Duncans in the Civil War - Illinois - John B. Duncan; Part 1

Civil War Records, John B. Duncan, son of William Duncan (Researched and transcribed by Garland D. Vinyard, posted with his permission, his comments)
      From Jesse White, Secretary of State, Illinois State Archives: "Muster and Descriptive Roll of Company "B" Thirty First Infantry Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. Pg. 10 line 14. Name, Duncan, John, Rank. Private, Age. 31. DESCRIPTION. 5 feet, 9 Inch. Hair. Dark, Eyes. Gray, Complexion. Fair, Married or single, single. Occupation. Farmer, NATIVITY. Town _, County, Saline, State. Illinois, JOINED FOR SERVICE AND ENROLLED When. Aug. 20, 61. MUSTERED INTO SERVICE. Period. 3 yrs., WHEN. Sept. 18, 61. WHERE Cairo, Ills., BY WHOM Capt. Pitcher. RESIDENCE. Town. Mitchelsville. COUNTY. Saline. STATE, Ills. REMARKS. Re-enlisted a Veteran Vol. Jany 5, 1864."
      National Archives, General Index to Pension Files 1861-1934, Series T-288, Roll 133 - Duncan, John, minor Duncan, Thomas J. Co. B, 31st Illinois Inf.; Invalid 1880, May 14, Application #365307, Certification # 315998, IL. Minor, 1892 September 13, Application #550248, Certification #408345.
      National Archives records for John B. Duncan:
      Original affidavits: "State of Ills., Saline Co. Sept. the 18th 1879} SS. This day personally appears before me W.E. Burnett Clerk of the County of Saline Co. Ills. One John Duncan Aged 38 years a resident of Saline Co., Ills Who I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and being by me duly sworn as the law Directs on oath says, he enlisted as a private of Co. B, of the 31st Regiment of Ills. Volenteers (sic) Inf. on the 10th day of Aug 1861 for 3 years unless sooner discharged and engaged in the war of the Rebelion of 1861. And further says at date of enlistment he was and had been a sound man free from any lingering diseases or cronic affections of any kind and served as such in the service of the United States until on or about the month of Nov. 1861 was taken sick with Diarheor and was treated by the Regimental Dr. off and on then or or about the 8th day of Feb 1862 was detailed for fatigue duty and was ordered to engage in the construction of a road across a pond of water near Fort Henry and Between Fort Henry and the camp grounds of the 31st Regiment for the purpose of hauling the supplies to the Army over and was exposed in the water all day and from exposure contracted Rheumatism. Which has existed ever and at times worse than others. Further says on or about the 17th day of July 1863 was taken sick with what was called the Brake Bone Fever and was Treated for said Fever by Dr. Benjamin Lewis as the Regiment Surgeon. Was down sick with fever and was under treatment at the same time after partially recovering was furloughed home for 30 days as a convalesent and remained at home until expiration of furlough was not though to be able to travel. Said furlough was entitled 30 days then reported for duty to the Company Commander while on board the Steam Boat Ma Duke on his way home on said furlough on the night of the 29th day of Aug 1863. While on deck accidentally stumbled and fell over some rubbish by hanging his foot and throwing his weight all on the right arm. Dislocated the first joint which has greatly disabled him from doing manual labor. Now claims a Pension for disabilities resulting from diarhear and rheumatism and the injury from said fall and appoints James S. Finney his attorney of Oak P.O. Pope Co. Ills. Address of Applicant Stonefort, Saline Co., Ills and files this as his application for a Pension. John Duncan. [Pg. 3] Also personally appeared as witness John H. Dempsey and David Purdon whose ages are respectively 39 and 37 being be me sworn on oath say jointly they have been personally acquainted with John Duncan for six year and from their acquaintance with him has reason to believe his condition to be as above described and seen him sign his name to the foregoing statement and jointly say they have no interest in this claim for pension. Their address is Harrisburg, Saline Co., Ills. John W. Dempsey, A.P. Purdon. Sworn and subscribed to before me contents made known to applicant and witnesses and I am not concerned in this claim for a pension. This Sept. 18 A.D. 1879. W.E. Burnett, County Clerk."
      Medical Report: "1 SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE 1, IN CASE OF John Duncan, Co. B, 31" Reg't Ill Vols. Application for Pension No. 365,307. Date of Examination: Sept 29, 1881. N.S Hudson, Examining Surgeon. Post Office, Harrisburg. County, Saline. State, Illinois. P.S. - Write Post Office address plain and in full. [pg. 2] 1 (3-108.) 1 EXAMINING SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE IN THE CASE OF AN ORIGINAL APPLICANT. No. 365,307. State: Illinois. County: Saline. Post Office: Harrisburg, Sept. 29, 1881. I hereby certify That I have carefully examined John Duncan, late a Priv. Co. B, 31st Reg't, Ill. Vol. in the service of the United States, who is an APPLICANT for an invalid pension by reason of alleged disability resulting from Rheumatism, Diarrhoea & injury to right arm by ? full. In my opinion the said John Duncan is _ 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 tthat the said disability did _ originate in the service aforesaid in the line of duty. The disability is permanent. A more particular of the applicant's condition is subjoined: Height, 5 ft. 8 in.; weight, 135; complexion, light. Age, 40; pulse, 78; respiration, normal. I inspected the bowels of the applicant in the region of the transverse colon considerable tenderness & somewhat enlarged his tongue has a brown coating. He states that his defectives at times are very frequent & very thin rather resembling soap suds. No disability from rheumatism. He has had fraction of right forearm and has not been properly set leaving it crooked but not particular any disability that affects his disability from chronic diarrheoa . 1/2 rating entitling applicant to the rate per month. N.S. Hudson, Examining Surgeon."
      Affidavit of Dr. Lewis: "State of Illinois, Saline County, Sept. 30th 1879} SS. This day personally appeared before me E.W. Watkins a Justice of the Peace of the County of Saline and State of Ills. one Dr. Benjamin D. Lewis a Regular Practicing Physician of Saline Co. Ills. Aged 51 years who I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and being by me duly sworn as the law directs on oath says. I am personally well acquainted with John Duncan who was a private in Company B 31st Reg. Ill. Vol. Inf. during the war of the rebellion and was associated with him from the 18th day of Sept 1861 to the 18 day of September 1864. On or about the 8th day of Feb. 1862 said John Duncan was detailed to labor in constructing a road where I saw him all day laboring in water from waist deep up to his arm pits the weather and water being both very cold. In a few days afterwards he was taken down with Rheumatism and had a preexisting diarrhoea greatly aggravated from exposure as aforesaid. I know him being personally associated with him that he had diarrhoea from November 1861 until the latter part of the summer 1862. We were at Fort Henry Tennessee at the time he was detailed to labor in water as above stated. I did the duties of assistant surgeon during the greater part of the time I was connected with said Reg. And often treated said soldier while in the army for Rheumatism and Diarrhoea. I was also with him when he was discharged and know he then had Rheumatism. My Post Office is Mitchellsville, Saline Co., Ill. I have no interest in this claim. Benjamin L. Lewis, M.D. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10 day of February 1880 and I have no interest in this claim. E.W. Watkins, J.P. My P.O. is Mitchellsville, Saline Co., Ill."
      Affidavit of John Dunn: "State of Ills, Saline Co., Oct. 1st 1879} SS. This day personally appeared before me E.W. Watkins, a Justice of the Peace of Saline County one John J. Dunn Aged 39 years a Resident of Saline Co. Ills. and Respectible and entitled to credit and being by me duly sworn on oath says. He was personally acquainted with John Duncan prior to his Enlistment as a member of Co. B 31st Regt of Ills Infty Vols. That was Engaged in the War of the Rebellion of 1861 and from his acquaintance with Duncan does believe he was a sound man pryor to and at date of his enlistment and knows John Duncan was examined and received in the service of the United States at Jacksonville Ills by the Dr who Received the Company Dr. Million and does well remember John Duncan was taken sick with diarear on or about the month of Novem. 1861 while in Camp at Cairo Ills and does remember John Duncan was left at Ft. Henry Tenn. Sick and not able to Travel when the Regt left Camp at that place for Fort Donelson at the time he was down with Rheumatism and does Remember When Duncan was Sick with what was called Brake bone fever. In July 1863 and further knows Duncan was furloughed home in the month of Aug. 1863 at the time the alleges to have received the injury to his rist and further knows when Duncan returned from furlough he came back south. Said injury which has the appearance at this time of being a considerable change to him in performing manual labor and further says he has been personally acquainted with John Duncan eversince date of his discharge and served in the same Company and Regt. during the war and since date of discharge Duncan has the appearance of a man in bad health and not able to do manual labor and further sayeth I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. John L. Dunn. Sworn and subscribed to before me this January the 20th AD 1880 and [section blanked out by pasted insert). [stamped, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, MAY 14, 1880]. Certificate of Magistracy, STATE OF ILLINOIS, SALINE COUNTY.} SS. I, W.E. Burnett Clerk of the County Court, in and for said County, do hereby certify that E.H. Watkins Esq., is a Justice of the Peace in said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and whose acts as such are entitled to credit. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Harrisburg in said County, this 14th day of April A.D. 1880. W.E. Burnett, Clerk."
      Affidavit of Williard D. Dillard: "State of Ill, Saline Co., Oct. 1st 1879} SS This day personally appeared before me E.W. Walkins a Justice of the Peace of Saline Co. Ills one Williard D. Dillard Aged 43 years a resident of Saline Co. Ills and respectable and entitled to credit and being by me duly sworn on oath says he was personally acquainted with John Duncan at time of his enlistment as member of Company B 31st Regt of Ills Infty Vols that was engaged in the War of the rebellion of 1861 and knows he was received as a sound man and believes he was a sound man in Nov. 1861 when he was taken down sick with Diarrear while in Camp at Cairo Ills and further knows that said Duncan had Dirarrer until sometime in fall of 1862, at times often. And further knows John Duncan was sick at Fort Henry and was absent sick for a length of time after after (sic) the surrender of Fort Donalson and further says he has been acquainted with Duncan since this war and from his appearance believes that he is not a sound man and I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. W.L. Dillard. Subscribed and sworn to before me this January 20, 1880 and I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. E.W. Walkins, J.P. [stamped, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE MAY 14, 1880]."
      Affidavit of Dr. L.L. Cheaney: "State of Illinois, County of Saline} In the Case of Orig. Inv. Pen. Claim #365,302 of John Duncan, late pvt. Co. B, 31st Ills Vol. Infty. personally came before me a County Clerk in and for State & County above named, Dr. L.L. Cheaney of Harrisburg, Saline Co Ills. Who was duly sworn and under oath makes the following Statement - in his own handwriting in reference to above named case. I was the Family Physician of Wm Duncan, father of Claimant prior to late war. Was well acquainted with Jno Duncan Claimant, for three years prior to his Enlistment; and know he was perfectly free from Diarrhoea, Rheumatism or any other disease whatever. Have treated John Duncan since his return home from Army. In 1867 & perhaps 1868 he applied to me for treatment stating that he had a severe pain in chest which I diagnosed, Intercostul Rheumatism and prescribed for him for said affiction. Am in no wise related to Claimant no am I interest in prosecution of above claim. L.L. Chaney, M.D. Late Surgeon 29th Ills Vol Infy. Sworn & Subscribed to before me this 22nd day of January A.D. 1880 & I certify I have no interest - whatever in the presecution of above claim. W.E. Burnett, Co. Clerk."
      Affidavit of John Duncan: "STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF POPE,} SS. This the 21st day of Feb. A.D. 1882, personally appeared before me, WILLIAM JACKSON, a Notary Public in and for the county of Pope, and State of Illinois, John Duncan, age 41 years, a resident of the county of Saline and state of Ills where he is consider to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me duly sworn according to law, states the follows: That he claims a pension on account of an injury contracted as alledged in the aligations of his case and on account of Rheumatism contracted at the time and place mentioned in the alegations of the case he also claims a pension on account of diarhea resulting in Piles and to be pensioned according to the degree of disability and the letter of the law and says that he received said injury on or about the 29th day of Aug 1862 and was not treated while in the service on account that he was on his way home and furlough and was treated by S.G. Golden of Mitchellsville, Ills. and was treated in Regimental Hospital for Diarrear began Nov. 1861 and Rheumatism often comencing over about the 10th day of Feb 1862 and has not been in the service since Sept 18th 1864. John Duncan. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st day of Feb. A.D. 1882 and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit were fully made known and explained to the affiant before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim, William Jackson, NOTARY PUBLIC."
      Cover Sheet for Brief: "[date stamp, PENSION US OFFICE, JUL 9, 1882] Can't forward any testimony concerning ?? Briefed." Affidavit of John Duncan: "State of Illinois, Saline County} SS. On this 5th day of July 1882 before me a County Clerk in and for said county and State personally appeared before me John Duncan whose pension claim is No. 365507. Who after duly sworn says - that he cannot furnish the voucher record - in relation to injuring his arm because the comrades who saw his injury are dead - that the Doctor who treated him where at home for said injury Dr. S.C. Golden is dead - that he was injured when ? house on furlough and can furnish no proof of his own either as to injury of right arm. John Duncan. Sworn and subscribed before me this day and year first above written and I hereby certify that affiant is the person he repesents himself to be and that I have no interest in this claim. W.E. Burnett, County Clerk."
      Request for report from Surgeon General: "F.W.W. (INVALID.) West Div. (3-062.) (No. 6) 7. Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, Sept. 28, 1882. Sir: Please furnish this Office a report of hospital treatment in the Claim No. 365,307, of John Duncan, late a Sgt. & Pvt. Co. B, 31 Ills Vols, from the date given below. 1. Disability from Chronic diarrhoea Nov. 61 Rheumatis at Fort Henry Feb 8/62. Broke Bone fever July 1763 [1863 sic] 2. Treatment, as follows: Regimental hospital Feb. 10 62. 3. The Adjutant General's report shows: not in. 4. Discharged Sept. 18, 1864. Very respectfully, Wm. W. Dudley, Commissioner. The Surgeon General U.S.A. (8644-60 M.)."
      Report from Surgeon Generals Office: "WAR DEPARTMENT, Surgeon General's Office, Record and Pension Division, Washington, D.C. Dec. 19, 1882. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. There are no records in the Regiment named within on file in this Office, showing treatment. BY ORDER OF THE SURGEON GENERAL: B.F. Pope, Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army (123.) Per G.E. Jonson. [stamped, R.&P. Div., S.G.O. Oct 4, 1882 No. 167,366] [stamped, PENSION US OFFICE DEC 20, 1882.]"
      Report of Adjutant General: "War Department, 365,307. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, February 13, 1883. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. John Duncan, a Private of Company B, 31st Regiment Illinois Voluteers, was enrolled on the 10th day of August, 1861, at Bankston, for 3 yrs; and is reported: on Rolls from date of enrollment to Dec. 31/61 present. I am & Feb./62 absent in Saline Co. Ills. on sick furlough. On subsequent rolls to Oct. 31/62 present. Nov & Dec. 1862 Corporal present, & Similarly borne for Jan. & Feb./63. March & April/63 Sergeant present & similarly borne for May & June/63. July & Aug./63 absent in camp at Vicksburg, Miss. Sick. Sept. & Oct/63 absent at home in Saline Co. Ills. on sick furlough. On subsequent Rolls to Aug. 31/64 present. Mustered out with Detachment Sept. 18th 1864. Company was at Fort Henry, Tenn. Feb 8/62 & Camp McClermand, Ills. Nov. 30/61. Name not borne on Return for Nov/61 as absent. The Regimental hospital records shows him admitted Aug 14th 1863 with "Intermittent desposition not given. No medical certificates for furloughs on file. [?, unreadible signature] Assistant Adjutant General, [second signature, not readible] [initials in margins, M.J.D., J.Y., B, Met, W.E.]."
      Request for Records: "(No. 3) (3-061.) F.N.N. West Division E. Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, Jan 9, 1883 [date stamped ADJTUNT GENERALS OFFICE, RECEIVED, JAN. 16, 1883] Inv. No. 365,307. Respectfully requested of the ADJUTANT GENERAL U.S.A. a report from the records of his Office as to the presence or absence, on or about Nov. 61 and Summer, 1862, of Benjamin D. Lewis Asst. Surgeon & John J. Dunn and Wm. L. Dillard, Pvts, of Co. B, Ills. Vols and the station, at that date of the Regiment. Claim No. 365,307 of John Duncan Pvt. Co. B, 31 Ills. Vols. Wm. W. Dudley, Ast. Commissioner. [stamped, RECORD DIVISION U.S. PENSION OFFICE APR. 14, 1883][stamped, PENSION U S OFFICE APR. 10, 1883"
      Reply of Adjutant General's Office: "War Department, 360,307, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, Apl. 9, 1883. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Benjamin D. Lewis, a Sergant of Company B, 31 Regiment Ills Volunteers: John J. Dunn & William L. Dillard Prvs. Same Co. and reported Present on roll for Nov & Dec 61. Rolls for May 1 to Aug 31 62 Lewis pvt. Present detailed as Hospital Steward Feb 23 on Pvts Dunn and Dillard Present . (unreadible sentence faded out) July 62 Benjamin D. Lewis was pres. . (unreadible) Station of Co. Nov. 30, 61 Cairo, Ills June 30 & July 31 62 Jackson Tenn. Aug 31 on same place. EDS M. Bailn Assistant Adjutant General (2) (unreadible signature)."
      Affidavit of Dr. David Bozarth: "State of Illinois, Saline County} SS On this the 3rd day of July A.D. 1883 personally came before me a Notary Public in and for said County one David Bozarth who upon his oath states that he is a practicing physician and has been for the last 18 years and further that I am personally and well acquainted with on John Duncan late private Company B 31st Regt of Illinois Vol Infty who is an applicant for an invalid pension Claim 365,302 and that I was called to see Claimant John Duncan the 20th of December 1882. I diagnosed his case as one of Pneumatism & cetraha fever. I visited him the 21-23-24 and 25 of same month. He had very severe attacks with severe pains in breast with the usual symptoms of said disease. I did not see him again but prescribed for him several times up to the 17th of January 1883. I found him convalescing slowly with wonder pains through the breast with Bronchal trouble. Said claimant has since some time in may been able to visit my office generally about each week. He seems improving but still is suffering with pains in the chest and tendency to Diarrhea he informs me he has about 3 operations each day. My opinion is He will never be able to perform more than half labor. And further more I have no interest in said claim. My Postoffice Address is Stone Fort Saline Illinois, David Bozarth, M.D. Subscribed and Sworn before me and I certify that I have no interest in this claim no in its prosecution this 3rd day of July 1883 (Certificate on file) Elijah Croft, Notary Public. [stamped, PENSION US OFFICE JUL 9, 1883]."
      Medical Report: "Hawkins, July 1, 1 SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE 1, IN CASE OF John Duncan, Co. B, 31" Reg't Ills Vols. Application for Pension No. 365,307. Date of Examination: September 5" 1883 V.S. Benson, Examining Surgeon. Post Office, McLeansboro. County, Hamilton. State, Illinois. P.S. Write Post Office address plain and in full. [pg. 2] 1 (3-108.) 1 EXAMINING SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE IN THE CASE OF AN ORIGINAL APPLICANT. No. 365,307. Name of claimant, John Duncan. Rank, Private. Company, B. Regiment, 31st. State, Ills. Vols. EXAMINING SURGEON'S ADDRESS: Post Office, McLeansboro. County, Hamilton. State, Illinois. Date of Examination, Sept. 5th, 1883. We hereby certify that we have carefully examined this applicant, who claims that while in the service of the United States, at of near a place named Fort Henry Tennessee, and while in line of duty, on or about the 7th day of February, 1862, he incurred chronic diarrhoea, Rheumatism, & injury to right arm, and that in consequence thereof he is disabled for earning his subsistence by manual labor. He states that he is 42 years of age, that he weighs 128 pounds, and that he is 5 feet 10 inches in height. His pulse-rate per minute is 96, his respiration 19, and his temperature 99F. The examination reveals the following facts: No physical evidence of diarrhoea or results. His tongue, liver and spleen are normal. His bowels are moderately well filled and are soft. No rheumatism. No change of structure in his muscles, or joints. The second sound of the heart is barely audible, and synchronous with the first sound. A rough sound is heart at the apex of the heart and no where else. The rough sound is not loud, and only discernible. His right fore-arm has the appearance as through the radius had sustained an oblique fracture without displacement. Viz: that bone bent backward, and never was straightened. It is very slightly bent at the lower third. On percussion over his back, the sound is dull over the upper half. The balance of the chest is fairly resonant. Respiration is feeble all over his lungs; barely audible over the back, and interupted (sic) over the upper lobe of the left in front. His body is poorly nourished. His muscles are soft. His general appearance is that of impaired health. His debitatuted (sic) general appearance is that of impaired health. His debititated (sic) and impoverished condition is in probability due to his lungs. From the condition and history of the claimant, it is our opinion that disability was _ incurred in the service as claimed, and that it is not aggravated or protracted by vicious habits. We find the disability as above described to entitled him to one fourth rating is for injury to right fore-arm. Augustus DeFroe, Marion C. Dale, Valentine J. Bension, Examining Surgeon. Always forward a certificate of examination whether a disability is found to exist or not."
      Letter of William Dudley, Commissioner to Mitchellsville Postmaster: "West Div. H.W. Ex'r. (3-083.) State: _ Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, Washington, D.C. Nov. 1, 1883. [stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV 13, 1883] Sir: Please be so kind as to inform this Office, BY INDORSEMENT ON THE BACK OF THIS LETTER, as to the standing in the community, and the general reputation for truth, of Dr. Benj. Lewis of your County, affiant in Invalid pension claim No. 365,307, of John Duncan of Co. B, 31 Reg't Ills. Vols. Your early reply will be thankfully received as substantial assistance to this Office in arriving at the truth and justice of the case. Very respectfully, Wm. W. Dudley, Commissioner. P.M. Mitchellsville, Ills. - [Reply on back of return letter] Mitchellsville, Ill 11/10/83. Sir in reply to enquiry would state that Dr. Benj. Lewis stands high in this community in regard to truth & respectability, Yours truly, Jno. Hill, P.M."
      Letter of William Dudley, Commissioner to Stone Fort Postmaster: "Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, Washington, D.C. Nov. 1, 1883. [stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV 13, 1883] Sir: Please be so kind as to inform this Office, BY INDORSEMENT ON THE BACK OF THIS LETTER, as to the standing in the community, and the general reputation for truth, of W.L. Dillard, John J. Dunn & Dr. David Bozart of your County, affiant in Invalid pension claim No. 365,307, of John Duncan of Co. B, 31 Reg't Ills Vols. Your early reply will be thankfully received as substantial assistance to this Office in arriving at the truth and justice of the case. Very respectfully, Wm. W. Dudley, Commissioner. P.M. Stone Fort, Ills. - [Reply on back of return letter] Stone Fort, Ill. Nov. 7, 1883. W.W. Dudley, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir - The Reputation for truth and standing of M.L. Dillard good, John J. Dunn very good, Dr. D. Bozarth medium. Yours truly, John Ridgway, PM."
      Letter of William Dudley, Commissioner to Dr. Lewis: "West Div. E. Hawkins Ex'r Invalid No. 365,307 John Duncan Co. B, 31 Reg't Ills. Vols Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE [stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV 30, 1883] Washington, D.C. Nov 3, 1883. Return this letter with your reply. Sir: You appear as a witness in the above mentioned claim. With return of this letter be kind enough to state all you know about claimant suffering with diarrhoea rheumatism and an injury to his right arm while in the service. And to what extent each of the alleged disabilities disabled him for duty and whether he had fully recovered from any of said diseases at the date of his discharge from the service also state all you may know about him suffering from either of said diseases since his discharge. An early reply will be appreciated. Very respectfully. Wm. Dudley, Commissioner sf. Dr. Benj. Lewis, Mitchelsville, Ills."
      Reply of Benjamin D. Lewis, M.D.: "Pope County, Ill. Nov. 24th 1883. In reply to the foregoing inquiry I have the honor of saying to you that memory is necessarily a frail bridge for facts to crofs on and lose nothing when the time spanned is over 20 years. But I know from personal observation and correct recollection that the within named John Duncan while a soldier in the U.S. service during the war of 1861-1865 had Diarrhoea and Rheumatism. I do not now recall any thing relative to injury of right arm. The above diseases kept him from duty more or less during the three years he served but just what proportion of time both or either disabled him I can not say. He was a non-veteran on account of said diseases and quite punny therefrom at the time of his discharge at the end of his three years service. Respectfully, Benjamin D. Lewis, M.D."
      Affidavit of John Duncan: "State of Illinois, Saline County} SS. On this 28th day of November 1883 before me a County Clerk in and for Said County and State personally appeared John Duncan who after being by me duly sworn according to law Says that he is the identical John Duncan who was a private in Co. B, 31st Regt Ills Vols and whose application for pension is No. 365307 - and that the reason he cannot furnish medical evidence as to what his physical condition has been each year since 1865 to 1882 is that his family physician Dr. S.C. Golden is dead and he says had no other regular Physician for his said diseases that he used medicine from drug stores only. The reason that he cannot furnish the evidence of his Regimental Surgeon is that he Regimental Surgeon is dead, that he name was S.M. Whitnel with Dr. D.B. Lewis Evidence is on file. John Duncan. Sworn to and Subscribed to before me the day and year first above written and I hereby certify that the affiant is the person he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in this claim and that the interlineration of the named surgeon was made before being sworn. W.E. Burnett, County Clerk. [stamped, PENSION US OFFICE DEC 4, 1883]"
      Affidavit of Jasper Sisk: "State of Illinois, Saline County, } SS On this 24 day of December 1883 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State personally appeared Jasper Sisk who after being by me duly sworn according to law upon his oath says that he is personally acquainted with John Duncan who was a member of Co. B, 31st Regt. Ills. Vols. and whose application for Pension is No. 365,307 and that he has been personally acquainted with him since his discharge in 1864 up to the present time. Each year he has known said Soldier. Each year Since his discharge That said soldier has suffered each year from Rheumatism and chronic dirarreheor that has been unable to do manual labor at least one half the time. Each year since his discharge on account of said disease that he knows the facts above stated from his acquaintance with said Soldier being a close neighbor to him and having labored with him frequently and having seen him very often each year from 1864 to the present time he resides in Saline County Illinois his post office address is Stonefort Ills. That he has no interest in this claim. Jasper his X mark Sisk. Subscribed and sworn before me the day and year first above mentioned and I hereby certify that the affiant is respectable and entitled to credit and that I have no interest in this claim. DeWitt C. Smith, Justice of the Peace. (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE JAN 2, 1884)."
      Affidavit of John D. Choat: "State of Illinois, Saline County, December 1883} On this 27th day of Dec. before me a justice of the peace in and for said county and State personally appeared John D. Choat who after being by me sworn according to law under his oath says that he is personally acquainted with John Duncan who was a member of Co. B 31st Regt Ills Vol. and whose application for pension is No. 365,307 and that he has been personally acquainted with him since his discharge in 1864 up to the present time and the he has know said soldier each year since his discharge. That said soldier has suffered each year from Rheumatism and Chronic Diarrea. That he has been unable to do manual labor at least one half his time each year since. That he knows the facts above stated from his acquaintance with said soldier being close neighbor to him and having labored with him regularly and having seen him very often each year from 1864 to the present time. That he resides in Saline County Illinois my Post Office address is Stone Fort, Saline County. That I have no interest in this claim. John D. Choat. Subscribed and Sworn before me the day and year first above written above and I certify that the affiant is responsible and entitled to credit and I have no interest in this claim. DeWitt C. Smith, Justice of the Peace. CERTIFICATE OF MAGISTRACY - STATE OF ILLINOIS, Saline COUNTY,} SS. I, W.E. Burnett Clerk of the County Court, in and for said County, do hereby certify that DeWitt C. Smith Esq., is a Justice of the Peace in said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and whose acts as such are entitled to credit; that his commission bears date of Jany 20 A.D. 1883, and will expire 1st Monday in Decr A.D. 1885. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Harrisburg in said County, this 28th day of December A.D. 1883. W.E. Burnett Clerk."
      Invalid Pension Authorization Form: "(3-125.) ORIGINAL INVALID PENSION. Claimant, John Duncan. P.O., Stone Fort, County, Saline, State, Ills. { Rank, Pvt. Company, B Regiment, 31 Ills. Vols. Attorney, F.S. Finney, Oak, Ills. Fee. $_ Rate, $_ per month, commencing Sept 19, 1864. Disabled by chronic diarrhoea & Rheumatism. Submitted Jan 5 1884, by Hawkins, F.H., Examiner. For admission. Enlisted Aug 10, 1861. Mustered_, Discharged Sept 18, 1964. Declaration filed May 14, 1880. Last material evidence filed _. .. Not in military or naval service since Sept 18, 1864, when discharged. Affidavit filed Feb 28, 82. Writes. BASIS OF CLAIM. Alleges in declaration filed May 14, 1880 diarrhoea Nov 1861 Rheumatism from exposure to water while constructing a bridge across a pond near Fort Henry and injury to right arm (writ)."
      Letter of William L. Dillard: "Stonefort, Ills. May 1st 1884. Sir In the Invalid Pension Claim of John Duncan Co. B 31st Regt. Ills. Vols. No. 365,307. I was called on to state the degree of disability of Rheumatism and injury to wrist and chronic diarrhea the latter disease I can make a statement from Personal knowledge having served with said claimant during his term of inlistment (sic) and am now living within two miles of said claimant. Have every reason to beliave (sic) that said soldier is not able to maintain a living by manual labor. As to Rheumatism and injury to wrist I am not able to state. I have no Interest in the claim either directly or indirectly. Yours Respectfully, William L. Dillard. W.W. Dudley, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C."
      Notes sheet dated 1884: "A.C.P. No. 1883. Stonefort, Ills., May 1-84, Dillard Wm. L., Claim #365,307. John Duncan, Co. "B" 31 Ills. Gives his testimony in favor of claimant. Not interested in result. L.D. CO. Feb 5 -84. 365,307 John Duncan B - 31 Ills. [stamped, WASHINGTON RECORD 5 MAY 4 PM 1884.] [stamped PENSION US OFFICE MAY 5, 1884]."
      Notice to John Duncan of Special Examination: "(3-459.) Department of the Interior, OFFICE OF SPECIAL EXAMINER U. S. PENSION BUREAU, At Harrisburg, Saline Co.,, Ills. November 20, 1885. NOTICE OF SPECIAL EXAMINATION. Case of John Duncan No. 365,307. To John Duncan, Claimant: You are hereby notified that, by order of the Commissioner of Pensions, the undersigned will, on the 20th day of November, A.D. 1885 and continuing thereafter as long as may be necessary, at Harrisburg, County of Saline and State of Illinois, and elsewhere if necessary, conduct a special examination of the aforesaid pension claim, at which time and place all material witnesses will be heard. And you are further notified that you have the privilege of being present, in person or by attorney, during said special examination, and of cross-examining said witnesses and of introducing any material material evidence on your own behalf, if you so desire. L.W. Pagenhoff, Special Examiner. F.W. Pagenhoff, Spl. Ex'r I acknowledge service of copy of above notice this 20th day of November 1885 and desire the examination to begin at once. John Duncan."
      Deposition of John Duncan: "(3-446.) DEPOSITION, Case of John Duncan, No. 365,307. On this twentieth day of November, 1885, at Harrisburg, County of Saline, State of Illinois, before me, F.W. Lagenhoff, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John Duncan, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrgatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: that he is forty-five years of age, a farmer, by origination. Post-office address, Golaconda, Pope Co., Ills. I am an applicant for pension on account of disability resulting from rheumatism, and chronic diarrhea contracted while in its military service, and for injury to my right wrist received in the service and the line of duty. I enlisted August 10, 1861, in Co. B, 31st Ills. Vols. Before enlisting, I lived near Mitchellsville, Saline Co., Ills., and worked for my father at farming. My health at that time was good. I never had anything like a spell of sickness, except a few chills, until I went into the army. My father's family physician was Dr. S.L. Cheaney of Harrisburg, Ills. I first had diarrheoa at Cairo, Ills. during November 1861 and was treated by Dr. McClark, a contract surgeon who I am informed is dead. I was also treated by Acting Surgeon Dr. Millian, and by Dr. Benj. D. Lewis, who was a private in our company. I got partially over this attack, about the 10th of February 1862. I contract rheumatism at Fort Henry, Tenn. We were building a kind of a bridge there and I worked in water all day and stood ? in the rain. The next morning I was sick and not able for duty. I had rheumatism all over. My wrist and arm were injured and I had it in my shoulder, hip and back. I was treated there a little by Dr. B.D. Lewis, and then put on a Government transfer with other sick and wounded, and sent to Cairo, Ills. I was treated by some Government doctor on the Steamer. I stayed in Cairo about a week, on the steamer and then was examined by some Government doctor, and sent home on sick furlough for thirty days. My furlough was extended for thirty more days. While home, I was treated by Dr. Stander and Dr. Barnes of Mitchellsville, Ills. Both are dead. They treated me for rheumatism and diarrhea both. At the ending the sixty days I reported to my company at Fort Donelson, Tenn. I was partially able for duty; was excused off and on; and had my ? ? in wagons. I was treated on and off all the time by Dr. Lewis and McClark, Millian, and others for pheumatism and diarrhea. At Vicksburg, Miss. In July 1863, I took the break-bone disease and was treated maybe for a month at the Q.M.'s Dept. I was acting ordinance Sergeant then. I was furloughed home again for thirty days; and took the Forest Queen at Vicksburg, Miss. For Cairo. John Duncan, Deponent. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of _ 188_, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to the deponent before signing. F.W. Lagenhoff, Special Examiner."
      Deposition of John Duncan: "(3-446.) DEPOSITION A, Case of John Duncan, No. 365,367. . (blanked out area) Continued (from above) At Cairo, Ills., I took the steamer "May Duke" for Golconda, Ills. on the night of the 29th August when on the way to Golconda while I was sort of walking along on the deck of the boat, going for the scuttle-hole, to care my barrels, I stumbled over some lumber or rubbish on the boat, and fell on my right arm; that is, in falling. I then moved my might on my right hand, and dislocated one of the bones of my right wrist. Several the boys on the boat tied my hands. They were Lewis Stiff and O.G. Randolph, men of my company. Stiff died after he come out of the army and Randolph was killed in battle. I didn't know anyone living who was present on that boat that night. Dr. S.C. Golden of Mitchellsville, Ills. applied some remedy to reduce the inflammation. He is dead also. I think he treated me for diarrhea, too. I think my furlough was again extended thirty days. I returned to my regiment at Black River, Miss. In November 1863. I think I did off and on after that. Sometimes I was excused and continued detailed 9 mos. Discharged Sept. 18, 1864 at East Point, La. I told Capt. W.D. Largent that I wasn't able to return on account of my disabilities. Since my discharge I have lived mostly in Saline Co., Ills. and have been trying to farm a little. I have been troubled most with rheumatism and in very warm weather I am troubled with diarrhea. I have been hard up frequently with rheumatism, in times, hips and muscles of the chest, and shoulder. Sometimes, In the winter season and in Spring it is worst, except when the weather is mild. Dr. Golden treated me from my discharge up to his death about 1866. Dr. Bozarth of Stone Fort, Ill. And Dr. L.L. Cheany of Harrisburg, Ill. Treated me at different times; and Dr. B.D. Lewis of Golconda, Pope Co., Ills. has prescribed for me tar. I don't think I have made more than half a hand since my discharge on account of my rheumatism and diarrhea both. Please give names of witnesses, and their post office addresses, who you wish to have examined in support of your claim and what you expect to establish by their testimony. B.D. Lewis, Golconda, Pope Co., Ill. Origin W.W. Largent, Harrisburg, Ill. John Duncan, Deponent. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of _ 188_, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. L.W. Lagenhoff, Special Examiner. W.L. Dillard, Stone Fort, Saline Co., Ills. Original. Dr. David Bozarth, " ". " Treatment, Dr. S.L. Cheaney, Harrisburg, " " Since discharge " John J. Dunn, Harrisburg, Ill. Origin and examination. I Do now wish to be present or represented by attorney at the examination of the witnesses in this special investigation of your claim for pension. I will be present whenever I can. John Duncan, Deponent. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. F.W. Pagenhoff, Special Examiner. Page 9, Dep. C, #365,307."
      Deposition of W.W. Largent: "(3-446.) DEPOSITION, Case of John Duncan, No. 365,307. On this twenty-third day of November 1885 at Harrisburg, County of Saline, State of Illinois, before me, F.W. Lagenhoff, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared W.W. Largent, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrigateries propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: that he is forty-six years of age; a miller by occupation; post office address, Harrisburg, Saline Co., Ills. I enlisted August, 1861 in Co. B, 31st Ill. Vol.; was orderly sergeant the company from early in 1862 to early 1863; then First Lieut. and in charge of the company until mustered out - was mustered a Captain in April 1865. I knew claimant, John Duncan well before the War and I don't remember what his condition was at enlistment. I don't remember much about him in the service. I don't remember his having the diarrhea. I do remember that he wasn't stout for a long time; but didn't know what he complained of. I remember about having a talk with him about re-entering as a veteran; and I remember he told me he would return if it wasn't for his rheumatism. I think he complained of rheumatism in leg and hip; that is my recollection. I don't remember when or where he first complained of it. I think I retired him from duty once on account of it. I don't know anything about his injury to arm or wrist, or that he suffered from such injury at any time while in the service. I don't remember it. I have seen him on the average about once a year since his discharge and don't know anything or to his condition since. I am not related to claimant and have no interest in his claim for pension. W.W. Largent, Deponent. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. F.W. Lagenhoff, Special Examiner."
      Deposition of Dr. Benjamin W. Lewis: "DEPOSITION, Case of John Duncan, No. 365,307. On this twenty third day of November 1885 at Harrisburg, County of Saline, State of Illinois, before me, F.W. Lagenhoff, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Benjamin W. Lewis, M.D., who being being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrigateries propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: that he is fifty-seven years of age, a practicing physician, post office address is Golconda, Pope Co., Illinois. I enlisted, August 1861 in Co. B, 31st Ill. Inf., as a private. I was detached in the fall of 1861 - November- to service in the regimental hospital. My position was rather ?. Sometimes they would retain me as a nurse, and sometimes as a druggist, and after the capture of our Assistant Surgeon at the battle of Belmont, Nov. 7, 1861, I performed the duties of assistant surgeon until I was discharged, September 1864. I was never commissioned as assistant surgeon, but was discharged as a private. I became intimately acquainted with John Duncan, claimant. After our enlistment in 1861. In the commencement of the service, he seemed to be in good health. Later evidence of in the fall of 1861, at Cairo, Ills. he took the diarrhea. I don't remember that I served with him there. I think I did at various times and places after that. I remember that he was left back with me at Fort Henry in February 1862, on account of diarrhea. He had rheumatism also at that time. We were taking to get in timbers, or building a cardrury road, one along near Fort Henry and from that experience I believe he got pheumatism. He was treated for pheumatism then by L.A. McCook, a contract surgeon who is dead. I treated him myself more or less. I treated the boys of our own company more times than everbody else. They came to me generally. I was a practicing physician for about six years before I entered the army. Duncan was sent away on some boat, on the account of sickness. I don't know where he was sent to. The next time I recollect seeing him again was at Pottsbury Landing April 1862. He was able to go I think with his regiment at that time. He was troubled more or less all the time with pheumatism and chronic diarrhea; never was very stout after that. He was a non-veteran on that account. I know that is the reason he told me, and his health indicated it. I don't think the surgeon would have received him. I don't know that he received any wounds or injury while in the service. We returned from the service together. We never lived more than a few miles apart, and for the last three years never lived about a half mile apart. I have treated him some, and have treated his mother and family. He has complained of rheumatism since his discharge; and occasionally of chronic diarrhea. I have prescribed medicine for him, but have not given him regular treatment, either. I should say that he hasn't been able to be Benjamin D. Lewis, M.D. Deponent. Sworn to and subscribed before me this _ day of _ 188_, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. L W. Pagenhoff, Special Examiner. Over half a hand since he came out of the service. He genually complains of rheumatism in back and hips, and I have ? him at times to have interational rheumatism. His ???? I am not related to claimant and have no interest in his claim. Benjamin D. Lewis, M.D. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of November 1885, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. F.W. Pagenhoff, Special Examiner. Page 23, Dep. Q #365,307."
 

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