Harrison Henry Welch enlisted in the 2nd Battery Iowa, Iowa Light Artillery Aug. 1, 1861. He was promoted to 8th Corporal (1864). He was mustered out Aug 7, 1865 as an invalid. He suffered the rest of his life with severe diarrhea, hemorrhoids, eye disease and rheumatism, also severe deafness. He was not able to do a full days work. Harrison died in 1901 of Typhoid Fever. His youngest child (Othie Burgess) tells the story that he chopped wood all day and that evening walked four and a half miles to town to get a pair of new shoes for another daughter. He went to bed that evening and never awoke. My grandmother Burgess remembers walking to meet the doctor and shouting at him to hurry that her father was very ill.
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Certificate No. 656.344 Department of the Interior,
Name, Harrison Welch
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C., January 15, 1898
Sir:
In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
Harrison Welch, Elkhart, Iowa
First. Are you married? If so please state your wife's full name and her maiden name.
Answer. Samantha Welch, formerly Samantha Johnson
Second. When, where, and by whom were you married?
Answer. April 2nd, 1863, at Adel, Iowa by Judge Perkins
Third. What record of marriage exists?
Answer.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fourth. 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, No.
Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.
Answer. Yes, Elbertis age 30 years, Zora 29, Wm. 25, May 22, Elsie 19 years, Alice 17 years, Othie 14 years of age. I can't give exact date of births but give the no of years old they are.
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Pensioner Dropped
States Pension Agency,
Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 22, 1901
Certificate No. 656344
Class, Invalid
Pensioner, Harrison Welch
Service, P. 2 Inapt Batty Iowa LA
The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the above named pensioner who was last paid at $8. to Jan 4, 1901 has been dropped because of death.
April 25, 1901
Rep. by P.M.
No other claim Dec 5, 1901
Very respectfully,
E. F. Sperry, U.S. pension agent
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Western Div.
JCF Ex'r. Department of Interior,
No. 724453 Bureau of Pensions,
Harrison Welch
2 Bat IA LA. Washington, D.C., Feb 24, 1890
Sir:
It is alleged that Harrison Welch enlisted Aug 1, 1861 and served as a Private in 2 Bat Iowa L.A. and was discharged at Aug 8, 1865. It is also alleged that while on duty at New Madrid on or about Sept 1, 1861 he was disabled by diarrhea, disease of bowels and piles. Aug 1863, disease of eyes and was treated in hospitals of which the names, locations, and dates of treatment are as follows: Regimental Hospital. In case of the above named soldier the War Dept. is requested to furnish an official statement of the enrollment, discharge, and record of service so far as the same may be applicable to the foregoing allegation, together with full medical history. Please give the rank he held at the time he is claimed to have incurred the disability alleged, and if records show that he was not in line of duty during that period, let the fact be stated.
Very respectfully,
G.B. Raum- Commissioner
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Declaration For Invalid Pension
State of Iowa
County of Polk
On this 10 day of Oct A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety one personally appeared before me, a notary within and for the county and state aforesaid, Harrison H. Welch aged ---------years, a resident of the ------------of
Elkhart County of Polk State of IA who being duly sworn according to law; declares that he is the identical Harrison H Welch who was enrolled on the -------day of --------------186 , in Co. 2 IA Lt. Art. in the war of the rebellion, and served at least ninety days, and was honorably discharged at -----------------on the day of ----------186 , or otherwise than as stated above except-----------------------. That he is physically unable to earn a support by reason of chronic diarrhea, piles, disease of bowels, liver, eyes, rheumatism, deafness, dizziness, headache, nervousness and general debility. That he is a pensioner under Certificate No. 656344. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the U.S. under the provisions of the act of June 27, 1890.
He hereby appoints Reeve & Gaston, of Des Moines, Iowa, his true and lawful attorneys to prosecute his claim, and hereby agrees to allow them the legal fee, to be paid by the U.S. Pension Agent when his pension is paid. That his post office address is Elkhart, County of Polk, State of IA.
Harrison Welch
Signature of Claimant
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Declaration For Original Pension Of An Invalid
State of Iowa, County of Polk, SS,
On this 19th day of August A.D. 1889, personally appeared before me clerk Dist. Court, a duly authorized officer of the Court of Record in and for the County and State aforesaid Harrison Welch who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Harrison Welch who enlisted under the name of Harrison Welch in the military service of the United States at Adel, Iowa, about 21 day of August in the year 1861, as a Private in 2 Batty. in the Iowa Light Art.
volunteers: Reenlisted in same Battery in the war of 1861, and was honorably discharged on the 8 day of August in the year 1865 that his personal description is as follows: Age 50; height 5 ft. 9 in. complexion dark; hair black; eyes hazel; that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, he received the following: New Madrid, MO. about Sept 1st 1861, he contacted diarrhea which became chronic and caused piles and disease of bowels. Also at Corrinth, Miss in Aug 1863 he contracted disease of eyes and that he was never treated in hospital but went to different doctors for medicine as their Battery has no surgeon. That he has performed no military or naval service prior to, or since the termination of that above stated, and his occupation since discharged has been farming.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the Invalid Pension Roll of the United States, by reason of the disability above stated; and hereby constitutes and appoints with full power of substitution, Reeve & Gaston, Des Moines, Iowa, his attorneys, to prosecute this claim and procure a Pension Certificate.
That he has never received or applied for a pension; and that his post office address is Tyner, Polk Co. Iowa.
Harrison Welch
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa, County of Polk SS.
In the matter of Pension Claim of Harrison Welch late of Company 2nd Regiment IA. Lt. Art. On this 27 day of Dec. A.D. 1889, personally appeared before, the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths, within and for the County and State aforesaid, R.C. Derthick a resident of the county and state aforesaid, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That the above named soldier has been disabled from the performance of manual labor from the year 1866 until the present time as much as one half disabled from the performance of manual labor on account of diarrhea, disease of bowels and eyes and piles.
My means of knowledge of the above is as follows: Living neighbors, changing works, hearing him complain of the above disabilities and from personal knowledge and recollections.
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa County of Polk ss.
In the matter of Pension Claim of Harrison Welch late of Company 2nd Regiment IA. Lt. Art. On this 27 day of Dec. A.D. 1889, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths, within and for the County and
State aforesaid, R.C. Derthick a resident of the county and state aforesaid, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That the above named soldier has been disabled from the performance of manual labor from the year 1866 until the present time as much as one half disabled from the performance of manual labor on account of diarrhea, disease of bowels and eyes and piles.
My means of knowledge of the above is as follows: Living neighbors, changing works, hearing him complain of the above disabilities and from personal knowledge and recollection.
Affiant's postoffice address is Saylorville, Iowa
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa County of Dallas ss. In the matter of Pension; Claim of Harrison Welch late of Company 2nd Regiment Iowa Battery. On this 25th day of Nov A.D. 1889, personally appeared before, the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths, within and for the County and State aforesaid, J.E. Snyder aged 47 years, a resident of the county and state aforesaid, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I was a member of the 2nd Iowa Battery Light Artillery from Aug 1861 until the close of the war, was mustered out in Aug 1865. The claimant Harrison Welch was a member of said Battery I think during it's entire period of service and of my personal knowledge know that he was sick with cronic diarrehea also was troubled with piles and some kind of desease of the bowels and had bad sore eyes. I think as near as I can ? the trouble with his bowles was at New Madrid, MO in 1862 and his eyes were very bad. After the Battle of Corrinth Miss. a part of the time were unfit for duty, was in the hospital at St. Louis also or left in hospital at Cairo, Ills on his way home from ? out. Since the War I have seen him quite often and he still complains of the same troubles and to the best of my knowledge and belief these troubles were contracted while in the service.
My means of knowledge of the above is as follows: by reason of having served in the second battery with him part of the time as 1st Sgt. and have all chances to know.
Affiant's postoffice address is Adel Dallas Co. Iowa
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa County of Polk ss. In the matter of Pension Claim of Harrison Welch late of Company 2nd Regiment IA. Lt. Art. On this 27th day of Dec. A.D. 1889, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths, within and for the County and State aforesaid, S.W. Davidson a resident of the county and state aforesaid case as follows: That the above named soldier is a neighbor and have been personally and intimately acquainted since before the war. That we were in the same battery; second Iowa battery, and at and previous to the date of and discharge Aug 8th 1865 said Harrison Welch was suffering from disease of bowels diarrhaea..., disease of eyes and piles. That we have lived in the same locality in Polk Co. Iowa from discharge to the present time and said soldier has been as much as one half disabled from the performance of manual labor each year of the above period on account of said disabilities.
My means of knowledge of the above is as follows: Hearing him complain from his looks and personal knowledge.
Affiant's postoffice address is Saylorville IA
Affiant further declares he has no interest in said case and is not interested in its prosecution S.H. Davidson
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa
County of Polk
In the matter of Pension Claim of Harrison Welch late of 2nd Battery Regiment IA., Lt. Art. on this 6th day of March 1891 personally appeared before me, the undersigned, duly authorized to administer oaths, within and for the County and
State aforesaid, Harrison Welch aged 51 years, a resident of the county and state aforesaid, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I am claimant in the above entitled pension claim, I cannot furnish the testimony of the Regiment Surgeon as our battery had no surgeon and I have furnished the affidavit of the steward of the battery and it is all the medical testimony I can furnish and as I have furnished testimony of comrades and neighbors I would ask that my case be adjudicated and that testimony now on file as I have examined.
Affiant's postoffice address is Elkhart, Polk Co. Iowa
Harrison Welch
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa County Polk ss.
In the matter of Pension Claim of Harrison Welch late of Company 2 Regiment IA. Lt. Art.
On this 21 day of Dec A.D. 1889, personally appeared before me the undersigned, duly authorized to administered oaths, within and for the County and State aforesaid James McHone aged 55 years, a resident of the county and state aforesaid, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I am a neighbor of the within named claimant Harrison Welch and have been ever since the year A.D. 1876 and am well acquainted with his desease he has been afflicted with chronic desease piles and some kind of disease of the bowels and eyes.
And I believe that the said claimant Harrison Welch to be disabled one half.
My means of knowledge of the above is as follows;
That I have worked with the said Harrison Welch a good deal and have all reasons to know.
Affiant's postoffice address is Tyner, Polk Co. Iowa
Affiant further declares he has no interest in said case and is not interested in its prosecution.
James McHone
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General Affidavit
State of Iowa County Polk ss.
In the matter of Pension Claim of Harrison Welch late of 2nd Battery IA. Lt. Art. On this 14 day of Dec A.D. 1889, personally appeared before, the undersigned duly authorized to administered oaths, within and for the County and State aforesaid J.R. Keller aged 30 years, a resident of the county and state aforesaid, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I am personally acquainted with the above named Harrison Welch and have known him and lived neighbor to him since 1875. Since my first acquaintance with him in 1875 he has suffered with chronic diarrhara and disease of bowels and piles and disease of eyes. His eyes are often inflamed and his sight is very poor. I believe he has been two thirds disabled for manual labor, as he cannot do hard labor as hard work brings on his bowel trouble and piles.
My means of knowledge of the above is as follows: Living neighbor and seeing him often and working together.
Affiant's postoffice address is, Tyner Polk Co. Iowa
J.R. Keller
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West Div.
origin No. 724453
Harrison Welch
Co. 2 Battery, Iowa L. Art. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
April 28, 1891
Sir:
To further aid this Bureau in determining the merits of the above entitled claim for pension, be kind enough to answer in your own handwriting the following questions, giving more complete details than your affidavit affords.
Very respectfully,
Green B. Raum, Commissioner
J.E. Snyder, Adel, Dallas Co. , Iowa
When did you first see claimant after he returned from the army, and how do you fix the date?
Answer: a short time but can't fix any date
Of what disability did he complain, and how was he affected?
Answer: his eyesight was very bad also complained of some trouble of the bowels
How frequently have you seen him since your first acquaintance?
Answer: About once a year
If he has continued to suffer with such disability, please describe the symptoms which were apparent to you, and state to what extent he has been disabled for manual labor thereby during each year?
Answer: all I could Judge from is from his general appearance, looks to be a man that was suffering quite a good deal from the trouble he claims but think he could do 1/2 days work from his looks.
My means of knowing the facts of the case are these: by personal knowledge
COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Very Respectfully,
Washington, D.C. J. E. Snyder, 1st Sgt.
Lite 2nd Iowa Battery
L. A.
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West Div.
Harrison Welch
2 Batty. Iowa L. Art. Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.,
April 28, 1891
Sir:
To further aid this Bureau in determining the merits of the above entitled claim for pension, be kind enough to answer in your own handwriting the following questions, giving more complete details than your affidavit affords.
Very respectfully,
Green B. Raum
S.H. Davidson, Saylorville, Polk Co. Iowa
When did you first see claimant after he returned from the army, and how do you fix the date?
Answer: It was but a short time as we lived close nabors I do not pretend to fix date.
Of what disability did he complain, and how was he affected?
Answer: Hundred of times
If he has continued to suffer with such disability, please describe the symptoms which were apparent to you, and state to what extent he has been disabled for manual labor thereby during each year?
Answer: he has always claimed he was suffering with his old army disability I should think he was disabled at lease 1/2.
My means of knowing the facts of the case are these: that I have known him was raised in the same neighborhood, served in the same Co. with him in the army and have known him ever since.
Very respectfully,
S.H. Davidson
Saylorville, Iowa
2nd Iowa Light Art.