My Capture and Imprisonment

Do you search local newspapers to find minor tidbits about an ancestor and find gold? That’s what I found when searching the Warren county papers on NewspaperArchive for my second great grandfather, Washington Marion Crawford. Washington Marion Crawford was captured during the civil war and spent time in several prisons, including Andersonville.

The ‘gold’ that I found was a poem he wrote about his capture and imprisonment

My Capture and Imprisonment

Kilpatrick is a jolly soldier,
and I’m of his command,
and by a defeat of his,
I was left with a rebel band.

In the month of September,
In the year sixty-three,
The army was laying idle,
And Kil that couldn’t see.

So he being thus uneasy,
And anxious for a fight,
Requested General Meade,
To let him do his might.

His request being granted,
His command was called together,
On twenty-first of September,
In cold unpleasant weather.

We marched that day to Madison,
And found the rebs hard by,
I’m sure you’d laugh If you could see,
The way we mad them fly.

We lay that night on our arms,
And arose at early morn,
Made a breakfast on hard-tack,
and roasted rebel corn.

At nine o’clock we started,
General Buford on the pike,
Kil goes round to the right,
With intent the rear to strike.

We came around in evening,
And crossed the Rapidan,
Met the rebel column,
And fought them five to one.

General Stewart seemed quite uneasy,
But did the thing up well,
He turned around a battery,
And threw in shot and shell.

Then Kil deployed his skirmishers,
And went in for support,
But before it could reach us,
We had a reb escort.

We were then marched to Orange,
And lay there under guard,
On the cold and frozen ground,
In the Court House yard.

Next day we went to Richmond,
Expecting moderate times,
In a few days, or weeks at most,
To be sent to the Yankee lines.

We lay that night in Libby,
And half way took our case,
Being bitten by Confederate lice,
Which are far worse than fleas.

Next morning bright bright and early,
They ordered us in ranks,
Searched us and took our money,
Without returning thanks.

We went next to belle-Isle,
Where in the sand we lay,
The whole winter through,
Wearing life away.

We left there in the Spring,
For a more sunny clime,
To a prison post in Georgia,
Where I composed my rhyme.

This prison post of theirs,
I a large stockade pen,
Built for keeping prisoners,
and used for starving men.

We left there in the fall,
In the year eighteen sixty-four,
And praying to the God above us,
To see our friends once more.

But now alas
To our sad fate,
We were taken down to Charleston,
To a little longer wait.

Our treatment here
We thought was good
We ate corn meal and beef,
And a small stick of wood.

We next went to Florence.
In South Carolina State,
My heart sunk within me,
When I entered the prison gate.

For two months here we staid,
And whiled the hours away,
By cooking a pint of meal
On each successive day.

On the eighth day of December,
The glorious news did come,
That we could leave this wretched place,
To go to a Northern home.

And now I bless the day
That gave me my release,
And pray to God the time is near,
When we will have a happy peace.

Marion Crawford

“My Capture and Imprisonment,” Williamsport Warren Republican (Williamsport, Indiana), 13 April 1865, page 1; digital image, Newspaper Archive (www,newspaperarchive.com : viewed online 23 February 2023).

Another Andersonville

In a recent post, I wrote about how I had to use affidavits from Richmond Fisk Hammond’s pension record to piece together his imprisonment in Andersonville. A reader of that post commented in wonder that any records of imprisonment were kept.

Unfortunately, I have a second ancestor who was also in Andersonville. Various aspects of Washington Marion Crawford’s military and pension file speak to his being captured and imprisoned.

In the two frames of his muster roll shown on the right, the May and June 1864 report indicates that Washington M Crawford was reported absent. The remarks say that he was “Missing in action since Sept. 22, 1863”. The Co. Muster-Out Roll, dated Sept. 10, 1864 indicates he was a “Prisoner of War since Sept. 22, 1863.”

His file also contains the record, “Memorandum from Prisoner of War Records,” which identifies Andersonville as a place of imprisonment.

This document indicates that “Crawford, W. M., Crawford Marion Washington, Crawford, Washington’ was ‘Captured at Liberty Mills, Va, Sept 22, 1863, confined at Richmond Va., Sept 23, 1863. Sent to Andersonville, or Americus, Ga. Feb 1864.” The form goes on to indicate that Washington Crawford was “Paroled at Charleston S.C. Dec 10, 1864; reported at C.G.B., Md., Dec 17”, 1864. Admitted to Hosp’l Div No 1, C.P. Dec 17 /64. Furloughed Dec 30 /64 for [Clo Mch] /65, (Paid Sept & Oct 64) see Pens Case 7-18-77 (over)

continued on back

30 day. Ret’d from furlo’ March 4 / 65 Sent to P P Md Mch 6-65 Rept’d at Cmp Parole Mich 6/65 and sent to place of enrollment April 8 / 65. No Med Cert on file & No further record [Bome] on rolls as Washington M. Crawford, Co “H” 2″ N.Y. Cav – Enrolled as Washington Crawford Co. & right above, no other man in that Co. to whom report could refer Jan 10 / 85 WHC. Pen case Afft 413191 ECC 2-19-87 Ret’d Mar 4/87 Pen Case No 316461 ret’d January 16/85 Pen case 170.744 to [Gramlick] Jany 9/86

A ‘Declaration for Invalid Army Pension’ dated 12 April 1869 provides a time line.

Declaration for Invalid Army Pension

State of Indiana

County of Warren

On this 12 day of April, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine, personally appeared before me, William C. Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court and within and for the County and Sate aforesaid, Washington M. Crawford aged 32 years, a resident of Washington Tp, in the County to law, declares he is the identical Washington M Crawford, who enlisted in the service of the United States at Chambersburgh, County of Fountain, Sate of Indiana on the third day of August, in the year of 1861, as a Private in Company “H” commanded by Captain Samuel Mc[Owen] in the 2 Regiment of New York Cavalry Vols, in the War of 1861, and was honorably discharged ont he eighth day of April, in the year 1865 that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, at a place called Andersonville Prison Ga, in the State of Georgia on the _____ day of fall, 1863, to wit

He was captured a prisoner on the 22 day of Sept 1863, near Liberty Mills, Va, and was taken by Reble Authorities to Libby Prison, thence to Belle Island Prison. thence to Andersonville Geo thence Charleston S. C. thence Florence S.C. thence to Charleston and released there on the 10 day of Dec 1864. That while in prison at Andersonville he induced the disease Bronchittis from which he is still suffering and asks of the Government a pension.

Since leaving the service he has resided Washington Tp. in the County of Warren, in the state of Indiana and his occupation has been farmer

when enrolled he was a farmer. And for the purpose of prosecuting his claim, he hereby appoints Samuel F Messner of Williamsport State of Indiana, his attorney in fact, with power of substitution and with authority to receive his pension certificate. He requests that his pension be paid Indianapolis State of Indiana. His Post Office address West Lebanon County of Warren, and State of Indiana.

Washington [M] Crawford – signature

Witness: Fry Bryant

Andersonville

While going thru the military information I have compiled for Richmond F Hammond, I’ve found that his military records do not match up with the information in the pension file affidavits. One of those areas of ‘disagreement’ was his imprisonment at Andersonville.

Richmond Hammond’s military records indicate that he was missing in action since August 3, 1864. However, his ‘Memorandum from Prisoner of War Records’ does not list any prisons.

His military record does indicate that he was on the muster roll of detachment of Paroled Prisoners at Benton Barracks, Missouri. The muster roll for May and June 1865 indicates that Richmond Hammond was “Delivered” Feb. 25, 1865 at Goldsboro, North Carolina.

The proof for his imprisonment comes from affidavits filed as part of his pension application. The earliest affidavit containing this information is from 1868.

Declaration for Invalid Pension

State of Illinois

County of Knox

On this _____ day of ____ 1868, before me, the clerk of the circuit Court in and for the County and State above named, and by law duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes, personally appeared Richmond F Hammond who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is aged twenty seven years, and is a resident of Ontario Township County of Knox, in the state of Illinois and that he is the identical Richmond F Hammond who was a Sergeant in Company ‘D’ commanded by Captain H. C. [Carsics] in the 14th Regiment Cavalry, Ill Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Horace Capun, in the war of 1861 and 1862. That he volunteered as above stated at Galesburg, county of Knox, in the state of Illinois on or about the twenty ninth day of September, 1862, for the term of three years or during the war, and was honorably discharged at Springfield Ill on the Sixteenth day of June, 1865.

That while in the said service and in the line of his duty at Andersonville prions in the State of Georgia on the _____ day of September 1864 he received the following wound or disability, to wit*:

that on or about 5th day of August 1864 he was taken prisoner near Atlanta State of Georgia and taken to Andersonville prison and remained a prisioner about nine months and while in said prison and in the tenure of the United States and in the line of his duty he became diseased with the scurvey which effected the left hip joint attended with the loss of power of the muscle so that he is almost wholy unable to perform manuel labor

That since leaving said service this applicant has resided at Ontario in said county of Knox and his occupation has been farming and his Post-Office address is Oneida Knox county State of Illinois

He makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the Invalid Pension Roll of the United States under the Act of Congress approved July 14, 1862, and amendments thereto, by reason of the disability above stated; and hereby constitutes and appoints Col T C smith his attorney to prosecute this claim and procure a Pension Certificate, and also to receive from the Pension Office the certificate of discharge filed herewith.

Richmond F. Hammond (signature)

Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above named, and on the same day personally appeared Jehial Hammond and William I Reese residents of Ontario Township County of Knox in the State of Illinois and made oath that they are personally acquainted with Richmond F Hammond who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration in their presence, and that they have every reason to believe, from teh appearance of teh applicant, and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be, that they reside as above stated, and are disinterested in this claim for a Pension.

That since leaving the service of the United States as aforesaid, his habits have been uniformly good, and his occupations has been a farmer

Jehial Hammond (signature)
William I Reece (signature)

Sworn to and subscribed before me; and I certify that i am not interested in this claim or concerned in its prosecution; that i believe the affiants to be respectable and credible witnesses, and that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 28th day of March A.D., 1868

Joh[? A]berdein Clerk

A General Affidavit dated 8 Mar 1898 provides further information about Richmond Hammond’s imprisonment.

General Affidavit

State of Kansas County of Ford

In the matter of Richmond F Hammond late member Co D 14″ Reg’t Ill Cav Vols

On this 8 day of March A.D. 1898, personally appeared before me Richmond F Hammond aged 17 years, a resident of Dodge City in the county of Ford and state of Kansas and well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

my chronick diarehea was contracted while I was a prisoner of War at Andersonville, Geo in the summer and Fall of 1864 and continued on me while I was at Charleston South Carolina and at Florence South Caroline wheas I cam near loosin my life with it and it has continued on me ever sinse and I farther state that the Doctor that attended me when I got home from rebel prison is dead so is the next one and that is the reason why I cannot get the evidence of them.

I did not serve in the Navel or military services of the United States prior to May 23, 1861 and no subsequent to June 16 1865

Affiant’s post office address is Dodge City Ford Co Kansas

Richmond F Hammond (signature)

stamped 18 Mar 1898

Even though the memorandum from prisoner of war records does not list Andersonville, I believe that the two affidavits supplied by Richmond Hammond are sufficient proof of his imprisonment at Andersonville.

Complicated Service

For the past several days I’ve been working on the narrative report for my ancestor, Richmond Fisk Hammond. What should have been a relatively simple clean-up of sentences and sources has become more complicated.

Two blocks of text are proving particularly difficult. One of the blocks is about Richmond’s filing of land papers in Ford County, Kansas while the other block concerns his military record.

After reviewing the paragraph about the land holdings, I have concluded that I don’t have adequate documentation to support what I have recorded as a fact. I have reference to a deed but I do not have the actual copy of the deed. The footnote not only references the purchase of the land but also the filing of homestead papers. Thus, I at least need a copy of the deed and probably the actual homestead land file. So today’s mail contains requests for both.

The text about his military service is a different story. I have a copy of his pension file and his military service file and it is confusing. Below is a screenshot of what I currently have in RootsMagic regarding his service:

Since that is a lot of different units, I probably have a mistake in there someplace. Without re-checking his file, the only fact I’m certain of is that he was a prisoner of war at Andersonville.

In a 1921 ‘Declaration for Pension,’ Richmond provides the following

Enlisted	Galesburg, IL	26 May 1861	Private	Co E	17 Ills Infty Volz
Discharged	[?]nton, Mo	21 Aug 1861
enlisted		1 Mar 1862			1st Illinois Cavly Vols
discharged	St. Louis, Mo	14 Jul 1862
enlisted		29 Sep 1862		Co D	14 Ills Calvary
discharged	Springfield, Ill	16 Jun 1865

The above information is consistent with an affidavit dated 29 May 1912. Unfortunately, what I have from his military file doesn’t confirm the 1st Illinois Calvary service and includes documents for service in Company H Regiment 102 of the Illinois Infantry.

An 1896 pension document confirms the August 1861 discharge date.

Roll May 25th to Aug 31 / 61 “Discharged at Ir[ino]ton Aug 20, 1861”
It has this day (Aug 11, 1896) been determined by this Department from the records and evidence furnished by the auditor for the War Department that this man was discharged the service Aug. 20, 1861, for disability nature not stated.
There is no certificate of disability in his case file

I also have military records indicating that Richmond Hammond was on the muster roll for Company D of the 14 Regiment of the Illinois Calvary. Richmond Hammond was shown as ‘present’ during 1863 and January/February of 1864. However, he is recorded as ‘missing in action on August 3, 1864. Richmond Hammond is mustered out on May 30, 1865.

The additional pages of a military record are for a Richmond F Hammond who was a private in Company H 102 Regiment Illinois Infantry. According to these papers

Richmond F Hammond enlisted as a private in Capt. Shinn’s Co., 102 Reg’t Ill. Inf
age 22 years
Appears on Company Muster-in Roll
of the organization named above. Roll Dated
Knoxville, Ill, Sept 2 1826

Richmond F Hammond Pvt, Co H 102 Reg’t Illinois Infantry
Appears on Company Muster Roll
for Nov 1, 62 to Fe 28 1836
Remarks: Deserted at Knoxville, Ill. Sept 17, 1862

Richmond F Hammond Pvt, Co H, 102 Reg’t Illinois Infantry
Appears on Co. Muster-out Roll, dated
Nr. Washington D.C., June 6, 1865
Last paid to One mos ad. pay
Remarks: Deserted Sept. 17, 1862, Knoxville, Ill. Last heard from in 14″ Ill Vol Cavalry

Adding this stint of service (non-service), his timeline is as follows:

enlisted	Galesburg, IL	26 May 1861	Private	Co. E	17 Ills Infty Volz
discharged	[?]nton, Mo	21 Aug 1861
enlisted		1 Mary 1862			1st Illinois Cavly Vols
discharged	St. Louis, Mo	14 Jul 1862
enlisted	Knoxville, IL	2 Sep 1862	Private	Capt. Shinn’s Co.	102 Reg’t Ill Inf
deserted		17 Sep 1862
enlisted		29 Sep 1862	Private	Co D	14 Ills Cavalry
missing	Athens, GA	3 Aug 1864
discharged	Springfield, IL	16 Jun 1865	Serg’t	Co D	14 Ills Cavalry

Thus, it looks like I need to locate documentation for Richmond’s service in the 1st Illinois Cavalry. Based on the fact that I don’t have military records to document this service, I’m guessing that I did not receive a copy of his entire military file. Before trying to re-order his military and pension files, I’m going to try and locate documentation for this missing service record using other sources. Wish me luck!

Honoring the Veterans in My Family

Anyone who has lived in Emporia, Kansas realizes that Veteran’s Day is a MAJOR holiday. Today, we take time to honor those who have served and who are serving. Thus, I would like to take a walk thru my family tree to honor my veteran ancestors.

World War II

Eugene Crawford

Between 15 Feb 1945 and 1 Aug 1946, Eugene served at the Naval Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi and at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. He shipped out on the USS Oneida (APA-221) towards the end of the War in the Pacific as seaman 1st class in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He received the Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.

---

Esther Crawford Noll

Esther served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in the European Theater between 1942 and 1945.

Hugh Judson Crawford

Hugh Crawford served in the U.S. Navy Seabees

Walter Emery Briles

Walter enlisted in March 1942 in Los Angeles, California serving in the U.S. Army. Walter was discharged in 1944 but re-enlisted in 1946 and served until 1958.

World War I

Leon Crawford

LeonCrawford began his military service on 26 April 1917 in Dodge City, Kansas. He was appointed wagoner 2nd class gunner in the 25th AA Battery, 1st AA Sector. Leon was a wagoner at St. Misner 2nd Battle of the Marne from 31 March 1918 to 31 May 1918 in France.

Leon served with others from Dodge City including his brother-in-law Russel Horton and his brother, Marion.

War between the States

Washington Marion Crawford

Washington Marion Crawford enlisted in Company H of the 2nd Regiment of the New York Calvary Volunteers on 3 August 1861 serving as a sergeant. W. M. Crawford was captured in September 1863 and was imprisoned in Andersonville and Belle Isle. He was paroled on 7 Dec 1864 in Florence, South Carolina.

Richmond Fisk Hammond

Richmond Fisk Hammond enlisted as a private in Company E 177 Illinois Volunteers on 26 May 1861. He also served in the 1st Illinois Calvary Volunteers and in Company D 14th Regiment Illinois Calvary. Richmond Hammond was captured near Atlanta, Georgia on 5 Aug 1864 and was imprisoned at Andersonville.

Richmond Hammond and Washington Marion Crawford both moved to Dodge City, Kansas after the war. Richmond’s daughter, Josie, married Washington’s son Judson in Dodge City.

Other Civil War Veterans

Hiram M. Currey served as a private in Company B of the 12th Regiment of the Kansas State Militia in 1864.

Albert Hutchi(n)son began his military service on 1 Sept 1862 in Independence, Iowa. He served as a private in Company D of the 1st Regiment of the Iowa Calvary Volunteers. Albert re-enlisted on 1 Jan 1864 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Noah Washington Briles enlisted on 13 Jun 1861 in Ottumwa, Iowa serving in Company I of the 1st Regiment Iowa Calvary Volunteers. His father, Alexander Briles served in 1864 under Captain John Douglas in Company I of the Kansas State Militia.

James Marshall Ricketts enlisted 11 Sept 1863 in Indianapolis, Indiana serving in Company K of the 7th Indiana Cavalry.

George Mentzer began his military service on 25 Sep 1861 serving in Company C of the 24th Massachusetts Infantry.

Alexander Briles served with the Kansas Militia under Captain John Douglas in Company I.

Revolutionary War

Nathaniel Hammond served the revolutionary cause by supplying provisions to the soldiers families between 1776 and 1783 in Bolton, Connecticut.

There could easily be other revolutionary war ancestors in my tree. However, I haven’t proven my descent from any of the other known patriots.

Certificate of Disability

Pension File of Washington Marion Crawford

Officer’s Certificate of Disability of Soldier
Invalid Pension

Pension Office – Circular No. 6 – Act of July 14, 1865

Army of the United States
To All whome It May Concern

It is hereby Certified, that (1) Washington M Crawford late a Private
of Captain [Jame] Irvin Company H of the 2nd Regiment of (2)
New York, Cavalry vols, in the War of 1861 was
enrolled into the service of the United States at Washington DC in the State of
___________________________ on the 3rd day of August A.D. 1861 to serve
for a period of 3 years, and was honorably discharged at New York City
in the State of New York on or about the 8 day of April
A.D. 1865 by reason of (3) ________________________

---

and by occupation when enrolled a farmer. That during the service of the said
(1) Washington M Crawford he became disabled form performing the duties of a soldeir
on or about 22 day of Sept A.D. 1863, in consequence of (4)
being captured by the enemy on 22d Sept
1863 and released on Dec 10 1864.
incurred in the service aforesaid and whilst in the line of his duty, in the manner and at the time and place, as follows:
He was captured near Liberty Mills Va. Taken by Enemy
to Libby Prison thence Belle Island, thence Andersonville
thence Charleston, thence Florence SC thence back to
Liberty and released Dec. 10 1864. That while
in Prison he contracted disease of the throat
bronchitis from excessive exposure and ill
treatment in prison during fifteen months
and he is thereby not only incapaciated for military duty, but in the opinion of the undersigned, is (6)
disabled from obtaining his substance by manual labor. That the said soldier was in good health at the time he entered the service
and the disability above referred to affected him while in the service and at his discharge, as follows, (7)
He was unable to do duty after his release
from prison, in consequence of the disease
aforesaid of the throat and [prostration]that
resulted from prison life and exposure
during the same.
This certificate is based upon official information and personal knowledge of facts. That the undersigned is
disinterested in making the certificate of facts.
[Smie] Irvin
Capt Co H 2 N Y Cav
Given at Chambersburg
Date Feb 25 1870

Miller Affidavit

The following affidavit by James H. Miller is part of the pension file for Washington Marion Crawford.

State of Il
County of Macon

I James (H) Miller a resident of Decatur
County of Macon State of Illinois late
Private of Company H of the 2nd Regiment
of N.y. Cavalry vols; on oath depose
and say that I was well acquainted with
Washington M Crawford lad a sergeant of Comp
any H of the 2nd Regiment of New York Cavalry Vols.
in the war of 1861 and while in the military service
of the United States in the line of his duty and
without fault or improper conduct of his own
while confined in Andersonville prison in the
State of Georgia from March 1864 to the 9th
day of September same year said Soldier
contracted disease induced by starvation and exposure
which was usually  termed scurvy and rheumatism
but having no technical knowledge of such diseases can
only say that he was affected very much as a great
many others were by extreme loss of flesh and delib
itated condition and with swelling of the extremities
I was with him in other prisons besides Anderson
ville and it was the common talk among comrades of
my company that we never expected to see him get out
alive and my impression was when I saw him last
that he would not then live a month.
I pass this judgment on the symptoms he seemed
to have

2nd page

in comparison with men who died from the effects
of starvation
I am fully convinced in my own mind that his
entire dibility was caused
by lack of proper food and other cruelties perpetrated on
prisoners at Andersonville as he was always healthy
and ready for duty when with the company.
Such a length of time having now lapsed I do not
know that I could enumerate all the prisons
that he was in with me but if any stronger statement
is necessary on my part I shall cheerfully give it.
I know the facts above stated from my own
personal knowledge as I was with him before is
capture, during his incarceration and at the time of
his release, but cannot now state where I parted
with him after release.

I am not in any way interested in this claim for
pension my post office address is Decatur, Macon
Co. Ill. Box 167
James H Miller
A. G. Present

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st
day of November AD 1883 I certify that I read the
foregoing affidavit to the affiant before execution
and that the affiant is to me well known and
is respectable and worthy of full credit as a witness
and that I am not interested in this claim for
pension.
G. P. Hardy Clerk
(official signature)

Prisoner

General Affidavit
State of Indiana
County of Warren

In the matter of the original invalid pension claim of
Washington M. Crawford
Personally came before me, a Henry C. Johnson, Clerk WCC, in  and for
aforesaid County and State, Washington M. Crawford,
West Lebanon, Ind.
aged 41 years, well known to me to be a reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly
sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case, as follows:

---

I was taken prisoner Sept. 22, 1863 and was
released Dec 10 1864 my term of service expired
August 3 1864 soon after my return to Anapolis
Md I was furloughed home and remained there
sixty days then I was sent to NY City
and discharged never having seen the regim
to which I belonged and never even
having any symptom of Bronchitus
before my imprisonment I was never
treated by my regimental Surgeon

Washington M. Crawford

Attest
John C Goodwine
Jacob G McClean

Washington Crawford Affidavit

Affidavit from Washington Marion Crawford’s Pension File

State of Indiana Warren County SS

Before me the undersigned authority personally appeared Washington M Crawford who being by me first duly sworn says

 my age is 46 years.

---

In the matter of my claim for pension No 170744 my occupation has always been that of a farmer. For five year preceding my enlistment in Co H 2nd NY Cav I worked on a farm for my father in Washington township Warren County Ind except the last year prior to the breaking out of the war I moved to Jordan township and began farming for myself. I continued there until August 3rd 1861, when I enlisted in the army in the above named Co and regiment. I was in all the engagements the regiment was in from the time of its organization until the 22nd day of Sept 1863 when I was taken prisoner in an engagement between Gen Kilpatrick and Gen Stewart near Liberty Mills Va.

The circumstances under which my disability was incurred was hardships of prison life such as being confined with thirty five thousand men on about sixteen acres of ground with insufficient food and no shelter except a government blanket which makes a poor Shade

and no shelter from the rain whatever. I passed the winter of 1863 and 1864 in Bell Isle and in March 64 I was taken to Andersonville Ga where I incurred the disability during the summer of 1864. I went from there to Charleston SC and there eighteen days and was then taken to Florence SC where on the 7th of Dec 64 I was paroled in the agreement between two Commissioners to exchange ten thousand sick.

I arrived home in June 1865 and remained on the old homestead with my mother and was treated by Dr Tebbs and Dr Greeley who are both deceased. In 1866 I lived in Jordan township, tried farming and received treatment from Dr Frankeberger who is also deceased. In 1867 I lived in Washington township followed farming and was again treated by Dr Greely. I remained in Washington township until 1871 when I moved to Pike township and followed farming there until 1873 when I again moved to Washington township where I have remained to the present and have been following farming.

I am a constant sufferer with the following troubles: rheumatism, neuralgic bronchitis, piles and the effects of Scurvy in my feet My treatment since the death of Drs Tebbs of Williamsport Ind, Dr Greely of West Lebanon Ind, and DrFrankeberger of Jordan has been by Dr Leech who now resides at Crawfordsville Ind, Dr T B Campbell of West Lebanon, Ind and Dr. Osborne of West Lebanon Ind
I have performed manual labor every year since the war except the first year immediately after the war. I have not been able at any time since the war to do a full day’s work from the fact that my feet are so affected that I cannot stand the walking. My mussles also pain me so that I am compelled to stop. I am not able to do more than one fourth as much of any kind of farm work as I could before the war. When I do any heavy work it brings on piles when I am exposed.I suffer with Bronchitus. All the work I do must be done under great difficulties and with great pain. I am frequently confined to the house and sometimes to my bed but I can

not give dates as to time of said confinement. All I can do with any degree of certainty is to oversee the work and do chores.

I have not suffered at any time with any acute disease since my discharge from the Army.

Washington M Crawford

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of April 1884 and I certify that I have not interest in the claim this affidavit seeks to establish.
Henry C Johnson, Clk.
Fry Bryant Dep

Mustered Out

Have you ever discovered an obituary in a location that you never imagined? While searching for an obituary on a collateral line, I stumbled across a brief obit in a ‘Mustered Out’ column in the National Tribune (Washington, D.C.)

Since I had never encountered this type of obit before, I was curious to see if I could find an ancestor in a similar “Mustered Out” column. Thus, I searched for my great-great grandfather, Washington Marion Crawford who died in 1889. And – I found it!

Crawford — At Dodge City, Kan., recently, ofheart failure, W. M. Crawford Co. H, 2d N. Y. Cav.,aged 51 years. He was captured Sept. 22, 1863, andfor more than 14 months suffered all the crueltiesof Belle Isle, Andersonville and prisons of the South, returning to his home the last day of De-cember, 1864, a mere wreck of his former self, fromthe effect of which he never recovered. He was amember and had been an officer of Lewis Post No.294. He always had a kind word for his comradesand was interested in their affairs. It was his re-quest frequently expressed, that he be buried bythe Post and that ex-Andersonville prisoners actas pallbearers which request was fully carried out.His last act was to respond promptly and cheer-fully to a call to take charge of old Fort Dodgewhich is being refitted and beautified for a StateSoldiers’ Home. He leaves a wife, two sons andtwo daughters; also, one brother, two sisters andmany friends.
I don’t know the extent of this ‘Mustered Out’ column, but I found an 1889 record and a 1910 record. Now, I need to search for all of my civil war veterans to see if I can find a mustered out entry for them!