Group 5

Israel Jordan Keepers[1]

Rank: Private, Company I, 176^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

Born/died: April 3, 1827 – October 3, 1892

Cause of death: Valvular heart disease

Residence at death: Grundy County, near Gardner, Illinois

Served: ?

Age at enlistment: About 35

Claim filed: August 9, 1897

Remarks:

The pension file includes the marriage record of Israel to Miss Mary Kimble on August 22, 1850.

Mary made an application for pension under a congressional act of June, 1890.  As a result, she received $8/month beginning August 12, 1897.  Her residence was Mazon, Grundy County, Illinois.

Israel was originally pensioned for piles.  The amount of the original pension was $4/month. He was examined on January 29, 1890, as part of his application (#423289) for a pension increase.  His physical description was, “pulse rate/minute, 82, respiration, 16, temperature, 99, height, 5’ 8 ½”, weight, 135 lbs., and age, 61 years”.  In a statement supporting his claim, Israel said, “In Nov., 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., bowels became very costive and took pill for relief which was followed with an attack of diarrhea and bleeding piles.  The latter of which have been troubled ever since with frequent severe hemorrhages.”  The examiner’s description said that the body was “much emaciated” and had the “General appearance of a very anemic subject”.  A detailed description of extremely severe hemorrhoids was included.  The conclusion was “From existing condition and the history of this claimant, as stated by himself, it is, in our judgment, most probable that the disability was incurred in the service as he claims, and that it has not been prolonged or aggravated by vicious habits”.  It is presumed that the claim was approved, although no record of the result is in the file.

On October 31, 1916, Jennie (Keepers) Wheeler filled out an application to obtain an increase in her mother’s pension.  Mary had poor eyesight and was unable to fill out the form.  The petition was rejected because the cause of death, disease of the heart, was not due to piles.

Mary died on January 10, 1917.  Israel was a farmer, and he and Mary had eight children, seven surviving to adulthood.  One of a set of twin boys died at childbirth.