Civil War Veteran
Co. F, 33rd Indiana, Infantry.
William Wesley Richardson was born May 2, 1844, in Warrick County, Indiana. His parents were George W. Richardson and Joannah (May) Richardson.
In 1860, William Richardson was 16 years old and living with his parents and 8 siblings on the family farm in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana.
"William Wesley Richardson, first husband of Mrs. Rutter [nee Sarah Jane Lance], grew to manhood in Warrick County, receiving a good common school education. The latter part of his life was spent in Columbia township, Gibson County, where he engaged in farming and where he died on October 6, 1903. He too, was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in September 1861 in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served until the close of the war. He had endured the hardships and privations of both Libby and Andersonville prisons and to him, as to all other loyal sons of our country who went through so much in the dark days of the sixties, a vast tribute is due. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oakland City and a man highly honored by a large circle of friends."....[source: biographical sketch in 'History of Gibson County, Indiana', pages 646-647, by Gilbert R. Stormont, published by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, 1914].
On June 4, 1880, 'Wesley' Richardson was a 36-year-old farmer living in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. He was farming with his 32-year-old wife, 'Jane'. The 1880 Indiana federal census [ED 106, Sheet 9A] also indicates 'Wesley' was born in Indiana and his parents were born in North Carolina.
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of the Pension Claim of Wm. W. Richardson - Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, William W. Richardson - App[lication] for Incr[ease] Pension No 203404; person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Claimant in the above entitled case. My Rupture was incurred at Tunnel Hill, Georgia on or about May 12, 1864, by carrying a Log to build Breast Works at that place and I was placed in Hospital two days after, and I remained in Hospital till about Sept 26/64 when I was furloughed home and stayed at home till after the election 1864. And returned to Jeffersonville Hospital Where I got to my Regiment in the Spring of 1865. In my application for pension, I stated that I was ruptured about the 30th of June or 1st of July 1864. That statement I made from Memory and now by consulting the records and studying over the case I see I was mistaken as to the time but not as to the place and circumstances. Now I ask that that statement be corrected as to the time it occurred.' - William W. Richardson."...[source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension file of William Wesley Richardson, 16 Apr 1883].
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of William W. Richardson, Private Company F, 33rd Regiment Indiana Infantry Vols. On this 22 day of December, A.D. 1896, personally appeared before me James E. Chappell, a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, William W. Richardson, aged 51 years, a resident of Oakland City, in the County of Gibson, and State of Indiana whose Post-office address is Oakland City, Indiana, well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Identical Person who Served in Company F, 33d Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers and on the 5th day of March 1863 at Spring Hill or Thompson Station in the State of Tennessee while Engaged in Battle against the Enimy [sic] of our Country I was taken Prisoner of War and I was taken to Libba [sic] Prison in Richmond Virginia and while I was in Said Prison I had to Eat Such food I contracted Internal Piles and after I was Released from Prison I got over the Piles but afterwards on or about the 18 (or 8) day of May 1864 at Tunnell Hill in the State of Georgia I help cary a log to Build Brest-works. I got hurt which Brought on the Piles. I have had the Piles Ever Since at times I have been a continual Suffer for the last Six years Better at times worse at times the Reasons why I did not put in this disability in my former application I reamain In hopes I could be cured at some time But the disabilty has become permanent. I have not been in any other Servic' [sic]. - William W. Richardson Co. F, 33 Regt Ind Inf Vols"....(source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension File of William Wesley Richardson, 22 Dec 1896).
"Sir: Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your family. Very respectively, H. Evans, Commissioner, Oakland City, Ind.
No. 1: Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name.
Answer: I am a married man, was married to Jane Lance - now Jane Richardson.
No. 2: When, where, and by whom were you married?
Answer: We was married on the 26th day of September 1866, by Rev. F. M. Halbrooke - M.G.
No. 3: What record of marriage exists?
Answer: Marriage record of Pike County In the State of Indiana.
No. 4: Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer: I was never previously married nor my wife was never Previously married.
No. 5: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.
Answer: We never had but one Child he was born on the 27 day of September 1867 died December the 5th 1867. We have no family liveing only Our two Selves. We are Seperate and alone as far as Children are Concerned and we were married when we were under the age of 21 years and have live together as husband and wife all these year and are Still liveing togeather. - Date of reply, 22 of May, 1899. - Wm. W. Richardson and wife, Co F, 33rd Reft Ind Vols Inft. To Hon Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C."....[source: questionaire from the Commissioner of Pensions to William Wesley Lance, included in his military pension file, 22 May 1899].
On June 10, 1900, 'Wesley W.' Richardson was a 56-year-old Insurance Agent living with his 55-year-old wife, Jane, on Oak St. in Oakland City, Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Forty-four-year-old Winfield Wallace was boarding in the Richardson household. The 1900 Indiana federal census [ED 5, Sheet 11A] also shows: 'Wesley' was born in May 1844 in Indiana; he and 'Jane' had been married 33 years; his parents were born in North Carolina; he had been unemployed 0 months during the census year; he was literate; and they owned their house free and clear.
On October 6, 1903, William Wesley Richardson passed away in Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana at age 59.
The Indiana State Board of Health issued a Certificate of Death for William [Record No. 493] which includes the following details: Westley [sic] W. Richardson died at 11:10 a.m. on October 6, 1903 at Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana; he was 59 years, 5 months, and 4 days old; he was born May 2, 1844 in Warrick County, Indiana; he was White and married; his wife was Jane Richardson; his occupation was Justice of the Peace; his father was North Carolina-born George W. Richardson; his mother was North Carolina-born Joanna May; the informant was his wife, Jane Richardson of Oakland City, Indiana; "I Hereby Certify, That I attended deceased from June 12th, 1903 to October 6th, 1903, that I last saw him alive on October 6, 1903, and that death occurred on the date stated above, at 11:10 o'clock a.m. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the cause of death was as follows: Chief Cause - Chronic Diarrhea, followed by General Tuberculosis, Duration - probably 40 years. Immediate Cause - Chronic Diarrhea. [signed] R. S. Mason, M.D. of Oakland City, Indiana"; William was buried at Oakland City, Indiana on October 7, 1903; the Undertaker was Lamb &Watt? of Oakland City, Indiana; and the death record was filed with the Health Officer, R. S. Mason of Oakland City, on November 4, 1903.
"Sir: This appellant, Jane Richardson, is a pensioner under the act of June 27, 1890, as the widow of William W. Richardson, late private in Company F, 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who died October 6, 1903. June 23, 1904, she filed a claim for pension under the general law, alleging that soldier's death was due to causes contracted in the military service. Said claim was rejected by the Pension Bureau July 28, 1904, on the ground that the evidence failed to show that the soldier's fatal illness, tuberculosis, was the result of disease of the eyes, left inguinal hernia or disease of rectum, for which he was pensioned, nor otherwise shown to have been due to his military service.
August 8, 1904, claimant appealed contending that the Commissioner of Pensions erred in holding that the tuberculosis, from which soldier died, was not the result of chronic diarrhoea. Dr. G. C. Mason testified by affidavit filed June 23, 1904, that 'the immediate cause of his death was acute tuberculosis of the lungs brought about by chronic diarrhoea.' It appears from the testimony of Dr. Mason that soldier's death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis. He endeavors to show that this was due to chronic diarrhoea, but this theory is not sustained by medical authority and cannot be accepted in this case. Even though it could be accepted, it would not be of any advantage to claimant for the reason that soldier was not pensioned for chronic diarrhoea and there is no evidence tending to show that he contracted such disease while he was in the military service. At the time of his death, he was a pensioner by special act of Congress at $30 per month. He was formerly a pensioner under the general law at the rate of $17 per month, on account of disability from disease of eyes, left inguinal hernia and disease of rectum. He had filed a number of claims for pension and increase of pension, but at no time alleged that he contracted chronic diarrhoea or disease of lungs while in the service. There is no evidence in this case tending to show that soldier's death was in any way due to his military service, and therefore, the action of the Bureau rejecting said claim was proper. It is hereby affirmed and the papers are herewith returned. Very respectfully, Wm Miller, Assistant Secretary"....[source: memo from the Commissioner of Pensions included in the military pension file of William Wesley Richardson, Department of the Interior, Washington, 29 Apr 1905]."
Contributor: Michael Lance (49559638) • [email protected]
Co. F, 33rd Indiana, Infantry.
William Wesley Richardson was born May 2, 1844, in Warrick County, Indiana. His parents were George W. Richardson and Joannah (May) Richardson.
In 1860, William Richardson was 16 years old and living with his parents and 8 siblings on the family farm in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana.
"William Wesley Richardson, first husband of Mrs. Rutter [nee Sarah Jane Lance], grew to manhood in Warrick County, receiving a good common school education. The latter part of his life was spent in Columbia township, Gibson County, where he engaged in farming and where he died on October 6, 1903. He too, was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in September 1861 in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served until the close of the war. He had endured the hardships and privations of both Libby and Andersonville prisons and to him, as to all other loyal sons of our country who went through so much in the dark days of the sixties, a vast tribute is due. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oakland City and a man highly honored by a large circle of friends."....[source: biographical sketch in 'History of Gibson County, Indiana', pages 646-647, by Gilbert R. Stormont, published by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, 1914].
On June 4, 1880, 'Wesley' Richardson was a 36-year-old farmer living in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. He was farming with his 32-year-old wife, 'Jane'. The 1880 Indiana federal census [ED 106, Sheet 9A] also indicates 'Wesley' was born in Indiana and his parents were born in North Carolina.
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of the Pension Claim of Wm. W. Richardson - Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, William W. Richardson - App[lication] for Incr[ease] Pension No 203404; person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Claimant in the above entitled case. My Rupture was incurred at Tunnel Hill, Georgia on or about May 12, 1864, by carrying a Log to build Breast Works at that place and I was placed in Hospital two days after, and I remained in Hospital till about Sept 26/64 when I was furloughed home and stayed at home till after the election 1864. And returned to Jeffersonville Hospital Where I got to my Regiment in the Spring of 1865. In my application for pension, I stated that I was ruptured about the 30th of June or 1st of July 1864. That statement I made from Memory and now by consulting the records and studying over the case I see I was mistaken as to the time but not as to the place and circumstances. Now I ask that that statement be corrected as to the time it occurred.' - William W. Richardson."...[source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension file of William Wesley Richardson, 16 Apr 1883].
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of William W. Richardson, Private Company F, 33rd Regiment Indiana Infantry Vols. On this 22 day of December, A.D. 1896, personally appeared before me James E. Chappell, a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, William W. Richardson, aged 51 years, a resident of Oakland City, in the County of Gibson, and State of Indiana whose Post-office address is Oakland City, Indiana, well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Identical Person who Served in Company F, 33d Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers and on the 5th day of March 1863 at Spring Hill or Thompson Station in the State of Tennessee while Engaged in Battle against the Enimy [sic] of our Country I was taken Prisoner of War and I was taken to Libba [sic] Prison in Richmond Virginia and while I was in Said Prison I had to Eat Such food I contracted Internal Piles and after I was Released from Prison I got over the Piles but afterwards on or about the 18 (or 8) day of May 1864 at Tunnell Hill in the State of Georgia I help cary a log to Build Brest-works. I got hurt which Brought on the Piles. I have had the Piles Ever Since at times I have been a continual Suffer for the last Six years Better at times worse at times the Reasons why I did not put in this disability in my former application I reamain In hopes I could be cured at some time But the disabilty has become permanent. I have not been in any other Servic' [sic]. - William W. Richardson Co. F, 33 Regt Ind Inf Vols"....(source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension File of William Wesley Richardson, 22 Dec 1896).
"Sir: Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your family. Very respectively, H. Evans, Commissioner, Oakland City, Ind.
No. 1: Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name.
Answer: I am a married man, was married to Jane Lance - now Jane Richardson.
No. 2: When, where, and by whom were you married?
Answer: We was married on the 26th day of September 1866, by Rev. F. M. Halbrooke - M.G.
No. 3: What record of marriage exists?
Answer: Marriage record of Pike County In the State of Indiana.
No. 4: Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer: I was never previously married nor my wife was never Previously married.
No. 5: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.
Answer: We never had but one Child he was born on the 27 day of September 1867 died December the 5th 1867. We have no family liveing only Our two Selves. We are Seperate and alone as far as Children are Concerned and we were married when we were under the age of 21 years and have live together as husband and wife all these year and are Still liveing togeather. - Date of reply, 22 of May, 1899. - Wm. W. Richardson and wife, Co F, 33rd Reft Ind Vols Inft. To Hon Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C."....[source: questionaire from the Commissioner of Pensions to William Wesley Lance, included in his military pension file, 22 May 1899].
On June 10, 1900, 'Wesley W.' Richardson was a 56-year-old Insurance Agent living with his 55-year-old wife, Jane, on Oak St. in Oakland City, Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Forty-four-year-old Winfield Wallace was boarding in the Richardson household. The 1900 Indiana federal census [ED 5, Sheet 11A] also shows: 'Wesley' was born in May 1844 in Indiana; he and 'Jane' had been married 33 years; his parents were born in North Carolina; he had been unemployed 0 months during the census year; he was literate; and they owned their house free and clear.
On October 6, 1903, William Wesley Richardson passed away in Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana at age 59.
The Indiana State Board of Health issued a Certificate of Death for William [Record No. 493] which includes the following details: Westley [sic] W. Richardson died at 11:10 a.m. on October 6, 1903 at Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana; he was 59 years, 5 months, and 4 days old; he was born May 2, 1844 in Warrick County, Indiana; he was White and married; his wife was Jane Richardson; his occupation was Justice of the Peace; his father was North Carolina-born George W. Richardson; his mother was North Carolina-born Joanna May; the informant was his wife, Jane Richardson of Oakland City, Indiana; "I Hereby Certify, That I attended deceased from June 12th, 1903 to October 6th, 1903, that I last saw him alive on October 6, 1903, and that death occurred on the date stated above, at 11:10 o'clock a.m. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the cause of death was as follows: Chief Cause - Chronic Diarrhea, followed by General Tuberculosis, Duration - probably 40 years. Immediate Cause - Chronic Diarrhea. [signed] R. S. Mason, M.D. of Oakland City, Indiana"; William was buried at Oakland City, Indiana on October 7, 1903; the Undertaker was Lamb &Watt? of Oakland City, Indiana; and the death record was filed with the Health Officer, R. S. Mason of Oakland City, on November 4, 1903.
"Sir: This appellant, Jane Richardson, is a pensioner under the act of June 27, 1890, as the widow of William W. Richardson, late private in Company F, 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who died October 6, 1903. June 23, 1904, she filed a claim for pension under the general law, alleging that soldier's death was due to causes contracted in the military service. Said claim was rejected by the Pension Bureau July 28, 1904, on the ground that the evidence failed to show that the soldier's fatal illness, tuberculosis, was the result of disease of the eyes, left inguinal hernia or disease of rectum, for which he was pensioned, nor otherwise shown to have been due to his military service.
August 8, 1904, claimant appealed contending that the Commissioner of Pensions erred in holding that the tuberculosis, from which soldier died, was not the result of chronic diarrhoea. Dr. G. C. Mason testified by affidavit filed June 23, 1904, that 'the immediate cause of his death was acute tuberculosis of the lungs brought about by chronic diarrhoea.' It appears from the testimony of Dr. Mason that soldier's death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis. He endeavors to show that this was due to chronic diarrhoea, but this theory is not sustained by medical authority and cannot be accepted in this case. Even though it could be accepted, it would not be of any advantage to claimant for the reason that soldier was not pensioned for chronic diarrhoea and there is no evidence tending to show that he contracted such disease while he was in the military service. At the time of his death, he was a pensioner by special act of Congress at $30 per month. He was formerly a pensioner under the general law at the rate of $17 per month, on account of disability from disease of eyes, left inguinal hernia and disease of rectum. He had filed a number of claims for pension and increase of pension, but at no time alleged that he contracted chronic diarrhoea or disease of lungs while in the service. There is no evidence in this case tending to show that soldier's death was in any way due to his military service, and therefore, the action of the Bureau rejecting said claim was proper. It is hereby affirmed and the papers are herewith returned. Very respectfully, Wm Miller, Assistant Secretary"....[source: memo from the Commissioner of Pensions included in the military pension file of William Wesley Richardson, Department of the Interior, Washington, 29 Apr 1905]."
Contributor: Michael Lance (49559638) • [email protected]
Civil War Veteran
Co. F, 33rd Indiana, Infantry.
William Wesley Richardson was born May 2, 1844, in Warrick County, Indiana. His parents were George W. Richardson and Joannah (May) Richardson.
In 1860, William Richardson was 16 years old and living with his parents and 8 siblings on the family farm in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana.
"William Wesley Richardson, first husband of Mrs. Rutter [nee Sarah Jane Lance], grew to manhood in Warrick County, receiving a good common school education. The latter part of his life was spent in Columbia township, Gibson County, where he engaged in farming and where he died on October 6, 1903. He too, was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in September 1861 in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served until the close of the war. He had endured the hardships and privations of both Libby and Andersonville prisons and to him, as to all other loyal sons of our country who went through so much in the dark days of the sixties, a vast tribute is due. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oakland City and a man highly honored by a large circle of friends."....[source: biographical sketch in 'History of Gibson County, Indiana', pages 646-647, by Gilbert R. Stormont, published by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, 1914].
On June 4, 1880, 'Wesley' Richardson was a 36-year-old farmer living in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. He was farming with his 32-year-old wife, 'Jane'. The 1880 Indiana federal census [ED 106, Sheet 9A] also indicates 'Wesley' was born in Indiana and his parents were born in North Carolina.
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of the Pension Claim of Wm. W. Richardson - Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, William W. Richardson - App[lication] for Incr[ease] Pension No 203404; person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Claimant in the above entitled case. My Rupture was incurred at Tunnel Hill, Georgia on or about May 12, 1864, by carrying a Log to build Breast Works at that place and I was placed in Hospital two days after, and I remained in Hospital till about Sept 26/64 when I was furloughed home and stayed at home till after the election 1864. And returned to Jeffersonville Hospital Where I got to my Regiment in the Spring of 1865. In my application for pension, I stated that I was ruptured about the 30th of June or 1st of July 1864. That statement I made from Memory and now by consulting the records and studying over the case I see I was mistaken as to the time but not as to the place and circumstances. Now I ask that that statement be corrected as to the time it occurred.' - William W. Richardson."...[source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension file of William Wesley Richardson, 16 Apr 1883].
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of William W. Richardson, Private Company F, 33rd Regiment Indiana Infantry Vols. On this 22 day of December, A.D. 1896, personally appeared before me James E. Chappell, a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, William W. Richardson, aged 51 years, a resident of Oakland City, in the County of Gibson, and State of Indiana whose Post-office address is Oakland City, Indiana, well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Identical Person who Served in Company F, 33d Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers and on the 5th day of March 1863 at Spring Hill or Thompson Station in the State of Tennessee while Engaged in Battle against the Enimy [sic] of our Country I was taken Prisoner of War and I was taken to Libba [sic] Prison in Richmond Virginia and while I was in Said Prison I had to Eat Such food I contracted Internal Piles and after I was Released from Prison I got over the Piles but afterwards on or about the 18 (or 8) day of May 1864 at Tunnell Hill in the State of Georgia I help cary a log to Build Brest-works. I got hurt which Brought on the Piles. I have had the Piles Ever Since at times I have been a continual Suffer for the last Six years Better at times worse at times the Reasons why I did not put in this disability in my former application I reamain In hopes I could be cured at some time But the disabilty has become permanent. I have not been in any other Servic' [sic]. - William W. Richardson Co. F, 33 Regt Ind Inf Vols"....(source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension File of William Wesley Richardson, 22 Dec 1896).
"Sir: Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your family. Very respectively, H. Evans, Commissioner, Oakland City, Ind.
No. 1: Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name.
Answer: I am a married man, was married to Jane Lance - now Jane Richardson.
No. 2: When, where, and by whom were you married?
Answer: We was married on the 26th day of September 1866, by Rev. F. M. Halbrooke - M.G.
No. 3: What record of marriage exists?
Answer: Marriage record of Pike County In the State of Indiana.
No. 4: Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer: I was never previously married nor my wife was never Previously married.
No. 5: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.
Answer: We never had but one Child he was born on the 27 day of September 1867 died December the 5th 1867. We have no family liveing only Our two Selves. We are Seperate and alone as far as Children are Concerned and we were married when we were under the age of 21 years and have live together as husband and wife all these year and are Still liveing togeather. - Date of reply, 22 of May, 1899. - Wm. W. Richardson and wife, Co F, 33rd Reft Ind Vols Inft. To Hon Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C."....[source: questionaire from the Commissioner of Pensions to William Wesley Lance, included in his military pension file, 22 May 1899].
On June 10, 1900, 'Wesley W.' Richardson was a 56-year-old Insurance Agent living with his 55-year-old wife, Jane, on Oak St. in Oakland City, Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Forty-four-year-old Winfield Wallace was boarding in the Richardson household. The 1900 Indiana federal census [ED 5, Sheet 11A] also shows: 'Wesley' was born in May 1844 in Indiana; he and 'Jane' had been married 33 years; his parents were born in North Carolina; he had been unemployed 0 months during the census year; he was literate; and they owned their house free and clear.
On October 6, 1903, William Wesley Richardson passed away in Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana at age 59.
The Indiana State Board of Health issued a Certificate of Death for William [Record No. 493] which includes the following details: Westley [sic] W. Richardson died at 11:10 a.m. on October 6, 1903 at Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana; he was 59 years, 5 months, and 4 days old; he was born May 2, 1844 in Warrick County, Indiana; he was White and married; his wife was Jane Richardson; his occupation was Justice of the Peace; his father was North Carolina-born George W. Richardson; his mother was North Carolina-born Joanna May; the informant was his wife, Jane Richardson of Oakland City, Indiana; "I Hereby Certify, That I attended deceased from June 12th, 1903 to October 6th, 1903, that I last saw him alive on October 6, 1903, and that death occurred on the date stated above, at 11:10 o'clock a.m. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the cause of death was as follows: Chief Cause - Chronic Diarrhea, followed by General Tuberculosis, Duration - probably 40 years. Immediate Cause - Chronic Diarrhea. [signed] R. S. Mason, M.D. of Oakland City, Indiana"; William was buried at Oakland City, Indiana on October 7, 1903; the Undertaker was Lamb &Watt? of Oakland City, Indiana; and the death record was filed with the Health Officer, R. S. Mason of Oakland City, on November 4, 1903.
"Sir: This appellant, Jane Richardson, is a pensioner under the act of June 27, 1890, as the widow of William W. Richardson, late private in Company F, 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who died October 6, 1903. June 23, 1904, she filed a claim for pension under the general law, alleging that soldier's death was due to causes contracted in the military service. Said claim was rejected by the Pension Bureau July 28, 1904, on the ground that the evidence failed to show that the soldier's fatal illness, tuberculosis, was the result of disease of the eyes, left inguinal hernia or disease of rectum, for which he was pensioned, nor otherwise shown to have been due to his military service.
August 8, 1904, claimant appealed contending that the Commissioner of Pensions erred in holding that the tuberculosis, from which soldier died, was not the result of chronic diarrhoea. Dr. G. C. Mason testified by affidavit filed June 23, 1904, that 'the immediate cause of his death was acute tuberculosis of the lungs brought about by chronic diarrhoea.' It appears from the testimony of Dr. Mason that soldier's death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis. He endeavors to show that this was due to chronic diarrhoea, but this theory is not sustained by medical authority and cannot be accepted in this case. Even though it could be accepted, it would not be of any advantage to claimant for the reason that soldier was not pensioned for chronic diarrhoea and there is no evidence tending to show that he contracted such disease while he was in the military service. At the time of his death, he was a pensioner by special act of Congress at $30 per month. He was formerly a pensioner under the general law at the rate of $17 per month, on account of disability from disease of eyes, left inguinal hernia and disease of rectum. He had filed a number of claims for pension and increase of pension, but at no time alleged that he contracted chronic diarrhoea or disease of lungs while in the service. There is no evidence in this case tending to show that soldier's death was in any way due to his military service, and therefore, the action of the Bureau rejecting said claim was proper. It is hereby affirmed and the papers are herewith returned. Very respectfully, Wm Miller, Assistant Secretary"....[source: memo from the Commissioner of Pensions included in the military pension file of William Wesley Richardson, Department of the Interior, Washington, 29 Apr 1905]."
Contributor: Michael Lance (49559638) • [email protected]
Co. F, 33rd Indiana, Infantry.
William Wesley Richardson was born May 2, 1844, in Warrick County, Indiana. His parents were George W. Richardson and Joannah (May) Richardson.
In 1860, William Richardson was 16 years old and living with his parents and 8 siblings on the family farm in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana.
"William Wesley Richardson, first husband of Mrs. Rutter [nee Sarah Jane Lance], grew to manhood in Warrick County, receiving a good common school education. The latter part of his life was spent in Columbia township, Gibson County, where he engaged in farming and where he died on October 6, 1903. He too, was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in September 1861 in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served until the close of the war. He had endured the hardships and privations of both Libby and Andersonville prisons and to him, as to all other loyal sons of our country who went through so much in the dark days of the sixties, a vast tribute is due. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oakland City and a man highly honored by a large circle of friends."....[source: biographical sketch in 'History of Gibson County, Indiana', pages 646-647, by Gilbert R. Stormont, published by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, 1914].
On June 4, 1880, 'Wesley' Richardson was a 36-year-old farmer living in Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. He was farming with his 32-year-old wife, 'Jane'. The 1880 Indiana federal census [ED 106, Sheet 9A] also indicates 'Wesley' was born in Indiana and his parents were born in North Carolina.
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of the Pension Claim of Wm. W. Richardson - Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, William W. Richardson - App[lication] for Incr[ease] Pension No 203404; person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Claimant in the above entitled case. My Rupture was incurred at Tunnel Hill, Georgia on or about May 12, 1864, by carrying a Log to build Breast Works at that place and I was placed in Hospital two days after, and I remained in Hospital till about Sept 26/64 when I was furloughed home and stayed at home till after the election 1864. And returned to Jeffersonville Hospital Where I got to my Regiment in the Spring of 1865. In my application for pension, I stated that I was ruptured about the 30th of June or 1st of July 1864. That statement I made from Memory and now by consulting the records and studying over the case I see I was mistaken as to the time but not as to the place and circumstances. Now I ask that that statement be corrected as to the time it occurred.' - William W. Richardson."...[source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension file of William Wesley Richardson, 16 Apr 1883].
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson: In the matter of William W. Richardson, Private Company F, 33rd Regiment Indiana Infantry Vols. On this 22 day of December, A.D. 1896, personally appeared before me James E. Chappell, a Notary Public in and for aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, William W. Richardson, aged 51 years, a resident of Oakland City, in the County of Gibson, and State of Indiana whose Post-office address is Oakland City, Indiana, well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: 'I am the Identical Person who Served in Company F, 33d Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers and on the 5th day of March 1863 at Spring Hill or Thompson Station in the State of Tennessee while Engaged in Battle against the Enimy [sic] of our Country I was taken Prisoner of War and I was taken to Libba [sic] Prison in Richmond Virginia and while I was in Said Prison I had to Eat Such food I contracted Internal Piles and after I was Released from Prison I got over the Piles but afterwards on or about the 18 (or 8) day of May 1864 at Tunnell Hill in the State of Georgia I help cary a log to Build Brest-works. I got hurt which Brought on the Piles. I have had the Piles Ever Since at times I have been a continual Suffer for the last Six years Better at times worse at times the Reasons why I did not put in this disability in my former application I reamain In hopes I could be cured at some time But the disabilty has become permanent. I have not been in any other Servic' [sic]. - William W. Richardson Co. F, 33 Regt Ind Inf Vols"....(source: General Affidavit from the Military Pension File of William Wesley Richardson, 22 Dec 1896).
"Sir: Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your family. Very respectively, H. Evans, Commissioner, Oakland City, Ind.
No. 1: Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name.
Answer: I am a married man, was married to Jane Lance - now Jane Richardson.
No. 2: When, where, and by whom were you married?
Answer: We was married on the 26th day of September 1866, by Rev. F. M. Halbrooke - M.G.
No. 3: What record of marriage exists?
Answer: Marriage record of Pike County In the State of Indiana.
No. 4: Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer: I was never previously married nor my wife was never Previously married.
No. 5: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.
Answer: We never had but one Child he was born on the 27 day of September 1867 died December the 5th 1867. We have no family liveing only Our two Selves. We are Seperate and alone as far as Children are Concerned and we were married when we were under the age of 21 years and have live together as husband and wife all these year and are Still liveing togeather. - Date of reply, 22 of May, 1899. - Wm. W. Richardson and wife, Co F, 33rd Reft Ind Vols Inft. To Hon Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C."....[source: questionaire from the Commissioner of Pensions to William Wesley Lance, included in his military pension file, 22 May 1899].
On June 10, 1900, 'Wesley W.' Richardson was a 56-year-old Insurance Agent living with his 55-year-old wife, Jane, on Oak St. in Oakland City, Columbia Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Forty-four-year-old Winfield Wallace was boarding in the Richardson household. The 1900 Indiana federal census [ED 5, Sheet 11A] also shows: 'Wesley' was born in May 1844 in Indiana; he and 'Jane' had been married 33 years; his parents were born in North Carolina; he had been unemployed 0 months during the census year; he was literate; and they owned their house free and clear.
On October 6, 1903, William Wesley Richardson passed away in Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana at age 59.
The Indiana State Board of Health issued a Certificate of Death for William [Record No. 493] which includes the following details: Westley [sic] W. Richardson died at 11:10 a.m. on October 6, 1903 at Oakland City, Gibson County, Indiana; he was 59 years, 5 months, and 4 days old; he was born May 2, 1844 in Warrick County, Indiana; he was White and married; his wife was Jane Richardson; his occupation was Justice of the Peace; his father was North Carolina-born George W. Richardson; his mother was North Carolina-born Joanna May; the informant was his wife, Jane Richardson of Oakland City, Indiana; "I Hereby Certify, That I attended deceased from June 12th, 1903 to October 6th, 1903, that I last saw him alive on October 6, 1903, and that death occurred on the date stated above, at 11:10 o'clock a.m. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the cause of death was as follows: Chief Cause - Chronic Diarrhea, followed by General Tuberculosis, Duration - probably 40 years. Immediate Cause - Chronic Diarrhea. [signed] R. S. Mason, M.D. of Oakland City, Indiana"; William was buried at Oakland City, Indiana on October 7, 1903; the Undertaker was Lamb &Watt? of Oakland City, Indiana; and the death record was filed with the Health Officer, R. S. Mason of Oakland City, on November 4, 1903.
"Sir: This appellant, Jane Richardson, is a pensioner under the act of June 27, 1890, as the widow of William W. Richardson, late private in Company F, 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who died October 6, 1903. June 23, 1904, she filed a claim for pension under the general law, alleging that soldier's death was due to causes contracted in the military service. Said claim was rejected by the Pension Bureau July 28, 1904, on the ground that the evidence failed to show that the soldier's fatal illness, tuberculosis, was the result of disease of the eyes, left inguinal hernia or disease of rectum, for which he was pensioned, nor otherwise shown to have been due to his military service.
August 8, 1904, claimant appealed contending that the Commissioner of Pensions erred in holding that the tuberculosis, from which soldier died, was not the result of chronic diarrhoea. Dr. G. C. Mason testified by affidavit filed June 23, 1904, that 'the immediate cause of his death was acute tuberculosis of the lungs brought about by chronic diarrhoea.' It appears from the testimony of Dr. Mason that soldier's death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis. He endeavors to show that this was due to chronic diarrhoea, but this theory is not sustained by medical authority and cannot be accepted in this case. Even though it could be accepted, it would not be of any advantage to claimant for the reason that soldier was not pensioned for chronic diarrhoea and there is no evidence tending to show that he contracted such disease while he was in the military service. At the time of his death, he was a pensioner by special act of Congress at $30 per month. He was formerly a pensioner under the general law at the rate of $17 per month, on account of disability from disease of eyes, left inguinal hernia and disease of rectum. He had filed a number of claims for pension and increase of pension, but at no time alleged that he contracted chronic diarrhoea or disease of lungs while in the service. There is no evidence in this case tending to show that soldier's death was in any way due to his military service, and therefore, the action of the Bureau rejecting said claim was proper. It is hereby affirmed and the papers are herewith returned. Very respectfully, Wm Miller, Assistant Secretary"....[source: memo from the Commissioner of Pensions included in the military pension file of William Wesley Richardson, Department of the Interior, Washington, 29 Apr 1905]."
Contributor: Michael Lance (49559638) • [email protected]
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