Dublin Core
Title
Transcriptions of Some of William McCracken’s Pension Records and Affidavits on His Behalf
Subject
Civil War Pension Records of William McCracken
Description
Transcriptions of Some of William McCracken’s Pension Records and Affidavits on His Behalf
Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Declaration for Original Pensión October 21, 1886
State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford ss:
On this 21 day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty-six, personally appeared before me, a Prothonotary, a Court of Record within and for the county and State aforesaid, William McCracken, aged 49 years, who, being duly sworn accord-ing to law, declares that he is the identical William McCracken who was enrolled on the 15 day of Augt. 1861 in company B of the 83 regiment of Pa. Vol, commanded by Capt. Morris and was honorably Discharged at Harrisburg Pa, on the 28 day of Augt. 1864. That his personal description is as follows: Age 49
years; height 5 feet 10 inches; complexión light; hair brown; eyes blue.
That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the Service and in the line of his duty at Harrison's Landing in the State of Virginia on or about the months of July & August 1862, he contracted chronic diarrhoea and piles resulting in a broken down constitution. That his disability was due to the extreme exposure he was subjected to during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.
That he was treated in hospitals as follows: in hospital at
Georgetown, D.C. and Portsmouth Grove R.I., summer of 1862.
That he has not been employed in the military or naval Service otherwise than as noted above. That he has not been in the military or naval Service of the United States since the 28 day of Augt 1864. That since leaving the Service this appli-cant has resided in the County of Crawford in the State of Pa, and that his occupation has been that of a laborer. That prior to his entry into the Service above named he was a man of good sound physical health, being when enrolled a clerk.
That he is now materially disabled from obtaining his subsis-tence 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 pensión roll of the United States. He hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation L.J.N. ENGLISH, of St. Johns, Ohio, his true and lawful attorney, to prosecute his claim. That he has not received ñor applied for a pensión, and that his post office address is Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
William McCracken
James O. Dennis Thos. J. Richardson
Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Surgeon's Certifícate December 1, 1886
Original Pensión Claim No. 588399
William McCracken, Corpl.
Company B, 83 Reg't Pa. Vols Meadville, Pa.
Dec lst, 1886
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We hereby certify that in compliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who States that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the Service, viz: Chronic Diarrhoea and Piles.
Pulse rate per minute, 78; respiration, 18; temperature, normal; height, 5 feet 10^ inches; weight, 145 pounds; age 49 years.
He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for Original: Have attacks of diarrhoea almost every
night from 2-3 passages sometimes with discharge of blood. Suffer almost constantly with piles - protruding often to size of walnut. Have a pain on slight pressure just a [illegible] stomach. [Illegible sentence].
Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: General appearance only fairly good. Muscles small. Teeth poor, gums red and receding & [illegible words] fairly good.
No evidence of disease of stomach [illegible words], Heart's action & sounds normal. Skin in healthy condition. No tympan-itis or special tenderness of abdomen. Anus and [illegible] in good condition. No hemorrhoids [illegible] or enlargement of hemorrhoidal areas. No rate.
Whatever disability there may be in this case may be accounted for by intemperate habits.
J. W. Grier, Pres. J. T. Hassler, Sec'y. L. B. Lasherrs, Treas.
Corporal Williara McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Physician's Affidavit January 7, 1887
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State of Penna., County of Crawford ss:
In the Pensión Claim of William McCracken, late Corp company B, 83 Pa. Vol. Claim No. 588.399, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County and State, Chas. P. Woodring a resident of Meadville of the County of Crawford, State of Penna, who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows:
I have treated the above Wm. McCracken interruptly for the last seven (7) years for chronic diarrhoea and its resulting general debility, and during that time his case has [illegible] the usual symptoms of that disease. My treatment of his case dates from about the lst day of April 1879 to the present, January 1887.
He's been under my observation constantly during that time and in my opinión was incapacitated all that time, and at the present time he is substantially in the same condition.
I graduated from üniv. of N.Y. in March 1879 and began practice immediately after graduation, and continued in it without interruption to this [illegible]. The physician who treated this applicant immediately after his discharge,
A. Ray, is deceased.
Chas. Woodring, M.D. David Best, M.D.
Sworn and subscribed before me this day, and I hereby certify that the affiant is a practicing physician in good professional standing; that I am in no wise interested, either directly or indirectly, in the prosecution of this claim, and that I read the foregoing affidavit to the affiant and ac-quainted him with its contents before he executed the same.
Witness my hand and official seal this 7th day of Jany 1887.
Philip P. Wenz
Justice of the Peace
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by DeHass & Middaugh January 8, 1887
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford ss:
In the Invalid pensión claim No. 588.399 of William McCracken, Corp. Company B, 83 Reg't Pennsylvania Vols., personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, William A. DeHaas aged 43 years and Frederick Middaugh aged 48 years, postoffice address Meadville Pa in both cases who is personally known to me, is reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, say in relation to the said claim, as follows:
I have known William McCracken for thirty years or more. Know that previous to his enlisting he was a stout able man. Was in the army and was well aware of him being taken sick with chronic diarrhea. After being mustered out of Service I carne back to our native place and have for 20 yrs or more met McCracken at least as often as every few months. Am aware of his being incapacitated from work on account of disease con-tracted in the Service. Am aware of his not being able to do any laborious work on account of a recurrence of the chronic diarrhea.
William N. DeHaas
Late Co. E, lllth P.V.
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I have known William McCracken since 1858 and he was at that time was a strong a[nd] able bodied man and could do as hard day work as the next man in this county, but after he carne home from the army he has not ben the same man he was befor the war. He has ben trubled with the chronic diarrea since 62 and I have had him work for me and he could not work a full day any time and I could not put him at any hard labor as he would give out and have to go home and he would be laid up too or three day after before he coud do any work and he is not what I would cali a man fight [fit] to do any labor to earn a living for himself and family, and we further declare that we have no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that we testify to the above facts from personal knowledge, our information having been obtained by reason of our personal and intimate acquaintance and for reason that we were in his company a great deai.
Fredrick Middaugh
Co. B 83 Pa.
William De Hass
Witness:
Phil Phenz
They further declare that they have no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that they testify to the above facts from personal knowledge their information having bene obtained by reason of their personal and intimate acquaintance.
Subscribed and worn to before me this 8th day of January, 1887 at Meadville, Pa.
Philip Pfenz (Seal)
Justice of the Peace
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Capt. John F. Undated
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford ss:
In the Invalid pensión claira No. 588,399 of William McCracken, Corp Company B, 83 Reg't Pennsylvania Vols, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace [in] and for the County and State aforesaid, John F. Morris, late Capt. Co "B" 83 Pa Vols [whose] postoffice address is Meadville, Crawford Co., Penna, who is personally known to me to be reputable and entitled to full credit, and who being duly sworn, say[s] in relation to the said claim, as follows:
I was Commander of Co. "B", 83rd Pa Vols up to June 27th 1862 after the Battle of Gains Mili, Va. and knew Wm. McCracken who was a member of said Co., and have often heard him complain of suffering from the chronic diarrhoea. He was always a good and faithful soldier, and was ready to attend to his duty and a more faithful man I did not have in my Company as long as I was in command of the Co.
I have had said McCracken in my employ since his discharge from the Army, when he was able to do any manual labor, but he has not to my knowledge been able since his return from the Army been able to do anything like a days work.
I would not rate him at more than \ a day. That is, I would not valué his work worth more than \ of any common labor.
He is not able to do anything the greater part of the time.
My knowledge is derived from being a neighbor of his and know-ing all about him and his family and know that ever since he carne out of the Army he has been a sonstant suffer[er].
Morris
[Unsigned]
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Robert C. Hemphill October 19, 1888
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford, ss:
In the Orig[inal] Inv[alid] pensión claim No. 541399, Wm. McCracken, Corp, Company B 83rd Reg't Pa. Inf. Vols, personally appeared before me, a City Recorder & Designated Pensión Notary in and for the County and State aforesaid, Robert C. Hemphill aged 48 years, whose postoffice address is Titusville, Crawford County, Pa.., who is personally known to me, is reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, says in relation to the said claim as follows:
That I served in the same company and regiment with Wm. McCracken, the claimant, and knew him well while in the Service. That I recall that while at or near Harrison's Landing, Va. in July or August 1862, claimant was taken sick with camp diarrhoea and was unable for duty for some time. I know this to be true because I was present with the command at the time and know that he was quite feeble and weak for some weeks on account of the severity of the diarrhoea, and some time after he com-plained of the piles and continued to have attacks of diarrhoea as long as I was with him in the Service.
I was intimate with him and [have] personal knowledge of all the facts stated.
And he further declares that he has no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that he testifies in the above facts from personal knowledge, the information having been obtained by reason of personal and intimate acquaintance and for the reason that he was a comrade.
Robert C. Hemphill
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of October,
1888 at Titusville, Pa., and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to affiant, and that I am unconcerned in the prosecution of this claim.
W. M. Darne, City Recorder of the City of Titusville and Designated Pensión Notary
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Walter W. Thompson October 19, 1888
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford, ss:
In the Orig[inal] Inv[alid] pensión claim No. 588399 of William McCracken, Corp. Company B, 83rd Pa. Inf. Vols., personally appeared before me, a City Recorder & Designated Pensión Notary in and for the County and State aforesaid, Walter W. Thompson aged 51 years, whose postoffice address is Titusville, Crawford County, Pa., who is personally known to me, is reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, says in relation to the said claim as follows:
On the 15th of August 1861 I enlisted in the 83rd P.V. Co. B. William McCracken was a member of the same. At that time he was a strong, healthy man and continued so until after the seven days fighting before Richmond, at Harrison's Landing August, 1862.
We both were taken sick with malarial fever, sent to the hospital at Washington. From there was sent to Portsmouth Grove, R.I. I was discharged from the Service. McCracken returned to his Regiment and was discharged some time after. He is today physically a total wreck in my opinión.
And he further declares that he has no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that he testifies to the above facts from personal knowledge, the information having been obtained by reason of personal and intimate acquaintance.
W. W. Thompson
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of October, 1888, at Titusville, Penna, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to affiant, and that I am unconcerned in the prosecution of this claim.
Waldin M. Darne, City Recorder of the City of Titusville & Designated Pensión Notary by appointment of Hon. John C. Black, Commsr.
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Powers & Dickson October 22, 1888
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford, ss:
In the Orig[inal] Invfalid] pensión claim No. 588399 of Wra. McCracken, Corp. Company B 83rd Reg't Pa. Inf. Vols. personally appeared before me, the prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County and State aforesaid, M. C. Powers aged 47 years and J. H. Dickson aged 56 years, whose post offices addresses are Meadville, Crawford County, Penna., who are personally known to me, are reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, say in relation to said claim as follows:
That they have been well acquainted with Wm. McCracken, the claimant, ever since his discharge and have lived near him and seen him often each year.
That they saw him soon after his return home from the army in the summer of 1864 and he was then suffering from chronic diarrhoea and complained of having piles and was weak and emaciated by reason thereof. That they know by reason of associating with him that he has suffered from said disabilities each and every year since up to the present time, and some of the time he has not been able to do any work on account thereof, and has been fully one-half disabled for performing the manual labor of a sound man and has always complained of the diarrhoea and piles since his discharge.
The diarrhoea appears to trouble him most during the summer season, he generally having several severe attacks at that time of the year which make him very weak and unfit to perform any labor.
And they further declare that they have no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that they testify to the above facts from personal knowledge, their information having been obtained by reason of their personal and intimate acquaintance and for the reason that they have associated with him during said period and know the facts stated to be true.
J. H. Dickson
M. C. Powers
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22d day of October A.D. 1888 at Meadville, Pa.; and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiants, and that I am unconcerned in the prosecution of this claim.
A. B. Edson
Prothonotary
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Surgeon's Certifícate March 26, 1890
Increase Pensión Claim No. 426044 Wm. McCracken, Corp.
Company B, 83 Reg't. Pa. Vols Meadville, Pa.
March 26, 1890
We hereby certify that in corapliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who States that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the Service, viz: Chronic diarrhoea and resulting disease
of the rectum, and that he receives a pensión of four dollars per month.
Pulse rate per minute, 72; respiration, 17; temperature, ñor.; height, 5 feet 10% inches; weight, 136 pounds; age, 53 years.
He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for increase: Diarrhoea nearly all the time. Constant piles
and soreness over lower part of abdomen. Stools very painful-often puss blood. Loose a great deal of sleep. Bowels often move at night. Have a great deal of [illegible] fever. Appetite very poor. Distress after eating. Can average \ days work.
Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: General appearance and condition poor. Nutrition poor.
Teeth poor, gums receding and swollen. [Illegible] congested. Tongue furred and slightly fissured. Apparent tenderness over abdomen. Skin palé and mottled. Heart's action feeble.
Rectum slightly congested. No structural change in liver or spleen.
Rate 8/18.
From the existing condition and the history of this claimant, as stated by himself, it is, in our judgment, probable that the disability was incurred in the Service as he claims, and that it has not bee prolonged or aggravated by vicious habits. He is, in our opinión, entitled to a 8/18 rating for the disability caused by chronic diarrhoea.
T. B. Lashell, Pres. E. H. Dewey, Sec'y. J. K. Roberts, Treas.
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Bureau of Pensions Questionnaire January 15, 1898
Certifícate No. 426.044 William McCracken
SIR: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. January 15, 1898
In forwarding to the pensión agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
Very respectfully, H. Clay Evans Commissioner of Pensions
First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full ñame and her maiden ñame.
Answer. Yes. Emrose Finney.
Second. When, where and by whom were you married?
Answer. Seagertown, Pa. by Rev. Ernst.
Third. What record of marriage exists?
Answer. [Left blank]
Fourth. Were you previously married?
Answer. No. My wife died April 10, 1897.
Fifth. Have you any children living?
Answer. Two. Willard McCracken, April 28, 1876 Margaret Ellen McCracken, March 22, 1878
Date of reply, July 4, 1898 Corporal William McCracken
{«
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Surgeon's Certifícate February 15, 1899
Increase Pensión No. 426.044 William McCracken, Corporal Company B 83 Reg't Pa. Vol.
Meadville, Pa.
Feb 15, 1899
Chronic diarrhea, disease of rectum, disease of eyes, general debility. He receives a pensión of eight dollars per month.
He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for Increase. Contracted diarrhoea at Yorktown, Pa. in 1862 & bowels continué habitually loose and aggravated by slight error in diet. Piles protrude and bleed if much on his feet.
Had right eye injured by cap flying from gun while on skirmish line in 1862 & eye has gradually grown blind.
We hereby certify that upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Pule rate, 76 sitting, 80 standing, 90
after exercise; respiration 15 sitting, 16 standing, 20 after exercise; temperature 98-2/5; height 5 feet 9% inches; actual weight 132 pounds; age 62 years.
Erect, palé & emaciated. Muscles flabby. Skin slightly sallow. Tongue furred & fissured. Pharynx congested. Liver enlarged & tender. Spleen enlarged 1/3. Bowels tympanitic & tender. [Illegible] of rectum thickened & ragged & there are protrud-ing 3 hemorrhoidal tumors about h inch in diameter and easily bleed. Rate 10/18 for chronic diarrhoea & 4/18 for disease of rectum.
There is cloudiness of the right lense - developing cataract so he cannot see any object but can distinguish the shadow of objects before a light. There is some inflammatory infiltration about the cornea. The left eye is normal in appearance & he can read 15/200. Rate 12/18 for loss of sight of one eye.
The chest is fíat & resonant & measures 31 to 33 inches & umbilicus 30 inches. Lungs normal. The heart is enlarged Praecardia prominent & apex 2 inches below & 1k inches to right of left nipple. Area of dullness 2% inches. Sounds blurred & indistinct. Action feeble & unsteady. No oedema. Slight cyanosis & dyspnoea on exercise. Rate 6/18 for disease of heart.
He is a broken down man & we rate him 8/18 for general debility. No other disability found & no evidence of vicious habits.
B. H. Phelps, Pres. L. D. Rockwell, Treas.
Sec pro tem
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Intemperate Habits Inquiry October 21, 1899
MEDICAL DIVISION Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. October 21, 1899
No. Claim 426.044
Claimant, William McCracken Co. B, 83 Reg't Pa. Vol. Inft.
Respectfully returned to Chief, Board of Review. In making medical approval under the general law claim, March 28, 1899, intemperate habits was supposed to be a factor in this case. Approval was based on the findings of the [illegible] located at claimant's postoffice address. Before giving an opinión on the merits of the pending June Act claim, evidence is requested showing.
A. Holt
Medical Examiner
J. F. Raub
Medical Referee
I
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Special Examiner's Letter February 17, 1900
Ctf. 426.044 of William McCracken
Post Office Meadville, Crawford Co., Pa.
Co. B 83rd Pa. Inf.
Erie, Pa. Feb 17th 1900
Hon. Com. of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:
With this report will be found all the papers in the above cited case which were referred to the S.E. División in accordance with a slip of the Medical Referee of Oct 21 1899 as to whether claimant's habits were of such a nature as to cause or aggravate the disabilities alleged by him in his claim filed under the Act of June 27, 1890, and carne to me for the initial examination.
I did not give claimant any notice of examination as I did not understand that such a notice was necessary. I began to take testimony in this case a short time ahead of other work having precedence, but without hindering the examination of claims docketed before this one.
Of those persons who had originally testified (oíd law claim) John F. Morris B.J. 6, David Best, M.D. B.J. 11 and Wm. N.
DeHass B.J. 10 are dead. Fred. Middaugh B.J. 10 address not known. I did not interview - or attempt to - R. C. Hemphill B.J. 7 or W. W. Thompson B.J. 8 - as if living, they were living some distance from claimant and would not be as liable to have knowledge of his manner of living or his habits as well as persons who have known him as a Citizen and man in the city where he resides.
I have endeavored to secure the testimony of reputable citizens and officials who have known him intimately for many years, and while each State that claimant is and has been a man who has used liquor for years, yet they do not consider him as an invetérate or continuous drinker & not to cause any aggravation of disease.
I called upon Dr. Chas. Woodring B.J. 11 but he told me, to use his language, "that he had not drawn a sober breath for 20 years" and I also learned that he had had some trouble or mis-understanding with soldier, and if so, he might have been pre-judiced in his feeling for this man.
All of the men whose testimony I have secured are persons of good reputation and are entitled to full belief, and the papers are submitted for consideration of the Chief of Board of Review.
Very respectfully,
Harry B. Bouton
Special Examiner
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition A February 14, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Ctf. No. 426.044
On this 14th day of February, 1900, at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa., before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Joseph H. Dickson, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examina-tion of aforesaid claim for pensión, disposes and says:
I am 67 years of age, my postoffice address is as above. Contractor. I have known claimant at least 40 years, as he was born near here and this has always been his home. I remember when he entered the Service in 1861, Co. B, 83 Pa.
Inf. he was a single man, working in a livery stable and livery business has been his work all his life.
He was sound and all right every way when he entered the Service, but when he carne home in the fall of 1864, he was complaining from chronic diarrhoea and piles and has ever since.
Q. What has been his habits relating to intoxicants?
A. He has been a man who has drank some, but is not a
regular drinker, as he would get full and be so for a day or two, then would straighten up and go several years without drinking a drop, and he has had some of the best and biggest priced horses of the best men of our town to break, and if he was a drunkard or not reliable these men would not trust him to do this work.
He is not what would be called a drunkard or anything of that nature, and a nice oíd man, peaceable and kindhearted every way. I know these facts from a long and intimate acquaintance with him. [I] am not related to him, or in any way interested. Have heard this read and am correctly recorded.
J. H. Dickson
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition B February 2, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Ctf. No. 426.044
On this 2nd day of February, 1900, at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa., before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Michael C. Powers, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special exami-nation of aforesaid claim for pensión, deposes and says:
I am 56 years of age, my post-office address is as above.
Am attorney for the commissioners of Crawford Co., Pa. and have known claimant intimately since the cióse of the war.
He is a good, law abiding Citizen, industrious and, while he is a man who occasionally takes a drink, he is not what I would term a drinking man, and not a person of vicious habits. I have seen him when I thought he was under the influence of liquor, but would not remain so long, and only at long intervals, and I am positive that no disability which he may have is due in part even to any vicious habits. He is a peaceable and good-natured man. Keeps a livery and is a man whose word can be relied on in any [illegible],
I am not related or interested and am correctly recorded.
M. C. Powers, Atty.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2d day of Feb 1900 & I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
Harry B. Bouton
Special Examiner
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition C February 14, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Cl. No. 426.044
On this 14th day of February, 1900 at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa., before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Whitney Braymer, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pensión, deposes and says: I am 53 years of age; my
post-office address is as above.
I am one of the county commissioners of this county and was formerly the Mayor of this city, and have known claimant for 14 years seeing him often as he has been engaged in the livery business here for many years. I have seen him when I have thought that he was intoxicated and then there would be long intervals when he would go without drinking a drop.
Some of the best people here have intrusted fine-blooded stock to him to train and break and it does not appear to me that this would be the case if he was not considered trusty or reliable, and I do not believe that any disabilities which he may have are due or in [any] way aggravated by intemperate habits in any manner. He is a good Citizen, law-abiding and peaceable person. I am in no way interested in him, or related and have heard this read and am correctly recorded.
Whitney Braymer
Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of Feb 1900 &
I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
Harry B. Bouton
Special Examiner
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition E February 2, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Ct. No. 426.044
On this 2d day of February 1900, at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa. , before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Tracy Kepler, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interroga-tories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pensión, deposes and says:
I am 54 years of age, my post-office address is as above. [I am] proprietor of Kepler Hotel. I have known claimant for at least 20 years. A portion of this time he had a livery stable near my house, and I saw him several times each day. He is and has been during my acquaintance with him a good, peaceable Citizen. Takes a drink occasionally, and he is what we term "listed" at my bar, as I have been notified by some one - don't know who - not to sell him any liquor. He is not what I term a habitual drinker. There was a time for as much as 5 or 10 years that he did not drink a drop. He is not what I would cali a man of vicious habits in any way. He is a good, kind-hearted oíd man and has no income, only what little pensión he receives & I do not believe - and in fact am sure - that his condition physically is due to any vicious habits. He is well-respected and well-thought of here in this city. I have no interest and am not related and am correctly recorded. He only gets intoxicated some times once a year and some times twice a year, and a person not well acquainted with him might cali him a hard drinker. His spells only last him from one to three days - added before signing.
T. D. Kepler
Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Declaration for Original Pensión October 21, 1886
State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford ss:
On this 21 day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty-six, personally appeared before me, a Prothonotary, a Court of Record within and for the county and State aforesaid, William McCracken, aged 49 years, who, being duly sworn accord-ing to law, declares that he is the identical William McCracken who was enrolled on the 15 day of Augt. 1861 in company B of the 83 regiment of Pa. Vol, commanded by Capt. Morris and was honorably Discharged at Harrisburg Pa, on the 28 day of Augt. 1864. That his personal description is as follows: Age 49
years; height 5 feet 10 inches; complexión light; hair brown; eyes blue.
That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the Service and in the line of his duty at Harrison's Landing in the State of Virginia on or about the months of July & August 1862, he contracted chronic diarrhoea and piles resulting in a broken down constitution. That his disability was due to the extreme exposure he was subjected to during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.
That he was treated in hospitals as follows: in hospital at
Georgetown, D.C. and Portsmouth Grove R.I., summer of 1862.
That he has not been employed in the military or naval Service otherwise than as noted above. That he has not been in the military or naval Service of the United States since the 28 day of Augt 1864. That since leaving the Service this appli-cant has resided in the County of Crawford in the State of Pa, and that his occupation has been that of a laborer. That prior to his entry into the Service above named he was a man of good sound physical health, being when enrolled a clerk.
That he is now materially disabled from obtaining his subsis-tence 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 pensión roll of the United States. He hereby appoints with full power of substitution and revocation L.J.N. ENGLISH, of St. Johns, Ohio, his true and lawful attorney, to prosecute his claim. That he has not received ñor applied for a pensión, and that his post office address is Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
William McCracken
James O. Dennis Thos. J. Richardson
Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Surgeon's Certifícate December 1, 1886
Original Pensión Claim No. 588399
William McCracken, Corpl.
Company B, 83 Reg't Pa. Vols Meadville, Pa.
Dec lst, 1886
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We hereby certify that in compliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who States that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the Service, viz: Chronic Diarrhoea and Piles.
Pulse rate per minute, 78; respiration, 18; temperature, normal; height, 5 feet 10^ inches; weight, 145 pounds; age 49 years.
He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for Original: Have attacks of diarrhoea almost every
night from 2-3 passages sometimes with discharge of blood. Suffer almost constantly with piles - protruding often to size of walnut. Have a pain on slight pressure just a [illegible] stomach. [Illegible sentence].
Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: General appearance only fairly good. Muscles small. Teeth poor, gums red and receding & [illegible words] fairly good.
No evidence of disease of stomach [illegible words], Heart's action & sounds normal. Skin in healthy condition. No tympan-itis or special tenderness of abdomen. Anus and [illegible] in good condition. No hemorrhoids [illegible] or enlargement of hemorrhoidal areas. No rate.
Whatever disability there may be in this case may be accounted for by intemperate habits.
J. W. Grier, Pres. J. T. Hassler, Sec'y. L. B. Lasherrs, Treas.
Corporal Williara McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Physician's Affidavit January 7, 1887
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State of Penna., County of Crawford ss:
In the Pensión Claim of William McCracken, late Corp company B, 83 Pa. Vol. Claim No. 588.399, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County and State, Chas. P. Woodring a resident of Meadville of the County of Crawford, State of Penna, who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows:
I have treated the above Wm. McCracken interruptly for the last seven (7) years for chronic diarrhoea and its resulting general debility, and during that time his case has [illegible] the usual symptoms of that disease. My treatment of his case dates from about the lst day of April 1879 to the present, January 1887.
He's been under my observation constantly during that time and in my opinión was incapacitated all that time, and at the present time he is substantially in the same condition.
I graduated from üniv. of N.Y. in March 1879 and began practice immediately after graduation, and continued in it without interruption to this [illegible]. The physician who treated this applicant immediately after his discharge,
A. Ray, is deceased.
Chas. Woodring, M.D. David Best, M.D.
Sworn and subscribed before me this day, and I hereby certify that the affiant is a practicing physician in good professional standing; that I am in no wise interested, either directly or indirectly, in the prosecution of this claim, and that I read the foregoing affidavit to the affiant and ac-quainted him with its contents before he executed the same.
Witness my hand and official seal this 7th day of Jany 1887.
Philip P. Wenz
Justice of the Peace
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by DeHass & Middaugh January 8, 1887
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford ss:
In the Invalid pensión claim No. 588.399 of William McCracken, Corp. Company B, 83 Reg't Pennsylvania Vols., personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, William A. DeHaas aged 43 years and Frederick Middaugh aged 48 years, postoffice address Meadville Pa in both cases who is personally known to me, is reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, say in relation to the said claim, as follows:
I have known William McCracken for thirty years or more. Know that previous to his enlisting he was a stout able man. Was in the army and was well aware of him being taken sick with chronic diarrhea. After being mustered out of Service I carne back to our native place and have for 20 yrs or more met McCracken at least as often as every few months. Am aware of his being incapacitated from work on account of disease con-tracted in the Service. Am aware of his not being able to do any laborious work on account of a recurrence of the chronic diarrhea.
William N. DeHaas
Late Co. E, lllth P.V.
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I have known William McCracken since 1858 and he was at that time was a strong a[nd] able bodied man and could do as hard day work as the next man in this county, but after he carne home from the army he has not ben the same man he was befor the war. He has ben trubled with the chronic diarrea since 62 and I have had him work for me and he could not work a full day any time and I could not put him at any hard labor as he would give out and have to go home and he would be laid up too or three day after before he coud do any work and he is not what I would cali a man fight [fit] to do any labor to earn a living for himself and family, and we further declare that we have no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that we testify to the above facts from personal knowledge, our information having been obtained by reason of our personal and intimate acquaintance and for reason that we were in his company a great deai.
Fredrick Middaugh
Co. B 83 Pa.
William De Hass
Witness:
Phil Phenz
They further declare that they have no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that they testify to the above facts from personal knowledge their information having bene obtained by reason of their personal and intimate acquaintance.
Subscribed and worn to before me this 8th day of January, 1887 at Meadville, Pa.
Philip Pfenz (Seal)
Justice of the Peace
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Capt. John F. Undated
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford ss:
In the Invalid pensión claira No. 588,399 of William McCracken, Corp Company B, 83 Reg't Pennsylvania Vols, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace [in] and for the County and State aforesaid, John F. Morris, late Capt. Co "B" 83 Pa Vols [whose] postoffice address is Meadville, Crawford Co., Penna, who is personally known to me to be reputable and entitled to full credit, and who being duly sworn, say[s] in relation to the said claim, as follows:
I was Commander of Co. "B", 83rd Pa Vols up to June 27th 1862 after the Battle of Gains Mili, Va. and knew Wm. McCracken who was a member of said Co., and have often heard him complain of suffering from the chronic diarrhoea. He was always a good and faithful soldier, and was ready to attend to his duty and a more faithful man I did not have in my Company as long as I was in command of the Co.
I have had said McCracken in my employ since his discharge from the Army, when he was able to do any manual labor, but he has not to my knowledge been able since his return from the Army been able to do anything like a days work.
I would not rate him at more than \ a day. That is, I would not valué his work worth more than \ of any common labor.
He is not able to do anything the greater part of the time.
My knowledge is derived from being a neighbor of his and know-ing all about him and his family and know that ever since he carne out of the Army he has been a sonstant suffer[er].
Morris
[Unsigned]
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Robert C. Hemphill October 19, 1888
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford, ss:
In the Orig[inal] Inv[alid] pensión claim No. 541399, Wm. McCracken, Corp, Company B 83rd Reg't Pa. Inf. Vols, personally appeared before me, a City Recorder & Designated Pensión Notary in and for the County and State aforesaid, Robert C. Hemphill aged 48 years, whose postoffice address is Titusville, Crawford County, Pa.., who is personally known to me, is reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, says in relation to the said claim as follows:
That I served in the same company and regiment with Wm. McCracken, the claimant, and knew him well while in the Service. That I recall that while at or near Harrison's Landing, Va. in July or August 1862, claimant was taken sick with camp diarrhoea and was unable for duty for some time. I know this to be true because I was present with the command at the time and know that he was quite feeble and weak for some weeks on account of the severity of the diarrhoea, and some time after he com-plained of the piles and continued to have attacks of diarrhoea as long as I was with him in the Service.
I was intimate with him and [have] personal knowledge of all the facts stated.
And he further declares that he has no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that he testifies in the above facts from personal knowledge, the information having been obtained by reason of personal and intimate acquaintance and for the reason that he was a comrade.
Robert C. Hemphill
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of October,
1888 at Titusville, Pa., and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to affiant, and that I am unconcerned in the prosecution of this claim.
W. M. Darne, City Recorder of the City of Titusville and Designated Pensión Notary
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Walter W. Thompson October 19, 1888
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford, ss:
In the Orig[inal] Inv[alid] pensión claim No. 588399 of William McCracken, Corp. Company B, 83rd Pa. Inf. Vols., personally appeared before me, a City Recorder & Designated Pensión Notary in and for the County and State aforesaid, Walter W. Thompson aged 51 years, whose postoffice address is Titusville, Crawford County, Pa., who is personally known to me, is reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, says in relation to the said claim as follows:
On the 15th of August 1861 I enlisted in the 83rd P.V. Co. B. William McCracken was a member of the same. At that time he was a strong, healthy man and continued so until after the seven days fighting before Richmond, at Harrison's Landing August, 1862.
We both were taken sick with malarial fever, sent to the hospital at Washington. From there was sent to Portsmouth Grove, R.I. I was discharged from the Service. McCracken returned to his Regiment and was discharged some time after. He is today physically a total wreck in my opinión.
And he further declares that he has no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that he testifies to the above facts from personal knowledge, the information having been obtained by reason of personal and intimate acquaintance.
W. W. Thompson
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of October, 1888, at Titusville, Penna, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to affiant, and that I am unconcerned in the prosecution of this claim.
Waldin M. Darne, City Recorder of the City of Titusville & Designated Pensión Notary by appointment of Hon. John C. Black, Commsr.
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Affidavit by Powers & Dickson October 22, 1888
The State of Pennsylvania, County of Crawford, ss:
In the Orig[inal] Invfalid] pensión claim No. 588399 of Wra. McCracken, Corp. Company B 83rd Reg't Pa. Inf. Vols. personally appeared before me, the prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County and State aforesaid, M. C. Powers aged 47 years and J. H. Dickson aged 56 years, whose post offices addresses are Meadville, Crawford County, Penna., who are personally known to me, are reputable and entitled to full faith and credit, and who being duly sworn, say in relation to said claim as follows:
That they have been well acquainted with Wm. McCracken, the claimant, ever since his discharge and have lived near him and seen him often each year.
That they saw him soon after his return home from the army in the summer of 1864 and he was then suffering from chronic diarrhoea and complained of having piles and was weak and emaciated by reason thereof. That they know by reason of associating with him that he has suffered from said disabilities each and every year since up to the present time, and some of the time he has not been able to do any work on account thereof, and has been fully one-half disabled for performing the manual labor of a sound man and has always complained of the diarrhoea and piles since his discharge.
The diarrhoea appears to trouble him most during the summer season, he generally having several severe attacks at that time of the year which make him very weak and unfit to perform any labor.
And they further declare that they have no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of this claim and that they testify to the above facts from personal knowledge, their information having been obtained by reason of their personal and intimate acquaintance and for the reason that they have associated with him during said period and know the facts stated to be true.
J. H. Dickson
M. C. Powers
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22d day of October A.D. 1888 at Meadville, Pa.; and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiants, and that I am unconcerned in the prosecution of this claim.
A. B. Edson
Prothonotary
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Surgeon's Certifícate March 26, 1890
Increase Pensión Claim No. 426044 Wm. McCracken, Corp.
Company B, 83 Reg't. Pa. Vols Meadville, Pa.
March 26, 1890
We hereby certify that in corapliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who States that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the Service, viz: Chronic diarrhoea and resulting disease
of the rectum, and that he receives a pensión of four dollars per month.
Pulse rate per minute, 72; respiration, 17; temperature, ñor.; height, 5 feet 10% inches; weight, 136 pounds; age, 53 years.
He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for increase: Diarrhoea nearly all the time. Constant piles
and soreness over lower part of abdomen. Stools very painful-often puss blood. Loose a great deal of sleep. Bowels often move at night. Have a great deal of [illegible] fever. Appetite very poor. Distress after eating. Can average \ days work.
Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: General appearance and condition poor. Nutrition poor.
Teeth poor, gums receding and swollen. [Illegible] congested. Tongue furred and slightly fissured. Apparent tenderness over abdomen. Skin palé and mottled. Heart's action feeble.
Rectum slightly congested. No structural change in liver or spleen.
Rate 8/18.
From the existing condition and the history of this claimant, as stated by himself, it is, in our judgment, probable that the disability was incurred in the Service as he claims, and that it has not bee prolonged or aggravated by vicious habits. He is, in our opinión, entitled to a 8/18 rating for the disability caused by chronic diarrhoea.
T. B. Lashell, Pres. E. H. Dewey, Sec'y. J. K. Roberts, Treas.
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Bureau of Pensions Questionnaire January 15, 1898
Certifícate No. 426.044 William McCracken
SIR: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. January 15, 1898
In forwarding to the pensión agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
Very respectfully, H. Clay Evans Commissioner of Pensions
First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full ñame and her maiden ñame.
Answer. Yes. Emrose Finney.
Second. When, where and by whom were you married?
Answer. Seagertown, Pa. by Rev. Ernst.
Third. What record of marriage exists?
Answer. [Left blank]
Fourth. Were you previously married?
Answer. No. My wife died April 10, 1897.
Fifth. Have you any children living?
Answer. Two. Willard McCracken, April 28, 1876 Margaret Ellen McCracken, March 22, 1878
Date of reply, July 4, 1898 Corporal William McCracken
{«
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Surgeon's Certifícate February 15, 1899
Increase Pensión No. 426.044 William McCracken, Corporal Company B 83 Reg't Pa. Vol.
Meadville, Pa.
Feb 15, 1899
Chronic diarrhea, disease of rectum, disease of eyes, general debility. He receives a pensión of eight dollars per month.
He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for Increase. Contracted diarrhoea at Yorktown, Pa. in 1862 & bowels continué habitually loose and aggravated by slight error in diet. Piles protrude and bleed if much on his feet.
Had right eye injured by cap flying from gun while on skirmish line in 1862 & eye has gradually grown blind.
We hereby certify that upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Pule rate, 76 sitting, 80 standing, 90
after exercise; respiration 15 sitting, 16 standing, 20 after exercise; temperature 98-2/5; height 5 feet 9% inches; actual weight 132 pounds; age 62 years.
Erect, palé & emaciated. Muscles flabby. Skin slightly sallow. Tongue furred & fissured. Pharynx congested. Liver enlarged & tender. Spleen enlarged 1/3. Bowels tympanitic & tender. [Illegible] of rectum thickened & ragged & there are protrud-ing 3 hemorrhoidal tumors about h inch in diameter and easily bleed. Rate 10/18 for chronic diarrhoea & 4/18 for disease of rectum.
There is cloudiness of the right lense - developing cataract so he cannot see any object but can distinguish the shadow of objects before a light. There is some inflammatory infiltration about the cornea. The left eye is normal in appearance & he can read 15/200. Rate 12/18 for loss of sight of one eye.
The chest is fíat & resonant & measures 31 to 33 inches & umbilicus 30 inches. Lungs normal. The heart is enlarged Praecardia prominent & apex 2 inches below & 1k inches to right of left nipple. Area of dullness 2% inches. Sounds blurred & indistinct. Action feeble & unsteady. No oedema. Slight cyanosis & dyspnoea on exercise. Rate 6/18 for disease of heart.
He is a broken down man & we rate him 8/18 for general debility. No other disability found & no evidence of vicious habits.
B. H. Phelps, Pres. L. D. Rockwell, Treas.
Sec pro tem
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Intemperate Habits Inquiry October 21, 1899
MEDICAL DIVISION Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. October 21, 1899
No. Claim 426.044
Claimant, William McCracken Co. B, 83 Reg't Pa. Vol. Inft.
Respectfully returned to Chief, Board of Review. In making medical approval under the general law claim, March 28, 1899, intemperate habits was supposed to be a factor in this case. Approval was based on the findings of the [illegible] located at claimant's postoffice address. Before giving an opinión on the merits of the pending June Act claim, evidence is requested showing.
A. Holt
Medical Examiner
J. F. Raub
Medical Referee
I
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Special Examiner's Letter February 17, 1900
Ctf. 426.044 of William McCracken
Post Office Meadville, Crawford Co., Pa.
Co. B 83rd Pa. Inf.
Erie, Pa. Feb 17th 1900
Hon. Com. of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:
With this report will be found all the papers in the above cited case which were referred to the S.E. División in accordance with a slip of the Medical Referee of Oct 21 1899 as to whether claimant's habits were of such a nature as to cause or aggravate the disabilities alleged by him in his claim filed under the Act of June 27, 1890, and carne to me for the initial examination.
I did not give claimant any notice of examination as I did not understand that such a notice was necessary. I began to take testimony in this case a short time ahead of other work having precedence, but without hindering the examination of claims docketed before this one.
Of those persons who had originally testified (oíd law claim) John F. Morris B.J. 6, David Best, M.D. B.J. 11 and Wm. N.
DeHass B.J. 10 are dead. Fred. Middaugh B.J. 10 address not known. I did not interview - or attempt to - R. C. Hemphill B.J. 7 or W. W. Thompson B.J. 8 - as if living, they were living some distance from claimant and would not be as liable to have knowledge of his manner of living or his habits as well as persons who have known him as a Citizen and man in the city where he resides.
I have endeavored to secure the testimony of reputable citizens and officials who have known him intimately for many years, and while each State that claimant is and has been a man who has used liquor for years, yet they do not consider him as an invetérate or continuous drinker & not to cause any aggravation of disease.
I called upon Dr. Chas. Woodring B.J. 11 but he told me, to use his language, "that he had not drawn a sober breath for 20 years" and I also learned that he had had some trouble or mis-understanding with soldier, and if so, he might have been pre-judiced in his feeling for this man.
All of the men whose testimony I have secured are persons of good reputation and are entitled to full belief, and the papers are submitted for consideration of the Chief of Board of Review.
Very respectfully,
Harry B. Bouton
Special Examiner
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition A February 14, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Ctf. No. 426.044
On this 14th day of February, 1900, at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa., before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Joseph H. Dickson, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examina-tion of aforesaid claim for pensión, disposes and says:
I am 67 years of age, my postoffice address is as above. Contractor. I have known claimant at least 40 years, as he was born near here and this has always been his home. I remember when he entered the Service in 1861, Co. B, 83 Pa.
Inf. he was a single man, working in a livery stable and livery business has been his work all his life.
He was sound and all right every way when he entered the Service, but when he carne home in the fall of 1864, he was complaining from chronic diarrhoea and piles and has ever since.
Q. What has been his habits relating to intoxicants?
A. He has been a man who has drank some, but is not a
regular drinker, as he would get full and be so for a day or two, then would straighten up and go several years without drinking a drop, and he has had some of the best and biggest priced horses of the best men of our town to break, and if he was a drunkard or not reliable these men would not trust him to do this work.
He is not what would be called a drunkard or anything of that nature, and a nice oíd man, peaceable and kindhearted every way. I know these facts from a long and intimate acquaintance with him. [I] am not related to him, or in any way interested. Have heard this read and am correctly recorded.
J. H. Dickson
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition B February 2, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Ctf. No. 426.044
On this 2nd day of February, 1900, at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa., before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Michael C. Powers, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special exami-nation of aforesaid claim for pensión, deposes and says:
I am 56 years of age, my post-office address is as above.
Am attorney for the commissioners of Crawford Co., Pa. and have known claimant intimately since the cióse of the war.
He is a good, law abiding Citizen, industrious and, while he is a man who occasionally takes a drink, he is not what I would term a drinking man, and not a person of vicious habits. I have seen him when I thought he was under the influence of liquor, but would not remain so long, and only at long intervals, and I am positive that no disability which he may have is due in part even to any vicious habits. He is a peaceable and good-natured man. Keeps a livery and is a man whose word can be relied on in any [illegible],
I am not related or interested and am correctly recorded.
M. C. Powers, Atty.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2d day of Feb 1900 & I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
Harry B. Bouton
Special Examiner
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition C February 14, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Cl. No. 426.044
On this 14th day of February, 1900 at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa., before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Whitney Braymer, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pensión, deposes and says: I am 53 years of age; my
post-office address is as above.
I am one of the county commissioners of this county and was formerly the Mayor of this city, and have known claimant for 14 years seeing him often as he has been engaged in the livery business here for many years. I have seen him when I have thought that he was intoxicated and then there would be long intervals when he would go without drinking a drop.
Some of the best people here have intrusted fine-blooded stock to him to train and break and it does not appear to me that this would be the case if he was not considered trusty or reliable, and I do not believe that any disabilities which he may have are due or in [any] way aggravated by intemperate habits in any manner. He is a good Citizen, law-abiding and peaceable person. I am in no way interested in him, or related and have heard this read and am correctly recorded.
Whitney Braymer
Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of Feb 1900 &
I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
Harry B. Bouton
Special Examiner
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Corporal William McCracken 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry
Deposition E February 2, 1900
Case of William McCracken, Ct. No. 426.044
On this 2d day of February 1900, at Meadville, county of Crawford, State of Pa. , before me, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Tracy Kepler, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interroga-tories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pensión, deposes and says:
I am 54 years of age, my post-office address is as above. [I am] proprietor of Kepler Hotel. I have known claimant for at least 20 years. A portion of this time he had a livery stable near my house, and I saw him several times each day. He is and has been during my acquaintance with him a good, peaceable Citizen. Takes a drink occasionally, and he is what we term "listed" at my bar, as I have been notified by some one - don't know who - not to sell him any liquor. He is not what I term a habitual drinker. There was a time for as much as 5 or 10 years that he did not drink a drop. He is not what I would cali a man of vicious habits in any way. He is a good, kind-hearted oíd man and has no income, only what little pensión he receives & I do not believe - and in fact am sure - that his condition physically is due to any vicious habits. He is well-respected and well-thought of here in this city. I have no interest and am not related and am correctly recorded. He only gets intoxicated some times once a year and some times twice a year, and a person not well acquainted with him might cali him a hard drinker. His spells only last him from one to three days - added before signing.
T. D. Kepler
Creator
Civil War Pension Bureau
Source
National Archives Records Administration Soldier's Certificate #426044
Date
1886-1911
Contributor
Cleo Elizabeth-Robertson transcribed these documents.
Rights
National Archives Records Administration