Amanuensis Monday: Midwife Affidavit in Civil War Pension file of William Townsend

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.

Birth of Ethel Mae Townsend
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”, 133rd 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 the town of Edwards Station County of Franklin State of Ohio 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 attended Mrs Mary Townsend as a midwife on the 27th of September 1887 at the birth of a female child named Ethel May, who is still living and in the care of her mother.





(The bottom of the affidavit was cut off by the person scanning the documents.)

KNOWLEDGE GAINED:

  • 65 year old Reca Yous was the midwife for Mary's last child, Ethel May. 
  • Reca Yous was also from Edwards Station.
QUESTIONS
  • Who is Reca Yous and is this the correct spelling of her name?
  • What more can I learn about the 65-year old midwife?

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