CIVIL WAR PENSION APP. - BENJAMIN J. SIMMONS, Marion Co., FL Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Carla Green, (cjgreen61@msn.com). Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/fl/flfiles.htm ******************************************************************************************* Application No. A01549 To the Honorable Board of Commissions of Pensions: GENTLEMEN: The undersigned respectfully represents, and solemnly swears, that he was enlisted at No. 4 near Cedar key Fla. on about the first day of August 1862 in Captain Samuel F. Row's Company "F" of 2nd Florida Cavalry Regiment from the State of Florida, and served in said Company; that while so serving and in the legitimate discharge of duty he was on the 5th day of May 1864, at Camp Jones near Jacksonville, Fla. wounded by the accidental discharge of his gun while on post and that as a direct result of said wound, he is now unable to perform manual labor; that he is not a pensioner of any other State, or of the United States; that he has resided continuously the last thirty five (35) years in THE STATE OF FLORIDA, and respectfully makes this claim for the pension authorized by the Act approved February 16, 1885, and amended June 7th 1887. [signed] Benj J. Simmons, Applicant Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of November A. D. 1888. [signed] C. N. Barry, NP WE SWEAR the Benjamin J. Simmons, the above applicant, is personally well known to us, that we served with him in said Captain Samuel R. Row's Company, and were present with said Company on said 5th day of May 1864, and believe all the statements made in above affidavit are true and occurred as represented. [signed] Joseph C. Mathews of Co. "F" 2nd Reg. Fla. Cav. [signed] D. R. Dunn Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of November A. D. 1888. [signed] C. N. Barry Notary Public I SWEAR that I have carefully examined the above applicant, B. J. Simmons who is to me personally well known to be the man above represented and find because the arm is off just below the elbow (left arm) from a wound received from the accidental discharge of his own gun taking effect in the fore left arm resulting directly in the loss of said arm below the elbow. [signed] E. C. Pasley, M. D. Sworn and subscribed before me this 5th day of November 1888. [signed] C. N. Barry Notary Public STATE OF FLORIDA County of Marion We, the Board of County Commissioners of said county, do certify that we have carefully investigated the statements made in the within affidavit and are satisfied by evidence produced before us, that the within described applicant is the veritable Benj. J. Simmons who enlisted and served in Captain Samuel F. Row's Company 2nd Regiment, from the State of Florida; that he is by reason of wounds received in line of duty, while so serving, rendered unfit to perform manual labor; that he is a citizen of this country, has resided in this State continuously for the last 25 years, and that he is not receiving a pension from any other State, or from the United States. Done at Ocala, the County Site, this 7th day of Nov. 1888 [signed] T. A. Miller, President of the Board of County Commissioners [signed] W. P. Williamson [signed] F. S. Perrin County Commissioners Attest: [signed] Robt. Bullock, Clerk By S. T. Sistrunk, DC ******************************************************************************************* #347 1549 APPLICATION FOR PENSION BY Benjamin J. Simmons OF Marion County LATE OF Capt. Samuel F. Row's Company "F" 2nd Fla. Cavalry Regiment FILED IN ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE Nov 22nd 1888 Allowed July 13/89 by Comms. Of Pensions Pay from Jly 1, 1887 D. Lang Adjt. Gen. Acty. Secty.- Bd Pensions ******************************************************************************************* Soldier's Application for Pension STATE OF FLORIDA, County of Marion On this 20th day of January 1902, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for said county and State aforesaid, B. J. Simmons who, being duly sworn, declares that he is the identical person who enlisted on or about the ____day of April 1861 in Captain Williams Company, county of Bradford, in the State of Florida, transferred and that while in actual service in company "F" 2nd Fla. Cavalry Regiment, of the State of Florida on or about the ____ day of April 1863, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of my service war ended. I was wounded and lost left arm while in service and in line of duty, near Jacksonville Fla. while on picket and that as the direct result of said injuries, thus received in line of duty during the war, I am now unable to gain a livelihood by manual labor; that I have continuously since January 1st, 1885, been a citizen of Florida; that neither I nor my wife, nor both combined, own real and personal property to the value of $800 in this or any other State, and have not purposely disposed of our property for the purpose of availing ourselves of the provisions of the pension laws of Florida; that I am not otherwise enabled, or in a position to earn, and have no income from any source sufficient for a livelihood by manual labor, and that I never deserted the Confederate service, and that I receive a pension from no other source. [signed] B. J. Simmons P. O. Address Micanopy P.O., Marion Co. Fla. Sworn and subscribed before me this 20th day January, 1902. [signed] S. T. Sistrunk, Clerk Circuit Court Marion County By H. C. Sistrunk, DC I do solemnly swear that I was born on the 8th day of April in 1841 Twiggs county, State of Georgia, and that I am now past the age of 60 years; that I was bona-fide citizen of this State on January, A. D. 1885, and have continuously resided in this State since that date; that I do not own property, real or person, or real and personal, to the value of eight hundred dollars ($800), and that I am by reason of age incapable of providing a living by manual labor for myself. [signed] B. J. Simmons P. O. Address Micanopy P. O. Marion Co. Fla. Sworn and subscribed before me this 20th day of January 1902. [signed] S. T. Sistrunk, Clerk Circuit Court Marion County By H. C. Sistrunk, DC We do solemnly swear that we personally knew B. J. Simmons the above applicant for pension during the Civil War of 1861 to 1865, that we served with him in Confederate Service Company "F" 2nd Fla. Cavalry Regiment and know of our own knowledge that he did receive the injuries set forth in the above application at the time and place claimed, and that the disability therefrom claimed to exist does exist, and that he never deserted the Confederate Army. [signed] J. C. Mathews Late of Co. "F" 2nd Reg. Fla. Cal. [signed] F. D. Poosen Late of Co. "F" 2nd Reg. Fla. Cavl. Sworn and subscribed before me this 20 day of January 1902. [signed] John E. Bailey Notary Public We do solemnly swear that we are familiar with the value of all property owned by B. J. Simmons and his wife, directly or indirectly, in this or any other State, and that the actual combined value thereof does not exceed $800; that they have not disposed of any property for the purpose of availing themselves of the provisions of the pension laws of Florida, and that he is not physically or otherwise able, or in a position to earn a livelihood, by manual labor. [signed] E. M. Hogan P. O. Address Central Union Co. [signed] J. K. G. Best P. O. Address Fairfield Marion Co. Fla. Sworn and subscribed before me this 20 day of January, 1902. [signed] John E. Bailey Notary Public ******************************************************************************************* Handwritten note Ocala Fla. Jany 27th 1902 I hereby certify that B. J. Simmons the applicant for Pension is a member of Camp No. 56 of U.C.V. Marion County Florida, and is in good standing in said Camp. [signed] Geo M. Hubbard ? Camp L. Dozier Adjt. ******************************************************************************************* Handwritten letter from B. J. Simmons to Mr. A. C. Croom Micanopy Fla. Feb 1st 1904 Mr. A. C. Croom Dear Sir I made application for Pension in January 1902 and although my papers were all right and were approved by the County Commissioners and forwarded to you now near two year ago. Will you kindly give my claim your attention. I am now over 62 years old, and was in Co. "F" 2d Fla. Cav. My P. O. is at this place "Micanopy" Respectfully B. J. Simmons Inclosed envelope for the Commissioners ******************************************************************************************* 4024 3229 CLAIM FOR PENSION BY B. J. Simmons OF Marion County LATE OF "F" Company 2nd Regiment FILED IN EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Feby. 12 1904 (note: it was originally 1902 and was written over with 1904) APPROVED June 16th 1904 C. H. Dickerison Sec. of Bd. FILED IN COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE ___________________, 19____ (left blank) $125 Pay from Feby. 12 1904 at rate of $96.00 per annum ******************************************************************************************* Soldier's Application for Pension UNDER THE ACT OF 1909 STATE OF FLORIDA,} County of Marion} On this 3rd day of August 1909, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for said county and State aforesaid, B. J. Simmons who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 68 years of age, having been born on the 8 day of April 1841 in the county of Twiggs, 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 January 1852. That he is the identical person who enlisted at Lake Butler, under the name of B. J. Simmons on the ____ day of April 1861, in Company Captain Williams Regiment 2nd Fla. Infantry of the State of Fla. in the service of the Confederate States and who was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at near Olustee, in the State of Florida, on the 4th day of May, 1865, on account of surrender of Genl Lee and ending of war. That I served faithfully until HONORABLY DISCHARGED from the service of the Confederate States in the year 1865, and did not desert the service of the Confederate States 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 wounded and in Bradford County, Fla. That I do not own property, including real estate, personal property, stocks, bonds, mortgages or other collateral securities of any kind in this or any other State, nor does my wife own with me jointly or separately, property to exceed in value the sum of five thousand dollars. That the following is a true and correct statement of all property owned by me or by my wife, jointly and separately in this or any other State: Real estate, located at . . . . . . . . .Marion County near Micanopy. . . $ 500.00 Cattle, horses and other live stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50.00 Personal property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10.00 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 560.00 That I have heretofore been granted a pension from the State of Florida under pension certificate No. 3229 at the rate of $125.00 per annum. (Here state any disabilities, physical or mental) Has only one arm and eye sight very defective one eye is practically gone. That my postoffice address is Micanopy, County of Marion, State of Florida. [signed] Benjamin John Simmons Attest: [signed] W. M. Kofman [signed] Peyton Bailey Sworn and subscribed before me, this 4th day of August, A.D. 1909, 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. [signed] John E. Bailey Notary Public My commission expires April 16th 1912 (FORM B) STATE OF FLORIDA County of Marion We, the undersigned citizens of Marion County, State of Florida, do hereby certify that we personally know Benjamin J. Simmons, who is an applicant for a pension under the laws of Florida, and that from our own personal knowledge, and from the best information available, we believe that the applicant does not own property (including the property of his wife) to exceed in value the sum of $5,000 and that the statements made by him relative to the value of his property are true and correct. (To be signed by two citizens.) [signed] W. W. Best [signed] N. H. Wangue Sworn and subscribed before me, this 4th day of August, 1909. [signed] John E. Bailey Notary Public (FORM C) Physician's Affidavit STATE OF FLORIDA County of Marion Before me personally came John M. Thompson, who duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is a physician; that he is a resident of the State and County aforesaid; that he personally knows Benjamin J. Simmons the applicant named in the foregoing application for a pension. This deponent further says that he has carefully examined the said applicant's physical condition and finds: (Here state nature, character and extent of wounds, disease or disability. Please avoid technical terms.) Has left-hand and half forearm shot away during war, near Jacksonville, Fla. in June 1863 - blind in right eye and defective vision in right eye, neuralgia in back of head, all of which renders him unable to work to support himself - Also advancing in years. This deponent further says that the said Benjamin J. Simmons is permanently disabled by reason of such from earning a livelihood for himself by manual labor. (Please note carefully resolution below before certifying to total disability.) [signed] Jno. M. Thompson, M. D. Physician Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of August A.D. 1909. [signed] John E. Bailey, Notary Public At a meeting of the State Board of Pensions held July 10th, 1907, at which the Governor, Comptroller and Treasurer were present, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved: That persons entitled to Pensions under the Laws of Florida, who apply for the amount allowed in case of total disability, must submit the affidavit of a reputable physician stating specifically the personal ailment and conditions that render the applicant entirely helpless and incapacitated, physically or mentally, for any work or business. ******************************************************************************************* 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 B. J. Simmons for a pension under the Laws of Florida, was investigated by us; that we are satisfied that the applicant does not own property (including the property of his wife) to exceed the value of $5,000, and that the representations made in the petition and affidavits are true, and that a pension should be granted to the applicant. Witness our hands this 2nd day of Aug, A. D. 1909. (1.) [signed] Greneal Key (2.) [signed] J. M. Mathews (3.) [signed] (left blank) (4.) [signed] W. J. Crosby (5.) [signed] N. A. Fort County Commissioners. By the County Commissioners. Attest: [signed] S. T. Sistrunk, Clerk Circuit Court NOTE- All Blanks must be filled out. All information required must be fully and accurately given. ******************************************************************************************* State Board of Pensions, No. 14764 Department of Pensions, State of Florida. Tallahassee, November 12, 1909 Hon. F. C. Ainsworth, The Adjutant General Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Benjamin J. Simmons, who is an applicant for a pension under the laws of Florida, claims to have been a member of Company F, 2d Florida Cavalry, Regiment & B 2d Florida Infantry, Confederate States Army. Please furnish me with the record of this soldier. Yours very truly, [signed] A. C. Croom Comptroller ******************************************************************************************* War Department, Washington D. C. 1587671 The Adjutant General's Office Washington, November 15, 1909 Respectfully returned to the Comptroller, State of Florida, Tallahassee, The records show that B. J. Simmons (the name Benjamin J. Simmons not found), private, Company F, 2d Florida Cavalry, Confederate States Army, enlisted October 1, 1862; that he surrendered at Baldwin, Florida; and was paroled at that place May 17, 1865. [signed] F. C. Ainsworth ******************************************************************************************* 6999 Former Claim No. 3223 Application No. 14764 Pensioner No. 5172 CLAIM FOR PENSION BY Benj J. Simmons OF Micanopy Postoffice Marion County FILED IN PENSION DEPARTMENT AUG 7 1909 APPROVED DEC 11 1909 With pay from JUL 1 1909 At the rate of $125 per annum