Godfrey Isaacs and Lydia Morris
Godfrey Isaacs and Lydia Morris were married about 1846, most likely in Owsley County. The Owsley County court house fire of 1929 destroyed approximately 5000 marriage records. In the book, Owsley County, Kentucky Marriages 1843-1929, Robert L. Smith has attempted to replace those lost marriage records with data from other sources. I think this is a valuable research tool, but I have found several errors. One of which is the marriage listing for Godfrey Isaacs and Lydia Morris. Mr. Smith lists the parents of Godfrey as Godfrey Isaacs and Elizabeth Howard. We know from the probate information found in the Jackson County land records that Godfrey Isaacs (1775-1858) and Elizabeth Howard's son Godfrey married Emiline Crawford.
The Godfrey Isaacs who married Lydia Morris was the son of Godfrey Isaacs and Keziah Johnson. We can establish this relationship with the probate records of his father Godfrey (1793-1863) which are also found in the Jackson County land records. Both Godfreys, the son of Godfrey and Elizabeth as well as the son of Godfrey and Keziah, served in the Civil War. Their respective pension records also provide information that establishes their identity. However, all these Godfreys are very confusing. Both Godfreys have fathers named Godfrey. The son of Godfrey Isaacs and Keziah Johnson was born about 1825, and the son of Godfrey Isaacs and Elizabeth Howard was born about 1826. One way to help separate the two Godfreys is that Godfrey and Keziah's son Godfrey lived in Owsley County in 1850, and appeared on the census in Jackson County in 1860, 1870, and 1880 This same Godfrey also appeared on the 1890 Federal Civil War pensioners list for Jackson County. Since part of Owsley County was used to form Jackson County in 1858, it is likely that Godfrey and Lydia lived in and around the same neighborhood their entire married life. Godfrey and Elizabeth Howard's son, Godfrey was in Madison County in 1850, and appeared consistently in Estill County until he and his wife Emiline moved to Texas in the1890's.
Lydia Morris was the daughter of George Morris and Elizabeth Johnson. According to cemetery records Lydia was born 22 December 1820 and died 10 January 1913 in Jackson County, Kentucky. Civil War pension documents indicate her husband Godfrey Isaacs died 28 February 1896, in Egypt, Jackson, Kentucky. On the 1900 census, Lydia was listed as a widow, age 79. She was living with her son, William. Susan Isaac has a picture of the tombstones of both Godfrey and Lydia on her website: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/7895/Isaac.htm
During the Civil War, Godfrey first served in Company D, 7th KY Volunteer Infantry, as a 2nd Lieutenant. He became very sick with the measles during the last part of September 1861, and eventually resigned in March of 1862.
London Ky
March 7th 1862
Coln T T Garrard commanding the 7th Regiment Kentucky USV The
undersigned 2 Lieutenant of Company D most respectfully tenders his
resignation of said office on account of ill health to take effect from
the date of Reception by Con[?]
which is respectfully Submitted this day and date as above
Godfrey Isaacs 2
Lieut 7 Regmt CompyD USV
Godfrey re-enlisted in July of 1863, in Company A, 47th KY Volunteer (Mounted) Infantry as a 1st Lieutenant, and officially served for an additional seven months after being mustered (May 1864). Godfrey applied for a pension and was granted one in 1875. Because the veracity of his pension application was challenged by several of his enemies, a special examination was called regarding him. After getting depositions from many family members and friends, Godfrey was exonerated. This examination added about 200 pages of information to Godfrey's Civil War file, and provides us with invaluable family information, notably an explanation of the death of Godfrey's parents and three siblings. I have included much of that application below.
Children of Godfrey Isaacs and Lydia Morris
1. Emilia Maria Isaacs was born about 1847, probably in Owsley County. On the 1850 census she was listed as Emilia. On the 1860 census she was listed as Maria. On the 1870 census she was listed as Mariah Wood. At that time she was living with her parents and her three year old daughter, Martha Wood. There was no husband listed. In 1880, Martha Wood age 12, born June 1867, was living with her grandparents, Godfrey and Lydia, but her mother, Emilia Maria wasn't there. Martha was listed as deformed. On the 1900 census, Martha was listed as Martha Isaacs, rather than Wood, and was living with her widowed grandmother Lydia Isaacs. Both Lydia and Martha were enumerated in the household of William T. Isaacs and his wife Rebecca. William Isaacs was the youngest child of Godfrey Isaacs and Lydia Morris. On the 1900 census, Lydia listed herself as the mother of four children, three of whom were currently living. Emilia Maria would have been her non-surviving child since her other children all appear on the 1900 census in Jackson County.
2. Keziah/Kizzie Isaacs was born 14 August 1848 in Owsley County, according to Ron Rader's family tree on Ancestry.com. She appeared on the 1850 census as Kisia and was listed as a female. She appeared on the 1860 census of Jackson county as Hezekiah or something that looked very much like Hezekiah and was listed as a male. Ron Rader's family tree lists Keziah's marriage to Henry Rader as 23 January 1866 in Egypt, Jackson County. Henry and Kizzie Rader were living next door to William T. Isaacs on the 1900 census.
3. Francis Marion Isaacs was born May 1850 in Owsley County. He was listed on the 1850 census as Francis M. and a female. Since all of the children in the household were listed as females in 1850 it seems that Francis' incorrect listing could be explained as simple enumerator error. However, Francis M. was also listed as a female on the 1860 census. I don't really have an explanation for the error, but his sister Keziah was listed as a male on the same census. Maybe the enumerator just wasn't very careful. Francis was listed as a male on the 1870 census, and he married Sarah Bunnam on 26 July 1877 in Jackson County. Francis M. was also listed as a male on the 1880 and 1900 censuses. According to the 1900 census, Sarah Bunnam Isaacs was born May 1856 in Kentucky. She indicated that she had been married 22 years and was the mother of 10 children, 9 of whom were living.
4. William Thomas Isaacs was born 29 May 1852 in Owsley County. He married Rebecca Jane Gabbard in about 1873. I haven't been able to find a record of the marriage. Rebecca was born May 1852 in Kentucky, and was the daughter of Jacob Gabbard and Elizabeth Woods. On the 1900 census, she indicated that she had been married 27 years and was the mother of 11 children, all of whom were still living. William's father, Godfrey, and Rebecca's father Jacob served together during the Civil War. A picture of them can be found on Susan Isaac's website at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/7895/Isaac.htm
Civil War Service of Godfrey Isaacs
Godfrey Isaacs joined Company D, 7th Kentucky Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant on 19 August 1861 and his resignation was accepted 22 March 1862. In July of 1863 he joined Company A, 47th Kentucky Mounted Infantry and was mustered as a 1st Lieutenant on 13 May 1864 at Lexington. He was mustered out as a 1st Lieutenant on Dec 26, 1864.
A certificate was issued on 28 April 1875 to Godfrey Isaacs granting him a pension. In October, 1877, Godfrey's name was dropped from the pension roll on the recommendation of Special Agent Arthur Shephard, who conducted an investigation into allegations made against Godfrey claiming that his disability existed prior to his enlistment. On the 29th of December 1883, Godfrey filed a claim for restoration to the rolls, and his case was referred for special examination to determine the question of "prior soundness and general merits."
Godfrey's original claim was that while at Camp Wild Cat, Kentucky, in September 1861, he contracted measles and that afterwards, "while serving as a picket on the Barboursville Road," near London, Kentucky, he suffered a relapse. According to Godfrey, as a result of the measles and the relapse, he suffered chronic bronchitis.
During the special examination no less than 27 people were deposed. In the end, Mr. A. C. Welch, the Special Examiner had this to say:
After a careful examination of the claim I am of the opinion that there is no good ground for doubt that the steps taken to stop the pension were prompted by malice and prejudice. There is already a great deal of testimony in the case of prior soundness, incurrence and condition since discharge. The claimant was ready to furnish much more testimony as to condition from 1857 to 1861, also more comrades. I am convinced that the claim is meritorious, and recommend that the pensioner's name be restored to the roll.
Mr. Welch also made observations concerning some of the individuals who tried to stop Godfrey's pension. Regarding M.(Mark) D. Settles he said, "This witness is a man of good reputation for truth; but it appears he is regarded as having become greatly prejudiced against the claimant who was a member of the grand jury which found a true bill against his son for tampering with the county records." Regarding John Pennington he said, "This witness is also a man of good reputation, but has heretofore been deeply prejudiced against the claimant." Regarding John Rader, Sr. he said, "This witness is very ignorant and illiterate, but has heretofore enjoyed a good reputation for truth. His malice toward the claimant is blinding and it is notorious that he would stop at nothing if he could injure the claimant thereby."
Below is a list of the depositions obtained. In some cases I have included the entire deposition and in some cases only excerpts. NOTE: A.H. Clark was both the Captain of the first Company (D, 7th KY) that Godfrey served in from 1861-1862 and Colonel of the second Regiment (47th KY) that Godfrey served in from 1863-1864. John Pennington was the Captain of the second Company (A, 47th KY) that Godfrey served in from 1863-1864.
On this 23rd day of June 1884 at Pond Creek, County of Jackson, State of Kentucky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Gotfrey Isaacs who.. [the part about being sworn in is all crossed out.]
I am fifty-nine years old, a farmer and my post office is Tyner, Jackson Co. Ky. I enlisted on the 19th day of August 1861 in Co. D, 7th Ky Inf as Second Lieut. in this county, and was mustered in at Camp Dick Robinson in Garrard Co. Ky. sometime about the last of September. Dr. Pope, now dead, as I understand examined me before I was mustered in. As far as I can recollect about it at this time, he made me take my coat off and thumped me about the chest and under the shoulders, put his ear at my ribs and under my shoulder, also felt my pulse. That is about as much as I recollect of the examination. I was free from any disease at that time, and thought I was sound as any man. We were at Camp Dick Robinson about a month before muster in, after muster in the Regiment moved to Camp Wild Cat in Laurel Co., Ky. It was about the last of September 1861, that we reached Camp Wild Cat. The march only took us about two days. It rained all one day while we were on the march, and I began to take sick on the march, but did not know it was measles at that time. The next day after we got to Wild Cat, Col. T. G. Garrett [T.T. Garrard] sent me across the county to the Old State road about six or seven miles to prevent the citizens blocking the road. I performed that duty and while retiring to camp became so sick I had to stay at Chas Spivey's house about two or three miles from the Camp. The place I was sent to by Col. Garrett was right in the immediate neighborhood of my own house and I stayed at home about 12 hours and then started back to camp. My wife, knowing me to be sick, followed my and overtook me. I don't recollect ever getting to Spivey's and don't remember how many days I was unconscious. The first I recollect of was the doctor from the regiment, Dr. Hagan who died last October, or sometime in the fall, coming there to treat me. I don't recollect, but I expect I stayed at Spivey's about ten days. My wife then took me home, on the consent of Col. Garrett, and I stayed there about three weeks or a month and then rejoined the regiment a few days after I got to London. I was still very feeble. I remained on duty about two or three weeks and was sent out on to Barborsville road with a squad of men as a picket and during that time I got pretty wet (it rained on us all night) and I got sick and took a desperate fever and cough and miserable hurting in my breast. That was sometime in November or first of December. I remained so sick as to be unable to perform any duty or to keep with the regiment until about the 5th or 6th of March I came up with it at Cumberland Ford. During the time I was sick in London at that time I was under Dr. Wm Berry's treatment. He lives in Louisville, Ky. The regiment did not leave London till sometime in February and I had no other treatment except that give me by Dr. Berry. When I came up with the regiment I found that I could not stand the service and Dr. Berry told me the measles had settled on my lungs. He advised me to resign and I did so on the 7th of March, 1862, as well as I now remember. After I resigned I came right home. All that summer I was very feeble. I had no medical treatment during that summer but continued to take Baker's Cod Liver Oil and whisky as advised by Dr. Berry. He also told me to keep myself out of the weather during the winter and spring. In the summer of 1863, I was some better. In July, 1863, I think, I enlisted in Co. A. 47th Ky Inf as First Lieut, at McKee, Jackson Co. Ky., and was not mustered until May 13, 1864, so says my muster roll. Those who enlisted at the same time as I did were mustered in shortly after enlistment. I was informed that before I could be mustered I would have to be examined by a doctor, (I think a brigade doctor) to see whether or not I had sufficiently recovered from the disability on account of which I had resigned from the 7th Ky to be accepted in the service. I went to Lexington, Ky, and handed him the paper ordering me before the doctor, He only asked me a few questions but made no physical examination and then in about two or three weeks afterwards I was mustered in. We were camped at Nicholasville or Camp Nelson then. During that service I had a spell of hoarseness and cough. I was discharged the 25th or 26th of December 1864 when the regiment was mustered out. I was not in hospital at any time during the second service. I was treated while we were at Nicholsville by the same Dr. Rose as I have already spoken of for this hoarseness and cough. About all the duty my company did was to guard railroad stations from the time of my muster until the time of my discharge. I was able to knock around a little and ride but was not able to labor and I have not done a full days work from the date of my discharge until now on account of my disability. I claimed pension on account of disease of lungs resulting from relapse from measles contracted in the service. I reckon fully one-forth of our regiment and probably more was taken down with measles at Wild Cat at the same time as I was. Pension was granted me on that claim and afterwards I filed a claim for increase. It was for the same disease and for the same symptoms but for an increase degree of disability. My pension was stopped about Nov 1877. I think the reason why it was stopped was from some prejudice James Bales, John Pennington and John Rader, had against me. The trouble between me and Rader is I refused to pay him compound interest on my indebtedness to him for apiece of land I bought from him. He also told me that another course of his enmity against me was that my wife had reported seeing him at the house of a loose woman. Pennington and I have been bitter political opponents. Bales became embittered against me on account of a family matter. Mrs. Elizabeth Truitt, Rachel Johnson, Dr. Johnson, Sam'l Casteel all connected in some way with Pennington, Bales and Rader. I understand have sworn against me.
Q: What sicknesses had you before enlistment
A: I had the mumps in May or June 1853. In two or three weeks I got all right again. In 1857 I was taken sick with sickness of the stomach, headache and high fever and remained that way for several days. Dr. Dowell, since dead came drunk to visit me, and I did not take his prescription.
Q: Had you any pains in your side at that time
A: No, sir. I did not nor no cough. I was confined to my room about 10 days.
Q. What time of year was it
A: My recollection of it is that it was about the last of May or first of June.
Q: Had you been caught in any rain or any undue exposure about that time
A: Not that I recollect of.
Q: To what cause did you attribute that spell of sickness
A: I just supposed it was foul stomach.
Q: Had you any other sickness but those you have spoken of
A: I never lost a meal of victuals on account of sickness from the time I was a boy until I went into the service except for the mumps and that spell of sickness I have told you of.
Q: Did you ever receive any injury before you went into the service
A: I was thrown from my horse, before I was grown, against the end of a trimmed log and my left temple cut making a gash about two inches long. It left a numbness in that temple. I understand that Martha Culton swore that I had a buckskin cord put under my left shoulder for misery in the breast and a bad cough, but I had nothing of the kind done. Dr. Burnham who has fled the country, for over 20 years, put a little cord on my left shoulder by the side of my neck to take away the numbness in my left temple and it did so.
Q: Please give me the names of witnesses by whom you can prove your soundness before enlistment.
A: Mr. Jesse McWhirter, P. M. of High Knob, Ky. Dr. Jas D. Forster, London, Ky, my family physician up to enlistment. Dr. O.T. Asbell of Chinquapin Rough, Ky, Elbert G. Bowles, Tyner, Ky. John Hamilton, McKee, Ky and all the witnesses who have made affidavits on that point in my favor if necessary.
Q: Give me the names and addressees of any commissioned officers and comrades or doctor who can testify to the measure of your disability.
A: Lieut. Andrew Hurd, Travellers Rest, Ky, Major Elisha Treadway, Brooneville, Ky., John Hamilton of McKee, and Elbert Bowles. Joseph Hurd, Travelers Rest, Ky. Martin Flannery Green Hall, Ky. Hampton Flannery of Owsley Co. Ky.
Q: What witnesses have you for the degree of disability showed since discharge.
A: A number of those already mentioned and any number more of my neighbors if necessary.
Q: Do you desire to be present in person or be represented by attorney or both during this examination.
A: I want to be present when the witnesses against me are examined, but do not care to be present during the taking of the testimony of my own witnesses that I have mentioned.
Signed Gotfrey Isaacs -- 23rd day of June 1884.
State of Kentucky
County of Jackson
In the Pension claim of Gotfrey Isaacs, 2nd Lieut. Co. D. 7th Ky Vol Infty. No 133.155
I, O.T. Azbill, do certify that I am a regular Physician that I am in my 50th year of my age. That my P. O. address is Annville, Jackson County, Kentucky And that I am well acquainted with the Physical condition of the said Gotfrey Isaacs. I know that he is not nor will never be able to do any manual labor. I have treated the said Gotfrey Isaacs for Chronic Bronchitis, but only with the hope of placating his misery. He is unable to wait on himself, requiring a constant attendant to wait on him all the time. I know soldier to be a man in good standing and well worthy of all his Government may give him. - Given Under my May 18th, 1886
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 28th day of June, 1884, at London, County of Laurel, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jas D. Foster, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 61. physician, London, Laurel Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: About 1846, or '47.
... continues to testify to the good health of Godfrey prior to the war....
Q: Did you visit Andrew Isaacs, brother of Gotfrey in his last sickness
A: I think I did. He died of typhoid fever, whether I was summoned there or it was a passing visit I cannot now recollect, and have no record to show. I know that the fever about killed out the whole family.
Q: Were the Isaacs family a stout, healthy or sickly and skinny family
A: The stoutest family I ever saw I reckon.
Q: Was there any predisposition to bronchial or lung disease in the family.
A: I don't think there was any at all.
Signed: James D. Foster - 28th Day of June 1884.
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Sturgeons Creek, County of Laurel, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John Ward M.D., who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your age, profession and post office address.
A: 75 past, preacher and doctor, Green Hall, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: In his 14th year and from then up till now have been intimately acquainted with him and have lived within from three to five miles of him about all the time except when he lived in Clover Bottom.
...continues testifying about Godfrey's medical condition, he states that, "he [Godfrey] was as sound a man as ever entered the service.."
Signed: John Ward, 25th day of June 1884.
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Gray Hawk, County of Laurel, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared B. F. Engle, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 56, farmer, Grayhawk, Jackson, Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: In the year 1851.
Q: Did you live neighbor to him then and if so how long:
A: I lived within two and a half miles about 5 or 6 years and one year or better he lived within half a mile of me and then moved off about 18 miles some two or three years, and I knew him through the war and was with him in the camp time and again.
Q: What was his condition when you first knew him
A: He was a stout hearty man. I rolled logs with him many a time and I know he was a hard man to break down.
...continues testifying about Godfrey's medical condition...
Signed: B. F. Engle - 25th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 27th day of June, 1884, at Grayhawk, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Henry Morris, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 75, farmer and carpenter, McKee, Jackson, Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: The first intimate acquaintance I formed with him was in 1845.
...continues to testify regarding Godfrey's medical condition....
Q: Did you know what his condition was at enlistment.
A: I thought he was a stout man. I know he could go as far in three hops as anybody and roll logs with anybody right up to the time of his enlistment and never said anything to the contrary.
Q: How far apart can people live in this mountain country and still be counted neighbors before the war
A: In 1845 my neighbors were 10 or 12 miles away, and we would go ten and 12 miles to help roll logs and raise houses and now help to roll logs or raise houses would be asked from two to four miles.
Signed: Henry Morris - 27th Day of June 1884.
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Isaac J. Faubus, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 70, lawyer, and farmer and P. M., Middle Fork, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: Forty-five years ago last March.
Q: Did you live near him and were you intimate with his condition from 1855 to 1861. If so what was it
A: Yes, sir I was. His father lived within three miles of me, so we were frequently together at log rollings and working and I was well acquainted with his condition. He was a stout hearty robust young man. I knew him well all the time up to the time he went into the service.
... testifies to Godfrey's robust physical condition before the war....
Signed: Isaac J. Faubus - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared O.T. Azbill, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 48. physician, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: How long have you known Mr. Isaacs
A: I have known him since 1858.
Q: Were you sufficiently intimate with him from 1858 to 1861 to be able to state what his physical condition was during those years
A: Yes sir! I believe I was. I considered him at that time a very stout able bodied man, and I never heard of his physical manhood being doubted. In 1858 I was at a log rolling with him and by all there he was considered one of the best men there.
...continues to testify about Godfrey's physical condition....
Signed: O. T. Azbill - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared F.M. Gabbert, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 47, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first know Gotfrey Isaacs, the claimant
A: Off and on ever since I was a child.
...testifies about Godfrey's medical condition....
Signed: F.M. Gabbert - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 27th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared David McCollum, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 55, farmer, McKee, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: Did you at any time between 1857 and 1861 live neighbors to Mr. Isaacs? If so, state how near you lived to him and for how long.
A: From October to New Years, 1857, I lived in one room of the same house with him and from then until we volunteered I lived within a mile of him.
...testifies about Godfrey's medical condition...
Signed: David McCollum - 27th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 26th day of June, 1884, at London, County of Laurel, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared A. H. Clark, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 48, lawyer, Boonville, Owsley Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: I have known him I expect 35 years.
Q: Did you live near him and have opportunity of knowing what his physical condition was from 1855 to 1861
A: I suppose I lived within 25 miles of him during that time. I saw him frequently and had tolerable good opportunity of knowing what his health was. He was a raw boned man, and I never knew anything to the contrary but that he was a stout healthy man during that time.
Q: Do you know what his condition was at enlistment
A: I regarded him as an able bodied man at the time he enlisted
Q: Were you a member of the same company and regiment as Isaacs. If so what was your rank
A: I was Captain of Co. D. 7th Ky
Q: If Gotfrey Isaacs ever contracted any disease in the service please state what it was and all you know about its incurrence
A: I cannot remember the dates but some time after enlistment he had a severe spell of sickness and headache. The doctor waited on him a good deal and we expected him to die. I think one of those spells was at London and his wife came there to see him. I don't think I boarded at the same house but I was there a good deal Andrew Johnson, afterwards President, was there at the same time.
...testimony about medical condition....
Q: Were not you also in the 47th Ky Inf
A: Yes, sir, I was Col of that regiment.
Q: Do you know anything of Isaacs service with that regiment
A: I remember now that he was in Capt. Pennington's Company
...more medical testimony...
Signed: A. H. Clark - 26th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 26th day of June, 1884, at Travellers Rest, County of Owsley, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared A. J. Herd, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 55, farmer, Travellers Rest, Owsley Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: I could not tell the year but at least 15 years before the war.
Q: Did you live near him at any time from 1855 to 1861.
A: I did not live nearer to him than 8 or 10 miles during five years before enlistment but saw him frequently during that time.
Q: Were you a member of the same company and regiment, if so what rank
A: I was First Lieutenant and he was Second Lieutenant of Co. D. 7th Ky Inf.
Q: What was the condition of his health at enlistment
A: I thought his health was good. He appeared as stout as he ever was, and when I first knew Gotfrey Isaacs he was considered the stoutest man in the county.
...medical condition testimony...
Signed: A. J. Herd - 26th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Traveller's Rest, County of Owsley, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Joseph F. Herd, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 41. farmer, Travellers Rest, Owsley Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: Twenty-five or thirty years ago
Q: Did you live near him at anytime from 1855 to 1861
A: I suppose about ten miles.
Q: Did you see him frequently and had you opportunities of knowing what his health was from 1855 to 1861
A: Yes, sir. I saw him pretty generally and be with him two or three times in one year.
Q: What was his condition at enlistment
A: Very good so far as I know. He was considered on of the best men in our company. He was second lieutenant and I was a private. He could out jump anybody we had in our company.
...more testimony about medical condition...
Signed: Joseph F. Herd - 25th day of June 1884.
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Malden, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Elbert G. Bowles, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: 40 years, farmer, Tyner, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: Twenty five years ago I reckon. I lived with him.
Q: Where was he living when you lived with him
A: On Clover Bottom
Q: How long did you live with him there
A: About two or three years as well as I recollect
Q: What was the condition of his health at that time
A: Well sir, if he had any sickness I have no recollection of it.
Q: Was he a stout able bodied sound man at that time or a weak, sickly and unsound man
A: He worked right smart and traded a good deal. He worked at log rolling, fencing, and other farm work. I generally did the plowing while I lived there.
...more medical testimony....
Signed: Elbert G. Bowles - 25th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared R. M. Flanery, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 46, farmer, Green Hall, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: Along about 1858
Q: Were you sufficiently intimate with him from 1858 to 1861 to be able to state what his condition was during those years.
A: Yes, sir. I saw him passing about the county and he appeared to me to be a very stout man.
Q: Were you a member of the same Co. and Regiment, 7th Ky.
A: Yes, sir. I was a private.
...medical history testimony....
Signed: R. M. Flanery - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 27th day of June, 1884, at McKee, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John S. Hamilton, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 59, farmer, McKee, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: How long have you known Gotfrey Isaacs
A: For about forty years, probably a little longer than that.
Q: Are you related to him in any way
A: Yes, sir, a brother-in-law. He and I married sisters.
Q: Did you live near to him at any time from 1855 to 1861
A: Within about a mile in 1859, and continued that close about one year.
Q: How far had you lived from him for two or three years before that
A: Twelve or fifteen miles, but we were together frequently.
Q: How far did you live from him after 1859 and until enlistment
A: About twelve miles.
Q: Please tell me what he condition of his health was that year you lived within a mile of him.
A: His health was good at that time
Q: Was he able to make a full hand at log rolling in 1859
A: Yes, sir. He was able to do any kind of manual labor and was over the average at a log rolling.
...medical history testimony...
Signed: John S. Hamilton - 27th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 23rd day of June, 1884, at Pond Creek, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Jesse H. McWhorter, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 70, farmer and postmaster at High Knob, Ky.
Q: How long have you known Mr. Isaacs
A: I expect I have know him 40 years.
Q: Did you live near him at any time before the war
A: Yes sir, from one and a half to 10 or 12 miles till he moved away making the distance 20 miles.
...medical history testimony...
Signed: Jesse H. McWhorter - 23rd day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared George W. Collier, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 54, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first know Mr. Isaacs
A: Sometime within a year or two after I moved to Owsley Co. in 1856.
Q: How near did you live to him at any time from 1856 till 1861.
A: I expect the nearest I lived to him in those years was 20 or 25 miles.
Q: Were you at all intimate with the condition of his health from 1856 to 1861.
A: No, sir, More than this. He was considered about the best man in the county. He could best anybody hopping and it took about four common men to handle him. That was my information. I never heard any account of his being sick until after he was in the army.
...continued discussion about medical history...
Cross-examined by claimant:
Q: Just state what you heard Mr. John Rader Sr. say to Mr. John Pennington about my claim in 1876, right at the time Mr. Pennington was a candidate for sheriff.
A: Capt. Pennington and myself called on Rader. Pennington asked Rader, who was of different politics, to vote for him and Rader told him he would do so if he [Pennington] would do him one favor and then took Capt Pennington aside and when Pennington and I started off I asked Pennington what favor Rader wanted him to do him and he said to help stop Gotfrey Isaacs' pension.
Q: Did James Bales tell you anything about helping John Rader stop my pension.
A: I think after the election in the fall, James Bales excused himself from coming after some corn he had bought of me because as he said he had to go next day to McKee with John Rader to help stop Gotfrey Isaacs pension.
Re examined:
Q: Did you hear either Rader or Bales say why Isaacs pension should be stopped
A: Rader told me frequently that he thought he could prove that he [Isaacs] was unsound before the war. Bales seemed to be doing it so as to accommodate Rader.
Signed: G. W. Collier - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Pond Lick Fork of Pond Creek, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared James Tincher, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 56, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: About 35 years ago.
Q: Did you live near him at any time during the years from 1850 to 1861
A: Not more than eight miles at the furthest
...medical questions...
Signed James Ticher -24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Grayhawk, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Martha J. Culton, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 64, farmer, Grayhawk, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: About 30 years ago or the rise
Q: What was the condition of his health when you first became acquainted with him.
A: I never heard him complain of anything when I was first acquainted with him.
Q: When did you first hear him complain of anything.
A: It was sometime before the war that he was down sick
Q: How long before the war.
A: I don't know. He was living at the Dr. Edmonds farm when he had the sick spell
Q: Is that place about half a mile from Mr. B.F. Engle's
A: About that far
...more medical history questions....
Signed Martha J. Culton - 25th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Elizabeth Truett, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: 70 years, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first know with Mr. Isaacs
A: About two or three years before the war.
Q: Under what circumstances did you first become acquainted with him
A: He was visiting sometimes in the neighborhood and sometimes would drop in to our house
Q: How near did he live to you before the war
A: He was not mighty far from me but I don't remember the distance
Q: Were you sufficiently intimate with him during the two or three years before the war to know what the condition of his health was
A: All I know of it he would complain as other people. Sometimes he had a headache.
Q: Was he considered a man of ordinary good health or a man of unsound and weak health before the war
A: I don't know.
Q: Do you ever remember of him having any spell of sickness at any time.
A: I don't know as I did.
Q: Was he ever sick at your house.
A: Only with a headache.
Q: Did you wait on any of his father's family in their last sickness and death. If so state which of them you waited on and in what order they died giving the name of each and about how long between their deaths.
A: I did wait on them, but I cannot state what year it was or whether it was before the war or not. I waited on Andrew first [Godfrey's brother], then his mother, Aunt Kizzy then Becky her daughter then Sam'l another son and then old man Gotfrey. They all died. I think it was in the latter part of the summer or beginning of the fall. They all died the same fall. Andrew first, then the mother and daughter in one day, and Sam soon after, the mother, daughter and Sam were all hauled off for burial at once, and shortly after that his father died.
Q: What seemed to be the matter with them
A: Dr. Edwards, since dead, who waited on them called it the typhoid fever.
Q: Did you ever know Mr. Isaacs to have any trouble in his breast, throat and lungs before the war.
A: I don't know that I did.
Q: When did you first know of him having anything the matter with his lungs and throat.
A: I cannot tell. I am mighty forgetful.
Q: Then so far as you can now state you did not know of him having any disease of the breast and throat before the war.
A: I don't know as I did. If I knew it I would tell it. I cannot now remember of any disease of lungs and throat he had before the war.
Signed: Elizabeth Truett - 24th day of June 1884
[Sarah Truett, the daughter of Reddin Truett and Elizabeth Moore York Truett, married John Lincoln Isaacs, the son of Andrew Isaacs and Lucinda Carpenter on 24 Sept 1858, in Jackson County, KY.]
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Samuel Johnston, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 75, physician, Moore's Creek, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: I don't know now, but it was before Owsley Co. was formed [1843]. Somewhere between 30 and 40 years.
Q: How near did you live to Mr. Isaacs during the years from 1850 to 1861.
A: Part of the time 20 add miles, the balance of the time I don't remember where he lived and only occasionally saw him.
Q: Were you at any time from 1850 to 1861, so intimately acquainted with his physical condition as to be able to state it with any degree of certainly.
A: No, sir, I cannot state that. I only saw him occasionally. Occasionally I heard him complain of not being well.
Q: What did he complain of.
A: I don't recollect as I can state that. On one occasion going up to Isaac Gabbard's he complained of being not able to work. Once when my wife and son had been to association on Sturgeon and I think as he returned with them on his way to Gabbards and I think he complained of his breast hurting him. I cannot say what year that was, but I know it was before the war.
Q: Did you ever at any of the time but this that you speak of, when he was returning from the association, hear him complain of his breast
A: No, sir, not that I remember of
Q: Are you positive that as a matter of fact he did on that occasion when coming from the association complain of his breasts
A: Yes, sir. I think I am. My mind serves me that way that he was complaining in some way of his breast. From a conversation had with my wife my memory was judged that I did remember him complaining of his breast at that time.
Q: When did you have that conversation with your wife.
A: I don't remember when it was last. It was when a pension agent called at my house and took my wife's statement.
Q: Were you intimately acquainted with his physical condition at the time of his enlistment.
A: No, sir.
Q: Do know know what his condition has been since the war.
A: Nothing in the world but what I have heard him say. He seems to be in feeble health.
Q: How far apart do you live
A: About 7 or 8 miles.
Q: Do you practice in his neighborhood
A: No, sir, not at all.
Q: Are you in any way prejudice against the claimant or have you ever had any trouble, a difference with him either in politics or religion.
A: Never in the world. We differed in politics and religion but I have no hard feelings for him.
Cross examined by Claimant:
Q: Are you a son-in-law of Judge Abel Pennington and brother-in -law of John Pennington
A: Yes sir.
Signed: Samuel Johnston - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Grayhawk, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared G. S. Jones, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 54, farmer, Tyner, Jackson Co. Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Gotfrey Isaacs
A: In the latter part of 1853, I think.
Q: Did you live neighbor to him then
A: Yes sir, within a mile and a half or two miles.
Q: Do you know what the condition of his health was at that time he was a neighbor
A: His health was good enough. I didn't hear of any complaint from him more than common man. He was a very good hand at log rolling. I used to roll logs with him.
Q: Do you know how long he continued to live near you
A: Up to two or three years before he enlisted. Not over four at the outside.
...medical questions....
Signed: G. S. Jones - 25th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Pigeon Roost, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared M. D. Settles, Sr., who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 67, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: Sometime a little after 1846
Q: Have you lived near him at any time.
A: I don't recollect of ever living nearer to him than 11 miles.
Q: Were you intimately acquainted with his physical condition from 1856 to 1861
A: I cannot say that I was more than I was with him sometimes at McKee
Q: Was your intimacy such as to enable you to say with anything like certainty what his condition was during those years
A: No, sir. I don't know that I was. He was a man that generally complained of not being able to work I think
Q: Of what did he complain
A: Well sir, I don't recollect what he complained of
Q: When did you first hear him complain of not being able to work
A: Well, I could not state. He lived in McKee I think while I was Sheriff in 1863 and 1864 and he complained then
Q: Was it while you were Sheriff that you first heard him complain
A: Oh no I heard him complain before I was Sheriff
Q: How long or about how long before you were Sheriff was it that you first heard him complain
A: I cannot state that. My recollection is that when I first became acquainted with him he complained but what about I am not certain.
Q: Did you ever work with him at log rollings or workings at any time from 1850 to 1861
A: Not that I recollect of
Q: Do you know of your own knowledge what his condition was at the date of his enlistment.
A: No, sir. I do not.
Q: Did you regard him as a strong able bodied sound man just before the war or did you consider him a weakly, feeble and unsound man.
A: He looked like he might be a strong man. I am no physician. He looked like there was nothing the matter with him.
Q: Have you known his condition since discharge
A: I have seen him a good many time since discharge and he appeared very frail
Q: Do you know what the trouble is
A: No, sir. I do not. I reckon I have heard him say but I don't recollect what he complained of.
Q: Did you ever know of him having any spell of sickness before enlistment
A: I am not exactly positive whether I do or not. I remember seeing him at McKee when I think he told me he had been very sick. I don't remember what he told me was the matter with him.
Q: Did you know his brothers Samuel and Andrew Isaacs
A: Yes sir.
Q: Do you know when and of what disease they died
A: No, sir. I don't
Q: Do you remember whether Samuel, his mother and sister died about the same time
A: I think that their deaths were not very far apart but I don't recollect how far
Q: Do you know whether they were all dead in the house at the same time
A: No, sir. I don't recollect about that. It might have been, but I don't recollect it now.
Q: Do you think you would know that if it was a fact that they were all dead in the house at the same time.
A: I did not see them. It is very likely I would have heard it and I don't recollect it now.
Q: Are you certain that you do not know what Andrew and Samuel Isaacs died of
A: No sir. I don't think I do.
Q: Do you know whether Andrew died of a disease he had from youth or from a disease contracted in the army
A: No, sir. I don't know that
Q: Do you know whether they died of fever or of lung trouble
A: No, sir. I don't know which they died of
Q: Do you know whether Godfrey Isaacs had any lung disease or throat trouble before the war
A: No, sir. I do not recollect what he complained of
Q: Do you think if he had had lung trouble or disease of throat you would remember it now.
A: I don't know that I would because I don't recollect what the man complained of
Q: Have you any interest in the prosecution of the claim for pension or any prejudice against Mr. Isaacs
A: None, sir, at all
Signed: M. D. Settle - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 24th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John Pennington, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 57, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: How long have you known Mr. Isaacs
A: My best recollection is that it was in 1844 I first knew him.
Q: Did you live neighbor to him at any time from 1850 to 1861
A: As well as I remember not nearer than 20 miles
Q: How frequently did you see him during the years from 1850 to 1861
A: Up to 1857 I did not see him but very seldom but from 1857 to 1861 we went to the same county seat and I saw him about once a month
Q: What was the condition of his health when you knew him most intimately before the commencement of the war
A: I cannot make any positive statement as to his health, only I noticed he had a sort of cough. In 1859 we had a trade about a piece of land in the Grayhawk country and I was selling him a yoke of cattle as a payment on the land. He remarked that he must be careful about giving too much for stock as he was not able to work. During the past five years sometime we had a talk about it and he didn't recollect saying anything of that kind and said if he did it must have been a joke. To look at him he appeared to be a man of good health.
Q: Do you know of your own knowledge what the condition of his health was at the time of his enlistment in the 7th Ky Inf.
A: No, sir. I do not.
Q: Do you know of your own knowledge what the condition of his health was at the time of his enlistment in the 47th Ky Inf
A: Immediately after we got to camp I considered his health very bad. I slept with him for some time after we got to camp and he was restless and coughed a deal. His health was very indifferent I thought.
Q: Had you and he any conversations at that time as to what produced that bad condition of health
A: I disremember ifini did have a conversation as to the cause of it. [This is exactly as the sentence reads, I imagine he is saying, "I don't remember if I did...]
Q: Were you sufficiently intimate with him and did you see him after often enough during the time from 1857 to 1861 to be able to judge with anything approaching accuracy the state of his health during those years.
A: I could not make a definite statement as to his health during that time. I _____ him have what appeared to be a dry cough, but his appearance was that he was a sound man.
Q: In whose handwriting is this letter dated August 18, 1876, particularly the lower portion and signature
A: My notion is that the upper portion is A.P. Settles, the lower portion is mine, including the signature. My recollection is that my father had ___ upper part and asked me to insert the other names and sign his name to it.
Q: Are you and Mr. Isaacs good friends now
A: On my part we are. I have nothing against Mr. Isaacs. I only want to make a fair statement and would be truly glad if Mr. Isaacs could succeed in getting a pension.
Q: Were you and Mr. Isaacs quite friendly in August 1876
A: That was the year that I ran for Sheriff, I think, and he was very strongly opposed to me and wanted me beaten. I was beaten. We had also had some little differences while in the service in the 47th Ky. I don't think there was any particular friendliness between us in 1876, but nothing particularly cross between us at least on my part.
Q: Have you been intimate with his condition since the close of the war, and if so please state to what extent he has been disabled from earning a subsistence by manual labor during that time.
A: I have been intimate with his condition during that time and from his appearance I don't think to do himself justice he has been in a condition to do any labor at all.
Q: What seems to be the trouble with him
A: He has had a tremendous cough all the time and spit up a great deal.
Q: Did you ever know him to complain of pains in his throat and chest before the war - except when you and he were making the cattle trade.
A: I recollect him complaining of his breast. I don't remember of him complaining about his throat.
Q: When did you hear him complain of his breast
A: I couldn't memorize the times. I stayed all night with him one night at Hardin Sloans in McKee and he complained then considerably of his breast. I cannot say what year it was but somewhere between 1857 and 1860. I never knew of him having any serious sickness before the war.
Signed: John Pennington - 24th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 25th day of June, 1884, at Pond Creek, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared John Rader Sr., who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: Age 74, farmer, Egypt, Jackson Co. Ky
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Gotfrey Isaacs
A: Several years before the war, but I don't know the year. I think it was as much as ten years before the war.
Q: How near did you live to him from 1855 to 1861
A: I reckon within two miles, but I don't know whether he was living there that date or not.
Q: Where were you living from 1855 to 1861
A: On Pond Creek on the Manchester and McKee road
Q: Where was Mr. Isaacs living from 1855 to 1961
A: I think he was living in Clover Bottom, somewhere
Q: How far is Clover Bottom from here
A: It must be twenty miles
Q: Did you live near enough to him at any time prior to 1861 to be able to state with anything like certainty what the condition of his health was for several years immediately preceding his enlistment
A: We used to hunt hogs together after he was married and he said that he was not able to work much. He was not a healthy man.
Q: What was the matter with him
A: I don't know that he said was the matter with him
Q: What did he say was the matter with him
A: He didn't say what was the matter with him as I recollect of
Q: What appeared to be the matter with him
A: I don't know what appeared to be the matter with him. He said he was not able to work much he was a sickly fellow
Q: Where were you living at that time you used to hog hunt with Mr. Isaacs and where was he living at that time
A: He was living at what is called the Bullitt place about two miles from my house.
Q: Do you know of your own knowledge that he was not able to work much at the time he lived on the Bullitt place or is what you state about his being sickly then what you have heard from some other person
A: I don't know to my own knowledge whether he was or not, but he stated it to other folks that he was
Q: Did he state to you that he was sickly and not able to work much when he lived at the Bullitt place
A: Yes he said he was sickly, he was "D___ if he was able to work." whether he was sick or not, I don't know.
Q: Where and when did he state to you that he was sickly and not able to work.
A: I don't know the date nor the year
Q: Under what circumstances did he tell you that he was sickly and not able to work much
A: I don't know that I can tell that
Q: Was it a temporary sickness he was speaking of or a sickness of long duration
A: I don't know
Q: Up to the time he told you that did you look upon him as a stout able man or a puny delicate man
A: I looked upon him sometimes as a stout man and sometimes as a puny man. He got me to go for his father and mother once when he was expecting to die.
Q: What was he expecting to die of
A: Just took a sick spell. That is what I allowed. I don't know what
Q: When was it
A: I don't know the date
Q: Where was it
A: He lived on the Bullit place
Q: What doctor was attending him
A: I don't know if there was anyone
Q: Would you have known if there was a doctor waiting on him at that time
A: I might have known and I might not
Q: Can you tell me of any disease or the nature of any sickness he ever had at any time before 1861
A: I don't know that I could
Q: Was Mr. Isaacs ever a near neighbor or yours before 1861
A: He lived at the Bullit Place before 1861, but I don't know how long
Q: Do you know whether he was a near neighbor to you at the time of his enlistment
A: He was not. I don't know how long he had moved away
Q: Are you certain that you cannot state what his complaint was or seemed to be when you say he was sickly
A: No sir, I don't know what it was
Q: Do you know whether or not he had a bad cough during that time
A: I don't know whether he had or not. He might have had a bad cough or not. I don't recollect about it
Q: If he had had a bad cough or disease of the breast and throat at that time do you think you could recollect it.
A: I wonght [wouldn't?]. That is something I don't know whether I would recollect it or not.
Q: In what part of his body did the sickness you say Mr. Isaacs had seem to effect him
A: I don't know that
Q: Are you a friend of Mr. Isaacs
A: Always have been. I have nothing against Mr. Isaacs
Q: Did you and he ever have any misunderstanding about a piece of land you sold him.
A: No, sir. If I had I have no recollection of. We had a misunderstanding about the interest. He charged the interest one way and I did another. At least I had it done.
Q: What was the difference between you about the interest
A: He counted it up that whenever any money was paid the interest stopped. My man counted the interest was the first money paid. I took the money the way his wife's uncle counted it. That matter was all settled right I thought
Q: From the close of the war until 1876 were you and he on very friendly terms
A: Yes, sir. I think so
Q: How is it that you don't speak with each other now
A: It is about the pension matter
Q: Do you know John Pennington
A: Yes, sir.
Q: Did you ever ask him to help you stop Mr. Isaacs pension
A: No, sir. I never did that I recollect of.
Q: Did you promise to vote for him when he was a candidate for Sheriff in 1876 if he would help you stop Mr. Isaacs pension
A: No, sir. I never promised anything of the kind. I never promised him no how. I did vote for him.
Q: Was he of the same politics as yourself
A: No, sir. I don't think he was.
Q: Did you ever tell Capt. Pennington in the presence of another person that you would vote for him if he would do you a favor.
A: No, sir. I never did
Q: Did you in the presence of G. W. Collier tell Capt. Pennington you would vote for him if he would do you one favor
A: No, sir. I did not. If I did I don't recollect it.
Q: Did you and James Bales have any understanding about stopping Gotfrey Isaacs pension
A: Mr. Bales said he knowed him and lived by him when he lost his summers work on account of his health. If he said more I don't recollect. He didn't say what date that was but it was before the war he said. We had no understanding about it.
Cross-examined by Claimant
Q: Did Mr. M.D. Settles Jr. a son-in-law of Bales come to you and tell you that Mr. James Bales and me were security for another man and for you to hold up writing to the Department about my pension until the debt was paid so as not to make me mad and leave Bales to pay the debt
A: Pretty near to that account. That if Mr. Isaacs got mad he would have the debt to pay himself.
Q: Did you tell Mr. Settles that you would hold up provided I would let you alone
A: If I did I don't recollect it. Mr. Isaacs never interrupted me in his life.
Q: Did you wait a while
A: I cannot say whether I did or did not. I might or might not. I forgot about it.
Q: Were you present when R. P. Settles wrote a letter to the Department in Abel Pennington's name and referred to you, John Pennington and others in that letter as to my not being entitled to pension.
A: Mr. James Gregory told me they wanted me to come down to Bales and when I went they were all at Settles. They asked me if I knowed Mr. Isaacs before the war and asked me if he was sickly and I said he told me he was. I don't know whether he was sickly or not and then Capt Pennington he began to write and Alex Settles snatched the paper from him and said you don't know how to write and he did the writing and then I started home and I don't know how they fixed it. I don't know who signed their names to it, or who did not
Q: Who were at Settles
A: I don't recollect now who was. Aleck Settles and John Pennington was. I don't know whether there was any other there or not.
Q: Were we perfectly intimate and visited one another until the time we had the dispute about the interest
A: Yes. I believe that is all right
Q: Since that time have we every had any intimacy whatever
A: Never fell out as I know of. I have been up there a time or two since that.
Q: Was it in 1853 or what time was it my sickness at the Bullit Place
A: I don't know what date it was
Q: Do you know whether or not it was the mumps I had at that time.
A: If I knowed then I don't know now. I don't recollect what it was
Q: Were you waiting on me then when I was sick there
A: I don't know whether I did or not
Q: How come I to send you to my father and mother
A: Because I was there
Q: What were you doing at my house
A: I don't know what I was doing there whether I went there on a visit or was working there or not
Q: What locality was the disease in
A: I don't know. If I knowed then I have forgot now
Re examined
Q: You have without my asking you any questions about it or my mentioning the name spoken here before Mr. Isaacs of a statement made by you before Mr. Arthur Shephard in this case, and also without solicitation you have also spoken about your letter to the Pension office. Does your statement before me today agree with your statement to Mr. Shephard and with the letter you speak of
A: I think they do. My statement to Mr. Shepherd is about like what it has been to you.
Signed John Rader Sr. - 25th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 27th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared James Bales, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: What is your, age, profession and post office address
A: 64 next November, farmer, Chinquapin Rough, Ky.
Q: When did you first become acquainted with Mr. Isaacs
A: I expect about thirty years ago.
Q: How close did you live to him at any time from 1850 to 1861
A: In the fall of 1857 or spring of 1858 I lived within about one mile of him in the Clover Bottom country
Q: How long did you continue to live near him there
A: I lived by him there about a year and a half
Q: Did you ever work with him down there in log rollings, house raisings or anything of that kind.
A: I think so. It was a rough country and we had a good deal of that to do.
Q: What was the condition of his health during the time he lived near neighbor to you in the Clover Bottom country
A: Well, sir, the fall he moved there his health was rather feeble. He had a spell of pneumonia fever while he lived at the Edwards place about Grayhawk just before he moved down there. But next spring he was all right again and did a hard summers work, and from then on until he went into the army his health was all right. We both went into the same regiment.
Q: Were you a member of Co. D, 7th Ky Inf.
A: Yes sir
Q: What was the condition of Mr. Isaacs health at the time of his enlistment
A: I thought it was mighty good sir. I took him to be a sound man sir.
Q: Do you know whether he contracted any disease in the service
A: Yes, sir. In the winter of 1861 he took very sick at London, Ky lying in the mud and came very near dying. We all expected him to die. Dr. Berry waited on him and after the regiment left there I don't think he was even with it any more except on a visit to it. That's what I think started his disease, the cold settled on his lungs and he had a very bad cough. I visited his room frequently.
Q: Do you know what his condition was immediately after your return from the service.
A: I think his condition was bad when I first saw him, and he has been in a puny condition all the time. I don't think he has had any good health ever since.
Q: To what extent is he now disabled for the performance of manual labor by reason of his health.
A: I don't know he is able to do any kind of labor at all and he has not been able to do any for a long time.
Q: Did you ever know or hear before the war of him being a delicate, sickly man.
A: No, sir. I knew him 10 or 12 years before the war and I knew him to be a very active able bodied man. I became acquainted with him about 1845.
Q: Do you think if he had been a delicate, sickly man prior to enlistment you would have been likely to know it.
A: I think I would, sir. I saw him frequently and he was a stout hearty man.
Q: What did you know about the effort that was made some years go about stopping Mr. Isaacs pension.
A: Some years ago in the spring after an election in which John Pennington was a candidate there was a house raising at Alex Settles, one of my sons-in-law and at it were Judge Abel Pennington, John Pennington and John Rader Sr. and while they were at work they sent for me, and asked me about his health and so on and I told them of the spell of sickness he had at the Edwards place and they wrote up to Washington to try and stop his pension and after a while a letter came from Washington to me to answer and knowing it was all done from malice and prejudice I laid the letter up on the fire board and never answered it. Judge Abel Pennington was at the head of it
Q: Do you know why Abel Pennington was prejudiced against Mr. Isaacs
A: Nothing but a prejudice he got against Mr. Isaacs about the election. I think that was the ____ of it all and he was a mighty prejudiced old man.
Q: Do you know what Mr. John Rader Sr. was prejudiced against Mr. Isaacs for.
A: I don't know what made him fall out with Gotfrey.
Q: Had he been friends with Gotfrey up to a short time before that election
A: I think he had. I thought before going to that house raising that they were the best of friends, but in going there he told me that Abel Pennington, John Pennington and himself were to meet there and what they were going to do and I didn't think any more about it until they sent in for me.
Cross examined by Claimant:
Q: Did John Rader Sr. ask you while going over to that working to aid him in stopping my pension.
A: He asked me what I knew about him and told him about that spell of sickness. He told me what he and the Penningtons were going to do and it did not meet my approbation.
Q: Did you get Mark Settles to go to Rader to get him to hold up sending those letters lest I should become insulted and you would have a security debt you and I were liable for to pay
A: Mark went to see Rader unknown to me and after he came back he told me what he had done, and said, "If I were you I would have nothing to do with it" and I told him, I did not intend to, that I did not know what they were going to do in the start and that I did not approve their course.
Signed: James Bales - 27th day of June 1884
Case of Gotfrey Isaacs, No. 133,155
On this 27th day of June, 1884, at Chinquapin Rough, County of Jackson, State of Ky, before me, A.C. Welch, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Gotfrey Isaacs, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special Examination of afore said pension claim, deposes and says:
Q: Should it become necessary to examine your claim in any other locality do you desire to be present in person or represented by attorney at such examination. If so you will be notified of the time and place.
A: No, sir. I don't know that I do.
Q: Should you change your mind at any time and desire to be present at such further examination will you at once write a letter to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C. giving your name, and the number of your claim, informing him that you have so changed your mind and desire to be notified when your claim is to be further examined.
A: Yes sir.
Q: State the name of the person or persons and their post office addresses instrumental in the prosecution of your claim for pension.
A: I believe M.C. Hughes of Green Hall, Jackson Co. was my first attorney. He is dead. There might probably have been one at Washington, D. C. but if there was I have forgotten his name and I don't know whether there was one or not. These were on the original claim. In my claim for increase John P. Harris at London, Ky and Gilmout Co. at Washington D.C. In the original claim before I got it Bob Gibson of McKee, Ky worked at it.
Q: State what contract or contracts you have made with any of such persons for their services in prosecuting your claim for pension and whether such contract or contracts were written or verbal.
A: I don't recollect what my contract with Mr. Hughes was, but I think it was $10. He died before the claim was settled and Bob Gibson picked it up and I don't recollect whether we made any contract. He did some writing. My recollection at this time is that when the claim was allowed I paid Gibson $5 and the administration of Hughes $5. I made a contract with Geo E. Lemon of Washington D.C. through James Vance of McKee, for $10 in my claim for restoration.
Q: State the amount of fees paid by you or by your instance, to whom paid, and all the circumstances completed with the transactions.
A: I think I have paid $5 to the admin of M.C. Hughes, $5 to Bob Gibson and $5 to Geo. E. Lemon of Washington D.C. I think it is in two amounts $3 and $2.
Q: Have you been afforded full opportunity of being present in person or represented by attorney during this examination
A: Yes sir.
Q: Have you been accorded a fair and impartial examination of your claim or have you any complaint or charge to make against the Examiner.
A: I have had a fair examination and have no charge to make against the Examiner.
Q: Are there any other witnesses you want to introduce in the Examination.
A: No, sir. Except Dr. Forster of London at whose examination I don't care to be present.
Q: What is the date of the deed to your property about the payment for which you and Mr. John Rader Sr. had a dispute
A: The 8th day of January, 1876, as you can see from the deed itself (handing the deed)
Signed: Gotfrey Isaacs - 27th day of June 1884
Cert No. 133155
Name: Gotfrey Isaacs
P.O. Address: Tyner
County: Jackson State: KY
Recommendation: Restoration to Rolls - A.C. Welch, Special Examiner, Geo W. Carr, Reviewer
Certificate no. 133155 Last Issue: May 10th 1890
Name of pensioner: Gotfrey Isaacs
Date of death Feb. 28th, 1896
Payable to (widow) Lydia Isaacs, P.O. Egypt, (Jackson Co.) Ky
Relationship to pensioner shown by Official certificate of marriage and wits, John S. Hamilton and Lucinda Hamilton
Prior marriage of : neither
Shown by: Lucinda Hamilton and Rody Bowman
Fact and date of pensioner's death shown by: James D. Forter M.D., Taylor J. Gilbert and James B. Nor
Submitted for Adm: Oct 13th, 1896
Approved: Oct. 22, 1896
Signed John H. Jamison, Examiner
Egypt Cy., July 11th 1896
Hon Commissioner of Pension
My husband Gotfrey Isaacs, 2nd Leint Co. D 7th Ky Vo. Inft who was drawing a pension at the rate of $72 per month which amount he was paid to February the 4th, 1896 from that time to his death which I ask be paid me as his widow as I am old an destitute condition I ask that these claims be adjusted as soon as you can
Lydia Isaacs widow of Gotfrey Isaacs 2nd Leiut of Co. D 7th Ky Vol Inft
D.S. Smith dealer in General Merchandise and Drugs
Egypt, Ky., Feb. 7, 1913
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Enclosed please find Lydia Isaac's check which being a different envelope and unu__ded form to the postal clerks one of them handed it to Lydia Isaacs jr. who herself did not notice till she had broken it - Lydia Isaacs to whom the check is sent died Jan 10th 1913. Her son W. T. Isaacs desires blanks and instructions to get what is due to Jan 10. 13, day of her death.
Very Respectfully
D. S. Smith P.M.
Egypt, Ky