“Mis-rememberings” and revisions in government forms require the researcher to thoroughly examine all available records. Henry Hopkins’s application for invalid benefits was fairly thin and the details occasionally varied but he and his witnesses reported information that was fairly consistent and could be corroborated from other sources.
Invalid — 751,636 / 545,878
Proof of Disability, Samuel B. Humphries, 9 April 1892
48 years old; 46 Moseley St, Norfolk, Virginia … “[Henry Hopkins] became disabled from cold and exposure, contracted rheumatism and diptheria and was sent to Fortress Monroe Hospital where he remained some time. He was then sent to City Point Hospital under Dr. Manning Reg Surgeon and Dr. Grey … after in 1865 while in Texas his eyes was affected and he became blind and remained disabled by rheumatism and affection of sight until his discharge.”
Affidavit of Inability to Obtain Evidence of [Capt. Whiteman or First Sergt. Pitt], Henry Hopkins, 27 May 1893 [?]
“I am unable to find Capt. Whitman and First Sergt. Pitt is dead”
General Affidavit, Peter Fentress, 10 November 1894
56 years old; post-office address corner of Park Avenue & Princess Anne Road, c/o Pat Miles, Norfolk City, Va. … The witness slept in the same tent with the soldier. While the Regiment was engaged in a skirmish fight on the Road backing from Petersburg & Richmond. …. the soldier’s horse fell and caught his leg under the horse. He was treated at various times by Dr. Gray the regimental surgeon. … The first Sergeant Wm. T. Pitt who formerly lived at Churchland, Norfolk County Va. died over 12 months ago.”
Questionnaire, Henry Hopkins, 11 March 1898
[married] Yes, Mary Ann Hopkins – Mary Ann Gatling
[when, where, by whom] Jan 1896? Norfolk – Rev. Wm. Butts
[record] Marriage register, Norfolk City Clerk’s Office
[previously married] Yes, Rosetta Hopkins, died about 21 years ago
[living children] Francis, Maria, Henrietta, Isaac, Wm. Henry by 1st wife, all over 27 years; none by 2d wife
Questionnaire, Henry Hopkins, 27 July 1898
[residence] 413 Princess Anne Road
[married] Yes, Annie Hopkins, ‘maiden’ – Annie Gatling
[when, where, by whom] Norfolk, Va., March 24, 1897, Rev. Andrew Butt
[record] —
[previously married] Yes, Rosetta Lumford ‘maiden name’ – died 1870, Great Bridge, Norfolk Co., Va.
[living children] Yes. Frances Corprew, married born 20 June 1857; Mariah Mitchel born 26 Nov 1860; Henrietta Corprew born Mar 5, 1864; Isaac Hopkins born 7 Jan 1868; William Henry Hopkins born 11 Feb 1869
1st U.S. Colored Cavalry 