October 14, 1862 Certificate of Disability for Discharge
William M. Weaver, of Capt. S. H.. Culver’s Company (I) of the Ninety-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers was enlisted by S. H. Culver of the Ninety-first Regiment of Ill. Volunteers at White Hall on the ninth day of August, 1862, to serve 3 years; he was born in Lincoln County in the state of Tennessee, is Twenty-two years of age, Five feet nine inches high, Fair complexion, Blue eyes, Light hair, and by occupation when enlisted a Farmer. During the last two months said soldier has been unfit for duty days. {this portion of form left blank}
Station: Shephardsville S. H. Culver, Capt.
Date: Oct 14th 1862
I certify that I have carefully examined the said William M. Weaver of Capt. S. H. Culver’s company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of his laboring under inguinal Hernia contracted since his entrance the service of the United States. David LeRoy, surgeon.
Discharged this 20th day of October, 1862 at Louisville, KY
January 30, 1864 Aplication for Invalid Pension
The beginning of this form validates that William Weaver is the same William Weaver who enlisted at White Hall, Greene Co IL , and was honorably discharged October 20, 1862.
…that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty at “Camp Butler” Ills on or about the 22nd day of September 1862 was ruptured while doing guard duty, at Camp Butler Illinois by running against a Stump and being thereby thrown down a bank about 15 feet into a ditch; this occurring during a severe storm of rain and wind, on one Sunday night about 12 o’clock on or about the 22nd day of September AD 1862.
That since leaving said service this applicant has resided at White Hall, Green Co Ills until about 10th December 1863. Since that time in the County of Logan Ills and his occupation has been various kinds of light labor.
William signed this application with a very neat hand.
February 20, 1884 Sworn Affidavits
A series of eight affidavits, all hand written and apparently done the same day, were written by William, some neighbors, and two doctors. Excerpts appear below:
From William M. Weaver:
…for the past year his disabilities have been such that for the greater portion of the time he has been unable to perform manual labor of any kind. And the greater portion of the last year he has been confined to the house and to his bed by sickness resulting from his injury (Hernia). And he believes from his condition that he is justly entitled to his pension which he has been drawing $8 per month.
From James G. Turner, a neighbor:
…know him to be a man who always works hard when able to do so…
From William Edgell, a neighbor who passed his house daily:
…Have known said Weaver well for 15 years and consider him a hard working man when able to do so…
From Martin L. Gibbs, a neighbor who passed his house daily:
…judging from his appearance he was not fit to do any manual labor for hardly ¼ of the time…
From W. S. McCay, a neighbor
…he attended him{William Weaver} almost daily for several weeks, waiting on him as was necessary, as he was his nearest neighbor living within ¼ mile of said Weaver…
From Green Hill, MD, Weaver family physician
…he has a complicated inguinal Hernia of the right side. The said Wm. M. Weaver has been a patient of mine for several years and find that he has never been able to secure a truss which would Reduce the Hernia. His general health has been failing for the past year and at present he is not able to do manual labor…
Wm. V. Gullery, MD
Another physician from Middletown, Dr. Gullery had been in practice only 3 years (Dr. Green for 48). His affidavit was the same, word for word, as Dr. Green’s.
April 15, 1907 Declaration for Pension under the Act of February 6, 1907
In this declaration, William states that he is 67 years of age, having been born 11 January 1840. He asks for a pension of $12, as according to the Act. His pension number is 69.904
March 15, 1915 Questionnaire
Again, William states he was born in Lincoln Co TN 11 January 1840
He says he enlisted at White Hall, Greene Co IL
He gives his wife’s full name: Mary Jane Weaver (Shaw)
He states he was married May 14, 1858, Carrolton, IL, by Judge LeKern, and that there is no church record of a marriage.
He states that his wife had no other husbands, and that she is deceased.
He then lists his children and their birthdates:
Rebecca E. Davenson (sic) Mar 6 1860br>
James W. Weaver Oct 21 1861
Francis M. Weaver Aug 13 1865
Thomas S. Weaver July 8, 1865
William M. Weaver April 14, 1868
Mary Jane Weaver Oct 9, 1870
John N. Weaver June 15, 1875
Annie L. Weaver Feb 26 1875(sic)
This paper is signed by William with a mark.