Illinois Civil War Records - Nancy Duncan

Civil War Record, Nancy Duncan, widow of James Henry Duncan (Researched and transcribed by Garland D. Vinyard, posted with his permission, his comments)
      NANCY DUNCAN, WIDOW'S CLAIM
      Request for paperwork to file for pension: "H. ROBERT FOWLER, D.F. RUMSEY. FOWLER & RUMSEY, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, HARRISBURG, ILL. April 4, 1928. Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: Please send to me Widow's application for pension to be used by Mrs. Nancy Duncan, the widow of the late James H. Duncan, a soldier of the Civil War, who died on March 22nd, 1928 and who was a private of Company K, 56th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, and also please advise me what is to be done on her part in order that she may have her pension allowed. We understand that there was a check due Mr. Duncan at the time of his death and please inform me what is necessary for Mrs. Duncan or the heirs to do in order to collect this pay that was due Mr. Duncan at the time of his death. Very truly yours, D.F. Rumsey. DFR/HM. James H. Duncan, ACT OF JULY 3, 1828. Certf #106023 DROPPED IN SEC. 1."
      Affidavit of Mary Ellen Morse: "Hodder 9/12.28. State of Illinois, County of Saline.} SS. Claim No. WO 1616802, James H. Duncan, Company K, 56th Illinois Infantry. Files Aug 30/28. This affiant, after being duly sworn upon oath says that she is 65 years of age and that her post office address is Stonefort, Illinois; that she knew James H. Duncan in his life time and that she also knows Nancy Duncan, his wife; that she knows that they lived together as husband and wife from 1880 to the time of his death which occurred on the 28th day of March, 1928; that she knows of her own knowledge that they were never seperated or divorced, as she lived near them and associated with them during all of said years. [signed] Mary Ellen Morse. Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 16 day of August, 1928. Isaac Vinyard, Notary Public. My com. Expires Sept. 6, 1931."
      Letter of Arthur Duncan reporting James Duncan's death: "Carrier Mills, Ill. R2, June 11, 1928. Pension Department. Dear Sir. James H. Duncan Died March 22, 1928. His widow, Nancy Duncan Is living but is helpless. She was 73 years of age February 27, 1928. If there is any thing you can do to assist in getting her pension please do so at once. Yours truly, Arthur Duncan. ACT OF JULY 3, 1926. Cert. #106023. DROPPED IN SEC. 1."
      Widow's Declaration for Pension: "3-015. DECLARATION FOR WIDOW'S PENSION, Act of May 1, 1920. State of Illinois, County of Saline, ss: On this 12 day of June, 1928, before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Nancy Duncan, who makes the following declaration as an application for pension under the provisions of the act of Congress approved May 1, 1920. That she is 73 years of age, that she was born February 27th, 1855 at Pope County, Illinois. That she is the widow of James H. Duncan ENLISTED Nov. 7th, 1863 and inlisted 1st day of Jan. 1865 under the name of James H. Duncan, in Company K, 56th Regiment, Illinois Infantry having serving ninety days or more, or was discharged for, or died in service of the United States of a disability incurred in the service in the line of duty, during the CIVIL WAR, and who DIED March 22nd, 1928, at Carrier Mills, Illinois. That he also served in _ and that, except as herein stated, said soldier (or sailer) was not employed in the military or naval service of the United States; THAT SHE WAS MARRIED to said soldier (or sailor) October 17th, 1880, under the name of Nancy Creed, at Independence, Saline County, Ill. by T.R. Bruner; that she had not been previously married, that he had been previously married to Drucia Evans who died at Independence, Saline County, Illinois in April, 1876. That she did not serve in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States between April 6, 1917, and July 2, 1921 or at any time during said period. That no member of her family served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States between April 6, 1917, and July 2, 1921 or at any time during said period . That she has not heretofore applied for pension, the number of her former claim being _; that said soldier (or sailor) was _ a pensioner, the number of his pension certificate being 106,023. The attesting witnesses{(1) Raymond Dondy, Carrier Mills, Ill. (2) Hazel E. Moore, Harrisburg, Ill. Nancy her X mark Duncan, R.F.D., Carrier Mills, Ill. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of June, 1928, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing, including the words _ erased, and the words _ added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Hazel E. Moore, Notary Public, Harrisburg, Ill. Validity accepted as to execution. Chief, Record Division. 3-015, Act of May 1, 1920. DECLARATION FOR WIDOW'S PENSION. Clt. Number 106023. Soldier James H. Duncan, Service K 56, Ill. Inf."
      Letter of transmittal of Pension Declaration: "H. ROBERT FOWLER, D.F. RUMSEY. FOWLER & RUMSEY, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, HARRISBURG, ILL. June 12, 1928. Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C. Gentlemen: I am inclosing herewith Declaration for Widow's Pension of Mrs. Nancy Duncan, widow of James H. Duncan, a Civil War Veteran. If there is anything further to be done on her part, I will be glad to have your notify me. Very truly yours, D.F. Rumsey. DFR/HM"
      Record of accrued Pension: "3-730, INVALID. Cert. No. 106023. Name, James H. Duncan Rank, Private. Service, Co. K 56 Illinois Infantry. Agency of Group No.}Roll: Group 1. 7 Issue. Class Inc. Issued ES May 11, 1914. Rate, $25 from Mch. 9, 1941. $30 " Mch., 1919. Deductions:_ Disability: _. ACT of MAY 11, 1912. DEAD. [stamped] Accrued Pension ACT of 1895. Issued SEP 21, 1928, Pay widow. INDORSEMENTS. April 17, 1928, Blk. Declin for widow's pension to D.F. Rumsey who was advised as to acrd. Pension. June 22, 1928, Arthur Duncan advised of above action, etc. Revd. Tn."
      Letter to Arthur Duncan: "Finance. June 22, 1928. Arthur Duncan, Route 2, Carrier Mills, Illinois. Sir: In response to your communication of the eleventh instant, I have to advise you in the case of John H. Duncan, Certificate number 106023, who died March 22, of this year, the records show that on April 17, 1928, a blank declaration for widow's pension was forwarded to D.F. Rumsey, Harrisburg, Illinois.for the use of the soldier's widow, but up to this date no action seems to have been taken thereon. I am therefore, enclosing you a duplicate blank declaration, which should be executed at once and returned to this Bureau, as in the event of the allowance of the claim, the date of the commencement of the pension, will be identical with the date of the filing in this Bureau a valid delcaration thereof. The widow's claim for the pension accrued to the date of the soldier's death inclusive, will be settled in connection with her claim for pension in her own right; a separate application will not be necessary. Under a provision of the Act of Congress approved March 4, 1925 (copy enclosed) the Veterans Bureau is authorized to make an allowance for the burial of deceased veterans in certain cases and correspondance relative thereto should be addressed to the Director, U.S. Veterans Bureau, this city. Respectfully, WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner. RMD/wmb."
      Instructions for widow: "SMH/dib WIDOW DIVISION, W.O. 1616, 802. James H. Duncan, K 56th Ill. Inf. 3-2053. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS, WASHINGTON, August 11, 1928. Mrs. Nancy Duncan, R.F.D., Carrier Mills, Ill. Madam: In the above-entitled claim the evidence indicated in paragraphs No. 1-2-7 and 9 should be furnished. 1. A verified copy of the public record; or, if no such record exists, the sworn statement of the attending physician, showing the date of the soldier's death. If such evidence can not be obtained, the sworn statement of witnesses present at the death, or having personal knowledge of same, should be furnished, showing the fact and date of the soldier's death. 2. A verified copy of the public or church record of the claimant's marriage to the soldier; or,if no such record exists, the sworn statement of the person who performed the ceremony; or, if that can not be obtained, the sworn statement of two persons who were present at the marriage, showing the date thereof. If the evidence of marriage above indicated can not be obtained, there should be furnished the sworn statement of two persons showing whether the soldier and claimant lived together as husband and wife and were so recognized, and showing where and how long within the knowledge of the person testifying soldier and claimant lived togther. 3. The claimant's sworn statement showing whether either she or the _ has been married prior to the marriage to each other; and, if so, the number of times, the name of each former husband or wife, the date of each former marriage, and the date and manner of dissolution of each former marriage. 4. If the claimant had been previously married, her sworn statement showing whether any former husband served in the Army or Navy of the United States; and, if so, the designation of such service, and whether any application for pension has been made by herself or any other person based on such service. 5. If the claimant had been previously married, the fact and date of death or divorce of each former husband should be proved; in case of death, by a verified copy of the public record, or if no such record exists, by the sworn statement of witnesses present at the death, or having personzl knowledge of same; in case of divorce, by a verified copy of the decree of the court. 6. If there _ marriage of the fact should be shown by the sworn statement of witnesses who have known her and are able to testify from personal knowledge. 7. If the soldier had been previously married, the fact and date of death or divorce of each former wife should be proven: In case of death, by a verified copy of the public record; or, if no such record exists, by the sworn statement of witnesses, present at the death, or having personal knowledge of same; in case of divorce, by a verified copy of the decree of court. 8. If there_ marriage of _ the fact should be shown by the sworn statement of witnesses who knew him and are able to testify from personal knowledge. 9. The sworn statement of witnesses having knowledge of the facts, showing whether soldier and claimant were ever divorced, and whether they lived together as husband and wife from 1890 to the date of the soldier's death. 10. If the claimant has not remarried since the death that fact should be shown by the sworn statement of witnesses who have known her during this period. If she has remarried, the date of remarriage should be shown by evidence of the kind indicated in paragraph 2. 11. The date of birth of each child claimed for should be shown by evidence in the following order: By a duly verified copy of the public record or the church record of baptism; or, by the sworn statement of the physician who attended the mother; or, by the sworn statement of a person who was present at the birth, who should state how she is able to fix the date. 12. The sworn statement of two witnesses showing whether the child _ claimed for (naming child) _ living; if any has died, proof of the date of death should be furnished. 13. The claimant's sworn statement showing the name under which she was married to the _. 14. The claimant's sworn statement naming the places of her residence since the death of the _, giving dates. 15. The claimant's sworn statement showing the _ height and complexion, the color of his hair and eyes, his age and occupation at the date of enlistment, and the place of his birth. 16. The discharge certificate of the _ 17. Some paper bearing the _ signature made about the time of his service. All sworn statements should be made before some officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. Persons testifying should state their ages, post-office addresses, and means of knowledge of the facts to which they testify. Copies of records should be over the signature and official seal of the person having custody of the record. If such person has no seal of office, then the correctness of the copy sworn to. Do not fail to inscribe on each paper furnished the name and service of the soldier and the namber of the claim to which it relates. Respectfully, Winfield Scott, Commissioner."
      Congressional Request: "Hodder, 3-081 CONGRESSIONAL. No. W.O. 1616802. NAME OF CLAIMANT: Nancy Duncan P.O.{Carrier Mills, Illinois. NAME OF SOLDIER: James H. Duncan, Co. K, 56 Reg't Ill Inf. I desire to be advised as to the status of the above claim. T.S. Williams, M.C. Aug 22, 1928."
      Affidavit of F.F. Davidson: "State of Illinois, County of Saline} SS. Claim No. WO 1616802. This affiant, F.F. Davidson, after being duly sworn on oatha (sic) says that he is a regularly licensed and practicing physician in the state of Illinois; that he is 43 years of age and resides at Carrier Mills, Ill. That he has been practicing medicine since 1916 T; that he was personally acquainted with James H. Duncan, late of Company K, 56th Illinois Infantry; that he treated the said James H. Duncan during his last illiness and was present when he died, and knows of his own knowledge that the said James H. Duncan died on March 22nd, 1928, as he was present at the time of his death. T.F. Davidson, M.D. Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 16 day of August, 1928. Isaac Vinyard, Notary Public. My Commission expires Feb. 6, 1931."
      Replacement (1928) Marriage License: "MARRIAGE LICENSE. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, SALINE COUNTY. To my Person legally authorized to solemnize Marriage. GREETING. MARRIAGE MAY BE CELEBRATED Between Mr. James H. Duncan of Independence Twp. In the County of Saline and State of Illinois of the age of 34 years and M., Nancy Creed of Independence Twp. In the County of Saline and State of Illinois of the age of 27 years. Witness W.E. Burnett [marked out Bert Dunn], County Clerk and the seal of said County at his Office in Harrisburg, in said County this 16th day of October A.D. 1880. W.E. Burnett, County Clerk. State of Illinois, SALINE COUNTY} SS. I L.A. Bruner a Minister of the Gospel hereby certify that, Mr. James H. Duncan and M., Nancy Creed were united in Marriage by me at Independence in the County of Saline and State of Illinois on the 17th day of October A.D. 1880. L.R. Bruner, Minister of the Gospel. State of Illinois, County of Saline}SS. I, Bert Dunn, County Clerk and Clerk of the County and Probate Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Marriage Celebrated between Mr. James H. Duncan, and Nancy Creed, of Independence Township. The said Persons were United in Marriage by Rev. L.R. Bruner, a Minister of the Gospel. Given under my hand and seal this the 17th, day of August, A.D. 1928. Bert Dunn, County Clerk, Saline Co."
      Letter to T.S. Williams: "Widow Division. August 31, 1928. Hon. T.S. Williams, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Williams: In response to your inquiry relative to the claim, W.O. 1616802, of Nancy Duncan, whose address is Carriers Mills, Illinois, widow of James H. Duncan, who served in Co. K, 56th Ill. Inf., I have to advise you that the claim awaits the evidence indicated in circular letter addressed to the claimant on August 11, 1928, a copy of which is enclosed. Very truly yours, E.W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner. SMH/dib."
      Pension Record: "[Stamped SEP 21 1928] 3-367. No. 1616802 ACT OF May 1, 1920. WIDOW'S PENSION. Claimant Nancy Duncan. P.O. R.F.D., Carrier Mills, County _, State Illinois. Soldier} James H. Duncan. Service Private, K Co. 56 Ill Inf. Rate, $30 per month, commencing June 14, 1928. Payments of all former certificates covering any portion of same time to be deducted. None. RECOGNIZED ATTORNEY. Name None. APPROVALS. Submitted for Adm. Sept. 14, 1928; S.M. Hodder, Examiner. Approved for admission under act of May 1, 1920. Sept. 17, P. Thompson, Reviewer. The soldier was last pensioned at $65 per month under act of July 3, 1926. Enlisted Nov. 7, 1861. Discharged Aug. 12, 1865. Reenlisted no other service. Discharged _ , Invalid claim filed Sept 8, 1866. Died March 22, 1928. Widow's claim filed June 14, 1928. Claimant does not write. Clt's app'n under other laws None. Former marriage of soldier one. Death} of former wife April 15, 1876. Former marriage of claimant None. Clt's marriage to soldier Oct 17, 1880. Cl't not remarried. Hon. J.S. Williams, M.C. Harrisburg, Illinois."
      File Record: "8-852, Hoden Ex'r. DEPENDENT K56, No. 1616802. Act of May 1, 1920. Nancy Duncan R.F.D. Carrier Mills Illinois. Widow James H. Duncan, Service K.56 Ill. Inf. Died March 22, 1928, Carrier Mills, Ill. No other claim than lc. 106023. June 28, 1928 W.B. Clerk. Application filed: June 14, 1928. Attorney: None. Client Notified JUN 30, 1928. Aug 11/1928 Clnt. For proof death soldier; mrge; death solders, former wife, non divorce and what from. 1890 Cir. Par 1-2-7 and 9. Same Aug 31/28. Hon. J.S. Williams advised of above. Call on clnt Iha DW JmH."
      Affidavit of Mary Vinyard: "State of Illinois, County of Saline} SS. Claim No. WO 1616802, James H. Duncan, Company K, 56th Illinois Infantry. This affiant, Mary Vinyard after being duly sworn upon oath says that she is 79 years of age; that she knew the said James H. Duncan in his life time; that the said James H. Duncan, prior to the time of his marriage to Nancy Duncan had been married to Drusha Evans; that the said Drusha Evans died about the month of April 18, 1876 as she knew both parties personally and resided near them while they were still married; that She knows of her own knowledge that the said Drusha Duncan died as she was present at said time of death. Mary her X mark Vinyard. My commission expires Feb. 6, 1931. Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 16 day of August A.D., 1928. Isaac Vinyard, Notary Public. Witness to mark, Gilbert Thompson, Harrisburg, Ills. Witness to mark, Delila Thompson, Harrisburg, Ills."
      Letter of T.S. Williams: "T.S. Williams, 24th DIST. ILLINOIS COMITTEES; RULES, AGRICULTURE. HOME ADDRESS, HARRISBURG, ILL. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Harrisburg, Illinois, September 7, 1928. Hon. E.W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. W.O. 1616802, Nancy Duncan, Carrier Mills, Ill. My dear Sir: Replying to your letter of August 31st, concerning the above case, will say the evidence requested by the Bureau on August 11th was mailed on August 19th by Mr. D.F. Rumsey of Harrisburg, Illinois, and should have been received by this time. Will you kindly advise me whether or not this completes the evidence in this case. Very truly yours, T.S. Williams."
      Reply of Winfield Scott: "iddw Division. September 15, 1928. Hon. T.S. Williams, Harrisburg, Ill. My dear Mr. Williams: In reply to your letter of recent date relative to the claim, W.O. 1616802, of Mrs. Nancy Duncan, whose address is Carriers Mills, Illinois, widow of James H. Duncan, who served in Co. K, 56th Ill. Inf., I have to advise you that the evidence referred to in your letter was received in this Bureau on August 27, 1928 and that the claim is being considered by the Board of Review. If after consideration its allowance is warranted, you and the claimant will be advised when the certificate of pension is issued. Very truly yours, Winfield Scott, Commissioner. SMH/dib. A copy for your use is enclosed."
      Accrued Pension: "3-438, Cert. 106023 Act July 3, 1926. Iss. SEP 21, 1928. ACCRUED PENSION 2. Briefs. Class Invalid. Pensioner James H. Duncan. Date of death March 22, 1928. Certificate not filed. Claimant Nancy Duncan, widow. R.F.D. Carrier Mills, Illinois. Attorney none. Submitted Sept 14, 1928. A.M. Hodder, Examine. Approved for admission. P. Thompson, Reviewer, Sept 17, 1928. Claimant does not write. Hon. L.P. Williams, M.C. Harrisburg, Illinois. Act of May 23, 1928 [signed Uppercue] 3-1638 INCREASE Nancy Duncan. Wid. Cert. No. 1616802."
      Pension Record: "3-732. Cert. No. 1616802. ACT OF MAY 1, 1920. Nancy widow of James H. Duncan. Rank Pvt. Company K Regiment 56 Ill Inf. Rate per month $30 Commencing June 14, 1928. Issued SEP 21, 1928 Inc. Issued JUN 20 1930 at $40 from Feb 27, 1930 Act. ACT OF MAY 1, 1920."
      Rate increase request due to age: "Ctf. 1616802. Carrier Mills, Ill. R2, April 7, 1930. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. Dear Sir. Nancy Duncan widow of James H. Duncan. Is now drawing $30 per month and as she was 75 Feb. 27, 1930. We have been informed that the pension law allows her a raise at the age of 75. If so please attend to this at once. Yours truly. Nancy her X mark Duncan. By Arthur Duncan."
      Rate increase question due to age: "Carrier Mills, Ill. Rt. 2, June 17, 1930. Mr. Winfield Scott. Dear Sir. Nancy Duncan a widow of James H. Duncan was 75 Feb 27, 1930. She now draws $30.00 pension is she not allowed more at that age. Her Certificate No. 1616802. Very truly yours, Arthur Duncan. Anticipated by allowance. ABY 10/9/30. Bd of Rev. 6/7/30.
      Rate Increase: "DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS. Widows PENSION ACT of May 1, 1920. Increase No. WC1616802. Claimant Nancy Duncan. Soldier James H. Duncan. Rank Private. Service Co. K, 56 Ill. Inf. Widows Division H.S. Rate, $40 per month, commencing February 27, 1930. Submitted for Adm. June 7, 1930. E.G. Uppercue, Examiner. Approved for increase - Act May 1, 1920 (Born February 27, 1855) June 17, 1930 Silas Kingsley, Legal Reviewer. Approved for No medical action. Increase. Date of birth alleged February 27, 1855. Claimants marriage to soldier Oct. 17, 1880. M.C. none} Certificate issued JUN 30, 1930."
      TREASURY DEPARTMENT, DIVISION OF DISBURSEMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. Deceased June 8, 1938. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, Finance Form 985. MEMORANDUM FOR FILE - DEATH OF BENEFICIARY. From: Chief Accounting Division Date July 12/38. To: _ Subject: Payment Suspended on W.C 1,616,802 Correspondence Symbol DAF B. Payments on award for Nancy Duncan have been suspended, notices of death having been received. There is no record in this Division of any other beneficiary whose rate of payment will be affected by the elimination of this payee form the rolls. By Cummings, Clerk. Manila Env. Attached."
 

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