Joseph W. Milburn, son of John and Mary (Drane) Milburn, was born 2 Feb 1839 in Hardin County, died 16 Sep 1884 at Meeting Creek in Hardin County, and is buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Hardin County. He married on 5 Apr 1866 in Grayson County to Lucy Ellen Kelley. Lucy married on 22 Feb 1894 in Hardin County (recorded in Grayson County) to Paul Brooks, who was born 20 July 1826 in Shelby County, Kentucky, and died 8 Sep 1910 in Hardin County. Lucy was born about 1849 and died 31 Mar 1920 in Baldwin Park, Los Angeles, California.
Joseph W. Milburn, Declaration for Invalid Pension, No. 394.216, Acts of 14 July 1862 and 3 Mar 1873. 29 June 1880. Post office: Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Declaration made before Hardin Co. Clerk. Enrolled 24 Sep 1861, Company I, 3rd Regt, Ky. Cav., commanded by J. M. Thomas; discharged at Lexington NC, 15 July 1865. Age 21, 5'5", dark complexion, black hair. While serving at Shiloh, Tenn. in 1862, was severely exposed after an attack of measles and took a relapse causing disease of the back. Also at Calhoun, Ky., in 1862, contracted scurvy which caused loss of 15 teeth. Treated in hospitals at Calhoun, Ramsey, & Woodsonville, Ky. Signed, Joseph W. Milburn; witness, John H. Wells [Hardin Co. Court Clerk], Parkman F. McDonald. Paul Brooks and Parkman F. McDonald, both of Hardin Co., present and saw Milburn sign his name. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks, Parkman McDonald; witness, John H. Wells, Luke C. Hays.
30 Dec 1880. Milburn states that for five years before enlistment his residence was in Hardin County and that his occupation was that of a farmer and from his discharge to the present time that of a farmer and in Hardin County... contracted scurvy and lost 15 teeth was treated by Dr. Singleton at Calhoun; was very much exposed from Calhoun to Shilo, and during the battle lying on the bank of the river in the rain. was in hospital at Mumfordsville also at Bolingreen and am very much disabled from manuel labour. Signed, Joseph W. Milburn. Filed 14 Jan 1881.
Proof of Disability, 25 Aug 1881. William R. Blan, 38, Breckenridge Co., Henry A. Hay, 39, Breckenridge Co.: Milburn, while on duty at or near Calhoon Ky., in December 1861, was taken down with measles and by exposure relapsed and was sent to hospital at Calhoon where he remained about six weeks; was salivated in the mouth lost his teeth and injury to his back. Affiants were present with the command and know the claiment was all the time ready for duty when able. at Mumfordsville Kentucky he was not able for some two weeks also at Murphesbro Tenn. was not able for duty his face was very bad swollen and after on all scouts he complained of his back very much. [written in margin: Blans P.O. add. is Hardin Springs Hardin Co. Ky.; Hay is Hudson Breckenridge Co. Ky.] They are well acquainted with the claimant having known him for at least 20 years, and served as soldiers of Company I, 3rd Regiment, Kentucky Cav., from September 1861 to July 1865. Signed, John A. C. Blan, C. T. Warren, Wm R. Blan, Henry A. (X, his mark) Hay. Before John H. Cundiff, JP, Hardin Co.
Physician's affidavit, 29 Aug 1881. Geo. W. White, of Hardin Co.: acquainted with Soldier 25 years, and that he was in his employ at the time of his enlistment, and the soldier was free from injury; immediately after his return from said service, he saw the Soldier and noticed that his teeth was nearly all out. Signed, Geo. W. White M.D.
Affidavit, 30 Aug 1881, John S. McDonald, age 41, and Paul Brooks, age 55, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., immediate neighbors of Joseph W. Milburn who was a private in Co. I, 3rd Ky. Cav. in the late war of the rebellion; we know he has been greatly disabled from the performance of manuel labor on account of injury to his back and mouth we think that his disibility upon an average amounts to at least one half. Signed, John S. (X, his mark) McDonald, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks.
Examining Surgeon's Certificate, 26 July 1882, Cloverport, Breckenridge Co. In my opinion the said Joseph W. Milburn is not incapacitated for obtaining his subsistence by manual labor. Height, 64; weight, 125; complexion, fair; age, 42; pulse, 70; respiration, 18; temp., normal. He claims to suffer in spring from pain in lumbar region. I can find no signs of any disease in kidneys, bone, or muscles of that region. He has been ptyalised [excessive saliva] by mercury and its effects may be seen on gums and teeth, other than this I find him a pretty natural man not very robust but a good general appearance. J. E. Brown.
6 Sep 1882, to Surgeon General U.S.A.: Disability from effects measles and loss of teeth; at Shiloh Tenn and Calhoun Ky December 1861 and January 1862. Examine records of General Hospital at Calhoun Ky., Rumsey Ky., and Woodsonville Ky. for Dec 1861, Jan and Feb 1862. 26 Jan 1883, Surgeon General's office: no information in records of Woodsonville Ky. Said records commence Dec 28, 1861, and end May 20, 1863. No records of the Regiment or of Calhoun on file, nor of Rumsey Ky. bearing upon this case.
Letter from Joseph W. Milburn, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., 25 Sep 1882. 5 years before the wore my ocupation was a farmer Jest before my enlistment I was employed to Doctor Gorge White Sence the wore my ocupation has been a former My resadence has been in Hardin County Kentucky my ocupation has been a former all my life. Whare my disabilitey acured While in line of duty At or a bout Calhoun in the State of Kentucky on or a bout the day of december 1861 I become disabled in the following manner was taken down with Measles and by Exposusure relapsced and was sent to Hospital at Calhoon where i reamaned a bout six weeks was salivated in the mouth and loste 15 teeth and ingert my back that I never got over which has cosed me to not be able to do more one half of manel labor sence the wore. And at Mumforsville Kentucky I was not able for dutey For Duty for some two weeks Also at Murpherbor Tensee I was not able for duty for sume time my face was very bad Swollen cosed frome my teeth and Gomes My Doctor that Doctored me while i had the Measles Doctor singleton he is now dead the Doctor that Doctored Me after mesles while in the Regment was Doctor Farely I dont know his residences since the ware I have had no Doctor i have Doctored with patten medsen all to gether.
Affidavit, 7 Oct 1882. in the year 1861 while in line of duty about December I was taken sick of measeles at Calhoon Kentucky, and by exposure relapsed and was sent to the Hospital at Calhoon Ky. where I remained about six weeks was salivated in the mouth and lost fifteen teeth and my back became very much injuried and at Mumfordsville was not able for duty also at Murfysborough Tenessee was disabled for some time my face was very bad swollen caused by my teeth My Doctor that doctored me while I had the measeles was Dr Singleton. Prior to my enlistment I was working as a farmer at the time of my enlistment I was imployed to Dr. George W. White Since my discharge have been a farmer and a citizen of Meeting Creek County of Hardin and State of Kentucky. Joseph W. Milburn
Adjutant General's Office, 17 Nov 1882. William R. Blame and Henry Hay, Privates of Company I, 3 Regiment, Ky. Cavy. Volunteers. On Muster Roll to Dec 31, 1861: Blame, subsequently borne as Blan. The name Henry A. Hay not borne.
Pension office, to Hardin Springs Post Master, 29 Nov 1882. Inform this office as to the general reputation for truth and standing of Geo. W. White M.D. Reply, 13 Dec 1882, J. W. Walker, Post Master: George W. White MD is a man that his word is good & he stands high in this community though he resides at Elizabethtown Ky now.
Adjutant General's Office, 20 Dec 1882. Joseph W. Milburn enrolled 24 Sep 1861 at Glasgow Ky. for 3 ys.; on muster rolls from enlistment to June 30, 1862, present; to Aug. 31, 1862, absent, "sick at Bowling Green Ky."; to Dec. 31, 1863, present. He reinlisted as a Vet. Vol. Jany. 26, 1864, and is reported on muster rolls to June 30 1865, present. Was mustered out as a corporal with company July 15, 1865. Regt. return for January 1862 not on file. The records of this office furnish no evidence of alleged disability. Nature of sickness in 1862 not stated. Regimental Hospital Register & Prescription book not on file.
Proof of Disability, 26 Dec 1882. William P. Crume, 46, of Haws Valey [Howe Valley], Hardin Co., and John Goodman, 42, of Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Affiants were with the command when the claimant contracted his disability, and were soldiers in the same company. W. P. Crume, John (X, his mark) Goodman; witness, U. S. G. Cundiff, B. F. Cundiff.
General Affidavit, 26 Dec 1882.Signed, Joseph W. Milburn.
Proof of Disability, 24 Apr 1883. J. M. Thomas, 48, of Litchfield, Grayson Co. At Calhoun Ky. in Dec 1861, Milburn contracted measles, and was sick therewith some three weeks was in a private house used as a hospital; claimant was sick a time or two thereafter but affiant only remembers definitely one occasion and that was at Munfordville Ky. in the Fall of 1862. Affiant don't know what was the matter with him but remembers he was left there sick, and rejoined his command at Nashville Tenn. sometime in Dec. 1862 he thinks. Affiant was Capt. of Company I, 3d Regiment of Ky. Cav. 8 Apr 1862 to 15 July 1865. John M. Thomas, before Grayson Co. Court Clerk.
Affidavit of inability to obtain evidence, 4 Jun 1883. I cannot obtain the evidence of A. M. Farleigh because i writen to him & he answered me but says that it has bin so long that [copy cut off]; that i writen to R. B. McNary and have never received any anser from him; Dr. Singelton treated me while I had measels & as I hav before stated to you that he is dead. Joseph W. Milburn.
Pension office to Litchfield Post Master, 23 June 1883, re J. M. Thomas of Litchfield. Reply, 25 June 1883, D. O. Riley, Post Master, Leitchfield: Capt. J. M. Thomas is one of our best citizens & and no doubt knows all about Jos. W. Milburn as he was his Captain.
Pension office to Meeting Creek Post Master, 23 June 1883, re John Goodman of Meeting Creek. Reply, 29 Jun 1883, M. S. Cralle, Post Master: I have known John Goodman for 21 years & he has dealt at my store more or less in that time. I think he is honest & I think he is so looked on by those that know him.
Pension office to How's Valley Post Master, 23 Jun 1883, re W'm P. Crume of How's Valley. Reply, no date, J. M. Watts, Post Master at Howes Valley: W'm P. Crumes standing in this community is No 1.
Pension office to Meeting Creek Post Master, 23 Jun 1883, re reliable sources relative to the claim for disease of back and loss of teeth. This office especially desires to know whether these disabilities existed when he return home from the service, and the extent to which he has been incapacitated for the performance of manual labor. Reply, 29 Jun 1883, M. S. Cralle, Post Master: have known claimant ever since he came out of the sirvice & he had to hav his teath taken out as to the amount of labor some days he makes a faire days work & then his back lets down & he can do but verry little. I think he is gradualy getting worse with his back. he is at presant time quite complaining.
Letter from Geo. W. White, 1 July 1883, Elizabethtown. Milburn was at work for me on the farm when he enlisted and when he was discharged he came back to my house for a time and he said he had been severly salivated while in the service from which cause he had lost his teeth and my recollection is he complained with his back and hips the symptoms of Lumbago or ciattica I suposed that it was caused by the efects of mercury in the system. I don't remember now how long he remained at my house and in the neighborhood but he lived distant from me a bout 6 miles and I think he complained of his back verry often when I would meet him and I remmember of directing him to use the Iodide of pottasse and Sarsparellar for it. Geo. W. White.
Examining Surgeon, Sam'l Brand, Louisville, 11 July 1883. Joseph W. Milburn, 43, weight 124, height 5'4½", pulse 92, respiration 27, temperature 97.4. No disease of back. Loss of nearly all the teeth of upper and some of the lower; __? __? are left in the upper jaw; five incisors only are left in the lower jaw; not from scurvy but from mercurial ptyalism. Is well nourished & muscular. heart & lungs normal. Loss of 3rd toe of left foot by an accident as he states since the war. No other disease found.
Pension office to W'm P. Crume, Howe's Valley, Hardin Co., 29 Sep 1883. Reply, 5 Sep 1883: I served in the said company with said Milbern. he complaned of his back during the ware or the last part of it, also when discharged. William P. Crume.
Letter from John M. Thomas, Leitchfield, 9 Oct 1883. I was acting Hospital Stuart at Calhoon & Rumsey Ky. for the 3rd Ky Cavl in the winter of 1861. during that time he had measles I cant state whether he was affected permanently or not. Clamant complained of salivation he had to soften his crackers so he could eat them during the latter part of the survis. I cant state whether he lost aney of his teeth or not in the survis. John M. Thomas.
Adjutant General's Office, 11 Oct 1883. J. M. Thomas, 1st Lieut. (sub Capt) enrolled Oct 24; W'm P. Crume, private, enrolled Oct 11; John Goodman, private, enrolled Oct 20, 1861, are reported on Muster in Roll of Co. I, 3rd Ky Cav Vols dated Dec 13 1861 at Calhoun Ky, present, & so reported on Muster Roll for Nov & Dec 1861.
Pension office to J. H. Carr, Special Examiner, Louisville, 11 Jan 1884, re W'm R. Blan, Hardin Springs, Hardin Co.; Henry A. Hay, Hudson, Breckenridge Co. Reply, Leitchfield, 13 Feb 1884: The reputation of the within named affiant is good. Samuel Frazee, Special Examiner.
Pension office to Surgeon General's Office, 9 Jan 1884. Reply, 12 May 1884. no information from records of Munfordsville, from 5 Feb 1863 (when they begin) to 15 July 1865, nor from records of Med. Dir's. Office, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (embracing admissions to hospitals at Murfreesboro) from 10 Jan 1863 (when they begin) to 8 Nov 1863.
Summary by Examiner, 1884. In my opinion, claim should be admitted for loss of teeth; degree: ¼, from 1865 to 1884; Chas. A. Bealle, Examiner. In my opinion both disabilities are established. I would rate ½ from discharge for disease of back and loss of teeth. J. A. Macauley, Reviewer.
Original Invalid Claim. Claim for disease of back rejected upon the ground of no record or other satisfactory evidence showing the existence of said disease in the service; no disability found by either examination. Submitted for admission, 17 Oct 1884, Chas. A. Bealle, Examiner, 12 Dec 1884, Maccauley, Legal Reviewer. Pensioned for Loss of teeth, $2 per month, commencing 16 July 1865 and ending 16 Sep 1884 (dead; pay Lucy E. Milburn, widow)
Lucy E. Milburn, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., widow of Joseph W. Milburn. No. 351560. Acts of 14 July 1862 and 3 Mar 1873. Milburn died 16 Sep 1884, measles res weakness & fainting spells. (See 555974 Paul Brooks, G12 Ky Cav.
Widow's Declaration for Pension, 28 Feb 1887, Lucy E. Milburn, 37. Joseph W. Milburn, soldier in the war of the rebellion who while in the service of the U. S. contracted measles and taken violent cold from same. Since then has always complained of weak back and had fainty spells & in one of these spells died on 16 Sep 1884. Lucy E. Kelly married Joseph W. Milburn on 5 Apr 1866 by Rev. John Dean at Grayson Co. surviving children, by Lucy E. Milburn, under age 16 at father's death: William S., b. 29 Sep 1868; Laura B., b. 26 Aug 1874; Ezra, b. 26 July 1872; Lucinda R., b. 22 Oct 1876; Susan E., b. 13 Jan 1879; Esley, b. 16 Apr 1880; Flora, b. 16 July 1884; Eddie, b. 19 June 1882, d. 29 Jun 1883. Signed, Lucy E. Milburn; witness, L. J. Cralle, W. M. Kelly.
Copy from marriage register. Joseph W. Milburn and Miss Lucy Ellen Kelly, married 5 Apr 1866 by John Deane, M. G. Copy made 23 Mar 1885 by Grayson Co. Clerk.
Affidavit, 30 Mar 1885, A. B. Needham, 61, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co.; J. S. Mcdonald, 52, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. We were present and saw Joseph W. Milburn and Lucy E. Kelly married on or about 5 Apr 1866, by John Dean, at the residence of Alexander Kellys in Grayson Co.; the soldier Joseph W. Milburn died at M. S. Cralles on or about 16 Sep 1884. Albert B. Needham, John S. Mcdoald.
Affidavit, 30 Mar 1885. J. S. Mcdonal, 52, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co.; M. N. Cralle, 28, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. I was at the mouth of a well & saw Joseph W. Milburn fall back in the well by reason that he fainted & I John McDonald saw him taken out dead. this was 16 Sep 1884. M. N. Cralle, J. S. McDonald
Affidavit, 20 May 1887, M. S. Cralle, 67, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co.; A. B. Needham, 63, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. We have hired Milburn to work for us in his lifetime. On 16 Sep 1884 while working for M. S. Cralle in his well, Milburn taken a spell in the well and undertook to climb out of the well and fell back in the well and killed himself. Signed, M. S. Cralle, A. B. Needham.
Affidavit, 21 May 1887, Mrs. Susan E. Needham, 53, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. She was present with Mrs. Lucy E. Milburn at the time of the birth of William L. Milburn 29 Sep 1868; no physician or midwife could be had in time and she attended her. Signed, Susan E. (X, her mark) Needham; witness, W. M. Kelly, A. S. Decker.
Affidavit, 21 May 1887, Mrs. Lucy E. Milburn, 37, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. She is unable to furnish any record evidence of her husbands death for the reason that there is none in existence; she cannot furnish medical evidence for the reason that her husbands death was instant and had no medical attendance. Signed, Lucy E. Milburn
Affidavit, 21 May 1887, Mrs. Rebecca Needham, 73, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., by profession a midwife. She was present and in attendance with Mrs. Lucy E. Milburn at the births of the following minor children: Ezra, b. 26 July 1872; Laura B., b. 26 Aug 1874; Lucinda R., b. 22 Oct 1876; Susan E., b. 13 Jan 1879; Esley, b. 13 Apr 1880; Flora, b. 16 July 1884. Signed, Rebecca (X, her mark) Needham; witness, W. M. Kelly, A. B. Needham.
Affidavit, 22 Jun 1888, W. P. Crume, 51, Howes Valley, Hardin Co. I was in U. S. Servis in the ware of 1861 with Joseph Milburn in Company I, 3rd Reg. Ky Vol. Cavalry. At Calhoon McLean Co. Kentucky Joseph Milburn took measels and was sent out on a scout and was caut in a rain and took cold, and was sent to the hospittle. I know that he lost most all of his Teath, for when he returned to the regment he said he had lost all of his teath, and he opened his mouth, and I looked in his mouth and I saw no teeth in his mouth. Signed, W'm P. Crume
Affidavit, 22 Jun 1888, Dr. W. G. Howard, 44, Howes Valley, Hardin Co. The disability of Joseph Milburn was first made known to me in June 1882 he stated that "he had never been well since he was in the Army." I then examined him with reference to a weak back of which he complained continually and my recollection is I found one of his kidneys wonderfully enlarged even pressing visably against its walls. The symptoms of that time showed a very great involment of the nerve system and especially did the cerebral plexus seem to be involved, as giddiness and inability to control the muscles and nerves was so prominent. I gave him medicine two or three times treated in perhaps two months. I suspected at that time that he would die of Uric Coma and I further believe that this nerve trouble was the direct cause of his death which would in all probability have occured even had he not been in the well. Signed, W. G. Howard, M. D.
Affidavit, 23 Jun 1888, M. N. Cralle, 32, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Milburn came to M. S. Cralles about 16 Sep 1884, and went down in a well and was down there about 15 minutes, and then commenced climing the wall, coming out, I ask him, what was the matter. He said he was sick. I immediatly lowed the bucket and told him to get in he said all right but did not, until I told him 4 or 5 times to get in. he then steped in. When I with the assistance of M. S. Cralle drew him within 4 or 5 feet of the top of the well, he commenced trimbling and jurking as one having a spasom, and fell back. I believe he was dead before he hit the bottom. Signed, M. N. Cralle
Affidavit, 23 Jun 1888, M. S. Cralle, 68, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. I have known Joseph Milburn more than 20 years, he has worked for me at different times, he often complained of his back and heart trouble, and of having fainty spells. he was at work for me at the time of his death. he was aiming to dig a bason in the well. M. N. Cralle and myself was at the windless and we drue up the bucket and empted it. and as M. N. Cralle went to let down the bucket, Milburn was coming up the wall, he ask him what was the matter. he (Milburn) said he was sick. M. N. Cralle lowed the bucket and told him to take holt of the rope and get in the bucket, 3 or 4 times before he did get in. as he was subject to fainty spells I suppose he fainted and fel back. Signed, M. S. Cralle
22 Aug 1888. Rejection on the ground that the soldiers death was not due to his military service, the evidence showing that he was killed by falling into a well. Reviewed 5 Oct 1888.
Physician's Affidavit, 8 Oct 1888, W. G. Howard, Howes Valley, Hardin Co., practitioner of medicine for 23 years. I have heretofore given all the facts contained in the marginal instructions except specially mentioning the true pathology of the disease to which Joseph Milburn was subject. The disease was what we call "central disturbance" or "epileptiform seizure" and as the seizures were liable to occur at any time and more particularly while the nervous system was excited from overwork and the case pending my judment is that Joseph Milburn was taken with one of those seizures while in the well and before he could be withdrawn he lost all voluntary controle of his will powers and therefore fell to the bottom of the well probably dying before he reached the bottom. Signed, W. G. Howard, M. D.
Affidavit, 9 Oct 1888, Abagail Humble, 50, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. I was Joseph Milburn's neares neighbor. On Sabbath Eavening before the death of Joseph Milburn, which death occurd on the following Tuesday, he had a fainting spel. He held to the fence for some time to keep from falling down. I have saw him have such spells before that time. Signed, Abigail Humble
Affidavit, 9 Oct 1888, M. S. Cralle, 68, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. The well in which Joseph Milburn died was mine. He was in the well a bout thirty minuts. Clum up the wall a part of the way out. And then got in the bucket, and was drawn near the top of the well, by me, and M. N. Cralle, and then he fel out of the bucket. Before he fel he acted like a person fainting or one having a spasom. I do not think it was caused by damps, or anything of that nature. For I have had persons to work in said well before, and since his death, and no one ever complained of either damps or impure aire. Signed, M. S. Cralle.
Physician's Affidavit, 14 Dec 1889. W'm G. Howard, Howes Valley, Hardin Co. I did not know Milburn prior to enlistment, became acquainted with in May or June 1882 at which time I first examined and gave treatment. I found enlargement of kidneys which caused very great spinal iritation. on testing the urine I found an excess of acid some fibrin and some sanguinous matter. his nervous system was very much impaired I think due to the uric poison in the blood which when unduly excited by manual labor trouble hunger or any other exciting cause would cause at once a paroxysm epileptiform in its nature. I did not give him continuous treatment but commenced treatment in May or June 1882 and continued until August. I did not treat him any further until a short time prior to his death when he again called on me for treatment at which time the epileptic trouble had become much worse and I believe it quite probably that a recurence of a paroxysm was the prime cause of his death. Signed, W'm G. Howard, M. D.
Affidavit, 27 Dec 1888, Lusey E. Milburn, 43, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. She is unable as for as she knows to show his disease medicaly, on the account of the two Regmental physicians Singleton M. D. and Farley M. D. being dead. Until Dr. W'm G. Howard M. D. treated him. my husban was poore, and on that, and an other "account," namely, the Doctors were rebble simpathizers, he suffered for medical treatment. He took patten medicine. She has ever reason to believe [the epilepsy] was contracted while in the U. S. Servis, being healthy and stout before he went into the ware, and was not a subject of epilepsy prior to his enlistment. Signed, Lucy E. Milburn
[Act of 27 June 1890]
Claim, 10 July 1890, Lucy E. Milburn, 41, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., widow of Joseph Milburn of Co. I, 3 Regment of Ky cavlary Vol's, enrolled 24 Sep 1861, commanded by John M. Thomas; discharged 23 Jan 1864 at Nashville Tenn. by reason of reinlisting in the vetroan vol's Service, enrolled 26 Jan 1864, discharged 15 July 1865 at Lexington N.C. He died leaving 11 eleven children to who I have gave entire support. Four of them are now under 16 years of age: Lucinda, b. 22 Oct 1876; Ethy, b. 13 Jan 1879; Easley, b. 13 Apr 1880; Flora, b. 16 Jul 1884, just two months old when my husband died. Signed, Lucy E. Milburn; witness, J. R. Cundiff, L. J. Cralle, both of Meeting Creek.
Affidavit, 10 July 1890, J. R. Cundiff and A. S. Decker, both of Meeting Creek. They know that Milburn is dead, they saw his dead corpse. They are near neighbors to applicant, and have examined deceased soldiers two honorable discharges which show that Joseph W. Milburn served a bout three years nine months and 21 days. Signed, J. R. Cundiff, A. S. Decker
Affidavit, 23 Mar 1891, M. S. Cralle and L. J. Cralle of Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., living near neighbors to applicant. Signed, M. S. Cralle, L. J. Cralle
Affidavit, 11 Aug 1891, John H. Cundiff, 64, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., and Margret P. Decker, 47, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., near neighbors. Milburn children: Lucinda R., b. 22 Oct 1876; Susan Ethey, b. 13 Jan 1879; Esley, b. 13 Apr 1880; Flora, b. 16 Jul 1884. We have known the applicant, one for 40 years, the other 9 years. Signed, John H. Cundiff, Margaret P. Decker
Affidavit, 22 Oct 1891, Abigail Humble, 53, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. and Alace Pierce, 23, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., near neighbor to claimant. Signed, Abigail Humble, Alice Pierce
Affidavit, 18 Dec 1892, Lucy E. Milburn. Her child Esley was born 13 April 1880 and when my first claim was made for me the family record was misplaced and the man who made the Declaration made a mistake of three days. that is all there is of that. the other name referred to is in full Susan Ethey. [not signed]
Approval, 2 Feb 1892, $8 per month, and $2 for each child: Laura B., Lucinda R., Susan Ethy, Esley, Flora.
Susan E. Milburn, et al, Meeting Creek, children of Joseph W. Milburn. No. 713632, Acts of 14 July 1862 and 3 Mar 1873. See 555974 Paul Brooks, G12 Ky Cav.
Declaration for Pension or for Increase of Pension of Children under Sixteen Years of Age. 12 Feb 1900, Susan E. Milburn, Esley Milburn and Flora Milburn, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co., ages 21, 18, and 16. Joseph W. Milburn left widow Lucy E. Milburn who was remarried to Paul Brooks on 22 Feb 1894. Signed, Susan E. Milburn, Esley Milburn, Flora Milburn; witness, Abigail Humble, Lucy E. Brooks.
29 Mar 1900. Rejection on the ground that the soldiers death was not due to his military service. He was killed by falling into a well.
21 July 1911, letter to pension office from Alex Montgomery, Solway, Ky. Joseph W. Milburn served in Co. I, 3d Ky. Calvary in the Civil War and drew a pension until his death in 1884. His wife Lucy E. Milburn drew a pension then for herself and children under 16 until her 2nd marriage to Paul Brooks 20 Feb 1894 when all pension stopped which left three children under 16 years old: Effie, Eslie, and Flora. Signed, Alex Montgomery
28 July 1911, reply: no information is given to any other than the claimant or duly recognized attorney.
Affidavit, 6 Oct 1911 (on letterhead, Big Clifty Banking Company), John H. Langley, a vetran of the Civil War. He knew and served with Joseph Milburn, late husband of Mrs. Lucy E. Brooks, in the Civil War, that his regiment was 3d Ky. Cavalry, Co. I. (Captain J. M. Thomas). Signed, John H. Langley
Paul Brooks, Declaration for Invalid Pension, No. 640.373 (Cert. No. 555.974), Acts of 14 July 1862 and 3 Mar 1873. 11 Feb 1888. P.O.: Ottumwa, Wapello Co. IA. Before Clerk of District Court.
Articles of Agreement, 11 Feb 1888. Paul Brooks, Private, Company G, 12 Regt of Ky. Cav. Volunteers, War of 1861, to pay $25 to agent S. E. Adler, Ottumwa, Iowa. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, James R. Elliott, L. M. Cundiff.
Paul Brooks enrolled 19 Aug 1862 in Co. G, 12 Regt. Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Sam E. Hill; discharged at Louisville Ky., 23 Aug 1865. Age 62, 5'5", fair complexion, gray hair, grey eyes. At rebel prison at Saulsburry [Salisbury], North Carolina, winter and spring 1864, contracted chronic diarhae and resulting disease of rectum or piles, caused by hardship and bad food & treatment in said prison; was not treated in any hospital, as after exchanged as prisoner at war he was sent home on furlough & only came back to his company to be mustered out. Since leaving service has resided in Hardin Co. Ky. and Wapello Co. Ia.; farmer when able, totally disabled. Residence in Center Twp., Wapello Co. Iowa. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, L. M. Cundiff, James R. Elliott, both of Wapello Co. Iowa.
History of Disability. Discharged 23 Aug 1865; resided in Elizabethtown, Hardin Co. Ky., up to 1883, since 1883 in Wapello Co. Iowa. Treated by Dr. White, Elizabethtown; Dr. Berry of Chillicothe, Wapello Co. Iowa. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, L. M. Cundiff, James R. Elliott.
Physician's Affidavit, 29 Feb 1888. Dr. G. W. White, Elizabethtown, Hardin Co. Ky. After the Battle at Saltvill in Virginia the soldier came home and I was called to see him and treated him through a verry severe spell of what I then diagnosed Typus fever after paying severel visits at that time he recovered sufficiently to return to his command and again after he was discharged I again while visiting some member of his family was consulted by him as to Diareah & hemorhoids.... I dont think Mr. Brooks was ever verry stout since the attack of fever that he had soon after the Saltvill Battle which I think occured in 1863 I lived 6 miles from him knew him well and was his family physician from sometime in 1854 to 1874.... at that battle he became much overheated and fatigued as he represented to me while attending him while he was at home immediately after the said Battle the attack refered to was a quite severe one and came near resulting fatle to him. Practitioner of medicine for 25 years prior to 1874; retired in 1874. Signed, Geo. W. White, M.D.
22 Mar 1888. Please furnish P.O. addresses of Capt. Helms, Co. F, 12 Ky. Cav. Vol.; Milton Hill, private, Co. G., 12 Ky. Cav. Vol.
Physician's Affidavit, 13 Apr 1888. Dr. A. K. Berry, Chillicothe, Wapello Co. Iowa. Acquainted with soldier 1½ years, consulted by him 28 Feb 1887, suffering from chronic inflamation of the liver & chronic diarrhoea. during a great part of the last year he has been totally disabled at one time confined to his bed for several weeks. during the months of April & June 1887 I visited him almost every week at his home since then he has been able to come to my office for treatment. The degree of disability since I have known him has been fully 3/4 total disability. Signed, A. K. Berry, M.D.
18 Apr 1888. Board of Surgeons Report. 5'6½", 125 pounds, age 61. Chronic diarrhoea indicated by ulceration of the rectum, tenderness over the region of the stomach and transverse colon, tympanites, furred and fissured tongu and emaciation of the muscular system. Entitled to 10/18 rating for disability caused by chronic diarrhoea.
War Department, 12 May 1888. Enrolled 20 Aug 1862 at Hardin Co., 3 years; present 17 Nov 1862 at Owensboro, Ky., to 31 Dec 1862, to 30 Apr 1862, to 31 Aug 1864, to 31 Dec 1864; absent, "missing in action 20 Oct 1863;" absent Jan & Feb 1865, to 30 June 1865; absent, "missing in Va., 15 Dec 1864 captured." Mustered out 23 Aug 1865 Louisville Ky.; remarks: "Captured 15 Dec 1864, returned to duty 5 Aug 1865." Regt'l hosp'l records: treated in Sept 1864 (exact date not stated) for "Rheum, acute;" no disposition stated.
Affidavit, 29 Sep 1888. L. M. Cundiff, 35, Center Twp., Wapello Co. Iowa, P.O. Ottumwa; and Eliza E. Cundiff, 38, same address. Have known Paul Brooks 23 years, lived as close neighbors in Hardin Co. Ky., from the time he came home from the army in the summer of 1865; he came here with us to Iowa in 1883 and has lived at our house all the time since 1883. Signed, L. M. Cundiff, Eliza E. Cundiff.
5 Oct 1888. Request for report of hospital treatment. Adjutant General's report: treated at College Green Barracks Hosp. Md., and Camp Chase Ohio.
8 Oct 1888, Surgeon General's Office. No records on file for College Green Barracks, Annapolis, Md.
18 Dec 1888. Attorney requests examiner to furnish names and addresses of member of 12 Ky. Cav. Vol. who were captured and taken to rebel prison at Saulsberry N.C., 16 Dec 1863. The only names claimant can remember: Private Dan. Frakes Co. G, and Capt. Helmes, Co. F.
22 Jan 1889, Army and Navy Survivors' Division. Capt Helms, Co. F., "see below;" Milton Hill, Pvt, Co. G., Dead; Adam Elms, Capt., Co. F., Dead.
19 Mar 1889, Army and Navy Survivor's Division. Dan G. Frakes, Pvt, Co. G., Grand View, Hardin Co. Ky.
[Act of June 1890]
Declaration for Invalid Pension, 4 Jul 1890. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, W. S. Cundiff, D. T. Waltham, both residing at Ottumwa, Iowa.
Affidavit, 1 Oct 1890, L. M. Cundiff, 36, Center Twp, Wapello Co. Iowa, & Eliza E. Cundiff, 39, same address. We have known him intimately for 23 years past, and he lived at our house and with us for over 15 years. Signed, L. M. Cundiff, Eliza E. Cundiff.
Board of Surgeons' Report, 4 Feb 1891. 5'6", 130 pounds, age 64. Deep fissured coated tongue, sallow skin, poor nourishe & of a general feble apperance. Entitled to 8/18 rating for disability caused by chronic diarrhea and resulting disease of rectum; 4/18 for that caused by rheumatism.
Invalid Pension approved, $12 per month, commencing 8 July 1890, Disease of lungs, liver, spleen and rectum and chronic rheumatism. 31 Mar 1891. "Does not write."
Duplicate Jacket, No. 555.974.
Answer to questions, 5 July 1898. Wife Lucy E. Brooks farmly Kelley. Married 22 Feb 1894 Hardin Co. Ky, by W. H. Green, record at Lichfield, Grayson Co. Ky. My former wifes name was Amanda W. Corbun & died in Shelby Co. KY, 29 Aug 1853. Children: Gerome, b. 14 Dec 1848; Eliza E., b. 6 Nov 1851; Millborn W., b. 19 Jan 1859; Paul Rusaw, b. 21 Oct 1861. Signed, Paul Brooks.
Application for a new certificate, 13 Oct 1899. Last paid 4 July 1899. On or about 1 Oct 1899 at Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Ky., I lost my house and all my household goods together with all my papers pension certificate and voucher and everything I had... it was all lost by fire on the above date. My post office address is Meeting Creek Ky. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, J. S. Cralle. [before Wm. H. Green, Notary Public, Hardin Co.]
Letter, 11 Dec 1899, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Ky. I wish to call your attension again for the purpos of asking you to hav me a new certificate made out and sent to me. so that i can be redy to hav my voucher filed out on the 4th of January as that is the time that i hav to fill for my quartly draw at the agency at Des moines Iowa.... you giv me a permit to hav my voucher filed for my oct. draw wich was gladly received. now i ask you to giv me a new pension certificate. Signed, Paul Brooks.
20 Dec 1899. Duplicate cert mailed to Paul Brooks 25 Nov 1899 at Meeting Creek, Ky. No word from it since. Pensioner transferred to Louisville Ky. under order of 31 Oct 1899.
8 Nov 1902. I make this application for the purpose of re-opening my claim. Attorney is S. E. Adler of Ottumwa Wapello Co. Iowa. My post office address now is Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Kentucky. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, M. S. Green, S. A. Green.
2 Dec 1902, Affidavit, Paul Brooks, 76: I volunteered in 1862... I surved faithfully and was never in a hospitle untill i was captured i was taken a prisioner in Rye Valley Va on 16 Dec 18764. i remained in rebel prison untill March 1865 there was 16 captured when i was and only one lived besids myself to get out and he is dead .... as to comrads of my company i suppose there is some of them yet alive but it would be a very dificuld matter for me at this late a date even if i noed their whereabouts to get an affidavit from them...i was only barley alive when i got out of the reble prision so was very soon discharged and sent home and was not with my company but very little .... when i got out of prision i got a furlough home and was treated by Docter White of Breckinridge County Ky.... Dr. White who treated me is dead. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, M. S. Green, C. L. Green; before Wm. H. Green, Notary Public, Hardin Co.
[Act of 6 Feb 1907]
Declaration for Pension, 12 Mar 1907. Paul Brooks, 80, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Ky. Enrolled at Owensboro 20 Aug 1862, Co. G, 12 Regt. Ky. Cav. Vol.; discharged at Louisville, 23 Aug 1865. Fair complexion, gray eyes, light hair, b. 20 July 1826 at home in Shelby Co. Ky.; first came to Hardin county Ky. after i was discharged i then went to the state of Iowa i then came back to Hardin county Ky. where i hav remained. Signed, Paul (X, his mark) Brooks; witness, S. H. Reed, L. E. Brooks, both of Meeting Creek Ky., age 35 and 40. Pension, $20 per month.
Declaration for Invalid Pension, 16 Jan 1908. Paul Brooks, 82, Solway, Hardin Co. Ky. Enrolled at Clover Port on 19 Aug 1862, discharged at Louisville on 23 Aug 1865. At Sauls Buery, North Carolina, on 24 Dec 1864, was starved and exposed to the weather, and he has been parylized and helpless for over one year. Signed, Paul (X, his mark); witness, Alex Needham, Mary Smallwood, both of Solway, age 35 and 25.
Pension office, 26 Mar 1908: claim awaits the affidavit of a commissioned officer, first sergeant, or other enlisted man of your company, and the affidavit of a medical officer of your regiment.
19 Sep 1910 (letterhead: Cralle & Terry, General Merchandise, Meeting Creek, Ky.), to Commissioner of Pensions. Please send blanks for me to fill for the purpose of drawing the back pay of my husband Mr. Paul Brooks who died on Sept 8, 1910 and whose pension certificate No. is 555974. Signed, Lucy E. Brooks.
25 Oct 1910, 16 Nov 1910, 16 Dec 1910 [same as above]
29 Oct 1910, from pension office: Give date of marriage. 20 Feb 1885.
30 Dec 1910, Declaration of widow for accrued pension. Lucy E. Brooks, age 63, Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Ky., widow of Paul Brooks. Last payment, 4 Aug 1910; died on 8 Sept 1910. She was married under the name of Lucy E. Milburn at Meeting Creek, Ky., on 20 Feb 1893, by William H. Green, minister. Mrs. Matilda Brooks, wife of Paul Brooks, died 13 Mar 1886; Joseph Milburn, husband of Lucy E. Milburn, died 16 Sep 1885. Signed, Lucy E. Brooks; witness, Alex S. Needham, 40, Solway, Ky., E. A. Cralle, 40, Meeting Creek, Ky.
23 Feb 1911. S. E. Needham and L. B. Cundiff, residing in Solway, Ky., being duly sworn by notary public, say they saw Lucy E. Brooks married to Paul Brooks on Feb. 20, 1894, at Meeting Creek, Ky., by Rev. W. H. Green. Signed, S. E. (X, her mark) Needham, L. B. Cundiff; witness, M. V. Reed.
23 Feb 1911. M. V. Reed, Meeting Creek, Ky., and S. E. Needham, Solway, Ky., being duly sworn by notary public, say that Paul Brooks, husband of Lucy E. Brooks died on Sept 8, 1910, at Solway, Ky. Signed, S. E. (X, her mark) Needham, M. V. Reed; witness, L. B. Cundiff.
23 Feb 1911. M. V. Reed, Meeting Creek, Ky., and S. E. Needham, Solway, Ky., being duly sworn by notary public, say that Lucy E. Brooks was married but once prior to her marriage to Paul Brooks and that, to Joseph Milburn and that he, Joseph Milburn died Sept 16, 1885 at Meeting Creek, Ky. Signed, S. E. (X, her mark) Needham, M. V. Reed; witness, L. B. Cundiff.
23 Feb 1911. M. V. Reed, Meeting Creek, Ky., and S. E. Needham, Solway, Ky., being duly sworn by notary public, say that Paul Brooks was married but once prior to his marriage to Lucy E. Milburn, and that she (his first wife) died on March 13, 1886 at Ottumwa Iowa. Signed, S. E. (X, her mark) Needham, M. V. Reed; witness, L. B. Cundiff.
23 Feb 1911. S. E. Needham, Solway, Ky., and M. T. Needham, Solway, Ky., being duly sworn by notary public, say that Lucy E. Brooks was married once before her marriage to Paul Brooks; that she was married under the name of Lucy E. Kelly to Joseph Milburn and that Joseph Milburn died Sept 16, 1885 at Meeting Creek, Ky. Signed, S. E. (X, her mark) Needham, M. T. Needham; witness, M. V. Reed.
12 May 1911. J. F. Beagle, 69, and M. W. Brooks, 52, duly sworn by notary public, Wapello Co. Iowa, say that they were personally acquainted with Paul Brooks and was acquainted with his former wife Matilda Brooks and that she died on 13 Mar 1886. Signed, J. F. Beagle, M. W. Brooks.
18 May 1911. R. A. Calvert, 46, and S. E. Needham, 77, are personally acquainted with claimant Lucy E. Brooks and was acquainted with her late husband Paul brooks and that said soldier died in Hardin Co. Ky. on 8 Sep 1910, and that said soldier and said claimant lived together as husband and wife from date of marriage to date of soldiers death and that they were present at said soldiers burial and that they were not present at the death or burial of his former wife Matilda. They were well acquainted with soldier and claimant ever since before they were married. Signed, R. A. Calvert, S. E. (X, her mark) Needham; witness, L. E. Brooks.
31 Aug 1911. (letterhead, South Ottumwa Savings Bank, Ottumwa, Iowa). J. B. Brooks, being duly sworn, say that Amanda W. Brooks was the first wife of Paul Brooks and that said Amanda W. Brooks and Paul brooks were my mother and father. Amanda W. Brooks died in the month of August, 1854. Signed, J. B. Brooks.
8 Dec 1911. R. A. Jacobs, Big Clifty, Ky., does swear that Paul Brooks was not married to no other than Amanda W. and Matilda prior to his marriage to Lucy E. Brooks. Signed, R. A. Jacobs.
9 Dec 1911. J. W. Cralle, Meeting Creek, Ky., does swear that Paul Brooks was married to no other than Amanda W. and Matilda prior to his marriage to Lucy E. Brooks. Signed, J. W. Cralle.
Pension, at $12 per month, commencing 20 Sep 1916.
14 Sep 1916. Lucy E. Brooks, age 68, Baldwin Park, Los Angeles, California; married under the name of Lucy E. Milburn (maiden name) to Paul Brooks at Meeting Creek, Hardin Co. Ky., on 22 Feb 1894, by W'm H. Green, a minister; claimant previously married to Joseph Milburn, who died 16 Sep 1882. Soldier previous married to Matilda Corbin, who previously died at date unknown to claimant. Signed, Lucy E. Brooks; witness, George T. Hennigan, John W. Berry, both of Baldwin Park, Cal., acquained with claimant 2 years
4 Nov 1916. Etha Lambdin, 33, Baldwin Park, Los Angeles Co., California, and John W. Berry, 51, Baldwin Park, declare that they have been well acquainted with Mrs. Lucy E. Brooks ever since the death of her husband, Paul Brooks, Sep 8, 1910, and they know that she has not remarried. Signed, Etha Lambdin, John W. Berry.
27 Aug 1917. Pension granted. (No. 830234)
4 May 1920. Check returned by postmaster; pensioner died April 1920.
28 May 1920. Pensioner last paid, at $25, to 4 Feb 1920.
2 Jun 1920. Lucy E. Brooks died 31 Mar 1920 and as we did not have suficent funds to put here [her] away we felt constrained to write you to see if we could get what was due here 2 months I am the daughter of deceased widow. Signed Susan Etha Lambdin.
Editor's Note: The copies of the handwritten affadavits and other documents of this pension record have been given to ATHS Library by Betty Darnell and can be seen at the library in the Hardin County History Museum. I would guess that Joseph Milburn suffered from mercury poisoning., causing kidney damage and the neurological symptoms he experienced. Betty is the editor of Wilderness Road, the quarterly published by the Bullitt County Genealogical Society. She wrote that Joseph W. Milburn was the son of John Milburn and Mary Drane. "I'm 98 % sure that the John Milburn who married Mary Drane in
1833 is the same John Milburn who married Leah Mary Carter about 1846 (record not found). Joseph W. and his sister, Lucinda, were living with their Drane grandparents in the 1850 census and Joseph W. Milburn is near John and Leah in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. I was hoping that Joseph's pension record would give me positive proof, but no such luck. However, the record was so full of information and mention of Hardin County residents"....... that she felt it would be interesting to our members. She went on to say that she had discussed the mercury treatment with a retired doctor. He explained that mercury was commonly used for treatment of venereal diseases in those days. Betty also learned that the purgative, calomel, which contains mercury, was a common treatment for cholera. Anyone with other comments?