Charles Reynolds, Company L

A family Bible, a minor child, and a brother-in-law were all a part of this pension application filed from a location in upstate New York.

Invalid — 1,006,026 / 708,320
Widow — 948,539 / 714,983, Martha Jane Reynolds

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

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

Widow’s Affidavit, Martha Jane Reynolds, 7 October 1910
48 years old; post-office address, Warwick NY
“I am the widow of Charles H. Reynolds the soldier who died 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 the [blank] day of June 1900 and my first husband died on the 16th day of April 1898 … [The minor child’s birth] was 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 wife or by any former marriage. He had no children by his other marriage. The minor child lives with me.”

General Affidavit, Anthony Teabout, 7 October 1910
60 years old; residence, Warwick, NY; post-office address, Warwick NY
“I have known [the soldier] ever since we were boys. I knew him before he went to the War and afterwards … I married his sister for my first wife.
“The soldier was married once before his marriage to the minor’s mother. He had no children by his first marriage and his first wife died several eyars ago. Her name was Caroline Mills. I attended her funeral. Some time after her death he married Martha Jane Miller, widow of Goshen, NY and by her had one child, named for him, Charles H. Reynolds, who is the minor herein. I remember about the time he was born; nine years ago this fall. The child is still living and is the only living child of the soldier … We worked for many years together as laborers and were intimate in our relations. We frequently visited each other and I have often heard him tell about his War experiences.”

Sworn Statement, Lewis J. Stage, Notary Public, 7 October 1910
“I have inspected the Family Bible of Charles H. Reynolds, deceased, and Martha Jane Reynolds his wife, and find the following entries, therein, viz:
Marriages:
Martha Miller and C.H. Reynolds were married Feb 28, 1901 at Goshen, NY
Births:
Charles Henry Reynolds Jr born November 16, 1901
Deaths:
William Miller, age 49, died April 16, 1898
Charles H. Reynolds, age 61 years 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. The marriage entry is in the hand of Charles H. Reynolds, deceased, with which I am familiar; the birth and baptism entries are in the handwriting of the Rev. Taber Knox, with which I am also familiar and I verily believe said entries were all made at or about the time of their respective dates.”

General Affidavit, Nelson W. Thompson, 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 [him] on his last sickness.”

General Affidavit, William C. Brown, 12 October 1910
61 years old; residence, Goshen, Orange County, New York; post-office address, Goshen, NY
“I am a clergyman and have been for [blank] years. I am well acquainted with Martha Jane Reynolds … I performed the marriage ceremony when she marreid 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 his 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 of age and who is now living.”

General Affidavit, Daniel J. Dolson, 26 Novvember 1910
62 years old; residence, Warwick, Orange County, New York; post-office address, Warwick, New York
“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 home and saw him and his wife frequently. I knew him when he came back from the war. He married his first wife shortly after he came from the war … His first wife died several years ago, before he married his second wife.”

General Affidavit, Jesse Martier and Martha A. Van Dyke, 20 December 1910
[Martier] 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 acquainted with Martha J. Reynolds, who was formerly Martha J. Miller, wife of William Miller. We were well-acquainted with said William Miller … We have known [Martha J. Reynolds] for a long time, ever since she became of marriageable age.”

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Alexander Reese, Company L

This soldier was born in Maryland, lived in Reading, Pennsylvania, and enlisted on Staten Island, New York. Once his service ended, he lived in Norristown, Pennsylvania and died in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Invalid — 804,044 / 11,23197
C-2489,010

Affidavit, John P. Stewart, 8 October 1892
35 yeras old; residence, Norristown, Pa.; post-office address, Eric Bel Walnut
“That he has been personally acquainted with this applicant upwards of 20 years”

Sworn Statement, Gilbert Smith, 13 January 1900
24 years old; residence and post-office address, 111 Mill Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania
“[He has known Reese] for at least twelve years; that he has lived in the same house for several years past”

Sworn Statement, Lewis Smith, 13 January 1900
60 years old; residence and post-office address, 59 Penn Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania
“[He has known Reese] for at least twenty years”

Sworn Statement, Alexander Reese, 13 March 1900
residence and post-ofice address, [illegible] Mill Street, Norristown, Pa.
“That he has not been treat [sic] specially by doctors, but had gotten a large amount of medicine and linaments [sic] at drugstores such as was recommended”

Questionnaire (Form 3-474), Alexander Reese, 30 April 1906
[birthplace] Red Lion, Maryland
[place of enlistment] Staten Island, New York
[residence before enlistment] Reading, Pennsylvania
[occupation] “laboring man”
[discharged] Santiago, Texas
[residences since discharge] Norristown, Pennsylvania up to March 10, 1904. Since that time, Atlantic City, NJ
[occupation] “laboring man”
[residence and post-office] 821 Baltic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ

Sworn Statement, Alexander Reese, 3 May 1909
“He is unable to furnish the records of his birth, and that he was born in the state of Marland [sic] on March 1st 1847″

Questionnaire (Form3-389), Alexander Reese, 31 March 1915
[date/place of birth] March 1, 1847
[post office at enlistment] Staten Island, New York
[wife’s full name and maiden name] Bella Reese … Bella Thompson
[where, when, by whom married] Norristown, Pennsylvania; Rev. Halsey
[official record of marriage] Presbyterian church
[previously married] no
[current wife previously married] no
[living with current wife] deceased
[names and birthdates of all children] “Joseph Reese, out West”

Application for Reimbursement, Julia Hazard, 12 July 1916
[sick or death benefits] Yes. $75.00, Metropolitan Life Insurance
[names of beneficiaries] Julia Hazart
[premiums paid] 10 cents a week by Julia Hazart
[married] a widow
[cause of pensioner’s death] heart trouble
[beginning date of pensioner’s last illness] March 2, 1915
[names and addresses of all physicians] Chas. A. McGuire, 120 N. Maryland Ave, Atlantic City
{names of those who nursed the pensioner] David Blackwell, 1118 Baltic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ; Jennie Oliver, 120 Maryland Avenue, Atlantic City; Julia Hazert, 1118 Baltic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
[Note — Signed by “Mrs Julia Hazard”— Leslie]

Letter from Commissioner, Pension Bureau to Mrs. Julia Hazard, 1118 Baltic Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 26 July 1916
“You are advised that you should state the amount you paid in premiums on the insurance policy carried on the pensioner’s life.
“If David Blackwell and Jennie Oliver make no charge for nursing, you should finish their statements to the effect over their own signatures.
“The inclosed certificate should be signed by Dr. Charles A. McGuire and a member of the firm of C.E. Flipping and Son and return to this bureau.”

Letter from Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, DC to County Auditor, Mays Landing, New Jersey, 7 August 1916
“Burial of Alexander Reese, who died May 31, 1916 at 1118 Baltic Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, and was buried at Pleasantville, NJ, by C.E. Flipping and Son, undertakers.”

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Thomas Reddick, Company K

Though the soldier sustained a serious injury when his horse fell on him, he lived for many years. The chaos of these times is evident in witness testimony. The widow stated “I left my owner during the war, early part, don’t know the date and came to Suffolk, Va. which was then in the hands of the U.S. Army. I was there about a year and then Suffolk was evacuated and I came to Portsmouth, Va. and I have lived in and near Portsmouth, Va. ever since.” She later said “I drew rations from the government while the soldier was in the army. He got a paper from his captain and I carried that to the Warehouse near the Forty Wharf in Norfolk and got rations until just before he returned from Texas.”

Invalid — 737,873 / 549,035
Widow — 756,491 / 544,264, Martha Reddick

General Affidavit, Willis Murdaugh, 22 February 1890
60 years old; residence, Pearl Street, Norfolk Co., Va.
“That I have known the claimant … since his discharge from the service … near neighbors and seeing him very often.”

General Affidavit, Miles Carey, 22 February 1890
56 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
“I am well acquainted with the claimant having known him for 30 years … [and] by seeing him several times each week.”

General Affidavit, David Coleman, 19 March 1890
49 years old; Norfolk Co., Va.
“I have known the claimant ever since he got out of service, have worked with him on the material train”

General Affidavit, Charles Pierce, 19 March 1890
55 years old; Norfolk Co., Va.
“I have known the said Thomas Riddick from his discharge to the present time… ever since he came out of the service have seen him as often as 3 or 4 times per week and have worked with him”

General Affidavit, Thomas Reddick, 4 April 1890
50 years old; Norfolk County, Virginia
“It is impossible for me to get the testimony of the surgeons who treated me in the service for my disabilities and those who have treated me since my discharge because they have died, moved away so I cannot find them.”

For Officer’s or Comrade’s Testimony, Ives Smith and Nelson Elliott, 24 October 1891
“Reddick was a strong healthy man. … June or July 1864 in front of Petersburg, Va. [Riddick] was injured by having a horse fall on him and severely injured him on the left knee and left side … was injured very badly, was relieved from duty and finally sent to Newport News, Regimentl Hospital.”

Deposition, Maria Shepheard, 2 February 1902
60 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
“We was raised together with claimant, hence have known her from childhood to present time … That she knowed [sic] soldier since 1865 … that she attended the funeral of soldier”

General Affidavit, W.H. Fisher, 12 February 1902
25 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
“That he is a funeral director and furnished coffin, hearse, and 4 carriages on the 11th day of December 1901 and interred the remains of Thomas Reddick in Mt. Olive Cemetery situated near the city of Portsmouth … Reddick died on the 9th of December 1901, at his residence 1437 King Street, that there is no City ordinance existing in the County nor no health officer’s certificate of death etc unless the body is carried in or through the City.”

General Affidavit, Ann Reed, 12 February 1902
56 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia; post-office address, Chestnut St. near Griffin, Portsmouth, Va.
“That she knowed [sic] claimant and soldier before they were married, that she lived in the same house with her before her marriage to soldier also at the time of and a short while afterwards. That they were married on or about the 16th of July 1865, the ceremony was performed by one Rev. Thos. Barrett… that she was present and saw the ceremony performed”

General Affidavit, W.H. Fisher and Charles Sugar, 8 March 1902
[Fisher] 25 years old; Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
[Sygar] 50 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.
“That they are well acquainted with claimant and deceased soldier, that they live near the claimant, and the said W.H. Fisher is the undertaker who conducted the funeral exercises and buried the deceased soldier….[Syger] visited and waited on deceased soldier during his sufferings from the paralytic stroke from which he died.”

General Affidavit, Martha Reddick, 26 March 1902
54 years old; residence, Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, 1437 King St., Portsmouth, Va.
“That she owns no stocks or bonds, nor no personal property worth mentioning, only a one half interest in the old house and lot owned jointly by deed to her and her late husband … The lot is worth about one hundred and fifty dollars it being situated in a locality where land is not worth much … [the house] was built about 22 years ago and no repairs except what was necessary for immediate comfort. “

Deposition, Martha Reddick, 15 November 1902
54 years old; occupation, housework; residence, 1437 King St., Portsmouth, Va.
“[I am] the legal widow of Tom Reddick … [who] died at 1437 King Street, Portsmouth, Va. on Dec 9th of last year (1901) of paralysis … [he] was born near Suffolk, Nansemond Co., Va. son of Rhody Reddick, don’t know the name of his father. His owner was Willis Reddick.
“I was born in Edenton, NC. My mother’s name was Judy Wilson, don’t know name of my father, he was sold away when a child. My owner was Tom Hoskins.
“I left my owner during the war, early part, don’t know the date and came to Suffolk, Va. which was then in the hands of the U.S. Army. I was there about a year and then Suffolk was evacuated and I came to Portsmouth, Va. and I have lived in and near Portsmouth, Va. ever since.
“I became acquainted with Tom Reddick in Suffolk after I had been there about two months. He was then still with his mother. He commenced to court me there, but I did not live with him and I was not his wife. I was known as Martha Wilson while there.
“I did not come to Portsmouth with the soldier. He came down about two weeks after I did.
“I had been in Portsmouth, Va. about two months when I was married to said Thomas Reddick, by Rev. Tom Burnett, a white preacher, in Newtown, a part of Portsmouth, Va. on Court Street extended. We were married by a regular ceremony, in a house rented by Reuben Reddick and two other families, the home was very large.”

“We were married in July on the 16th but I don’t know the year but it was 5 months before the said Tom Reddick enlisted in Dec.
“Q. The soldier alleged that he was married to Martha WIlson in Nansemond Co., Va. in 1861.
[The widow maintained that the correct date was the date she’d given — Leslie]”

“Q. Who was present when you were married or alleged.
Some 7 or 8 people, Scott Riddick, Mary Brinkley, that’s all who I know are living.”

“I drew rations from the government while the soldier was in the army. He got a paper from his captain and I carried that to the Warehouse near the Forty Wharf in Norfolk and got rations until just before he returned from Texas.
“I have my papers to show that I drew rations. The soldier sent me money, the last by Stephen Reddick, a Sgt in his company from Texas.

“I was his wife near 40 years. I had 9 children by him. I live with my children. Mr. Barrett who married us. came from Suffolk, Va., don’t know that he was pastor of any church, but he was a preacher.
“I have no property at all except a house and lot near Portsmouth in mine and soldier’s names. I don’t know the worth of the property. The house and worth much, about $25.00, the lot is worth and $100.00, I reckon….No income at all except from my labor and what my children give me.”

“Annie Reed was present and saw us married…Scott Reddick and Mary Brinkley knew him long before he married me, and know that he was never married before he married me.”
“J.M. Rutter, Portsmouth, Va. has attended to all the writing in my case. …. Mr. Rutter told me that Mr. D. Preston in Wash, DC. was my atty. … The soldier’s captain was Whiting. I went to see the soldier at Fort Monroe and Newport News, while with his company.”

Deposition, Stephen Reddick, 21 November 1902
74 years old; occupation, laborer; post-office address, Berkley, Va.
“I served as Corpl and Sgt in Co. K …. We always call him Tom. We were related, but we both belonged to the same man, Willis T. Reddick, of Suffolk, Va. now dead.
“Tom and I were raised together, enlisted together, and were discharged together…. I lived in Portsmouth, Va. for a while after the war and I went to see them at times.”

“I brought a prisoner here to Norfolk from Brazos Santiago, Tex., in 1865 and Tom sent some money by me to her, and I gave it to her, and I gave it to her in Newtown, Portsmouth, Va. where she then lived.”

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James Randall, Company D

A twenty-two year old undertaker. A built over cemetery. Witnesses from distant regiments. A sketchy attorney. “A man of sober temperament and good moral character.” A woman known as “Clotilda” and “Matilda” who “became accustomed to being known by either name.” Lives lived in Princess Anne County, Norfolk and Norfolk County, Virginia.

Invalid — 853,460 / 643,580
Widow — 1,075,249 / 818,917, Clotilda Randall

Marriage License [copy], James Randolph and Matilda Cuffee, 9 November 1891
Both born in Princess Anne County, Virginia. Both resided in Norfolk County, Virginia. The husband’s parents were Frank and Vina Randolph. The bride’s parents were Jesse and Clotilda Snowden. The license was issued November 5, 1891; the wedding took place on November 9, 1891. The officiant was Minster W.A. Butt.

General Affidavit, Emmerson Cuffee, 19 May 1893
about 69 years old; occupation, farmer; post-office address, Berkley, Norfolk Co., Va.
“I have known [James Randolph] ever since the war. He was in the same regiment I was in but not the same company…. I was one of his identifying witnesses and Henry Sivils was the other. Henry Sivils wrote his name and I made my mark…..All three of us, Randall, Sivils any myself put our hands on a book and W.R. Drury administered the oath to us. There were no other white men present. “

General Affidavit, Henry Sivils, 20 May 1893
52 years old; occupation, gardener; post-office address, Berkley, Norfolk Co., Va.
“I have known [James Randolph] since he was a boy….W.R. Drury was his attorney. I went with him to witness …. I signed my name on his declaration … I was sworn by W.R. Drury.”

General Affidavit, Henry Boone & Lewis Warden, 8 November 1897
[Boone] 49 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Berkley, Va.
[Warden] 56 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Berkley, Va.
“That they are personally and intimately acquainted with the claimant and have been thus acquainted with him for 20 or 15 years, respectively, That they have known him personally much longer than 15 or 20 years respectively. That affiants have been near neighbors of said James Randall in Norfolk County, Va. for 15 or 20 years respectively … he is a man of sober temperament and of good moral character.”

Deposition, James Randall, 14 May 1902
occupation, farming
“I was born in Princess Anne Co., Va. … was born in 1842 a slave to James Bright of Princess Anne Co. My father’s name was Frank Randall and he was a slave to [illegible] Randall. My mother’s name was Vina Randall and she was a slave to my master. My full and correct name is James Randall.”
“I was honorably discharged in 1866 in March the fore part. Was mustered out at New Orleans, La. and Brazos Santiago, Texas and finally discharged and paid off at Point of Rocks, Va.
“Immediately after discharge I came back to this vicinity in Norfolk Co. and have resided here since.
“I lost my original discharge certificate as I had gave it to a man named Brown to get Bounty for me.”
“(Pensioner is now 6 ft tall … black eyes, hair and complexion. Has a bad scar from a cut across first three fingers of left hand done he states when a child three or four years old.)”

“I was detailed as one of ten men from Williamsburg, Va. to go to Grove Wharf to stand guard and was on such duty 15 or 20 days. This was in 1864 during the summer.
“Our Colonel was Jeffrey Gerard.
Lt. Colonel … didn’t have one.
Major ” Brown and Seipp also
Captain ” Bowen
1st Lt. ” Mack
2d Lt. ” Moss
Orderly Sgt. Ward
I tented with Geo. Floyd and John Keeling.
“I was in the engagement at Chickahominy but can’t give date. Monroe Tripp was killed out of the regiment there. Can’t give company.”
“My witnesses were Henry Boon and Primus Banks.
“I was last examined by a Bd of U.S. [Examining] Surgeons last October at Soldier’s Home, Va.
“I had lawyer Reed of Portsmouth, Va. ….M.V. Tierney, Wash, DC, was my regular attorney.”

“My pension voucher and certificate are in my possession and I never have pledged either for a debt, loan or liability. Have been married twice. My first wife Emma Jane Fuller died in 1888 at Norfolk Co., Va. beyond Berkley. Then I married Clotilda Cuffee at Norfolk Co., Va. 10 years ago last Nov 9, I think. She had been previously married to Lawson Cuffee who died in 1871 at Portsmouth, Va. I have no child under 16 years of age”

Declaration for Pension, James Randall, 20 May 1912
68 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Berkley Station, Norfolk, Va.
“born August 18th, 1843 at Princess Anne County, Va.

Death Certificate, James Randall, 14 July 1913
He died of malarial fever — Leslie

Sworn Statement, Matilda Randolph, 5 August 1913
“Also personally appeared Miles Freeman, residing at Providence, Va. and Samuel McCoy, residing in Norfolk, Va…. affiant Freeman is a son of claimant and affiant McCoy has known said parties intimately for about 25 years.

General Affidavit, Matilda Randolph, 2 May 1914
over 60 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, R.F.D. 2 Box 123, Norfolk, Va.
“I was never married but twice. First to Lawson Cuffee who died at Portsmouth, Va. in September about 40 years ago or more, as my son by Lawson Cuffee was born about three months after his father died, and this son is nearly 41 years old….I remained single after Lawson Cuffee’s death until my marriage to James W. Randolph and I lived with him until his death … James W. Randolph was buried in a private burial ground near Providence, Norfolk Co., Va.
“That James W. Randolph was once married prior to his marriage to me… That I am unable to furnish death certificates of death [sic] of ) Emma Randolph, soldier’s first wife) or Lawson Cuffee, my first husband) as no county records were kept here when they died.”

General Affidavit, William H. Fuller, 2 May 1914
about 60 years old; residence, Princess Anne Co., Va.; post-office address, Rt. w Bonney’s Store, Princess Anne Co., Va.
“That I knew Matilda Randolph before she was married, her maiden name was Snowden. That she was never married but twice. First to Lawson Cuffee who died in suburbs of Portsmouth, Va. about 40 years ago I saw his body after death but did not attend his funeral, but knew about his burial in Portsmouth where it is now built over. That Matilda Randolph was next married to James W. Randolph … She is a woman of good moral character That James W. Randolph was was never married but twice, first to my sister Emma Fuller Randolph who died three weeks before Christmas 35 years ago at Norfolk Co., Va. on the ‘Sharpe Farm,’ and was buried in Drury Branch Church burial ground in Princess Anne Co., Va. I attended her funeral and burial. James W. Randolph was next married to Matilda Cuffee.”

General Affidavit, James W. Fuller, 2 May 1914
55 years old; residence, Princess Anne Co., Va.; post-office address, RFD 4, Box 59, Norfolk, Va.
“James Randolph’s first wife Emma Fuller was my sister”

General Affidavit, Willis Goodman, 4 May 1914
22 years old; residence, Norfolk, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, RFD 4, c/o J.T. Forelard, Norfolk, Va.
“That I was the undertaker [associated as a part owner of the firm of H. Norfleet and W. Goodman] who buried James W. Randolph in July 1913. I can’t remember exact day of the month. I had his body embalmed and I accompanied his body to grove near Providence, Norfolk Co., Va. where I buried him. The above undertaking firm was located at West Murden near Norfolk & in Norfolk Co., Va. Said firm partnership was dissolved in September 1913 since which time I am doing undertaking business at same place under firm name of [W. Goodman and C. Perkins, Undertakers]. That I had personally known James W. Randolph for about 12 years.

General Affidavit, James Cuffee, 7 July 1914
70 years old; residence, Providence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Berkeley Sta. Norfolk, Va.
“[We] were play children together … I served in Co. L 5th Massachusetts Cavalry, and as 1st U.S. Col. Cav. and 5th Mass. Cavy were brigaded together in Texas I saw this soldier often. In fact, our tents ran backs together … I have lived near neighbor to this soldier ever since the Civil War, and I helped shroud him when he died last summer.”

General Affidavit, Primus Banks, 8 July 1914
87 years old; residence, near Providence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Berkeley Sta. Norfolk, Va.
“Since the Civil War we have never lived over one mile apart … I attended his burial about one year ago and viewed his body after death.”.

General Affidavit, Clotilda Randolph, 1 September 1914
about 60 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, R.F.D. 2, Box 123, Norfolk, Va.
“That my correct name is Clotilda but I have been known as “Clotilda” or “Matilda” for years. I don’t know just why unless because of so many colored people being unable to read and write and names sound similar, and I became accustomed to being known by either name.”

General Affidavit, Sarah J. Baines & James Cuffey, 9 January 1915
[Bains] 60 years old; residence, Providence, RFD c/o Joe Bains, Norfolk Co., Va.
[Cuffey] 71 years old; residence, Providence, Berkley PO, Va. Norfolk Co., Va.
“That we were both well acquainted with the soldier James W. Randolph from childhood”

General Affidavit, Clotilda Fuller, 11 January 1915
about 59 years old; residence Princess Anne Co., Va.; post-office address, Rt. 4, Box 59, Berkley, Norfolk, Va.
“That Clotilda Randolph and I were children & grew up together. “

General Affidavit, Clotilda Randolph, 15 March 1915
about 60 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, Rte. 2, Box 123, Norfolk, Va.
“My first husband Lawson Cuffee never served in the military or naval service of the United States.”

General Affidavit, Matilda Randolph, 23 June 1915
about 60 years old; residence, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, R.R. 2. Box 123, Norfolk, Va.
“My husband James W. Randall died July 14, 1913. That if I stated otherwise at any time in my claim it was a mistake and not intentional.
“That to best of my knowledge my husband’s correct name was James W. Randolph. His name as James Randall in above service was no doubt a clerical mistake in pronunciation and spelling. This is the only way I can account for differences in names.
“I never knew soldier until after the war.”

General Affidavit, Jane T. Bain & Georgia Tatem, 26 October 1916
[Bain] about 59 years old; residence, Munden Town, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, RFD 3, Box 14
[Tatem] 41 years old; residence West Munden Town, Norfolk Co., Va.; post-office address, RFD 2, Box 10
“That they have been well and personally acquainted with Clothilda Randall … for 30 years and 31 years, respectively, and that they knew James Randall, the soldier above named for 50 years and 25 years, respectively”

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Moses Russell, Company K

The claimant injured hurt his back while jumping his horse over a fence during a Company drill at Fortress Monroe in Spring 1864. Years later his widow gave information his former enslaver and the couple’s nine children in her application for pension benefits. Witnesses lived in Isle of Wight County and Elizabeth City County, Virginia.

Invalid — 187,499 / 171,121
Widow — 833,152 / 435,444 — Susan Randall

Sworn Statement, J.T. Boutell, M.D., 7 August 1879
“I have known Moses Russell since 1875. He supports his family by doing odd jobs and sawing wood. The latter however seems to be too much for him & although he does a small amount of sawing yet most of it is done by his son. He has worked for me at times and I have noticed that he cannot stand much heavy work or lift heavy weights.

Sworn Statement, Edward Pleasants, 7 August 1879
resident, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Virginia
“IThat he has known the said Moses Russell from June eighteen hundred and sixty-five at which date Moses Russell was discharged from the United States Service, to the present day, that he has lived withiin one hundred yards of him from his discharge from said service to to the present day, saw him the day he arrived at home from said service, and has seen him nearly every day and night since coming out of said service to the present time . … “

Sworn Statement, Jerry White, 7 August 1879
resident, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Virginia
“That he has been intimately acquainted with the said Moses Russell since the 7th day of February A.D. 1866, that he was a private in Company H, in the 1st U.S.C. Cav. with the said Moses Russell … Russelll was injured in the back by the jumping of a horse while on duty … and has been living within two hundred yards of him all the time, to the present day, see him every day, and frequently visiting each other especially in his sickness … he was attended by Dr. L.D. Seymour, deceased, up to his death, which took place on the third day of November 1870 and afterwards he was attended by Dr. Boutelle of Hampton … “

Sworn Statement, Thompson Walker, 7 August 1879 [presumed date]
“that he know said Moses Russell for the last twenty years, lived within two hundred yards of of him all the time, frequently visiting each other …”

Sworn Statement, William Randall, 7 August 1879
“William Randall was a private of Company K, 1st Reg United States Cavalry and was personally acquainted with the aforesaid Moses Russell … [the claimant hurt his back] while in the act of jumping his horse over [illegible] fence while in the line of his duty in Company Drill at Fortress Monroe, Virginia sometime during the Spring of A.D. 1864 … he never knew the aforesaid Moses Russell to be addicted to intemperance or other immoral habits.”

Declaration for Original Pension of a Widow–Child or Children under Sixteen years of age surviving, 28 November 1885
“the following are the names and dates of birth of all [soldier’s] legistimate children yet surviving who were under sixteen years of age at the father’s death, to wit: Samuel Russell, born 1866; Lule Russell, born about 1874; Hattie Russell, born about 1876 [But it might be 1878 — Leslie]
“Also, personally appeared Agnes Crocker … and Andrew WIlliams … Hampton, Va.”
[Note: The date at the top of the form is November 28th and the date at the bottom of the form is November 30th. Both dates are handwritten — Leslie]

Sworn Statement, Thomas Brooks and Samuel Robinson, [undated]
“residing at Hampton, Va. … they were members of Company K, 1st Regiment of the United States Colored Cavalry … [Russell] was transferred from his company to hospital on account of said injury …”

General Affidavit, Eliza Nelson and Cora Hyde, 1 April 1890
[Nelson] 50 years old; residence, Elizabeth City County, Virginia; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
[Hyde] 30 years old; residence, Elizabeth City County, Virginia; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
“That they are near neighbors to Susan Russell, widow, Moses Russell …”

General Affidavit, Owra Hope, 24 April 1890
40 years old; residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Virginia; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
“I am well acquainted with Susan Russell and her husband Moses Russell … I live as neighbor”

General Affidavit, Eliza Nelson ____
44 years old; residence, Elizabeth City County, Virginia;
“I am well acquainted with Susan Russell … I live as neighbor”

General Affidavit, Milly Prentis, 13 February 1889
70 years old; residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City Co., Va.;
“I was presebt as a nurse for Susan Russell at the birth of Hattie Russell. She born 1878 and died March 6th 1889 at Hampton, Va.”

Sworn Statement, Susan Russell, 3 June 1888
“I was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia about the eyar 1830 — at which place she continued to live until about April 1861 — with Dr. James Southall who was my master and owner. I first met Moses Russell in Smithfield, Isle of Wight Co., Va. about the year 1854 and was married to him about the year 1858 in the county Isle of Wight by Rev. Dr. Colton. Moses Russell at that time was a slave and owned by Wm. Willis Wilson of Smithfield, Isle of Wight Co., Va. at which place he was born. My maiden name was Susan [illegible] … I have had 9 children by him as follows: 3 before the war of the Rebellion, Mary M. Russell, Laura, and John Russell; 6 since the war, Julie, Hattie, Daniel, Russell; the remaining died at birth before being named. Moses Russell was born about 1826. He was a slave before the war and laborer after the war ended…. I have only three children now living John Russell aged about 28 years, Julie aged 12 years, and Hattie aged 9 years.”

Physician’s Affidavit, J.T. Boutelle, MD, 24 February 1890
residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Va.
“acquainted with said oldier for about four years … knew nothing [of Moses Russell] prior to 1875 or 1876 when I first knew him as a resident of Hampton, Va. and began to act as physician to his family. At the time he was in poor condition physically, doing odd jobs for a living. “

General Affidavit, Susan Russell, 27 February 1893
about 45 years old; residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Va.
“Julia born about 1878 and that Hattie is dead and Julia is the only surviving child of the soldier …

General Affidavit, Caroline Spratley and Elia Nelson, 15 July 1893
[Spratley] 52 years old; residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Va.; post-office address, Hampton, Va.;
[Nelson] [blank years old]; residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, Va.; post-office address, Hampton, Va.;
“That we have known the claimant since long before the war, that [they] were play children together, their owners living on adjoining farms … the only property [claimant] owns is a small house and lot, that she has no income other than her daily labor.”

Secondary Proof of Marriage, Susan Russell, 11 October 1893
“I am the widow of Moses Russell … my maiden name was Susan Pinner … was lawfully married at Smithfield, County of Isle of Wight, State of Virginia, by Rev. Dr. Colton … on or about 1859 … by said marriage the following children … John Russell, 30 yrs old; Lou. Russell, age 14 years. The former married and living to himself. The latter dependent upon me….The records of our County were destroyed during the war… I cannot obtain the affidavit of the party who performed the marriage ceremony, because he cannot be found and no doubt is dead as he was passed [sic] middle age then… husband died on the 19th day of November, A.D. 1880″

General Affidavit, Caroline Spratley, 19 October 1893
residence, Hampton, Elizabeth City Co., Va.; post-office address, Hampton, Va.
“I was present wihen the claimant Susan Russell was married to Moses Russell which took place before the late war….Her husband belonged to the same person who owned me.”

General Affidavit, Susan Russell, 17 September 1894
about 50 years old; residence Hampton, Elizabeth City Co., Va.;
“That she has no property except a small house and lot which is assessed on the landbooks at this county as $200.00
… on account of her health she is unable to work”

Deposition, Susan Russell, 27 November 1896
about 56 years; occupation, laundress; post-office address, Hampton, Eliz. City Co., Va.

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