Geiszler Genealogy

Last week, I shared all the rich knowledge that I learned from the Civil War Pension file for William James Townsend and his wife Mary Clabaugh of Franklin County, Ohio. This week, I'll recap all the questions the file generated. Marriage Certificate for William Townsend and Mary Clabaugh It seems that when one question is answered, more questions arise. Perhaps this makes me a sleuth. Perhaps this makes me a little too curious for my own good. Hopefully I can answer some of the questions on my list. Perhaps they'll forever remain unanswered. It's nice to know I have a To Do list that is never ending. QUESTIONS TO ANSWER: William Townsend Pension Application William's last name is spelled Townson. Later records change the last name to Townsend. Does this provide clues as to how his name was pronounced, or perhaps an earlier version of the spelling? Or is this simply a mistake? A W Shearer of Alton, Franklin County, Ohio was his attorney. (Question: how was Mr. Shearer ...

It all started with this grave marker. For the past 23 weeks, I've shared portions of my Great Grandfather William James Towsend (or Townson)'s Civil War Pension file. He served with the Ohio Infantry 143rd Regiment Company K. I'm so thankful for the genealogy blogging community pointing me in the direction of hiring a professional genealogist to go to the National Archives and look up the case file. Having the specific record citation for William and his wife Mary Clabaugh made the research easy. In a few short months, and for an expense far less than what the Administration charged, I had 38 scanned images of information to enlighten my understanding about a great-grandfather and his wife. Did I break down any brick wall? Short answer. Nope. Did I find out any new information to add to my family tree? Nope. Did I learn more about the story of William and Mary Townsend of Edwards Station, Franklin, Ohio? Yes. And isn't that what a family historian...

This is the last image in the series of files I received from my Civil War ancestor William James Townsend. As you can see, there was so much information contained in these files. If you come across a Civil War ancestor, be sure to check out their Pension files. Return of Check and Plate Destroyed for Mary Townsend Widow's Pension Paid @ $12 to June 4, 1916 Sept 23 1916 to the Chief, Finance Division: You are hereby notified that check #2540745 for $36 dated Sep 4 1916 in favor of MARY TOWNSEND post office GROVEPORT OHIO certificate # 320542 ACT APR Class Act April 19, 1908 Section 8 has been returned to this office by the Postmaster with the information that the pensioner died Aug 28 1916 and said check has the day been canceled. Very respectfully GUY O TAYLOR Disbursing Clerk  KNOWLEDGE GAINED: A check of $36, dated 4 Sep 1916 was returned to the Pension Office The plate that helped print checks for Mary Townsend was destroyed Essentially, the file was c...

Civil War Widow Pension: Mary Clabaugh Townsend This document is fairly straight forward. It signals that the end of the file is soon to be closed as Mary Townsend has died and a pension is no longer payable. 3-1081 PENSIONER DROPPED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS Oct 3 1916 Certificate No. 320542 Class ACT OF APRIL 19, 1908 Pensioner Mary Townsend Soldier William J Townsend The Commissioner of Pensions. Sir: I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at $12 to JUN 1 1916 has this day been dropped from the roll because of death August 28 1916 Very respectfully (signature) Chief, Finance Division KNOWLEDGE GAINED : - Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend died 28 August 1916. - Mary's final Pension payment was in 1 Jun 1916 for the amount of $12. - Mary had received the pension for 24 years (1892 - 1916) QUESTIONS: - How often were the payments made? -  The original amount was $16 because of Mary ($8) and four minor children ($8)....

If you've read this far through the Civil War Pension file of my great grandfather William James Townsend (or Townson), thank you. If you're just finding this series, feel free to click on the Civil War Pension label to read more. The Pension Application for William and his widow was approved. Today's post shares the schedule of payments for Mary and her children. I can't imagine how $8 for Mary and $2 per child for a total of $16 per month was able to provide enough support for the family. However, Mary was planning on using the money to off set the cost of purchasing a smaller home after the death of William. Perhaps that was enough and she would continue to take in washing and odd jobs throughout the remainder of her life. Civil War Pension Schedule for Mary Townsend and children Act of June 27, 1890 Widow's Pension Claimant Mary Townsend P.O. Edward County Franklin, State Ohio        Soldier William J Townsend Rank Private, Co K Regiment 133” Ohio Vol Infy  ...

I can not believe I'm approaching the end of the documents in the Civil War Pension file regarding William James Townsend of Franklin County, Ohio. After Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend submitted her application and supporting affidavits, her pension was accepted and she began receiving a pension until her death in 1916. This application was to obtain the pension funds that stopped at the death of William up until a Widow's Pension was approved. Application for Accrued Pension for Mary Townsend APPLICATION FOR ACCRUED PENSION. (Widows) State of Ohio, County of Franklin SS: On this 4 th day of December, 1889, personally appeared Mary Townsend, who, being duly sworn, declares that she is the lawful widow of William J Townsen, deceased; that he died on the 13 th day of November, 1889 that he had been granted a pension by Certificate No. 413380 which is herewith returned; that he had been paid the pension by the Pension Agent at Columbus up to the 4 day of September, 1889; after which d...

I have been posting various documents found in the Civil War Pension file for William James Townsend. William served in Company K, 133rd Regiment of the Ohio Infantry Volunteers during the Civil War. William did not serve long because he became blind after a surgical treatment for an illness he contracted in the service. William died in 1889 and Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend sought to obtain a Widow's Pension. Last week, I shared a affidavit from 19 year-old Charles Kleinline. Today, I have one from Mary E Kleinlien, aged 45. General Affidavit by Mary E Klineline for Civil War Widow's Pension belonging to Mary Townsend State of Ohio County of Franklin, SS In the matter of Pension Claim No. 422.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K”, 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inft Vol. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Mary E Kleinlein aged 45 years Citizen of the town of Edwards Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be repu...