Murder in Pine River: Pat Ryan, Summer 1891

According to several newspaper accounts, George Angus Barclay was accused of selling liquor in violation of state law. Here is one article that makes this accusation.

The article appeared in the Brainerd Dispatch on July 17, 1891 (Vol. 10, #35) on the front page about a murder near George’s Ranch.  The article spans two columns and goes the length of the front page.  Here is a small portion of it.

Murder near Barclay Ranch 1891

Stabbed in the Stomach, Pat Ryan is Murdered near

George Barclay’s Ranch with a Butcher Knife. 

Squaw-Man, White Men and Red Men All take a Hand in The Fiendish Bloody Tragedy.

 The unlawful selling of Liquor at the Bottom of the Murderous Mess.

“Patrick Ryan was murdered at Barclay’s lumber ranch on Saturday morning last by being stabbed in the stomach three times with a butcher knife, and his body lay bleeding in the hot rays of the sun until the authorities arrived from Brainerd on Sunday. 

On Saturday afternoon a Frenchman names Philip Provo, came to this city and notified Coroner Bain that the murder had been committed, who immediately procured assistance in the person of J. McNaughton, and started for the scene, which is 89 miles from Brainerd, in the vicinity of White Fish Lake and Pine River.  They arrived there the next morning and found a sickening sight.  Ryan’s body lay some 300 yards from Barclay’s ranch at the Indian camps in a pool of clotted blood.  The butcher knife which did the bloody work lay beside the man’s inanimate form which was cut and slashed in many pieces.  In his stomach were three cuts, any one of which would have caused death.  The back of both hands were cut and also his arms, and on the back of his head was a bruise as if made with a gun, and the supposition of many is that he was knocked down and then finished with the knife.  Coroner Bain called a jury together and during that day and the next they labored studiously to get at the facts in the case, swearing witnesses, taking testimony, and going over the ground.  The result of their deliberations was that Patrick Ryan met his death at the hands of Fred Ellis, a squaw-man, Wabash-can-we-gut, or White Cloud, a Leech Lake Indian, Waugh-bugh-chek, a White Oak Point Indian, and Cang-gee-geeluc, chief of the Cass Lake tribe. 

Just as the jury had reached this decision Sheriff Spalding arrived, he not having been notified until Sunday of the occurrence, and then only by rumor.  The parties charged with the murder were all there and he put them under arrest and started for Brainerd that night, going as far as Jenkins.’  Here the party put up for the night, at being late and very dark.  In the middle of the night Cang-gee-geeluc complained of being very ill, and his hand-cuffs were loosened, and as he seemed to get worse Coroner Bain gave him an emetic, the red man almost throwing up his moccasins–in the absence of boots.  In a short time he began rubbing his stomach and moaning again, and said he was “heep sick,” so the dose was again given him with a similar result, and as he had emptied the pail the first time he did so the second time, but as he stepped to the door he gave a jump into the darkness and was gone.  The Indian had played a very sharp trick.  It was useless to follow him, and the party came on to Brainerd the next morning and landed the three prisoners in the county jail.  They were brought up before the court for hearing on Wednesday, but Ellis said there were some witnesses he desired at Barclay’s, in the persons of two squaws who he claims saw the whole transaction, the hearing was postponed until Monday at 10 o’clock.

As near as can be ascertained from the parties who went up from Brainerd and the testimony given at the coroner’s inquest, the murder was the outcome of a drunken brawl, which was participated in by white man and Indians, and to judge from the scarred countenances of the witnesses and prisoners it must have been a terrible encounter.  It seems that at Barclay’s whisky and beer is sold as freely as in any saloon in Brainerd, and has been for some length of time in violation of the state law, and on this particular day “the boys” were having a high old-time.  Fred Ellis, who lives with a squaw at that place, came to Barclay’s in the evening, after having had a fight with his dusky wife, in which the red men at the wigwams interfered and gave him the worst of it.  He obtained some court-plaster, washed his wounds, and in company with Patrick Ryan stepped up to the bar and drank for thirty minutes, according to his sworn statement.  Ryan volunteered to go with him and “fix the Indians plenty,” and they started.  Ryan never came back alive, and his body was found next morning with a butcher knife lying beside it which belonged to Ellis, who accounts for it by saying that in the fight in the fore part of the evening the Indians took his knife and revolver.  Ellis says an Indian chased him and he ran leaving Ryan at the camp, and he finally came back and went to bed with the other fellows, and that in the morning Billy Burnet came and told them Ryan had been killed.  The case is a complicated one  The Indian who escaped was covered with blood and said he got it by holding Ryan in his arms when he died, he, and the Indians had been attracted to the spot by groans, and upon arriving found the man in a dying condition.  It is more than probable that the Indian will be recaptured and every effort is being made in that direction.  No one is to blame for losing him ____ the cunning known to people of his tribe was brought into play.  Philip Provo was arrested on Tuesday and is being held, but from what we can learn the evidence is not very strong against him.  Ryan’s body was brought to the city on Monday night and buried in Evergreen Cemetery.  A gentlemen who lives at Faribault, telegraphed to have it sent to him, then after they had prepared it for shipment he telegraphed back that they had found their son in Denver, alive and well, and that the murdered man was no relation of theirs.  The following is the testimony of the important witnesses at the coroner’s inquest…”

The article continues with more testimony from Charles Ashland, Ellis’ Statement, Mamie Vagwin, Philip Provo, and White Cloud which doesn’t really tell much but actually gets more confusing. 

I tried to locate this Coroner file but did not find one in the Crow Wing records which go back to 1887.  It might be in another location?  Cass County records start in 1898 at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul on one of my trips.  I have not check state law at the time. 

Articles like this give an idea of what life might have been like for George, Amarilla and my grandmother Grace in Pine River.

 

George Barclay Seeks His Civil War Pension!

George Angus Barclay was discharged with honor at the end of the Civil War on August 24, 1865. 

About October 19, 1891 he filed his first set of claim papers.  This would be a long process for George and Amarilla. 

Most Civil War pension files are housed with the National Archives in Washington D.C.  There is a sizeable fee attached to obtaining one.  I was lucky.  I sought George’s pension before the rate hike took place.  I filled out all the paperwork that NARA requires and mailed it.  My papers came back to me with a note that the pension was with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.  So I wrote to the Veteran Affairs in June of 2001 and they sent me the file which was a good 2 inches thick.  I offered to pay for the copies, but they didn’t seem interested. 

Lisa Peterson, my colleague at APG, has written an article and posted it on her blog.  It gives an explanation of how to obtain a Civil War pension from the VA, but be advised that you might have to be a direct descendant so check with them first: 

http://www.kinquest.com/usgenealogy/va.php 

George started the process in 1891.  It was to be a long and difficult one, spanning 49 years.  If seems that every time the laws were changed regarding the Civil War pensions, Amarilla would try again and fail.  I was told it was not always fair who received the pension and who did not?

This Civil War pension was a gold mine of information about my great grandparents.  Each time they submitted they had to resubmit their vital information.  So I have several copies of their marriage license and more. 

Summary of George’s Civil War Pension: 1891 to 1895:

1. Veteran Identification Data page:  This is a summary sheet of the file for the Veterans Affairs office and includes File No., location and more.           

2.  Application of Discharged Soldier for Additional Bounty, 18^th day of June 1867 for $100.00 – At Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Minnesota.  The 3rd page was a Power of Attorney.

Application of Discharged Soldier

 

Page two of the Application of Discharged Soldier

3.  Soldier’s Application – Declaration of Invalid Pension “ Act of June 27, 1890, Minnesota, County of Crow Wing, 19^th day of October 1891, George Barclay aged 48 years resident of Pine River, Crow Wing Co, Minnesota declares he is the identical person who enrolled on the 15^th of August 1862, Co. I, 9^th Reg., Minn. Infantry, as Wagoner.  Who was honorably discharged at Ft. Snelling, MN on the 24^th of August 1865.  He is unable to earn a support by reason of weakness of both legs near the knees.  He has not applied for pension and never appeared before.  Attest:  [S.G.] Alderman and [A.S.] Trommald.  Appeared before Jno. F. Fraker residing at Brainerd, Minn. and Louis Fache, Brainerd, Minnesota, known for 7 years and 10 years respectively signed by both. Sworn this 19^th day of October, 1891 and signed by [S.F. Alderman] Clerk Dist. Court, Crown Wing, Minn.

4. Circular Call NO. 7 – Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions 23 November 1891. I believe it is a direction to George to report to a Green B. Raum, Commissioner.

5. Military Service Name of Soldier George A. Barclay Enlistment information 25 November 1891.

6. Memorandum, Pension Affidavit of George Barclay, 6 January 1892.  Showing that George was represented by a Henry Phillips, Attorney at Law and Solicitor. Two copies.

7. Surgeon’s Certificate February 2, 1892. The medical examination that is done by a board of physicians that report the claimant’s condition. John Knight, Pres., E.C. [Furan] Sec’y., W. N. Morel, Treas. Following disability incurred in service:  weakness of both legs near the knee.  

8.  Memorandum dated 6 February 1892.  George explains his military service.

“State of Minnesota, Crow Wing…In the matter of Geo. Barclay for Pension. Personally came before me a Clerk of the District Court. “I have not been in the military or naval service of the United States since August 24, 1865.  That I served as Wagoner in Company “I” 9^th Minn Vol. Inft. For the period of 3 years and 9 days and was never in any company.”  No signature

9.  Pension Affidavit of George Barclay, September 5, 1892 in George’s own words his health condition.

“Said soldier:  George Barclay dully sworn declares…as follows: That I incurred disease of the kidneys and injury to legs prior to Oct. 26, 1891; that said disabilities are not due to vicious habits and are to the best of my knowledge and belief permanent.  Dates when contracted are as nearly as possible as follows:  About September 1890, I was making hay on the river and had to enter the water and got my feet wet nearly every day my kidneys became much affected.  In May of 1865 at Marian, Alabama, I was riding a mule and he fell over and I went into a ditch and he fell across my legs.” (Transcribe as best as possible.)

10.  July 17, 1893 – Law Offices of Henry D. Phillips for George Barclay:  Written on this card it reads:  “Please speed action.”

11. Surgeon’s Certificate May 23, 1894, George is once again examined.  This time by John Knight, Pres., J. M. [Glinnor] Sec’y., L. M. [Bobcout] Treas. Disability incurred in the service:  Injury of legs & disease of the kidneys.

12.  Invalid Pension for George Barclay – Submitted for rejection 28 November, 1894. “No disability from causes alleged shown in a degree ratable under the Act of June 24, 1890.

13. December 11, 1894, From the Law Offices of Henry D. Phillips for George Barclay it reads:  “Please send status.” 

As you can see it was a cumbersome process and I found it very difficult to figure out exactly what each piece of paper meant.  When I received the pension it was not in any date order and of course they copied and put the cover page behind so it made it hard to figure out what piece of paper belonged to another. 

Based on what I have summarized here it looks like this is the first attempt of George A. Barclay to obtain his Civil War Pension. George will try again before his death in 1898.  I will share more about this pension file in a later post. 

It is interesting he was examined twice and they started with the weakness in the legs to later change it to injury of the legs and kidney disease.  George was 49 years old at this time.  Remember he was not a large man.  According to the Surgeon’s Certificate  he was 125 lbs. and 5 ft. 4 inches tall at this time.

Canada, a Temporary Hiatus!

My great-grandfather George did apply for his Civil War pension.  I will be writing about that in future posts but at this time I am taking a break from this blog to focus on other lines of my family. 

Ontario and Quebec

Ronald S. McDonald married Grace Barclay, the daughter of George and Amarilla.  These two individuals are my grandparents. I have not posted about this marriage on this blog for I am trying to be chronological about George and Amarilla’s lives and events.   Ronald and Grace married in 1898 in Wisconsin, in secret!

I did share about my grandparents in another blog about my dad’s McDonald side where I will share about my trip:   

The Man Who Lived Airplanes: http://macdonellfamily.wordpress.com/

Ronald’s family came from Quebec and probably originally settled in Ontario.  I have long wanted to visit Ontario and Quebec and will be doing so soon. 

The other blog involved is the blog about my mother’s family and I will share other parts of the trips on that blog: 

 Boardmans and Browns of Winnipeg blog: http://boardmanbrown.wordpress.com/

Don’t worry, I will let you know what is happening as I travel along.  The Man Who Lived Airplanes will be the main focus of the trip to Ontario and Quebec.  The Boardman and Browns will cover the visit to Hastings County and British Columbia.  I am trying to keep the research specific to the theme of the blog. 

Come and join me!

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There are actually “Barkley’s” and Kellers Canada.  I wonder?

1890: Alexander Barclay, Awarded Civil War Pension!

Alexander Barclay, George’s brother, was awarded his civil war pension on the 20th of December 1890.  Alexander was living in Eureka Township, Dakota County, Minnesota at that time.

I sent for Alexander’s Civil War Pension file 18 April 2001 and it came 22 May 2001.  I filled out the National Archives Order for Copies of Federal Pensionor Bounty Land Warrant Applications which means I did very well and it came within a month.

NARA (The National Archives)  has an online order system now and it  works pretty well.   The other option is to hire a professional genealogist and have them go and obtain the documents for you.   There is a National Capital Area Chapter of APG  It is actually better to consider this option because they know what they are doing and will make sure you get all the correct documents.   The cost of ordering a Civil War pension went up a few years back and it is expensive to pay the fee.  I can recommend someone if you need help.  Just leave a comment. 

Alexander Barclay’s Civil War Pension contained the following documents:

1.  Soldier’s Certificate – Priv and Copr. Co. Ch. 4 Minn Vol. Inf. #14078, #31

The Cover Jacket to Alex’s Civil War Pension

2.  August 19th, 1890 – Invalid Pension – State of Minnesota, County of Dakota, 19th of August, appeared before a notary public Alexandria Barclay, 46 years, resident of Farminton, county of Dakota, State of Minnesota, …duly sworn and according to law is the Alexandria Barclay who enrolled on 1 January 1864 as Corp. in Co. C, 4 Reg. Minn Inf. Vol. and was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky, on the 19th day of July, 1865…That he is unable to earn a support by reason of Rheumatism…That he has not yet applied for pension under application not yet given.  PO is Farmington, county of Dakota, Minnesota, Claimant’s signature – A.A. Barclay, Attest L.T. Fluke and G.S. Cable.  Also personally appeared L.F. Fluke residing in Farmington and G.S. Cable residing in Farmington.  …saw Alexandria Barclay the claimant sign…acquaintenance for 18 years – signed L.P. Fluke and G.S. Cable, Sworn to ….19th August 1890.  Leonard Aldrich notary public, Dakota County, Minn.   #38701 Soldier’s Application – Alex Barclay – filed by Travis and Brown.  Date of Execution Aug. 19, 1890.

3.  August 23, 1890 – Invalid Pension – Claimant Alexander Barclay, Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota, Rank Priv and Corp. Co. C, Regiment 4, Minn Vol. Inf. Rate $12.00 commencing Aug. 23, 1890.  Disability Rheumatism and disease of heart and rectum.

4.  August 28, 1890 – Card – J.E. [Hust] Ex’r No. 944426, Alexandria A. Barclay P.O. Farmington, Dakota Co., Minn, C 4 Minn. Inf. Enlisted:  January 1, 1864, Discharged July 19, 1865, Application filed Aug. 23, 1890.  No other claims, Num. No. 380901, Attorney Travis & Brown, Crawfordville, Ind.

5.  December 16, 1890 – Soldier’s Application filed by John H. Mullen Adjutant General of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.  Declaration for Invalid Pension – State of Minnesota, County of Dakota, 16 December…appeared before a Notary Public…the aforesaid Alexander A. Barclay who was enrolled on the Twenty fifth day of September A.D. 1861 in Co. C of the 4th Regiment Minn. Vol. Infy. …was honorably discharged at Louisville, KY. on the 19th of July 1865…and he is now unable to earn a support by reason of Rheumatism.  PO address is Farmington, County of Dakota, State of Minnesota.  Signed by A.A. Barclay and witnesses are H. H. Williamson and C.G. Thyle.   H.H. Williamson resident of South St. Paul and C.G. Thyle residing at Farmington. …say they were present and saw Alexander A. Barclay the claimant sign…acquaintance with him for 20 years and 4 years respectively.  Signed by H.H. Williamson and C.G. Thyle.  Sworn..16th December 1890.  Leonard Aldrich Nortary Public. 

6.  February 5, 1891 – Delaration for Invalid Army Pension – Minnesota, County of Dakota.  On this 5th day of February 1891 personally appeared before me a notary public, Alexander Barclay, aged 47 years, resident of Farmington, County of Dakota, State of Minnesota….declares he is the identical Alexander Barclay who enlisted in the service of the United States at Ft. Snelling, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota on the 25th day of October 1861 as a Corporal in Company C of the 4th Regiment of Minnesota Infantry Vols and was honorably discharged at Louisville, State of Kentucky on the 19th day of July 1865. 

That his personal description is as follows:  Age 47 years, height 5 feet 3.5 inches, complexion light, hair light,  eyes hazel…in the service…near a place in the State of North Carolina in the Fall of 1864 While on Sherman’s March to the Sea he contracted the disease of Rheumatism which was caused by the long march and the severe explosure.  Ever since to the present he has been afflicted with said malady, and he based this claim for pension upon Rheumatism. 

Since leaving the service he has resided in Minnesota…his occupation has been that of a Laborer…That he is now So disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries…

He hereby appoints with full power …Travis and Brown of Crawfordsville, Indiana his ture and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim.  That he has not received nor applied for pension….Signed by Alexander Barclay.  Witnesses W. A. Gray and J.M. D. Craft…have known him for 15 years and his occupation has been that of a laborer.  Signed by Leonard Aldrich, Notary Public, Dakota County, Minnestoa. #944426 – Invalid Pension Original Claim of Alexander Barclay, of Capt. Rufus P. Wells, Company C, Reg’t 4, Minnesota Infty Enlisted October 25, 1861, discharged July 19, 1865. 

7.  Feb 9, 1891 – Card #944426, Alexander Barclay, Farmington, Minn, Service: Corp C, 4, Minnes. Inf., Enlisted:  October 25, 1861, Discharged: July 19, 1865.  Application filed:  Feb. 9, 1891, Attorney Travis & Brown, Crawfordsville, Ind.   Another card with not much on it.

8.  June 13, 1891 – Dept. of the Interior:  West Div., GEB Ex’r No. 944428, Washington D.C. June 13, 1891, It is alleged that Alexander Barclay enlisted Oct. 25, 1861 and served as Corporal in Co. C, 4 Reg’t Minn. Inf. and was discharged at Louisville, KY, July 19, 1865.  It is also alleged that while on duty during Sherman’s march to sea on or about Fall of 1864 he was disabled by Rheumatism.  Signed by [G...B. Raum] Commissioner.

9.  Jun 16, 1891 – #944426 War Department Record and Pension Division, Alexander Barkley, Co. C, Reg’t 4 Minn Inft. enrolled Sept 25, 1861 and d.c. July 19, 1865, From Aug. 31, 1864 to Feby 28, 1865 he held the rank of Corporal.  Other research furnish nothing additional bearing upon this case.  No medical records found.  H. Ainsworth, Captain and Ass’t. Suregon, U.S. Army.

10.  July 15, 1891 – Surgeon’s Certificate in the case of Alexander Barclay, Co. C, 4 Reg’t, Minn, Inf. Applicant for Original #944426.  Date of Examination July 15, 1891.  Signed by Board – H.O. Smith M.D. Pres., G.R. Moloney M.D., Sec’y, J.P. Caldwell M.D., Treas. P.O. Shakopee, County of Scott, State of Minn. 

Original Pension Claim No. 944426, Alexander Barclay, Rank Pvt & Corp. Company C, 4 Reg’t, Minn, Inf. shakopee, Minn. Claimant P.O. Farmington, Minn. July 15, 1891.  Cause of disability Rheumatism.  Says he has rheumatism in the past five years.  Upon examination:  Pulse rate 88, respiration 18, temperature 98 1/2, height 5 ft. 5 1/2 inches, weight 130 pounds, age 47 years. 

Body well nourished, skin healthy, tongue coated brown, gums healthy, conjunctiva congested, arcus senilis in both eyes, Pterygiun in both eyese, liver trudy on pressure, spleen tender on pressure, he has sciatica along the whole course of sciatica on left side, there is arthristic rheumatism of both shoulder & elbow joints with crepitation in all.  There is no enlargment of joints but much tenderness on pressure.  Motion of all said joints is limited about one half.  The rect muscle of back on right side are very much hardened and those on the left side are atrophied, motion of hip and knee joints on right side are limited about one half.  Motion of similar joints on left side is somewhat less, hearts action feeble with slightly stenosis of the Aortic valve apea beat about 1 1/2 inches below left nipple, pulse after coming up on flight of stairs registers 10 f. Rectum congested two pil tumors 1/2 an inche in diameter each.  No other disease found to exist. 

He is in our opinion entitled to a 12/18 rating for the disability caused by Rheumatism & 2/18 for the cause of Piles and 9/18 for the caused by other disabilities. Signed by Smith, Moloney and Caldwell – the Board.

11.  January 15, 1898 – #662988 Dept. of the Interior, Alexander Barclay.  Are you married? Answer:  I was never married and have no adopted children.  Date: July 4th, 1898, Signed Alexander Barclay. 

12.  June 9, 1906 – Pensioner Dropped, U.S. Pension Agency, Milwaukee, Wis. INVALID, Class June 27th, 1890, Soldier:  Alexander Barclay, Service Pri & Corp. Co. 4 Minn.  Paid at $12.00 to October 4, 1905.  Dropped:  Death 9 Dec. 1905, E.D. Coe US Pension Agent.

13.  Card June 9, 1906 – Cert No. 662988, Alexander Barclay, Issued Sept. 29, 1891, Mailed October 10, 1891.  Rate and Period:  $12, from Aug. 23, 1890.  Dropped Jun 9, 1906.  Dead.

In 26 November 1891 Alexander joined his local GAR Canby Post #47. This is the Grand Army of the Republic.  Wikipedia has an article with references about this organization which was very popular during the later part of the 1800′s and early 1900′s.  The records are hit and miss but still worth trying to find.  You may find them in the state archives or check in the local area at a genealogical society or historical. 

The GAR has a museum in Philadelphia that might be worth checking out:  http://garmuslib.org/  This organization concentrates on PA and NY but they might be able to advise how to find the local GAR in a specific area?

The History of Dakota County, City of Hastings, 1891 by Rev. Edward D. Neill and J. Fletcher Williams, pg. 380-381, North Star Publishing 1881, talked a little about Alexander’s experiences. 

“Alexander A. Barclay was born in Hartford, Connecticut, 1843. Came to Minnesota with his brother at the age of twelve years and settled in Scott county. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and at the expiration of the ninety day’s term, re-enlisted in Company C, Fourth Minnesota, serving in the army of the Tennessee through the war; participated in the leading battles of that army, among which were the siege at Vicksburg, Atlanta, and on the “March to the Sea.” His command took part in the grand review at Washington in June 1865, and was finally mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, in July of that year. Mr. Barclay returned to Scott County, and in 1872, removed to his present home in Eureka township.”

Unfortunately I do not have a picture of my great great Uncle and I tried to find something to represent his journey and participation in this review.

Wikipedia has an article about the Grand Review.  It was the parade that took place in Washington D.C. at the end of the Civil War.  This article suggests other sources that have more photographs of this event.  I was told that it would be very difficult to find photographs because they didn’t have the expertise at the time to take pictures of moving objects.  Perhaps I should have kept digging.  The Library of Congress might be another possibility.  There is a great photograph of the soldiers on their horses riding down the street at this article and other articles with photos: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Review_of_the_Armies

 

Catching up with Alexander Barclay: Dakota County, MN

It is now time to catch up with Alexander Barclay.  After the 1870 U.S. Federal Census, George left for Brainerd and then headed to Pine River leaving his brother Alexander Barclay behind in Dakota County, Minnesota. 

It would be interesting to know the reasons these two brothers went their separate ways.  I do know they kept in touch. 

In the post dated August 19, 2010 “After the Civil War- George and Alexander Try Farming?” I describe the 1870 U.S. Federal census and the 1875 Minnesota State Census.  In these census Alex is living alone or rather in a separate household, yet he is next to the Giles family.  George Barclay his brother is not listed as we have noted before.

Alex is in Eureka Twp., Dakota County, Minnesota in the 1880 U.S. Federal Census and the Giles family are included under his household listing?  I think R.J. should be R.I. for Rhode Island?

Line 4, 157, 267 Barclay, A.A., male, 40 years old, born in Connecticut, parents both born in Scotland, occupation farmer, single.

Line 5, 208, Giles, Francey, W, F, 50, widowed, keeping house, born Mass, parents born Mass.  Giles, Lorence, W, M, 14, son, single, farm laborer,  born Minn, father born [R.J.] , mother born Mass. 

Line 8, 158, 209, Giles, [Leonza] w, m, 31, married, farmer, born R.J., father born R.J., mother R.J. , Giles, mary, w, f, 26, wife, married keeping house, born [Canada], parents born Ireland.  Giles, Hattie, w, f, 7, daughter, born Minn. Giles, Edward, w, m, 5, son, born Minn. Giles, Sarah, w, f, 2, daughter, born Minn. Giles, George, w, m, 2/12, son born Minn.  Giles, Henry, w, m, 22, brother, farm laborer, born Minn.

Source:  1880 U.S. Federal Census, Eureka, Dakota Co., Minnesota, pg. 18, SD 2, ED 801, enumerated on June 22, 1880. Ancestry.com.

According to the Minnesota Cemetery Inscriptions Index at Ancestry.com a David D. Giles died on 25 July 1879 and is buried in Corinthian Cemetery.  He was 59 yrs. old, 6 mos and 5 das.  His spouse was Fannie Anderson Giles.  He is in the SW section of the cemetery.  I have been to this cemetery and it is in Farmington, Dakota County, MN.  

What the relationship is between Alexander and the Giles family is still a bit of a mystery and if Fannie’s maiden name is Anderson, I am now more puzzled? 

The interesting fact is that if you fast forward to 1896 Alexander was living in Lakeville Township not Eureka Township which indicates perhaps the boundaries changed? 

I have not had the opportunity to do deed research on Alexander.  The Family History Library has very little on land records for Dakota County, Minnesota and Minnesota as a whole.  So I guess that means another trip to Minnesota?

Alexander Barclay's Location

The location is section 34 in Lakeville to the south and east right on the border of the two townships of Lakeville and Eureka. 

Alexander Barclay's Land (Green Circle)

Source:  Plate book of Dakota County, Minnesota, by Bertine F. Pinkney, The Union Publishing Co., Philadelphia 1896, pg. 19 and 20.  I consulted a copy while researching in Minnesota in 2007.  The Minnesota Historical Society has a collection of these atlas’ on line at “Minnesota Maps Online.” http://www.mnhs.org/collections/digitalmaps/index.htm

Rejected Claim: John Barclay’s Civil War Pension!

The 1890 Veterans schedule was helpful in locating my 2nd great-grandfather John Barclay’s Civil War Pension file. 

I obtained a “National Archives Order for Copies of Federal Pension or Bounty Land Warrant Applications” back in January 21, 2002.  I filled out the form as best I could, using the 1890 Veterans Schedule page for John Barclay, and mailed it to the National Archives in Washington D.C.  NARA completed the processing on February 22, 2002.  So I didn’t have to wait too long for the package arrived in a month.  NARA now has an online ordering service.  I caution you that Civil War pensions are expensive. 

The file was not very big and contained only a few pieces of paper.  There were about 8 items.  The file included the following:

1. Soldier’s Original Card – #1000697, John Barclay, Carpenter, Q.M. Dept., U.S. Vol., #1144, 25

2. Declaration for Invalid Pension, State of Minnesota, Scott Co., 22 September 1890.  This is a summary of the contents: 

John Barclay aged 75 years resident of town of Eagle Creek, County of Scott, State of Minnesota, testifies and sworn…is the identical John Barclay who was enrolled first day of December 1864 as a Civilian Carpenter in the service of the United States, in the War of the Rebellion, and served at least ninety days, and was Honorably Discharged at Nashville, Tenn. on the 6th day of June, 1865. That he is wholly unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of Rupture, Deafness and general debility. That he has not applied for pension ….paid fee of $10.00 Witnesses: Dennis Flaherty and Jno C. Lies. Signed: John Barclay

Dennis Flaherty and John C. Lies residing at Shakopee, Minn …they were present and saw John Barclay the claimant, sign his name….acquaintence with him for 20 years – Signed by Jno. C. Lies and Dennis Flaherty on 22 September 1890. Notary public: [J. W. Tencerbox]

3.  April 7, 1891 – Medical Affidavit – personally appeared before me Doctor H.O. Smith, resident of Shakopee, Scott Co., Minnesota.

I am a practicing physician in the City of Shakopee and have been for the past nine and one half years. That I have known said John Barclay for the past five years. That I have examined said John Barclay and find him to be suffering from the following disabilities which are permanent in and are not the result of his own vicious habits viz. nearly total diag.. in both ears – match with results. In to him you would be obliged to speak slowly and loud. Also hernia of right side size of tumor 3 1/2 by 4 inches. No is but it is easily have no interest in claim of applicant. H. O. Smith

4. Invalid Pension – Claimant John Barclay, Shakopee, Scott Co., Minn. Approvals: Rejected May 13, 1891 by Hayward, Examiner, Approved for rejection on the ground that clmt was a Civilian employee. No title under existing laws. H.W. Hall. May 23, 1891 – not pensioned under laws. Declaration filed Sept. 25, 1890, Rupture, Deafness, General Debility. Claimant was a Civilian employee and therefore not entitled under existing laws.

5. Card – Stamped REJECTED, Stamped ABANDONED, Hayward, Ex’r #1000697, John Barclay P.O. Shakopee, Scott Co., Minn. Service Carpenter, QM, Dept. U.S. Vols. Enlisted Dec. 11, 1864, Disch. June 6, 1865. Application filed Sept. 25, 1890. Any other Claim field No. #456202, Attorney Smith. Stamped May 15, 1891.

6. Back of card? April 2, 91, 1891 July 25 clmt. notified of rejection C.E.H.

7. Files Slip – No. 1000697, John Barclay, Carpenter, Q.M. Dept. U.S. Vols. Examiner Hayward

8. Letter: Shakopee, Minn Augt. 11, 1891

Letter of Appeal - John Barclay

Dear Sir: Your letter of 25th Ultimo advises that my claim #1000697 is rejected on the ground that I was a civilian employe and not entitled to a pension under existing laws. When I was sworn into the Service at St. Louis Mo. on or about Dec. 1, 1864. I was required to Swear to do and perform all the duties (if necessary) required of an enlisted man in the Military Service and while in the Service as a civilian under Capt. C. H. Irvin AQM was at all times in readiness to shoulder my gun if called upon in the defense of my Country. After taking such an Oath and being at all times in readiness to fulful my obligations why am I not entitled to the same benefit of an Enlisted man. While in the service I lost almost entirely the sense of hearing by reason of exposure in dragging wet lumber from the water and also became ruptured by reason of heavy lifting at Fort Morton, Tenn. rendering me in my old age wholly incapacitated for manual labor.

To The Commission of Pensions, Washington D.C. Respectfully: John Barclay.

Note:  Look closely at the different styles of handwriting.  I believe the signature is in John’s own handwriting. (Click on the photo and it will open to a larger window, remember to click the back button to return to this blog.)

Source:  John Barclay, Civil War Pension File, #1000697, Filed September 22, 1890, Rejected May 22, 1891, National Archives. 

In reviewing this pension file there are several items of interest to me:

1. The dates of his service:  December 11, 1864 to June 6, 1865.  This is about 6 months of service.
2. The process took from September 22, 1890 to August 11, 1891 which is almost a year.  They even tried after the official rejection of May 22, 1891 by writing a letter in August of 1891 but apparently nothing came of it.
3. The pension claim was rejected because he was a “Civilian employee.”
4. He had lost his hearing, had a hernia that was of considerable size and was not able to do manual labor. 
5. That he is listed as 75 years old.  This is very interesting because I have his birth year as 1801 and here we have a year of birth of 1815. 
6. It looks like he did sign several of these papers himself.  Most documents like the letter were written for him in a finer handwriting.

One of the witnesses:

Jno. C. Lies was b. 10 Jun 1854 in Buffalo, NY and died in Shakopee, Minnesota on 14 February 1907.  He was married to a Mary Flaherty b. 22 Mar 1864 in Marystown, MN d. 22 Jan 1914 in Shakopee, Minn.  This per the website at this link which might be him:  http://jstarks.qwestoffice.net/FamilyTree/n_4b.html  You will have to do a find using Shakopee to locate him. 

An an article at NARA in the Prologue Magazine for Spring 2010, Vol. 42, No. 1, “A Reasonable Degree of Promptitude,” Civil War Pension Application Processing, 1861 to 1885,” by Clair Prechtel-Kluskens.  This article discusses the laws up to 1885 regarding Civil War pensions.  It was not easy to obtain a pension.

http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2010/spring/civilwarpension.html

Additional Information of interest: 

Capt. C.H. Irvin AQM was apparently quite the builder.  I could find no biography of him online but more like bits and pieces of his service just by Googling him.  In an article in the archives of the New York Times he is listed as being in charge of corrals, stables, public animals, etc.  There is a PDF that had many references to this man one involved building a hospital in July of 1864 before John arrived.  Use Find to search for his name:

  http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/Reference/civilwar/1864-07.pdf

Fort Morton, Tennessee is long gone and is now a play field in Nashville.  Here is a link to a map of this historical location: http://www.rare-maps.com/details.cfm?type=maps&rid=850026

The 1890 Census and Veterans Schedules – John Barclay

The decade of the 1890′s was going to be a very eventful decade for The Barclays of Pine River!  We begin this decade with George’s father and a Civil War pension.

Sadly the 1890 U.S. Federal Census was burned in a fire in 1921.  At Ancestry.com they have what they call the 1890 U.S. Census Fragment.  All that remains of Minnesota is Wright County:  Rockford.  There are other counties in other states but all total what survives is about 1233 pages?  Ouch!

There is a 1890 Veterans Schedule at Ancestry.com that can help the situation.  This is what Ancestry says about this schedule. 

“This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1890 special census of Civil War Union veterans and widows of veterans available on microfilm M123 (118 rolls) from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Although this schedule was to be used to enumerate Union veterans, in some areas, Confederate veterans were listed as well

Special Schedules of the Eleventh Census (1890) Enumerating Union Veterans and Widows of Union Veterans of the Civil War; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M123, 118 rolls); Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.”

George A. Barclay is not listed in this Veteran’s schedule which only covers Leech Lake and Gull River for Cass County. Gull River is listed as “Grill” at Ancestry.  His brother Alexander is not listed in this Veteran’s schedule.  He is living in The Town of Eureka, Dakota County, Minnesota and that city is not listed either. 

Fortunately Eagle Creek in Scott County is listed and we find George and Alexander’s father featured. It was because of this list I learned that John Barclay did participate as a carpenter in the Civil War for a few short months towards the end of the war.

The top part of the Veterans Schedule for John Barclay:

Top Part of the Veterans Schedule

Zeroing in on John Barclay’s Civil War Service:

John Barclay Entry

Sometime there are remarks written at the bottom about a soldier, here is some information about John Barclay.  It is very difficult to read:

Remarks Veterans Schedule

Hse 57, Family 57 John Barclay, Carpenter Dec 1865 to June 1866, 6 mos. A note down below reads: Was sworn as a carpenter at St. Louis, Mo to serve ___M (quartermaster) at ____, Mo. was discharged at extinction of term.

Source:  1890 Special Schedules of the U.S. Surviving Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, and Widows, etc.  NARA: M123, Roll 23 Minnesota Veterans of 1890, pg. 1, SD 2, ED 177, line 7. FHL#3381823 Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Minnesota, pg. 1, #5757.

This Veterans Schedule for John Barclay lead me to his Civil War pension file which I will feature in the next post.

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The Civil War Blog post on Veterans Schedules was very interesting.  The focus is about the Civil War in Pennsylvania.  It is very interesting for the author explains how to read the schedule giving examples. There are other topics of interest as well.   

http://civilwar.gratzpa.org/2011/03/u-s-census-returns-1890-veterans-schedules/