson H. Hillis now a resident of
Laurelburg, Van Buren Co. TN
Enlisted in Murray's Batallion afterwards consolidated
with John C. Carter's 38th TN Reg.
I was wounded in the battle of Chickamauga on the 19th day of Sept 1863.
Born in Van Buren Co. TN in 1841
Enlisted about April 1862.
T. B. Murray was colonel and M. P. Wood was captain.
I led my company in the battle in which I was wounded.
Murray & Wood were not there.
Lost no limb Wound in Arm cramps hands and prevents manual labor.
Wound in side very painful.
Were you incapacitated from army by reason of said wound of disability?
Yes
Were you discharged by reason of said wound?
No
Dr. Ausinburg treated him.
Family consists of a wife and four children
Wife is 52 yrs old Children are 15, 13, 11 and 8.
There are 3 boys and one girl.
None of the children are able to support him.
In what business?
Farming as much as I can. Barely a living.
No real estate. Only a few household & Kitchen furniture
Wife's estate
53 acres of rough mountain side land valued at $250
How have you supported your family for the last 5 yrs?
By farming as best I could & from help from older sons who are now gone.
Do you use intoxicants? No
Resident of the state of TN all of my life.
Attorney looking after this application
will be Jas. M. Brady, Spencer TN (signed Aug 1, 1904)
=============================================================
Statement by Dr. Titus Page give to A. J. Sparkman July 3, 1905
Lawson H. Hillis,
Weak worn out man, I have been his family physician for about
35 yrs and know him to be ruptured and is physically incapacitated
to do manual labor.
=============================================================
J. C. Grissom & W. P. Hillis
make oath to the following facts touching on the applicants
service in the Confederate Army. (Statements given to A. J.
Sparkman July 3, 1905)
J. C. Grissom states that he was with Lawson H. Hillis
when the later was shot in the arm at the battle of
Chickamauga, both being in the Confederate service.
W. P. Hillis was with said applicant during the war
both having engaged in the Confederate Service.
Grissom was within 10-15 feet of Hillis when the later was shot
=============================================================
Wounded in the battle of Chickamauga Sept 19, 1863 he went to his
kinfolk on the edge of GA but that before he was able to rejoin the
army on acct of said wound he Army had left and that he was
afterwards paroled at McMinnville, TN but doesn't remember the
date. His parol papers are now mislaid and he is now unable to
find. After being wounded he was captured by the Federal soldiers
before he was able to catch up to Army which he belonged to. The
best of his recollection, he was parolled in 1864
=============================================================
Statements by James Mays(age 73) & Jasper Mayfield(age 68) of
Scott Co. TN Post Office Oneida, TN that basically restate that
Lawson served in the Confederate Army.
=============================================================
Another Statement by Lawson Feb 23 1909
Painville, TN
Fought Battle fo the South my Blood was shed out of my body I tuck
command of Captain M. B. Wood's company at Chattanooga. I led in
the Big Battle of Chickamauga on the morning of Sept 19, 1863 on
that day I was wounded.
=============================================================
Nashville TN Nov 23 1906
Lawson H. Hillis
Woods Co. Murray Battalion TN Inf 38th Reg CSA
It is show by the records of this office that L. H. Hillis(not
borne as Lawson Hillis) served as a private Co. F. Murry's
(also called 22nd) Battalion, TN Infantry CSA. A muster roll
of the company dated April 30 1864(last on which borne)
shows him "absent deserted and ordered dropped from rolls
by the war dept." No later record of him has been found nor has
his name been found on the rolls on fine in this Dept. of the 38th TN Inf. CSA.
=============================================================
April 18, 1914 Painville, TN
Message from L. H. Hillis
I am in the land that I found for and lost what I had for
the lost cause. I am 73 yrs old. My Children all have
families of their own. I and my wife are living alone.
She is also old and weakly. I have no one to help me.
My blood was shed for the lost cause. There is men on
the pension rolls drawing pensions that never did see a
battle field that are on the Pension Rolls and I no
them. It looks like that you could afford to grant me
a pension. A man that had any blood shot out of me for
the lost cause. I ask you to help me old brother. I am
not able to work for my living.
I am a member of the Christian Church. Grace & Faith
are the great words of the Gospel they are written on
two pillars which stand before the temple of the almighty.
Gentlemen, I was a member of the Van Buren Co. Court 33 yrs.
I got old and had to stept out on account of old age.
---L. H. Hillis
John Hitchcock--Van Buren Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #1240
John Hitchcock Cane Ridge TN
Shelton Hill near Corinth Miss. May 18, 1862.
In head & left side. Minnie ball in head &
buckshot or pistol ball in side.
Wounded Shelton Hill in side and my head.
Chickamauga in hip.
Was not discharged could not of gotten home if I had been.
Dr. Watson(note: hard to read)
7 children
Wife 44 oldest child 35 youngest 4 yr old
Boys 5 Girls 2
Some personal property 2 horses, 9 head hogs, 2 cows and
some household effects.
Wife inherited land valued at $600
Support?
By work of self and family.
Attorney
W.H. Head Cane Ridge TN March 18, 1893
Witness
A.J. Parkes
John M. Johnson
Letter from John Hitchcock stating he wants
them to reconsider his application for pension.
Said that his earlier pension was denied because
of no funds. He is now 64. His two children are
married & left and he is dependent upon self and has
less property.
Jno. Hitchcock May 29, 1906
Cane Ridge Van Buren TN
Member of the Thirty-fifth TN Regiment CSA
I was wounded in battle or battles at Shelton
Hill twist(sic) once in the head and once in
left lung. Battle of Chicamauga in left hip.
I was born on 23rd day of September 1838 in the
county of Warren state of Tennessee.
I enlisted of 25th day of Aug 1861
Marion Cumming was my Capt.
B.J. Hill was my Col.
The ball entered at the eft of my spine passing
through my left lung. I was also wounded in the top
of the head. Also wounded in the left glutal region
I suffer a great deal from the wound through my lungs.
The ball is yet in my body. My disability is permanent.
I get less able to do manual labor each year.
No, I was not able for service for about 4 months
after I was shot through the lung.
Were you discharged? "No"
Surgeon who attended you? Woodward.
I was paroled at Sharlet(sic) NC in the year 1865.
Did you take the oath of alliegence to U.S. government?
"No, it did not suit me to take that oath."
Married? "yes"
How many in your family?
"4, one girl and one boy, my wife and myself.
My wife is 61, my girl is 19. my boy is 17.
Are your children able to support you? No
What business are you engaged in?
Farming. I can earn about 20 Cents per day.
I have 2 horses worth $40 and one cow worth $15
125 acres of land valued at $400.
How have you supported yourself and your family for
the last 5 years?
By farming.
Do you use intoxicants?
No
How long have you been a resident of Tennessee?
All my life.
Who is your attorney?
H. C. Cotton Cane Ridge April 24, 1906
Statement from Dr. J. C. Morgan M.D.
Telling of three wounds that John sustained while
in the Confederate Army. Dr. says he can find no
exit wound on the wound thru his lung. Says that
John has a severe cough and that his disability is
equal to the loss of an arm and his disability is
permanent. April 24, 1906
Noterized by A. J. Sparkman Clerk
T.B. Sparkman & Lewis Shockley
Served with applicants April 24th 1906
Letter from H. C. Cotton Dec 10, 1906
Mr. Hitchcock says in regard to the place that he
was paroled that he gave up his gun at or near Charlotte
NC and he supposed that his parole would correspond with
the place that he surrendered. He also states that after
he gave up his gun that the army marched some distance to
Greensboro NC and he says it might be possible that they
never received his parole. His recollection is not very
clear on this part.
Nov. 1st 1919
Makes request for increase of $5 extra to soldiers over
80 yrs of age. I was born in Warren Co. TN Sept 23, 1838
and am therefore in my 82nd yr. --- Creek Tenn
Letter from Jas. M. Brady--June 25th 1921
States that John Hitchcock died Jan 4th 1921 and
that Sam Hitchcock is the Admin. of his estate.
War Dept
It is shown by the records of this office that John
Hitchcock priv. Co. C 35th Inf CSA enlisted Sept 6, 1861
and is reported on roll for March & April 1864 last on
file as 5th Sgt present Prisonerof War records show he was
parolled as private Co. F. 3rd Consol. TN INF CSA Greensboro
May 1 1865
Mary Elizabeth King--Dekalb Co. TN Widow's Pension Application #7936
Mary Elizabeth King Dowelltown, Dekalb Co. TN
Born Mary Elizabeth Vanatta Near Alexandria TN 1853 Dec. 25th
Husband Born Wm. Robert King near Liberty Dekalb Co. TN.
Marr. at Liberty
Husband died March 4 1923 at Dowelltown, TN
They were married Dec 4th 1913 by R. L. Bell
Wm. R. King Co. A 24th TN INF CSA
Enlisted Aug 24, 1861 at Camp Trousdale for 10 months
Roll dated Aug 31, 1862(last on which he appears) is reported sick in
hospital at Tuscaloosa, AL.
The Records also show that one W. R. King was a member of Co. F. of said
Reg. enlisted on Dec 14, 186_ in Bowling Green his final record is that of
a deserter.
Claim was not allow because she didn't marry the soldier prior to 1890
(dated 1924)
W.R. King--Dekalb Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #4601
W. R. King applied Dec 22, 1902
A resident of Halesville, Dekalb Co. TN
Enlisted in Co. A. 24th Reg TN Vol Wounded at Shilough & after battle at Perryville was transferred to the Allison Squadron was wounded in the hip at Chikamauga and not had
good use of hip at no time since. At this time and for several years have almost lost use of that leg.
Born in Canon(sic) Co. TN in year 1835 Enlisted sometime in 1861
Married my family consists of 3 people--myself, my wife and one idiot boy 44 yr old. Wife is 67 yrs old My youngest child is abt 30 yrs old. I had seven children 4 boys and 3 girls.
Are your children able to support you? "They are not. None of my children own any land except one and he's is worth about 4 hundred dollars. I live on his little farm. What little I do is on the farm. I cannot earn a respectable support.
Do you use intoxicant? No Not tasted one drop in Ten Years. Sworn
Affidavit I was sent to Rock Island, Ill prison in Nov 1863 and remained there until 17th day of April 1865. I was in barrack Number 7. I stubbornly refused to go out until after the surrener. I was informed the war was over and I could go out on my parole of honor which I did. --Aug 4, 1903
Letter to Pension Dept by Wm. states that he was born on the 7th
day of Aug in 1832 and that he feels he is entitled to an increase in
pension under the Act of 1919 which gives pensioners over the age
of 80 yrs a $5 increase
War Dept Records Statement The Records show that William R. King Priv. Co. A. Allison's Squadron TN Cal CSA enlisted June 15, 1863 at Alexandria TN to server 3 years and that he was captured at Rock Springs Church Georgia Jan 4, 1864(date of capture also stated as June 14, 1864) His name appears on an oath of allegiance subscribed & sworn to at Rock Island Barracks April 1, 1865.
J. H. Mahaffey--Dekalb Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #4931
J. H. Mahaffey File April 30th, 1903
Resident of Citadel Dekalb Co. TN
Co. C. 23rd Regt Tenn INF
Wounded in Murfreesboro TN
I was struck by two part os a bombshell on both shoulders
My gun was on right shoulder and was torn to pieces. The
Shell penetrated my blkt six fold deep causing much injury
to said shoulder from the effects of which I have never
recovered also effecting my breast.
Born in Wilson Co. TN(date not given)
enlisted July 1861 in Co. "C' 22nd TN Inf Reg.
I was slightly wounded at Shilough and seriously wounded at
Murfreesboro by the explosion of a bomb shell on both shoulders
and breast. We had been fighting in the center of my command
was moving to strenghthen the left wing when I received the wound.
Precise Nature of Wound?
By the explosion of the shell I was hit with two pieces. One on each
shoulder as above stated. Lost no limb. The disability caused by the
wound has been progressive. The pains in my left shoulder are now severe
and I can scarely sleep at night. I was not able for service for a period
of about 3 months. Was not discharged but was paroled to go home in Sept.
Size of Family
Five
I have a widowed daughter and the two children. My wife is 60 yrs old
and their mother is in feeble health. Age of one is 2 yrs old and the
other is 2 months old. --April 28, 1903
Florence Pitman--Warren Co. TN Widow's Pension Application #11020
Widow's Confederate Pension Application
of Florence A. Pitman widow of David Pitman
Filed Sept 31 1938
Added to pension roll Oct 26, 1938
Rt #2 Rock Island TN Warren Co.
David Pitman & . F. A. Prater
united by R. E. Wright Evangelist.
Aug 14, 1906 Marr. Record Book 1904-5 Page 427
States that David died about 15 or 18 yrs ago
(Note: he died Feb 11, 1922)
Records of this office show that one David Pitman Private
Company A 16th Reg. TN Infantry CSA enlisted May 18, 1861
Company muster roll dated at Chattanooga TN July 18, 1863,
last on which borne, show that he deserted May 5, 1863
No record of capture, parole or later record of him has
been found.
Florence died 9:05 Jan 9th 1957
Avo Rille Pettie
Route 1 Box 121 Harvest AL
Jas. K. P. Robinson--Coffee Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #7259
Jas. K. P. Robinson
July 26, 1905
17th TN Inf Co. D
Chickamauga Chronic Diarrhea
Born Bedford Co. TN in yr 1845
Enlisted about 1863 in 23 TN IN Vol Co. "D"
Wound was a gunshot (spent ball) in arm
(left) my disability chronic diarrhea.
Lost no limbs but contracted chronic diarrhea.
I suppose it is perminant or at least has been.
Not all the time but periodically.
Wound partly disabled me but I stayed in service til close.
Was paroled at surrender of Genl R. E. Lee at Appomatox
Did you take the Oath of Allegience? No
Married? "Yes"
Family? "Wife and myself."
Wife's age 56 no children living with us.
Children's gender?
3 males and 4 females
Are your children able to support you?
Not and do justice to themselves.
Am a farmer but can't say that I make anything much.
I have a small farm worth perhaps $275
Property Accessment for Jas. K.P. Robinson & Mrs. E. E. Robingson
100 acres $275
July 17, 1908
J. H. Alderman signs an affadavit saying that J.K.P. Robinson
was with the 23rd Reg. and Co. D when paroled at Appomatox and on
his way home was left at a farm house sick with comrade. F. M. Kellen
of Same Reg. and Company. Sworn to July 21 1906 Jno E. Justice
N.E. Stephenson--Bedford Co. TN Widow's Pension Application #59
Mrs. N.E. Stephenson
June 21 1905
Widow of Wm. H. Stephenson
7th TN Infantry
Beechgrove Bedford County TN
What is your name and where do you reside?
"N.E. Stephenson. I reside in Bedford County
3/4 from Beechgrove Coffee Co."
How long have you been a resident of the state?
"All my life"
When & where were you born and what was your maiden name?
"Born in Coffee Co. in 1848 N.E. Porter"
When & Where was your husband born--state his full
name, and where were you and he married and who performed the
marriage ceremony? Born in Bedford County Tennessee;
William Harrison Stephenson
Married in Coffee County Tennessee in 1865. James Taylor."
[Note written on side of application--The Courthouse was burned in Coffee Co.
in 1868 and can not forseeably get marriage certificate.]
When and where and in what Company and Regiment did your husband enlist
or serve during the war between the States?
"Enlisted at Millersburg, Rutherford County the first year of the war
2nd Tennessee Bates Reg. Co. F"
How long did your husband serve in said Company and Regiment?
"clear through the war"
When and where did your husband's Company and Regiment surrender?
"Can't say when and where they surrendered."
Was Husband present at the time and place with his Company and Regiment
surrendered? "Yes"
If not whith his command at surrender, state clearly
and specifically where he was when he left command for
what cause and by what authority
"He was in prison; captured and put in prison."
When and where did your husband die?
"He Died in Bedford County in Feb. 1901"
At the time of your husband's death were you living with him as his lawful wife?
"yes"
Have you married since the death of your soldier husband? "No"
9 Children--5 girls and 4 boys
Ages: 38, 36, 34, 30, 28, 25, 20, 17
What property, real or personal, or income do you have or possess, and its gross value?
"I have a small place very little personal property. Land accessed at $900"
Do you have a family?
"I have 5 children and 2 grandchildren"
Support?
"I have none except from the little farm. Have no lands or other property."
June 13, 1905 N.E. Stephenson
H.R. Simmons Notary Public of Coffee Co. TN
Questions for Witnesses
Abe McMahon & R. L. Howland
How long have you known N.E. Stephenson?
Abe: "45 yrs" Howland: "10 yrs"
Where does she reside and how long and since when has she been a resident
of this State?
"Near Beechgrove all her life."
When and where was she born?
"She was born in Coffee Co. N.E. Porter"
When and by whom were they married?
"married 1865"
Where you acquainted with her husband?
"We Were"
When and where was he born?
"Born in Bedford County 1st Dist"
When and where did W.H. Stephenson enlist in the war between the States,
and in what company and Regiment did he enlist, and how do you know this?
"Enlisted in Co. F 2nd Tenn Reg.(Bates Reg.) 1861 in May. We were in the
same company"
When and where was his Company & Regiment surrendered?
"Captured in July '64. The Company was all captured at Peach
Tree Creek in July 19, 1864 but one man."
Were you with the command when it surrendered?
"R.L.H was but Abe McMahon was not."
Was William H. Stephenson present?
"Yes he was"
When and where did he leave his command and for what cause?
"Captured and sent to Camp Douglas"
When and where did he die?
"Bedford County Tennessee near Beechgrove in 1901"
War Dept. Washington
March 26, 1906
The Records show that William H. Stephenson, sergent,
company F 2nd Tennessee Infantry CSA enlisted April 25,
1861 and the he was released from confinement at Camp
Douglas Illinois.June 17, 1865
Martha Walling--Warren Co. TN Widow's Pension Application #8270
Martha Walling Filed May 14, 1925
Widow of Shelby Walling 16th TN Inf
Martha Walling Campaign Warren County Tennessee
Resident of TN all my life except 3 yrs.
Born 1841 in Van Buren County Tennessee Maiden name Fleming.
Husband Born 1844 in White County Tennessee
How long was your husband a resident of Tennessee?
All of his life but 3 yrs spent in Texas
Married Shelby Walling in Van Buren County Tennessee
William Rhodes Solemized Dec 25, 1860
Husband enlisted Oct 1862 Co. I 16th TN Reg
How long did your husband serve in that Company and Regiment?
"Until close of war"
When and where did your husband die?
"April 2, 1925"
Children? Eight
Five Boys and 3 girls
One died at age 22
63, 61, 59, 57, 54, 52, 43
Property? House & Lot Value $500 no income
Do you have family?
Yes myself and my oldest daughter who is 63 with no property
or income.
What is the name and address of someone we can write about your case?
J.W. Elkins Campaign
May 11 1925
Shelby Walling --Van Buren Co. TN Soldier's Pension Application #1147
Shelby Walling Soldier's Pension Application #1147
Filed November 10, 1892
Citizen of TN and resident of Bone Cave in the County of Van Buren
in the state of Tennessee.
Member of Company "O" 16th Reg. TN Vol
Wounded at the Battle of Murfreesboro or Stones River
in the left side of the head with a minnie bullet
Said bullet remaining in my head & is there which
wound is unhealed & running, discharging mucus
at intervals until the present time.
Born: White Co. TN 1842
Enlisted Sept 1862
16th Reg. TN Vol.
John H. Savage Col
Benjamin Randers Capt.
Jas. Worthington 1st Lt.
Wounded 31st December 1862
On the left side of my head with minnie bullet.
The wound still runs and is permenant.
Unable to do service afterwards.
Where were you at close of war?
"At home in White Co. TN"
Surgeon that attended you?
"T. H. Smith Now Dead"
Have you married?
"yes"
If so what is the size of your family?
"8 children"
Wife age 50 Oldest Child 30 Youngest Child 11
3 girls and 5 boys
What business are you engaged in
"Farming(my family is) ordinary support"
What is your own estate?
"$400 real estate and some personal property"
Wife has no property
How have you supported family for the last 5 yrs?
"farming"
How long have you been a resident of TN?
"All my life except for 5 yrs in Texas.
In '74 moved there--came back '79"
------------------------------------
(Note: next section filled out later)
Present size of family
"Six myself, wife 3 girls age 32, 21, 18 and one boy 12."
8 Children in all 5 girls 3 boys
32, 30, 27, 25, 23, 21, 18, 12"
(Note: there are G's and B's under the ages given. The boys
were age 27, 25 and 12)
Farmer making about $75 a yr.
Signed May 7th 1894 by W. E. Shockley & Nannie Shockley
April 14, 1925--Letter from J. A. Grissom of Campaign, TN
advising of Shelby's Death saying that Shelby left a widow who
is aware that she qualified for widow's pension & asks that they
send papers necessary to file for that pension.
America Ward--Warren Co. TN Widow's Pension Application # 5391
Widow of Rufus Ward W5391 Filed in Warren Co
America Ward Rock Island, Warren Co. TN
Resident of the State for 58 yrs
Maiden Name and birth info:
America Welsh Dayton, Rhea Co. TN Oct 16th 1856
Where and when was husband born and who performed the ceremony:
born 1834 in Van Buren Co. TN Rufus Ward, Esq Wm Acuff
Enlisted in Co. G 16th TN was in Co. about 1 1/2 yrs
When & Where did husband die 1905 White Co. TN
They have 5 children together
2 boys and 3 girls Boys ages 32, 31 Girls 21, 17(might be 19 writing bad)
one girl deceased.
Name of a Friend that would be willing to have us write about your case
Sam Worthington, Laurelburg TN
signed America Ward
Witness C. M(or W) Mooneyham
according to statement by C. W. Mooneyham
Rufus enlisted May 1861 Co. G. 16th TN
he knows because he was there when he enlisted.
Co. surrendered 1865 in North Carolina
Mooneyham wasn't at surrender as he was out on detail
Rufus left command 1862 in SC for disability for duty.
Signed Statement made on April 10 1914
Martain Odle
Sarha Odle (sic)
We were present at the Marriage of Amercia Walch to Rufus Ward
in April 1880 & Certify that she is now his widow
Rufus Ward--Van Buren Co. TN Soldier's Pension # 453
Rufus Ward
Cane Ridge, Van Buren Co. TN
Co. "I" 16th Reg. TN Vol.
Loss of eye sight and hearing from exposure and sickness
contracted in the West Virginia Campaign around Huttonsville,
Huntersville and Big Sewell Mountain.
Born: March 4th 1835 in Van Buren Co. TN
[ Note added by Marie birth would have been in one of
parent counties of Van Buren]
Enlisted Mary 1861 Company I 16th Reg TN Vol
Col. John H. Savage Commanding Capt Harmon York
1st Lt G. B. Johnson Lt. A. T. Sultry & Mort Woods Co. Officers.
Was in Battle near of Huttonsville on the Tagerts Valley.
Discharged honorably on Surgeons Cert. in SC.
Surgeon 16th Reg. Dr. I T. Reid Chattanooga
while in Army. Dr. Huse Rodgers after coming out
of Army(Rodgers now lives in Illinois)
Rufus is married with wife and 1 children
Wife age 30 Children ages 9, 8 and 2 yrs old.
His Attorney who is taking care of his pension papers
is W H. Head Can Ridge TN------- July 17, 1891
Letters from Thos A. Head of Bone Cave (Aug 21 1898)
wanting to know why Rufus gets a pension & nothing is done
about the papers he is filed on "Ben" Paine. States that Rufus
works daily and makes a good living and lives comfortably.
"He was born "squint eyed" and could feign blindness & admirably
succeed deceiving the medical examiner. He is able to work and does
so every day."
Rufus drew pension for several yrs and then there is a
statement saying that Rufus is abandon by wife and children
who have "turned him adrift"
He has no means of support or property and is temporarily living
with his sister who is poor.
Statement that Rufus' sister has died and his wife and children
have returned and are living with him on rented land on the
side of Bone Cave Mtn.
March 24 1919
Change of Address
Mrs. America Ward,
Old Address Rock Island Warren Co.
New Address: Graysville , Bledsoe Co. TN
War Dept Statement:
April 21 1914
The Records show that Rufus Ward Private Co. I 16th TN INF CSA
enlisted May 20, 1861 at Camp Harris to serve 12 Months
Roll of the Company dated July 19, 1863, last on which his
name is borne shows him discharged Feb 22, 1862.
Nothing further found.
TN Confederate Pensions are grouped by Soldier, Widow, and Colored
Soldiers and then by Application Number. Before visiting the college
library, I consulted the online index of the TN State Library and
Archives for pensions of interest.
Tennessee Confederate soldiers' pension applications. TSLA (Nashville, TN) 113 reels Accessed at Wallace State College Library: Genealogy Collection, 5th-floor Microfilm F 436 .M55 S46
Tennessee - Widows pension applications. TSLA (Nashville, TN) 60 reels. Accessed at Wallace State College Library: Genealogy Collection, 5th-floor Microfilm F 436 .M55 W52
