Nathaniel Sanderson alias Natt Sanders, Company G

Nathaniel Sanderson was born into slavery in Northampton County, Virginia. After his military discharge, he settled in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, then later Baltimore. He married Sandra Gordon on St. George Island, St. Mary’s County, Maryland in 1893. Witnesses, including neighbors and army comrades, confirmed his inability to work.
Note: When I couldn’t make out the street address I Googled both variants and concluded the correct address in Baltimore is “2156 McEldroy Street” — Leslie

Invalid — 1.283,742 / 1,113.889
C– 2,496,599

Questionnaire (Form3-389), Nathaniel Sanderson, 13 May 1902
“[wife] Sandra Sanderson born Gordon
[when, where, by whom] “Jany 5, 1893 … St George Island, Md … Rev. Barnes“
[marriage record] “License to marry … minister (white) denomination”
[previously married] no
[living children] no

Questionnaire (Form 3-474), Nathaniel Sanderson, 13 May 1902
[when/where born] “Can’t give exact date birth about 1844 … Northampton Co, Va”
[enlistmen][ Norfolk
[residence before enlistment] Northampton Co., Va
[occupation] famr hand
[slave/slaveowner] yes, slave, A Samuel Sanderson
[discharged] City Point, Va
[residence since discharge] St George Island, Saint Mary’s County, Maryland
[occupation] none …. not able
[height / color/ permanent marks] 5′ 6″ / dark / none
[served under another name] no
[known by another name] no
[residence / post-office address] 916 N Duncan Alley, Baltimore, MD
[NOTE: The address “Jenkins Alley” is struck through with a pencil and “Duncan Alley” is written below.

Sworn Statement, Nathaniel Sanderson, 17 February 1903
59 years old; 916 N Duncan st, Norfolk, Va
“I generally go by name Nat Sanders … I have been trying to find some of my old comrades”

Sworn Statement, George Woodlawn, 4 November 1904 [date stamped by Pension Bureau]
66 years old; residence, 2156 McEldroy St, Baltimore, MD
“I am a near and intimate neighbor of Nathaniel Sanderson & for last four years I have seen him every day, or nearly every day … [applicant] has not able to perform any labor whatsoever since April 4, 1902”

Sworn Statement, William Lilly, 4 November 1904
52 years old; residence, 2200 McEldlry street, Baltimore, MD
“I am an intimate acquaintance of Nathaniel Sanderson … We lived in same house for the last four years. I have seen him every day.
“Also personally appeared

Sworn Statement, Wilson Brickhouse, 25 July 1905
60 years old; residence, 421 Princess Anne Ave
“I served in Company G … with the claimant … I am not quite positive as to the name he served under, but I used to call him Nat Sanders were in the army together … he was the only man of such a name in our company.”

Sworn Statement, Philip Bagnall, 25 July 1905
69 years old; residence, 36 North st; post-office adddress
“I served … with the claimant … I used to call him Nat Sanders when we were in the army together”

Sworn Statement, Nathaniel Sanderson
“can produce no church, bible, or other public record of my birth. From what my parents told me I believe I am now 70 years old — no one is now living who knew me in childhood.”

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Charlie Williams, Company K

This soldier enlisted in Buffalo, New York but settled in Louisiana after the war. He stated that before his enlistment he was a “plantation laborer.”

Invalid — 998,025 / —–

Declaration for Pension, Charlie Williams, 20 September 1890
52 years old; residence, Bunkie, Avoyelles, Louisiana
“Also personally appeared Peter Hubbard residing at [illegible] and George Smith, residing at Evergreen … acquaintance with him for about 20 years and about 20 years, respectively”

Claimant’s Affidavit, Charlie Williams, 25 July 1892
55 years old; post-office address, Bunkie, La
“I have not served in the military or naval service ince 1866 Dec 25th”

General Affidavit, Charlies Williams, 9 August 1894
59 years old
“I cannot hold my head down to work. I am deaf in my left ear. And lossed [sic] my middle finger on left hand caused by [illegible] bite.”

Letter from Mrs Dicie Williams, Bunkie, Louisiana to Pension Bureau, Washington, DC, 6 December 1894
“[Charles Williams] enlisted in Buffalo, NY and discharged in Texas rec’d his discharge papers & Bounty in New Orleans, La. and can prove that he is sufficiently disabled according to law to recieve [sic] a pension has been examined by the US Special Examiner of Natchez, Miss.”

Declaration of Pension, Charlie Williams, 20 May 1898
68 years old; residence, Bunkie, Avoyelles, Louisiana
“That prior to his enlistment as above he was of good, sound physique, being when enrolled a plantation laborer; that since his discharge as above he has resided in the state of Louisiana, his occupation being that of a farmer”
“Also personally appeared, Ernest Pitts, residing in Cottonport, La. and Allen Roth residing at Cottonport, La … their acquaintance with him for 12 and 15 years, respectively”

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Nathaniel Moseley alias Nathan Mosby, Company I

The soldier moved to Providence, Rhode Island once his military service ended. Not long after enlistment, his horse kicked him during a drill and the young man sustained a crippling injury. Born into slavery in Norfolk County, Virginia, he later married twice and had nine children. The spelling variants for his surname are numerous!

Invalid — 1,156,081 / 1,136,643

Claimant’s Affidavit, Nathan Moseby, 28 February 1898
“In 1864 while a corporal … I was kicked by a horse and was then laid up for four months. Since that time.I have not been able to work … only a small part of the time on account of the injury received to my right knee. Last September and October was unable to do an hours work.”

Questionnaire (Form 3-173), Nathaniel Mosby, 15 June 1899
“I was married but once. My wife died Aug 20-92 … I had nine children but three is dead. The living ones:
“Alleen Mosby born in Norfolk Sept 1st, 1871
Rosella ” ” ” Sept 17-1873
Edward ” ” ” Feb 22nd 1875
Russell ” ” ” March 14th 1877
Mattie born in Prov, RI Oct 6th 1880
Walter Mosby born in Prov RI Jan 23rd 1883″

Questionnaire (Form 3-493), Nathan Mosby, 15 June 1899
[residence,nearest post office] 5 Gilman Street, South Prov; Prov Post OFfice, cor Weyhasset and Custom-house streets. There is only one post office here.”
[residence after discharge] “The first place I lvied in Providence was No 16 Cole St. The next was No 8 Cowell St. Then I moved in No 5 Gilman Jan 7-1866 been here ever since.”
[nearest post office] Prov Postoffice, cor Weyhasset and Custmerhosue [sic] sts
[occupation] farming since Norfolk

General Affidavit, Pembroke Powell, 20 December 1900
83 South Main st, Providence, RI
“”I have known [Moseley] for 15 years … during all my acquaintance with him he has been a sober industrious man of good moral character and habits”

General Affidavit, Willard H. Hall, 22 December 1900
53 years old; address, [illegible], East Providence, RI
“I have known Nathan Mosby since 1881 and since that time we have been associated together almost daily, having worked with him more or less, and have seen him almost daily when he has been able to be about or at work … he has always been a man of good moral habits and he bears a good character”

General Affidavit, Hercules B .Judge, 9 February 1901
52 years old; 157 Olive St., Providence, RI
“I have been personally well acquainted … since 1881 when he first came to Providence from Virginia … he is a man of good moral character and habits”

Questionnaire (Form 3-474), Nathan Mosby, 6 August 1902
[born] Norfolk County, Virginia
[enlisted] Norfolk, Va.
[before enlistment] Norfolk, Va.
[occupation] farmer
[enslaved] “yes … owner .. Philip Biddle“
[discharged] City Point, Va
[since discharge] “Sewaells [sic] Point, Va until 1881. In Providence, RI from 1881 until present time”
[present occupation] longshoreman
[height / complexion / scars] 5′ 5″ / dark / “scars on one knee from a kick by horse while in service”
[different name while in service] no
[known by any other name] “My name is Nathaniel instead of Nathan & Moseley instead of Mosby. Mistake by Captain when enlisted.”
[known by] Nathaniel Moseley
[residence and post-office] 42 Horne St, Providence, RI
Note: The date stamp indicates the Pension Bureau received this document on 6 August 1902 — Leslie

Sworn Statement, Nathan Mosby, 6 August 1902
“When I enlisted there was a mistake in writing my name.
“It should have been Nathaniel Moseley instead of Nathan Mosby.
“The Captain made the mistake in writing my name, when I enlisted.
“I have always used my correct name which is Nathaniel Moseley.”
Note: The date stamp indicates the Pension Bureau received this document on 6 August 1902 — Leslie

Sworn Statement, Nathan Mosby, 3 May 1905
residence, 42 Homer Street, Providence, RI
“I was born in Norfolk, Va., a slave … my mistress to whom I belonged (my master being in the Confederate army) told me I was twenty-one years old the July before. My brothers and sisters are all dead and I have no relatives or friends living who know anything about me or any family Bible.”
“Witnesses:
James W Carrington, 12 Perkins Street, Prov[idence], RI
Henry Jones, 42 Homer Street, Prov[idence], RI”

Declaration of Pension, Nathaniel Moseley, 25 February 1907
post-office address, 42 Homer St., Providence, RI
“enrolled under the name of Nathan Mosby on the 18th day of December 1863 … honorably discharged at City Point, Va on the 28th day of February 1866 … was born Sewell’s Point, Va, 15 July, 1842 … several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: Providence allways [sic] since I was discharged”
“Also personally appeared Jonathan N Pierce, residing in 42 Homer St Providence RI and William H Rickman residing 90 Stewart St, Providence RI … their aquaintance with him of 15 years and 2 years, respectively”

Application for Reimbursement, Allen P. Burch, 13 January 1919
47 years old; residence, Providence, Rhode Island; post-office address, 42 Homer St, Providence, RI
1 [deceased] – Nathaniel Moseley
2 [type of pension] – [blank]
3a [married] – yes
3b [# and to whom] – “twice Susan McWilliams and Sarah Ellen Luckson[?]”
3c [status] – divorced
3d [still living] yes
3e [full name] Susan M Moseley died Aug 20, 1892; Sarah Ellen Moseley – divorced – 1900
3f [was he divorced] yes
3g [divorced wife living] yes
4 [living children under 16] no
5 [living children] no
6 [insurance] yes
7 [ name of company] Metropolitan Life Insurance Co
8 [beneficiary] Allen P Burch (daughter)
9 [rlationship] daughter
10 [did pensioner pay premium?] no
11 [premium paid] ” .65 cents weekly by Allen P. Burch and received $157.50″
12 [was pensioner member of society? no
13 {executor or administrator] no
14 [money, real estate, pension] no
15 [describe property] [blank]
16 [value of real estate] [blank]
17 [disposal of property] [blank]
18 [unindorsed [sic] pension check] no
19 [relationship to deceased] daughter
20 [married] yes
21 [cause of death] heart trouble
22 [last sickness began] November 29, 1918
23 [illness required ongoing attendance] November 29
24 [name and address of attending physician] J.J. Robinson, MD, 247 CranstonSt., Providence, RI
25 [names of individual nurses] “His daughter Mrs. Burch“
26 [pensioner’s last address] 42 Homer St, Providece, RI
27 [place of death] 42 Homer St, Providence, RI
28 [date of death] December 3, 1918
29 [burial] North Burial Ground, Providence, RI
30 [payment to attending person] no
31 [expenses]
32 [complete list of expenses?] yes

Questionnaire (Form 3-389), Nathaniel Moseley, 22 March 1922
[date/place of birth] July 15, 1842, Norfolk, Va
[service organization] Co I, First US Colored Calvry [sic]
[post office at enlistment] City of Norfolk, Va
[wife’s full name and maiden name] Susan Mildred Williams [illegible]
[when, where, by whom] Feb 18, 1869, Norfolk, Va., Rev Richard Parker
[official record] M.E. Church, Norfolk, Va
[previously married] Ellen Laurence Tuxon [sp?] … divorced, Providence, RI … married Aug 31, 1899, Providence, RI
[wife’s previous husband, if applies] Robert Tuxon [sp?] … divorced, Washington, DC
[living wife but separated] separation
[names/dates birth of all children]
Julia Augustie Moseley, March 18, 1870
Alleen Moseley, September 1, 1871
Eliza Ella Moseley, September 17, 1873
William QE Moseley, Feb 22, 1875
James Henry Moseley, Feb 8, 1879
Martha Jane Moseley, Oct 6, 1880
John Walter Moseley, Jan 23, 1883
Earl Nathaniel Moseley, Feb 28, 1891

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James Sparrow, Company D

The soldier was freeborn in Princess Anne County, Virginia; his (second) wife was born enslaved in Perquimans County, North Carolina. The couple married in Norfolk County, Virginia and lived in “the suburbs of Portsmouth in Norfolk Co, Va till Feby 1894 when covered by extension of city limits.” Their pension claims are particularly well-documented as the applications include official copies of the couple’s marrriage license and the soldier’s death certificate as well as statements from many witnesses who had known them well for many years.

Invalid — 716,151 / 530,904
Widow — 902,570 / 670,678, Susan Sparrow

Marriage License [copy], James Sparrow and Susan Long, 7 December 1882
James Sparrow, 51 years old, and Susan Long, 35 years old, were married at the residence of Susan Long in Norfolk County, Virginia. The groom was born to Adam and Mary Sparrow in Princess Anne County. The bride was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina but her parents weren’t named. The officiant was Rev. Dempsey Thompson.

Death Certificate [copy], James Sparrow, 10 July 1908
[residence] 1441 Glasgow Street, Portsmouth, Virgnia
[age] 60
[condition] married
[birthplace] Virginia
[father’s name/birthplace] Adam Sparrow / Virginia
[mother’s name/birthplace] “not given” / “not given”
[occupation] laborer
[informant] Susan Sparrow, 1441 Glasgow
[cause of death] “dysentery complicated with senile decay”
[physician] W.T. Reid, MD
[burial] Mount Olive Cemetery, July 12, 1908
[undertaker] George Colden, Norfolk County

Widow’s Application for Accrued Pension, Susan Sparrow, 8 August 1908
“That she had been previously married … Also personally appeared Sarah Holland, residing at Portsmouth, Va, and Georgia Sparrow, residing at Portsmouth, Va. … personal intimate acquaintance of the parties for more than 20 years and seeing the body of the said soldier after his death and attending his funeral.”

General Affidavit, Margaret Smith, 16 August 1908
59 years old; post-office address, South Norfolk, Norfolk Co., Va.
“That she was well-acquainted with James Sparrow … and was also personally well acquainted with his first wife who was known in the neighborhood as Jakie Sparrow; that said Jakie Sparrow died on County St., Extended in Norfolk County, Va. … the death of Jakie occurred sometime before”

General Affidavit, Sarah Holland, 17 August 1908
about 60 years old; post-office address, 203 Nicholson St., Portsmouth, Va.
“That I was personally well-acquainted with Nelson Long the first husband of the claimant Susan Sparrow.
“That she knows that the said Nelson Long died on Glasgow St now in the City of Portsmouth, then in Norfolk County near Portsmouth, Va. That she knew of the death from a report of it in the neighborhood at the time. That she cannot remember the date of said death but she knows that it occurred at least two years before claimant was married to the soldier James Sparrow”

General Affidavit, Rebecca Drew, 24 August 1908
46 years old; post-office address, 1331 Glasgow St, Portsmouth, Va.
“That she was well acquainted with Jakie Sparrow, the first wife of James Sparrow, late husband of the claimant … That the said Jakie Sparrow died shortly before I was fifteen years old. I can state this much as to the date because shortly after her death the said James Sparrow came to my mother’s house near Portsmouth to live and continued to live there for about a year till he married the said Susan who was formerly Susan Long. I was fifteen years of age at the time the said James Sparrow came to live with us. The death of Jakie Sparrow occurred in Norfolk County near Portsmouth, Va. I was present at her funeral, also saw and recognized the body after death.”

Claimant’s Affidavit, Susan Sparrow, 9 September 1908
61 years old; post-office address, 1441 Glasgow St, Portsmouth, Va.
“[James Sparrow] was married only once before his marriage to this claimant. His first wife was named Jakie Sparrow, who died some two or more years before his marriage to this claimant.
“That I was married but once before my marriage to [James Sparrow]. My first husband was named Nelson Long who died about two years before my marriage to [James Sparrow] … no reliable record of deaths was kept in Norfolk County where both parties lived at the time of their deaths.”

General Affidavit, Rebecca Drew, 9 September 1908
46 years old; post-office address, 1331 Glasgow St., Portsmouth, Va.
“That she was personally well-acquainted with late James Sparrow and his wife Susan Sparrow before they were married to each other.”

General Affidavit, Mary Outlaw, 9 September 1908
64 years old; post-office address, 604 Blunt St, Portsmouth, Va.
“That she was well and intimately acquainted with James Sparrow and his wife … having known them for more than 35 years

Questionnaire (Form 3-402), Susan Sparrow, 1 October 1908
[birthplace] Hertford, Perquimans Co, NC
[residence at time of acquaintance] Pinner’s Point near Portsmouth, Va
[length of acquaintance before marriage] about 7 years
[when, where, by whom married] Dec 7, 1882 in Norfolk Co, Va. by Rev Dempsey Thompson
[residence since marriage] “suburbs of Portsmouth in Norfolk Co, Va till Feby 1894 when covered by extension of city limits”
[previous marriage] yes
[marriage since soldier’s death] no
[enslaved?] “Yes. Only one owner named Samuel Long was not a slave at time of marriage to soldier”
[soldier’s birthplace] Princess Anne Co., Va
[soldier’s residence at acquaintance] Norfolk Co, Va.
[soldier’s enlistment] “I do not know”
[enlistment date] December 15, 1863
[residence before enlistment] Princess Anne Co., Va
[age at enlistment / occupation] 36 / laborer
[height / skin color] 5’6″ / dark
[only wife] no
[soldier enslaved?] “soldier was never a slave”

General Affidavit, Penny Skinner, 14 October 1908
79 years old; post-office address, Carroll St, Portsmouth, Va
“That I have known the claimant Susan Sparrow from her childhood. My acquaintance with her began in Hertford, Perquimans Co., North Carolina. We both moved to Virginia in the same week during the Civil War, and I have known her quite intimately since her childhood. Her first husband was named Nelson Long, who married her at Hertford and brought her to this state. Her next and last husband was named James Sparrow who died recently.”

General Affidavit, Shedrach Smith, 14 October 1908
about 70 years old; post-office address, London St near Godwin, Portsmouth, Va.
“That I first became acquainted with James Sparrow … sometime prior to the Civil War. When we was living in Princess Anne County, Va. I was then living in Norfolk County not far from Princess Anne. I cannot now tell you what year it was when I first met the said James Sparrow. I know that he was a very young man hardly grown. Some years after I became acquainted with him he married Jakie Sparrow, a relation of my mother’s family, and lived with her till he died.”

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Frederick Powell alias Frederick Powers, Company K***

The soldier and his family were well established in Norfolk County (Portsmouth, Churchland, Western Branch) and the surrounding area (Hampton, Williamsburg, James City County). In addition to their own statements, support of the pension applications from siblings, in-laws, neighbors, and veterans provided rich details about the community. Earlier posts included research notes from documents dated 1875 to 1901 and research notes from documents dated 12 May 1902 through 17 May 1902. This week’s post includes research notes from documents dated 23 May 1902 through 29 May 1902.
 

Invalid – 794,363 / 1,045,114
Widow – 624,326 / 536,183, Lilly J. Powell

Deposition, Zachariah Johnson, 23 May 1902
about 60 years old; occupation, farmer; post-office address, W Norfolk, Va.
“I am well acquainted with the claimant, her name is Lucy Powell, that is what she is always called. She is the widow of Fred. Powell.”
“He lived near me for some years before his death. He was sent away from here, or went away from here, and died at the Soldiers Home, so I understand, not as I know.”
“I don’t know his age or where he was born.”
“He left some small children by Lucy. She don’t live more than about a quarter of a mile from me. … As far as I have seen, she has lived a proper life since Powell’s death.”
“I knew her before she married Powell, knew her first husband, but forgot his name. He is said to be dead. I heard of her marriage to Powell but did not see them married.”
“He might have drank but was sober whenever I saw him. I don’t know if he had a wife or not before he had Lucy.”

Deposition, Mary E. Elliott, 23 May 1902
38 years old; wife of Jas. Elliott; post-office address, W. Norfolk, Va.
“I was well acquainted with Fred Powell about 16 years prior to his death…. He died at the Soldiers Home, was very sick, nearly helpless, when taken there.”
“I know the age of one of her children. Leana, she was born the same nght my little boy (John Wesley Elliott). He was 15 years old last December. I cannot tell you the date but he was born just 3 days befoe Christmas Day…. I have a record of the birth of my child but cannot find it now.”
“Bessie Powell is the next older child, she is about 20 years old, I was married 19 years ago, and she was then a baby in your arms.”

Deposition, Sandy Danes, 23 May 1902
59 years old; occupation, carpenter and light work; post-office address, West Norfolk, Va.
“I was well acquainted with Fred Powell … He lived near me about 16 years up to the time he went to the Soldiers Home, last saw him two days before he went, was at his house..”
“I have known claimant from a child. When she was married to Geo Johnson her first husband. I was his first waiter.”

Deposition, Lucy J. Powers, 24 May 1902
“Yes, my first husband was a soldier; I do not know in what Co or Regt he served: I had his discharge certificate from the army. I tried to get a pension as his widow before I was married to Fred. Powers. Never got it. My attorney was a man in Hampton named Bickford, who is dead. I gave him the discharge he said he was going to send it to Washington I have never seen it since. … [George Johnson] was born in Nansemond Co., Va.”

Deposition, Andrew Powell, 27 May 1902
53 years old; occupation, laborer; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
“I am well acquainted with the claimant Lucy Powell. I used to go and see my brother Frederick Powell who was her husband. They lived in Norfolk Co. on the Western Branch.
“My said brother was married twice only. His first wife, Pattie Powell died at Williamsburg, Va. Don’t know the date but she died before he married Lucy … I was not present at the time she died, was working away, cutting wood. I am certain she died as I got home a few days after she was buried … I used to go and see him while he was sick at the Soldiers Home before he died there. I am sure that he was a soldier as I used to go and see him while he was a soldier, camped at Ft. Magruder near Williamsburg. … He could not write”
“He was born near Jamestown, was not born in Gloucester Co. … He left small children by Lucy, don’t know their ages …. His father was Wisdom Powell and mother was Betsey Powell.”

Deposition, Lewis Waller, 27 May 1902
47 years old; occupation, laborer; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
“I became acquainted with Lucy Powell in 1874. I was present and saw her married at Churchland, Va. to my cousin Fred Powers. Powers was his correct name but he was more often called Powell. …. His first wife was Pattie (Webb). She died at Williamsburg, Va. in 1872 in March. I was present when she died. She died next door to me. …. I don’t know the dates of birth of any of Powers’ children by claimant except the oldest boy.
“I never knew Bessie, Lena, Anna Mary and Frederick, his youngest children. They were all born after I left the Western Branch.
“Fred came to see me several times and told me about his children.
“I last saw him just before he went to the Soldiers Home. He died at the Soldiers Home and is buried there, so I have been told.”
“I remember when he came home in 1866. He had on his soldier’s clothes then.”

Deposition, Hester Waller, 27 May 1902
about 44 years old; wife of Lewis Waller; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
“I am well acquainted with Lucy Powell … I saw them married near Churchland, Va. and they lived in the same house with me on the Western Branch.
“Fred Powell and my husband were first cousins. I first knew Fred Powell in Williamsburg, Va. … I don’t know the dates of birth of any of her children. I never saw Bessie, Lena, Anna Mary and Frederick Powell…. He himself told us about them when he came to see us.”
“I am sometimes called Easter … I was living next door to [Pattie] when she died.”
“I was not living with her when these children were born and don’t know the dates of their births.”

Deposition, John Pitt, 29 May 1902
about 62 years old; occupation, farmer; post-office address, West Norfolk, Va.
“I am well acquainted with the claimant Lucy J. Powell, have known her some 40 or 50 years …. Her first husband was Johnson. After his death, she married Fred Powell. … He was never called Powers so far as I know. I lived near him for a number of years up to the time he went to the Soldiers Home … He appeared to be a good man, had no vicious habits that I know of … she was the only wife I knew him to have.”

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