Pension File # 9747
State of Tennessee
SOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION
NAME W. A. King
Filed Dec. 17, 1907
Allowed _______
FILE IS STAMPED AcceptedSOLDIER’S APPLICATION FOR PENSION
I, W. A. King a native of the State of Tennessee and now a citizen of Tennessee, resident at Friendship R#1 in the County of Crockett in said State of Tennessee, and who was a soldier from the State of Tennessee 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 The 12th Tenn. Reg. Infantry Vol Co. D. Capt. John Hill Company Confederate army 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: Williamson County State of Tenn. 22nd day of Nov. 1833
When did you enlist and in what command? Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you served.
Answer: May 28 1861 Co. Russels Reg. —- Bell Lutenant Col. Robt. Caldwell? Major Co. D. John Hill Capt. Carwell? —- 1st Lutenant Ben? Ladd? 2nd? Lut? — William Griffith 3d
In what battle or battles were you engaged, and, if not wounded, state what disabilities did you receive, if any?
Answer: Shilo, Murfreesboro, Chickamuga, Peryville Ky and Missonary Ridge none, wounds nor disabilities
What was the precise nature of your wound or disability, if any?
Answer: Never wounded Remand? well until close of war
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: Captured at Missury Ridge
Were you ever in prison? If so, what prison and when released?
Answer: Yes Johnsons Island Ohio released at close of war
Were you paroled? If so, when and where?
Answer: No
Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government?
Answer: Yes whe I was discharged from Prison
If so, when and under what circumstances?
Answer: At the close of war the arthorities required of all
Are you married, or have you been married?
Answer: Yes my wife died 13 years ago
If so, what is the size of your family living together?
Answer: None of my family lives with me
What are the respective ages of your wife and children living with you?
Answer: _________________________
To what sex do your children belong?
Answer: _________________________
Are not some of your children able to support you?
Answer: No
In what business are you now engaged, if any, and what do you earn?
Answer: None not able to work
What estate have you in your own right, real and personal, and what is its value?
Answer: Nothin in the world
What estate has your wife in her own right, real and personal, and what is its value?
Answer: She owned nothing when she died
How have you derived support for yourself and family for the past five years?
Answer: I have not been able to work for 2 years past
Do you use intoxicants to any extent?
Answer: No
How long have you been an actual resident of the State of Tennessee?
Answer: All my life
Have you an attorney to look after this application?
Answer: No
If so, give his name and address.
Answer: _________________________
Witness my hand, this 5th day of Dec 1907
(Signed) W. A. King
WITNESSES:
(Signed) Thus. F. Taylor
(Signed) J. N. Harris, Witness
(Signed) J. N. Harris, Witness
(Signed) D. B. Dodson, Witness
Written in space next to names, above: The above named applicant is suffering from a disease of the heart, and blood vessels incident to age and previous? hard labor. Signed Thus. F. Taylor M.D.
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
I, Jno H. Perry, Trustee of said County, certify that W. A. King and his wife _____________ are assessed with None acres, valued at $ None and with $ None of personal property.
Witness my hand, this 16 day of Dec 1907
Signed Jno H. Perry
If applicant and his wife have no property, the Trustee must so certify.
I was in prison with this applicant at Johnsons Island Ohio in the year 1865.
this Dec. 16 1907 [Signed] H. B. Harmon
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett COUNTY.
Personally appeared before me, _____________, _____________ _____________ of said County, the above named _____________, 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, this __ day of ___ 19__
(Signed) __________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, _________________________________________ __________________ of said County, the above named ________________ 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 ____________________, the applicant, and finds him laboring under the following disabilities:
_________________________________________
(Signed) __________________
Witness my hand, this __ day of ___ 19__
(Signed) __________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me, J. M. Cochran, Notary Public of said County, the above named J. N. Harris and one of, 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 _____________ further make oath to the following facts touching the applicant’s service in the Confederate army:
He was a excellent soldier always at his post of duty and has been a sober upright citizen ever since the war. I was with him in — of the war lived close to him ever since. He is old and feeble not able to work and has nothing in the world in the way of property.
Witness my hand, this Fifth day of Dec 1907
(Signed) J. M. Cochran, Notary Public
Two page handwritten letter included in file, hard to read
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B. H. Harmon,
Attorney-At-Law
Maury City, Tenn., Jany 28th 1907
Col. John P. Hickman
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Sir & —-:
Enclosed please find additional proof to be filed to support the claim of Mr. W. A. King of Friendship Tenn. Affidavids of W. A. King, S. F. Haley and J. N. Harris, and also a letter from Notary Public J. M. Cochran.
Please infer? the board of Pensions to my letter which was s—- to and sent up some time ago regarding Mr. Kings p—- as a soldier and a prisoner of war at Johnson’s Island his Citizenship his moral character and his priority?
Very truly yours,
B. H. Harmon
P.S. The letter I refer to was sent by me to Mr. chairman of the board and if found
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any reason the letter was not filed or misplaced I will send up an other affidavit of my own as I served with Mr. King in prison at Johnson’s Island to? the time he left and I continued to stay there until June 15? 1865 and what a miserable time we did have.
Yours B.H.H.
Handwritten letter included in file
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May 13, 1908
Friendship, Crockett County Tenn
Der Sir Please Let me heair From my Pension Clame Wheather it Wair alowed or Not and if Not What is the Reasons I am sick and Nead Help.
I applied Dec. 5, 1907
W. A. King
Friendship, Tenn
Rout 1
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Headquarters
Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners
Nashville, Tenn. Dec 17 1907
Gen. F. C. Ainsworth,
Adjutant General
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
W. A. King who is an applicant for Pension under the Tennessee Pension law, claims to have been a member of Company D. Twelfth Regiment Tenn Infty C. S. A. and to have been released from prison at Johnson’s Island O at the close of the war.
Please give us the record of this soldier
Respectfully,
George G. Guild
President
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Nashville, Tenn.,
Dec. 17, 1907
George B. Guild, President,
Tenn. Board Pension Examiners.
For record of W. A. King, “D”, 12th Tenn. Inf., C.S.A., released from prison at Johnson’s Island, O. at close of war.
War Department,
The Adjutant General’s Office,
Washington, December 20, 1907.
Respectfully returned to the
President,
Tennessee Board of
Pension Examiners,
Nashville.
The records show that W. A. King, sergeant, Company E (also designated Company D), was enlisted May 28, 1861; that he was captured at Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863, and was held as a prisoner of war at Johnson’s Island until February 28, 1865, when released on taking the oath of amnesty.
[Signed] F. -? Dismuke?
The Adjutant General
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W. A. King, No. 9747 Friendship R1 Nashville, Tenn., Jan 5 1908 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
Wound received, injury sustained, or disease contracted while in service and in line of duty.
Endorsed _____________________________
Extent of Disability arising from such wound, injury, or disease.
Endorsed Proven
Indigency.
Endorsed Proven
How applicant got out of the army.
Endorsed Not satisfactory. Took the oath Feb 28, 65 Board did not consid the reasons for taking the oath satisfactory
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 February, May, August and November.
Respectfully,
Jno. P. Hickman.
Secretary
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W. A. King, No. 9747
Friendship R1
Nashville, Tenn., May 8 1908
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
Wound received, injury sustained, or disease contracted while in service and in line of duty.
Endorsed _____________________________
Extent of Disability arising from such wound, injury, or disease.
Endorsed Proven
Indigency.
Endorsed Proven
How applicant got out of the army.
Endorsed Not satisfactory. War Records report, “Captured Nov 26. 63. took the oath Febry 28. 65” Two months before our surrender
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 February, May, August and November.
Respectfully,
Jno. P. Hickman.
Secretary
Handwritten letter included in file
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At the Beginning of the war my mother was a widow and had me and my Brother to suport her But she —– for us to go to the war and she wuld try to care? for her self so I was capptured at Missineder? Rig and went to Johnson ilen in ohio and after Staying ther a long time my mother Rotte? to me if I would take the oath and come home and ceair for her she would try to git me out For I wuldin Be Exchanged and she needed help so I told her I wuld and she got me out and I went home and staid theair and taken cair of her and I feal like I don my Duty for my Country and My Mother and am as good a solder as Ever sholderd a musket and trew to the South now if these Reasons air good please help me
Your friend untill Deth.
Handwritten letter included in file
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W. A. King No. 9747
Friendship R 1
Friendship Tenn
May 11, 1908
Dear Sir
I Recived your letter and the Reason why I diden give the Exact Date I had forgot them for I had lost my papers this Record I think is correct But I feal hurt over this matter and would like to Explain it to the Bord
3 page handwritten letter included in file, hard to read
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B. H. Harmon.
Attorney-At-Law
Maury City, Tenn. Aug. 6, 1908
Hon. John P. Hickman
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Sir:-
In the case of Wm. A. King applicant for pension whose claim was disallowed because he took the oath in Feby or March 1865 and was released from Johnson’s Island prison, I want to give you the facts with? the view of —-ing his case, if the facts as I give them will justify the Board in so doing.
Mr. King was 2nd Liut of his Co. in the 12 Tenn Inft. He was a model soldier always ready for duty participated in war battle at Missionary Ridge at which place he was surrounded by the enemy, captured and carried to Johnson’s Island and endured all the —– pains and starvation? of that miserable den? from Nov 1864 to Feby or March 1865. Mr. Kings Mother was
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a widow. She only had one other son who had lost his health by reason of —– and ex—- —— in an? army and Mrs. King’s health —– —– with consumption. She prov—- Esq. J. F. Sinclair an influential man to go to Washing City and intercede? with Sinclair and have her son released that she might see him before she died. King knew nothing of this until Sinclair arrived at Johnsons Island with his papers of release by his taking the oath. Mr. King talked with me about matter at the time. I was in the same prison at the time. I thought and told him that if any one was or could be Justified he could under the circumstances, since it looked as the war was almost at an end, and it was. Genl. Lee surrendered in about one month. Mr. King has always been for the south, has always voted the democratic ticket and has never ceased to love and? cause and the Confederate? soldier. His mother and brother died.
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Mr. King married and raised a nice family but misfortune followed him and —- away his ernings. and he is penniless. but has and has always possessed a good moral character. The forgoing facts are well known by me. I was a soldier in the same Regt. 12 & 47 Tenn and followed Cheatham was Captured at Atlanta Ga. Aug 1864 and served as a prison of war with King and was paroled in June 1865. Have known King intimately? ever since 1858.
Please present? this? to the Board of Pension examiners and if they will admit it all these things can be substantiated? by others —-. I am working? for him without the hope of fee or reward.
Yours very truly
B. H. Harmon
Handwritten document included in file
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B. H. Harmon
Attorney-At-Law
Maury City, Tenn. August 24, 1908
State of Tennessee
Crockett County
Personally appeared before me J. M. Neal a Notary Public in and for said County and State, B. H. Harmon aged 64 years a resident of Maury City Tennessee and makes oath in due form of law that he wrote the foregoing letter to Col. John P. Hickman which is hereto attached, that the facts stated in the said letter of his own knowledge are true and these? gathered from information he varily believes them to be true. He knows of the valuable services rendered in the Confederate army by W. A. King to applicant of his prison comrad? Johnson’s Island Ohio and the circumstances of discharge from prison about Feby or March 1865 of him and his family since then &c;, and that he has no interest in the claim.
B. H. Harmon
Sworn to and subscribed before me
August 24 1908
J. M. Neal, Notary Public
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Headquarters
Tennessee Board of Pension Examiners
Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 20, 1908
W. A. King, No 9747
B. H. Harmon Esq?
Maury City Tenn
Dear Sir –
Your letter of Aug 6th to Mr. Hickman referred to me for reply.
I am returning it to you with the suggestion that you swear to and send it back to me and I will lay it before the Board at the October meeting.
You know the law requiring us to have all proof sworn to and in my opinion your statement in the letter is as strong a presentation as could be make in view of the fact that you were a fellow prisoner and knew the circumstances under which he took the oath.
Yours truly
Frank A. Moses
Special Examiner
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Maury City Tennessee – Aug 24th 1908
Hon. Frank A. Moses
Nashville, Tenn.
My dear Sir:-
I was glad indeed to get the other? letter from you and I comply with your request and swear to the facts contained in my letter to Col. John P. Hickman-. I am very glad to provide? this service for Comrade King, and I very much appreciate your kindness in looking at this case as you? do. I had no sympathy for those who were in prison with me who —- volunteer?, and even beg to take the oath and our? prison mates at Johnson’s Island would? follow those who took the oath to the gates of the prison and kick them as they went. But in this case I beged them not to kick King and they did not when they knew the circumstances under which he took the oath they sympathized with him. But oh, such a few number are living now they have crossed over the river. King and myself are all that I can name from this part of the country. Hope you will find it right to allow? him —- —- —– your honorable pension —–. Let me hear from you again if necessary. —— yours,
[Signed] B. H. Harmon
Handwritten letter included in file, hard to read
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B. H. Harmon,
Attorney-At-Law
9747
Maury City, Tenn., Jany 1st 1909
Col. John P. Hickman
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Sir & Com-:-
You will see from your letter to me that you are mistaken as to the King I ask about.
The one I ask about is Mr. Wm. A. King of Friendship Tenn.
You remember that the board turned him down once because he had taken the oath and came out of prison at Johnson’s Island in Feby 1865.
Last August or September I wrote you a letter telling you all about King – you refered the letter to the chairman Mr. Frank A. Moses. He returned the letter to me for me to quatify? to it – I did so before a Notary Public and returned to him before the last sitting?
Pleast notice? and let me know what is wanting. I am anxious for Comrad? King as he is a good man.
Yours very truly
B. H. Harmon
Handwritten letter included in file
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State of Tenn.
Crockett Co.
Personally appeared before me J. M. Cochran a Notary Public for Said County of Crockett Co. and State aforesaid The applicant Mr. W. A. King who was a member of Capt. John –ills Co. D. 12th Tenn. Inft. Commanded by Col R. M. Russell Lt.Col. Lyru? Bell Maj. Robt. Caldwell who makes oath to the following statements in answer to a previous Question. He sweares that he was in the Battle of Missionary Ridge, was captured during the Battle and at the time the charge was made on the Federals on Missonary Ridge was Carried to Johnson’s Island Ohio, was kept there about 18 months, all hope of ever being exchanged was given up. In answer to the question as to how I got out of Prison will state the following My Mother being old and my friends at Home advised me to take the Oath and come home and look after my Mother I did so, I come home about 2 months before the surrender.
Sworne to and subscribed before me Jan. 26, 1909 W. H. King
J. M. Cochran Notary Public
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State of Tenn.
Crockett Co.
Personally appeared before me J. M. Cochran Notary Public for Said County J. N. Harris who was a member after the Consolidation of the 12th and 47 Regiments Infantry Vol. he was a member of Co. E Capt. Savison? Co. who sweares to the following Statements that he was in the Battle of Missionary Ridge and knows that the applicant W. A. King was in the Battle and that occasion Because he saw him I knows he was there when the Battle began I know he was missing when the Battle closed.
Sworne to and subscribed
before me January 26, 1909 J. N. Harris
J. M. Cochran Notary Public
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R. Rt. #1 Eaton Tenn 1-26-1909
Hon. John P. Hickman
Nashville Tenn.
My dear sir, I am personally acquainted with W. A. King. Have known him for above 60 years he is a most excellent citizen sober industrious and obliging all his life, and a very useful citizen upto the time his health broke down about 2 years ago. he is worthy of the Consideration being bestowed upon the old Confederate soldier. I hope Mr. King can get his Pension soon if he cant get a pension
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soon it will not do him any good, he is 75 years old and helpless at time? not able to work. he has not a thing to live on. We are all going soon there is only 3 old soldier here in the 1st Dist. I am yours? to serve and Love
J. M. Cochran
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I, S. F. Haley, of Crockett County, Tennessee, do hereby certify that I have known William A. King, applicant for Confederate Pension from the State of Tennessee, for Forty years or more; that I know him to have? always been a true, honest and good citizen; that the said William A. King and myself joined the same company, the 12th Tennessee regiment at Friendship, Tennessee, at the same time; that the said William A. King was acting as Lieutenant in the battle of Missionary Ridge; that the said William A. King was present and took part in said battle of Missionary Ridge, but after the battle was over the said William A. King was reported killed, wounded or captured, later I learned that he was captured. I further testify that the said William A. King made a brave good soldier so long as we remained together; that he has, since the war closed, made a good and honest citizen.
This January 25th, 1909
[Signed] S. F. Haley
State of Tennessee,
Crockett County.
Personally appeared before me, B. F. Sudbury, a Notary Public for Crockett County, Tennessee, S. F. Haley the affiant above named, and who, after having been by me duly sworn, says that the statements in the affidavit above made by him are true in substance and fact.
This January 25, 1909
[Signed] B. F. Sudbury
Notary Public