Pension File # 13,168
State of Tennessee
SOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION
NAME J. E. Brassfield
Co. 9 Ark Inf Rgt.
Filed Sept. 1, 1911
Allowed _______
FILE IS STAMPED RejectedSOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION
I, Joshua E. Brassfield a native of the State of North Carolina and now a citizen of Tennessee, resident at Chestnut Bluff in the County of Crockett in said State of Tennessee, and who was a soldier from the State of Arkansas in the war between the United States and the Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under the Act of the General Assembly of Tennessee, entitled “An Act for the benefit of indigent and disabled soldiers of the late war between the States, and to fix the fees of attorneys or agents for procuring such pension, and fixing a penalty for the violation of the same.” And I do solemnly swear that I was a member of 9th Ark Reg, Capt. Hix and in Col. Gleens regiment in the service of the Confederate or United States, and that by reason of disability and indigence I am now entitled to receive the benefit of this Act. I further swear that I do not hold any National, State, or County office, nor do I receive aid or pension from any other State, or from the United States, and that I am not an inmate of any soldier’s home, and that I am unable to earn a reasonable support for myself and family. I do further solemnly swear that the answers given to the following questions are true:
In what County, State and year were you born?
Answer: Wake Co. North Carolina
When did you enlist and in what command? Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you served.
Answer: June 1862, Capt. Hix, Col. Glenn. I was born Oct 28 1832
In what battle or battles were you engaged, and, if not wounded, state what disabilities did you receive, if any?
Answer: Cotton Plant, Little Rock, Cane Hill, Brownsville
What was the precise nature of your wound or disability, if any?
Answer: _________________________
Were you incapacitated for service by reason of said wound or disability incurred?
Answer: _________________________
Were you discharged from the army by reason of said wound or disability?
Answer: _________________________
If discharged from the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war?
Answer: _________________________
What was the name of the surgeon who attended you?
Answer: _________________________
How did you get out of the army, when and where?
Answer: I was parolled at Duvals Bluff Ark
Were you ever in prison? If so, what prison and when released?
Answer: No
Were you paroled? If so, when and where?
Answer: Not until the end of the war
Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government?
Answer: Yes at my surrender
[View Page]
If so, when and under what circumstances?
Answer: After the war was over and all surrendered
Have you applied for pension before this? If so, about when?
Answer: No
Are you married, or have you been married?
Answer: Yes
If so, what is the size of your family living together?
Answer: Wife, self and two children
What are the respective ages of your wife and children living with you?
Answer: Wife 57 – 14 and 18 years of age – of my Children
To what sex do your children belong?
Answer: One girl – one boy
In what business are you now engaged, if any, and what do you earn?
Answer: Farming – that is I have it done for me
What estate have you in your own right, real and personal, and what is its value?
Answer: A little home worth between $400.00 and $500.00
What estate has your wife in her own right, real and personal, and what is its value?
Answer: None
How have you derived support for yourself and family for the past five years?
Answer: Farming as well as I could
Do you use intoxicants to any extent?
Answer: No
How long have you been an actual resident of the State of Tennessee?
Answer: 46 years
Have you an attorney to look after this application?
Answer: No
If so, give his name and address.
Answer: ____________________________
Witness my hand, this 8 day of Aug 1911
(Signed) Josh. E. (X) Brassfield
WITNESSES:
(Signed) Wm. B. York, Physician, Postoffice Address: Chestnut Bluff, Tenn
(Signed) Tom Braden, Witness, Postoffice Address: Chestnut Bluff, Tenn
(Signed) T. N. Dunn, Witness, Postoffice Address: Chestnut Bluff, Tenn
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
I, Jno. F. Peal, Trustee of said County, certify that Josh E. Brassfield and his wife _____________ are assessed with 35 acres, valued at $ $300.00 and with $ No of personal property.
Witness my hand, this 29 day of Aug 1911
Signed Jno. F. Peal, Trustee
If applicant and his wife have no property, the Trustee must so certify.
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett COUNTY.
Personally appeared before me, Sam Young, Notary Public of said County, the above named Joshua E. Brassfield, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and fully explained to him, as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the said statements and answers are true.
Witness my hand and seal of office, this 8 day of Aug 1911
(Signed) Sam Young, Notary Public
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, Sam Young, Notary Public of said County, the above named Dr. W. B. Work one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, and who is a physician of good standing, and being duly sworn says that he has carefully and thoroughly examined J. E. Brassfield, the applicant, and finds him laboring under the following disabilities:
Almost blind – cannot see his way clearly, nearly deaf so that it is difficult for him to understand anything. He is also very feeble and never again will be able to do any kind of work.
Witness my hand and seal of office, this 8 day of Aug 1911
(Signed) Sam Young, N.P.
STATE OF Arkansas,
White County
Personally appeared before me, C. J. Edwards, J. P. of Gravil Hill Township of said County, the above named W. L. Stracener and ________________, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, whom I am personally acquainted, and known to me to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicant’s habits are good and free from dishonor. And he further make oath to the following facts touching the applicant’s service in the Confederate army:
I do certify that I did serve in the Confederate army with Joshua E. Brassfield under Cap. Hicks Company and Colonel Glenns Rigment west of the Mississipi River. W. L. (his X mark) Stracener. Robert Summers i do certify that i did serve with the same Joushua Brassfield.
Witness my hand and seal of office, this 17 day of Aug 1911
(Signed) C. J. Edwards, J. P.
C. C. Gray J. P. of Marshal Co?
Document included in file
[View Document]
Headquarters
Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners.
Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 2, 1911
Gen. F. C. Ainsworth,
Adjutant General,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: J. E. Brassfield who is an applicant for Pension under the Tennessee Pension law, claims to have been a member of Company 9 Ark Regiment Inf C.S.A., and to have been paroled at Duvall’s Bluff, Ark, at close of war.
Nov 7/11
Perhaps he is mistaken in the number of regiment. His Colonel was Glenn, his Captain Hicks or Hix.
July 16, 14
This soldier now claims he belonged to Dandridge McRalls? 28 Ark (Emersons?) Inf. Please examine and report.
Please give us the record of this soldier.
Respectfully,
W. H. Coley
Vice President
Document included in file
[View Document]
War Department,
The Military Secretary’s Office,
Washington, July 22, 1914.
Respectfully returned to the
President,
Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners,
Nashville.
There are no rolls on file in this office of the 28th Regiment Arkansas Infantry, C.S.A.
The 36th Regiment Arkansas Infantry, C.S.A, was also known as the 28th Regiment Arkansas Infantry. Colonel Dandridge McRae commanded this regiment when first organized. No record has been found of the capture or parole of a man bearing the name J. E. Brassfield as a member of any such organization.
Geo. Andrews
The Adjutant General.
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
Nov. 16, 1911
J. E. Brassfield, 13168
Mr. J. F. Brassfield,
Chestnut Bluff, Tenn.,
Dear Sir:
The last record I can find of you from the rolls of your Company is dated August 31, 1863. You claim in your application that you were paroled at Duvalls Bluff at the end of the War in 1865. What command were you with at that time? Give me the post office address of your witnesses W. L. Stracener and Robert Summers.
Very truly yours,
Frank A. Moses
Special Examiner
Handwritten at bottom:
I was under General Price
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Chestnut Bluff Tenn
Dec. 12 – 11
My dear Sir –
The address of my witness is first – Louis Stracener, Evert White Co. Ark, Gravel Hill township
2d Robert Summers, Romance, White Co. Ark, Marcel Township
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
Headquarters
Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners
Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 15, 1911.
J. E. Brassfield, No 13168
Mr. Robert Summers,
Romance, Ark.,
Dear Sir:
I see you are a witness in the application for a pension of Mr. Brassfield. Can you tell me how long he served in the army and when and how he got out?
Very truly yours,
Frank A. Moses
Special Examiner.
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
Jan. 3, 1912
J. E. Brassfield, 13168
Mr. J. E. Brassfield,
Chestnut Bluff, Tenn.,
Dear Sir:
I wrote Mr. Summers, one of your witnesses, asking him how long you served in the army and how you got out. I have his reply in which he says he served in Company B. of Clements? regiment but I do not know how long he served or how he was discharged. It will be necessary to have proof on this point.
Very truly yours,
[Not signed]
Special Examiner.
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Feb. 3, 1912
Chestnut Bluff, 10
Mr. Frank A. Moses
Nashville, 10
Mr. J. E. Brassfield Served in the war three years, and he was discharged at Little Rock, Ark, by Col. Crabtree, he says boys the war is all over go home and be good law abiding citizens.
A. F. Oliver
Hickman, Ky
The above statement was made and sworn to before me this Feb. 3, 1912
H. W. Agee, Notary Public
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
Headquarters
Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners
Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 10, 1912
J. E. Brassfield, No. 13168
Mr. A. F. Oliver,
Hickman, Ky.,
Dear Sir:
Your affidavit in this case has been received. You say Brassfield was discharged at Little Rock by Co. Crabtree. Who is Col. Crabtree? Col. J. E. Glenn was the colonel of the regiment to which Brassfield belonged.
Very truly yours,
Frank A. Moses
Special Examiner.
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
State of Kentucky
County of Fulton
The affiant, J. F. Oliver, states that Col. Crabtree was Lieutenant in Col. J. E. Glenn’s Regiment, and was afterwards elected Colonel of another Regiment and went with Price on his raid through Missouri, and Col. Crabtree discharged part of his Regiment at Little Rock, Arkansas. And that J. E. Brassfield was a member of Col. Crabtree’s Regiment.
A. F. Oliver
Subscribed and sworn to before me by A. F. Oliver, this 14th, day of February, 1912.
H. C. Helen
Notary Public
My commission expires January 17 1914
Four page handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Chestnut Bluff Tenn R. 2.
June 13, 1912
Mr. Frank A. Moses
Nashville Tenn.
Dear Sir:
As have not heard from you since Jan. 3, concerning my pension Thought I would write you to know if you had gotten any further proof on the points you wrote me
Page 2
on. Viz. As to how boys served and how I was discharged I wrote Mr. Isham Greer, Wesley Williams, Leuis (Lewis?) Stracener and Add Umbles (Umbler?) all of Ark. to write you statements as to my service duration of time and how I was discharged. Having not heard from either one or
Page 3
you. I write you this inquiry that I may know how to proceed further, If you have not sufficient evidence.
I am very anxious to get this matter before you in a satisfactory way. As I am entitled to a pension and stand in so great a need
Page 4
thereof. I am now eighty years old and unable to work. This matter means meat and bread to me.
Hoping you have sufficient proof to help me through I remain yours.
Awaiting.
J. E. Brasfield, 13168
Chestnut Bluff Tenn
R. 2.
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Chestnut Bluff Tenn
June 18 – 12
Col. Crabtree was my Colonel and to the best to my recolection, I have become so that I cannot remember names or crents?.
I was never parolled, I was sick at the time of the surrender, and I staid at home and never went anywhere to be parolled.
I was in the army all the time, but unfortunately our officers told us that the war was over that we could go home, So I went home & never was parolled, I am blind or nearly so and I am nearly deaf.
My witnesses have reported long ago.
Resp.
J. E. Brassfield
My witness P. O. is
Add Humbles Romance Ark
Ice? Greer, Everett Ark
Louis Stracer, Evert Ark
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
June 22, 1912
J. F. Brassfield, 13168
Mr. Add. —–
Romance, Ark.
Dear Sir:
What can you tell me about the service of J. E. Brassfield and how, when and where he got out of the army. Did you serve with him? He claims that he was sick at the time of the surrender and was not paroled. What do you know about this?
Very truly yours,
[Not signed]
Special Examiner.
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Dec. 3, 1912
Chestnut Bluff Tenn
Mr. John P. Hickman
Nashville Tenn
You ask the question, who was Crabtree? Crabtree was first Liuetenant then he was Captain, under Colonel Glenn at Prairie Grove Ark, Colonel Glenn run or was killed I dont know which then Captain Crabtree was mad Colonel, at the Close of the war Col. Coleman and Col. Crabtree, taken their men to gether to Little rock, When we arrived at Little rock, They went in to see the Federal Authorities, when they came back to us, the said boys, You may go home the war is all over. We were all in Gen. Price and Smiths army;
I am unleared, I have to get someone to write for me, I am verry needy:
Please let me hear from you:
What is lacking?
Sincerely,
J. E. Brassfield
Document included file:
[View Document]
J. E. Brassfield, No. 13168
Chestnut Bluff
Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 21, 1913
Dear Sir:
The Board of Pension Examiners have considered your application, and it stands disallowed, with these endorsements by the Board on the specifications following:
Service in the army.
Endorsed Proven
Present physical disability. If wounded, state extent.
Endorsed Proven
Indigency.
Endorsed Proven
How applicant got out of the army. Not satisfactory.
Endorsed. War Records report, “Enlisted in Co. B, 36 Ark Inf. roll dated Aug. 31. 63, last on which your name appears, reports, deserted Augt. 28 on the March”. All evidence in this case fully considered, and disallowed
Character as a soldier and citizen.
Endorsed Proven
The specifications not satisfactory to the Board may be corrected by proof, but no proof will be considered unless taken before an officer using a seal. Board meets second Tuesdays in January, April, July and October.
Respectfully,
John P. Hickman,
Secretary
Handwritten latter included file:
[View Document]
Chestnut Bluff Tenn
Feb. 19, 1913
Mr. John P. Hickman
Nashville Tenn
Kind Sir I filed an application for a pension. Some time ago, I received some in couregement at first, Though I have failed to hear from you for some time.
I wrote you some time last year to let me know if you wanted any more proof, and if do what kind.
I received no answer.
I would be verry glad to hear from you.
Give me any information you may have a bout my case.
Obedintly yours,
J. E. Brassfield
Chestnut Bluff Tenn
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Proof of Service?
State of Ark
County of White
On this day personally came before the undersigned a Notary Public within and for the Co. of White and the State of Ark. W. L. Stracener Citizen of White Co. whome I certify to be credible person and worthy of confidence, who being duly sworn, state that he were personally well aquanted with applicant J. E. Brassfield, and knew him for 54 years. That he was a confederate Soldier belonging to Company H. Regiment Col. Querry of Dandrige McCrays Brigade. Co. Capton Thompson first Lieu Heath. Secon Lieu. Bob Black.
As such soldier he served for the year 1861 to about Nov the 15 1864 he was Honorably discharged from such servis and did not desert the same
Attest, — I. Goodman
W. L. (his X mark) Stracener
Subscribed and sworn to before me This 28 day of April 1913
R. H. Goodman, N. P.
My comision expires Feb. 12 1916
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Personally appeared before me S. J. Roper, Clerk of Fulton County Court in and for County of Fulton and State of Kentucky, Allen Oliver whom I personally know and who is worthy of belief on his oath in any Court and makes this statement That J. E. Brassfield never deserted the army at anytime, in August – 63 he was left sick on the road and when we camped for the night that he, Allen Oliver, was detailed to go see after him but when night came on he had left the road and went in a near by house, and we did not find him we went back to camp and reported not found.
Now after the said J. E. Brassfield was under the Dr. for 60 or 90 days he returned to the Army and joined with me and others the Cavalry and served until the end of the war, and was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas. Our officer told us the war was all over we could go in, take the oath and be paroled, or be peacable and go home without taking the oath, we chose the latter and to the echo of the rebel yell we turned homeward.
Sworn to and subscribed before me This May 29, 1913.
S. T. Roper, Clark
By Blanche Helm, Deputy Clerk.
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Office of
D. B. Dodson
Circuit Court Clerk
Crockett County
Alamo, Tenn. May 13, 1914
Honal? Jno. P. Hickman
Nashville Tenn
Dear Sir & Comrad
How? about the application of Josh E. Brassfield for pension? Please advise me as to the State of this Cau? and advise
Yours —–?
C. A. Goodloe
Typed letter included in file
[View Document]
Application # 13,168. J. E. Brasfield.
State of Tennessee
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, W. C. James, Notary Public in and for said County and State, J. E. Brasfield, with whom I am personally acquainted and made oath in due form of law that he enlisted in Co. B. 36 Ar. Inft. Sept. 14th. 62 under Col. Glenn. On the march he was taken sick and was left off sick at a Mr. Robbin’s Aug. 28th., 63, and did not desert the army at any time and was there sick about 60 days before able to go home, after which time Mr. Robbins carried him home and he relapsed and was sick at home about two months or more, during which time Dr. Hicks, who was the army physician during 61 and was also Cap. of Co. B. 36 Ark. Inft. during 61, attended on him.
Deponent also states that Allen Olliver and Henry Smith were sent back to look after him when he was sick at Mr. Robbins’ but they didn’t find where he was and also that Dr. Hicks told him that he would report back to the army as to how he was getting along, but he don’t know whether he did or not Also that after his recovery from illness he went to the Cavalry – enlisted near Jacksonport, Ark. in about Dec. 63 and that he doesn’t remember the Reg. but Dandridge McCray was the head boss of his Reg. and that his Col’s. name was McQuary; and that he served there until the close of the war. In 65 his Reg. was carried to Little Rock to take the oath and all the soldiers stopped on the East side of the river and officers Coleman, Crabtree (or Coleman and Black, or Crabtree and Black) went over into town to make preparations for them to take the oath and when the two officers came back to where the soldiers were they said to them “Boys, there is no use to take the oath, the war is all over, you may go home.”
J. E. (his X mark) Brasfield
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 18th day of June, 1914.
W. C. James
Notary Public.
My Commission expires July 1915
Handwritten: Deponent is so nervous he can’t write his name,
W. C. James, N. P.
M. D. Brasfield, Witness
Handwritten letter included in file
[View Document]
Quality Drug Co.
(Incorporated)
Drugs, Sundries,
Jewelry, Toilet Articles, Etc.
Friendship, Tenn., June 18th 1914
To whom it may concern:
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with J. E. Brasfield and have been his family physician for the past 15 years. He is now very old and in his dotage. He is physically and mentally very weak. His memory is very defective.
John L. Powell, M.D.
State of Tennessee
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, W. C. James, Notary Public in and for said County and State, Dr. J. L. Powell, with whom I am personally acquainted, and acknowledged that he executed the foregoing affidavit for the purposes therein expressed.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 18th day of June 1914.
W. C. James
Notary Public