Civil War Pension File of John Griffiitts DECLARATION FOR PENSION State of Kentucky } ss County of Leslie } On this 26th day of February, A.D. one thousand nine hundred and Seven, personally appeared before me, a County Court Clerk within and for the County and State aforesaid, JOHN GRIFFITTS, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 77 years of age, and a resident of Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky; and that he is the identical person who was ENROLLED at Irvine Kentucky under the name of JOHN GRIFFITTS, on the 1st day of January, 1863, as a private, in Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry Volunteers in the service of the United States, in the Civil War, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Camp Nelson Kentucky, on the 24th day of March, 1864. That he was not employed in the military or naval service of the United States otherwise than as stated above. That his personal description at enlistment was as follows: Height, 5 feet 11 inches; Complexion, Fair; Color of Eyes, Blue; Color of Hair, Black; that his occupation was Farmer; that he was born 24th day of February, 1830, at Harlan County Kentucky. That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: Clay, Perry and Leslie Counties Kentucky. That he is a pensioner. That he has heretofore applied for pension Certificate No. 881207. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under the provisions of the Act of February 6, 1907. That his post-office address is Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky. His John X Griffitts Attest: (1) A L Begley (2) A B Jones Also personally appeared A.L. Begley, residing in Hyden, Kentucky and A.B. Jones, residing in Hyden, Kentucky, 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 John Griffitts, the claimant, (make 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 40 years and 30 years, respectively, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be, and they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. A.L. Begley A.B. Jones Subscribed and sworn to before me this 26th day of February, A.D. 1907, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words___________, erased, and the words____________, added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court CLAIMANT AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky County of Leslie In the matter of the claim for Pension No. 881201 of JOHN GRIFFITTS who was a Private, Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. Personally came before me, a County Court Clerk in and for the County and Sate aforesaid JOHN GRIFFITTS whose post office address is Hyden, Leslie County, Kentucky Person of lawful age who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid claim, as follows: That he was born on the 24th day of February 1830. According to what my Father told me. The Affiant further states that he has no family record nor any other record of his age only as above stated! 1.) A.J. Tarter his 2.) Arnold Brefo John X Griffitts Sworn to and Subscribed before me, this 4th day of November 1904, at Hyden in the County of Leslie State of Kentucky, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiant before swearing thereto, including the words __________ erased and the words _________ added, that the affiant is to me well known and is credible; and I fully certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court WAR DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE Washington, August 24, 1885 Respectfully returned to the Commission of Pensions. JOHN GRIFFITTS, a Private of Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry Volunteers, was enrolled on the 1st day of January, 1863, at Owsley County, Kentucky (17 years old), and is reported: on roll from date of enrollment to February 28, 1863 absent on sick furlough; March and April 1863 Present; July and August 1863 (last roll on file) present. Mustered out with Company at Camp Nelson, Kentucky March 24, 1864 as a Private. Returns prior to August 1863 are not on file. Returns for September, October and November 1863 do not account for absent- enlisted men of Company L. Returns for December 1863 and January 1864 do not report him absent- sick or otherwise. Returns for February 1864 are not on file. Also borne as John Griffitts. Period of furlough and nature of sickness, February 28, 1863 is not stated. No Regimental Hospital Records, Company Morning Reports, Company returns on Medical Certificate on file. EX-SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM. State of Kentucky County of Leslie Mr. JOHN GRIFFITTSS being duly sworn, says: My post-office address is Hyden Kentucky. My occupation is that of a farmer. I was born in Harlan County, Kentucky on the 24th day of February 1830. My personal description is as follows: Height 5 feet 11 inches; complexion fair; color of hair Black and of eyes Blue. I am married; My wife’s name is Fanny Griffitts. My places of residence since the war have been: from about 1864 to about 1878, in Clay County, State of Kentucky, My P.O. address being Manchester. From about 1878 to 1890, in Leslie County, State of Kentucky, my P.O. address being Hyden, Kentucky. The following is a full and complete statement of all the service ever rendered by me in the military or naval service of the United States: I enlisted at Boonville, Kentucky, on the 1st day of January 1863, to serve one year in Company L of the 14th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers and was honorably discharged there from at Camp Nelson on the 24th day of March 1864 I now have the following injuries, diseases, or disabilities, each of which was caused or incurred as stated opposite thereto and neither of which is the result of vicious habits on my part: Name of disease what part of body what caused it? When and where incurred Rheumatism in the thigh and hips caused by exposure At Irvine, Kentucky as a result of laying on cold earth about February 1864 Palsey in all my body caused by hardship at Irvine Ky. This disease took me about Boonville 1863 Lungs Breast and Throat caused by xxxx at home 1865. I suppose my lungs afflicted about 186? Each of said disabilities is permanent in character, and they incapacitate me from manual labor in such a degree as to render me unable to earn a support. I hereby claim pension under the law of June, 1890, hereon printed, and revoking all other powers, of attorney, I appoint W.B. Eversole my attorney, with full power of substitution, to prosecute this claim. His John X Griffitts Witnesses: John S. Melton William M. Howard Also personally appeared John S. Melton, residing at Hyden Kentucky and Reuben Maggard residing at Hyden Kentucky, 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 John Griffitts, the claimant, sign his mark to the forgoing 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; that they have resided in the same neighborhood with said ex-soldier for the past 35 years, and are acquainted with his habits and his capacity for work, and they say that, by reasons of disabilities for which he claims pension in the foregoing statement , he is incapacitated from manual labor to such a degree as to render him unable to earn support, and that no one of said disabilities is the result of vicious habits on his part; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. William M. Howard John S. Melton J.H. Hurt his Reuben X Maggard Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 8th day of August A.D., 1890; 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. James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court Hyden, Ky. Set. 21st, 1885 Department of the Interior Pension Office Washington, D.C. In reply to yours of May 13, 1885 would say that at the time of my discharge in 1864 my Post Office was Manchester Ky. Then to 1870 my Post Office was Cutshin Ky then to 1879 my Post Office was Hyden, Ky., and the same to the present. My occupation has been that of a farmer in about April or May in 1862 I was taken with a pain in the left thigh at Irvin, Ky. I was then sent home on a sick furlough and stayed about two months and a half and during this time was taken with a fever then I rejoined my command at Proctor Ky. And was then furloughed again for 30 days then I rejoined my command at Boonville, Ky. The disability still continued in the left thigh and hip to the present time and from reason of said disability I am disabled nearly all of my time each year from the following my usual occupation each year since discharge. I was treated by Dr. Jones at Boonville, Ky about September 1862, but don’t know his first name. I was also treated by J.M. Daniel at Proctor, Ky. The said J.M. Daniel is deceased. John Griffitts State of Kentucky, County of Leslie In the matter of Pension claim No. 537689 of JOHN GRIFFITTS, this day the said claimant personally appeared before me a County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County and State. John Griffitts, and after being duly sworn declares and says that he is claimant in the above styled claim, and the reason why I cannot write my name now is that palsy has taken effect in my right arm. I cannot use a pen, I make this statement oral. I was not aided or prompted by anybody or printed instrument and they reduced to writing by E.L. Lewis and in my presence. My Post Office address is Hyden, Leslie County, Kentucky. His John X Griffitts Witnesses: L.D. Lewis John Lewis Sworn to before me this December 5, 1894 J.M. Howard By E.L. Lewis State of Kentucky County of Leslie In the matter of JOHN GRIFFITTS for pension claim No. 908928 Personally came before me, a Clerk in and for said County and State WADE WOODS, age 45 years whose Post Office is Hyden County of Leslie State of Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: I live in about two hundred and fifty yards of John Griffitts Claimant herein, and have known him ever since the War of the Rebellion. He has been disabled from the performance of manual labor on account of palsy, rheumatism and disease of the lungs from August 16, 1890 to May 13, 1891 to the best of my knowledge and belief. This affidavit was prepared in my presence from oral statements made at the time to J.M. Bicknell on the 21st day of April 1894 and in making same I was not dictated to by any others as to what I should say other than hearing the circular hereto attached read. And he further says that his knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following sources. Viz: Personal Acquaintance and that he has no interest nor concern in this matter. L.D. Lewis his J.E. Morgan Wade X Woods Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above name affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in this case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is creditable person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal, this 21st day of April, 1894 A.B. Dixon Clerk Leslie County Court AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, In the matter of Original Pension Claim No. 908928 of JOHN GRIFFITTS On this 21st day of April A.D. 1894 personally appeared before me Examiner in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, John Griffitts a resident of _______ in the County of Leslie and the State of Kentucky whose Post Office address is Hyden Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I am John Griffitts claimant herein. I filed a claim for Pension prior to August 11 1890. The number of said claim is 337689. I never served in the military or naval service of the United States subsequent to March 24, 1864. His John X Griffitts J.M. Bicknell J.E. Morgan State of Kentucky, County of Leslie; Sworn and subscribed before me this day by above named affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, including the words____ erased, and the words___ added, and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and the said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible person. L.D. Lewis Examiner for Leslie County I, A.B. Dixon Clerk of Circuit Court in and aforesaid County and State, do certify that L.D. Lewis, esq., who has signed his name to the forgoing declaration and affidavit was at the time of so doing an examiner in and for said County and State, duly appointed and sworn; that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereunto is genuine. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 24th day of April, 1894 A.B. Dixon Clerk of the Leslie Circuit Court AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, In the matter of JOHN GRIFFITTS Pension Claim No. 908928 On this 21st day of April A.D. 1894, personally appeared before me Clerk in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Russell Jones a resident of in the County of Leslie and State of Kentucky whose Post Office address is Hyden Leslie County Kentucky. Well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I have been acquainted with John Griffitts claimant herein ever since I was a boy. He has been rendered unable to perform manual labor from August 16 1890 to May 13, 1891 owing to Rheumatism disease of the lungs and palsy. This affidavit was prepared in my presence from spoken statements made at the time to J.M. Bicknell on this 21st day of April 1894 and in making the same I was not dictated to by anyone as to such statements other than hearing the circular here to attached read. He further says he has no interest,nor concern in this matter; L.D. Lewis J.E. Morgan His Russell X Jone State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, including words____ added and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible person. A.B. Dixon Clerk Leslie Circuit Court AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, In the Pension Claim No. 908928 of JOHN GRIFFITTS, late Private, Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. Personally appeared before me, a Clerk in and for the aforesaid County and State, James Osborne and Irvin Jones whose Post Office address is Hyden Leslie County Kentucky. Well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: That they have been acquainted with the above named soldier since before the War of the Rebellion. I was in the service of the War of the Rebellion with John Griffitts the claimant herein and was well acquainted with him. The disabilities for which he claims a pension at Irvine, Kentucky. I think it was in 1863. He complained of Rheumatism and his lungs. He was also affected with Palsy and has been ever since rendering him unable to perform manual labor. He was in the service and the line of duty when he became disabled . I remember he got a furlough to come home once from Irvine and once from Proctor on account of being disabled from service. These disabilities were not caused by any vicious habits of said John Griffitts. This affidavit was prepared in my presence from oral statements made at the time to J.M. Bicknell at the Office of W.B. Eversole in Hyden, Kentucky and in making the same I did not xx and was not aided nor prompted by any written or printed statements or recited prepared or dictated by any other person except to hear the circular heretofore attached read. They further declare that they have no interest, either direct or indirect, in the claim to which this affidavit is supplementary and are not engaged in its prosecution. Attest: His L.D. Lewis James X Osborne G.M. Cook His Irvin X Jones Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of April A.D. 1894, and I hereby certify that the affiants are reputable and entitled credit; that the contents of the foregoing affadavit were fully made known to him before its execution; including the words____ erased, and the words____added; that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in this claim, and am not engaged in its prosecution. G.M. Howard L.C.C. By E.L. Lewis Southern Div. No. 537.689 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR John Griffitts PENSION OFFICE L, 14th Ky. Cav. May 12th, 1883 Sir: I have the honor to request that you will furnish from the records of the War Department a full report as to the service, disability, and hospital treatment of JOHN GRIFFITTS, who, it is claimed, enlisted January 1st, 1863, and served as Private in Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry; and was discharged at Camp Nelson Kentucky, March 24, 1864 While serving in Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry, he was disabled by disease thighs and hips at Brownsville Kentucky last of February or 1st of March 1863 and was treated in hospital s of which the names, location, and dates of treatment are as follows: Regimental Hospital. Very Respectfully, John C. Black The Adjutant General, U.S. Army Certificate No. 881207 Name. Jno 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, JOHN GRIFFITTS M Clay Evans Hyden KY First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife’s full name and her maiden name. Answer. Yes, Fannie Napier Second. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer. February 19, 1851 by David Turner Third. What record of marriage exists? Answer. I have no record of marriage 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 Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth. Answer. None His Date of reply, May 4, 1898 John X Griffitts DECLARATION FOR ORIGINAL INVALID PENSION State of Kentucky Leslie County, On this 7th day of April, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty five personally appeared before me, clerk of the County Court, a court of record within and for the County and State aforesaid, JOHN GRIFFITTS aged 54 years, a resident of Hyden County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical John Griffitts who was ENROLLED on the 1st day of January, 1863, in Company L of the 14th Regiment of Kentucky commanded by William B. Eversole and was honorably discharged at Camp Nelson, Kentucky on the 24th day of March, 1864; that his personal description is as follows: age 54 years; height 5 feet 11 inches; complexion, fair, hair, black; eyes, blue. That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the service and in the line of duty at Boonesville and Irvin, in the State of Kentucky on or about the last day of February or 1st day of March, 1863, he contracted disease of the thighs and hips and then fever which has disabled me ever since 1863 in the thigh and hips and I am nearly disabled from doing something like xxxx xxxx which all occurred while in service and have continued ever since the present date. That he was treated in hospitals as follows: was in house at Irvine, Kentucky not treated in hospital at no place was furloughed home while sick. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise than stated above. That since leaving the service this applicant has resided in the ___of___in the State of Kentucky, and his occupation has been that of a farmer. That prior to his entry into the service above named he was a man of good, sound, physical health, being when enrolled a farmer. That he is now___ disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries, above, described, received in the service of the United States; and therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States. He hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation, Joseph Clark of Sexton’s Creek Kentucky, his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim. That he has never received nor applied for a pension That his Post Office Address is Hyden County of Leslie State of Kentucky. Attest: Israel Howard his A.B. Eversole John X Griffitts Also personally appeared Israel Howard, residing at Hyden, Kentucky and A.B. Eversole, residing at Hyden, Kentucky, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say they were present and saw John Griffitts, the claimant make 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 they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Israel Howard A.B. Eversole Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of April A.D. 1885, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words___ erased, and the words___added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. J.M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT Whereas, I, John Griffitts late a Private in Company L of the 14th Regiment of Kentucky Cavalry Volunteers, War of 1861, having made application for pension under the laws of the United States: Now, This agreement witnesseth, That for and in consideration of services done and to be done in the premises, I hereby agree to allow my agent Joseph Clark of Sexton’s Creek, Kentucky, the fee of 25 dollars, which shall include all amounts to be paid for any service in furtherance of said claim; and said fee shall not be demanded by or payable to my said agent, in whole or in part, except in the case of the granting of my pension by the Commissioner of Pensions, and that the same shall be paid to him in accordance with the provisions of sections 4768 and 4769 R.S. His John X Griffitts Hyden, Kentucky Israel Howard A.B. Eversole State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, Be it known, that on this 7th day of April, A.D. 1885, personally appeared John Griffitts, the above named, who, after having had read over to him in the hearing and presence of the two attesting witnesses the contents of the foregoing Articles of Agreement, voluntarily signed and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed. J.M. Howard L.C.C And now, to wit, this 7th day of April, A.D. 1885 I accept the provisions contained in the foregoing Articles of Agreement, and will, to the best of my ability, endeavor faithfully to represent the interest of the claimant in the premises, I hereby certify I have received from the claimant above named the sum of ___ dollars, and no more; ___ dollars being for free, and the sum of __ dollars being for postage and other expenses; and that these agreements have been executed in duplicate without additional cost to the claimant, as required by law, in excess of the fee above named, the said agent making no charge therefore. Witness my hand the year and day above written. Joseph Clark State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, Personally came Joseph Clark whom I know to be the person he represents himself to be, and who, having signed the above acceptance of agreement, acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed. J.M. Howard L.C.C INCREASE OF AN INVALID PENSION State of Kentucky, County of Leslie; Act of June 27, 1890 On the date hereinafter mentioned, personally appeared before me, a Deputy County Court Clerk, within and for the County and State aforesaid JOHN GRIFFITTS, aged 70 years, a resident of Confluence County of Leslie State of Kentucky who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, under New Law enrolled at the Louisville Pension Agency at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, Certificate No. 881207 by reason of Partial Inability to earn a support by manual labor. That he served as a Private, Company L, 14th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of too low rating for present degree of disability as above “ partial inability to earn support by manual labor” That he is also materially disabled for manual labor by the following additional disabilities on which he also claims pension Palsy, Varicose Veins of legs and Rheumatism affecting left hip and thigh. That said disabilities are not due to his vicious habits, and are to the best of his knowledge and belief permanent. He hereby appoints, with full power of substitution, Milo B. Stevens & Co., of Washington D.C. their successors and legal representatives, his true and lawful attorneys, to present and prosecute his claim, requesting that, in the event of the allowance of the same, his said attorneys be paid the fee now provided by law. His Post Office Address is Confluence, Ky. John X Griffitts Also personally appeared George B. Huff residing at Confluence Leslie County, Ky and Job Bowling residing at Confluence, Ky persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say that they were present and saw John Griffitts the claimant, make 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 they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Geo. B. Huff Job Bowling Subscribed, sworn to and acknowledged before me this 6th day of November 1900, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration and power of attorney were fully and truly made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing to the same; and that John Griffitts acknowledged the signing and sealing of the power of attorney to be his free act and deed for the purposes herein named. I further certify, that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Findley Huff Deputy County Court Clerk UNDER AGE ORDER OF COMMISIONER OF PENSIONS, APPROVED, March 15, 1904 DECLARATION FOR THE INCREASE OF AN INVALID PENSION Act of June 27, 1890 State of Kentucky County of Leslie; On the date hereinafter mentioned, personally appeared before me, a County Court Clerk within and the for the County and State aforesaid JOHN GRIFFITTS a resident of Hyden County of Leslie State of Kentucky who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States under Act of June 27, 1890 enrolled at the Louisville Pension Agency at the rate of 10 dollars per month, Certificate No. 881207 by reason of Partial Inability to earn a support by manual labor. That he served as a Private, Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of too low rating for his present degree of disability. That his age is 74 years. That he is materially disabled for earning a support by manual labor by reason of the following disabilities : Rheumatism of Back and hips and Palsy. He was born on the 24 day of February 1830. That said disabilities are not due to vicious habits, and are to the best of his knowledge and belief permanent. He hereby appoints, with full power of substitution, Milo B. Stevens & Co., of Washington D.C. their successors and legal representatives, his true and lawful attorneys, to present and prosecute his claim, requesting that, in the event of the allowance of the same, his said attorneys be paid the fee now provided by law. His Post Office Address is Hyden, Kentucky Witnesses: E.M. Wooton John X Griffitts W.B. Roberts Also personally appeared E.M. Wooton residing at Hyden, Kentucky, and W.B. Roberts residing at Hyden, Kentucky, 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 John Griffitts, the claimant, make 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. E.M. Wooton W.B. Roberts Subscribed, sworn to and acknowledged before me this 4th day of June 1904, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration and power of attorney were fully and made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing to the same; and that John Griffitts acknowledged the signing and sealing of the power of attorney to be his free act and deed for the purposes herein named. I further certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. J.M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court DECLARATION FOR WIDOW’S PENSION State of Kentucky County of Leslie On this 10th day of January, A.D. one thousand nine hundred and ten personally appeared before me, a ____ within and for the county and State aforesaid, Fanny Griffitts, aged 81 years, a resident of Hyden, county of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, makes the following declaration in order to obtain pension under the provisions of the Act of Congress Approved April 19, 1908. That she is the Widow of John Griffitts, who was Private under the name of John Griffitts, at __ on the __ day of ___, 18__ as a Private in Company L, 14th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. That he was not in the military or naval service of the United States otherwise than as stated above. That she was married under the name of Fanny Napier to said soldier at Harlan County, Kentucky. There was no legal barrier to the marriage; that she had not been previously married; that the soldier had not and that neither she nor said soldier married otherwise than as stated above. That said soldier died November 7,, 1909, at his residence in Leslie County, Kentucky; that she was not divorced from him, and that she has no remarried since his death. She hereby appoints J.M. Muncy of Hyden, Kentucky Leslie County her lawful attorney with full power of substitution and authorizes him to present and prosecute the claim That she has not heretofore applied for pension That her Post Office Address is Hyden, Kentucky, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky Attest: Johnnie Griffitts Her Birchel Griffitts Fanny X Griffitts Also personally appeared John Griffitts, residing in Hyden, Kentucky, and Birchel Griffitts, residing Hyden, Kentucky, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Fanny Griffitts, the claimant, sign her mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with her of 15 years and 12 years, respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution in this claim. Johnny Griffitts Birchel Griffitts Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10th day of January, A.D. 1910; and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, including the words__, erased, and the words___, added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. James M. Howard L.C.C Daniel Wooton D.C.C. State of Kentucky County of Harlan In the matter of the pension Claim of Fanny Griffitts widow of John Griffitts deceased. No. 934480. Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry. I L. S. Skidmore hereby certify that I am the County Clerk in and for the County of Harlan and State of Kentucky and that I am custodian of the records of my said office and am also the custodian of marriage records of said Harlan County Kentucky; that I have made a careful search and examination of said marriage records for the marriage of the claimant and her husband John Griffitts and cannot find any record of their said marriage. I further certify that I am of the age of 48 years, and have no interest whatever in her claim and am not related to said claimant. This 30th day of May A.D. 1910 L.S. Skidmore Clerk of Harlan County Court Hon. D.C. Edwards September 17, 1907 House of Representatives. My Dear Mr. Edwards, In response to your inquiry of the 11th instant, received the 14th, relative to the claim for pension under the act of February 6, 1907, Certificate No. 881, 207, of John Griffitts, who served in Company L, 14th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, and whose address is Hyden, Kentucky, I have the honor to advise you that it is being considered with a view to its early settlement. Should it be determined upon review that the evidence now on file warrants final action, he will be informed of the result without unnecessary delay. Should the review show, however, that additional evidence is required, a proper call therefore will be issued. Very Respectfully, Commisioner GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In the matter of pension claim no. 934480 of Fanny Griffitts widow of John Griffitts of Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry. Personally came before me, a County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County and State Fanny Griffitts. Aged 81 years, citizen of the town of Hyden County of Leslie, State of Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case, as follows: That she is the claimant Fanny Griffitts in this application for a pension; that she is the widow of John Griffitts deceased late Private, Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry that her maiden name was Fanny Napier that she and said soldier John Griffitts were married in the year 1849 in Harlan County Kentucky on the xxxx Fork by David Turner who was a magistrate at the time that she was married before she married the said soldier John Griffitts nor since the said soldier John Griffitts was married before he married the claimant Fanny Griffitts that he and said claimant were never divorced; that they lived together from their marriage until his death; that the said John Griffitts died on the 7th day of November 1909; that David Turner is dead; that she is unable to furnish any record of their marriage and she says she understands that the record of her marriage was burned during the Civil War; that she has no property at all, or not more than $50 worth of property. her Johnny Griffitts Fanny X Griffitts John North Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant; and acquainted she with its contents before she executed the same. I further certify I am in nowise interested in said case. Nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that she is a credible person and so reputed in the community in which she resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 22, day of June 1910 James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court By, Daniel Wooton, D.C.L.C.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In the matter of Pension Claim No. 934480 of Fanny Griffitts widow of John Griffitts of Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry. Personally came before me , a County Court Clerk in and aforesaid County and State, Clarice Napier aged 77 years citizen of Hyden County of Leslie, State of Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case, as follows: That she was present and saw John Griffitts and Fanny Griffitts (Napier) married; that they were married in Harlan County Kentucky the year of 1849- by David Turner a Justice of the Peace at the time; that said David Turner is dead; that claimant Fanny Griffitts nor her husband was never divorced from each other; that she was acquainted with both of them from their infancy up until they were married and since that they were never married to anybody else; that they lived together from their said marriage until the death of said John Griffitts and that said John Griffitts died on the 7th day of November 1909; that said affiant was present and saw him buried. That she is the sister to said John Griffitts; that said claimant has not married since his death of said John Griffitts; that claimant has no means of support; that there is no record of their marriage and it her information that they were burned. She further declare that she has no interest in said case and am not concerned in its prosecution. Johnny Griffitts her John North Clarice X Napier Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read affidavit to said affiant; and acquainted her with its contents before she executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that she is a credible person and so reputed in the community in which she resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 22,day of June 1910 James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court By. Daniel Wooton, D.C.L.C.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In the matter of Pension Claim No. 934480 of Fanny Griffitts widow of John Griffitts Personally came before me, a County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County and State, Matilda Maggard aged 78 years, and a citizen of the town of Hyden County of Leslie, State of Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case, as follows: That she was present at the marriage of the said claimant Fanny Griffitts and John Griffitts and saw them married to each other; that she was well acquainted with both of them from their infancy up; and that they lived together from their marriage till the death of the said John Griffitts; that they were never divorced from each other; That they were married in Harlan County Kentucky in the year 1849, by David Turner, who was a Justice of the Peace at the time in Harlan County Kentucky; that the said David Turner is dead; That the said John Griffitts died 7th of November 1909, she is informed; that the said claimant is a person without any means or property and is about 81 years of age; that she was well acquainted with both claimant and said John Griffitts the soldier from the time they both became of marriageable age, she further declare that she has no interest in said case and is not concerned in its prosecution. J.B. Spurlock Her Munroe Spurlock Matilda X Maggard Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant; and acquainted her with its contents before she executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that she is a credible person and reputed in the community in which she resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 9th day of, September, 1910 James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court By, George A. Sizemore, D.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In the matter of Pension Claim No. 934480 of Fanny Griffitts widow of John Griffitts of Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry Personally came before me, a County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County and State, Johnny Griffith, aged 29 years citizen of the town of Confluence County of Leslie, State of Kentucky well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case, as follows: That he is the grandson of the said claimant Fanny Griffitts and soldier John Griffitts; that he was at the house of said John Griffitts at the time he came to his death, and that he died on the 7th of November 1909, at about 5 o’clock, and that he was present all the time from the death of the said John Griffitts up until he was buried and that he helped to bury the said soldier John Griffitts on the 8th day of November 1909, and he further declares that he has no interest in said case and is not concerned in its prosecution. Johnny Griffitts Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant; and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a credible person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 11th day of October, 1910 James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie, SS: In the matter of Pension Claim No. 934.480, of Fanny Griffitts, widow of John Griffitts, Company L, 14th Kentucky Cavalry. Personally came before me, a County Court Clerk in and for the aforesaid County and State, Fanny Griffitts, aged 81 years, citizen of the town of Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case, as follows: That in her former affidavit, she says that if she stated that said soldier, her husband, John Griffitts, had been previously married it was an over sight or mistake in drafting her said affidavit and in reading it to her at the time she sighned it; and she says that the mistake is that the word “not” was left out of the declaration that “had been previously married”, when it should been inserted there in, and would have read and been as follows;-“That he had not been previously married”. Johnny Griffith Her John Napier Fanny X Griffitts Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant; and acquainted her with its contents before she executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that said affiant is personally known to me; that she is a credible person and so reputed in the community in which she resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 8th day of, October, 1910 James M. Howard Clerk Leslie County Court By. Daniel Wooton, D.C.L.C.C. PENSIONER DROPPED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR UNITED STATES PENSION AGENCY LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY December 21, 1912 Certificate No. 710778 Class, Widow Pensioner, Fannie Griffitts Soldier, John Griffitts Service, Private, Company L, 14th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry Regiment THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS Sir: I have the honor to report that the above-named pensioner who was last paid at $12, to May 4, 1912 has been dropped because of Death Very Respectfully, A.J. Wood United States Pension Agent