Duncans in the Civil War - Illinois - James Coleman Duncan; Part 1

Civil War Records, James Coleman Duncan (Researched and transcribed by Garland D. Vinyard, posted with his permission, his comments)
      National Archives, General Index to Pension Files 1861-1934, Series T-288, Roll 133 - Duncan, Coleman, Co. F, 29th Illinois Inf.; Invalid 1882, August 28, Application #458346, Certification # 270997, IL.
      Pension Record of Coleman Duncan
      The National Archives Soldier's Certificate: "THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES SOLDIER'S CERTIFICATE No. 270997 VETERAN Coleman Duncan RANK Priv. SERVICE Co. F 29th Ill. Inf. CAN NO. 5372 BUNDLE NO. 3"
      Letter to Administrator of Pensions: "458,346 War Department, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, April 11, 1883. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Coleman Duncan, a private of Company F, 29th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, who enrolled on the 14th day of August, 1861, at Golconda, for 3 yrs. and is reported, on muster rolls of lec. To Feb. 28, 1862, present. March and Apl. 1862, absent on furlough. May and June 1862, present, and same to Aug. 31, 1862. Sept. and Oct. 1862, absent, sick in Gen. Hospital, Jackson, Tenn. Nov. and Dec. 1862, present. Jan and Feb. 1863, absent without leave. March and April 1863, present; was absent without leave from Jan. 15 to March 24, 1863. May and June 1863, present; returned volentarily. July and Aug. 1863 absent on furlough. Sept. and Oct. 1863, absent sick, in Pope Co., Ills. Nov. and Dec. 1863 absent without leave, and same to Feb. 29, 1864. March and April 1864, present under charges for absence without leave. May and June 1864, present, awaiting decision of Court Martial. Regimental return for March, 1862 reports him amoung those wounded and sick. Mustered out with non-veterans Sept. 1, 1864 (to date) Aug. 27, 1864, at Natchez, Miss. No evidence of injury 1861 as alleged. Nature of sickness 62 and furlough Aug. 63 not stated. No Regt Hospl. Records or Med. Certificates for furloughs 62 and 63 on file. [unreadible signature] (initials in left margin, S.Y. J.T. V.R.B. H.E.)"
      Affidavit of George B. Harner: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of original invalid pension claim No. 458,346 in which Colman Duncan late pri. Co. "F" 29th Regiment Illinois Vols. Infty. is Claimant, personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid George B. Harner, late a comrade in Co. F 29th Ills. Vet. Vols. Infty. aged 40 years and whose post office address is Lusk, Ills. and also Lewis C. Conley also a comrade whose age is 42 years and whose post office address is Golconda Ills. and being duly sworn in relation to said claim make the following statement as follows to wit. I knew Coleman Duncan prior to enlistment as a stout man and at date of enlistment and also at date of muster at Camp Butler, Ills. in the 17th day of August 1861. I well remember that during the month of August 1861, while in camp of instruction at Camp Butler and during drill and when the company was being run at double quick time said soldier received a hurt on his shin bone by striking it against a stump that was on the drill ground. And I further state he complained of said injury and it finally resulted in an ugly ulcer or sore and prostrated him in Hospital on the arrival of the Regiment at Cario, Ills. Our means of knowledge of said hurt was as eye witnesses and also from the circumstance that our orderly sergeant Spencer Maynaro by his showing out on drill and making the company run over brush and bad places and his abuse to comrades and our intimate acquaintance. R.S. Alliston." [ED - apparently the bottom of this sheet was lost in photocopy, which should have the signatures of the affiants.]
      Affidavit of Coleman Duncan: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. On this day personally appeared before me a Clerk of the County Court the same being a Court of record and for the County and State same aforesaid Coleman Duncan aged 53 years a resident of Pope County Illinois who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Coleman Duncan who was enrolled on the 14th day of August 1861 in Co. "F" of the 29th Ill. Vol. Inft. and was honorably discharged at Natchez, Miss. on the 27th day of August A.D. 1864, that his personal description is as follows: Age 53 years; height five feet 8 1/2 inches; Complexion Dark; hair light; eyes blue. That while in the service of the United States and a member of the organization aforesaid and in line of his duty at Camp Butler Ill. ? while on drill he received an injury to the left leg below the knee on or about the last days of August 1861. And while at Cairo, Illinois on or about the 10th day of September 1861. He was treated for the same by Regt. Surgeon 29th Ill. and while at Fort Donaldson Tenn on or about the 18th day of March 1862 he taken sick with jaundice, diarrhea and injury to leg, by Asst. Surgeon Johnson. Then was sent to Paducah, Ky and while at Paducah Ky on or about the 3rd day of March 1862 received a sick furlough for 60 days to visit home. And on or about the last days of May 1862 he partially recovered and returned to his company and did light duty until his discharge from the service of the U.S. and was treated in Hospital as follows in Regiment Hospital at Jackson Tenn during the latter part of October 1862. Then was transferred to Genl. Hospital No. 3 Jackson Tenn and was treated in said Hospital during the month of Nov. 1862. And again was treated in St. Louis Mo. by Dr. Mills for fever called break bone fever. Then partially recovered and repeatly treated by Dr. Philip B. Cheany also surgeon of said Regiment, until on or about 25 day August 1863, when I received a sick furlough for 60 days and was treated while at home in said furlough by Dr. Koch of Golconda, Ills. until on or about the month of March 1864 and was discharged from the service in bad heath on or about the 27th day of August 1864. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise than as stated above. That since leaving the service this applicant has resided in the State of Illinois and his occupation has been that of a Farmer. That prior to his entry into the service above named was a man of good sound physical health being when enrollled a Farmer. That he is now disabled form obtaining his substance by manual labor by reason of reoccurant attacks of diarrhea and piles and constipuline of the bowels. Violet pains in the small of the back neck and shoulders and rheumatism and injuries of the left leg below the knee received while in the service of the United States as aforesaid. And he therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed in the invalid Pension roll of the United States. He hereby appoints James S. Finney of Oak Pope Co. Ills. his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim. That he has received no pension nor made no former application for the same. That his Post office address is Golcenda, Pope County, Illinois. Attest: Elisha Baugh, Robert Duncan} Coleman Duncan. Also personally appeared Elisha Baugh and Robert Duncan of Pope County Illinois persons whom I cerify to be respectable and entitled to Credit; and being by me duly sworn according to law, say that they were present and saw Coleman Duncan, the claimant, sign his name to the foregoing Declaration; and 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 are not interested in the prosecution of this claim. Elisha Baugh, Robert Duncan. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of August A.D. 1887, and I hereby certify that the contents of the same were fully made known and explained to applicants and witnesses before swearing; and that I am not interested in the prosecution direct or indirect. William V. Eldridge, County Clerk. By Pem V. Frovellion, DC. Decu (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE AUG 28, 1882)."
      Request of Pension Commissioner for information: "West Div. (INVALID) M.D. (3-062.) Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, Oct. 30, 1882. Sir: Please furnish this Office a report of hospital treatment in the Claim No. 458,346, of Coleman Duncan, late a Priv. Co. "F", 29 Illinois Vols., from the date given below. 1. Disability from injury to left leg at Camp Butler, Ills. Aug/61. Also contracted jaundice & diarrhea at Fort Donaldson, Tenn. March 1, 1862. 2. Treatment, as follows: Regimental Hospital at Cairo, Ills. Sept. 10, 1864. Regt. Hosp'l. at Jackson, Tenn. Oct, 1862, also Genl. Hospl. No. 3 Jackson, Tenn. Nov/62. Also St. Louis, Mo. 3. The Adjutant General's report: this day called for. 4. Discharged Aug. 27, 1864. Very respectfully, Wm. W. Dudley, Commissioner. The Surgeon General U.S.A."
      Reply from Surgeon General's Office: "WAR DEPARTMENT, Surgeon General's Office, Record and Pension Division, Washington, D.C. Nov. 13, 1882. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions with request for the additional data indicated below, which are necessary for a satisfactory examination of records in this case, viz: Description of and date of treatment in Hospital at St. Louis, Mo. BY ORDER OF THE SURGEON GENERAL: B.F. Pope, Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A. (126), A.K. (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV 17, 1882 and R.&P. Div., S.G.O. NOV 1,1882 No. 163,672."
      Surgeon's Examination: "(3-108.) 1 EXAMINING SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE 1 IN THE CASE OF AN ORIGINAL APPLICANT. No. of Application, 458346. State: Illinois. County: Pope Post Office: Golconda, March 14, 1883. I hereby certify That I have carefully examined Coleman Duncan, late a Priv. Co. F, 29th Reg't. Ills. Vols. in the service of the United States, who is an APPLICANT for an invalid pension by reason of alleged disability resulting from Injury to left leg, Jaundice & Diarrhea. In my opinion the said applicants degree of disability is total 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 incurrable. A more particular description of the applicant's condition is subjoined: Height 5-8 1/2; weight, 140; complexion, dark; age, 54; pulse, 78 hard full; respiration, 24. Has old scars covering auterium portion of shin of left leg when there has been an ulcer. Muscles atrophird skin attached to thin bone. There is scarred veins at internal malulus and will ulcrate soon. Lives right side enlarged hard not sensative, skin shallow. Eye balls slightly discolored (lingering gauze). Abdomun swolen hard. Lympantic slightly tender. All over abdomen none marked over stomach and left illic fasea, has piles & tumars sizes cherries very unstable. Slight exconation pres. oozing from auus spheymctes relaxed. He says for most of time bowels loose. Dyspeptic abdomun & stomach swell frequently so much cannot were clothing fastened around body. Frequent attacks of palpetatim, complains weak nerves feeling in back. Injury to left leg 1/4, Hepatic disease 1/4, chronic diarrhea & resulting piles 1/2. H.W. McCoy, Examining Surgeon. 1 SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE 1 IN CASE OF Coleman Duncan Priv. Co. F, 29 Reg't Ills. Vol. Application for Pension. No. 458,346. Date of Examination: March 14th 1883. H.W. McCoy Examining Surgeon. Total. Post Office, Golconda, County, Pope. State, Illinois."
      Affidavit of Dr. S.L. Chainey: "State of Ills., County of Saline} SS. In case of Orig: Invalid Claim No. 458346 of Pvt. Coleman Duncan Co. F, 29th Reg. Ill. Vol. Infty. Personally came before me, a Court Clerk, in & for afore- named State & Co. Dr. S.L. Cheaney, whose P.O. address is Harrisburg, Saline Co. Ills. and who is a regular practicing Physician of said County and after being duly sworn according to law in his own hand writing makes the following statement. Viz. I knew Coleman Duncan before the late war. Was his family physician in 1859-60-61 up to the date I entered the service. I regarded him as sound & healthy at that time. I met him in 1862 about the 15th or 20th or there about of May as we were avancing on Corrinth Miss. At- that- time he reported to me with an ulcer on his left leg. He was also anemic & his legs were ordematous. I though him afflicted with scurvey at time. I treated him for diarrhea & ulcer of left leg for some time. Do not now remember how long. I lost sight of claimant in 1863 while regiment was captured and at St. Louis Mo. I am not related to claimant nor interested in prosecution of this claim. Sam. L. Cheaney, M.D. Late Surg. In 29th Ills. Vol. Inft. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 17th day of March A.D. 1883 and I certify I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of the above claim. W.E. Burnettt, County Clerk. RS 1-2 (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV 2, 1883)."
      Affidavit of Dr. Robert W. Sherrod: "State of Ills., County of Saline} SS. In the claim for Invalid pension No. 458346 of Colman Duncan of Co. "F" 29th Regt. Ill Vol. Infty. Personally came before me Henry L. Von Linn a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State above named, Robert W. Sherrod, M.D. a resident of Saline County and State of Ill. Who after being duly sworn according to law. Says that he was well acquainted with Coleman Duncan and that on or about the 1st of December 1861, said soldier reported to the Regt. Hospital at Cario, Ill and was treated for Diarrhea how long the treatment continued he does not remember. He further states that his opertunities for knowing were that he was well acquainted with said Coleman Duncan and was Regimental Hospital Steward at that time. He further states that during the summer and fall of 1867, he treated said soldier for chronic diarrhea and he believes that during the period of treatment which extended over eight months said soldier was totally unable to perform manual labor. And that he is not interested in the prosecution of said claim directly or indirectly, and his Post office is Harrisburg, Saline Co., Illinois. R.W. Sherrod, M.D. Late 1st Liet. Co. "D" 29 Regt Ill Vol Infty. State of Illinois, Saline County} Ss. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of March AD 1883. I also certify that I believe the above named R.W. Sherrod M.D. to be responsible and entitled to full credit certificate of my official character and file in Pension office in the claim of John M. Lockwood No. 106852. I further certify that I have not interest in this claim either direct or indirect. W.L. Von Linen, Justice of the Peace. 2-3."
      Affidavit of Peter Belford: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS In the matter of original invalid pension claim No. 458.346 invalid for Private Coleman Duncan late Co "F" 29th Regt. Illinois Vols. Infty., is claimant. Personally appeared before me a County Clerk in and for said County and State late Capt. Peter Belford Co. "F" 29th Ills. Vols. Infty. whose Post office address is Golconda Ills. who is reputable and entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn according to law makes the following statement to wit. I am personally and well acquainted with Coleman Duncan who served in the same Company and Regiment in the late war of 1861. And I Do know that in or about the 1st of November 1862. Claimant was suffering from the effects of sore leg and was unfit and unable for duty and my recollection is that he continued to complain of this disability until discharged from the service. I further state that he was suffering, diarrhea and was unfit for duty the greater portion of the time he was in the service. He applied to me or the Captain for a discharge about this time and I remember I reccommended him to the Drs. To have him discharged. I further state I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this Claim and am not related to Claimant. Peter Belford, late Capt. "F" Co. 29" Ills. Vols. Subscribed and sworn before me this 3rd day of April 1883 and I certify that said affiant is a respectfully and entitled to credit and a good reliable (?, covered with seal) Penn V. Trouvillion, Clerk of the County Court. {seal}."
      Notes from Pension Office: "U.S. Pension Office. Memo. Claimant alleges that the ulcers in his left leg are results of an injury he received by striking that leg against a stump in the drill ground at Camp Butler, near Cairo, Ills., in Aug. 1861 (the same month he enlisted). Two comrades testify to the injury, but there is no record of it anywhere - tho. the client served over three years after that. It would seem - certainly- rather improbable that there were stumps on the drill grounds in the City of Cairo - over which soldiers could fall. It seems to me a very unsatisfactory way of accounting for the ulcers, but the soldier had ulcers in his left leg when he was in the service, and the record shows he also had scurvy - a desease which, naturally, might proceed ulcers. I have approved for disease of left leg, because it is shown it existed in the service and, accepting either theory as to its origin, it was incurred in time of duty - if not due to scurvy."
      Affidavit of Dr. Benjamin D. Lewis (second page and date missing): "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of original invalid pension claim No. 458.346 in which Coleman Duncan late private Co. F 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty. is claimant personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County and State Dr. Benjamin D. Lewis whose Post office address is Golconda Pope County Ill. who I certify to be reputable and further who is a regular practicing physician who being duly sworn in relation to said claim states as follows to wit. I have practiced medicine ever since the year 1856, am acquainted with Coleman Duncan the claimant above named and treated him professionally in the autumn of 1878 for diarrhea and was well acquainted with the fact that he was totally incapacitated for manual labor during the entire fall season as a result of said disease. I have no interest in this claim and am not related to claimant in any way whatever. Benjamin D. Lewis, M.D. Sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and I certify that he wrote the statement himself before swearing thereunto and that I have no interest either direct ." (part missing).
      Affidavit of Anson and Fanny Conley: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of original invalid pension claim No. 458346 in which private Coleman Duncan late Co. "F" 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty. is claimant. Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County and State Anson B. Conley & Fanny Conley whose Post office address is Golconda Ills. who I know to be reputable and entitled to credit who being duly sworn declares as follows to wit. I know Coleman prior to enlistment in the 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty. and knew him as a stout able bodied man free from effects of sore on ? of left leg and free from disease from diarrhea and other ailments of which he is now badly affected. I remember in 1863 he came to Golconda Ills from the army on sick furlough and was unable to get home by reason of Fever scurvy and chronic diarrhea and I went with my wagon and halled (sic) him to his home in Pope County Ills, where he remained sick for about six months. I very well remember that at the time he was discharged he came home in a bad health and laboring under diseases and had an ugly ulcer in his left leg. And was suffering from diarrhea and other ailments and I further state that he has continued to suffer from the effects of said desease from 1864 to the present time. I know the above facts by reason of living a near neighbor to him and by often seeing him and hearing him complain and further by seeing him trying to work and perform manual labor. I have known claimant continuous by year by year since discharge and until the present time and at each date from 1864 said disabilities have incapacitated said claimant for the performance of manual labor at least _ until now he is totally unfit and unable to obtain his substance by manual labor. I further declare I have no interest in the prosecution of said claim. A.B. Conley. Fanny her X mark Conley. Witness Uriah J.W. Gleley. Subscribed and sworn to before me on this day and I certify that said affiant duly understood the contents of the foregoing affidavit before swearing thereto, that I have no interest in the prosecution of said claim. That Clerks Certificate is on file in Increase Claim No. 172573 of Robt. Sallisten. Witness hand & seal this October 19th day 1883. Robert Duncan, Notary Public."
      Affidavit of William Deal: "State of Illinois, Pope County} In the matter of original invalid pension Claim No. 458346 in which Prvt. Coleman Duncan late Co. F 29th Regt Ills Vet Vols Infty is Claimant personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for said County and State above named William Deal whose Post office address is Lusk, Ills and who I know to be reputable and entitled to credit who being duly sworn declares as follows to wit. I have known Coleman Duncan continueously from the day he was discharged and arrived at home from the 29th Ills Vet Vols Infty until the present time. To the best of my recollection he came home in Sept. 1864 and I remember he was in very bad health from effects of diarrhea and ulcer and other ailments and I well remember he was unfit and unable to perform physical labor. I know this by reason of his locating near me and by reason of performing labor with him prior to entering the army and also after his being discharged from the service and further by living a neighbor to him . (part missing from copy) or interest in the prosecution of said Claim. County Clerks Certificate on file in Claim No. 172573 of R.S. Alliston Witness hand and seal this the 20th day of October 1883. Robert Duncan, Notary Public. (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV. 2, 1883)."
      Affidavit of Coleman Duncan: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. On this day personally appeared before me a _ in and for the County and State above named, Coleman Duncan late Private Co. F 29th Regt. Ills. vols Infty and after being duly sworn in regard to his pension Claim No. 458346 as follows to wit. I got my left leg hurt on the shin bone by being double quicked in close column while on drill at Camp Butler, Ills about the last of August 1861 by falling or striking it on a stump and it resulted in a sore or inflamatory ulcer which placed me in Hospital at Cairo Ills and I was treated for the same by Asst. Surg. F.J. Johnson. I also was sick with diarrhea and received treatment for same. When the Regiment was ordered to Fort Henry & Fort Donelson I was sick with jaundice & left at Cairo Ills with convaliscents, but sent to Regiment at Fort Donelson during the fight and when I got there was exposed to much rain and snow without any shelter for several days. From there sent to Paducah, Ky. To Post Hospital on or about the 1st March 1862 from there received a sick furlough home partially recovered and rejoined my command near Corinth Miss. about the 16th or 20th day May 1862. I was immediately treated for diarrhea and sore leg and other ailments etc., doing light duty until Nov. 1st 1862. I was treated in Post Hospital at Jackson, Tenn. On or about 1st July 1863 was treated for fever scurvy and diarrhea at St. Louis Mo. by Asst. Surg. Mills until the Regt. arrived at Vicksburg Miss on the 27th day July 1863. And there I was treated by Asst. Surg. Philip B. Cheany dec'd in Regt. Hospital until the 25 day Aug. 1863 at which time I received a Sixty day furlough home. I claim pension on the diseases above named as a result of exposure and injury received while in line of duty as stated in this affidavit. I further declare that I have never been in the military or naval service other than stated above. Coleman Duncan. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 29th day of October 1883 and I certify that the contents of the same was fully made known to affiant before he executed the same; and that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim direct or indirect. J.B. Floyd, Notary Public."
      Affidavit of Coleman Duncan: "State of Illinois, Pope County }SS. Personally appeared before me in and for the County and State above named Coleman Duncan late Private Co. "F" 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty. Claimant to invalid pension Claim No. 458.346 who being by me duly sworn on his oath declares as follows to wit. That he is unable to furnish the medical evidence of Dr. Stephen C. Golden deceased and also that of Dr. William Poisley deceased who were regular practicing physicians in Saline County Ills and who both administrated treatment for chronic diarrhea and sore or ulcer on leg from 1864 until 1867 during the greater portion of said time and further that Dr. S.C. Golden deceased treated him from 1867 until 1879 for said disabilities or up to the year of his death. And he further declares his inability to furnish further medical treatment except Dr. B.F. Lewis which is enclosed and also Dr. R.W. Sherrod, except that of neighbors and citizens who have known him during any portion of the time since discharge. Coleman Duncan. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 29th day of October 1883, and I certify that the contents of the same were fully known to affiant before he executed the same. And that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim direct or indirect. J.B. Floyd, Notary Public. (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE NOV 2, 1883)."
      Request of Pension Commissioner to Adjutant General for information: "(3-061.) Bossidy (No. 3) D. Western Division. Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, Dec, 5, 1883. 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 Dec. '63 to July, 1864 of Surgeon Sam W. Cheaney. Hospital Stewart R.W. Sherrod. Capt. Peter Bedford of Co. F 29 Ills Vols. and the station, at the date, or the command. Claim No. 458346. Coleman Duncan Co. F. 29 Ills Vols OPE Cluke A. Cling Commissioner. West AW." (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE DEC 14, 1883 & DEC. 10, 1883.)
      Reply of Adjutant General: "Special. War Department, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, Dec. 13, 1883. 458,346. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Samuel L. Cheanry, an, Asst. Surg'n of the 29th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, is reported: on roll of Field & Staff for Nov. & Dec. /63 absent in Jackson, Tenn. Returned for Jany/64 reports him present - a Surgeon, and same to June 30/64. Returned for July/64 reports him Major and Health Officer at Natchez Miss. Robert W. Sherrod, a 1st Sergeant of Co. D 29th Ills Vols is reported on roll of Co. for Nov & Dec /63 present, and same to June 30/64. July & Aug /64 absent on Veteran furlough. Returns for Jany, Mch, May and July/64 do not report him absent or otherwise. He was previously borne as Hospital Steward. Peter Belford, a Captain of Co. F 29th Ills Vols is reported on Return for Dec/63 absent on recruiting service; and same to Apl 30/64. May/64 present; and same to July 31/64. Station of Regt. Dec/63 Natchez Miss, and same to July 30/64. J.L.N II. M. Banbe, Assistant Adjutant General. (unreadable initials)."
      Notice: "Pension Office, B.ToTo. This slip should be attached to brief in admitted cases that have been called up by members of present Congress. BY DIRECTION OF COMMISSIONER. A.W. FISHER, Chief Clerk. D. West Division. Original Claim, No. 458,346 of Coleman Duncan P.O. Golconda, Ill.
      Hon. J.R. Thomas called up this case Jan 23, 1884, and should be informed of its adjudication. Cassidy, Examiner."
      Report of Surgeon General: "No. 289469 WAR DEPARTMENT, Surgeon General's Office, RECORD AND PENSION DIVISION. Washington, D.C. Mch. 1, 1884. SIR: I have the honor to return herewith your request for a report of hospital treatment in Claim No. 458346, with such information as is furnished by the records filed in this Office, viz: that C. Duncan Private Co. F 29 Ills. Vols. was admitted to G.H. Jackson, Tenn. Oct 26, 1862 with Intermittent fever, diagnosis also stated as Rheumatism and returned to duty Nov. 14, 1862. Attention invited to report from Hospital record of the Regimental hereto attached. The record of St. Louis Mo. from Jan 1 to Oct 26, 1862 furnish no evidence and records of the regiment July 1, 1863 (when they commence) to Aug. 27, 1864 furnish no additional evidence in this case. Soldier's name not borne on records of Medical Director's Office Department of the Missouri (Embracing admissions to Hospitals at St. Louis, Mo.) Jan 1, 1863 to Mch 1864. By order of the Surgeon General B.F. Pope, Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army (125). To the Commissioner of Pensions. Per FSB. Report from Hospital Records 29 Reg't Ills. Vols. Name C. Duncan, Co. F, DATE ADMITTED OR DATE OF TREATMENT. DIAGNOSIS. DATE RETURNED TO DEPT. REMARKS. C. Duncan, F, July 20, 1863, Cont'd fever & scanbutus _ scurvey. July 22, 1865, Int. Fever, _ scurvey. July 23 & 24, Int. Fever, _ _. July 25, Fever, Debility _ _. July 26, Debility _ _. Surgeon General's Office, Record and Pension Division Mch. 1, 1884. No. 284.469. "
      Affidvait of G.B. Slasues & Lewis C. Conley: "[top part of affidavit missing from fold over] . with claimant and by hearing him compain of said hurt and injury to his shin bone on coming in the quarters after drill. And further by seeing him limp and fall out of ranks in the march from Corinth Miss to Rippley Miss. on the 5th and 6th of October 1862 by reason of said injury or hurt which was now an infametory sore plain to be seen. And all which we well remember from personal knowledge and what continued until his discharge from the service of the United States. We further declare we have no interest in the prosecution of said claim. G.B. Slasues, Lewis C. Conley. Subscribed and sworn to before me on this day and I certify that said affiants duly read over said affidavit before writing their names thereto and that they are credible persons entitled to full credit and that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of said claim. Witness hand and Notary seal. This the 26th day of March 1884. Robert Duncan, Notary Public. Co. Clerks Cer. On file in Claim No. 172573 of R.S. Alliston."
      Affidavit of George J. Carter: [this affidavit is so pale as to be unreadible]
      Affidavit of William Downey and James McCain: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS In the matter of orig. invalid pension Claim No. 458346 of Coleman Duncan late Pri. Co. F 29th Regt Ills. Vols. Infty. Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the county and State above named William Downey aged 43 years whose Post office address is Shetterville Ill. and James McCain aged 39 years whose Post office is Shetterville Ills and by me duly sworn, in relation to said claim makes the following statement. I have intemately acquainted with claimant continuously from 1875 to present and have labored with him and he at each day of the year from 1875 to the present time he has been suffering from affects of sore on left leg and chronic diarrhea to our personal knowledge and we further state that on our opinion he has been incapacitated from performing manual labor at least _ of his time or unable - at each or year as stated we know this by being with him and seeing him and hearing him complain of said disability during each year. We further declare that we have no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of said claim and am not related to claimant. William Downey, James McCain. Sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and I certify that they are well known to me and duly wrote their names to the foregoing affidavit and fully understood the contents before swearing and that they are credible and entitled to full credit of witnesses and further that I have no interest in the prosecution of said claim. Witness hand and notary seal this 3rd day of April 1884. Robert Duncan, Notary Public. Co. Clerks. Cer. on file in claim No. 172,573 of R.S. Alliston. (Oct 9th 1883)1875-86. (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE APR 16, 1884)."
      Affidavit of Willes D. Gilley: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of orig. invalid pension claim No. 454346 in which Coleman Duncan late Co. F 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Inft. is claimant. Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the county and State above named, Willis D. Gilley late Co. K 56 Reg't Ills Infty. vols. who being duly sworn makes the following statement. I have been well acquainted with Coleman Duncan since 1847 and have known his conditon since 1865. Have seen him each year since that time and I know that he has had had (sic) health and has labored under diabilities from sore on left leg and diarrhea. I am a member of the G(?) A R or was with him in 1868 at Independence Ills and remember that he showed me his leg at that time and also previous to that time date I do not remember but I distinctly remember he was complianing of diarrhea during the entire period when I saw him and I further state that he was unable and did not perform manual labor for several of the years. And I have stated and I know he absolutely suffered from medical treatment because he was unable to pay for it. I know this by intimate acquaintance and by hearing him complain and further living near in Saline Ill. I further declare I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Willes D. Gilley. Sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and I certify that affiant wrote his name to said affidavit before swearing and that he is entitled to full credit as a witness and further is credible and is well known to me and further I have no interest in the prosecution of said claim. Witness my hand and notary seal. This April 3, 1884. Robert Duncan, Notary Public."
      Affidavit of Coleman Duncan: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS This day personally appeared before me James B. Floyd a Notary Public in and for said County and State Coleman Duncan aged 55 years, a resident of Pope County Illinois who I hereby certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and being by me duly sworn upon oath declares as follows. That it is impossible for him to furnish the medical evidence of F.F. Johnson as to treatment while in the service by reason that said F.F. Johnson cannot remember him (the said Duncan and having no memorandi of the events while in the service, is unable to give any testimony in reference to case. And that he is the claimant, and that his Post-office address is Golcond Pope County Illinois. Coleman Duncan. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th April 1884, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to affiant before signing and that I am not interest in the prosecution. J.B. Floyd, Notary Public."
      Affidavit of Joseph C. Williams: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of orig. invalid pension Claim No. 458,346 of Coleman Duncan late Pri. Co. F 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty. personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the County and State above named Joseph C. Williams a citizen of Hardin County Illinois aged 40 years whose Post Office is Shetterville, Ills. who being duly sworn in relation to said claim makes the following statement as follows to wit. I have known Coleman Duncan from 1875 to present time and during the greater portion of the time intimately. Do know that his physical condition has been very bad and that he has been disabled from performing manual labor at least _ of his time during said period from effects of a sore on his left leg further have heard him.(rest of document is missing)."
      Request for information to Adjutant General from Commissioner of Pensions: "(3-061.) Bossace. D.W. Division. Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE, April 19, 1884. 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 Aug. 1861 to Oct. 1862 of Geo. B. Harner, Lewis C. Conley of Co. F 29th Ills. Vols. and the station, at the date, of the Command. Claim No. 458,346. Coleman Duncan, Co. F 29th Ill. Vols. W.W. Dilley, Commissioner. (stamped PENSION US OFFICE APR. 22 & 29, 1884)."
      Report of Adjutant General to Commissioner of Pensions: "War Department, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, April 28, 1884. 458,346. Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. George B. Harner and Lewis Conley, Pvts. Co. "F" 29th Ills. Vols: Rolls from date of Muster in (Aug. 19.61) to Aug 31.61 & Sept & Oct. 62 report them present. Station Aug 31, Cairo, Ills. Oct. 1 to 31.62 Jackson, Tenn. Lewis C. Conley not borne. Rd H.D.E. Thomas Davenport, Assistant Adjutant General."
      Letter of Lewis Conley: "MARKET STREET, Between Main and Washington, Golconda Ill. May 28th 1884. Honorable Com. Pensions: In answer to your communication of Apr 1884 in claim of Coleman Duncan I well remember when in Aug 1861 at Camp Butler Ills he was hurt or injured on his leg or shin by striking it against a stump while the company was on drill in actual line of duty without any fault of his and further I was present and saw said injury as an eye witness and I remember it the hurt resulted in a sore which rendered him unabel (sic) for duty ofter during the service. Rember he was in hospital at Cairo, Ills and all so at Vicksburg, Miss. in 1863 as well as my name serves me it was chronic diarrhea. I am with grait respect yours truly. Lewis C. Conley."
      Pension Record: "[3-216.] Cassidy, Ex'r. INVALID. No. 458,346. Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873. Coleman Duncan. P.O. Golconda, Pope Co. Illinois. Service Pri. Co. F 29 Ills Inf. Enlisted August 14, 1861. Discharged August 27, 1864. 3-101. Application filed: August 28, 1862. Alleges: Injury to left leg, jaudice, diarrhea. Re- enlisted _. (stamped, BOARD OF REVIEW, JUNE 6, 1884). Attorney: James S. Finney. P.O. Oak, Pope Co. Ills. Notified Sep. 19th 1882 Ex. Dr. McCoy Pope County Ills. 1882, Oct. 30. Atty. For dates of testment par. 1. Dec. 1, 82 Atty for hosp. ? " " ori. Pen. Dec. 29 Ex . (a lot of scribbling marked out)."
      Pension Record: "270,997 Chicago. ORIGINAL INVALID PENSION, Claimant Coleman Duncan P.O. Golconda. County, Pope. State, Ill. { Rank, Pvt. Company, F. Regiment, 29th Ill. Vols. Attorney, James S. Finney Oak, Ill. Fee $10 Agent to pay. Rate, $8 per month commencing Aug. 28, 1882. Writes. Disabled by Disease of left leg, chronic diarrhea and resulting piles. Submitted admin. May 8, 1884 by Jossic, Examiner. Approved for disease of left leg, chronic diarrhea and results. Jandice - refected - no record & no. med. Or other satisfactory ev. of existence in service or at discharge. June 26, 1884 F.B. Curtis, Reviewer. Approved for disease of left leg chronic diarrhea and resulting piles. Total . N.F.G. June 30,84. WB Hood. June 28, 1884, Med. Referee. J.R.B. Enlisted Aug 14, 1861. Discharged Sept 1, 1864. Declaration filed Aug. 28, 1882. Not in military or naval service since Sept 1, 1864, when discharged. DECiny. BASIS OF CLAIM. Alleges in declaration filed Aug 28, 1882. At Camp Butler, Ill. in Aug. 1861 received an injury to left leg while in drill; at Fort Donelson, Tenn in March 1862 contracted jaundice & chr. Diarrhea. MC. (jandice (rejection, no record, no medical other satisfactory evidence of existence in service or at discharge)."
      Affidavit of Coleman Duncan for increase of pension: "Declaration for the Increase of Invalid Pension. State of Illinois, County of Pope} SS. On this 6th day of March, A.D. 1885, personally appeared before, James B. Floyd a Notary Public within and for the county and state aforesaid, Coleman Duncan aged 55 years, a resident of the county of Pope and state of Illinois, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, duly enrolled at the Chicago Pension Agency, at the rate of Eight dollars per month, by reason of disability incurred in the Military service of the United States while Private of "F" 29th Ill. Vol. Inft. War of 1861-5. For "Disease of left leg, chronic diarrhea and resulting piles. That his present physical condition is such that he believes himself entitled to receive an increased pension; that his present pension certificate is No. 270,997. HE FURTHER DECLARES that he is disabled in the following manner, to- wit: That he is totally disqualified for the performance of any manual labor whatever, and that the increase of diabilities arising from the above diseases will warrant a higher rating in his case, as he had no profession or skill that affords him any income whatever. That he appoints himself of Golconda Illinois his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim; that his residence is in the county and state aforesaid; and his post-office address is Golconda Pope County Illinois. (Claimant's signature) Coleman Duncan. Attest: Robert Duncan, William L. Turner. ALSO personally appeared Robert Duncan, residing at Lusk, Ill. and Wm L. Turner, residing at Golconda Ill, persons whom I certify to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Coleman Duncan, the claimant sign his name 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. Signature of witnesses{ Robert Duncan, William L. Turner. SWORN to and subscribed before me this 6th day of March A.D. 1885; 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, including all word erased, and all words added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. (Signature) J.B. Floyd. (Official character.) Notary Public. DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF Invalid Pension. PENSION CERTIFICATE No. 270997 -OF- Coleman Duncan CO F 29th REGT. Ill. Vol. Inft. P.O. Golconda. County, Pope. State Illinois. FILED BY Himself, Golconda Ill."
      Examination for increase in Pension: "No. 2 (3-110.) No. 2. INCREASE OF PENSION. (FOR A BOARD.) Claim No. 270997 Name of claimant, Coleman Duncan. Rank, private. Company, F. Regiment, 29 Ill. Vol. Infty. Post-office address, Golconda Pope Co. Ill. ADDRESS OF THE BOARD: Post office, Shawneetown. County, Gallatin. State, Illinois. Date of examination, Sep. 9, 1885. WE HEREBY CERTIFY that in compliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who states that he is now pensioned at a total disability on account of disease of left leg, chronic diarrhea & piles and he claims an increased rating for the reason that the disability is increasing and that he is now disabled to 1/2 degree for earning his subsistence by manual labor. His pulse-rate per minute is 82; his respiration 19 his temperature 99; his height is 5 feet and 8 1/2 inches; he weighs 154 pounds, and he states that he is 55 years of age. Touching his disability and his reasons for asking an increase of pension, he makes the following statement: That a place called Camp Butler near Springfield Ill. He received an injury to left leg which resulted in ulceration & vapicore ? ? In February 1862 about 22nd of the month contracted chronic diarrhea which resulted in piles in 1863. The leg swells & becomes painful when walking. Diarrhea occurred every three weeks. Piles occur once a month with pain, burning & griping. Upon examination this applicant we find the following objective conditions which, in our judgment, do entitle him to an increased rating: There is a large desease cicatrix extending from junction of upper with middle third of leg and covering entire auterior part of middle third and upper part of inferior ? of leg over fibia. The evidence of chronic diarrhea present. One small hermoriod on right margin of anus about one fourth of an inch in deaeserter it at dower retracted and somewhat tyubauitic. From the exiting condition and the history of this claimant, as stated by himself, it is, in our judgement, probable that the disability was incurred in the service as he claims, and that it has not been prolonged or aggravated by vicious habits. He is, in our opinion, entitled to 4/8 rating for disability caused by chronic diarrhea and 4/8 for that caused by disease of leg, and _ caused the sum of which aggregates total. . (names are very pale) Tremit D. Fries, M.D., Pres., Geo. P. Cassidy, MD, Sec'y, Jacob Frost, M.D., Treas.,} BOARD. (Cover sheet is also too pale to read) (stamped, PENSION US OFFICE SEP 10, 1985)."
      Affidavit of James H. Koch: "State of Illinois, Pope County. In the matter of Colman Duncan late Priv. Of Co. F 29 Rt. Ill Vol. Inf. and for the purpose of having the charged absense without (leave) be removed from the record. Person of appeared before me a Notary Public will and for the County and State aforesaid, James H. Koch 49 years old whose P.O. is Golconda Pope Co. Ills. who is well known to me, I certify to be repored being given def. Swore say: That I visited Coleman Duncan at his home in the month on September 22, 1863 and prescribed medicine for him till October same. I can he was confined by his bed with chronic diarrhea. I have no interest in his claim for pension. James H. Koch. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th October 1885 and I certify that the contents of the same were fully Sworn to the affiant before he executed the same and that the same is in his own handwriting; and that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in the prosecution. J.R. Floyd, Notary Public. (stamped, 8362, Attorney General's Office (E.B. Rec'd) Oct 30, 1885)."
      Undated Affidavit of Robert Duncan [calculation based on birthdate of Robert Duncan born 1839 is about 1885]: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of Coleman Duncan late Pri. Of Co. F 29th Regt. Ills. Vols Inf. And for the purpose of having the charge of absence without leave removed from the records. Personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid. Robert Duncan aged 46 years whose P.O. address is Lusk, Ills. who served in Co. F 29th Ills Vols Infty who is to me well known and I certify to be reputable being by me duly sworn says that Coleman Duncan is his brother and that he was a clerk at the time Coleman Duncan was Court martialed at Natchez Miss and well remembers writing up the findings of said Court that he saw the charges & specifications prefered by Capt. Daniel M. Baker of Co. F 29th Ills. and well remembers that the Court decided that said Coleman Duncan should forfeit all pay and allowances while absent without leave and that he said Coleman Duncan was absent from Aug. or Sept 1863 until the next April 1864. Further I declare that I have no interest in the claim any way. Robert Duncan." [second page with date and name of Notary is missing.]
      Affidavit of George B. Harner: "State of Illinois, Pope County} SS. In the matter of Coleman Duncan, late Pri. Co. F 29th Regt. Ills. Vols. Inf. and for the purpose of having the charge of absence without leave removed from the records. Personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, George B. Harner late a comrade and soldier of said Co. "F" 29th Ills. Vols. Inf. who being duly sworn on his oath says that he well remembers that Coleman Duncan late Pri. Of Co. F 29th Ills. Inf. Vols was furloughed from Vicksburg, Miss. sick on or about the ninth of Aug. 1863 and remained absent until on or about April or May 1864, when he was returned to the Company & Regt. at Natchez Miss. and I well remember that he was cent (?) maintained. Charges & specifications being prefered by Capt. D.M. Baker for absence without leave and I further remember that he was to lose all pay and allowances while absent as aforesaid. I further declare that I have no interest in the claim of Coleman Duncan. G.B. Harner. P.O. address is Lusk Ills. Age 41 years. Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and I certify that said affiant read over to duly understood the contents of said affidavit before swearing thereto & that I am not interested in any way whatever. Witness my hand and notarial seal. This Oct. 23, 1885. Robert Duncan, Notary Public. Co. Clerks Cer. in file in Claim No. 172573 of R.S. Allisten in Pension Office. (stamped, 8362, Attorney Generals Office (E.B. Rec'd) Oct 30, 1885)."
 

Go to part 2 of James Coleman Duncan's Civil War file

Go to part 3 of James Coleman Duncan's Civil War file
 

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