Civil War Pensioners
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Narratives of Bias Leanah Donagan-Outland - Paw Paw, MI
by Heshima Sprague, Laura Sprague and Michelle Johnson
Bias and Leanah were married at her father's home in Paw Paw MI on 1865. When he died, he had insurance to cover the burial but nothing went to Leanah.
Friends and family supported Leanah's pension requests through affidavits collectively affirming her reputation for "truth and veracity," especially regarding her husband's behavior which caused her to separate from him. One of these supportive statements is made by Bias' own cousin, William Outland. Also of note, in 1904 Richard Mitchell of Chicago, who "grew up with their boys" said that the couple did had 3 boys but 2 were dead.
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Other Pertinent Information for the Outland's
Bias pent time in Stoney Creek, OH which had a sizeable black and mulatto population in 1840. Need to check on when Randolph County black settlements, Snow Hill and Cabin Creek are established.
Samuel Outland 52
Rachel Outland 42
Bias Outland 7
Neighbors including Bias and family:
Jones Samuel 53 1797 Black Male North Carolina
127 Jones Judeth A 40 1810 Black Female Virginia
128 Outland Benjamin 50 1800 Black Male North Carolina
128 Outland Mary A 27 1823 Black Female Virginia
128 Outland Edward 20 1830 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Rosetta 18 1832 Black Female Indiana
128 Outland Rachel 17 1833 Black Female Indiana
128 Outland Cela A 14 1836 Black Female Indiana
128 Outland Lafaett T 12 1838 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Joshua L 7 1843 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Catharine 3 1847 Black Indiana
128 Outland Albert 1 1849 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Rosana 70 1780 Black Female North Carolina
129 Weaver William 51 1799 Mulatto Male North Carolina
129 Weaver Mary 36 1814 Mulatto Female North Carolina
129 Weaver Sarah 12 1838 Mulatto Female Indiana
129 Weaver Menerva 10 1840 Mulatto Female Indiana
129 Weaver Jesse 8 1842 Mulatto Male Indiana
129 Weaver Narsisa 5 1845 Mulatto Female Indiana
129 Weaver Infant 1 1849 Mulatto Female Indiana
130 Cotman Abraham 57 1793 Black Male Virginia
130 Cotman Anny M 52 1798 Black Female Maryland
130 Cotman William H 15 1835 Black Male Indiana
130 Thomson Amos 20 1830 Black Male Indiana
131 Outland Samuel 52 1798 Black Male North Carolina
131 Outland Rachel 42 1808 Mulatto Female North Carolina
131 Outland Bias 7 1843 Mulatto Male Indiana
102nd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry Information
OVERVIEW: Organized May 23, 1864, from 1st Michigan Colored Infantry. Attached to District of Hilton Head, S. C., Dept. of the South and District of Beaufort, S. C., Dept. of the South, to August, 1864. District of Florida, Dept. of the South, to October, 1864. 2nd Separate Brigade, Dept. of the South, to November, 1864. 2nd Brigade, Coast Division, Dept. of the South, to February, 1865. 2nd Separate Brigade, Dept. of the South, to March, 1865. 1st Separate Brigade and Dept. of the South to September, 1865.
by Heshima Sprague, Laura Sprague and Michelle Johnson
Bias and Leanah were married at her father's home in Paw Paw MI on 1865. When he died, he had insurance to cover the burial but nothing went to Leanah.
Friends and family supported Leanah's pension requests through affidavits collectively affirming her reputation for "truth and veracity," especially regarding her husband's behavior which caused her to separate from him. One of these supportive statements is made by Bias' own cousin, William Outland. Also of note, in 1904 Richard Mitchell of Chicago, who "grew up with their boys" said that the couple did had 3 boys but 2 were dead.
_________________________________________________________________________
Other Pertinent Information for the Outland's
Bias pent time in Stoney Creek, OH which had a sizeable black and mulatto population in 1840. Need to check on when Randolph County black settlements, Snow Hill and Cabin Creek are established.
Samuel Outland 52
Rachel Outland 42
Bias Outland 7
Neighbors including Bias and family:
Jones Samuel 53 1797 Black Male North Carolina
127 Jones Judeth A 40 1810 Black Female Virginia
128 Outland Benjamin 50 1800 Black Male North Carolina
128 Outland Mary A 27 1823 Black Female Virginia
128 Outland Edward 20 1830 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Rosetta 18 1832 Black Female Indiana
128 Outland Rachel 17 1833 Black Female Indiana
128 Outland Cela A 14 1836 Black Female Indiana
128 Outland Lafaett T 12 1838 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Joshua L 7 1843 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Catharine 3 1847 Black Indiana
128 Outland Albert 1 1849 Black Male Indiana
128 Outland Rosana 70 1780 Black Female North Carolina
129 Weaver William 51 1799 Mulatto Male North Carolina
129 Weaver Mary 36 1814 Mulatto Female North Carolina
129 Weaver Sarah 12 1838 Mulatto Female Indiana
129 Weaver Menerva 10 1840 Mulatto Female Indiana
129 Weaver Jesse 8 1842 Mulatto Male Indiana
129 Weaver Narsisa 5 1845 Mulatto Female Indiana
129 Weaver Infant 1 1849 Mulatto Female Indiana
130 Cotman Abraham 57 1793 Black Male Virginia
130 Cotman Anny M 52 1798 Black Female Maryland
130 Cotman William H 15 1835 Black Male Indiana
130 Thomson Amos 20 1830 Black Male Indiana
131 Outland Samuel 52 1798 Black Male North Carolina
131 Outland Rachel 42 1808 Mulatto Female North Carolina
131 Outland Bias 7 1843 Mulatto Male Indiana
102nd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry Information
OVERVIEW: Organized May 23, 1864, from 1st Michigan Colored Infantry. Attached to District of Hilton Head, S. C., Dept. of the South and District of Beaufort, S. C., Dept. of the South, to August, 1864. District of Florida, Dept. of the South, to October, 1864. 2nd Separate Brigade, Dept. of the South, to November, 1864. 2nd Brigade, Coast Division, Dept. of the South, to February, 1865. 2nd Separate Brigade, Dept. of the South, to March, 1865. 1st Separate Brigade and Dept. of the South to September, 1865.
Narrative of George Ampey - Lawrence, MI
by Haley Wentz
Also, see Ampey family information SHARE's website for more information.
Step 1: Inventory
Married to Isabelle Ampey (born 1859)
Died January 31, 1918
Step 2: What story does each object tell?
Step 3: What is the collective story when you put the objects together?
Born March 2, 1844, George W. Ampey was an African- American male who served as a Private in Company B of the 28th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Infantry of the United States Army. He enlisted on Christmas Eve, December 25, 1863. Knowing he enlisted on this prominent family holiday, we can assume that Ampey’s family was more than likely supportive of this decision. George Ampey was honorably discharged from the service on January 5, 1866 and later married Isabelle Warix in 1879. Isabelle died not long after, in 1893. It is shortly thereafter that George Ampey starts to receive notices about invalid pension and then he is eventually placed into the Government Hospital for the Insane. It could be presumed that after the passing of his wife, Ampey didn’t have a primary caretaker to care for all he had contracted while in the army, including disease of lungs, rheumatism, and disease of the heart- causing loss of memory and therefore was placed into the care of the state. Despite all this, George W. Ampey was a man who followed the law. All dates match up, references from fellow soldiers, even though he was rejected he persevered and continued to apply using the same information that got him rejected. Ampey was an educated man, signed and dated all his own forms (didn’t have to use a symbol or an X). He was discharged from the service honorably which substantiates the idea that he was indeed an honorable man. The fact that Ampey was able to sign all his own forms coupled with the fact that he was born in Richmond, Indiana, a free state, leads us to believe that George W. Ampey was indeed born a free black man. George Ampey died on January 31, 1918 at the age of 73, and while he was widowed he left behind four boys: Eugene, Verne, Elton, and William.
Step 4: What is missing? Think about biases, limitations, omissions.
Step 5: What other information do you need to round out the story of this person?
Step 6: Where can you find this information?
by Haley Wentz
Also, see Ampey family information SHARE's website for more information.
Step 1: Inventory
Married to Isabelle Ampey (born 1859)
Died January 31, 1918
- Discharge Certificate
- Private of Company B
- 28th Regiment of U.S. Colored Infantry
- Discharged November 8, 1865 (“Mustered” out of company”)
- Served December 25, 1863- January 5, 1866
- Surgeon’s Certificate
- Receives a pension of $8 a month
- Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension
- Contracted disease of lungs, rheumatism, and disease of the heart- causing loss of memory
- Honorably discharged
- Signed his name (educated enough to read and write- didn’t have to use a symbol)
- Invalid Pension
- Rejected September 19, 1899
- Invalid Pension
- Rejected June 27, 1890
- Note December 23, 1897
- Writes to the commissioner of pensions declaring he cannot provide any information, willingly
- Letter March 28, 1910
- Directed to George Ampey in the Government Hospital for the Insane in D.C.
Step 2: What story does each object tell?
Step 3: What is the collective story when you put the objects together?
Born March 2, 1844, George W. Ampey was an African- American male who served as a Private in Company B of the 28th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Infantry of the United States Army. He enlisted on Christmas Eve, December 25, 1863. Knowing he enlisted on this prominent family holiday, we can assume that Ampey’s family was more than likely supportive of this decision. George Ampey was honorably discharged from the service on January 5, 1866 and later married Isabelle Warix in 1879. Isabelle died not long after, in 1893. It is shortly thereafter that George Ampey starts to receive notices about invalid pension and then he is eventually placed into the Government Hospital for the Insane. It could be presumed that after the passing of his wife, Ampey didn’t have a primary caretaker to care for all he had contracted while in the army, including disease of lungs, rheumatism, and disease of the heart- causing loss of memory and therefore was placed into the care of the state. Despite all this, George W. Ampey was a man who followed the law. All dates match up, references from fellow soldiers, even though he was rejected he persevered and continued to apply using the same information that got him rejected. Ampey was an educated man, signed and dated all his own forms (didn’t have to use a symbol or an X). He was discharged from the service honorably which substantiates the idea that he was indeed an honorable man. The fact that Ampey was able to sign all his own forms coupled with the fact that he was born in Richmond, Indiana, a free state, leads us to believe that George W. Ampey was indeed born a free black man. George Ampey died on January 31, 1918 at the age of 73, and while he was widowed he left behind four boys: Eugene, Verne, Elton, and William.
Step 4: What is missing? Think about biases, limitations, omissions.
- No perspective from his wife or children
- Definition of what “incompetent” and “rheumatism” both entailed during the late 1800s/ early 1900s as that would help me better understand what exactly he was suffering from
Step 5: What other information do you need to round out the story of this person?
Step 6: Where can you find this information?
Narrative of James W Byrd - Calvin, MI
by Jesselyn Leach
Private James W Byrd was enlisted in the Colored Calvary in December of 1863 and was discharged April 16, 1865. During James’ time fighting the War of 1861, he and a comrade were sent outside the lines to gain perspective and while they were exploring, they were taken captive. James’ comrade did not comply and was killed immediately, however, James did not want to lose his life and so he complied. They held him for a few days, after taking him 150 miles from his regiment. When they released James, he was on his own with no food, no money, and no idea where his regiment was. James was charged with desertion and thus dishonorably discharged. He was not eligible for his pension because of this charge. James needs his pension to seek medical attention to his chronic diarrhea and disease of the kidney. These documents follow James’ fight to tell his story. He has the proof from the soldier that captured him, he has a letter written from a citizen and two letters from himself, yet he is still unheard.
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The Process to Get to the Narrative
James W. Byrd
Step 1: Inventory
Step 2: What story does each object tell?
Step 3: What is the collective story when you put the objects together?
Private James W Byrd was enlisted in the Colored Calvary in December of 1863 and was discharged April 16, 1865. During James’ time fighting the War of 1861, he and a comrade were sent outside the lines to gain perspective and while they were exploring, they were taken captive. James’ comrade did not comply and was killed immediately, however, James did not want to lose his life and so he complied. They held him for a few days, after taking him 150 miles from his regiment. When they released James, he was on his own with no food, no money, and no idea where his regiment was. James was charged with desertion and thus dishonorably discharged. He was not eligible for his pension because of this charge. James needs his pension to seek medical attention to his chronic diarrhea and disease of the kidney. These documents follow James’ fight to tell his story. He has the proof from the soldier that captured him, he has a letter written from a citizen and two letters from himself, yet he is still unheard.
Step 4: What is missing? Think about biases, limitations, omissions.
Step 5: What other information do you need to round out the story of this person?
I would need James Birth & Death Certificate, Marriage Certificate (if he had one), documents from the Calvary stating the soldier James was, and more information from soldiers in his regiment to help round out his story.
Step 6: Where can you find this information?
I could find the Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates probably on Ancestry.com, or other lineage resources (if they exist). I’m not sure where I could access documents of soldiers from the War of 1861.
by Jesselyn Leach
Private James W Byrd was enlisted in the Colored Calvary in December of 1863 and was discharged April 16, 1865. During James’ time fighting the War of 1861, he and a comrade were sent outside the lines to gain perspective and while they were exploring, they were taken captive. James’ comrade did not comply and was killed immediately, however, James did not want to lose his life and so he complied. They held him for a few days, after taking him 150 miles from his regiment. When they released James, he was on his own with no food, no money, and no idea where his regiment was. James was charged with desertion and thus dishonorably discharged. He was not eligible for his pension because of this charge. James needs his pension to seek medical attention to his chronic diarrhea and disease of the kidney. These documents follow James’ fight to tell his story. He has the proof from the soldier that captured him, he has a letter written from a citizen and two letters from himself, yet he is still unheard.
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The Process to Get to the Narrative
James W. Byrd
Step 1: Inventory
- Letter written by James W Byrd addressed to the Commissioner of Pension – November 26, 1899
- Letter written by James W Byrd to the Pension Commissioner – April 10, 1884
- Letter from citizen, W. H. Reynolds, addressed to the Pension Commissioner – September 22, 1887
- General Affidavit from A.L. Marlow – January 2, 1902
Step 2: What story does each object tell?
- This letter shows James’ struggle with being charged with desertion and thus being dishonorably discharged, and thus does not qualify for his pension. James shares the truth, in which he did not willfully desert from the army, but he was captured and held a few days, and was released a few days later. He didn’t know what to do and traveled by night through the woods. He had no food and no water.
- This letter lays out James disapproval with STODDART & CO. as they took his case 7 years ago and there has been no new information developed and he has not received information regarding his pension.
- This letter tells more about the capture of James. After his capture, the Reserves took him 150 miles from his capture point and kept prisoner until Johnson surrendered to Sherman. He was sick when they released him, and had no idea where his regiment was. He is requesting his charge of desertion be removed and he be recognized with an honorable discharge so he can qualify for his pension. This letter tells James’ story from another perspective. It highlights James as a good reliable citizen and shares the story of his capture, in attempts to assist in him receiving an honorable discharge. Reynolds suggests the idea that an amendment be made to the act of Law approved July 5 1887, this amendment would bring such cases as Mr. Byrd’s within the act.
- This affidavit is written from the Major of the 19th. This describes the night he captured two colored soldiers, one of them being James W Byrd. Proves James didn’t make this story up, and that he was captured in the middle of the night, taken 150 miles, and held for two days.
Step 3: What is the collective story when you put the objects together?
Private James W Byrd was enlisted in the Colored Calvary in December of 1863 and was discharged April 16, 1865. During James’ time fighting the War of 1861, he and a comrade were sent outside the lines to gain perspective and while they were exploring, they were taken captive. James’ comrade did not comply and was killed immediately, however, James did not want to lose his life and so he complied. They held him for a few days, after taking him 150 miles from his regiment. When they released James, he was on his own with no food, no money, and no idea where his regiment was. James was charged with desertion and thus dishonorably discharged. He was not eligible for his pension because of this charge. James needs his pension to seek medical attention to his chronic diarrhea and disease of the kidney. These documents follow James’ fight to tell his story. He has the proof from the soldier that captured him, he has a letter written from a citizen and two letters from himself, yet he is still unheard.
Step 4: What is missing? Think about biases, limitations, omissions.
- James mentions he was working with 4 representatives and 1 senator to introduce a bill for relief of the charge of desertion. That bill/proof of its existence is missing.
- James writes, “I lacked a few days of being in service six months, they claim under that present act that I was not in long enough to give the pension department power to grant me my discharge, therefore I ask you for information…” The “present act” and the real impact is missing from this document.
- Missing is the perspective from STODDART & CO. We have no idea what their side of the story is and I believe that would be necessary in figuring out what they have been doing for the past 7 years.
- The history of this citizen and James is missing. He highlights James as a credible citizen, and I would be curious to know how they knew each other. I believe that would give a greater insight as to the man James was.
- I’m curious why this was written, and how it came about. I thought it was a crucial document to prove James’ credibility, however it didn’t seem to help his case.
Step 5: What other information do you need to round out the story of this person?
I would need James Birth & Death Certificate, Marriage Certificate (if he had one), documents from the Calvary stating the soldier James was, and more information from soldiers in his regiment to help round out his story.
Step 6: Where can you find this information?
I could find the Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates probably on Ancestry.com, or other lineage resources (if they exist). I’m not sure where I could access documents of soldiers from the War of 1861.
Narrative of Edward Shepard
by Jacob Pinney-Johnson
Edward Shepard is a true American Hero. A Civil War veteran fighting for the Union. Wounded in battle by a rifle ball (left leg near knee)- fighting at Baldwin Station Florida
A black man born in Mexico (Texas Area) in 1838. Many Shepards show up around the area of Texas. One thought is that Edwards Birth Certificate says Mexico because Texas did not gain its statehood until 1945. Up until then it was consider Mexico, some reports have it abeled as Old Mexico.
As an experienced Blacksmith, Edward was a hard worker. Supporting his wife and 4 children until he was no longer able. Due to health restrictions-including: war wound to the left leg, kidney/ bladder failure, and poor eyesight.
Wounded in the civil war by by rifle ball (left leg near knee)- fighting at Baldwin Station Florida- removed from the field until July until august 1864 before being able to report for duty. Edward never got over his war wound, and is noted as constantly complaining about leg pain. His being Born in Mexico/Texas before it’s Statehood and Fighting/Taking a bullet for the Union Army in the Civil war seem to be two stand out events in Edwards life. As a Black man in America pre 1900 I can assume Edwards life was full of battles to be one. One thing stands clear; he was a hard worker who loved his family.
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Notable Information Used in Constructing the Narrative
by Jacob Pinney-Johnson
Edward Shepard is a true American Hero. A Civil War veteran fighting for the Union. Wounded in battle by a rifle ball (left leg near knee)- fighting at Baldwin Station Florida
A black man born in Mexico (Texas Area) in 1838. Many Shepards show up around the area of Texas. One thought is that Edwards Birth Certificate says Mexico because Texas did not gain its statehood until 1945. Up until then it was consider Mexico, some reports have it abeled as Old Mexico.
As an experienced Blacksmith, Edward was a hard worker. Supporting his wife and 4 children until he was no longer able. Due to health restrictions-including: war wound to the left leg, kidney/ bladder failure, and poor eyesight.
Wounded in the civil war by by rifle ball (left leg near knee)- fighting at Baldwin Station Florida- removed from the field until July until august 1864 before being able to report for duty. Edward never got over his war wound, and is noted as constantly complaining about leg pain. His being Born in Mexico/Texas before it’s Statehood and Fighting/Taking a bullet for the Union Army in the Civil war seem to be two stand out events in Edwards life. As a Black man in America pre 1900 I can assume Edwards life was full of battles to be one. One thing stands clear; he was a hard worker who loved his family.
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Notable Information Used in Constructing the Narrative
- Edward Shepard Born in Mexico 1838,
- Son of Jon Shepard and Marie DeGrande
- Died In Kalamazoo County 1895. Cause of Death, Kidney/Bladder failure (Digestive issues)
- Listed as a Black (African American) Laborer, he worked mainly in blacksmith-ing.
- Edward is noted as having lived in Mexico, Chikaming, Berrien, Michigan. Other records also have him in Eaton and Cooper township.
- Edward Shepard Married Susen Hellen Gwen in 1867. They had 4 children together, including: Harrison Shepard
- George Shepard
- Nicoles Shepard
- Murtiile Shepard