Geiszler Genealogy

Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend had another person provide a witness affidavit for her Widow's Pension claim of 1890 after the death of her husband William James Townsend in 1889. This statement is from her daughter Nancy E (Townsend) Miller. What is interesting in this statement is that Nancy doesn't exactly say that Mary is her mother, unless the statement "The claimant is the first person I ever called" is lingo for, she's my mother. Ida does not make any mention of a potential relationship. But Nancy seems to hint at it. Nancy Townsend Miller Affidavit for William Townsend Pension 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, Nancy E Miller aged 24 years. Citizen of the town of Reece's Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled t...

As you may recall, I hired a Professional Genealogist to go to the National Archives and make a copy of the Civil War Pension file for my relative William James Townsend. For the most part, the experience was wonderful, and a great value (less expensive and substantially faster than the NARA fulfillment time). However, this is one time example of the need to be careful when scanning records for yourself or if you're hired. I'm not disappointed, because I am able to determine the person's name in the documentation. However, I really like to have a full scan of each document. You never know what else is hidden. Witness Statement regarding the birth of Ethel May Townsend, Midwife's name not scanned. 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, Reca Yous aged 65 years. Citizen of th...

Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend needed to provide a number of witness statements about her living conditions after the death of her husband William James Townsend who had served in Co K 133rd Regiment of the Ohio Infantry Volunteers during the Civil War. William had died in 1889 living Mary to care for four young children through her efforts to take on day labor.  This witness statement is Ida Jane Sanborn. Ida also lives in Edward's Station... possibly near to Mary. Now, here's what I know that Ida does not reveal in her statement. She says she was working for Mary in 1884 for Samuel Townsend was born. Samuel is her brother and Mary is her mother. It's possible that Mary needed witnesses for the births of her children and only had family witnesses due to the poverty her family lived in with a blind farmer for a husband. It's possible that Ida could not say, "This is my mother and I was a witness to my brother Samuel's birth" because of these affidavits stating t...

The contents of the Civil War Pension file are about to become a little more interesting. The next series of posts will be those willing to attest to the events in Mary's life. These witnesses could be neighbors, family members, or care providers (as in this case). MUCH research will need to be done with regards to these persons to see if any more relationship connections can be made or more historical context can be found to better understand the life of William James Townsend and his wife Mary Clabaugh. General Affidavit from Jennie Tewell, Midwife State of Ohio County of Franklin } SS. In the matter of Pension Claim No. 442.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K” 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inf't Vol. Personally came before me a Notary Public in and for said County and State Jennie Tewell aged 37 years No. 462 Poplar Ave. Citizen of the town of Columbus County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly swor...