Civil
War Pension Files of George Cantley
Citation:
George
Cantley and Drucilla Cantley, widow, Civil War Pension Application File SO
632,287, SC 672,706,WO 672,034, WC 495,408; Records of the Veterans
Administration, Record Group 15, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
This
report presents a review of genealogical information in the National Archives
Federal Pension files for my great-great grandfather George Cantley (1830 –
1898). Because George had to prove a disability was incurred while serving in
the U.S. Forces during the Civil War, his file contains a wealth of personal
data. Further, after his death in 1898, his widow Drucilla again had to submit
substantial documentation to convince the Bureau of Pensions to grant her a
Widow’s pension. Testimony from George, Drucilla, their family, friends and
neighbors included the following key items of genealogical information:
George
Cantley
Drucilla
Cantley
Documents in the file have been listed
below in chronological order. A detailed summary for each document follows the
citation and list of contents.
Contents:
·
Invalid
Claim for Pension [1 December 1887]
·
Affidavit
of George Cantley Affirming Disability [3 March 1888]
·
Request
for Service Records by Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions [7 March 1888]
·
Duty
Report for George William Cantley from Adjutant General’s Office, War
Department [17 March 1888]
·
Surgeon’s
Certificate [18 April 1888]
·
Declaration
For Invalid Pension [22 July 1890]
·
Surgeon’s
Certificate [3 June 1891]
·
Certification
of Notary [5 September 1890]
·
Invalid
Pension [3 October 1891}
·
Invalid
Certificate #672706 [23 October 1891 and other dates]
·
Application
For Accrued Pension (Widows) [14 February 1898]
·
Voucher
for Accrued Pension On Behalf of Drucilla Clay [14 February 1898]
·
Affidavit
of James M. Clay Affirming Marriage of Drucilla Clay and George William Cantley
[14 February 1898]
·
Affidavit
of Rebecca J. Cantley Affirming Marriage of Drucilla Clay and George William
Cantley [14 February 1898]
·
Uncashed
Invalid Pension Voucher for George Cantley [23 February 1898]
·
Declaration
For Widow’s Pension [28 February 1898]
·
Raleigh
County Property Assessment Record for George W. Cantley, Sr. [20 March 1898]
·
Military
and Medical History, Record and Pension Office, War Department [6 April 1898]
·
Affidavit
of Drucilla Cantley Affirming Husband’s Disability [20 April 1898]
·
Affidavit
of James M. Clay and Jacob Jackson Affirming George Cantley’s Military Service
and Disability [20 April 1898]
·
Widow’s
Pension [20 June 1900]
·
Accrued
Pension [23 June 1900]
·
Pensioner
Dropped, United States Pension Agency [12 August 1903]
Invalid
Claim for Pension [1 December 1887]
This document, George Cantley’s original
claim for an invalid pension, gives his testimony about his service in the
Union forces during the Civil War. The claim states he served as a Private in
Company H of the 7th West Virginia Cavalry from 4 November 1862 to 1
August 1865. He was commanded by Capt. W.H.H. Parker and was discharged in
Wheeling, West Virginia on 1 August 1865. George’s physical description states
he was 58 years old, 5 foot 11 inches tall, with fair complexion, dark hair,
and hazel eyes at the time of this application. The document includes the
following account of how he was injured in the line of duty at Cotton Hill,
West Virginia in August of 1864:
“[he] was sent out from Kanawha Falls with a
detachment of his company across Cotton Hill in Fayette Co., W.Va. to remove
timber out of the road which had been fallen into it as an obstruction.
Suddenly a superior force of the enemy dashed upon them and in the flight, [he]
fell over a cliff and broke a number of veins in his left leg and varicose
veins has(sic) appeared ever since and from general disability has been
subjected to a continuous nervous sick headache since discharge – incurred in
the service of the U.S.A.”
Cantley was not treated in a hospital for
his injury. The claim states that since leaving the service, Cantley has
resided in Raleigh County, West Virginia. His occupation is listed as farmer,
and his P.O. address is given as Glomera. William Turner is appointed in the
document as Cantley’s attorney regarding this claim. Attesting the claim are
John A. Webb of Raleigh C.H. W.Va. and William K. Clay of Glomera, Raleigh Co.,
W.Va. The document was sworn before John Beckley, Clerk of the Raleigh Co.,
W.Va. Court as is signed “George Cantley X his mark.”
Affidavit
of George Cantley Affirming Disability [3 March 1888]
In this affidavit addressed to the
Commissioner of Pensions, George Cantley provides information to support his
original invalid pension claim #672,287. Cantley avers that all of the
information needed to process his claim is already contained in the original
document. He adds that his P.O. Address used to be Matville until Glomera was
established. Cantley reinforces the legitimacy of his claim by stating that his
occupation has always been that of a farmer, and that he has “every day been
prevented from prosecuting my avocation by reason of disabilities incurred in
the service to a greater or lesser extent.” The affidavit was sworn before A.J.
Williams, J.P. of Raleigh Co., W.Va. The affidavit was filed by William Turner
of Matville and was stamped received by the U.S. Pension Office on 12 May 1888.
Request
for Service Records by Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions [7 March 1888]
This form signed by John Black,
Commissioner in the Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions requests the War
Department to furnish a report as to the service, disability and hospital
treatment of George Cantley. The War Department is told that Cantley claims to
have enlisted on 4 November 1862 and served as a Private in Company H, 7th
W.Va. Volunteer Cavalry, and was discharged at Wheeling, W.Va. on 4 August
1865. His disability is stated as “injury of left leg varicose veins, at Cotton
Hill, W.Va. on or about August 1864.” The form states that Cantley was treated
by the regimental surgeon.
Duty
Report for George Cantley from Adjutant General’s Office, War Department [17
March 1888]
The Adjutant General’s Office of the War
Department received and responded to the Bureau of Pension’s request for George
Cantley’s service records on 17 March 1888. Cantley’s service records reveal
that he was enrolled at Raleigh Co., W.Va. for three years. He is reported “on
roll” November and December of 1862 and joined recruits on 8 December 1862.
Cantley is reported to have deserted in New Creek, VA on 8 December 1863. In
March and April of 1864 he was “present, awaiting Court Martial.” He was
reported present in May and June of 1864. In July and August of 1864 he was reported
present with a remark: “restored to duty without trial, with loss of all pay
and allowances from Dec. 7/63 to Apl. 15/64 by S. O. No. 9 Hdqrs. Kan. Valley
Forces.” Further rolls report him present until the company was mustered out on
1 August 1865. The Adjutant General’s office states that there were no hospital
records on file for Cantley and that their records “furnish no evidence of
disability.”
Surgeon’s
Certificate [18 April 1888]
This document reports on the medical
condition of George Cantley upon an examination conducted in Charleston,
Kanawha Co., W.Va by doctors A.E. Summers, J.L. Fullerton and W.P.Ewing.
Cantley’s vital signs were: pulse, 75; respiration, 18; temperature, 98 ½;
height, 5 foot 11 inches; weight, 168; age, 57 years. Cantley told the doctors
of his injury at Cotton Hill and further stated “he was off duty for a few days
at that time.” The doctors’ examination concurs Cantley is troubled by varicose
veins on the inside in front and back of left leg which extend down to the
ankle and up to the thigh. They note no ulceration of the condition. They found
no other physical signs of disease.
Declaration
For Invalid Pension [22 July 1890]
George Cantley completed this government
form “for the purpose of being placed on the pension rolls of the United States
under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890.” This declaration states that
Cantley, age 59, appeared before Lee Chambers (Notary Public in Raleigh Co.,
W.Va) to attest to his service in Company H of the 7th West Virginia
Cavalry Volunteers from 8 November 1862 to 1 August 1865. Cantley declares that
his is “totally unable to earn a support by reason of varicose veins of left
leg, general disability and nervous headache.” The declaration was witnessed by
Joseph Chambers and Mrs. Eva Chambers of Glomera, W.Va., who attest to having
known Cantley for three years and two years, respectively. Cantley again lists
William Turner of Matville, W.Va. as his lawyer and signs with his mark.
Certification
of Notary [5 September 1890]
This statement by John Beckley, Clerk of
Raleigh Co., W.Va Court, states that the notary Lee Chambers before whom George
Cantley appeared to make his Declaration For Invalid Pension, is commissioned
and qualified and that his signature is genuine.
Surgeon’s
Certificate [3 June 1891]
Another medical report on George Cantley
is based upon an examination conducted in Fayetteville, Fayette Co., W.Va by
doctor M.M. Malcolm. Cantley’s vital signs were: pulse, 108; respiration, 16;
temperature, 99, height, 5 foot 11 inches; weight, 160; age, 60 years. The
doctor’s examination comments “the veins in this situation are preternaturally
large, knotly torturous and consolidated being enlarged or augmented both in
length and diameter. The valves are broken down and destroyed . . .” He notes that the strength of the left leg
is greatly impaired and greatly interferes with manual labor. However, the
doctor finds no symptoms to warrant a diagnosis of nervous headache. Malcolm
concludes that Cantley is ½ of totally incapacitated for obtaining his
subsistence by manual labor, and recommends he be classified for a 3rd
Grade Rating for disability.
Invalid
Pension [3 October 1891]
This government document is the approval
of Cantley’s pension. It notes that he was to receive $8 a month commencing
July 26, 1890, and reiterates the service dates and disability description set
forth in previous declarations and reports.
Invalid
Certificate #672706 [23 October 1891 and other dates]
This document is the pension office copy
of George Cantley’s Invalid Certificate. It lists his disability as “varicose
veins of left leg” incurred while serving as a Private in Co. H, 7th
W.Va. Cavalry. This certificate was updated as needed when there were changes
in the status of the soldier’s pension. The certificate was issued on 23
October 1891 and mailed to Cantley on 5 November 1891. It sets a pension rate
of $8 beginning 26 July 1890. A Board of Review examined the certificate on 25
June 1894. The certificate notes that a widow’s certificate #495,408 was issued
in 1898. On 26 June 1900, an Accrued Pension Certificate payable to “widow” was
issued. This was mailed to Cantley’s widow on 29 June 1900.
Application
For Accrued Pension (Widows) [14 February 1898]
George Cantley’s widow, Drucilla,
completed this application for an accrued widow’s pension after the death of
her husband. The form states that George Cantley died on 20 January 1898 and
gives his pension certificate no. 672706. Cantley had been paid his pension up
to 14 December 1897. Druscilla provided the following information about her
marriage to George: they were married on 30 March 1853 at the residence of
Charles L. Clay in the state of West Virginia; her maiden name was Drucilla
Clay. Two witnesses attested to the lawful marriage of George and Drucilla.
James M. Clay states that he was a witness to their marriage, that he has lived
near them ever since that time, and that he personally witnessed the death of
George Cantley. Ambrose E. Cantley states that he has know them to be residing
as husband and wife for the past 22 years, and adds that he witnessed the
burial of George Cantley on 22 January 1898. Drucilla, James and Ambrose all
give their residence as Glomera, W.Va. The application is signed by Drucilla Cantley
(her mark). It was sworn before Lee Chambers, Notary Public for Raleigh Co.,
W.Va. It was stamped received in the U.S. Pension Office on 23 February 1898.
Voucher
for Accrued Pension On Behalf of Drucilla Clay [14 February 1898]
In this companion document to the
Application For Accrued Pension, Drucilla attests that she is the widow of
George Cantley who served as a Private in Company H of the 7th W.Va.
Volunteer Cavalry. George’s death is again reported to have occurred on 20
January 1898. Date of last payment from the U.S. military (pension) is noted as
4 December 1897. Witnesses to this form were (again) James M. Clay and Ambrose
E. Cantley. It was sworn before Lee Chambers, Notary Public for Raleigh Co.,
W.Va. It was stamped received in the U.S. Pension Office on 23 February 1898.
Affidavit
of James M. Clay Affirming Marriage of Drucilla Clay and George William Cantley
[14 February 1898]
James M. Clay, age 58, of Glomera, W.Va.
gives details of the marriage of George Cantley and Drucilla Clay in this
affidavit sworn before Lee Chambers, Notary Public of Raleigh Co., W.Va. James
says that he was present and witnessed the marriage, which was performed by
Rev. James Hall of the M.E. Church at the residence of Charles L. Clay in
Raleigh Co., W.Va. on 30 March 1853. He reports that Drucilla was the daughter
of Charles L. Clay and Aury Clay. James also swears that George and Drucilla
lived together as husband and wife and raised a large family of children. It
was stamped received in the U.S. Pension Office on 23 February 1898.
Affidavit
of Rebecca J. Cantley Affirming Marriage of Drucilla Clay and George William
Cantley [14 February 1898]
Rebecca J. Cantley, age 69, of Dry Creek,
W.Va. gives details of the marriage of George Cantley and Drucilla Clay in this
affidavit sworn before R.E. Barrett, Notary Public of Raleigh Co., W.Va.
Rebecca says that she was present and witnessed the marriage, which was
performed by Rev. James Hall of the M.E. Church at the residence of Charles L.
Clay in Raleigh Co., W.Va. on 30 March 1853. He reports that Drucilla was the
daughter of Charles L. Clay and Aury Clay. James also swears that George and
Drucilla lived together as husband and wife and raised a large family of
children. It was stamped received in the U.S. Pension Office on 23 February
1898.
Uncashed
Invalid Pension Voucher for George Cantley [23 February 1898]
George Cantley died on 20 January 1898.
This voucher for the three-month period of 4 December 1897 to 4 March 1898
would have paid Cantley $24 had he lived to collect it.
Declaration
For Widow’s Pension [28 February 1898]
Drucilla Cantley completed this
application in order to obtain her widow’s pension. She states that she is age
67 and a resident of Glomera. Raleigh Co., W.Va. Drucilla reaffirms that she is
the widow of George Cantley, who enrolled in military service at Coalsmouth on
4 January 1863. He served as a Private in Co. H. 7th W. Va. Cavalry
Volunteers until discharged in 1865. She says that she was married under the
maiden name of Drucilla Clay to Cantley at Charles L. Clay’s residence on 30
March 1853. The marriage was performed by Rev. James Hall of the M.E. Church.
Drucilla states that neither she nor George had been married before. She
reports that George died at home on 20 January 1898. Drucilla appointed William
Turner of Matville, W.Va. as her lawyer in this matter. Attesting her
declaration were John W. Fleshman and William K. Clay, both of Glomera, W.Va.
They swear that they have known Drucilla for 40 and 45 years, respectively. The
declaration was signed with Drucilla Cantley “her mark” before Lee Chambers,
Notary Public, Raleigh Co., W.Va.
Raleigh
County Property Assessment Record for George William Cantley [20 March 1898]
Jno. F. Davis, Clerk of Raleigh Co.,
W.Va. Court certifies in this statement that George W. Cantley, Sr. is charged
with 12 acres of land in fee simple on Bee Branch in Raleigh Co., assessed at
$33.00. He reports that Cantley’s personal property is charged in the amount of
$60.00, and that Drucilla Cantley is not charged with any property whatsoever,
Real or Personal. The clerk also attests that it appears from the records that
a marriage license was issued to George Cantley and Drucilla Clay on 28 March
1853, but that the original license cannot be found in the files of his office,
indicating that it may never have been returned. This document was received in
the U.S. Pension Office on 28 April 1898.
Military
and Medical History, Record and Pension Office, War Department [6 April 1898]
This document from the Bureau of Pensions, Department of the
Interior to the Record and Pension Office, War Department requests the service
and medical records of George Cantley, Company H, 7th W.Va. Cavalry.
The reply states he was enrolled as a member of Company H, 8th Regt.
W.Va. Infantry which became in May or June 1863 Company H, 8th Regt.
Mounted Infantry. Between 31 December 1863 and 30 April 1864 the troop became
Co. H. 7th Regt. Va. Cavalry. In September or October 1864 the unit
became Co. H. 7th Regt. W. Va. Cavalry. From enrollment to muster
out Cantley held the rank of Private. Company rolls report him present from 1
January 1863 to 31 October 1863. No medical record was found.
Affidavit
of Drucilla Cantley [20 April 1898]
(This
document contains a wealth of personal information. I have transcribed it in
total.)
State
of West Va. Raleigh County – S.S.
I, Drucilla Cantley, aged 67 years, widow
of George Cantley dec’d Claimant for pension etc. No. 672034 of Glomera P.O.
Raleigh County W.Va. on my Solemn Oath depose and Say. 1st That my
husband Geo. Cantley, a late pensioner of the U.S. under Certificate No. 672706
died on January 20th 1898.
2nd That I was married to Sd.
Geo. Cantley aforesaid on the 30th day of March 1853 at the residence
of my father Charles L. Clay by Rev. Jas. Hall in Raleigh Co. Va. now W.Va.
That neither of us had been previously married, and that we remained husband
and wife, pleasantly, loyally and lovingly until death separated us. And that I
am still his surviving widow and expect to remain such while I live in this
world.
3rd That the value, character,
and location of all property real, personal or mixed owned by me in whole or in
part is as follows viz: 9 acres and 90 square poles of land, owned by my husband
lying on Bee Branch, near my post office. Aforesaid, on this land I now reside,
my husband paid one hundred and seventy five ($175.) dollars for the land. It
is recorded in “Deed Book P 280.” County Court record. Under the laws of W.Va.
I am legally entitled to one third of this my life time. This is all the real
estate interest I have. Personal property, my little household property,
consisting of one bed, one sewing machine, one clock a few dishes and cooking
vessels all worth about $50.00 One cow
worth about $16.00 One little hog
worth $1.00 Total $67.00 Since March 3rd 1898 I have had
no interest whatever in bonds, stocks or investments and no source of income by
the month or year, and that no person is legally bound to support me.
4th In regard to the physical
condition of George Cantley, dec’d my husband Say: From the date of our
marriage in 1853 up to the date of his enlistment in Co. H. 7th
W.Va. Cav. in the autumn of 1862, he was a healthy vigorous stout man, indeed
he was a man of unusual physical strength, and entirely free from varicose
veins of left leg or any other apparent physical disability. He was discharged
from the Army and returned home in August 1865 with, broken veins over his left
leg. (of which he complained as long as he lived.) and was continuously
subjected to a nervous sick headache of which he seemingly suffered untold
misery, and was completely broken down in health and incapacitated to perform
manual labor. These disabilities were incurred while absent from home in the
military service of the U.S. between Nov. 1862 and August 1865. See evidence
filed in the prosecution of his own case. Original No. 632287. Dr. G.P. Daniel
treated him in his last illness, this is all. The case is with you.
Drucilla
Cantley (her mark), Claimant
James
M. Clay, Jacob Jackson (his mark) 2 witnesses
Subscribed
and sworn to before me in county aforesaid by the Claimant whom I know to be
respectable and entitled to credit, and that I am not in anywise interested.
Witness my hand and seal of office, done this 20 day of April 1898
M.D.
Dawson, N.P. for Raleigh Co. W.Va.
Affidavit
of James M. Clay and Jacob Jackson [20 April 1898]
This document supports Drucilla Cantley’s
claim for a widow’s pension with the testimony of James M. Clay, age 58, and
Jacob Jackson, age 54 of Glomera, W. Va. The men say that they both knew George
Cantley “from his early youth’s time and through the war from 1861 to 1865.”
Clay and Jackson state they served in the same company and regiment (Co. H. 7th
W.Va. Cav.) as Cantley and were his close neighbors from the end of the war
until his death. The men confirm the 1853 marriage of George Cantley and
Drucilla Clay, that it was the first marriage for both of them, and that they
lived together harmoniously and raised a large family. They also confirm
George’s death date of 20 January 1898. In the matter of real property, Clay
and Jackson state that the 9 acres and 90 square poles on Bee Branch, a third
of which is entitled to Drucilla by law, was sold to Cantley by Thomas Parris
of Roane Co., W.Va. for $175. The men note that Drucilla’s total personal
property (household, cow, pig) amounts to about $66. They also say that
Drucilla is “about 67 years of age, quite infirm, very poor, her children are
all married off, she is very needy and there is no one legally bound to aid or
support her.” Clay and Jackson report that before the war George was a “stout,
healthy man” free from disabilities. They relate the ambush by rebel cavalry at
Cotton Hill, Fayette Co., W.Va. in 1864 which resulted in Cantley being thrown
over a cliff and breaking the veins in his left leg. This document was written
by lawyer William Turner who is also listed as a witness. It is signed by James
M. Clay and Jacob Jackson (his mark). The affidavit was sworn before M.D.
Dawson, Notary Public for Raleigh Co., W.Va.
Widow’s
Pension [20 June 1900]
This document shows signatures of
approval for Drucilla’s widow’s pension in the amount of $8 per month
commencing 3 March 1898.
Accrued
Pension [23 June 1900]
This document shows signatures of
approval for payment of accrued pension benefits to Drucilla. An Accrued
Pension Certificate was issued on 26 June 1900 and mailed to Drucilla on 29
June 1900.
Pensioner
Dropped, United States Pension Agency [12 August 1903]
This document states that Drucilla
Cantley died on 24 February 1903. The last pension payment she received was
dated 4 December 1902.