CARTER HARRIS

Submitted by Mitzi P. Freeman

SOURCE: Pension Application

Submitter Notes: This pension is 50+ pages long. Affidavits have been abstracted.

DECLARATION FOR ORGINAL PENSION OF AN INVALID

State of Tennessee, County of Jackson County, ss:

On this 6th day of May, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two personally appeared before me Zachariah Van Hoosier Clerk of the Circuit Court of said county the same being a court of record within and for the county and State aforesaid, Carter Harris aged 38 years, a resident of _________, county of Jackson County State of Tennessee, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is married; that his wife's name was Elizabeth Davis, to whom he was married at Chattouga County on the 9th day of February, 1855 that he is the identical man who was in Captain Branam company E regiment Tenth Indiana brigade, Stockweather division, discharged Pischaged, on the 29th day of June, 1865; complexion, Fair; hair, Dark; eyes Gray; that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, he received the following disability, to wit: Sore eyes in June 64 at Pallasca Iicly County, Penn in the servis I was sent to Polusca hospital sent to my command at Vicksburg February 65 and in June 65 Belapst and sent to the hospital in Vicks Burg and remain there some time and was Discharged for the loss of my eye sight that since leaving the said service, this applicant has resided in the county of Jackson in the State of Tennessee, and his occupation has been nothing more them derrect his family that prior to his entry into the service above-named, he was a man of good, sound physical, being enrolled , a man of a strong constitution and good eyes sight and now he is so blind that he is disabled from obtaining his subsistence from manual labor in consequences of his above-named injuries received in the service of the United States; that he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States by reason of the disabilities above stated; that I file this declaration my self; (-- marked out --); that his post office is at Flynn's Lick, county of Jackson County, State of Tenness; that his domicile or place of abode is Jackson County Tennessee his Disease has not aggravated by Bad habits that privious to his eutomy this servis he was of professor of ????

Carter Harris (his Mark)

Attest
J. B. Fox
Drury Spurlock

Also appeared J. B. Fox, residing in Jackson County, Tenn and Drury Spurlock, residing in Jackson County, Tenn, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Carter Harris, the claimant, sign his name (or make his mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.

J. B. Fox
Drury Spurlock
(Signatures of witnesses)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of May, A. D. 1872 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c. were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words thenby appoint, erased, and the words I filed this declaration myself, added, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

Zachariah Van Hooser
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Jackson County

Affidavit by James Vinson
Dated 21 Jan 1879

States that Carter Harris moved within one mile of him. Carter was unable to do labor of any kind because of his eyes. In fall of 1872, Carter settled on the farm of J. B. Fox and lived there until now.

Affidavit by W. B. Holmes, M. D.
Dated 22 Nov 1877

States that he treated Carter Harris in the year 1866 for inflammation
of the eyes.

Affidavit by W. S. Wester
Taken at Putnam County by B. R. Womack Justice of the Peace
Dated 17 Dec 1877

W. S. Wester was a private in Co. E 10th Regiment of Indiana Cavalry U. S. Vols. He knew Carter Harris. Before the war, Carter had nothing wrong with his eyes. At either Nashville or Pulaski, Tenn Carter was taken with inflammation of the eyes and was unable to return to duty.

Affidavit by H. H. Lawden, M. D.
Taken at Putnam County

He became acquainted with Carter Harris in about 1873 and have been his family physician ever since. Carter was nearly blind in 1873.

Affidavit by J. B. Fox
Taken at Putnam County
Date 27 Jan 1879

Fox states that in 1865 Carter Harris could scarcely see his way around. He was acquainted with Carter from 1866-1878 and up to the time 27 Jan 1879. Carter's eyes were in a very bad condition. Carter moved onto Fox's farm when he was in destitute circumstances in about 1872. He moved from Granville to Fox's farm.

Affidavit by F. M. Thomas (citizen of Smith County)
Taken at Jackson County
Dated 25 Oct 1872

Thomas volunteered at Jeffersonville, IN in 10th IN Cavalry Co. E. with Capt. Bradbern. At the time Carter volunteered, he was able-bodied. Carter's eyes became afflicted during the service. He was left at a hospital in Vicksburg.

Affidavit by Dr. William B. Holmes, a physician
Taken at Jackson County
Dated 25 Oct 1872

Dr. Holmes has a full practice in Granville district. He was called to visit Carter Harris in May 1866 and found that he had sore eyes and was blind. Carter's eyes are still bad.

Affidavit by W. S. Wester
Taken at Putnam County
Dated 21 Oct 1872

Wester is a citizen of Putnam County. Carter Harris was at New Albany in US Army IN Cavalry, Colonel Thomas Trace, commanding. He was in 10th IN Cavalry, Co. E with Carter. At time of enlistment, Carter was able-bodied but was afflicted with sore eyes at Pulaski. He was sent to the hospital, because he was blind. Last time he saw Carter was at Vicksburg where Carter was blind.

Affidavit by J. Terrell Byrne
Taken at Jackson County
Dated 21 Jan 1879

He is acquainted with Carter Harris, who moved from Georgia to Byrne's neighborhood in the fall of 1965. Carter lived about one mile from Byrne for about 4 years, then moved to John B. Fox's farm. After two years, he moved back to Byrne's neighborhood. All the time that Carter lived near Byrne, he was under medical treatment for sore eyes.

Adjutant General's Office
Washington, D. C.
Jan 11, 1878

On the Muster Roll of Co. E, of the 10th Regiment, Ind. Cav. for the months of May & June, 1864, Francis M. Thomas & William S. Wester are reported Privates Present for duty. Co was statement Pulaski, Tenn June 30, 64.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
T. W. Benjamin
Assistant Adjutant General

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Affidavit by James Harris
Taken at Hamilton County
Date 23 May 1878

James Harris is a resident of Walker County, GA. He was a private in Co. E. 10th Regiment of IN Cavalry. He was personally acquainted with Carter for many years before he enlisted. He and Carter enlisted together and remained together until Carter was discharged. Carter was in good health until the fall of 1864 where he became ill due to exposure and forced march while under the command of Genl Starkweather on his march to Nashville. The cold affected Carter's eyes and became worse during the fighting around Nashville. Carter participated in much of the fighting around Nashville until he was almost blind. Then he went to the hospital. He again joined at Vicksburg. His eyes failed him, and he went into the hospital there.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873

Carter Harris
P. O. Cookeville
Putnam Co. Tenn
Service: Co. E 10 Ind Vols Cav.
Enlisted: Dec 30, 1863
Discharged: June 29, 1865

Application filed: Feb 20, 1872
Alleges: Disease of eyes, contraction June 1864 at Pulaski, Tenn.

Re-Enlisted: old Jacket inside

Cert. No. 162,583
Name: Carter Harris
Rank: Priv
Service: Co. E, 10 Ind. Vol.
Original Roll: Knoxville
Issued: June 25, 1892
Rate and Period: $10, from Sep 30, 1891
Disability: Dis. of eyes & resltg loss of sight of left eye

Adjutant General's Office
Washington, D. C.
June 20, 1878
Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th day of June, 1878, requesting a "Statement of Service" of Presence or absence

The following information has been obtained from the files of this Office, and is respectfully furnished in reply to your inquiry:

On the Muster Roll of Co. E 10th Ind Vols Regiments for the months of Ma;y and June, 1864, James M. Harris is reported present July and Aug/64 absent wounded July 21st/64 Regtll Return for July 1864 reports him: "In Field Hospital" and he is so borne for Aug/64. Co was stationed near Marietta, GA June 30/64 and Aug 31/64 Co N. O. roll dated Indianapolis Sept 19th 1864 reports him Transferred to 58th Regt Ind Vols. Assigned to Co. "E" of that Regt and reported present on roll for Nov and Dec 64 with remark:- "Transferred from 10th Ind Vols Nov 20/64" I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
C. W. Benjamin
Assistant Adjutant General

To Com of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Affidavit by H. H. Lansden, M. D.
Taken at Jackson County
Date 17 May 1879

He has known Carter since 1872 or 1873 and has been his family physician ever since. He is still suffering from the same affliction.

Act of July 14, 1862

Carter Harris
Cookeville (-- Marked Out: Flynn's Lick --)
Putnam (-- Marked Out: Jackson County --)
Co. E - 10 Ind Vols

Capt. Brannum Co. Swallarge
Discharged: June 29, 1865
Received: Feb 20, 1872
Claimant
Flynn's Lick
Jackson Co. Tenn

Medical Exam
Pulse Rate: 72
Respiration: 20
Temperature: 97 1/2
Height: 5 feet 8 inches
Weight: 117 pounds
Age: 63 years

U. S. Pension Agency
Mar 9, 1896

Hon. Wm Lochren
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:

I hereby report that the name of Carter Harris for Co. E. 10 Ind Vol Cav, who was a pensioner on the rolls of this Agency, under Certificate No. 162583, and who was last paid at $17.00 to 4 Aug 1895, has been dropped because of death,

General Law, Invalid

Very Respectfully,
D. A. Carpenter,
Pension Agent

Department of the Interior

Pension Office
Washington, D. C. Jany 19, 1878

Respectfully returned to the Surgeon General
USA
for a report of ??? of this man in McPherson G.H. Vicksburgh, Miss subsequent to February 28/65 Discharged May 8 - 1865 while in said hospital.

#172712
Carter Harris 10 Ind. Cav.

Affdavit of Drury Spurlock and S. W. Vinson
Taken at Jackson County
Dated 2 May 1891

Drury Spurlock is 62 years and is resident of Jackson County. S. W. Vinson is 42 years old and is a resident of Jackson County. Both knew Carter Harris for about 25 years. Carter has had trouble with his eyes ever since they knew him.

State of Tennessee
Jackson County }

Personally appeared before W. B. Brooks as clerk of the county court of said county the undersigned and makes oath in one form of law that Carter Harris died on the 30th day of October 1895 in Jackson County Tennessee in the 5th district at his home also his wife Elizabeth Harris died on Jany 1st 1895 at her house in Jackson County Tennessee and they leave no heirs under the age of sixteen years of age and that John T. Harris who signed the voucher for his father is in his stead for the above time that due by the Department to his father and that (he) John T. Harris is and lawfull heirs.

J. M. Williamson
Albert Clemens

Sworn and submscribed before me this Nov. 11, 1895 and official seal.
This Nov 11, 1895

Affidavit of Thos M. Park M. D.
Taken at Hamilton County, TN
Dated 31 Dec 1877

Thos M. Park lives in Walker County, GA. He was acquainted with Carter in the years 1859-1862. Carter lived near him, and he was the family physician. During that time, Carter had no disease, his eyes were good, morals were good and his habits temperate.

Affidavit of Joel Cross
Taken at Jackson County
Dated 20 Jan 1879

Joel first met Carter in Dade County, GA in the year 1863. Carter was in sound health at that time. Carter left to go north to join the US army. At that time, there was nothing wrong with his eyes. He did not see Carter again until 1865. At that time, he was in a bad state of health with his eyes very much inflammed. In the later part of 1865, Carter left Dade County, GA for Jackson County, TN. Joel moved to Jackson County in 1871.

Affidavit of J. C. Holmes
Taken at Dade County, GA
Dated 1 Jan 1879

J. C.'s first acquaintance with Carter was in 1858 when Carter as a citizen of Walker County, GA. His eyes were sound at that time. During 1859-1862, J. C. saw Carter frequently, and Carter's eyes were sound. In 1863, Carter left Walker County and went to Dade County. He remained there until he left to go north to join the US Army. In 1864, when Carter went on furlough, his eyes were very much inflamed.

Affidavit of William H. Harris
Taken at Dade County, GA
Dated 1 Jan 1879

William was acquainted with Carter for many years past. From 1857 to 1863, William lived in Walker County, GA near Carter. Carter was in sound health and had good eyes. In 1863, Carter came to Dade County, GA until he went north to join the army. In 1864, his eyes became inflammed. He was discharged in 1865 on account of his eyes.

Affidavit of Carter Harris
Taken at Putnam County
Dated 4 June 1878

Carter moved from Walker County, GA to Dade County, GA in Nov 1861. He resided near Trenton PO until he enlisted in the service of the US in the year 1863. He was raised in Murray County, GA until 1858. After being discharged, he went back to Dade County, GA to his family in July 1865 and remained until November 1865 where he moved to Jackson County, TN. He still resides in Jackson County.

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