Civil War Pension File of James Griffitts DECLARATION FOR ORIGINAL PENSION OF AN INVALID State of Kentucky County of Leslie On this 22d day of February, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine personally appeared before me Clerk of the Leslie County Court, the same being a Court of Record within and for the County and State aforesaid, JAMES GRIFFITTS aged 48 years, a resident of the County of Leslie, State of Kentucky who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical James Griffitts, who (1) enlisted in Captain Black’s Company H, 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteer Infantry on the 24th day of October 1863, and was honorably discharged at Lexington, Ky., on the 26th day of December 1864; that his personal description is as follows: age 48 years; height 5 feet 6 inches; complexion fair; hair dark; eyes blue; and that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, he received the following disability, to wit: (2) that while at Somerset, Kentucky in the fall of 1864 he was taken down sick with the Typhoid Fever and remained sick about four months and cold settled on his lungs and now travels with a severe cough and partially lost his hearing. That since leaving the said service, this applicant has resided in the Counties of Perry, Harlan and Leslie in the State of Kentucky, and his occupation has been that of a farmer of a light character; 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 now he is three fourths disabled from obtaining his subsistence from manual labor in consequence of his above named injuries received in the service of the United States; that he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States by reason of the disabilities above stated; that he hereby appoints William Fitch of Washington, D.C. his attorney to prosecute his claim; that he has never received nor, applied for a pension; that his post office address is at Manchester, County of Clay, State of Kentucky; that his domicile or place of adobe is on the waters of Cutshin on the Long Branch Leslie County, Kentucky. His R G Potter James X Griffitts Robert Fouch Also personally appeared John Baker, residing at Leslie County, Ky. And Henry Shepherd, residing at Leslie County, 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 James Griffitts, the claimant sign his mark in the following declaration; that they have every reason to believe, form 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. R G Potter his Robert Fouch John X Baker Henry X Shepherd Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 22d day of February 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; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. John S. Melton, Clerk WAR DEPARTMENT ADJUATANT GENERAL’S OFFICE WASHINGTON, D.C. JUNE 17th, 1880 Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st day of March, 1880, requesting a “Statement of Service” of James Griffitts. The following information has been obtained from the files of this office, and is furnished in reply to your inquiry. In the case of James Griffitts there is no original Enlistment or Muster-in Roll showing him to have been enrolled or mustered into the service of the United States as an enlisted man in Company H of the 49th Regiment of Kentucky Infantry Volunteers, on file in this office up to date. The Muster-Rolls of Company H of that Regiment contain the following evidence of service: It is stated that he was enrolled October 24, 1863 in Jessamine County, Kentucky, and mustered into service as a Private to serve one year, November 5, 1863 at Camp Garrard. On rolls from October 31, 1863 to April 30, 1864, he is reported present for duty. May 4, 1864, sent to post Hospital at Camp Burnside, Kentucky June 24, 1864. On rolls from, June 30, 1864 to October 31, 1864, present for duty. Company Muster-out roll dated December 26, 1864 reports him, a Private and Honorably mustered out with the Company. Regiment returns for September 1864 does, not report his absence or disability. No returns for November or December 1864 are on file. Company and Regiment Books, are not on file. I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Assistant Adjutant General DEPOSITION “A” CASE of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285375 On this 16th day of April, 1885, at Hyden, County of Leslie State of Kentucky, before me, L.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared JAMES GRIFFITTS, who, being by me first duly requested to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: That his age is 55; that his business is farmer; and that his post office address is Hyden, Kentucky Leslie County Q. When did you go into the Army- and in what Company and Regiment? A. I went into the 49th Regiment Company H in 1863 in the fall Q. Where did you live for five years prior to your enlistment? A. In Perry County, Kentucky; now Leslie County, Kentucky Q. Had you been sick before you enlisted? A. No sir, I had my health pretty well Q. When were you first taken sick after your enlistment? A. It was at a pontoon bridge not far from Cedar Bluff at the forks of a river in Kentucky close to the Tennessee line Q. What was the matter with you then? A. Typhoid Fever Q. How long were you sick? A. I was sick about three or four months Q. Who treated you? A. Doctor Miller- Regimental Surgeon Q. Where were you sick? A. I was moved in a wagon from where I was first taken to Lexington, Kentucky Q. Were you in the hospital at Lexington? A. Yes sir, I can’t tell how long Q. Who treated you in the hospital at Lexington? A. There was no Doctor treated me there, Dr. miller came to see me, but no person treated me to amount to anything after that Q. Did you do any duty after you left the hospital at Lexington? A. No Sir Q. About what time did you leave the hospital? A. I can’t tell you just what time it was; it was not long before I was discharged Q. When were you discharged? A. In 1864 I reckon; in December 1864 Q. In what year were you sick? A. In 1864 I reckon I allow I had served about half my time out when I was taken sick Q. What was the matter with you at discharge? A. It was the effects of the fever Q. How was you effected? A. My breast and back were lame, just as I could go and that was about all Q. When you came home were you able to work? A. No sir, not for some length of time after I came home Q. How much work could you do the first year after service, as compared with a sound man? A. I couldn’t do half work Q. Did you get better after that? A. Yes sir, I got some stouter after the first year; but have never been able to do the work I could before Q. Have you been doctored any since the close of the War? A. No sir, not by any doctor; I have got medicine from Doctors: Dr. Maggard has given me medicine Q. How much have you been disabled since coming out of the Army, from the performance of manual labor? A. Well sir, I think it will average half Q. Have you had any spells of sickness since you came out of the Army? A. No I have not been plum down since coming out of the army; but I have not been well since I came home from the army Q. Do you trace your disability back to the Typhoid Fever, which you had in the army? A. Yes sir Attest: L.H. Mears his Joseph Clark James X Griffitts Subscribed before me this 16th day of April 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing L.H. Mears DEPOSITION “B” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 9th day of May, 1885, at Spring Creek, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, before me, L.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: That his age is 50, that his business is that of farmer, and his post office address is Bright Shade, Clay County, Kentucky. Q. When did you first know James Griffitts? A. I have known him some four or five years before the war Q. How near did you live to him there? A. Well it was six or seven miles Q. Did you know him well enough so that you could tell what his health was at that time? A. I thought his health was good there, he was a boy just grown up Q. Was James Griffitts in the army with you? A. Yes sir, in my Company Q. What position was you occupying at that time? A. I was first Lieutenant of Company H of the 49th Kentucky Q. Where did you enlist? A. In 1863-and he went to Camp Nelson about the time I did- in July 1863 Q. Where was he sick if at all during the time he was in the Army? A. I think he was sick in the summer of 1864 at Camp Burnside in Kentucky, but I don’t know what the matter was with him or what the doctors said about it Q. Do you remember how long he was sick at Camp Burnside in 1864? A. No sir, I could not give a statement of anything about that; I know he was right sick and I remember he came very near dying, but I don’t know how long he was sick. Q. Do you remember in what month or about what month he was sick in 1864? A. No sir, I do not, but I think sometime in the spring of 1864 Q. Was he sick after that to your knowledge- after that time- during his service? A. I don’t remember if he was Q. When was James Griffitts discharged? A. He was discharged, December 26th 1864 Q. Was he ever wounded when he was in the army? A. No sir, not to my knowledge Q. Have you any knowledge of any disease or disability existing and troubling James Griffitts at the time he was discharged? A. No sir, not that I recollect of – I think though that there was something the matter with him, I think he was sometime getting home after he was discharged Q. Have you any knowledge of what ailed him? A. I have not Q. Have you known him since? A. I have only seen him once or twice since we were discharged- not enough to know anything about his health Q. Was he a man of good habits when you were acquainted with him in the army? A. Yes sir, I never knew anything wrong with his habits Q. Have you any interest in the prosecution in this claim. A. No sir Jesse Mattingly DEPOSITION “C” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285,375 On this 27th day of May, 1885, at Laurel Fork of Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, L.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, Personally appeared WILLIAM TURNER, by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of the aforesaid pension Claim, deposes and says” That his age is 51, that his business is that of a farmer, and his post office address that of Coon Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky. Q. How long have you known James Griffitts? A. I have known him ever since we were boys, I don’t know how long Q. How near to him did you live before the War of 1861? A. Never more than eight or nine miles apart Q. Did you see him often? A. Yes, right smart- sometimes once or twice a week, and sometimes not so often Q. Did you ever know of him being sick before he went into the army? A. I don’t think he was ever sick to an amount to anything, I always thought he was a very healthy fellow Q. Do you know anything about his working before he went into the army? A. Yes sir, he was a good hand to work as any person, there wasn’t no better; he worked for my father and one brother a great deal and that is the way I know he was a good man to work, I saw him working for them and worked with him myself Q. Were you in the Army with him? A. Yes sir, in the same company Q. When did you enlist? A. about October 1863 Q. Did he enlist at the same time you did? A. I think he enlisted a short time after I did Q. Did you mess or tent together? A. Yes, a part of the time Q. When after enlistment was he first taken sick and at what place was he taken sick? A. I think it was in July 1864 at Camp Burnside, Kentucky Q. What was the matter with him? A. He was down sick and was not able to do anything- and I don’t know what they said was the matter with him Q. How long was he sick? A. He was sick a good while and was sent to the hospital and stayed there along time, but I can’t tell how long Q. Afterwards was he able to do duty? A. I don’t think he was Q. Have you any recollection of him being excused from doing duty? A. I think they did not put him on duty, I don’t remember that they did, and it is my impression that they did not, I cannot remember particularly, I am positive he did no duty Q. Was he in any hospital after that as far as you can recollect? A. Yes sir, he was in the hospital at Lexington, Kentucky, he had been moved from Camp Burnside before he got well and was sent or taken to Lexington Q. From the time he was first taken sick until he was discharged- he did no duty did he? A. No sir Q. When and where were you discharged? A. At Lexington, Kentucky, but I don’t remember the time point blank- it was in the winter and about Christmas 1864 I think Q. Was James Griffitts sick at the time he was discharged? A. I don’t know hardly- he was not much able to walk and bought himself a nag to travel home Q. How near to him have you lived since you came from the army? A. I have lived within two or three miles of him all the time Q. What has been his business? A. He has tried to farm it Q. For the first three years after the war did you live close to him? A. Yes sir Q. What was his health then? A. Sometimes he would have his health right smart and then he would be down Q. What appeared to be the matter with him? A. I don’t know, he would have a bad cough and not be able to work much Q. Has he had a cough since he came from the service? A. I think he has sir, as well as I can remember Q. Do you know how much work he could do at the time he came from the army- as compared with a sound man? A. I don’t think he could do near as much as he could before he went into the army Q. Do you think he could do one fourth- one third- or one half as much as he could have done before he enlisted? A. I will say one third Q. Have you seen him working? A. Oh yes I have seen him working Q. Would the one third you have stated be the average for the whole time since claimant was discharged? A. Yes sir,that would be the average Q. Have you any interest in the prosecution of this claim and are you related to claimant? A. No sir Attest: L.H. Mears (raining hard and no person living within two miles who can write his or her name) William X Turner DEPOSITION “D” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 27th day of May, 1885, at Laurel Fork of Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, L.H. Mears, Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared, SARAH TURNER, 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: Her age id 43; that she is the wife of William Turner who is a farmer and that her post office is Coon Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky Q. How long have you known James Griffitts? A. Close about thirty years Q. Did you live near him before he went into the army? A. Yes, I seen him every once in a while and lived three or four miles from him Q. Was he then stout and healthy as well as you remember? A. Yes at that time he was Q. Did you see him after he enlisted and before he was discharged? A. No sir, I never seen him in the service Q. Did you ever visit the Regiment- when he was in the service? A. I did visit it once when the Regiment was at Camp Burnside in July 1864; I went to see my husband who was a member of the same Company Q. Where was James Griffitts then? A. They told me he was in the hospital; they told me I could see him if I went to the hospital, but I never went Q. Did they tell you what the matter was? A. I don’t know as they did, but it ‘pears that they said he had the fever Q. Have you known him since he came from the army? A. Yes I have known him ever since he came back pretty much have lived pretty close to him Q. How has his health been as far as you know? A. He has been complaining right smart, but I don’t know what the matter has been Q. What does he complain about? A. He has had a cough for a great many years and I have heard him say he has not fill right since he came out of service Q. How soon after he came from the service did you see him? A. I saw him in two or three months or three or four Q. Did he have a cough then as you remember it? A. I don’t remember right then; the report was though that he was not well after he came back Q. When was the first time that you remember of him having a cough? A. I have known of it for a great many years, I don’t know how long it has been Q. Have you any interest in the prosecution of this claim? A. No sir Attest: her L.H. Mears Sarah X Turner DEPSOSITION “E” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 27th day of May, 1885, at Headwaters of Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, L.H. Mears, Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared SYLVESTER COOTS, 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: That his age is 55 years; that his business is that of a farmer and his post office address is Coon Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky Q. How long have you known James Griffitts? A. I have known him ever since he was sixteen or eighteen years of age Q. How near to him did you live before he went into the army? A. He has lived about in the neighborhood all the time; from four to fifteen miles from him I expect Q. Before he went into the army what was his health? A. He had good health sir; I never knowed of any sickness that he had; not a day Q. Did he ever complain of anything before he went into the army? A. No sir, I never heard any complaints Q. What has he complained of since he came out of the army? A. He has complained at the breast and a pain in his back, and a misery all through him and has had a powerful cough Q. When did you first see him after he came from the army? A. Well it was in the winter of 1865 only a short time after he came home; it was when he was on his way home from the service and it was about a mile and a half from here on the waters of Laurel Fork at a house raising Q. How did he look then? A. He looked mighty bad and had a cough and was complaining at his breast and had a misery he said Q. Do you know how long it was before he got so as he could work? A. No sir, I don’t know; I went into the army soon after that Q. How near to him have you lived since then? A. Since then I have never lived over four miles from him and most of the time not over two miles from him Q. What has been his health since then? A. Well sir, his health his health has been mighty bad Q. Has he had the same troubles all the time that he complained of when he came out of the army? A. I think he has sir, and they have appeared to get worse all the time Q. Has he had any doctor to treat him that you know of? A. No sir, I don’t know that he has Q. How much work has he been able to do on an average for each year since he came out of the service? A. Well I would suppose that he was not able to do more than one half a days work-on an average; and to do himself justice he ought not to do so much as that; he has been at times not able to work at all Q. What has been the matter with him when he was unable to work? A. Well sir, his breast complaint, and cough; I have seen him past labor on the road; and then he would complain of his breast and a misery in him and he would be coughing Q. Have you known of him being hard of hearing? A. Yes sir Q. When did you first notice it? A. Before he went into the army he could hear as well as anybody; and I have noticed ever since that he has been hard of hearing; and that sometimes he will not notice you when you speak to him; and that he talks louder than usual Q. Do you know what caused his deafness? A. No sir, I don’t Q. Do you know whether or not he has been sick with any other complaint than those you have spoken of since he came out of the army? A. He took a complaint that was called the POX- since he came out of the army; I don’t remember when but, some ten or twelve years ago; he cured himself or said he did Q. Was he bad off with that disorder? A. I can’t tell- he was scared pretty bad Q. Have you any interest in the prosecution of this claim? A. No sir Q. Are you related to him? A. Yes sir, we are Brother-in-laws, he married my sister Attest: his L.H. Mears Sylvester X Coots DEPOSITION “F” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 27th day of May, 1885, at Headwaters of Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, L.H. Mears, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared NATHANIEL LEWIS, 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: That his age is 44 years; that his occupation is that of a farmer; and that his post office address is Coon Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky Q. How long have you known James Griffitts? A. I have known him for twenty-five years I expect Q. How near to him did you live before the war of 1861? A. Well about eight or ten miles Q. Were you well acquainted with him then? A. Yes sir, I saw him quite often Q. What was his health then before the war? A. His health before the war was very good- he was **** and active and had his health well, as far as I knew or heard of Q. Were you in the army with him? A. Yes sir, in the same Company Q. Before he went into the army- was he ever sick with any fever or any bad sickness? A. No sir, not that I ever heard of Q. When if at all, was he taken sick during the service, and at what place? A. He was taken sick at Camp Burnside- it was in the fall of 1864 Q. What was the matter with him? A. Well sir, I think it was Typhoid Fever Q. Did he go to the hospital? A. Yes sir, and I don’t know how long he stayed, but two or three months perhaps the size of that; I know the talk was there through the Regiment that Jim wouldn’t live anytime Q. Did he recover from the fever so as to be able to do duty? A. I think not sir, I don’t think I ever knew of him being on duty any after that Q. At the time you were discharged was he fully recovered from the fever? A. I shouldn’t suppose he was fairly recovered from it, he hadn’t his health right when he was discharged Q. What appeared to be the matter with him at the time he was discharged? A. Well he was not able to do much in no way; I couldn’t state what was the matter with him at that time Q. Did he come home with the rest of you? A. I think he did; he bought a horse and rode it the way I remember it now Q. Do you remember of him being in the hospital at any place except at Camp Burnside? A. I recollect that they brought him in an ambulance from Camp Burnside and I saw him get out myself, and he was in the hospital at Lexington, Kentucky, I don’t know how long he was in the hospital there Q. Do you remember whether or not he was hard of hearing before he went into the army? A. I don’t recollect, I don’t think he was Q. Do you know about him being hard of hearing while he was in the army? A. Yes sir, I heard that frequently spoken of Q. Was that before or after he had the fever? A. That was after he had the fever Q. Has he been hard of hearing ever since? A. Yes sir, apparently very hard of hearing sir Q. Since he came out of the army how near have you lived to him? A. I have lived pretty near neighbor to him and have never lived more than six miles away from him Q. What has he complained of since he came from the army? A. Well he has complained that he has not had his health generally a breast complaint Q. Has he had a cough, all of the time? A. Yes sir, He has generally had a cough Q. How much work has he been able to do on an average for each year since he came out of the army? A. Well sir, not very much- I should thank not over half what a well man could do; I am acquainted with hard labor so that I think I know what a man can stand Q. Have you know about James Griffitts having employed any doctor since he came from the army? A. No sir, not to my recollection Q. Have you known of him being sick with any bad disease- or lingering sickness since he came out of the army? A. I have known that he was sick, and has been **** ever since he came out of the army; nothing except his breast complaint that I know of Q. Are you related to him? A. Yes, we are second cousins I reckon Q. Have you any interest in the prosecution of this claim? A. No sir Attest: his L.H. M Nathaniel X Lewis DEPOSITION “G” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 30th day of May, 1885, at Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, L.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: That his age is 46 years, that his business is that of farmer, and his post office address is Hyden, Leslie County, Kentucky; that he is brother of the claimant, and was with him in the army in the same Company and Regiment; that his brother (the claimant) was a stout and healthy man before he went into the army, and was never sick, and never employed any doctors before he went into service. Q. When was your brother first taken sick, where at and what was the matter with him? A. At Burnside Point in the summer of 1864 and they said he had the fever Q. How long was he sick? A. He was sick from that on until after he was discharged and has been sickly ever since Q. Did he do any duty after he was taken sick before he was discharged? A. No sir, I don’t suppose he did if he did I don’t recollect it Q. Was he in the hospital? A. Yes sir, at Burnside Point, and at Lexington, Kentucky Q. What was the matter with him at discharge? A. Well I don’t know that I can tell, but the doctors said there was something wrong with his lungs Q. Was he able to walk when he was discharged? A. He was able to walk, but bought a horse to come home with Q. How near to him have you lived since he came from the army? A. Not nearer at anytime than twelve miles Q. You do not know then what his capacity to labor has been since the war- do you? A. No sir, I don’t in particular Q. Do you know anything about him being deaf in the service? A. No sir, I don’t know that I do Q. Did you wait on him when he was sick? A. No sir, I did not wait on him, I went to see him several times when he was in the hospital. Q. Have you any interest in the prosecution of this claim? A. No sir Attest: his L.H. Mears Eli X Griffitts R. Wooton DEPOSITION “A” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 29th day of July,1885, at Louisville, County of Jefferson, State of Kentucky, before me, W.H. Monigal, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared DR. HENRY C. MILLER, late Surgeon 49th Kentucky Volunteers, wh, 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: That his age is 41 years, occupation Physician and Surgeon, and address is # 406, 1st Street, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky Q. Please state whether you know the claimant James Griffitts, if so when, and what his condition was while a soldier in Company H, 49th Kentucky Volunteers? A. I don’t remember him now- whether I knew him at enlistment, in service, or at discharge, nor do I remember ever to have treated him while in the service. I don’t remember of him having Typhoid Fever at Cedar Bluff in the fall of 1864- many of the soldiers did have that trouble there, and had to be left behind, but I don’t recollect individuals, and have no record, all my books and papers having been turned over when I settled with the government, and were never returned- I am not related, interested, biased or prejudiced. Henry C. Miller, MD Late Surgeon, 49th Kentucky Volunteers DEPOSITION Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 21st day of November, 1885, at Barboursville, County of Knox, State of Kentucky, before me H. N. Patton, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office personally appeared W. F. WESTERFIELD, 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 45 years old; occupation farmer, P.O. address; Barboursville, Knox County Kentucky I was Orderly Sergeant of Company H, 49th Kentucky Infantry. I think there was such a man as James Griffitts in our Company, but if he was ever sick I have no recollection of it. He must have been one of Lt. Mattingly’s men and came from Red Bird, Leslie or Perry County. Lt. Mattingly brought a lot of men into our Company and the Company had a kind of a split up when the officers were elected and the boys never mixed together very well after that. We did *** together and asocial with each other like we did amongst the boys that were from about here. I have no papers or Company records by which to refresh my memory as to which I ever excused him from duty. I have but very little recollections about the man. I have no idea what kind of a looking man he was. I am certain I am in no way related to the claimant. I have no interest in the claim. W. F. Westerfield DEPOSITION “B” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 6th day of January, 1886, at Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Harry Tiffany, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared JOH DIXON, 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 61 years old, am Sheriff of Leslie County, My residence and post office address is here and I was a Sergeant of Company H, 49th Kentucky Volunteers I have knew James Griffitts for years, and enlisted him in the Company in October 1863 at Boonville this State. To the best of my recollection he said he had been in the 19th Kentucky Volunteers and did not want to go back to Vicksburg, Miss., I asked him no questions but, enlisted him changing his County from Perry to Harlan, and his age. This is my remembrance of the matter now. I can’t say what Company he belonged to in the 19th; or if he really ever was in it. He was a sound acting young man and I took him in. Sometime in the summer of 1864 he was taken sick and was sent to the hospital and from Them or did not have measles. My impression is that the boy had measles, but wasn’t for sure. He was sick and ailing. I knew and was in the hospital, I think twice. I can’t give you any of his symptoms. I can’t say if he was deaf, or had a cough. He was sick and never was able after his first sickness I have an idea. I lent him some money at discharge so he could get home more comfortable. Since his discharge I have not seen much of him, but when I did see him he appeared week and near deaf. Q. Did he tell you he had deserted fro the 19th Kentucky? A. Yes sir, or rather that was my impression from his talk. He said he had been cut off from his command at Cumberland Gap and that the Marshals were after him Q. Do you know that he ever served in the 19th Kentucky Volunteers? A. No, but I knew he was at Cumberland Gap in 1862, I know he was in some Regiment there. Q. Have you any interest in this claim? A. Not a bit John Dixon DEPOSITION “A” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 7th day of January, 1886, at Cutshin Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Harry Tiffany, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared JAMES 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: I am the identical claimant in this case. Q. Did you ever serve in any other regiment of the volunteer service of the U.S., except the 49th Kentucky Volunteers? A. No sir Q. Were you at Cumberland Gap in 1862, and were you cut off from your command then? A. No sir Q. Who enlisted you into the 49th Kentucky Volunteers? A. Lieut. Mattingly Q. Did Sergeant John Dixon take you before Lt. Mattingly? A. No sir Q. Did you have any circumstance regarding enlistment with John Dixon and if so what was it? A. I think I did Q. What have you to say about John Dixon’s deposition? A. I don’t recollect ever saying anything of this kind, I never was at Cumberland Gap nor in the 19th Kentucky Q. Under what circumstance did you execute this agreement with Fitch and Company of Washington? A. It came to me in the in the mail and I had it read to me. Then I took it to Hyden and signed it Q. Did Fitch and Company do any more for you? A. I never knew of them before I got the papers Q. What did you sign it for? A. I was told they would hurt my claim if I did not Q. Who told you? A. My neighbors or rather some of them Witnesses: R Wooton Harry Tiffany James X Griffitts DEPOSITION “A” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 3d day of March, 1886, at M**** Creek, County of Jefferson, State of Tennessee, before me, W. H. Egleton, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared MADISON L. WATKINS, who, being first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during his Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: His age is 54, P.O as above, no occupation and totally blind. Was Musician of Company H, 49th Kentucky Infantry, I enlisted in June 1863 at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. Then and there I got acquainted with the claimant at that time I heard no complaints apparently he was well. I cannot remember whether he was down or not while in the service. At Lexington, Ky., in September or there somewhere 1864. He looked very badly indeed but I don’t know as he was confused. He looked very pale. I do not remember how he complained. I don’t remember of asking him what the matter was. I do not know of him being in any hospital or of him being confined at any time. Can just remember he looked badly after September 1864, but I cannot remember of what or kind he complained. If he was deaf I don’t remember it. Don’ remember of him complaining of his lungs or him having a cough. I cannot remember of him complaining of any special trouble I just remember he was weakly that is all. He may have had the fever at Lexington, Kentucky but I don’t know it but it was I can’t remember he was sick then and that is all. He was in that weekly condition at M.O. but I could not say from what particular trouble he suffered. I have been blind only since 1876. I am not related. I have no interest in this claim. Attest: W H Egleton John Owsley Madison X Watkins DEPOSITION “A” Case of JAMES GRIFFITTS, No. 285.375 On this 21st day of May, 1886, at Leonard, County of ****, State of Kansas, before me Andrew Goddes, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared DR. WILLIAM B. SWISHER, 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: His name and P.O. address as above set forth. Age 60, ***** for about 35 years- and further says” I was Assistant Surgeon of the 49th Kentucky Infantry Volunteers for a little over a year- I went in 1863 and came out in 1864. The regiment during the time of its service was in Kentucky- at Lexington, Somerset, and at Burnside Point, Kentucky. I remember this man James Griffitts, but I can only recall his name, not the man or his company- nothing about him, but I probably treated him, as nearly every man in the regiment was sick with measles, diarrhea, camp fever, that was the principal troubles but besides there was a good deal of rheumatism, and also a good deal of pneumonia, the result of measles and cold settling on the lungs. I was on duty with the regiment pretty much all the time- Dr. Miler was our Surgeon. I don’t know where he is, the men of the regiment generally when enlisted was strong and healthy. I examined a great many of them, examined them ****, and believe most of them so examined. They were mostly from the mountain districts and good healthy men. No sir, I have no records. I cannot remember anything further about this man. I may have treated him in service, but do now remember it, its to long ago. No interest one way or another. Have never heard or seen the man since the war that I know of. W B Swisher DECLARATION FOR AN INCREASE OF INVALID PENSION State of Kentucky County of Leslie On this 28th day of November, A.D. 1887, personally appeared before me the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, JAMES GRIFFITTS, aged about 56 years, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, duly enrolled at a rate of $4 dollars per month, under Pension Certificate No. 350.942 by reason of a disability from disease of the lungs and being injured of hearing incurred in the service of the United States while a Private in Company H, of the 49th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on the account of his rate now being unjustly low and disproportionate to his degree of disability lungs and injury of hearing. That he appoints WILLIAM FITCH and Co., of Washington, D.C., his true and lawful attorneys to prosecute his claim; that his post office is Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky His James X Griffitts Also appeared L G Baker, residing at Cutshin, Leslie County, Kentucky and William Pennington, residing at Cutshin, Leslie County, Kentucky, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, say they were present and saw James 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. L.G. Baker Wm. Pennington Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day above written; and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c., were fully made known and explained to applicant and witnesses before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of the claim. James M. Baker Justice of the Peace, Leslie County, Kentucky GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky County of Leslie In the matter of claim No. 350.942 of JAMES GRIFFITTS of Company H, 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, Personally appeared before me J M Baker, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, DR. JESSE MAGGARD, aged 58 years, whose P.O. address is Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, well known to me to reputable and credible and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to this claim as follows: That he is the family physician of the claimant in the above entitled claim and as such is personally and well acquainted with his condition and know him to be physically unable to leave home and report for a medical examination. His condition is about as follows: I Dr. Jesse Maggard do certify that James Griffitts the claimant is not able to report to London, Kentucky for any examination; and if you can not get his claim without him going to London he can not have a raise of pension. I further certify that I have been a practicing physician for 24 years last and I further state that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim 24th January, 1888 Dr. Jesse Maggard GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky County of Leslie In the matter of claim No. 350.942 of JAMES GRIFFITTS Of Company H, 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, Personally appeared before me a Clerk for Leslie County in and for said County and State JAMES GRIFFITTS, my age 54 years, whose P.O. address is Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, well known to me to reputable and credible and who being duly sworn declares in relation to this claim as follows: I was treated at Point Burnside in the hospital and was treated by Dr. Miller I think he was a Regular Doctor for the 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers. I received treatment for consumption and deafness for which I claim a raise in my pension claim. Mr. William Fitch &Co. Dear Sirs, If my age is not rightly stated please correct it. I am loosing my recollection so that I cannot tell if my age is rightly stated or not Witnesses: L G Baker Levi Pennington James Griffitts 24th day of March, 1888 David Lewis, D. Clerk Official signature GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In Claim No. 350,942 of JAMES GRIFFITTS of Company H, of the 49thth Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, Personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within and for said County, HENRY PENNINGTON, age 35 years, P.O. address is Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: I am well acquainted with James Griffitts and have been for the last 15 years and have been raised a near neighbor to him and have been with him at his own house often and at various other places and he is partly deaf from every appearance; He will not notice anything unless it is considerably loud talk, and have been that way ever since I first got old enough to notice anything and further this deponant sayeth not 15th day of May, 1889 Henry Pennington James M. Baker Justice of the Peace, Leslie County GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In claim No. 350.942 of JAMES GRIFFITTS of Company H of the 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within and for said County, WILLIAM PENNINGTON, age 60 years, whose P.O. address is Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: I am well acquainted with James Griffitts and have been ever since boyhood and before he entered the service he could hear well as anyone till after he came home out of the service, and I have lived a neighbor to said claimant ever since he come back from the service and I discovered that soon after he come home from the service that he was partly deaf by talking with him and hearing others talk with him and still remains partly deaf till this day and further this deponant sayeth not Witnesses: L G Baker his Jonathan Pennington William X Pennington 15th day of May of 1889 James M Baker Justice of the Peace, Leslie County Certificate No. 350.942 Name, JAMES GRIFFITTS DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS Washington, D.C., January 15, 1898 Sir: In forwarding to the pension 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, Commissioner James Griffitts Cutshin Kentucky First. Are you married? If so, please state wife’s full name and her maiden name. Answer. Married Rosa Griffitts, maiden name ROSA COOTS Second. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer. About 1867 in Harlan County, Kentucky by Isaac Baker, minister Third. What record of marriage exists? Answer. Harlan County Clerk’s Office Fourth. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce. Answer. No sir Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and dates of their birth. Answer I have no children his Attest: James X Griffitts D Lewis DECLARATION FOR PENSION State of Kentucky County of Leslie On this 14th day of July A.D., one thousand nine hundred and eight, personally appeared before me, a Deputy Court Clerk, within and for the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 75 years of age, and a resident of Cutshin, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky; and that he is the identical person who was enrolled as James Griffitts, on the __ day of __ as a Private, in Company H, 49th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the service of the United States, in the Civil War, and was Honorably Discharged. That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: Cutshin, Kentucky. That he makes this declaration for purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under provisions of the act of February 6, 1907 Attest: his Samuel Joseph James X Griffitts Jasper Whitt Also personally appeared Samuel Joseph, residing in Leslie County and Jasper Whitt, residing in Leslie County, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw James Griffey, the Claimant, sign his mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the claimant and their acquaintance with him of 10 years and 20 years, respectively, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Samuel Joseph Jasper Whitt 14th day of July 1908 J.M. Howard Clerk, Leslie County Court By A.H. Griffey, Deputy Clerk State of Kentucky, County of Leslie. I A. H. Griffey Deputy County Clerk in and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify that James Griffitts exhibited to me the family testament in which appears the record of the age of the said James Griffitts which was as follows: James Griffitts was born September 22, 1832 Harlan County from the appearance of the writing I believe the entries to have been made about the dates given and the record bears no marks or erasures or alterations. The testament is so old and the front part of the book being a portion torn out and so badly used there is nothing that remains in said testament to indicate the year on which it was printed. J.M. Howard, Clerk of the Leslie County Court By A.H. Griffey, D.C. Clerk Affidavit The affiant WILLIAM H. COOTS, states as follows: Says I am 50 years old, a farmer by occupation and resides in Leslie County, Kentucky and near Cutshin and near the affiant and soldier James Griffitts; Says I have known the said James Griffitts ever since I was large enough to know anybody and have been personally acquainted with him ever since and I have often heard the affiant James Griffitts say that he was born September 22, 1832. I was also well acquainted with Eli Griffitts father of the soldier James Griffitts and I heard him say that James Griffitts was born September 22, 1832. That is my means of knowing the above facts. his William X H. Coots 14th day of January 1909 J.M. Howard, Clerk Leslie County by A.H. Griffey, D.C. Clerk Affidavit JAMES GRIFFITTS Certificate No. 350.942 Company H, 49th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry The affiant James Griffitts this day appeared before me the undersigned Deputy Clerk in and for the County of Leslie and State of Kentucky and states as follows: I was born September 22, 1832. That is what the record shows my age and, I have been informed that is the correct date of birth by my father. My means of knowing the above facts is from the family record and my father’s advice. James X Griffitts Subscribed and sworn to before me this 14th day of January 1909 J.M. Howard, Clerk of the Leslie County Court By A.H. Griffey, Deputy Clerk