Stokley Bowlin Submitted By: Terry Griffith Declaration for Original Pension of an Invalid State of Kentucky County of Clay On this 1st day of March 1879, personally appeared before me a Deputy Clerk of the Clay Circuit Court, the same being a County of **** within and for the County and State aforesaid, STOKLEY BOWLIN, aged 51 years, a resident of ___________, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Stokley Bowlin who enlisted in Captain Isaac Black’s Company “H” 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteer Infantry on the 24th day of June 1863 and was honorably discharged at Lexington, Ky. On the 24th day of December 1864, that his personal description is as follows: Age 51 years, height 6 feet _ inches, complexion fair, hair light, eyes blue, that while in the service aforesaid and in the line of his duty he received the following disability to wit: That at home on furlough he was taken down sick with Typhoid Fever, his home was in Perry County, Kentucky. Sometime in September 1863 and took cold from vaccination at Point Burnside, Pulaski County, Kentucky and at Lexington, Kentucky had the mumps and took cold and settled in his head and from said cold he has lost his left eye and the right eye is nearly blind. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service other than as above except: That since leaving the said service this applicant has resided in the Counties of Perry, Clay and Leslie in the State of Kentucky and his occupation has been that of a farmer of a light character, that prior to his entry into the service above named he was a man of good sound physical health being when enrolled a farmer, that now he is three fourths disabled from obtaining his subsistence from manual labor in consequence of his above named injuries received in the service of the United States. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States by reason of the disabilities above stated. That he hereby appoints William Fitch and Co. of Washington, D.C. his attorneys to prosecute his claim. That he has not received nor applied for a pension. That his Post Office is Manchester, County of Clay, and State of Kentucky that his domicile or place of adobe is on Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky R.G. Potter his John Gilbert Stokley X Bowlin Mark Also personally appeared John Gilbert residing at Clay County, Ky and Robert Gilbert residing at Clay County, Ky, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Stokley Bowlin the claimant sign his name (or make his mark) to the foregoing declaration, that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him that he is the identical person he represents himself to be and have no interest in the prosecution of this claim RG Potter John Gilbert John Gilbert his Robert X Gilbert Mark Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of March 1879 Jesse Mattingly, D.C.C.C.C EXAMINING SURGEON’S CERTIFICATE Number of Application, 290,415 State of Kentucky, County of Owsley Post Office, Boonville, October 7, 1880 I hereby certify that I have carefully examined STOKLEY BOLING, late a Private, Company H, 49 Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, in the service of the United States, who is an APPLICANT for an invalid pension by reason of alleged disability resulting from Typhoid Fever resulting in loss of one eye and disease of the other. In my opinion the said Stokley Boling is totally incapacitated for obtaining his subsistence by manual labor from the cause above stated. Judging from his present condition, and from the evidence before me it is my belief that the said disability did originate in the service aforesaid in the line of duty. The disability is permanent A more particular description of the applicant’s condition is subjoined: Height, 5 feet 8 ¾ inches; weight, 145; complexion, fair; age, 53; pulse, 71; respiration, 16 Stokley Boling, has last the sight of the left eye and can see but very little with the right eye. He is almost totally blind. He has to have an attendant with him when he goes out from home. I think entitling him to rating ¾ or eighteen dollars per month. I find his shoulders and elbows are stiff and seem to be very painful. It is with difficulty that he can pull off his coat or put it o. He seems to be very stiff in his back and knees. He can’t stoop or walk well owing to the stiffness in his back and hips and knees, entitling him to a further rating ½ or four dollars per month. He has had mumps which has reduced the size of the testicle they are soft and tender to the touch. Not ratable. His hearing is defective. Robert P. Franklin Examining Surgeon WAR DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE Washington, D.C., August 4th, 1880 Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 290415, and to return herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office. It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office that STOKELY BOWLIN was enrolled on the 25th day of June, 1863, Perry County, in Company G, 49th Regiment of Kentucky (Mtd.) Infantry Volunteers, to serve one year, and mustered into service as a Private on the 19th day of September, 1863, at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, in Company G, 49th Regiment of Kentucky (Mtd.) Infantry Volunteers, to serve one year. On the Muster Roll of Company G of that Regiment, for the months of ending October 31st, 1863, he is reported absent. Transferred to Company H, said Regiment and on Roll, that Company, November, December 1863; Present for duty; January and February, 1864; deserted February 15, 1864; March and April, 1864; Present and same report on subsequent Rolls to October 31, 1864, date of last Muster Roll on file. Company Muster out Roll dated at Lexington, Kentucky December 26, 1864: Mustered out with the Company that place and date, a Private, Regimental returns prior to October 1863 are not on file Company Regimental Books are not on file I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Assistant Adjutant General The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. EXAMINING SURGEON’S CERTIFICATE Name of Applicant, STOKLEY BOWLIN Rank, Private Examining Surgeon’s Address Company, H Post Office, Manchester Regiment, 49 Volunteers County, Clay State, Kentucky State, Kentucky Date of examination, December 12, 1883 I hereby certify that I have carefully examined this applicant, who claims that while in the service of the United States, at or near a place named Somerset, Kentucky and Perry County Kentucky and while in the line of duty, on or about the _ day of August or September, 1863, he incurred Typhoid Fever, then diseased eyes and mumps at Lexington, Kentucky, and that in consequence thereof he 2/3 disabled for earning his subsistence by manual labor. He states that he is 55 years of age, that he weighs 140 pounds, and that he is 5 feet 7 inches in height. His pulse rate per minute is 90, his respiration normal and his temperature normal. The examination reveals the following facts: This man is little better than a physical wreck. He is grey and stooped and blind and not sound as to hearing. He claims total blindness of left eye. This I believe to be true although from external appearances there is nothing abnormal to be seen, both pupils dilating and contracting equally and regularly under the influence of light. He claims that the right eye is defective also so that only by the use of glasses that he is able to see objects distinctively. I am not able to give optical appearances, but if I might be allowed to guess, probably there has been separation of retina in left eye from hemorrhage, and defective in left eye is due to ***** disability- one half claimant exhibits and old vaccine scar on left arm and there are two or three other **** on the arm but nothing worth of mention. Under the left arm in **** there is an irregular **** tumor which he claims to be very sensitive to pressure. The growth seems like a roll of the **** &&& as think as the palm of ones hand and three to four inches in length. I would suspect it to be a form of Epithelioma. Disability one half Before examination of claimant’s testicles I find the right reduced to one half normal size soft and sensitive to touch. The other testicle seems normal. The glands are enlarged but not the past cervical. This man has not suffered from alpecia but he has pains and aches to those of secondary syphilis. There are no other scars or physical marks worth of note. Disability from diseased testicle one half total. Whole disability third rate grade From the condition and history of the claimant, it is my opinion the disability was incurred in the service as claimed, and that it is not aggravated or protracted by vicious habits I find the disability as above described to entitle him third rate rating. Two thirds total T.S. Manning Examining Surgeon Claimant’s Statement Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 7th day of December, 1883, at Bad Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared STOKELY BOWLIN, who says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Stokely Bowlin- 54 years old –farmer – live on Bad Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky- Have lived on Bad Creek since last March and before that, for one year on Stinnet Creek, 1 ½ miles from here- before that, at the mouth of Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Ky.- for 5 years- & before that on Camp Creek- Middle Fork of the Kentucky River of Leslie County (formerly Perry County, Ky.) for 7 years – but during these 7 years, I lived on Cutshin, Perry County, Ky. For 1 year & moved back to Camp Creek and finished out the 7 years- Before that I lived on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River – near Hyden, Leslie County at the Mouth of Muncy’s Creek 3 or 4 years – That was my home when I was discharged from the service & before I enlisted I lived about a mile from there at Lower Bad Creek in same County- I was born and raised in that settlement- & have done all my moving since I was discharged. Q. You may now state for what disability you claim a pension & tell me the time when, place where, & circumstances under which you incurred it? A. I claim for loss of left eye & loss of use of both arms- hips, knees & joints- my eye began to get sore in service at Point Burnside, Ky. Shortly after my enlistment- I enlisted in June 1863, under Jesse Mattingly of Company “G” 49th Ky. Inf.- He authorized me to remain at home until his company was filled up- In August 1863, he came around & collected us up & we went to Camp Nelson & stayed there about 3 months. I think from there went to Somerset & stayed a week or two & from there to Camp Burnside, Ky. – my left eye began to hurt me at Somerset, Ky. – Dr. Swisher of the 49th Ky. Inf. Treated me for it at Somerset & continued to treat me for it for about 3 months- I had something like Small Pox at Point Burnside- I had been vaccinated there. The whole regiment was called in to be vaccinated - I think Dr. Swisher vaccinated me – within 2 or 3 days after my vaccination, I was taken sick & nearly died, I thought it was my arm that throwed me in such a fever- though Dr. Swisher said I had Typhoid Fever at the time- when I got well, all my hair came out- my eye, you understand had begun to hurt at Somerset- & I could hardly see when I went to Point Burnside, Ky. To be vaccinated- I was sick in Regiment Hospital at Point Burnside, Ky. about 3 months. Part of this time however, I was at a house about ½ a mile in the County- Lt. Mattingly had taken me out of the Hospital and sent me there. I got well at the end of the 3 months & weighed 187 lbs- my eye however had never got well- although it was better- & got so I could see- The first I had of any trouble with my eye, was at Somerset as stated- I just took a pain in it- the Dr. said I had taken cold in it, while on picket- I don’t know any other reason for it. Now let me get you straight- I am a little in error- Lt. Mattingly (Jesse Mattingly) and Eli Griffitts and myself had been ordered back from Camp Nelson, to get some deserters back here- we came right home- Lt. Mattingly came with us- we had been home 3 or 4 days when Griffitts & I, both got sick with Typhoid Fever- Griffitts father was a Doctor, he treated us both- he said it was Typhoid Fever- his name was Eli Griffitts- Lt. Mattingly went back & left word for us to come on just as soon as we were able- I was sick at home 8 weeks, from the time I was taken sick, until I started back- I was healthy when I came home with Lt. Mattingly- I was never sick in my life, until I took this fever at home, except that before I was married I had the **** once- When I got so I was able to travel, I went as far as London, Ky. & stayed at my grandfather’s (Wiley Jones) who is now dead- when I got there, Eli Griffitts who was with me, got so he couldn’t travel- & we remained there two weeks- & then from there went to Somerset & rejoined the Regiment. I think it was within a week after I got to Somerset, when the trouble with my eye began. Q. What caused your attack of Typhoid Fever at Home? A. I don’t know sir unless it was in the General Hospital at Camp Nelson- You see I had been detailed there by my Orderly Sergt. To wait on the sick- it was said that they had Typhoid Cases- when I first went to the Hospital. I was ordered to hold a man who was dying from Typhoid Fever- He was rearing & trying to get out of bed. I had to hold him- I don’t know whether I caught it from him or from others I took care of- I waited on them there about a week & then they put me in charge of another lot of sick men in a plank shanty there – some of them had Typhoid Fever- I waited on them about two weeks- & then was detailed as I have said to come home with Lt. Mattingly after the deserters- & as I have already stated, a few days after I got home, I was taken down with Typhoid Fever- I felt like shooting my orderly Sergt. For detailing me to that Hospital duty Q. After you got well at Point Burnside, Ky.- did you do duty regularly? A. I did until we went back to Lexington, Ky. in the Fall of 1864- I was well until I went there- my eye had nearly got well & didn’t trouble me much until after I was discharged. We went to Lexington. Ky. in the fall of 1864- In about 2 weeks I was taken sick with the mumps. I was not in the Hospital there, but remained in my tent & was attended by Dr. Swisher for about 2 weeks & then got so I could go about & was on duty- Shortly after that, I can’t exactly say how long, my Regiment was ordered to Alabama, & I went along. I took cold on the march, I don’t know how, unless from lying out in bad weather- The cold settled on my testicles- this was at a place called the Cotton Factory- I can’t tell where it was- only in Alabama- I was down sick from it for about 2 weeks, remaining in my tent & and was attended by Dr. Swisher- I did not get well until I had gotten mustered out & and was home 2 or 3 weeks. The testicle (right) was very much enlarged. It like killed me- I did no more duty after I got this cold on the mumps- Our time was out- we stacked our guns. I may also state that about 10 months after I was in the service at Somerset I think, I was taken with pains in my shoulders, joints and hips. I don’t know what caused them except- hardships & exposure. In the early spring of 1864, I was detailed to go from Point Burnside to Nashville with a coal boat & was absent about 12 days & and then returned to the Regiment at Burnside Point. Q. How was you exposed at Somerset? Wasn’t you in *** there? A. Out on cold duty. I had the pains, I was detailed to cook- they thought maybe I could do better that way, but I was not much improved & sometimes couldn’t even cook- when I reached Lexington I got better, but was not well, I never have been well since- They are in my joints now and have been for close on to 20 years. Q. What condition were you in when discharged? A. Pretty good condition, except my joints & the mumps- I reckon it was a month and a half after I got home, before I could do any work on account of the mumps- The testicles would swell up when I’d go about or exert myself & they hurt me for a good while, when I’d try to do anything- my eyes had got better in service so that I could do duty, but had never gotten finally well- I wore a goggle about 3 months at Lexington. I didn’t experience any annoyance from my eyes, until the first Summer I came home. I allowed it was work that caused it- they began to hurt me & continued to, better & worse- until the following summer- when my left eye went out, I reckon I was down in bed then about 3 months, before I could dress myself and after my left eye went out, I had no pains in it to hurt me, but my right eye has been gradually failing- I can’t see to do any good. I can’t see to shoot a rifle, without spectacles. Q. Have you ever been helpless so as to need an attendant? A. Yes sir- during the time I was at Bowen’s Creek, in this County- for about 5 years- I couldn’t even put on my shoes- I couldn’t get up and down without help. Q. Can you see to go about alone? A. I can in the day, but not at night- this ever since my eye went out 16 years I reckon. Q. What if any particular troubles have you had with your joints? A. Well they have hurt me at times so that I couldn’t do any good- about 14 years ago, when my joints got so bad, my shoulder got stiff & and seemed to dislodge the joint & has been stiff ever since. Q. Have you had any medical treatment by the Drs. Since your discharge? A. None at all Q. What labor have you been performing since discharge? A. Farming almost wholly, & rafted some not much. Have not run over one or two rafts, not able to work at it Q. How much labor did you perform the first year after discharge? A. Putting it all together, pretty nearly half- Q. How much the next year? A. If I ever did a week’s work I don’t remember it on account of my eye. I was out of my head- from the Spring to the Fall- on account of it- since the first year after my discharge, I think I have worked about 1/3 of my time, from year to year- this year I have done more perhaps as much as ½ - In the time, I have tried to grub on my knees, with one hand on account of my joints- I have worked all I could. Q. How much are you disabled from labor? A. I used to be able to split 900 rails before I enlisted. Since discharge I have not been able to cut and split over 100- I am disabled 2/3 and have been ever since I was discharged- on account of my joints and back and hips paining and on account of my eyes. Q. How do these disabilities disabled you? A. My joints get so that I can’t work them. I may be able to work today and tomorrow can’t raise up- I ain’t able to get my fire wood Q. What caused your disability? A. I don’t know any cause except being in the service. I was a well sound- man when I went there Q. Have you ever had any venereal disease? (Bad disorders) A. No sir- never- Q. Who is your attorney? A. Nobody- Bob Potter was employed by me to get my pension- he fell through and I have no other & nobody else to write for me, nor aid in the prosecution of my claim. I have never paid anything to Potter or anybody else. If Fitch of Washington has a Power of Attorney from me, I did not know it. I never employed anybody but Potter- He never told me he had Fitch- The application was read to me, but I heard nothing about Fitch in it. Q. Where do you wish your correspondence sent? A. To me, myself here at Hyden, Leslie County, Kentucky Q. Shall you be present throughout this exam? A. Yes sir Q. Have you any particular witnesses whom you wish me to examine? A. Eli Griffitts, Jesse Mattingly and James Sizemore- that’s about all I care about Attest: his William T. Pierson Stokely X Bowlin P. S. Collett mark Subscribed before me this 7th day of December 1883 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to Claimant before signing. Wm. T. Pierson Special Examiner DEPOSTION “B” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 8th day of December 1883, at Bad Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared PLEASANT L. COLLETT, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Pleasant L. Collett- 53 years old- farmer- & live on Bad Creek- Leslie County, Kentucky. I have just moved here from Upper Bad Creek in this County where I had lived going on 5 years- (there) in 1861- I lived in this County on Phillips Fork about 7 or 8 miles from here- & lived thereabouts during the war. In about 2 years after the war I moved to the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River where I have been ever since. Q. Were you in the Army? A. No sir Q. Do you know the Claimant? A. Yes sir- for about 30 years Q. How far did you live from him when he enlisted? A. about 10 miles Q. How often had you been in the habit of meeting him? A. Every 3 months- I don’t know that I had lived much closer to him Q. Do you know when he enlisted? A. Yes sir- he went off with Mattingly’s Company. I had seen him within 5 months before he enlisted Q. What condition was he then in? A. He was hearty and stout Q. How had his health been during your acquaintance with him before he enlisted? A. Very good so far as I know- I do not recollect of any sickness he had Q. How soon did you see him after he enlisted? A. Not until after he was discharged. I did not meet him for 4 or 5 years after he was discharged- when I first **** he said his health was bad. He looked thin and unlike his old self. In conversation he said he had got his death he reckoned by lying in camps Q. What was he complaining of? A. Of his head and body and shoulders and arms paining him- I don’t know what caused it. He said he reckoned he got it in the Army- he was mighty stout when he went off to the war- I think he was complaining too of pain in his head and eyes- I don’t know what was the matter with them Q. How far have you been living from him since then? A. From ¼ mile to 15 miles when he lived in Perry County at Cutshin, perhaps 15 miles- I have seen him every 4 or 5 months or oftener since his discharge Q. What has been his condition each time you have met him? A. Never say well; generally complaining all the time in the way I have already stated Q. Has he had any serious sickness to your knowledge, since his discharge? A. Yes sir- last summer he wasn’t able to do a thing- but I can’t say how long, of my own knowledge- I have also heard my neighbors talk at other times of his being down, and not able to do anything. The first time I met him after his discharge I had to help him off his horse- His joints were stiffened- he said by cold in the Army Q. What kind of labor has he been performing since discharge? A. Farming so far as I know Q. How much work has he done during your knowledge of him since discharge? A. Well I can’t say from personal knowledge. I know he has always been complaining when I have met him & know of his being down last summer- I have heard pretty regularly from my neighbors that he had a great big family & was unable to work until he moved up here. I did not see much of his work- though there was a continual rumor of his being unable to work- I do not know & have not heard of any other disease he has had since the war. It’s my honest opinion that his disability was caused in the war. I am not related to him and have no interest in his claim. P.L. Collett Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of December 1883 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. WM. T. Pierson DEPOSTION “C” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 8th day of December 1883, at Bad Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared ELIAS W. ROBINSON, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Elias W. Robinson- 51 year’s old- farmer- I live at the mouth of Bad Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky. I have lived where I now am and within a mile of it for about 8 years. Before that I lived on Laurel Creek in Clay County, Kentucky. Q. Do you know the Claimant? A. Yes sir- I have known him about 7 years Q. How far have you been living from him in that time? A. For the last two years nearly I have lived within 3 miles of him and during the remainder of my acquaintance within 7 miles Q. How often have you been meeting him since then? A. Every two or 3 weeks or a month Q. What state of health was he in when you first got acquainted with him? A. I declare I ain’t able to tell you- I don’t recollect Q. How has his health been throughout your acquaintance? A. I have no recollection of hearing anything against his health, until he moved to Bad Creek last spring- since then I have heard him complaining regularly of an aching in his bones. I don’t recollect anything else- Though I’ve heard him say his eye was affected- But I never examined it Q. Has Mr. Bowlin labored during your acquaintance with him? A. I know nothing of his labor until he came over here to Bad Creek- since then he has labored about half his time. He is an industrious working man and worked a great deal when not able Q. Why wasn't he able? A. I can’t tell you- only that he said it was from an aching in his bones Q. What caused the aching in his bones? A. I don’t know myself. He said he’d never been of any account since he came out of the Army Q. Has he suffered from any other disability? A. Not that I know of Q. Has he suffered any from his eyes? A. I can’t tell you sir Q. Has he complained of them any? A. I don’t recollect that I’ve heard him complain of them any Q. Has he ever worked for you? A. Yes sir- he’s plowed for me and made some few rails for me- I don’t know how many Q. What kind of a hand did he make? A. Very good- but I can’t state whether he worked steadily, because I wasn’t present- He was an industrious man as anybody- He worked last spring for me. I don’t remember how many days. That’s all the work he ever did for me Q. How has his health been since he quit working for you? A. I ain’t able to tell you- though I’ve seen him regularly – heaps of times I’d ask him how he’d come on, and he’s say as well as common and that away Q. Are you related to him A. No sir Q. Are you friendly with him? A. Yes sir Elias W. Robinson DEPOSTION “D” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 8th day of December 1883, at Trace Branch, waters of the Middle Fork Ky. River, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared JOHN R. COLLETT, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. John R. Collett, 50 years old, farmer- & live on the Trace Branch Waters of Middle Fork Kentucky River, Leslie County, Kentucky- 10 miles from Hyden. I have been here nearly two years & came from Jack’s Creek in same County- 7 miles away and where I had lived about 5 years. I moved there from Phillips’ Fork still a Branch of Red Bird River in Leslie County- I was born on Jack’s Creek and have lived in that vicinity all my life- except while I was in ** Kentucky Infantry from August 1862 to September 1865 Q. Do you know the Claimant? A. Yes sir- I knew him when we were boys- he was raised over on the other edge of the County near the Perry County line about 18 miles away, but I frequently met him- though I hadn’t seen him for sometime before he enlisted and didn’t know what was his condition was when he enlisted- he used to be a stout active man when I was acquainted with him Q. How soon after your discharge in September 1865 did you see him? A. I don’t recollect to state with certainty- I don’t recollect much about him until he moved to Bowen’s Creek in this County some 5 or 7 years ago- since then I have been a neighbor to him. I live about 2 miles from him now and for a year past until quite recently he lived within a mile of me- when he lived on Bowen’s Creek were about 5 miles apart. I have been meeting him frequently Q. What was his physical condition when he moved to Bowen’s Creek? A. He was complaining of having bad health- I think he complained of Rheumatism- misery and soreness in his bones- he worked some- though I don’t know that I ever saw him work Q. Do you know any reason why he didn't work? A. No sir, I can’t state that- I supposed that his bad health of which he complained was the cause of it. I just supposed that- I didn’t know it to be so Q. How long did that state of things continue? A. I can’t say on the occasions when I have met him, he has pretty generally been complaining of misery in his bones, and not being able to do much Q. Do you know of any spells of severe paining he has suffered? A. No sir- I don’t Q. Have you heard of any? A. I can’t say that I have- If I heard it, I forgotten it Q. Have you heard him complain of any other disability? A. I don’t recollect that I have Q. Not of his eyes? A. No sir- not that I recollect of Q. Did you ever hear him speak of having had the mumps? A. Not that I recollect of Q. Do you know what caused his bones to ache? A. No sir- and I don’t know that I ever heard him say. He may have told me, but I don’t recollect- I think though that it was his general belief in conversations to me that it was cold and exposure in the Army that caused his miseries Q. Are his eyes good? A. I can’t say Q. Did you ever hear of anything the matter with them before he enlisted? A. Never did that I recollect of Q. Have you any means of knowing how much he has been disabled? A. No sir Q. Are you related to him and are your relations friendly? A. Our relations are friendly- I am not related to him John R. Collett DEPOSTION “E” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 8th day of December 1883, at Trace Branch, waters of the Middle Fork Ky. River, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared ELI GRIFFITTS, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Eli Griffitts, 45 years old- farmer and live on Stinnet Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky Q. Were you in the Army? A. Yes sir. I was a Pvt. In Company H, 49th Ky. Inf. Vols. I enlisted on the same day Stokely Bowlin enlisted and was discharged when he was- we came home together- he was in my Company and Regiment Q. How long have you been living on Stinnet? A. About 5 years and moved there from the edge of Perry County, Kentucky on a Creek called Lower Bad Creek between Burnt Camp and the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. I lived on Bad Creek when I was discharged and when I enlisted – I have lived in that vicinity in Perry County and Leslie County for nearly or about 23 years where I had removed from Harlan County, Kentucky Q. Did you serve with your Company throughout the whole term of your enlistment? A. Yes sir Q. How long have you known the Claimant? A. For 27 or 28 years- we were pretty nigh raised together Q. How far did you live apart before you enlisted? A. About half a mile for about a year and before that 4 or 5 miles Q. How often were you in the habit of meeting him before he enlisted? A. Every 2 or 3 weeks- and we enlisted at one time- went in the service together, came out together and came home together Q. What was his occupation before he enlisted? A. He was a farmer- I have worked some at it with him. He was a very good hand and is yet sir, when he is able to work- he ain’t able to work much now Q. What state of health was he in when he enlisted? A. Tolerable good sir- he was as hearty as any man. I knew of no sickness he had had before he went into the service Q. Did you see him in the service? A. Yes sir, we messed together Q. Did he do duty regularly? A. Not right regularly- that is he was the cook for our mess part of the time- when he wasn’t cooking he was on duty like the other privates Q. Did his health continue good in service? A. No sir- not all the time- he was very poorly part of the time and sick in camp- sometime after we were in service, I can’t say how long, Lieut. Jesse Mattingly and Stokely Bowlin and myself were detailed to come from Camp Nelson, Ky. to this settlement to search for deserters- we had not been home more than a day and night when Bowlin was taken down with fever. He had been complaining some on the way home, but was not taken down bad until he got home- my home was about ½ mile from his. I was ailing with chills and fever- some called it Typhoid Fever- it was said to be fever Q. What caused it? A. I supposed it was cold and exposure while on duty in camps. I know of no other reason Q. How long was Mr. Bowlin sick at home? A. I can’t state exactly- two or 3 weeks- I can’t recollect exactly Q. Did he get well then? A. Yes sir, he got so he could get back to the camps & got so he could do duty- but I don’t know that he ever got well fully Q. Did you stay home as long as he did? A. Yes sir, we came together & went together Q. Did he have any Dr. to wait in him while he was sick at home? A. No sir- not to say Dr. we hardly ever have any Doctors in this county without we send off after them- my father doctored him some Q. Was your father a Dr.? A. No sir- he thought he knew something that would do Bowlin good; and I reckon it did- it was just the same as if I would start out now to doctor you- my father, named Eli Griffitts lives about 15 or 20 miles from here in Leslie County. He is very old- I reckon he is 86 years old. I reckon his P.O. is Hyden. That’s all the P.O. I know in this County Q. When you started back with him, did you go straight to your Regiment? A. Yes sir- only that we stopped at Wiley Jones near London, Kentucky for maybe 5 days. I was the cause of it- I got so I couldn’t walk and broke out on my back- He and I went to a pine tree near by and he Bowlin smeared me with rosin. It appeared to sort of dry it up and we went on to Somerset to our Regiment Q. Did Mr. Bowlin’s health, continue good at Somerset? A. No sir- not very- he appeared puny and sickly- I don’t know that I can tell what was the matter with him Q. Did you hear him complain of anything there? A. Not in particular- only just puny and sickly about like all soldiers was at times Q. Did he complain any of his eyes there? A. Yes sir- a little- he was complaining of it hurting him a little along Q. Which eye was it? A. I don’t recollect to a certainty- I’d rather think though it was his right eye Q. What was the matter with it? A. I don’t know sir- I don’t know that I heard Q. Was his health good from then on? A. Just tolerable like- about like any other soldier- sometimes pu**** about and sometimes better Q. Was he ever vaccinated? A. Yes sir- at Point Isabel- sometimes called Burnside Point Kentucky Q. Who vaccinated him? A. I don’t recollect- they was just vaccinating them- Don’t know whether there was an order or not- a great many were vaccinated there in a mighty few minutes- I did not see the matter put into his arm, but I saw it in his arm afterwards Q. Did he have any trouble from it? A. Yes sir- he had a very bad arm- I could have turned my thumb in his arm- in one or two sores he had there Q. Was he in the Hospital when you saw it? A. No sir- he was in camp- I don’t know now whether he was doing duty or not- sometimes I was with him and sometimes not Q. Who was the Surgeon of your Regiment? A. Dr. Swisher and Dr. Miller Q. Did either of these Doctors treat him there? A. I don’t know sir- at the present time Q. How long did his arm continue sore? A. I don’t recollect Q. Did he do duty any after being vaccinated? A. I can’t say Q. When was he vaccinated? A. I can’t tell. It was in the first year of our enlistment Q. Did he go to Lexington, Kentucky- from Point Burnside? A. Yes sir- we went right together Q. How was his health there? A. Tolerably good Q. Was he ever detailed for any other duty? A. I don’t recollect Q. To go with a boat for instance? A. Yes sir- to go with a coal boat from Burnside Point to Nashville- I don’t recollect exactly how many days he was gone Q. Was he ever detailed for anything else? A. I don’t recollect Q. Was he ever detailed to wait on the sick? A. I don’t know Q. At camp Nelson, before you came home for the deserters? A. I don’t know whether he was or not Q. Did he have any particular sickness at Lexington, Kentucky? A. Not as I know of Q. Did he have the mumps there? A. Yes he had the mumps there, if I ain’t badly mistaken Q. Was he in the Hospital from it? A. No sir- not to my recollection Q. Did he get well of the mumps? A. I reckon he did Q. Did he have any relapse of the mumps? A. No sir, I think not after he started to get well he took a straight shoot, but they hurt him mightily along time, before he began to mend. The mumps fell on his testicles. I saw them. They were as large as my double fist- swollen- that was just out of Lexington where I saw them- when we had just started home- he came home in that fix- that was when we went home on furlough just before we were discharged. When the furlough was out, we went back Q. Was he well when he went back? A. I didn’t hear him complain much anyway- I don’t think his testicles were swollen then Q. What condition was he in when he was discharged? A. I don’t know that there was anything in particular the matter with him when he was discharged Q. How far have you lived from him since discharge? A. For a short time after discharge, a half a mile and never since over 7 miles apart Q. How has his health been since discharge? A. Sort of like myself- sometimes sick and sometimes a little better Q. How often have you been meeting him since discharge? A. from 2 or 3 times a week, to every 2 or 3 weeks Q. What’s been his occupation since discharge? A. Farming Q. Have you ever worked with him since his discharge? A. Yes sir- some- a few days this fall- pulling fodder- and at times a long a little- I can’t say how many times- nor whether in every year since discharge Q. What kind of hand has he made? A. Not good like he used to be, by a good deal Q. What did he do the first year after discharge? A. He tried to farm Q. How much work did he do that year? A. I cannot tell- though I don’t think he did a great deal Q. What did he do the next year? A. Knocked along- tried to farm and make something to live on Q. Have any sickness in this time? A. I could hear him complain along Q. What did he complain of? A. I don’t exactly know Q. Has he worked every year since then? A. I think he’s tried to work along a little, but I can’t state the amount or quantity of work done Q. Has he had any serious sickness since discharge? A. I don’t exactly know what sickness he’s had Q. Has he had any trouble from his eye? A. I reckon he has some- I’ve heard him complain right smart of his eye Q. Which eye? A. Don’t recollect for a certainty which eye Q. What was the matter with it? A. I don’t know that I can tell you Q. Is his sight good? A. I can’t tell- I haven’t looked at it Q. Has he lost the sight of either eye? A. I don’t know sir whether he has or not Q. Did you ever hear of such a thing? A. I don’t know that I have point blank Q. What has he principally complained of since discharge? A. I’ve heard him complain of his eye hurting him and his shoulder Q. Anything else? A. Not in particular- I don’t know as I know what was the matter with his shoulder Q. Did you ever know of him being bedfast since discharge? A. I have not seen him in bed, but heard of him being sick in bed; at his home on Bowen’s Creek- I don’t know what was the matter with him Q. How have you regarded him since discharge physically? A. I don’t know his feelings- but looks like he’s been ailing right smart- often at times, he has always complained ever since discharge, though I can’t state particularly what of Q. To what do you attribute the ailing of which he complained? A. I would suppose it was caused by camp life in the army- I know no other cause Q. And you can’t state how much he has been disabled? A. No sir I can’t Q. If you wanted to hire his labor, what would you pay him for it? A. I would not pay him over 25 cents for a days work and he’s been about the one thing since discharge, 50 cents a day is the regular price- I think I would not have paid him over 25 cents at any time since discharge for his labor Q. What wouldn’t you pay him anymore? A. I don’t think he’s able to earn anymore Q. Why not able to earn anymore? A. Because his sickness has weakened him down until he’s not able to work Q. What diseases? A. His eyes- his shoulder- I don’t know that I’ve heard him complaining otherwise Q. Are you related to him? A. He and I married sisters- we are good friends. I have no interest in his claim His Eli X Griffitts Mark DEPOSTION “F” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 8th day of December 1883, at Bad Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared ISAAC GARRISON, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Isaac Garrison- 42 year’s old- farmer and I live on Bad Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky. I have lived here a couple of months and moved from Stinnet- 1 ½ or 2 miles from here- where I lived about 6 years- before living at Stinnet, I lived at Lower Bad Creek for 6 or 7 years and before that about 2 miles from there at Burnt Camp or Camp Creek for 6 years- that is in Leslie County, but it then belonged to Perry County, Kentucky and is about 3 miles from Cutshin. I came here to Bad Creek (then Perry County now Leslie County) from Virginia in 1862 Q. Do you know the Claimant? A. I have known him since a year before he enlisted Q. How far did you live from him when he enlisted? A. Not over 2 miles- I saw him pretty often during that year and we were together a right smart Q. What health was he in then? A. Very good health- I never heard of anything the matter with him at that time- he was in good health when he enlisted in Jesse Mattingly’s Company of the 49th Kentucky Volunteers Q. How long was it after his enlistment before you saw him again? A. When he came back with Eli Griffitts- I saw him- I don’t remember how long he had been in service- but I don’t think it was a great while Q. What state of health was he in then? A. He was at home complaining of being sick at that time a right smart while- I don’t remember what was the matter Q. When did you next see him? A. Not until he came back mustered out Q. Where did he come back to when discharged? A. To the mouth of Muncy’s Creek above Hyden, Leslie County, Kentucky on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River Q. What state of health was he then in? A. I don’t know what for certain- its been a good while ago- he just got back a little while and I went down to see him- he was complaining of being tired and worn out; and he was talking about the mumps, but I am not certain whether he had them or not Q. How close have you been living to him since then? A. From a mile to about 15 miles and saw him up to the time he went to Bowen’s Creek about every 2 weeks- while he lived there, I saw him 2 or 3 times a year and since he moved to Stinnet and Bad Creek, I saw him about every 2 or 3 weeks Q. What has been his occupation since discharge? A. Farming mostly Q. Did he ever work for or with you since the war? A. I don’t recollect- seems like he did try to work a little for me, but I don’t remember when nor what at Q. Have you seen him at work? A. No not much- I’ve seen him plow a little Q. How has his health been since he came home? A. I don’t know that either Q. Don’t know whether he has been sick or well? A. No sir Q. Have you ever known him to be sick since discharge? A. I haven’t been with him when he was sick- I’ve heard of him being sick and complaining Q. What of? A. I don’t know Q. Didn’t hear him complain of his eyes? A. Yes we were once hunting, or rather he wanted me to come and find some- He had some bee courses and sent for me to come and find them. He said he couldn’t see well- if he could he could find them- he never said what was the matter with his eyes- that was at Bowen’s Creek Q. Was that the only time you ever heard anything about his eyes? A. The only time I recollect of now Q. Is he blind? A. No I don’t reckon he is plumb blind- I don’t know whether there is anything the matter with his sight Q. Did he live near you the second year after his discharge? A. Within about 6 miles of me Q. Did you see him that summer? A. Yes a few times Q. Was he down that summer? A. Not when I saw him- though I heard that he was down a few times that summer- I did not hear what with Q. Have you known him to complain of anything in particular since discharge? A. No Q. Not of any affection of his joints, back or head? A. No, not that I recollect of Q. Has he worked pretty steadily? A. I don’t know- I never saw him at work much Q, Was there any reason why he didn’t work? A. No I don’t know what was the reason Q. How have you regarded him physically since discharge? A. I don’t think he’s been in real good health- though I can’t tell you what was the matter with him- he don’t seem like he is as working as he used to be before he enlisted Q. Do you know how much he comes short of it? A. No I don’t Q. Are you related to him? A. No sir Q. Are you friendly with him? A. Yes sir Questions by the Claimant Q. Do you remember how bad I was off at Camp Creek? A. Yes Q. What was the matter with me? A. I remember something was said about his forehead and eye- come to think about it now, you was down a good while there from your forehead and eye- I don’t remember which eye- I saw you- I remember your forehead looked mighty red about your eye- I don’t know what ailed you, but you was bad off a right smart while and don’t recollect seeing you work any that summer. Isaac Garrison DEPOSTION “G” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 9th day of December 1883, at Bowen’s Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared DILLON ASHER, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Dillon Asher- 53 yrs. Old- farmer and I live on Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky- have lived on Bowen’s Creek about 12 or 13 years and before that on Spring Creek the same County about 8 or 9 miles from here- where I lived 10 or 12 yrs and was raised between here and there on the Red Bird Q. Do you know the Claimant? A. Yes sir, I expect I’ve known Stokely 30 years or longer Q. How far did you live from him before he enlisted? A. About 12 miles, I did not see him very often Q. Did you see him about the time he enlisted or not? A. No sir, I think not Q. Do you know the state of health he was in at time of his enlistment and prior thereto? A. No sir- only by hearsay- he bore the name of a mighty stout man Q. Did you see him during the war? A. No sir, I was away in the 7th Kentucky Infantry Volunteers and returned home in 1864- I was discharged for a wound at Vicksburg Q. How soon did you see him again, after your return home? A. I don’t think I saw him until he moved on Bowen’s Creek 5, 6 or 7 years ago Q. What state of health was he in then? A. He seemed to be complaining of not being in good health- I don’t remember what disability in particular he complained of- only his eye (don’t know which eye) as to his other disabilities I don’t remember Q. What was the matter with his eye? A. I can’t tell you that Q. Do you know how it was affected? A. No sir, I don’t know- did not hear him say as I recollect Q. How far did you live from him when he lived on Bowen’s Creek? A. 5 miles or about that Q. How often have you been in the habit of meeting him since he moved to Bowen’s Creek? A. Once a month I reckon Q. What state of health did he seem to be in each time you met him? A. I ain’t able to tell you- I did not inquire after his health- he seemed to complain of not being well and his eyes hurting him- my memory has not been good since I had *ariloid Q. Did Mr. Bowlin work? A. I can’t tell you- I don’t know as I ever saw him at work, more than a time or two and then hoeing corn, I think Q. Did Mr. Bowlin have any serious sickness while he lived on Bowen’s Creek? A. I can’t recollect at this time if he did Q. You never knew or heard then, of him being helpless for a number of months, so as to require constant care? A. No sir Q. Would you likely to hear of such a thing? A. It looks reasonable that a man would be likely to hear of such a thing, if it was so and of a long duration Q. How have you regarded Mr. Bowlin physically, since he moved on Bowen’s Creek? A. I have no means of answering your question- except that from his appearance he seemed to be afflicted- he used to be stout then and now is thin- I couldn’t tell any outward sign otherwise to make me think so- I recollect that I once passed his house and wanted him to go fishing about 5 years ago- he said he wasn’t able to go on account of a pain in his shoulders- I don’t know what caused the pain and don’t recollect that I heard him complain of it, at any other time- he also told me then that he had some bee courses, which he couldn’t follow because of his eyes hurt him and he wanted me to hunt the bees for him Dillon Asher DEPOSTION “H” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 9th day of December 1883, at Bowen’s Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared WASHINGTON WHITEHEAD, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Washington Whitehead, about 83 yrs. Old- no occupation and live on Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky- I have lived here and in the vicinity of the Middle Fork Kentucky River for 40 yrs. or more Q. Were you in the service? A. Yes sir, I was a Pvt. In Company H, 49th Kentucky Infantry Q. Did you serve throughout the whole term of your enlistment? A. No sir, I was recruited by Lieut. Mattingly- but could not be mustered on account of my age and was sent home from Camp Nelson, Kentucky. (Witness exhibits a paper of this purport, signed by Philus Phratton, Lt. Col. Comd. 49th Ky. Vol.) Dated September 20, 1863 Q. Did you see Mr. Bowlin? A. I reckon I did- he was in the 49th- I don’t recollect whether he was in the same Company Q. How far have you been living from him since the war? A. About 2 ½ miles from him now and for about a year- I only recollect him mostly since he moved to Bowen’s Creek 6 or 7 years ago- I lived 3 or 4 miles from him then and saw him pretty often Q. What state of health was he in when you first met him on Bowen’s Creek? A. Can’t recollect exactly- the most I recollect is that I have heard him complain of his shoulders and eyes – maybe 2 years ago and maybe longer Q. Did you ever hear him complain of his shoulders and eyes more than once? A. Yes sir, but I can’t say how many times Q. What was the matter with his shoulders and eyes? A. I don’t know as I ever heard Q. Did he work any while on Bowen’s Creek? A. Yes a little- I’ve seen him at work- plowing Q. Did he work regularly? A. Can’t tell you- I’ve been passing there and saw him at work, but can’t tell in what years nor how many times Q. Did you ever know or hear of his being down sick while he lived on Bowen’s Creek? A. I don’t recollect William T. Pierson his Dillon Asher Washington X Whitehead Mark DEPOSTION “I” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 9th day of December 1883, at Bowen’s Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared JAMES SIZEMORE, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. James Sizemore- about 28 years old- farmer; live on Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky- have lived on Bowen’s Creek about 5 years and before that I lived at the head of Red Bird on Blue Hole, Clay County Q. Were you in the U.S. Army? A. No sir Q. Do you know the claimant? A. Yes sir, I am acquainted with him tolerably well Q. How long have you known him? A. About five years- he lived at the mouth of Bowen’s Creek, when I first got acquainted with him- I lived then about 4 miles from him Q. How often have you been in the habit of meeting him since you became acquainted? A. About once a month Q. What state of health was he in when you first knew him? A. He had the rheumatism and was complaining- he had the rheumatism in his knees and shoulders and he was complaining of his eyes- said he couldn’t see good out of his eyes Q. How long had he been in that fix, when you first knew him? A. I don’t know- I did not hear Q. How long did he continue in that state after you knew him? A. He was complaining right along of his knees and the rheumatism hurting him in his knees and shoulders until now Q. What caused his rheumatism? A. Well sir I don’t know I heard him say that he had been that way occasionally along, since he had been in the army Q. What was the matter with his eyes? A. He said he couldn’t see good out of them- I don’t know what was the matter with them Q. How long had his eyes been in that fix? A. I have heard him complain of his eyes ever since I’ve been acquainted with him Q. What caused them to be affected? A. I don’t know and I don’t recollect that I ever heard him say Q. Did he work any while you knew him? A. Yes sir, he worked occasionally along farming, but he was complaining all the time of the rheumatism Q. Was he ever down sick to your knowledge? A. I think he was down once while he lived on Bowen’s Creek- I don’t remember the year- I expect it’s been about 2 years ago Q. What was the matter with him then? A. The rheumatism in his knees I think he said Q. How long was he down? A. To my knowledge I expect about 4 or 5 days Q. Did he get well then? A. Yes sir, he got so he could go about Q. Have you ever known him to be down helpless so as to require help or attendance? A. No sir Q. How much has he been disabled by the rheumatism and his eyes since you have known him? A. I couldn’t tell you- he’s worked along when he was able- I reckon he’s worked half of his time since I have known him Q. Did you ever work any with him? A. I helped him work one day at rolling raft logs- two years ago I reckon- he was just a tolerable hand then- he did all he could- I did not hear him complain any then William T. Pierson his T A Delph James X Sizemore Mark DEPOSTION “J” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 9th day of December 1883, at Bowen’s Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared HENRY JONES, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Henry Jones- 27 year’s old- farmer and I live on Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky- I have lived on Bowen’s Creek about 6 years- and before that on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River all my life except 2 years when I lived down on the Red Bird River Q. Do you know the claimant? A. Yes sir, I’ve known him all my life Q. How far have you been living from him? A. While he lived on Bowen’s Creek about 4 miles away and since he moved to Stinnet and Bad Creek 3 or 4 miles Q. How often have you been meeting him? A. While he lived at the mouth of Bowen’s Creek, I met him very regular and was at his house regular- since he moved to Stinnet I haven’t seen him so often Q. Did you know him before he moved to Bowen’s Creek about 6 years or 7 years ago? A. I knew him, but wasn’t about him much Q. What state of health was he in when you first knew him on Bowen’s Creek? A. Just moderate health- he was complaining of something ailing his back and legs- I don’t know what it was- rheumatism I reckon though and he complained of his eyes also- I believe it was the left eye Q. What was the matter with it? A. Well sir he complained that he couldn’t see good- he’d lost his eyesight Q. How did he lose it? A. As good as I recollect he told me that sometime in the war, some kind of sickness occasioned it to come on him Q. What caused his rheumatism? A. I don’t know as I ever heard him say- I only know that I heard him complain of his eye and bones being that way from being in the service Q. Do you know any other cause for it? A. No sir Q. Did he work any? A. Some along- now and them- by spells- he complained of being ailing in his back and bones; and one time when I went down there to help him with his fodder, he told me he lost his breath some way and like to have died the night before. That was 3 or 4 years ago- I only know what he told Q. Have you worked much with him? A. Some- I’ve been to his workings and he has come to mine- He didn’t work though- he complained that he couldn’t work on account of his back and shoulders and joints and bones all over, hurting him- only one time when I helped him in corn; he plowed a little then Q. How long did he complain of these ailments? A. Ever since he came to Bowen’s Creek- and maybe before; but I was very young and not about with him much and couldn’t tell Q. Have you ever known him to be down helpless? A. I have known him to be down with his back and bones, several times while he lived on this Creek- 3 or 4 or 5 years ago- along in the time- so that he couldn’t get about to do anything- I don’t know that he was helpless- I saw him in that condition Q. How much has he been disabled since he came to Bowen’s Creek? A. Well sir, right sharp- so he’d tell me when I’d be down there- a good many times- I don’t think he worked ½ of his time while he lived on this creek- he complained of being ailing from the aching in his joints and back- probably he worked some more than a ¼- I don’t know that he was worse in one year than another- we pay 8, 10, 13 dollars a month for labor here- I would have been willing to pay him $8.00 a month (if I hired him) throughout the time he lived on Bowen’s Creek- some days I wouldn’t have paid him a nickel- I consider $8.00 a light months work Q. What has disabled him from labor on Bowen’s Creek? A. Rheumatism and his eyes- rheumatism most I think William T Pierson His T A Delph Henry X Jones Mark DEPOSTION “K” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 9th day of December 1883, at Bowen’s Creek, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared THOMAS A. DELPH, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Thomas A. Delph- 24 years old- farmer and live on Bowen’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky- have lived here 5 years and came from Spring Creek, Clay County, Kentucky Q. Do you know the claimant? A. Yes sir- for nearly 5 years-he lived near the mouth of Bowen’s Creek when I became acquainted with him Q. What state of health was he in when you first knew him? A. Only moderate health- don’t know personally what was the cause of it, nor what was the matter, but he told me that it was the rheumatism affecting him about his arms and legs and that his eyes were affected- I don’t know that he told me where or how they became affected Q. How long has he continued in that state? A. Ever since I’ve known him, whenever I met him Q. Is he in that condition now? A. He says so Q. Have you any better evidence of his past disability than you have of his disability this morning? A. No sir, he’s about the same man- I don’t know that I ever saw him down sick- I have only his statements- sometimes I have seen him walk with a cane, and sometimes without- I don’t know what he used the cane for- he didn’t tell me Q. What evidence have you that his sight is affected? A. His own statement Q. How far have you been living from him since he moved to Bowen’s Creek? A. About 4 ½ miles Q. How often have you been meeting him? A. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a week- to average it, once a month Q. What has been his condition whenever you have met him? A. He has been still complaining of rheumatism and loss of eyesight Q. Do you know whether he has worked or not since he lived on Bowen’s Creek? A. I have seen him working in his corn a little- I never saw him work much only just as I’d pass- I don’t know that he was at work each time- I think I commonly found him as often not at work, as at work Q. Have you any means of determining how much he worked while on Bowen’s Creek? A. No sir Q. Mr. Delph, how have you actually regarded him physically during your acquaintance with him? A. I have considered him disabled- he has looked like a man not in good health- he hasn’t worked much and he has complained of suffering from the rheumatism and his eyes all the time- I can’t state his disability in degree Q. If you had wanted to hire Mr. Bowlin’s services, how much would you have been willing to pay him? A. From what I’ve seen him do (& that’s all the way I have of judging) I wouldn’t like to feed Mr. Bowlin for his labor Q. Have you considered that he couldn’t work more or wouldn’t? A. Well I think he would work more if he was able T A Delph DEPOSTION “L” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 10th day of December 1883, at Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared NATHANIEL LEWIS, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Nathaniel Lewis- 42 years old- farmer and live on Cutshin, Leslie County, Kentucky was born and raised there Q. Was you in the U.S. Service? A. Yes sir, I was a Corpl. Company H, 49th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry Q. Did you serve with the Company until expiration of your term of enlistment? A. Yes sir Q. Do you know the claimant? A. Yes sir- I have known him about 20 years. I did not know him until he enlisted Q. What was the state of Mr. Bowlin’s health when you first became acquainted with him? A. He appeared to be healthy and all right Q. Did he do duty with the Company regularly? A. Yes sir- outside of his sickness; he had some sickness Q. What sickness did he have and when and where? A. I couldn’t tell you exactly- only in his arm- he was vaccinated. I can’t tell exactly where- I am not sure whether it was at Lexington or Somerset- I think though it was Somerset. Its so long ago I can’t remember exactly- others besides him were vaccinated- I can’t tell how long he was sick from it, but his arm right under his arm and he had a bad arm a good while and he was disabled from duty- I don’t recollect that he was ever in Hospital- I think he stayed around Camps. If I ain’t mistaken it was the fall of the first year we were in service and I enlisted in June 1863 Q. What other sickness if any did he have in service? A. Well sir, I can’t point blank answer that question- he had some other sickness- I think he complained of his eyes and had a handkerchief tied around his eye- I don’t remember what was the matter with his eye, but it was at the fair ground of Lexington, Kentucky I can’t just tell you when- I remember that he was complaining of his privates at Lexington- his testicles were swollen and it appears to me he had had the mumps- I saw his testicles- they were very much swollen- I heard him complain of his joints too, that he wasn’t able to do duty as he ought to do- I heard him complain at Lexington and at Somerset, Kentucky Q. What was the matter with his joints? A. I can’t answer whether cold had settled in his limbs or not Q. Do you know of any other sickness he had? A. I don’t know that I do- only as I tell you- he was complaining of his joints and arm and eye and his testicles- a good long while- I can’t state point blank how long Q. What condition was he in when discharged? A. I don’t know that I can answer as to that time Q. Was he absent from the Company any? A. He was once- he was home once with Eli Griffitts- from Camp Nelson- I don’t remember what he was home for Q. Was he sick about that time? A. I can’t exactly answer- but believe I heard he had Typhoid Fever while he was at home- I don’t remember how he appeared, when he came back Q. Was that his only absence? A. No sir- he went from Camp Burnside, Kentucky with me on a coal boat to Nashville- I think in April 1864- he was detailed to go- the weather was very cold and disagreeable and wet. I don’t remember whether he was ailing or not on that ship Q. Was he detailed for any other duty? A. Yes he cooked some- all took it in rotation to cook- he was not detailed because he was sick, but because it was in rotation round Q. Was he detailed for anything else? A. Yes sir- he was detailed to wait on the sick in the Hospital at Camp Nelson in the fall after we were mustered in Q. How long was that before he came home with Griffitts? A. Sometime- I could not state how long Q. Did you come home with him? A. No sir Q. How soon did you see him again after his discharge? A. about 6 or 8 months- I went to his house at the mouth of Muncy’s Creek- in this County (then Clay County, Kentucky) Q. What was his condition then? A. He appeared to be very unhealthy- I recollect of him complaining of not being right and being unhealthy, but I can’t remember what he complained of. I don’t recollect that anything was the matter with his eye then- nor as to his joints, but he was ailing in someway or the other Q. How far have you lived from him since then? A. from 15 to 25 miles- I have met him several times since we were mustered out Q. What has been his condition each time you have met? A. Well sir- I can’t answer- he was complaining of not being well and didn’t feel right and wasn’t healthy, but I can’t remember what he complained of Q. What relation if any are you to him? A. None sir as I know of Question by claimant Q. Do you remember when you came to see me at the mouth of Muncy’s Creek- whether I was complaining of any particular ailment about my joints? A. As well as I recollect you were complaining of a pain in the small of your back, but I don’t know what caused it unless it was hardships in the army William T. Pierson his Hiram J. Farmer Nathaniel X Lewis Mark DEPOSTION “M” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 10th day of December 1883, at Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared HENRY MOSELY, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Henry Mosely- about 49 years old- farmer and live on Muncy’s Creek, Leslie County, Kentucky. Have lived there nearly 2 years and before that I lived on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River about 12 miles from here for about 7 years and then on Beech Fork and Bad Creek before that for about 5 years and lived on Bad Creek when discharged Q. Were you in the U.S. Army? A. Yes sir- I was a Pvt. In Company H, 49th Kentucky Infantry Q. Did you serve with the Company until expiration of term of enlistment? A. No sir- I enlisted for one year on June 5, 1863 and when the 18th of June 1864 came around I came home- I took the fever at Burnside Point Kentucky- I think in March 1864 and did but little duty after that Q. Do you know the claimant? A. Yes sir- nearly as long as I’ve known myself Q. How far did you live from him before his enlistment? A. About 12 miles- I met him every month or two right steady Q. What state of health was he in when he enlisted? A. Good I reckon- he appeared so- I heard no complaints about him Q. Did he do duty regularly while you were in service? A. Yes sir- all the time that I know. If he didn’t I don’t remember- He was in my Company and Regiment Q. How was his health in service? A. I disremember whether he was sick any of account or not- but I think he was sick some- I don’t know that I can tell you what was the matter with him- I think it was at Burnside Point Kentucky- we had been in service a right smart while Q. Was he vaccinated there? A. I think he was vaccinated at Camp Nelson before we went to Burnside Point- I don’t remember whether he had any trouble from his vaccination- I think I heard him complaining in service of aching in his bones- I can’t tell when nor where nor what was the matter, and he complained of aching in one eye and said he couldn’t see well out of his eye- I can’t say which eye; I think it was at Burnside point Kentucky- I don’t know what was the matter with it Q. You were not at Lexington with your Company? A. No sir Q. Did you sever hear that he had the mumps? A. I can’t say Q. Was he absent from the Company any? A. I think he came home one time from Camp Nelson- I think he had a furlough of 20 days- I know a whole parcel of us did- I don’t know who he came with- One time he and Bud Griffitts came home together Q. Do you know what they came home for? A. No I do not Q. Was Mr. Bowlin ever detailed away from the Company for special duty? A. Not that I recollect of Q. To wait on the sick for instance? A. I don’t know that I can tell you Q. How soon after Mr. Bowlin’s discharge did you see him? A. Not longer than 6 months if that long- I think if I ain’t mistaken he was living on Bad Creek or Burnt Camp in this County though it was then Clay County or Perry County. I ain’t sure which Q. What was his physical condition then? A. Appeared like he was in tolerable bad health- he was complaining of hurting in his bones- I think it was his bones Q. What was the matter with his bones? A. I don’t know- only that he complained of aching in them. I don’t know what caused it Q. Did he complain of anything else? A. I disremember Q. How far have you been living from him since then? A. from 6 or 7 miles, pretty much all the time Q. How often have you been in the habit of meeting him? A. Pretty much steady along- every month or two; or 2 or 3 months Q. How has his health been each time you have met him? A. I don’t think he has been a sound man since he came out of the service- he’s always been complaining ever since he’s come out of the service Q. What has he complained of? A. Of feeling bad and aching in his bones and of his eyes hurting and not seeing good out of it- that in this county and Clay County- pretty much ever since he came out of the service. I don’t know what was, the matter with it nor which eye Q. Have you known of any times when he has been down? A. I disremember- I have heard of him being sick- several times, but I don’t remember what his sickness was- nor when, nor exactly where it was- It was in this County or Clay Q. Do you know if he has been in the habit of laboring since discharge? A. He’s been working a little- complaining of not being able to work- I reckon he did all he was able to do- I have seen him at work trying to farm off and on pretty much ever since he came out of the service Q. What has hindered him from working? A. Well of his bones aching- hurting pretty much all the time Q. Do you know the cause of his bones aching? A. No sir- only what he said himself- exposure in service Q. Do you know how much work he did the first year after his discharge? A. No sir- from from the way he works and the way he complains- I don’t believe he has been able to do more than ½ work, in any year since he came out of the service- at times he could do that much and at times he couldn’t- I don’t know that I can name any particular exceptions Q. Are you related to him? A. Not that I know of Question by claimant Q. Don’t you recollect my being detailed to go from Nashville? A. Yes sir- I do- that was from Point Burnside on a coal boat and Lt. Matttingly was in the gang- I had plumb forgot it though By examiner Q. Did he suffer any inconvenience or sickness from that duty? A. I disremember Henry Mosley DEPOSTION “O” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 10th day of December 1883, at Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared STEPHEN MORGAN, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Stephen Morgan- I don’t exactly know my age- 37 or 38 years old- farming and live on waters of Rock House, in Leslie County, Kentucky Q. Were you in the U.S. Army? A. Yes sir, Pvt. Company H, 49th Kentucky Infantry Volunteers Q. Did you serve throughout your term with the Company? A. Yes sir Q. Do you know the claimant? A. Yes sir- from my boyhood Q. Was he in the Army? A. Yes sir- in my Company and Regiment Q. Did you see him regularly in service? A. No, Stoke left us a while once- and went home- but came back- the regiment was stationed then at Point Isabel in Pulaski County, Kentucky Q. What did he come home for? A. I don’t know Q. Did he come on detail? A. No he came without leave Q. Was that the only absence he had from the Company? A. All that I know of Q. Were you with the Company all the time? A. Yes sir Q. Did he do duty regularly? A. Yes when he was able Q. When was he not able? A. Well he had some sickness Q. Where, when and what for? A. I don’t remember now, but at Somerset I reckon- he was vaccinated and his arm broke out in several places- down on his side was awful bad- I don’t remember how long it lasted- sometime though- when he was past doing duty Q. Did he get well thoroughly of that? A. I don’t know about that- the places healed up- he went about and did duty- I don’t know whether he got well Q. Did you ever hear anything more of it afterwards? A. I don’t know that I did Q. Did he have any other sickness in service? A. I think he did, but I don’t recollect what was the matter with him- nor when nor where Q. Did he have the mumps in the service? A. I don’t recollect Q. Did he have any trouble with his eyes in service? A. It seems to me that I have heard him complain of his eye in the service, but can’t say when, where nor what of Q. Did he have rheumatism or any other trouble with his joints in service? A. I can’t recollect Q. Was he ever detailed to come home for deserters? A. Yes I think he was- he came as well as I recollect with Lt. Mattingly from the Company from Camp Nelson, Kentucky Q. Did he have any sickness while at home? A. I don’t recollect that Q. Did you ever hear of him having typhoid fever? A. I don’t remember- I have had so much sickness that I don’t remember well- I know Stoke had some sickness- I don’t recollect when, nor, what from- he was a good soldier when he was able Q. Do you know what his condition was when discharged? A. No I don’t recollect Q. Are you related to him? A. Not that I know of William T. Pierson his James Maggard Stephen X Morgan Mark DEPOSTION “P” Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 11th day of December 1883, at Flat Creek, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared JESSE MATTINGLY, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state your name, age, occupation & residence? A. Jesse Mattingly A. I don’t know but he was laid up a few days with it Q. Do you know of any other disease or injury he had in service? A. No sir- I don’t Q. Nothing the matter with his eyes? A. I heard him complain of his eyes at Camp Burnside and maybe at Lexington, Kentucky too- in 1864- I don’t know exactly what time- nor what was the matter with them Q. Was he ever detailed for any special duty? A. No sir not as I know of- only he was detailed once to wait on Regimental Hospital at Camp Nelson I reckon about August or September 1863 Q. Were there any Typhoid cases in that Hospital? A. Yes sir- and some died- though they were mostly measles cases Q. Did Bowlin ever have the Typhoid Fever? A. I don’t recollect Q. Was he ever detailed to come home for any duty? A. Yes sir in August or September 1863- I brought him with me to get up some recruits and deserters- I brought several others along- I don’t remember who all were- Eli Griffitts was along- Our Company had not been mustered in yet and we were getting all the recruits we could- we were mustered in September 19, 1863 at Camp Nelson and again at Somerset later Q. Did you ever come to get deserters? A. Yes sir and recruits Q. How long did Mr. Bowlin stay at home when he came with you? A. I don’t remember- I left him when I went back Q. Why did you leave him? A. I think he was complaining of being sick at that time and I gave him a permit to remain- don’t remember what was the matter with him Q. Did he ever absent himself from the Company without leave? A. He did once- from Camp Burnside I think and was gone a while- I couldn’t swear it- my impression is that Gus Culton then Commanding the Company (since dead) told him to go- Culton was elected Captain but not commissioned and finally went to another Company, Lt. Culton was a man who promised the soldiers a good deal and when they couldn’t get a furlough he let them go home- I know he kept the boys from punishment when they came back- Bowlin was never known in the Company as a deserter Q. What condition was Mr. Bowlin in when discharged? A. I think he was in tolerable good health when discharged- he had had the mumps prior to his discharge sometime Q. Do you know the cause of what sickness he had in service? A. No sir- I think though it was caused by exposure Q. How soon did you see him after his discharge? A. I saw him regularly for a year or two- we were close together that long Q. How was his health while he lived there during those two years? A. Sometimes he was well and sometimes sick Q. How sick? A. I don’t know- he complained of his bones hurting him, sick stomach and headache Q. How long was it after his discharge before you heard of his sickness? A. I can’t answer exactly- not long- within a year of his discharge- of his bones hurting and being stiff and indeed I have heard him complain that way ever since he was mustered out Q. Did he have any serious illness during those two years? A. Not as I know of Q. How far have you been living from him since then? A. Never over 12 miles apart- and while he lived at the Mouth of Spring Creek, we were not over ½ mile apart- I have met him pretty regularly along, until the last 2 or 3 years- haven’t seen so much of him since then Q. How has he been each time you have met him? A. Sometimes well- and sometimes appeared to be sickly- I don’t know what he was sickly from Q. Has he worked since discharge? A. Yes sir some- I don’t know how much- he’s had to work to keep from suffering- I’ve heard him say if he wasn’t obliged to work, he wouldn’t strike a lick Q. I n all that time have you known him to be down? A. Yes when he was on Bowen’s Creek, he was down with rheumatism, for sometime- maybe 2 or 3 months- I’ve seen him drawed up and go bobbling a good many times off and on- he said it was from rheumatism- I don’t know its cause- I have heard him complain of his eye Q. Did he have any severe and protracted spell of helplessness sickness? A. No sir- I don’t know that I’ve known him to have any Q. Was he down all the second summer after discharge on account of his eye? A. Not as I know of- I don’t know as I ever saw him when he wasn’t able to get about some- though I’ve heard him complain of his eyes Q. Has he lost his mind at anytime since discharge? A. I don’t know sir if he has Q. How have you regarded him physically since discharge? A. Well I don’t know sir- Sometimes I’ve seen him able to work- sometimes he said he was not able- I don’t know about that- I don’t think though he’s as stout and healthy as before he enlisted- I’ve heard him complain a good deal since having rheumatism, and of being sick and weak and of his eyes- generally complaining ever since he was mustered out Q. Suppose you had been going to hire Mr. Bowlin’s service, what would you have paid him? A. Some days I’d as soon have paid him a full day’s work- and sometimes not- We’ve worked together a good deal and before and since the war- He can’t do as much since as before he was in service, by 1/3- I used to consider him very stout before enlistment Question by claimant Q. Do you remember that I was sick when at home with you? A. Yes my impression is that my wife wrote me, he and Bud Griffitts were sick with Typhoid Fever Q. Dixon swore that I was absent without leave? A. He is mistaken- I took you once and I think Culton gave you permission once Q. Well was I ever detailed to go on a coal boat with you? A. Yes to Nashville- I chose you myself Q. Dixon swore I was not detailed away from the Company? A. Then he swore a lie Q. Do you recollect when I moved from Mouth of Muncy’s Creek to Burnt Camp that I was down with my head and eye so that I did not know when Summer came or went? A. I heard of you being down so- but I didn’t see you- I don’t know what was the matter Q. What relation if any are you to Mr. Bowlin? A. We claim to be cousins- I have no interest in his claim Jesse Mattingly Exhibit Q - Claimant’s Final Statement Case of STOKELY BOWLIN, No. 290,415 On this 11th day of December 1883, at Flat Creek, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, before me, Wm. T. Pierson, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared STOKELY BOWLIN, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: Q. Please state whether you have been present throughout this whole examination? A. Yes sir- except in the taking of the deposition of John C. Dixon- and I have heard that read Q. Do you wish to rebut it by testimony- (Dixon’s deposition)? A. I expect to fully rebut it by Lt. Mattingly of my Company Q. Are you entirely satisfied with the manner in which I have examined your claim? A. Yes sir- I am Q. Have you any other witnesses to examine? A. No sir Stokely X Bowlin JOS. HUNTER UNITED STATES PENSION, PATENT AND CLAIM ATTORNEY DECLARATION FOR Increase of Claim on Blood Poisoning the result of impure vaccination taken up State of Kentucky, County of Leslie On this 23 day of June, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty four, personally appeared before me, a Deputy Clerk for Leslie County Court, within and for the County and State aforesaid, STOKLEY BOWLIN, a resident of Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, enrolled at the Louisville, Kentucky Pension Agency at the rate of $4.00 dollars per month, by reason of disability from disease of testicles the result of the mumps incurred in the military service of the United States while Private, Company H, 49 Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of being rated too low owing to the peculiar nature of the disability, which much cripples him. He also wish’s his claim on Blood Poisoning the result of Impure Vaccination which has caused the loss of left eye- deafness of left ear and rendered the arms in a manner useless taken up and prosecuted to a final termination as he is in consequence of same wholly disabled for performing manual labor. He appoints JOS. H. HUNTER, of WASHINGTON, D.C. His true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim. That his post office address is Hyden, County o Leslie, State of Kentucky Stokley X Bowlin Mark Attest: R.S. Wooton. Deputy Clerk, Leslie County Court DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF INVALID PENSION State of Kentucky, County of Leslie On this 11 day of April, A.D. 1885, personally appeared before me a County Court Clerk, within and for the County and State aforesaid, STOKLEY BOWLIN, aged 56 years, a resident of Hyden of Leslie County, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, duly enrolled at the U.S. Pension Agency at the rate of $4 dollars a month, by reason of disability from diseased testicles incurred in the military service of the United States while in line of duty and a private, Company H of the 49th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of his diseased testicles growing worse all the while which disables him from performing manual labor. He was not treated in any hospital at all. He was treated in his tent by Dr. Swisher and Miller and Hogan sometime in summer of 1864 That his post office address is Hyden, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky Stokley X Bowlin Mark Attest: R.S. Wooton Levi Lewis DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF INVALID PENSION State of Kentucky, County of Leslie On this 22 day of June, A.D. 1889, personally appeared before me a County Court Clerk, within and for the County and State aforesaid, STOKLEY BOWLIN, aged 62 years, a resident of Hyden of Leslie County, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, duly enrolled at the Louisville Pension Agency at the rate of Eight dollars a month, by reason of disability incurred in the army service of the United States while in line of duty and a private, Company H of the 49th Regiment Kentucky Volunteers and his pension certificate is Number 260,173 and that he is wholly incapacitated from labor from that fact. His present physical condition is such that he believes himself entitled to receive an increase in pension. He further declares that he is disabled in the following manner, to wit: That the disease of testicles has grown considerably worse and that he is further entitled to pension by the loss of one eye and chronic diarrhea. That he appoints W.B. EVERSOLE, of Hyden, Kentucky, his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim; that his post office address is Hyden, County of Leslie, and State of Kentucky. Stokley X Bowlin Attest: mark W P Bentley A.B. Morgan Also appeared W P Bentley, residing at Hyden, Kentucky and A.B. Morgan, residing at Hyden, Kentucky, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Stokley Bowlin, the claimant, sign his mark to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. W.P. Bentley A.B. Morgan Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 day of June, A.D. 1889; and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, etc, were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. J.M Howard, Clerk By J.M. Creech, D.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Laurel In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within said County and State, JOHN H. BOWLIN aged 35 years, whose Post Office is Pigeon Roost, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: That he has been personally acquainted with claimant ever since his discharge, and knows that he has been suffering from piles and neuralgia and loss of right arm and blindness of left eye. Affiant states that he knows these facts from living with claimant and working for him, affiant states that he has lived with claimant and worked for him ever since his discharge Affiant further states that he has no interest in this claim or its prosecution Stephen Reece John H. Bowlin Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 26th day of November, 1890 John M. Brock, Notary Public, L.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Laurel In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within said County and State, aged 63 years, whose Post Office is Pigeon Roost, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: That he is not able to comply with the requirements of the Pension Office as to the evidence of the Surgeon that treated me while in the service. It was the Regimental Surgeon, but don’t remember his name, since my discharge I was treated by Dr. Eli Griffitts who treated me for three years after my discharge and he is dead. He died in 1888 and therefore I can’t get the evidence of any surgeon that treated me in the service or since my discharge for piles and neuralgia S.H. Brock G.W. Brock his Stokley X Bowlin Mark Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 22nd day of December, 1890 John M. Brock, Notary Public, L.C. H. H. HAYS GENERAL MERCHANDISE Hoskinston, Ky., December 23, 1897 Hon. David C. Colson, Washington, D.C. Dear friend I write you again in regards to Pension Claim now pending No. 260.173 I want you to have it either allow my claim or reject it as all my comrades in the service with me are dead and I am unable to make any more proof than I have already introduced and I am unable to attend to my business owing to my age and infirmities of health I so please tend to this for me and you will oblige your friend Stokley Bowlin Certificate No. 260.173 DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR Name, STOKLEY BOWLIN BUREAU OF PENSIONS Washington, D.C., January 15, 1898 SIR: In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below. Very respectfully, Commissioner First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife’s full name and her maiden name Answer. America Bowlin, maiden name Jones Second. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer. Rev. Elijah O. Mallwood Third. What record of marriage exists? Answer. Leslie County, married September 4, 1893 Fourth. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce Answer. Cintha Bowlin, place of her death was Hoskinston, Leslie County, Kentucky Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth Answer. John H. Bowlin November 18, 1855 and Laney Bowlin July 8, 1857, Nancy Bowlin June 11, 1859, Polly March 1, 1865, James November 13, 1867, W.L. Bowlin September 1, 1869, Frankey September 3, 1871, Martha September 23, Henry C. Bowlin December 28, 1877 Date of reply, June 3, 1898 Stokly Bowlin Claimant Affidavit State of Kentucky, County of Clay In Claim No. 737.921 of Merica Bowlin, widow of Stokley Bowlin of Company H of the 49th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within the said County, Merica Bowlin, age 56 years, whose Post Office address is Spring Creek, Kentucky, who being duly sworn states in relation to said claim as follows: The affiant Merica Bowlin says that she is the widow of Stokley Bowlin and to the best of her recollection she was married to the said Stokley Bowlin on the 4th day of September 1893 and lived with him until his death which was on the 12th day of December 1900, she further says that in October 1899 his testicles became paralyzed and remained paralyzed until his death which was about 15 months, she says that his testicles became in such a condition that his water leaked from him all the time and she had to strip him once each day. She says as to his testicles being the cause of his death she can not say. On the 1st day of December 1900 he became paralyzed all over, he had no use of his limbs; he could not eat anything or speak and lay in that condition for 12 days and died. She further says that she lived about 18 miles from any doctor and she did not get any doctor to treat him, she further says that she did not make it known to anyone about his testicles being paralyzed. A.L. Smith Her R.C. Smith Merica X Bowlin Mark Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 7th day of October 1905 William Marcum, Clerk G & H 49 KY INF 737.921 To the Pension Bureau at Washington in regards to Pension of Mrs. America Bowlin wife of the deceased Stokley Bowlin, I don’t think she is entitled to a pension as they was illegally married, the license was given for Mary Sizemore and the name was changed to Merrica Jones, she has family by another man and the mans wife run the said Mericca from the home of her husband. She wants the money for her boys to drink and dance and have a good time and they will steal and almost anything. Before father died her and her family would steal from him and she put it on her family and he lived very hard. She has not any children by my father. She has them all by another woman man. She had a fuss with my father about one day before he took sick. Their license was not put to record it seems as though it was all a *******. She is no more entitled to a pension than a child. Yours James Bowlin Hoskinston, Ky For further information address either one of us James Bowlin John H. Bowlin W.L. Bowlin Hoskinston, Ky GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Laurel In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within said County, JAMES MUNCY, aged 44 years, whose Post Office is Crane Nest, County of Knox, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: He was a soldier in the 49th Regiment of Kentucky, Company H In the fall of 1864 I was acquainted with the claimant while on the march from Camp Burnside to Lexington, Kentucky the claimant gave out on the march and had to ride on a wagon and the claimant told him that he had the neuralgia and piles and I was with claimant most of the time And affiant states that he has no interest in the said claim or its prosecution. John M. Bowlin James Muncy Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 22nd day of December, 1890 John M. Brock, Justice of the peace for Laurel County GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of LAUREL In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before me, a Deputy Clerk in and for aforesaid County and State, ELI GRIFFITTS, aged 58 OR 59 years, citizen of the town of Hoskinston, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: About the year of 1863 I seen the affiant Stokley Bowlin after he had been vaccinated and *** his arms and breast and he appeared to be very bad off and I have heard him complaining with the piles in the army and ever since he has been complaining at times I have heard him complaining with the Neuralgia about 25 years. I further declare that I have no interest in said case, an am not concerned in its prosecution Hiram H. Hays Eli X Griffitts John R. Collett mark ` GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Laurel In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before me, a Deputy Clerk in and for aforesaid County and State, ELI GRIFFITTS, aged 51 years, P.O; is Hoskinston, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: States that he has been personally acquainted with the claimant for 35 years and has lived a neighbor to claimant ever since his discharge and no that he has been suffering from Neuralgia and piles and blindness Affiant states that claimant is not able to perform any manual labor at all also states that he knows these facts from living near him and seeing him often Thomas J. Jones Eli X Griffitts James W. Bowlin mark ` Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 25 day of November 1890, and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit were fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution John M. Brock Notary Public CLAIMANT’S AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Laurel In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned duly authorized to administer oaths within said County, STOKLEY BOWLIN, aged 62 years, whose Post Office is Pigeon Roost, County of Clay, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: That he contracted piles at Point Isabel on the Cumberland River some call it Point Burnside in the year 1862. Caused as I believe from diarrhea contracted ***** at Lexington, Kentucky about early part of 1864 can’t give any cause only exposure and cold. T Lexington, Kentucky he was vaccinated for small pox in the year 1864. Was treated at Lexington by Dr. Miller Regimental Surgeon was kept in the hospital tent and not on any general hospital was never in a General Hospital. Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 22nd day of December, 1890 T.J. Jones Thomas Jones Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 16 day of June 1890, and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit were fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution C Jones, Clerk Clerk of the Laurel Court GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before me, Deputy Clerk, in and for aforesaid County and State, JAMES WHITEHEAD, aged 51 years, citizen of the town of Hoskinston, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: The affiant states that he has known the soldier Stokley Bowlin for at least 35 years and has been acquainted with him ever since about the year of 1863 while he was in the army he had diarrhea while he was in the army I heard him complaining with the piles and I have heard him complaining at times ever since and I have heard him complaining with the Neuralgia ever since the war at times and I have heard him complaining with the affects of the mumps frequently ever since the war I further declare that I have no interest in said case, and am not concerned in its prosecution. John R. Collett Hiram H. Hays James X Whitehead Mark GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of LAUREL In the claim No. 260.173 of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before me, a Deputy Clerk in and for aforesaid County and State, ELI GRIFFITTS, aged 58 OR 59 years, citizen of the town of Hoskinston, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: About the year of 1863 I seen the affiant Stokley Bowlin after he had been vaccinated and *** his arms and breast and he appeared to be very bad off and I have heard him complaining with the piles in the army and ever since he has been complaining at times I have heard him complaining with the Neuralgia about 25 years. I further declare that I have no interest in said case, an am not concerned in its prosecution Hiram H. Hays Eli X Griffitts John R. Collett mark ` GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie In the matter of STOKLEY BOWLIN, certificate # 260, 173, Company H-49 Kentucky On this 21 day of August, A.D. 1897, personally appears before me, a Deputy Clerk within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly authorized to administer oaths, STOKLEY BOWLIN, aged 70 years, a resident of Hoskinston, in the County of Leslie, and the State of Kentucky, whose Post-Office address is Hoskinston, Kentucky, well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: The affiant Stokley Bowlin states that while he was marching from Burnside Point to Lexington I was sun stroke and they had to haul me in a wagon and immediately after that the neuralgia set in on me and I have had it ever since and while I was at Somerset I took diarrhea and it run into the piles and I have had the piles at times ever since. In time of the war at Lexington I was vaccinated and it inflamed me and the doctors wanted to take my arm off and I told them if I died I die with my arm on and I haven’t had good use of myself ever since. All this occured while I was in the army from about the year of 1863 and 64. This affidavit was written in my presence by A W Howard at Hoskinston, Kentucky in Leslie County on the 21 day of August 1897 only from oral statements then made, I was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statements or recited prepared or dictated by any other person. W.L. Bowlin Hiram H. Hays Stokley X Bowlin Mark AFFIDAVIT Pending in pension case of STOKLEY BOWLIN of Number 260, 173, Company H, 49 Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry The affiant Staley Bowlin states that he has made all the proof in said case he can. My comrades is all dead I know of except what I have introduced but James Muncy and he has sent his statement I reckon if he hasn’t I can furnish his statement if you need it. Stokley X Bowlin Mark Subscribed and sworn to before me by Stokley Bowling this November the 20th day 1897 J M Howard, C.L.C.C By A W Howard, D.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie In claim No. 737921, of AMERICA BOWLIN, widow of STOKLEY BOWLING Of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths with the said County, JOHN H BOWLING, aged 49 years, whose Post-Office address is Asher, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: The affiant John H. Bowling says that he was personally acquainted with the soldier Stokley Bowling for 20 years and knows of him complain all- along said time with some pain in his head which the soldier claimed was caused by sun stroke while in the service. He further says that he heard the soldier complain of loosing the use of one of his arm at times and one leg. He further states that on or about the first day of December 1900 the soldier was taken paralyzed and speechless and lived for 12 days without eating or drinking anything and on the 12 day of December 1900 he died He further says he was present and waited on him during his fatal illness Affiant further states he has no interest in this claim or its prosecution John H. Bowling Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 19th day of July 1905 and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit were fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution J M Howard, Clerk By J P Collett, D.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie In claim No. 737921, of AMERICA BOWLIN, widow of STOKLEY BOWLIN Of Company H of the 49 Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, personally appeared before the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths with the said County, STOKLEY BOWLING, aged 24 years, whose Post-Office address is Asher, County of Leslie, State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn, states in relation to said claim as follows: The affiant Stokley Bowling says that he was personally acquainted with the soldier Stokley Bowlin for about 10 years and lived a neighbor to him at the time of his death and waited on him during his fatal illness and that the said Stokley Bowlin did on or about the first day of December 1900 taken paralyzed and lived for 12 days without eating or drinking anything. And on the 12 day of December 1900 he died. He further says he was present and waited on him during his fatal illness Affiant further states he has no interest in this claim or its prosecution Stokley Bowling Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 19th day of July 1905 and I hereby certify that the contents of this affidavit were fully made known to the affiant before signing and I have no interest in this claim or its prosecution J M Howard, Clerk By J R Collett, D.C. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Bell In claim No. 737921, of MERICA BOWLIN, widow of STOKLEY BOWLIN On this 13 day of September, A.D. 1902, personally appeared before me, a R W Asher, Deputy County Court Clerk, in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, JAMES COLLET aged 37 years, a resident of Skidmore, P.O. in the County of Clay and State of Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: I have been acquainted with Stokley Bowlin for 15 or 20, fifteen or twenty years before his death. He died about two years ago in Leslie County Kentucky in ¾ of a mile of my house. I went to Stokley Bowlin’s house to see him and he was speechless and could not talk to me, he never got so he could talk from the time I went to see him until his death which was five or six days from the time I first saw him after he was sick until his death. The affiant further states that Merrica Bowlin is the widow of the deceased Stokley Bowlin which are named in this affidavit and further states that said Merrica Bowlin lives in Clay County, Kentucky near Skidmore and further states that said Merrica Bowlin remains said Stokley Bowlin’s widow up to this date. I further declare that I have no interest in said case and am not concerned in its prosecution J B Knuckles S M Slusher James X Collett MEDICAL AFFIDAVIT State of Kentucky, County of Leslie In claim No. 737921, of MERRICA BOWLIN, widow of STOKLEY BOWLIN On this 16 day of February, A.D. 1904, personally appeared before me, a R W Asher, County Court Clerk, in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, MERRICA BOWLIN aged 60 years, a resident of Skidmore, P.O. in the County of Clay and State of Kentucky, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: I am the widow of Stokley Bowlin deceased the said Stokley Bowlin died in Leslie County Kentucky on the 12 day of December 1900. He was afflicted with Paralysis of the testicles about 4 weeks before died he became paralyzed in the left leg and continued to get worse until he died I can no furnish the affidavit of any attending physicians. I can not furnish any record of the death of said Stokley Bowlin as there was no record of same M J Cook John L Dixon Merrica X Bowlin Mark