Marion County FlArchives Military Records.....TITCOMB, Florence J. 1927 Civilwar - Pension Capt. Kendricks Co. GA Arsenal ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jimmy R. Polk http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00022.html#0005485 March 20, 2011, 9:18 am FLORIDA CONFEDERATE PENSION APPLICATION FILES PENSION APPLICATION D23012: Surname: TITCOMB Given Names: Florence J. Service Unit: Georgia Reference: Wife’s Name: Application County & Year: Marion Co 1927 Page 001 D23,012 Page 002 SOLDIER’S PENSION CLAIM Under General Pension Law of Florida as Amended by Acts of 1921. (Form A) State of Florida} County of Marion} On this 4 day of Jany, A. D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty Seven personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the county and State aforesaid, F. J. Titcomb, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 74 years of age, having been born on the 11 day of June, 1852, in the county of Chatham, in the State of Georgia. That he is a bona fide citizen of the county of Marion, State of Florida. That he has resided in the State of Florida continuously since the 9th day of July, 1875. That he is the identical person who enlisted at Savannah Ga., under the name of F. J. Titcomb, on the…day of November, 1863, in [Company] Arsenal, [Regiment] at Sav’h Ga of the State of Georgia in the service of the (Here state whether the service claimed was in the Confederate States Army or in the service of a State.) Southern Confederacy and who was Honorably Discharged at Savannah Georgia, in the State of Georgia on the….day of December, 1864, on account of the capture of Savannah Georgia. (Here state fully any other military service performed by applicant.) When Shermans Army was before Sav’h like many others took (illegible word) arms to meet Shermans Army. (Here give date and place of capture, imprisonment, exchange or parole.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That I served faithfully until Honorably Discharged from the service of the Confederate States in the year 1864, and did not desert the service of the Confederacy nor take the oath of allegiance to the United States until after the surrender of the Confederate Armies. (Here state whereabouts at close of Civil War.) That I was living in Savannah Georgia. Page 003 That I have not heretofore applied for a pension from the State of Florida, and refer to Claim No. ……….for the proof contained therein. (Here state any disabilities, physical or mental.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (Here state any wounds received or loss of limbs and eyesight.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… That my postoffice address is Dunnellon, County of Marion, State of Florida. F. J. Titcomb (Claimant must sign name in full.) Attest: (1) Alfred Ayer (2) A. J. Stephens Sworn and subscribed before me this 4 day of Jany A. D. 1927; and I hereby certify that the above declaration, etc., were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. T. D. Lancaster, Jr. Notary Public Page 004 Report of County Commissioners We, the undersigned, County Commissioners in and for the County of Marion, Florida, do hereby report that at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners held this day, the foregoing application of F. J. Titcomb for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us; and that we are satisfied that the representation made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted to the applicant. Witness our hands this 4 day of Jany, A. D. 1927. (1) C. Ed Carmichael, Chairman (2) E. L. Mills (3) J. G. Baskin (4) J. M. Douglas (5) W. J. Crosby County Commissioners By the County Commissioners. Attest: T. D. Lancaster, Jr. Clerk Circuit Court NOTE – All Blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. Page 005 These Blanks to be filled in by Pension Board. Claim No. ……………. Name……………………………….. Property…………………………….. Co. Com. …………………………… Res. ………………………………… Proof Of War Service Witnesses…………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… Company……………………………. Regiment……………………………. Enlisted……………………………… ………………………………………. W. D. Record Company…………………………….. Regiment…………………………….. Enlisted……………………………… ………………………………………. Remarks ………………………………………. ………………………………………. ………………………………………. ………………………………………. Former Claim No. …………………… Application No. 23012 Pensioner No. ……………………….. CLAIM FOR PENSION By F. J. Titcomb Of Dunnellon Postoffice Marion County Late Of ……………………………………….. Of ………………………………Company Ga. Arsenal Regiment Filed In Pension Department Jan. 8, 1927 Approved And Filed In Comp- Troller’s Office ……………………………….., 19….. With pay from………………..., 19….. At the rate of $………….per annum ……………………………………….. Secretary of Board ……………………………………….. DENIED BY PENSION BOARD JUN 30 1927 Page 006 State Board of Pensions No. 23012 Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer. Department of Pensions, State of Florida. Tallahassee, Fla., Jan. 10, 1926. The Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: F. J. Titcomb, who is applying for a pension under the laws of Florida. Claims to have been a member of Capt. Kendricks Company of the Ga. Arsenal at Savannah, Ga., Confederate States Army, and to have………………………………………………….. Please furnish me with the record of this soldier. Yours very truly, Ernest Knott Comptroller. Received Jan 14 Old Records Div. Received A.G.O. Jan 14 1927 Page 007 Address: “The Adjutant General War Department, Washington, D. C. O.R.D. War Department The Adjutant General’s Office Washington Jan. 17, 1927. Respectfully returned to Comptroller, Department of Pensions, State of Florida, Tallahassee, Fla. The name F. J. Titcomb has not been found on the rolls on file in this office of any Ga. Confederate States Army organization. Capt. Kendrick’s Co. Ga. Arsenal, C.S.A., has not been identified. Robert C. Davis Major General, The Adjutant General. By C.T.H. Form No. 072-A.G.O. Page 008 July 7th, 1927. Mr. F. J. Titcomb, Dunnellon, Florida. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of recent date, in regard to your application for pension, which has been denied by the Board on account of the fact that proof of your service does not meet the requirements of the pension law. In regard to the action taken by Senator Gary, I beg to advise that I showed him the statement or letter filed with your application from Mr. McGahagin and all information you had filed therewith, but he decided not to vote or hand same in the Senate. Of course you know I had nothing to do with the Special Laws granting pension by the Legislature and quite a few that were granted by Legislature will be discontinued on account of the fact that the Pension Board is also instructed to investigate these cases. I am enclosing herewith a copy of the statement by Mr. McGahagin, which was filed with your application for pension, and is not very strong. Yours very truly, Comptroller /B Page 009 July 6th, 1927. Mr. F. J. Titcomb, Dunnellon, Florida. Dear Sir: I regret very much indeed to advise that your application for pension was presented to the Board on June 30th, and denied on account of the fact that you have not furnished proof of war service as required by law. The Law requires that the affidavits of two comrades serving with the soldier be submitted, or the affidavit of a commissioned officer under whom he served, or transcript from Washington, showing his parole or discharge, none of which have been submitted. Yours most respectfully, Secretary, Pension Board. /B Page 010 Dunnellon, Fla. June 28/27. Hon. Ernest Amos Tallahassee Fla Dear Sir: As you remember, I sent you my proof as to services in the Confederacy. At your suggestion the matter was presented to the Legislature; the Committee reported favorable and bill passed the House. The matter or Bill was never brought up in the Senate by our Senator hence did not pass the Senate. Mr. Gary claiming it should have been indorsed by the Confederate veterans. Now the facts, I went before the Confederate veterans produced my proof and the Page 011 Commander. (after the meeting) met with me before the County Coms. and advocated my claim, and he (Mr. McGaghan) (sic) afterwards wrote Mr. Gary and opposed it. Why the change of hear mind I do not know. Mr. Carmichal (sic) Chairman of the County Coms. wired Mr. Gary that Mr. McG. indorsed me. Dr. Baskins a member saw Mr. Gary while in Tallahassee that I was indorsed by Mr. McG. and I wrote Mr. Gary the facts etc. Yet the word of the three was no good alongside of Mr. McG. True I did not support Mr. Gary when he was not for the Senate, and that may have had something to do with it. There are many little things I could mention but I don’t think Page 012 it necessary to take up too much of your time as you will see by the proof I produced this is no (illegible word) with me. The letters and papers you have show that in the 80’s I started to get my proof and just located the indorsement (sic) of the man under whom I served (who is long since dead). Now, Mr. Amos, frankly if you think that by my appearing before the Board and making a statement will help in this case, I will go to Tallahassee, if you will notify when the Board will meet. With kind regards, I am F. J. Titcomb Page 013 Dunnellon, Fla. May 26/27. Hon. E. Amos Tallahassee Fla My Dear Mr Amos: As you are aware my papers and application for pension was filed with you some time ago, and while there some slight defect, you explained to me, and on your advise I had Mr. Carn, our representative introduce a bill which was passed by the house and sent to the Senate. Senator Gary objected to the bill and has held it up in the Senate claiming there was no indorsement from the Confederate Veterans, and that was necessary. Now the facts of the case is, I went before the Confederate Veterans at reg meeting and produced my proof and there was no objections, there was no Page 014 place or blank to so state. Mr. McGaghan the Comander (sic) there went with me before the County Coms. and made a statement and they indorsed it. Mr. McGaghan afterwards wrote me a letter to be sent to you with my papers, etc. etc. Now! Mr. Gary writes me that Mr. McGaghan has written him that my application was never indorsed by the veterans and as I understand repudiated all that he has done. Dr. Baskins was in Tallahassee a short time ago and informed Mr. Gary that Mr. McGaghan did appear before the Board of Coms. and on his statement the Board indorsed my application. I cannot understand why this change on the part of Mr. McGaghan, however, as I understand it, I can appear before the Board and give any and all information I posess (sic). With my personal regards, Yours & c. F. J. Titcomb P.S. If you feel that way and can help me with Mr. Gary, I will appreciate it. FJT Page 015 Feb. 1st, 1927. Mr. F. J. Titcomb, Dunellon (sic), Florida. Dear Sir: Replying to your letter of the 24th in Re: your application for pension, I beg to advise that the Pension Law requires certain proof of your service before an applicant is entitled to pension, and leaves no discretion with the Board in this requirement. I will be very glad to present your claim to the Board and the letters you enclosed might be of some benefit in the consideration of your claim. Of course if you wish them returned I will do so, but if they are considered with your claim they become of record and as such must remain with same. I am returning all except the affidavit of your Sister, which I am filing with your claim, but if you wish that one returned I will be glad to do so upon request. Yours very truly, Comptroller .B Page 016 Dunnellon Fla 1/26/27 Hon Ernest Amos Tallahasse (sic) Fla Dear Sir Yours of recent date to hand. I note what you say as to answer from Washington. I stated in a former letter that I had made efforts at Washington to get the proof of my service but was unable to do so. I am inclosing an Page 017 affidavit made by myself in 1909. Also letters from prominent men at that time showing that I made every effort to get proof of my service to the Confederacy, but can only produce one affidavit, but the old letters show that I made the effort to do so and the affidavit of my sister who was several years older than I am by now dead. If the Board decides that I am not entitled to a pension of course I will have to abide. But the Confederate Veterans at their meeting, and the County Coms. after showing what proof I had all voted that I should be put on the pension roll. I trust that you will bring up my case at the next meeting of the Board and decide the case. With regards, I am, Respectfully, F. J. Titcomb P.S. Please return the letters. PJT Page 018 Jan. 22nd, 1927. Mr. F. J. Titcomb, Dunnellon, Florida. Dear Sir: Referring to my letter of recent date, I beg to advise that I am just in receipt of reply to my request to the War Department, Washington, D. C. and beg to quote the following: “The name F. J. Titcomb has not been found on the rolls on file in this office of any Ga. Confederate States Army Organization. Capt. Kendrick’s Co. Ga. Arsenal, C.S.A. has not been identified. (Signed) Robert C. Davis, Major General, (and) The Adjutant General.” You will see by the above record that your service must be established by the affidavits of comrades or a Commissioned Officer and the fact that service was rendered to the Confederate Army, in order for you to meet the requirements of the pension law. Yours very truly, Comptroller. /B Page 019 Dunnellon Fla 1/20/27 Hon Ernest Amos Tallahassee, Fla. My Dear Sir: Yours of a few days ago as regards to my application for pension to hand. I note all you say to writing to Washington to see if you can get the proof of my service to the Confederacy. I will say that I made that effort many years ago and was unable to get any information. Page 020 As stated in former letter, I like many other boys in the City of Savannah was taken out to meet Sherman before he entered the city. Who the officers were or if we were listed I am now unable to tell. As I wrote you, I went before the Confederate Veterans in Ocala, made my statement and produced the proof I had, and they voted to indorse me for a pension, and afterwards Mr. McGahagin went before the County Commissioners and indorsed my application for pension. If it is necessary (but I hope not) I will come before the board at its next meeting if I could know what date they meet. Respectfully, F. J. Titcomb P.S. I am inclosing letter from Mr. McGahagin. F.J.T. Page 021 State of Georgia} County of Chatham} Personally appeared before me Wyly T. Doty, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid Mrs. Sarah Jane Doty of the City of Savannah, State and County aforesaid, who on oath says that she resided in said city during the Confederate war 1861 to 1865 and that to her knowledge Florence J. Titcomb did assist in making cartridges for the use of the Confederate army in an arsenal located at the corner of Wayne and Drayton Sts., and arsenal being in charge of Capt. Kendricks up to the evacuation of Savannah by the Confederate troops. Sarah J. Doty Sworn to and subscribed before me the 29th day of May 1909. Wyly T. Doty NP C.C. Ga. Page 022 State of Florida. Marion County. Before me personally came Florence J. Titcomb who, being duly sworn, says, he was born in the City of Savannah, State of Georgia, and lived in said City until the year 1873, that during the Confederate War, 1861 to 1865, he was in said City, and in the latter part of 1863, and to December 1864, up to the time Savannah was evacuated by the Southern Army, he worked for the Confederate States Government making cartridges for the Southern Army in an arsenal located in the said City of Savannah on the corner of Wayne and Drayton Streets, and to the best of his knowledge and belief said arsenal was in charge of a Captain Kendricks, that on the night before Sherman’s Army came into the City he assisted in dumping powder, lead, caps, etc; into the Savannah River at a place about one hundred feet West of a place known, at that time, as Scriven’s Ferry Dock, or Gas House Dock. Florence J. Titcomb Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14 day of April 1909. Wm. M. Gober Justice of the Peace Page 023 J. H. Estill The Morning News Savannah, Ga. Dec. 11, 1906. 190…. F. J. Titcomb, Esq., Rockwell, Fla. My dear Sir:- Yours of the 9th is at hand and has received my careful attention. I remember the church building at the corner of Drayton, Gordon and Wayne. It was pulled down when Wesley Monumental Church was built. I also recall, though it is a long time since I previously thought of it, that the building was used as an arsenal, where cartridges were made, during the Confederate war. I regret to say, however, that I cannot suggest any way in which you can prove that you worked in the arsenal. About the only way would be for you to make an affidavit to that effect and get your sisters, and any other persons who may have knowledge of the fact that you worked in the arsenal, sign it. With best wishes, I am, Yours truly, J. H. Estill Page 024 New York City 36 Cedar St Sept 10th, 1889 My dear Sir Your letter of the 6th inst reached me this morning. I was during 1863 stationed in the City of Savannah but in Oglethorpe Barracks & on the Staff of the Genl. (Illegible word) that military Dept. never to my knowledge had I ever charge of the Savannah Arsenal but it has been so very long ago that all those events Page 025 have nearly passed from my memory entirely. I wish very much it was in my power to aid you but really it does not seem possible as I have very little recollection of any thing new that transpired in Savannah at all. Hope you may be able by your own testimony to secure what you deserve. I remain your obt svt. L. Jacquelin Smith F. J. Titcomb, Esq. Eustis Fla Page 026 Transcribers note: Page 026 is a duplicate, in its entirety, of Page 025 above. have nearly passed from my memory entirely. I wish very much it was in my power to aid you but really it does not seem possible as I have very little recollection of any thing new that transpired in Savannah at all. Hope you may be able by your own testimony to secure what you deserve. I remain your obt svt. L. Jacquelin Smith F. J. Titcomb, Esq. Eustis Fla Page 027 Charles C. Jones, Jr. Attorney and Counselor at Law 811 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia Sept. 4th, 1889 Dear Sir, Responding to your letter of the 1st instant, this morning received, I would say that at the time inquired of, I believe Captain L. Jacquelin Smith, now of New York City, was in charge of the Arsenal in Savannah. You had better communicate with him. Yours respectfully, etc. Charles C. Jones, Jr. F. J. Titcomb, Esqr. Eustis, Florida Capt. Kendricks Page 028 To Pension Board Tallahassee Fla Gents F. J. Titcom (sic) of Dunnellon Fla came before our camp at our last meeting and exhibited some old papers, among them an affidavit from one of his sisters stating that he was employed in the Confederate States arsenal, located in Savannah, Ga., for the purpose of making cartridges for said government and at the time Sherman captured said City that he Titcomb as a boy took up arms and went out to help defend said city against Sherman’s assaults. All of said papers appear to be very old. Respectfully Submitted W. E. McGahagin Commander Marion Camp #56 U.C.V. located at Ocala Fla Additional Comments: NOTE: Words in [] are lined through in original. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.org/fl/marion/military/civilwar/pensions/titcomb656gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 20.3 Kb