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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Lewis Marvin, Company L

This application included pages from a family Bible, testimony regarding guardianship for a minor child, and reference to hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital.

Invalid — 1,006,026 / 707,320
Widow — 948,539 / 714,983, Martha Jane Reynolds

Questionnaire (Form 3-402), Charles H. Reynolds, 4 May 1898
[married] Caroline Mills
[when, where, by whom] November 30, 1873, Warwick, NY, Rev E.C. Cordo [?]
[record] marriage certificate
[previously married] no
[living children] no

General Affidavit, Charles H. Reynolds, 11 August 1891
43 years old; residence, Warwick, Orange County, NY;

Widow’s Affidavit, Martha Jane Reynolds,
48 years old; post-office address, Warwick, NY
“I am the widow of Charles H. Reynolds the soldier who died on Jan 16, 1910 at the Middletown State Hospital, Middletown, NY, Both the soldier and myself were previously married.The soldier’s first wife died on June 1900 and my first husband died on the 16th day of April 1898.
“There is no public record of the minor child’s birth as I am informed and believe. He was born on November 16, 1901, and I was married to the soldier by Rev. Mr. Brown of Goshen, NY on February 28, 1901 … The minor child whose name is Charles H. Reynolds is the only living child of the soldier, either by his last or by any former marriage. He had no children by his other marriage. The minor child lives with me.”

Declaration for Children Under Sixteen Years of Age, John W. Sanford, 3 September 1910
46 years old
“That he is the legal guardian of Charles H. Reynolds legitimate child of Charles H. Reynolds, who enlisted under the name of Charles H. Reynolds … That the names and dates of births of all the surviving children and under sixteen years of age are as follows:
Charles H. Reynolds, born Nov 16th, 1901″

Memo from Department of the Interior, New York, NY to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, DC, 24 January 1911
“John W. Sanford, of Warwick, NY was on Aug 29, 1010, was appointed to Guardian by the Surrogate Court of Orange County, State of New York.”

General Affidavit, Anthony Teabout, 7 October 1910
60 years old; residence, Warwick, Orange County, NY; post-office address, Warwick, NY
“I have known Charles H. Reynolds … ever since we were boys … I married his sister for my first wife.
“The soldier was married once before his marrige to the minor’s mother. He had no children by his first marriage and his first wife died several years ago. Her name was Caroline Mills. I attended her funeral. … I remember about the time [the minor child] was born; nine eyars ago this fall. The child is still living and is the only living child of the soldier.”

General Affidavit, Nelson W. Thompson, MD, 8 October 1910
34 years old; residence, Middletown, Orange County, NY; post-office address, Middletown, NY
“I am a physician and surgeon and have been for 9 years. I attended Charles H. Reynolds in his last sickness. He died in the Middletown State Hospital on the 16th day of Jan 1910.”

Sworn Statement, Lewis [illegible], Notary Public, Warwick, NY, 7 October 1910
“The Family Bible of Charles H. Reynolds, deceased and Martha Jane Reynolds his wife, and find the following entries…
“Marriages – Martha Miller and C.H. Reynolds were married Feb 28, 1901 at Goshen
Births — Charles Henry Reynolds Jr. born November 16, 1901.
Deaths — William Miller age 49, died April 16, 18981
Charles H. Reynolds age 61 and 6 months and 9 days died Jan 16, 11.30 o’clock, 1910, Sunday Night.
Memoranda — Charles Henry Reynolds, baptized February 10, 1902, by Rev. Taber Knox, Warwick, NY”
“That there is no date on the title page of said Bible, but there is a date elsewhere in said book as follows “Copyrighted 1886.” Said entries are made in different handwritings.”

General Affidavit, William C. Brown, 12 October 1910
61 yeas old; residence, Goshen, Orange Co, NY; post-office address, Goshen, NY
“I am a clergyman … I am well acquainted with Martha Jane Reynolds … I performed the marriage ceremony when she married the said Charles H. Reynolds. I married them on February 28, 1901, at Goshen, NY.
“I was also well acquainted with her first husband, William Miller, who died on April 16, 1898. I officiated at this funeral. He was buried at Goshen.”

General Affidavit, Thomas Nesbitt, 26 November 1910
57 years old; residence, Warwick, NY; post-office address, Warwick, NY
“Affiant Nesbitt knew the soldier and his first wife well: often visited them & they visited me: His first wife was Caroline Mills: I knew her before she married the soldier, she died in the year 1900. I was one of her pall bearers … I have known him ever since he was of marriageable age: he left one child Charles H. only who is about 9 years old and who is now living.”

General Affidavit, Daniel J. Dolson, 26 November 1910
62 years old; residence, Wariwck, Orane Co, NY; post-office addres, Warwick, NY
“I knew the soldier and his first wife Caroline very well. The soldier worked for me and I did work for him, was often at his house and saw him and his wife frequently. I knew him when he came home from war. He married his first wife shortly after h came from the war…. I have known him ever since he was of marriageable age.”

General Affidavit, Jesse Martin and Martha A. Van Dyke, 28 December 1910
[Martin] 76 years old; residence, Goshen, NY; post-office address, Goshen, NY
[Van Dyke] 67 years old; residence, Goshen, NY post-office address, Goshen, NY
“We are well aquainted with Martha J. Reynolds, who was formerly Martha J. Mills, wife of William Miller. We were well acquainted with William Miller; he never was in the Army or Navy of US … we have known her for a long time, ever since she became of marriageable age.”

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John Moore, Company K

Comrades-in-arms completed affidavits favorable to the widow’s application for pension benefits as did guests at the widow’s second marriage. There’s a conflict in the in the reported birthdates of three children that needs to be resolved.

Widow — 291,041 / 265,332, Mary J. Pearson

Declaration for Widow’s Pension and Increase, Mary J. Pierce, 26 July 1888
residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
“her maiden name was Mary J. Folks, and that she married said John Moore on or about the 25 day of December AD 1961 at Portsmouth, in the County of Norfolk, and State of Virginia, by George Allen.
“She further declares that said John Moore, her husband died from disability incurred while in the service of the United States, as aforesaid at Portsmouth, in the state of Va., on or about the 2d day of April AD 1869 of disease of lungs.
“She also declares that she has remained a widow from the death of said John Moore to Aug 12th 1876 when she married one John Pierce, and that she has the following-named children of her deceased husband who were under sixteen years of age, at date of soldier’s death, who are now living, the dates of whose births are, as given below, to wit;
“Elnora Moore, born July 25, 1868
“Joanna  “   ” Sept 4, 1869″

Affidavit for General Purpose, George Allen, 21 August 1888
76 years old; residence, Norfolk Co, Va.; post-office address, Portsmouth, Va
“I George Allen married Mary Jane Folks and John Moore in 1861 by reading the matrimony as it was not law to grant slaves license. There is no public record of the marriage can be given. This is the best of my knowledge
“[illegible] Gospel Baptist Minister did remarry the said Mary J. Moor to one John Pearce. The public record shows on about the 15 day of September 1875. She was remarried”

Affidavit for Neighbors’ and General Purpose, Scott Riddick and Fanny Allen, 12 October 1888
[Riddick] 44 years old; residence, Norfolk County, Virginia
[Allen] 30 years old; residence, Norfolk County, Virginia

Affidavit for Neighbors’ and General Purpose, Fanny Allen and William Cutler, 18 December 1888
[Allen] 40 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.
[Cutler] 55 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.
“Ellanora was born July the 25 1867. We remember that the 37 Reg was discharged that year in Raleigh, NC … She is now aliving [sic] and John Amos was born September the 7 1868 which is now dead April the 3 1888″

Affidavit for Neighbors and Geneal Purpose, Scott Riddick and Sarah Goodman, 18 December 1888
[Riddick] 45 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-offfice address, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
[Goodman] 45 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co, Va.
“We are personally acquainted with the claimant Mary J. Pierce and her husband … from the time he came out of the army I saw him every week. … She was remarried to John Pierce September 15 1875. She married at my house. The record of the court shows that she was married there.”

Claimant’s Testimony, Mary J. Pierce, 18 January 1889
post-office address, King Street extended, Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia
“I remarried on the 15 day of September 1875 … I cannot say I know what was the cause of his death and what he died with the doctor ought to know”

For Officer’s or Comrade’s Testimony, Thomas Riddick, 12 February 1889
residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Virginia
“I saw him from time to time after his disicharge … until his death”

For Officer’s or Comrade’s Testimony, Albert Jones, 14 February 1889
residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Virginia
“I saw him almost daily from the time of his discharge to his death”

For Officer’s or Comrades’ Testimony, Stephen Riddick 25 February 1889
residence, Berkley, Norfolk Co., Virginia
“he was treated in Texas by Doctor Manley. The doctor is now dead. He died at Patron [sp?] NY”

For Officer’s or Comrade’s Testimony, Richard Colden, 28 February 1889
residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Virginia
“at the time of his enlistment [Moore] was a sound and healthy man”

General Affidavit, William Cutler, 21 June 1889
45 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia
“[John Moore and I] lived together after his discharge from the army, until on about the first of 1868 then we moved apart and just before his death we moved in one house again and remained until his death in the winter of 1868. I had him with me oystering and he was not able to work enough to pay $5 house rent a month”

General Affidavit, Mary Jane Pierce, 21 June 1889
40 years old; residence, Norfolk County, Virginia
“The doctor that treated my husband is Doctor Billsoly“

General Affidavit, Scott Riddick, 9 July 1889
46 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co, Va.
“[John Moore] lived with William Cutler when he first come home he and wife. I visited them from time to time until his death. He was not able to support his wife & child [or] pay his house rent … He and Cutler moved apart. I do not remember when they moved together again but I know they lived together when he died in 1868”

General Affidavit, Sofie Walker, 19 July 1889
35 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co, Virginia
“I lived with Mary J. Pierce … when Eleanora and Johanna was born and Elenora was born July the 25 1867 and Johanna was born September 7, 1868. Johanna died. The doctor woman that was with her is now dead. I was present with her in both of her births. This I know of my own knowledge.”

Claimant’s Testimony, Mary Jane Pierce, 19 July 1889
post-office address, Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia
“Elenora was born July the 25 1867 and Johanna was born September 7, 1868 and Johanna died April 3, 1888. The doctor woman that was with me is dead but the white lady I work for remembers their ages”

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Jacob C. Moseley, Company D

This is curious: The soldier enlisted in this regiment in Norfolk, Virginia but was discharged in New York City. One document in the pension application states that he enlisted in Company K; other documents in the application show he was assigned to Company D. Additional research is require to resolve these questions.

Minor — 529,384 / —-, Amy Mosely

Declaration for Children Under Sixteen Years of Age, Amy Blanche Moseley, 29 September 1891
13 years old; post-office address, 14 1/2 W. Leigh St, Richmond, Henrico Co, Virginia
“She is the legitimate child of Jacob C. Moseley … who enlisted … at Norfolk, Va. … about 15th day of December 1863 in Co K … honorably discharged Feb 1, 1866 in NY City he died June 21, 1889. That he left no widow surviving him. His wife died Sept 1, 1881. That the names and dates of birth of all the surviving children of the soldier under sixteen years of age are as follows Amy Blanche Mosely, February 9, 1878 … That the father was married under the name of Jacob C. Moseley, Jan 23, 1873 to Mary A. Dotson
“Also personally appeared Geo M. Thompson residing at Richmond and Lucy B. Turner residing at Richmond … their acquainatance with the claimant six years and ten years, respectively”

Sworn Statement, Walter Christian, Clerk of the Hustings Court, Richmond, Virginia, 20 September 1902
“I, Walter Christian … do hereby certify that it appears from the records thereof that on the 25 day of January 1873, a License was issued from the Clerk’s Office of the said Court for the intermarriage of Jacob Moseley and Mary Dodson (colored) and that on the 25 day of January 1873, the said parties were united in holy bonds of matrimony, in the City of Richmond Va. by the Rev. R. Wells.”

General Affidavit, Amy B. Burke, 12 April 1911
post-office address, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
“During his (my father’s) lifetime he often told me that he served in the USCV Cav and I was also so informed by Henry McCray who served in the same regiment or troop with my father.”
[Note: The word “General” is struck through and the word “Claimant’s written above it. — Leslie]

Questionnaire (Form 3-442), Names and Post-Office Addresses of Officers and Comrades of Co. D, 1 Reg’t, USC Cav, 15 October 1913

Name	Rank	Present Post-Office Address
Acwell Jones		7231 Blount St, Portsmouth, Va.
John Keeling alias		Harrellsville,
” Keenan		Hertford Co., NC
John E. Newman		1337 S. 4th St., Paducah, Ky
Miles Smith		RD # 1, Hickory, Va
Clement Walker		Cochran, Brunswick Co, Va.
Alfred Wiggins		Opelousas, St. Landry Co, La
Sam’l Whitehurst alias		Lynnhaven
” Whites		Princess Anne Co., Va.
Isham Wright		2 1/2 Pollard’s Court, Norfolk, Va.

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Rufus Grice alias William Montgomery, Company L

This soldier enlisted in New York, served in the Cavalry, and later transferred to the Heavy Artillery. He was discharged in Virginia and lived in Norfolk before moving to North Carolina (Raleigh and Charlotte), South Carolina (Charleston), Tennessee (Chattanooga, Athens, Spring City, Dayton) and Alabama (Birmingham).

Invalid — 1,009,183 / —–

Declaration for Invalid Army Pension, William W. Montgomery, 9 September 1890
61 years old; residence, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee
“He is the identical William W. Montgomery alias Rufus Grice who enlisted in the service of the United States at New York City … June 1863 as Corporal (Pro Com Sergt) in Company A of the 1st Regiment of US Col Cav, commanded by Capt Ricker, and was honorably discharged at Cedar Point, State of Virginia on or about the 27th day of March 1866. That his personal description is at follows: Age 61 years, height 5 feet 8 inches; complexion yellow; hair black; eyes black … That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise than as stated above, Except by transfer to Co F — Regt USCHA about June 1865″
“Also personally appeared John W. Hargo, PO Knoxville, County of Knox, State of Tennessee, and Tyler Garner, PO Knoxville, County of Knox, State of Tennessee … they have known him for 2 & 5 years last past … his occupation has been that of a minister.”

Affidavit, Wm W. Montgomery alias Rufus Grice, 16 September 1891
Residence and post-office address, 12 Williams St, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee
“my post office address immediately after returning from the service was Norfolk, Va. where I staid [sic] about two years. From there I went to Raleigh, NC where I staid [sic] for about eight months then I went to Charlotte, NC and remained two years. From there I went to Charleston, SC and trained as a missionary to different points for three years.
“I then moved to Chattanooga, Tenn but do not remember just how long I staid [sic] there. From there I went to Athens, Tenn and remained two years but do not remember just how long I staid [sic] there. I then went to Spring City, Tenn and do not remember the length of time I staid [sic] there. Then I went to Dayton, Tenn. & was there about a year then went to Birmingham Ala where I remained two years then I went back to Chattanooga, Tenn. where I staid [sic] several months and returned to Athens, Tenn. & staid [sic] two years. It is impossible to give all the points where I was stationed and the length of time I remained at each place as I was a traveling minister during all that time and moved about from place to place never keeping any memoranda of my many changes. For the past three years I have been at Knoxville, Tenn.
“The first physician who treated me after my return from the service was Dr. Anderson at Spring City, Tenn who is now dead.
“The next physician I have forgotten his name and do not know whether he is living or dead.
“Dr Garner of Knoxville, Tenn has treated me for the past 3 years. Also I have been treated by Dr. Rose of the same place.”

Deposition, Dr. Tyler Garner, 26 October 1894
60 years old; occupation, “botanical physician, not a graduate,” PO Box 327 Bell St, Knoxville, Tennessee
“I was a member of Co D 1USCHA enlisted Mch 1/64 … I am personally acquainted with Wm Montgomery who served … He is at work at a lime kiln and has been there a lime burner for 20 years, a small man.
“I also became acquainted with William Wesly Montgomery another man in 1886. I was practicing near Jellico both in Ky and Tenn and he lived near Jellico, Tenn and was a barber. I got my barbering done by him. He had been a traveling minister before that. He told me that he had served in some NY Regt and then moved here to Knoxville … I made an affidavit in his claim as I had treated him. He died in Knoxville about two years ago.”
“I became acquainted with him and he talked with me about his NY service …. His wife lives or did live here. I saw her about 6 months ago. She then was talking about going back to her father’s … Henry Neeley … 3 miles from Jellico in Tenneessee, Campbell Co.
“It seems to me that he told me that his house got burned up and he lost some valuable papers, his discharge ctf with the rest. I know I wondered at the firm whether he had her enrolled or was a waiter for someone.”
Q: Did you know a Wm Montgomery in your company …
A: No there was no man of that name … I waited on his wife when she had a child about one month before he died … he was taken very suddenly with cramps and heart trouble and died the next day. He had two children about 6 & 8″

Deposition, Nancy Montgomery, 31 October 1894
29 years old; occupation, day laborer; post-office address 504 Hight St., Knoxville, Tenn
“I am the widow of Wm W Montgomery who lived here in Knoxville and died in Dec 1891. I had four children by him, three living … I first met him at Ray Springs, Ray Co., Tenn. He told me that he went by the name of Rufus Grice … The exact date of his death could be found on the records as he was buried by the county.”
“I have kept myself pretty straight — about as straight as I couls, a woman has a hard time gtting along alone with a lot of children.”

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