WAR DEPARTMENT
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE
WASHINGTON, May 4, 1885
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.
ELI GRIFFITTS, a Private of Company G, 49th Regiment Kentucky Infantry
Volunteers, was enrolled on the 23rd day of June, 1863, at Perry County,
Kentucky for 12 months, and is reported: On muster roll for September and
October 1863, Absent no remark, transferred to Company H, December 14,
1863. Roll of said Company for November and December 1863 reports him present,
to February 29, 1864 absent. Deserted February 15, 1864. To April 30, 1864
present. To June 30, 1864 present with remark restored to duty with loss
of pay and allowances from the 15th of February 1864 to the 23rd day of
March 1864 and will make good to the United States the time lost by desertion
per order No. 84. To October 31, 1864 present. Mustered out with Company
December 26, 1864 at Lexington, Kentucky. Regiment return for October 1863
first on file reports him absent at home sick October 25, 1863. The records
of this Office furnish no evidence of alleged disabilities and fail to
show nature of sickness for which absent October 1863. No Regimental Hospital
Records, Company Books, or Company Returns on file.
O D Greene
Assistant Adjutant General
PROOF OF DISABILITY
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS.
On this 18th day of June, A.D. 1887, personally appeared before me
County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to
administer oaths JOHN C. DIXON age 63 years, a resident of Hyden, In the
County of Leslie and State of Kentucky, and duly sworn according to law,
state that he is acquainted with Eli Griffitts applicant for Invalid Pension,
and know the said Eli Griffitts to be the identical person of that name
who enlisted or volunteered as a Private in Company G and H, 49th Regiment
of Kentucky Volunteers, and who was discharged at Lexington, Kentucky on
or about the 26th day of December, 1864 by reason of expiration of term
of service.
That the said Eli Griffitts while in the line of his duty, at
or near Camp Nelson in the State of Kentucky did, on or about _ day of
October, 1863, become disabled in the following manner, viz: with some
kind of fever and I say some month or two I advised him to go to the hospital,
but he did not go and then at Camp Burnside Point in the State of Kentucky
he then was complaining with his eye. This was in March 1864 I examined
his eye and I discovered a s*i** in said right eye that I, never discovered
before. And he still continued in a lingering condition during our time
in service.
That the facts stated are personally known to the affiant by
reason of my being Second Sergeant of said Company H, 49th Regiment Kentucky
Volunteers.
I have been personally acquainted with the said Eli Griffitts
each and every year since our discharge from said service in December 1864.
I have lived within 8 to 10 miles each year to the present time
he has lived on a decline each year since and this time he is not able
to perform any manual labor at all or do himself justice.
And deponent further states that he is well acquainted with the
claimant, having known hi for at least 30 years and further, that the knowledge
of the facts above stated did derive from said acquaintance, and from having
served as a Sergeant of Company H, of the 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers
from the June _ day _ 1863 to the 26th day of December, 1864. And deponent
further states that the claimant was a sound and able bodied man
at and prior to enlistment, so far as he knew, and that he is totally disinterested
in this said claim.
Post Office address of affiant is Hyden, Kentucky.
J C Dixon
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named
affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and acquainted
him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that
I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution;
and that said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible
person.
James M Howard
Clerk Leslie County Court
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT
Whereas I ELI GRIFFITTS
In Company H, of the 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, War of the
Rebellion having made application for pension under the laws of the United
States.
Now this agreement witnesseth: That for and in consideration of services
and to be done in the premise, I hereby agree to allow my agents __ of
__ the fee of twenty five ($25) dollars, which shall include all amounts
to be paid for any services in the furtherance of said claim; and said
fee shall not be demanded by or payable to my said agents, in whole or
in part, except in case of the granting of my pension by the Commissioner
of Pensons, and then the same shall be paid to them in accordance with
the provisions of section 4768 and 4769 of the revised statutes, U.S.
Delaney Barger
his
E.Y. Begley
Eli X Griffitts
Hyden, Kentucky
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS:
Be it known that on this day, the 28th day of February A.D. 1887,
personally appeared Eli Griffitts the above named, who, after having had
read over to him in the hearing and presence of the two attesting witnesses
the contents of the foregoing articles of agreement, voluntarily signed
and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed.
J.M. Howard, L.C.C
By, A.B. Eversole, D.C.
AGENT’S ACCEPTANCE
And now, to wit, this 7th day of March, A.D. 1887, we accept the
provisions contained in the foregoing articles of agreement, and will to
the best of our ability, endeavor faithfully to represent the interest
of the claimant in the premises.
William Fitch
Witness our hand the year and day above written.
By, William Fitch
District of Columbia, County of Washington, SS.
Personally came William Fitch, whom I know to be the person he represents
himself to be, and who, having signed above acceptance of agreement, acknowledged
the same to be his free act and deed.
Witness my hand and seal this 8th day of March, 1887
James Fitch
Notary Public for D.C.
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS;
In the matter of ELI GRIFFITTS, pension claim no. 320760
On this July 15, A.D. 1887,; personally appeared before me County Court
Clerk in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths,
ELI GRIFFITTS aged 49 years, a resident of __ in the County of Leslie and
the State of Kentucky whose Post Office address is Hyden, Kentucky, well
known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly
sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
I am Claimant in the pension claim, he states that he has not
been treated by any physicians since his discharge for alleged disability
for right eye, that his eye was finally lost and that he did not consider
that a physician could benefit it.
Further states that Dr. Swisher and Dr. Miller the Regimental
Physician who treated him while in the service for the alleged disease
of right eye & that he has tried to procure the testimony of Dr. Miller
at Louisville, Kentucky and failed to procure any affidavit from Dr. Miller,
but can’t state the reason why he did not make an affidavit, he states
that he has been treated by Dr. S. Blair for other diseases since discharge,
but not for the eye.
his
A. B. Eversole
Eli X Griffitts
John Lewis
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS:
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named
affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, and
acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further
certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned
in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me that
he is a credible person.
James M. Howard
Clerk Leslie County Court
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
In the matter of the pension claim of ELI GRIFFITTS of Company H, 49th
Kentucky Volunteers # 320760
On this 18th day of June A.D. 1887; personally appeared before
me a Clerk in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer
oaths, JOHN M. BOWLIN aged 30 years, a resident in the County of Leslie
and State of Kentucky whose Post Office address id Hyden, Kentucky, well
known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly
sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
States that he has been acquainted with the claimant Eli Griffitts
for the last 20 years, at my first acquaintance with claimant he was complaining
with the loss of his right eye, I have lived a neighbor to claimant for
the last 20 years and have been with him nearly all that time.
I further declare that I have no interest in said case and am
not concerned in its prosecution.
Allen Lewis
his
James L. Lewis
John X Bowlin
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS:
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant,
and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and acquainted
him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that
I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution;
and that the said affiant is personally known to me that he is a credible
person
Carlow Hoskins
Deputy Clerk Leslie County Court
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS;
In the matter of the pension claim of ELI GRIFFITTS, Company H, 49th
Kentucky Volunteers #320760
On this 18th day of June A.D. 1887, personally appeared before me a
County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer
oaths, STOKELY BOWLIN aged 56 years, a resident in the County of Leslie
and State of Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to
credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case
as follows:
I was a member of the above named Company and Regiment. I was
well acquainted with said applicant for 10 years prior to our enlistment,
he had all appearance of being sound and able bodied man prior to said
enlistment in about the month of March 1864 while at Camp Burnside Point
in the State of Kentucky he complained of loosing his right eye. I believe
from personal knowledge of the facts that he had some kind of fever prior
to that time in the fall of 1863. He had fever I believe from acquisition
with him during our time in the service, it came from said fever and cold
and exposure. I examined said applicant’s eye and discovered something
like a speck in said eye. I have lived near said applicant each year since
his discharge. His right eye is still afflicted he has been on decline
each year since discharge. He is now not able to perform any manual labor
and do himself justice.
I further declare that I have no interest in said case and am
not concerned in its prosecution.
John Lewis
his
John C. Dixon
Stokely X Bowlin
State of Kentucky County of Leslie,
Sworn to and subscribed by me this day by the above named affiant,
and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and acquainted
him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that
I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution;
and that said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible
person.
James M. Howard
Clerk Leslie County Court
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie,
In the matter of EL GRIFFITTS, H, 49th Kentucky Volunteers.
On this 18th day of November A.D. 1887, personally appeared before
me a Deputy County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized
to administer oaths, WILLIAM LEWIS aged 52 years, a resident in the County
of Clay and State of Kentucky whose Post Office address is Napier, Clay
County, Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to
credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case
as follows:
I was well acquainted with Eli Griffitts claimant in this action
at and prior to his enlistment in the War of 1861. He then had the appearance
of being sound and healthy bodied man. I was well acquainted with said
Eli Griffitts at the time of his discharge from the service December 1864
when he returned home. His right eye looked to me as if it was out or had
became to look so to me. He stated that he was loosing said eye, he labored
for me some time afterwards, his eye was then finally out and did not appear
to see any out of it. I saw him frequently after his discharge until about
11 years past I have not saw him since if there had been any thing the
matter with his eye I would have known it prior to his enlistment. I make
this statement from personal knowledge and personal acquaintance with claimant.
He is disabled to some extent from said disability but could not tell to
what amount.
I further declare that I have no interest in said case and am
not concerned in its prosecution.
J.M. Creech
his
S.J. Lewis
William X Lewis
DECLARATION FOR ORIGINAL INVALID PENSION
State of Kentucky
County of Clay
On this 6th day of September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and
seventy nine personally appeared before me, Deputy Clerk of the Clay Circuit
Court, a court of record within and for the county and State aforesaid
ELI GRIFFITTS, aged 40 years, a resident of Spring Creek, County of Clay,
State of Kentucky who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that
he is the identical person who enlisted under the name of Eli Griffitts
on the __day__ 1863, as a Private in Company H of the 49th regiment of
Kentucky commanded by Lt. Jesse Mattingly-Spring Creek and was Honorably
Discharged at Lexington, Kentucky on the 26th day of December 1864; that
his personal description is as follows: age 40 years; height 5 feet 10
inches; complexion fair; hair gray; eyes blue.
That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the service and
in the line of his duty at Camp Nelson in the State of Kentucky on or about
the 1st day of September 1863, he contracted disease, fever and loss of
one eye as at above place caused by exposure and hardships accounted to
the service.
That he was treated in hospitals as follows: Received treatment
by Regimental Doctor for fever and eye lost.
That he has not been employed in the military or naval service
otherwise stated above.
That since the 26th day of, December A.D.,1864, he has not been
employed in the military or naval service of the United States. That since
leaving the service this applicant has resided in the counties of Perry,
Leslie and Clay, in the State of Kentucky and his occupation has been that
of a farmer. That prior to his entry into the service above named he was
a man of good, sound physical health, being when enrolled a farmer. That
he is now partially disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor
by reason of his injuries, above described, received in the service of
the United States; and he therefore makes this declaration for the purpose
of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States. He hereby
appoints with full power of substitution and revocation, GILMORE &
CO., of Washington, D.C., his true and lawful Attorneys to prosecute his
claim; and requests that the certificate issued in this case be delivered
to them. That he has nor received or applied for a pension, That his Post
Office address is Manchester, County of Clay, State of Kentucky.
Witnesses to claimant’s signature:
R G Potter
his
John H. Gilbert
Eli X Griffitts
Also personally appeared John Napper residing at Leslie County, Kentucky
and John Asher residing at Clay County, Kentucky persons whom I certify
to be respectable and entitled to credit and who, being by me duly sworn,
say they were present and saw Eli Griffitts the claimant sign 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; and that they have
no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
His
John X Napper
His
John X Asher
Witnesses to signatures of identifying witnesses:
R G Potter
John H. Gilbert
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of September A.D. 1879,
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 Spring Creek erased, and the words Manchester
added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution
of this claim.
Jesse Mattingly D.C.C.C.C
Hyden, Ky.
August 10, 1884
Hon. John Black, Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir in regards to yours of July 21, 1884.
My residence was Perry County, Ky. My P.O. address was Hazard,
Ky. Until 1871 then Clay County, Ky. Was my residence was Spring Creek
until 1878 then Leslie County, Ky. And Hyden was my P.O. address- My occupation
has been that of a farmer- during the time. I further state the disability
of the right eye origin from fever while in the service of the United States
at Camp Nelson, Ky. In November or December 1863 and finally lost said
eye at Burnside Point in the Spring of 1864. I further state that I have
not been treated by any physician for the disease of right eye since discharge,
the reason why I have not it was finally out and I had no hopes of any
recovery of sight ever being restored.
Yours Respectfully,
Eli X Griffitts
Deposition “H”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 29th day of July, 1890, at Pigeon Roost, County of Clay
State of Ky, before me, W.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office,
personally appeared CYNTHIA J. BOWLIN, who, being by me first duly sworn
to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this Special
Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My age is 50
years, occupation housekeeper, and wife of Stokley Bowlin, & P.O. as
above.
I have known Eli Griffitts since 7 or 8 years before enlistment.
He married my half-sister and lived in the house with me and near by, and
saw him often.
I never heard him complain a grain before he went into the army.
I heard that Andy Hoskins hit him in the eye with a rock, but
don’t recollect hearing him complain or noticing anything wrong with his
eyes.
He and my husband came home (first time) with Lieut. Jesse Mattingly
and others and both took fever about as soon as they got home and were
not able to go back for a month or two. We were in adjoining houses and
I saw him everyday. He was so bad he could not help himself awhile. Complained
of his head and limbs. Do not know of any affliction to eyes.
When he returned from discharge he was very fleshy, but was turning
gray, and has been getting grayer ever since.
I have heard him complain of losing one eye for the last 7 or
8 years- said it was from cold caught in service.
He complains of his back and limbs a great deal during above
time.
This is all I know about him.
I never testified before, no interest, understood your questions
and my answers are correctly recorded in this deposition.
I cannot write.
Attest:
her
James Bowlin
Cynthia J. X Bowlin
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of July, 1890, and I
certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W. H. Mears
Special Examiner
Deposition “G”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 1st day of Aug. 1890, at Hoskinston, County of Leslie
State of Ky., before me, W.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension
Office, personally appeared MRS. FRANKIE GRIFFITTS, who, being by me first
and duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during
this special examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
My age is about 49 years, occupation housekeeper & P.O. as above. I
am the wife of Eli Griffitts- we were married about 3 years before he enlisted,
up to which time his eyes were sound and all right- he hunted and shot
a great deal. He never received any injury to his eyes- was not hit with
a rock by Andy Hoskins or anybody else.
He came home and was down sick a long time, awhile after enlistment-
forget dates- he and Stokley Bowlin were both down at the same time.
Claimant was bad off, out of his head a good deal, and was “awful low”.
He could not swallow anything for a good while after he got a stomach to
eat. We thought he had fever- had no doctor. Don’t recollect what he did
complain of. He went back to the army as soon as able.
I think he complained of pains in his head- forget whether he
complained of his eye, or whether it was watering. He was at home only
once more before discharge and just a little while before this.
I think he was then complaining of one eye being out- I know
he was when he got home from discharge. I saw the sight of the right eye
was bigger than the other. I never paid much attention, or tried him to
see whether this eye was out or not. I have noticed ever since that he
could not see well and he has all along said he was blind in this right
eye.
He has had no injury to eye or eyes since discharge, and has
had no medical treatment for eyes since service.
I heard him say this eye went out in service after he had fever.
I have understood your questions and my answers are correctly
recorded in this deposition.
I can’t write.
Attest:
her
Wm. Roberts
Frankie X Griffitts
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of Aug., 1890, and I
certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
Special Examiner
Deposition “E”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 1st day of Aug, 1890, at Hoskinston, County of Leslie
State of Kentucky, before me, WH Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension
Office, personally appeared JAMES WHITEHEAD, who, being by me first duly
sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this
special examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My age
is 45 years, occupation farmer & P.O. as above.
I knew Eli Griffitts for as long as 4 years prior to enlistment,
did not live over 8 miles apart- knew him on sight.
I never knew nor heard of anything being wrong with his eyes
or of any injury to same before service.
We went and enlisted together and served to discharge in Co “H”
“49” Ky. Vol. Infy- Privates. I don’t remember the dates- my discharge
would show, but it is at home. We were all medically examined- clothes
stripped- don’t recollect being present when he was examined.
I had fever and was very low at Camp Nelson, Ky. soon after enlistment
and heard he had it too- I saw him after he got up, and was looking pale,
weak and bad. He was complaining, but do not recollect just what it was
in particular. I do not remember hearing him complain or seeing anything
wrong with either eye during service. It does appear that there was something
wrong with one toward the last , but I am not certain.
We have lived from about 1 ½ to 8 miles apart ever since
discharge and I can’t recollect exactly when I first heard him complain
of one of his eyes, but he has said all along that one was out. He has
said this all the time since discharge that I have taken notice to him.
He said it was caused by fever in service.
He has had no injury to eye or eyes since the war. I don’t know
which eye is out.
I made an affidavit in this case and do no write.
It is about 3 miles around the road, but not over 2 across the
mountain and have seen him once a month on an average.
He was a witness for me, no relation, no interest, have understood
your questions and my answers are correctly set down here.
Attest:
his
James Simpson
James X Whitehead
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of Aug, 1890, and I certify
that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
Special Examiner
Deposition “F”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 1st day of July, 1890, at Flat Lick, County of Knox State
of Ky., before me WH Mears, Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally
appeared JOHN T. COLLINS, who, being by me duly sworn to answer truly all
interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid
pension claim, deposes and says: My age is 52 years, occupation farmer
and P.O. as above.
I served from July 1863 to December 26, 1864, a Corp. Co “H”
49th Ky. Inft.
I well remember Eli Griffitts who served as private in same organization.
At Camp Nelson, Ky. The last of August or in September 1863 he
was sick and excused from duty for about a month. I visited him several
times while sick- do not recollect whether he was in tent or Regtl. Hospital-
no G.H. there. He appeared bad off- pale and feeble and I saw the Regtl.
Dr. visit him (Dr. Hogan) and heard the Dr. say he had fever. He never
appeared very stout after that to discharge.
He was sick at Camp Garrard in December 1863-this was near Somerset,
Ky. He was excused from duty, day at a time, for about a week. Then in
1864, March or April he was sick and excused from duty for a week or so.
He complained of Diarrhea at these last two named places and I saw him
going to stool. I know I wanted him to go on duty, and he would go to the
Dr. and he was excused, as I saw.
Do not recollect his condition in particular at discharge, nor
whether he came home as I did.
Do not recollect of anything being wrong with his eyes.
I have not seen him but about three times since service and that
for only a little while.
After hearing his allegations does not refresh my memory- only
he had bad fever as alleged and it appears like he had measles.
At Camp Burnside, Ky.
If there had been anything wrong with his eyes, I did not notice
it or if I did, I do not now remember.
I am not related or interested. I have understood your questions
and my answers are correctly recorded in this deposition.
John T. Collins
Sworn to and subscribed before
me this 1st day of July, 1890, and I certify that the contents were fully
made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
DEPOSITION “D”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 29th day of July, 1890, at Pigeon Roost, County of Clay
State of Ky, before me, WH Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office,
personally appeared JOHN M. BOWLIN, who being by me duly sworn to answer
truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination
of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My age is 34 years, occupation
farmer, & P.O. as above.
I have known Eli Griffitts ever since I can recollect, lived
in same house soon after the war and at times since, and never over 5 miles
apart except one year xxxx- until this past Spring when I moved down here.
We have worked together each and every year since the war until this year,
more or less, on farm & making tubs.
I have heard him complain of one of his eyes (forget which one)
ever since the war- and all along has shot with both eyes open and left
handed. About 12 years ago I first remember noticing the sight of one bigger
than the other and he said he could not see anything out of it. This is
the first I remember of him saying he was blind in that eye.
He has complained all along of his breast- has to stand up to
eat for last 10 or 12 years, and keeps a bucket of water sitting by. He
drinks from a quart to ½ gallon and throws up his victuals regular.
Do not remember when but said his eye went out from cold caught
in service while standing on guard.
He was a “Tip Top” hand up to 10 or 12 years ago, since then
he has not been able to do full work- can’t do 1/3 what he used to.
He and I hitched in a wild steer to a sled, the steer ran off
and the sled caught him in the front and “drug” him 300 or 400 yards and
throwed
him against a tree- put his ankles out of place and hurt him all over-
layed up some 10 or 12 days before he could go home. This was 3 or 4 years
ago. A heifer run over him after this and throwed one shoulder out of place.
I forget whether I ever made an affidavit in this case or not
but may have don’t know. (B #14) Do not remember ever signing by mark.
I know of no one else by that name and age.
He is uncle by marriage, no interest, understood your questions
and my answers are correctly recorded in this deposition.
John M. Bowlin
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of July, 1890, and I
certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
DEPOSITION “E”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 28th day of July 1890, at Pigeon Roost, County of Clay
State of Ky, before me W mears, a special examiner of the pensions office,
personally appeared Stokely Bolin, who, being by me first duly sworn to
answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special
Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My age is 63
years, occupation farmer and P.O. as above.
I have known Eli Griffitts since boyhood, and for 5 or 6 years
preceding the war. We did not live over 5 or 6 miles apart and near as
1/4 of a mile. We put in rafts, made rails and did all sorts of farm work
together-hunted and shot together.
He was as good a hand as any man for his weight-if ever he was
sick any or severely injured I don't recollect it- sound and all right
free from all disease or disabilty, could shoot well at deer and turkey
and squirrels.
Yes he was complaining of his eyes before the war it seems he
said Andy Hoskins hit him in it with a rock-forget how long before enlistment
this was, or which eye. I don't remember noticing anything wrong with it,
red or watery or tied up, just complained of pains in it.
No I don't know whether it was the one that afterward went out
in service or not.
We both enlisted and served together to discharge-Aug. 1863 to
Dec. 1864, Privates Co "H" 49th Ky. Vol. Inft. I think Drs. Miller or Swisher
examined us at enlistment, stripped our clothes and said we were both sound.
In Sept. 1863, as well as I recollect me and claimant came home
with Lieut. Mattingly, were detailed to hunt up deserters. Will Gross,
Nathan Lewis and a whole lot of us came along. He took fever as soon as
he got home-his daddy doctored him and said it was Typhoid Fever-we both
had it at the same time and could not go back with the detail.
He was not able to go back for about 2 months-it was 8 weeks
before I could go about and then I had to wait a week or two on him. We
were in adjoining houses. Niether of us could visit the other, but soon
as I could go I visited him. After we got as we could travel we started
to our command and got near London Kentucky (about 50 miles) he was broke
out nearly all over with running sores. The first I saw of them was after
we had traveled 2 or 3 days and he got so bad he could go no farther, and
we stayed at his uncle's (Jas. Jones) a week or longer. I took him out
in the woods and stripped him and smeared him all over with white pine
rosin. I had to cut his drawers off him afterward. He mended up and got
fat as a hog.
We left the Regt. at Camp Nelson and returned to them at Somerset
and Camp Burnside Ky.
I do not recollect of the fever having any effect on his eyes.
Three or four months after return I had been on detail to Nashville,
Tenn. and got back and said he had been on duty only a few days, don't
know what he was complaining of-yes he was complaining of one eye, forget
which, and asked Lieut. Mattingly to get him some goggles . Don't recollect
for certain whether he wore them there or not, but am most positive he
wore them at Lexington, Ky. Fall of 1864. It all swelled up red and angry,
sometimes it was swelled so badly. I could not see the eye ball-this was
at Lexington as well as I remember.
At Camp Burnside, Ky. in hot weather 1864 he took diarrhera,
and was excused from duty, doctors gave him medicine in a tent, don't recollect
of him going to the hospital, we messed and bunked together and I had it
with him. He had it in spells to discharge and was not able to go on the
raid to Alabama Fall of 1864-forget what was the matter with him at that
time.
He came home with me on furlough just previous to discharge,
he was complaining of his eye and I saw him stop and heard him complain
of diarrhera. We went back and came home together at discharged and these
symptoms still continued.
I know of no other sickness or disabilty he had in service.
He said there was a pain come in his eye in service and think
he said he thought it was caused by cold and laying out.
We lived in same house and never over 10 miles apart until last
April when I moved here.
"Yes my Fellar" there has not been a half of a year since the
war that I have not seen him-we have tended crops together-worked in logs
and run rafts in the river together.
He has always complained of his eye paining him and can't see
any since he was in the army, so he says. Said he had lost his "Shootin
Eye." I have noticed him ever since the war shoot left handed. It has looked
like the sight was cross-ways ever since the war. I never noticed it that
way before.
He has complained each and every year since discharge of the
diarrhra and something hurting in his breast-says there is something in
his throat, and has to drink about a quart of water when he eats. You can
track him by his throwing up. Vomits continually. He always says he is
not able to work and I think he has not done over 1/2 labor since his discharge.
He has had no other serious sickness. He was drug in front of
a sled by a runaway steer about three years ago and badly hurt. He was
laid up about 4 months-thought he could not live. Was throwed against tree
and broke ankle, put knee out and shouldler out of place.
I made an affidavit in this case and do not write.
We are no blood relation-we married sisters, he was a witness
in my claim, have no interest in this claim, have understood your questions
and my answers are correctly recorded in this depostion.
Attest:
John M. Bowlin
Stokely X Bolin
His mark
Sworn to and subcribed before me this 28 day of July, 1890, and I certify
that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
Special Examiner
DEPOSITION “B”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 25th day of June, 1890, at London, County of Laurel State
of Ky., before me, W.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office,
personally appeared JESSE MATTINGLY, who being by me first duly sworn to
answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special
Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My age is 56
years, occupation farmer & P.O. Crane’s Nest, Knox County Kentucky.
I was acquainted with Eli Griffitts for 8 or 10 years before
service- lived from 4 to 10 miles apart- rolled logs with him and saw him
on an average of once in two months.
I never knew nor heard of anything wrong with his health previous
to the war- sound and able bodied and had good eyes.
I served from June 8, 1863 to December 26, 1864 as 1st Lieut.
Co. “H”, 49th Ky. Vol. Infantry.
This claimant was a private in my company.
At Camp Nelson, Kentucky last of September or first of October
1863, he was complaining of one eye- think the right. I did not see anything
wrong with it, but some of the boys deviled him and said that he only wanted
to be discharged from service. Soon after this he came home with me to
recruit, and I left them and went another route and rode. He walked and
he did not return. He was marked absent without leave but reported sick
at home with fever after returning, and my wife wrote me that he had fever.
He was not imprisoned and I don’t think lost any pay. He was absent a month
or two and continued to complain of his eye until discharge and ever since-
just a loss of sight, no pain.
Do not know of any treatment received or of his being excused
from duty at any time.
We lived about same distance apart up to this Spring, I moved
away. I would see him once or twice every year and about 10 years ago I
first noticed a square black spot coming over the sight of his right eye
and was there as long as I could see well enough to discern it- this was
until 3 years ago- he said he was entirely blind of this eye. I never saw
anything wrong with or heard any complaints of the left eye.
He has complained of not being able to swallow and would have
to stand up to swallow, about every 2 or 3 bites he would have to take
a drink of water.
I noticed this first 5 or 6 years ago. Do not recollect what
he said caused it.
He has had no severe injury since discharge.
I made an affidavit in this case (B #10). It was made before
W.J. Collett, JP. I cannot see to tell whether it is my writing or not,
but think it was written by my directions.
I can write my name but not follow the lines.
I am not related, or interested. Have understood your questions
and my answers are recorded correctly in this deposition.
Jesse Mattingly
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of June, 1890, and I
certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
DEPOSITION “A”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 30th day of July, 1890, at Near Hyden, County of Leslie
State of Ky., before me W.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office,
personally appeared ELI GRIFFITTS, who, being by me first duly sworn to
answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special
Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: My age is 51
years, occupation farmer, and P.O Hoskinston, Leslie County, Ky.
This P.O. is lately established and nearer than Hyden. Residence about
10 miles south of Hyden, Ky.
I am the identical Eli Griffitts who claims a pension under Original
Invalid No. 320.760
I was enrolled June 23, 1863 and was discharged December 26,
1864, Private Co. “H” 49th Ky. Vol. Infty- as discharge shows.
I was never employed in any other service, neither naval nor
military, except as here stated.
I claim a pension for lose of sight of right eye, due to fever
incurred in service and line of duty.
For five or six years proceding enlistment I lived on Bad Creek,
about 9 miles East from here in what was then Perry County but now Leslie
County. My occupation was and has always been Farming.
My nearest neighbors were: Irvin Hoskins, Still lives on Bad
Creek, Stokley Bowlin, John Muncy- still lives there.
I was married and had two children but never had any family physician.
I never had any sickness more than a little sick flash at the
stomach before enlistment- had no headaches worth naming and no severe
pains in the eyes. I was sound and healthy then. I never had any severe
injury especially to eye or eyes- no I was never struck in the eye with
a rock, and it never hurt me any or failed me before enlistment.
I was medically examined by two physicians at enlistment-think
it was Drs. Hogan and Miller or Swisher. I was stripped to my drawers-
don’t recollect whether they examined my eyes or not.
At Camp Nelson, Ky., about the last of July or first of Aug.
1863, and while on guard duty, I was taken with a misery in my head, and
fevers, and excused from duty for a week or ten days. It was Dr.
Swisher that came to my tent 4 or 5 times and gave me medicine. The Dr.
said it was Typhoid Fever. I suppose it was caused by cold (?) and exposure.
I got better. The doctor quit coming to see me and there was
a detail of mountain men to come back home for deserters. Lieut. Jesse
Mattingly in charge. Nathaniel Lewis, who lives somewhere on Cutshin, and
Stokley Bowlin were along. I was taken bad off before I got home, and took
my bed as soon as I got home- I was out of my head 7 or 8 days, so they
said, I don’t recollect anything about it. I was bad sick about 3 weeks.
There was no doctor near to get, my father (now dead) came to see me, Thomas
Hoskins (now dead) came to see me and some of the young people came. Stokley
Bowlin was sick at the same time but got better first, and we went back
together in about 3 weeks or not far from that time. I was not able to
travel much and at London, Ky. I was taken down and sick 8 days, at Hughly
Jones (now dead. My feet and legs swelled. After I began to mend my right
eye was weak and watery while the fever was on, there was a hard pain in
this eye, and some times there would be a little pain in the left, but
none worth naming.
The sores broke out on my legs and pretty much all over on way
to rejoin the Regiment. We got to the command at Somerset, Ky. Don’t recollect
the time. My eye was very weak and I went to Dr. Swisher and he said he
thought he could bring the eye to and rubbed some “stuff” forget color
or smell- on my eye lid and just above the eyebrow. He rubbed this on 3
or 4 times- don’t recollect of any other treatment. Do not remember of
any comrades who saw this- it was in his tent and soon as one was tended
to he would step aside and another would come in.
My officers were:-
Capt. Elijah Black- now dead
1st. Lieut. Jesse Mattingly
2d. Lieut. W.B Eve – P.O. Barboursville, Ky
Sgt. Tip Westerfield
My Bunkmates were:-
Stokley Bowlin
James Griffitts- up on Cutshin
Nathan Lewis
I don’t recollect of any one in particular who noticed my eye
being sore or weak. I think Lieut. Mattingly and Stokley Bowlin noticed
it.
My eye kept getting weaker and weaker and dimmer and dimmer up
to the time we were at Burnsides Point Ky., doing work on a road when it
went finally out. Just before going out everything before me looked like
a thick cloud of smoke- no bad pains but watered all the while. I never
had any other medical treatment for eye.
Well I can’t say when it did go out- I know it was cold weather
and the ground was frozen- the nearest I can fix it is the first of Jan.
1864. I first noticed it by placing my hand over the left eye and
everything looked misty awhile and then blind entirely on or about Jan.
1, 1864.
I never have been able to see any out of this eye since.
Q. Where were you from Feb. 15 to March 23, 1864?
A. I don’t know by dates. I was not absent except the time I
was at home on detail and sick-as stated. I was then with my Lieut. And
on return to regiment I was asked about this time, but was explained by
being sick. It does appear that some of my pay was docked. No I don’t recollect
of being away but this one time . Yes, I would know it if I had ever deserted.
I came home at discharge and have lived around here since. My
neighbors as before.
I have had no medical treatment for eye since discharge.
I don’t know of any other sickness in service: have had good
deal of lung disease since the last 10 or 12 years.
I was hurt by a steer running away in a sled and dragging me
in front 40 or 50 yards, put my left knee out of place and broke my ankle.
I was on crutches about 12 months- this some 3 years ago. My left shoulder
was put out of place and is still so by a heifer knocking me down about
3 years ago- I was just getting up from first injury.
I do not know of any other witnesses who know anything material
in my claim, except those who have already testified. Do not desire to
have any others examined.
I have heard read the depositions of Jesse Mattingly, Stokley
Bowlin and his wife and son and John Collins and am satisfied with it-
do not desire to cross- question them.
William Lewis one of my witnesses has moved away from this country
and I don’t know his whereabouts.
I understand it is my right and privilege to be present in person
or by attorney during this examination, and shall try to go with you today.
I am badly crippled and have no horse to ride. If I can’t be along I want
you to go on and finish this case by yourself.
I have thoroughly understood all questions asked and my answers
have been correctly recorded in this deposition.
I cannot write nor read writing.
Attest:
his
Ben Stenxx
Eli X Griffitts
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of July 1890, and I
certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
W.H. Mears
DEPOSTION “D”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 25th day of September, 1890, at Hyden, County of Leslie,
State of Kentucky, before me, W H Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension
Office, personally appeared JOHN MUNCY, who, being by me first duly sworn
to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special
Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
My age is 62 years, occupation farmer and P.O. as above.
I have known Eli Griffitts since he was 10 or 12 years old- lived
from 3 to 5 miles apart before the war. He worked on the farm for me many
a day; and saw him frequently.
He was a good hand to work, and had good and sound eyes before
his enlistment, summer of 1863. He worked some for me that summer, and
I went off in August 1863.
Q. Did he have any injury?
A. I have heard he was hit in the head, about the eye, with a
rock by Andy Hoskins; but I did not see it done, nor any sore, scar, or
any other effects of it. This was a year or so before the war- he worked
for me after this injury was received, and I saw nothing wrong with his
eyes, nor heard him make any complaints of them.
I heard that he had told something that Hoskins told him about
some woman- caused this difficulty.
I know of no one who was present, and John Hoskins, Irvin Hoskins,
and olf Katy Hoskins would probably know of it.
He worked for me soon after discharge and in summer of 1865,
and more or less each year for 10 to 12 years afterward. In 1865 I noticed
he was turning gray and spoke to him about it, and he said it was due to
Quinien and other medicine he took in service for the fever he had. I did
not hear and complaints, nor see anything wrong with his eyes until some
years afterward- forget how many but before he began his pension he complained
of one or both eyes and wore Specks while working for me. Said there was
always a roaring in his head from the medicine he took in service. Don’t
recollect what he said was wrong with his eyes.
I am no relation; no interest, understood your questions and
my answers are correctly recorded in this deposition.
John Muncy
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of, September, 1890,
and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing.
W H Mears
DEPOSITION “I”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320.760
On this 25th day of September, 1890, at Hyden, County of Leslie
State of Kentucky, before me, W H Mears, Special Examiner of the Pension
Office, personally appeared JAMES NAPIER, who, being by me first duly sworn
to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special
Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
My age is 65 years, occupation farmer, P.O. as above.
I have known Eli Griffitts since he was 12 or 13 years old.
I married his sister, lived 10 or 12 miles apart, and saw him
3 or 4 times a year.
I never saw nor heard of anything being wrong with his eyes before
the war.
Q. Did you ever hear any injury he had?
A. Yes, I heard that Andy Hoskins who was in the Penetentiary
when last heard from- hit him in the head with a rock a year or two before
the war. I did not see it done, nor see the wound, nor scar, nor any effects
of it. I heard it was a pretty bad lick; don’t know of any one who saw
it done.
Q. Did you ever hear him complain of either eye?
A. No, not before service, but he has complained of one ever
since- said it was no benefit to him, could not see to shoot unless he
shot “contrary handed”.
Don’t remember seeing him shoot any nor hearing him say what
caused it, but it was always my impression and understanding that it was
due to army service.
Q. Did you ever hear anyone say the loss of eyes was caused by
injury named, or prior to service?
A. No, I never did.
Q. Do you know his nearest neighbors before the war?
A. No, I don’t for his father moved about a good deal
I have no interest in, nor prejudice against this claim, have
understood your questions and my answers are correctly recorded in this
deposition
Attest:
his
Abner Eversole
James X Napier
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of, September, 1890,
and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing.
W H Mears
DEPOSITION “E”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320.760
On this 27th day of September, 1890, at Hoskinston, County of
Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, W H Mears, Special Examiner of the
Pension Office, personally appeared JOHN HOSKINS, who, being by me first
duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during
this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
My age is 47 years, farmer, and P.O. Hoskinston, Leslie County,
Kentucky.
I have known Eli Griffitts ever since he married my sister before
the war; when he moved in the house with us and stayed about a year, then
lived about one mile from us until he enlisted. We worked together on a
farm and rolled logs and hunted squirrels. He was a good hand, and could
shoot a rifle as good as any ordinary man. I never knew of anything wrong
with his health except boils- had some on him. He had no serious sickness.
Q. What do you know of this injury he got by being hit with a
rock?
A. I heard Andy Hoskins hit him, but did not see it done. I saw him
at my house the next day, and there was a blue bruise place above or below
one eye- forget which one- he and others said that was the cause. It was
before service, but I forget how long. I just remember the black or bruised
place, but not whether the sight was affected or not. He did not have it
tied up, and I noticed this place remained for several days. He wore no
glasses; but complained of it some- don’t remember whether he complained
of the sight being affected, or a soreness. It appeared to get perfectly
well after the bruise left it, and I could not tell that there was anything
wrong with either eye before he went into the army. Don’t remember seeing
him shoot any or do work that required close looking.
Him and Stoke Bowlin came back during service, and he was down
sick a “right smart bit” with what we thought was fever- was bad
off- I visited him several times. Don’t remember what he complained of.
Since service we have lived near neighbors; and after discharge
– forget how long- under 5 years- he complained of not being able to see
out of one eye- forget which one- and I looked at it and saw the sight
was bigger than the other. He has said all along that he could not see
out of it, and I could see a difference out of the sight of it. Don’t remember
seeing him do anything that proved his eye was out.
He said it went out while he was in the army; but don’t recollect
what he said caused it.
Q. Did you ever hear him complain of either eye before service?
A. No sir, I never heard him complain- only as I have stated
to you- and not of the sight of either eyes.
I don’t think he had any doctor or treatment for said injury-
no doctor in our country at that time.
I was never a witness in a pension case before.
I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this
claim.
I have understood your questions and my answers are correctly
recorded in this deposition.
I do not write.
Attest:
his
James L. Fee
James X Hoskins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of, September, 1890,
and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing.
W H Mears
DEPOSITION “A”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320.760
On this 26th day of September, 1890, at Hoskinston, County of
Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, W H Mears, a Special Examiner of
the Pension Office, Personally appeared ELI GRIFFITTS (Claimant), who,
being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded
to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes
and says:
I am the identical Eli Griffitts who claims a pension under above
number and whose statement you took July 30, 1890 P.O. as before.
Q. Did you receive an injury to head or eyes before enlistment,
and if so, please state all the particulars?
A. Yes, Andy Hoskins hit me just above the right eye with a rock
about a year before enlistment. There was no fight about it, he slipped
on me and throwed the rock while I was sitting on my porch, and when I
saw he was going to throw I flung myself over the banister and it hit me
after I was out in the yard. It did not knock me down, and he broke and
ran as fast as possible. The cause was over some talk I have repeated that
he told me of Katy Hoskins.
Q. Where were you living?
A. About 7 miles from here on Bad Creek of the Middle Fork, of
the Kentucky River
Q. How bad were you hurt?
A. The rock hit me just above the eyebrow, but only grazed
the skin, did not make any gash.
Q. Did you have any doctor or any treatment for your eye or your
head?
A. No, it did not hurt me enough to tie it up- appears like it
bled a little- sorta stained with blood. It made the skin blue above, but
the eye did not turn black, pain, or seem swollen or otherwise affected.
Q. How far distant was Hoskins when he throwed the rock?
A. About 12 or 13 feet- don’t know what size rock it was.
Q. Who was your family Physician?
A. I had none – the nearest was at Manchester, Clay County, Kentucky
about 35 miles from me
Q. Who was present when this took place?
A. Thomas and John Hoskins, but both are dead. Thomas was my
father-in-law and John was his brother.
Q. Who were your nearest neighbors?
A. Thomas Hoskins, Irvin Hoskins, and John Muncy- this was a
mighty thinly settled country then.
Q. Who saw you immediately afterward?
A. My wife was there- my children were too small to notice anything
Q. Why did you not mention this in your former statement?
A. Well I was not struck in the eye, or my eye hurt just as I
told you, and this lick was so slight I did not consider it anything
Q. Did you complain any of your eye before service?
A. No, not that I can remember
Q. Did this injury stop you from work, or did you go to bed?
A. No –neither one
Q. Where or when did Stokley Bowlin hear you complain?
A. Now you are too fast for me for I do not know. It never hurt
until after I had the fever- just as I told you before. My Mother-in-law-
Katy Hoskins is over in Knox County, Kentucky. Andy Hoskins when last heard
from was in the Penetentiary at Frankfort Kentucky. My Mother-in-law is
at Isaac Garrison’s on the Bull Creek Fork of Goose Creek.
Q. Who could tell me anymore about this injury?
A. I don’t know of any others besides what I have told you.
I have understood your questions and my answers are correctly
recorded in this deposition.
Attest:
his
J B Garrison
Eli X Griffitts
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of September, 1890,
and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing.
W H Mears
DEPOSITION “C”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 27th day of September, 1890, at Hoskinston, County of
Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, W H Mears, a Special Examiner of
the Pension Office, personally appeared HENDERSON HOSKINS, who, being by
me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him
during this Special Examination of aforesaid claim, deposes and says:
My age is 41 years, farmer, and P.O. Hoskinston, Leslie County,
Kentucky
I knew Eli Griffitts before he enlisted about a year or two-
lived about 2 miles apart- he worked with me for my father at clearing
ground and was a good hand. Appeared sound and all right, and heard no
complaints anyway. His eyes seemed good and saw nor heard of any wrong
with him.
I heard of the circumstance of Andy Hoskins hitting him with
a rock, but don’t remember of him ever saying anything to me about it.
I never saw any effects of said injury and never heard him complain of
either eye before he enlisted in the 49th Kentucky Volunteers.
I remember seeing him at home once while a soldier, and heard
he was sick.
I saw him in a few days after return from discharge, and he complained
of loosing one of his eyes- appears the right but can’t state positively.
I know Irvin Hoskins deviled him by saying it was not out, but claimant
affirmed it was out. He said he lost it while in the army, but don’t recollect
what he alleged as the cause.
We have lived from about 2 to 6 or 7 miles apart ever since his
discharge, and have seen him once in 2 months on an average.
He has complained all along every time he said anything about
it of this eye being out.
I made an affidavit in this case and my signature is O.K. (BJ
#15)
If he was ever a drinking man I never heard of it.
He married my cousin, no interest, understood your questions
and my answers are correctly recorded in this deposition.
Henderson Hoskins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of September, 1890,
and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing
W H Mears
DEPOSITION “B”
Case of ELI GRIFFITTS, No. 320760
On this 27th day of September, 1890, at Hoskinston, County of
Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, W H Mears, a Special Examiner of
the Pension Office, personally appeared FRANKIE GRIFFITTS, who, being by
me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her
during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and
says:
I am the identical Frankie Griffitts, wife of Eli Griffitts,
who testified before you in my husbands pension claim in July 1890.
Q. When was it that Andy Hoskins hot your husband with a rock?
A. It was when my first child was a baby, and she is in 30 years
old- we had 2 children before he went into the army, I did not see it done,
but saw him in a minute after it hit him above one eyebrow-forget which
one. It did not hit fair or was not throwed hard for it only bled a “little
grain” I forget whether I tied it up or not, or did anything at all for
it or not, or whether the eye turned black or not.
Q. Did he complain of the eye?
A. Don’t recollect
Q. Did he go to bed on this account?
A. No, not that I recollect
Q. Who was there?
A. Old Johnnie Hoskins and Daddy- both dead
Q. Was there a fight?
A. No, he just throwed and run
Q. Why did you not tell me about this before?
A. You just “axed” me whether he was hit in the eye, or the eyes
hurt, and he wasn’t
I have understood your questions and my answers are correctly
set down here.
Attest:
her
Nancy A. Griffitts
Frankie X Griffitts
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of September, 1890,
and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing.
W H Mears
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie
In the matter of ELI GRIFFITH OF Company G and H, 49th Kentucky
On this 17th day of June, A.D. 1896 personally appeared before me,
a Deputy Clerk within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly authorized
to administer oaths, NANCY ANN HAYS, age 27 years, a resident of Hoskinston,
and ABIGA GRIFFITTS, aged 35 years, resident of Hoskinston, Ky., in the
County of Leslie, and the State of Kentucky whose post office address is
Hoskinston, Leslie County, Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and
entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declared in relation to the
aforesaid case as follows:
The affiant NANCY ANN HAYS and ABIGA GRIFFITTS says they have
known the soldier Eli Griffith ever since I can recollect and he has had
the lung trouble ever since I can recollect, and his shoulder was hurt
by a cow running over him not caused by vicious habits.
This affidavit was written in my presence at home at Hoskinston, PO
in Leslie County, Ky. On the 17th day of June 1896 only from my oral statements
than made, I did not use or aided or prompted or dictated or printed statements
or recite prepared or dictated by any other person and not attached as
an as an exhibit hereto.
I further declared that I have no interest in said case and I am not
concerned in its prosecution more than the love I have for a father.
Hiram H. Hays
her
John R. Collett
Nancy Ann X Hays
His
Abiga X Griffitts
DECLARATION FOR WIDOW’S PENSION
ACT OF JUNE 27, 1890
State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS,
On this 4th day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety
eight, within and for the County and State aforesaid MRS. FRANKIE GRIFFITH
aged 56 years, a resident of the town of Hoskinston County of Leslie, State
of Kentucky, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she
is the widow of ELI GRIFFITH who enlisted under the name of Eli Griffith
in Company H, 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, and served at least
ninety days in the late war of the Rebellion, who was Honorably Discharged
(Yes)
He was not in the Military or Naval service prior to enlistment
or subsequent to his enlistment that he died at home on December 17, 1897.
That she was married under the name of Frankie Hoskins to said Eli Griffith,
on the 4th day of March 1858, by Elihue Wells, at Thomas Hoskins, neither
had been previously married, and that claimant and soldier lived together
up to the date of his death as man and wife, nether having applied for
or received a divorce. That she has not remarried since the death of said
Eli Griffith. That she is without other means of support than her daily
labor.
That she has not heretofore applied for a pension. That the soldier
was a pensioner under Certificate No. 505.659
That she makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed
on the pension roll of the United States, under the provisions of the Act
of June 27, 1890. She hereby appoints:
BOWIE ROBERTS, of Washington, D.C.
Her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim, and she directs
that the sum of ten dollars be paid him for his services.
That her post office address is Hoskinston, Ky.
County of Leslie, State of Kentucky
A W Howard
her
John Roberts
Frankie X Griffith
Also personally appeared Andrew W. Howard, residing at Hoskinston, Ky.,
and John Roberts, residing at Hoskinston, Ky., persons whom I certify to
be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn,
say they were present and saw Frankie Griffih claimant, sign her mark to
the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from
the appearance of said claimant and an acquaintance with her 25 years,
and 30 years, respectively, that she is the identical person she represents
herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this
claim.
Andrew W. Howard
John Roberts
Sworn to and subscribed by me this 4th day of March A.D. 1898.
J.M. Howard, Clerk
William M. Howard, D.C.
Record of the Death of Eli Griffith
Eli Griffith deceased
December the 7th, 1897
I the under signed Clerk of the Hays **** Church Leslie County
Kentucky
Do certify that this is a true copy of the date of the death of Eli
Griffith as found in the Bible
John R. Collett
Subscribed and sworn to before me the 7th day of May 1898
J.M. Howard, Clerk
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