Rainwater Pension Applications

The state listed with each name is that from which the individual served, not the state in which he or she was resident at the time of application. These transcriptions have been abridged to provide the maximum amount of genealogical data, but reducing the excess of bureaucratic verbage, and were made from photocopies of the microfilmed original, except where noted.

Confederate pension applications are available on microfilm in many National Archive branches and public libraries, and may be copied at an average cost of $2. Union pension applications are only available from the main National Archives office in Washington DC. The average cost for a Union pension file is $75, so contributions of photocopies or transcriptions are appreciated.

War of 1812:
Letter from The National Archives describing service in War of 1812 of James and Joshua Rainwater, 1934
Martha Adams Rainwater, 1850, Georgia

Excerpts from Civil War pension applications / Union:
Abraham B. Rainwater, 1915, Arkansas
Cornelia E. Rainwater, widow of Miles, 1914, Kentucky
Elizabeth Jane Rainwater, widow of Josiah, 1934, Kentucky
John Rainwater, 1915, Arkansas
Josiah W. Rainwater, 1880, Kentucky
Josiah W. Rainwater, 1889, Kentucky
Miles Rainwater, 1898, Kentucky
Miles Rainwater, 1912, Kentucky
Rebecca J. McDaniel Rainwater, widow of William C, 1862, Kentucky

Excerpts from Civil War pension applications / Confederacy:
Allen Rainwater, 1899, Alabama
Amanda Adeline Rainwater, widow of Benjamin F., 1917, Arkansas
Annie Jane Rainwater, widow of James, 1907, North Carolina
Bargilla G. Rainwater, widow of John, 1900, Texas
Bargilla G. Rainwater, widow of John, 1919, Mortuary Warrant, Texas
Berry Moore Rainwater, 1899, Texas
Berry Moore Rainwater, 1919, Mortuary Warrant, Texas
Caroline Rainwater, widow of William T., 1910, South Carolina
Elizabeth Rainwater, widow of Allen, 1899, Alabama
George M. Rainwater, 1915, North Carolina
Jeanette Rainwater, widow of William A., 1931, Mississippi
John Daniel Rainwater, 1911, Alabama
Lemuel F. Rainwater, 1924, Georgia
Margaret Rainwater, widow of James A., 1927, Mississippi
Mary Rainwater, widow of John Doris, 1926, Alabama
Mary F. Rainwater, widow of Virgil Cicero, 1913, Georgia
Mary Jane Rainwater, widow of Silas M., 1903, Alabama
Rebecca Rainwater, widow of John Daniel, 1920, Alabama
Rebecca Rainwater, widow of John Daniel, 1927, Alabama
Sarah A. Rainwaters, widow of Umphrey, 1900, Georgia
Sarah Rainwater, widow of Miles, 1916, Alabama
Sarah Rainwater, widow of Miles, 1926, Alabama
Silas M. Rainwater, 1900, Alabama
Umphrey P. Rainwaters, 1892, Georgia
William Andrew Rainwater, 1930, Mississippi
William T. Rainwater, 1908, South Carolina

Pension Extracts Page 2

War of 1812

Letter from The National Archives describing service in War of 1812 of James and Joshua Rainwater, 1934

The National Archives
July 9, 1934
[RE:] James Rainwater, S.C. 14314, Joshua Rainwater, S.C., 21344, BA-J/MLB

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the War of 1812 records of Burrell Rainwater who served in the South Carolina and Tennessee militia, James Rainwater of the Tennessee militia, John Rainwater of the 4th Regiment North Carolina militia, and Joshua Rainwater who served in the South Carolina militia

War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made for pension made to the United States based upon military service of soldiers in that war.

A careful search of the records fails to show a claim for pension on file on account of the War of 1812 service of John Rainwater as described; or of any Burrell Rainwater (surname searched under various spellings). The records of James and Joshua Rainwater were found and are given herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claims based upon their service in the War of 1812.

James Rainwater, S.C. 14314
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.C. 14314, based upon the War of 1812 service of James Rainwater.

The date and place of the soldier’s birth and names of his parents were not given.

He enlisted at Dandridge, Jefferson County, Tennessee, served as a private from January 10, 1814 to January 28, 1814, in Captain George Gregory’s company of Tennessee militia, and from November 13, 1814 to May 18, 1815, in Captain James Churchman’s company of Tennessee militia.

In 1851, the soldier was residing in Dandridge, Tennessee and in 1855, in Crawford County, Arkansas.

James Rainwater was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1871, at which time he was about aged eighty years and a resident of Crawford County, Arkansas, with post office at Van Buren, in that county.

James Rainwater married about May 1, 1809 in Rockingham, Richmond County, North Carolina, Catherine McCall. No reference was made in his claim to children.

In 1855, one Mastin C. Rainwater was residing in Crawford County, Arkansas, his relationship to the soldier’s family not given.

Joshua Rainwater, S.C. 21344
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim. S.C. 21344, based upon the War of 1812 service of Joshua Rainwater.

The date and place of the soldier’s birth and names of his parents were not given.

James Rainwater volunteered at Pendleton Court House, South Carolina, and served from January 20, 1814 to July 28, 1814, as a private in Captain Alexander Morehead’s company of South Carolina militia.

In 1850, the soldier was a resident of Carroll County, Georgia, and was still living there in 1855.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 19, 1874, at which time he was aged eighty-two years and a resident of Upshur County, Texas, with post office at Coffeeville, in that county.

The soldier died August 15, 1878, in Hamilton, Hamilton County, Texas.B

Joshua Rainwater married in January 1821, in Pickins District, South Carolina, Polly Peterson.

Reference was made in the claim to soldier’s son but his name was not designated.

In 1874, one Abner Rainwater, of Upshur County, Texas, acted as witness for the soldier, and in 1879 was a resident of Hamilton, Hamilton County, Texas, his relationship to the soldier’s family not stated.

In 1874, the soldier made reference to an older brother who lived some distance from him at the time he was discharged but did not state his name or place of residence.

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

Contributed by Patrick Striplin

Martha Adams Rainwater, 1850, Georgia

Martha Adams Rainwater’s War of 1812 Widow’s Pension file contains 16 documents, only a few of which are genealogically significant.

State of Georgia, County of Green
On this twenty-first day of January A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty-one, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid, Martha Rainwater, aged 55 years, a resident of Green County in the State of Georgia, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Rainwater deceased who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Alexander Morehead (a volunteer company) in the Battlion commanded by Major John McMillan in the Second Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers commanded by Col. Reuben Nash in the War with the Creek Indians (in the British War) declared by the United States on the 18th of June 1812. That her said husband volunteered in Pendleton (now Anderson) District, South Carolina on or about the last of 1813 or the first of 1814 for the term of six months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of six months and was honorably discharged at Fort Hawkins Georgia about the first day of August 1814 having received a written discharge which was burnt with his dwelling in 1836. The fact of his honorable discharge will appear by the muster roll of said company.

She further states that she was married to the said John Rainwater in Pendleton District, South Carolina on the 14th day of March A. D. 1815 by M. Collins, a preacher, and that her name before her said marriage was Martha Adams and that her said husband died in Green Cunty Georgia on the 24th day of July A. D. 1836, and that she is still a widow, that if there be any record of her marriage she doesn’t know it unless it be in Pendleton District, South Carolina.

She makes this declaration for the purposes of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act passed September 28th 1850 and she hereby appoints Dr. D. Cooper her agent to obtain her Bounty Land Warrant.
Martha Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
B. E. Spencer, J. P.

State of South Carolina, Anderson District
Personally appeared Samuel Bowen and Polly Bowen before me and made oath that they were personally acquainted with John Rainwater and also Martha Adams; that they were married on or about the 14th day of March 1815 and that they lived together as man and wife for many years, or until they left the State of South Carolina. They further state that they believe that they were married by one M. Collins, a regular ordained minister of the gospel.
Sworn before me this 10th day of February 1850
Samuel Bowen, Polly Bowen
J. M. Whitefield, M.A.D.

George D. Taliafarro County, [Georgia]
Personally came before me Jesse M. Harris and his wife Louisa C. Harris and after being duly sworn deposeth and saeth that John Rainwater departed this life the 24th day of July 1836. Sworn and subscribed to before me this the 10 day of April 1851.
Jesse Harris {mark}, Louisa C. Harris {mark}
Wm. T. Thiker, J.P.

View the transcription and originals.
Contributed by William Rainwater

Civil War Pension Applications / Union

Abraham B. Rainwater, 1915, Arkansas

#609748, Hico, Texas
Date and place of birth? Born June 13, 1846, Jefferson Co., Tenn.
Name of organizations in which you served? Second Ark Cavalry, Company A
Wife’s full name and maiden name? Harriet Watson Rainwater, Harriet Watson Goddard
When, where and by whom were you married? in 1866, at Prairie Grove, Ark, by Ike Huke, appointed Justice of the Peace
Were you previously married? No
Was your wife previously married? No
Are you now living with your wife? Yes, I am living with my wife. There has been no separation.
State the names and dates of birth of all your children living or dead? Benjamin Franklin Rainwater was born in 1867 Aug 11th. Joseph Richard Rainwater was born 1869 Oct 13th. Carrie Emily Rainwater was born 1872 May the 20th. Lenore Elizabeth Rainwater was born 1874 Sept 29th. Loeter Bell Rainwater was born 1878 August 5th. Robert Houston Rainwater was born 1880 January 12th. Carrie Emily Rainwater died 1912 Aug. 4.

Abraham B. Rainwater Apr. 6, 1915

Pension papers (originals), service papers (originals)

Thanks to Glidie Rainwater Mobley for copies of these pension papers.

Cornelia E. Rainwater, widow of Miles, 1914, Kentucky

Declaration for Civil War Widow’s Pension

State of California, County of San Bernardino
On the date hereinbefore mentioned, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the county and state aforesaid, Cornelia Rainwater, aged 66 years, a resident of the City of Ontario, County of San Bernardino, State of California who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Miles Rainwater, who enlisted under the name of Miles Rainwater at [left blank] on the 7th day of August 1861 in Lt. Rolston’s Company C, 3rd KY Foot Volunteers, 1st Sergeant, and served at least 90 days in the late war of the Rebellion, who was honorably discharged January 5, 1863 and died Dec. 22, 1914 at Ontario, California. That she was married under the name of Cornelia E. Sawyer to said Miles Rainwater on the 13th day of August 1865 by Rev. Samuel B. McGrew at Centerville Township, Linn County, Kansas. That the names and dates of birth of all the children now living under sixteen years of age of the soldier are as follows: none living.

Elizabeth Jane Rainwater, widow of Josiah, 1934, Kentucky

State of Texas, County of Wilbarger
On this 19th day of April 1934, before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Mrs. Elizabeth J. Rainwater who makes the following declaration as an application for pension under the provisions of the act of Congress approved May 1, 1920, July 3, 1926 or June 9, 1930. That she is 86 years of age, that she was born on September 7th, 1847 at Summersett, KY. That she is the widow of Josiah W. Rainwater who enlisted on November 5th, 1861 at Louisville, KY under the name of Josiah W. Rainwater, in Company D, 3rd Reg. of KY Infantry Volunteers, and was honorably discharged on January 10th, 1865, having served 90 days or more, or died in service, or was discharged for a disability incurred in service and line of duty, during the Civil War, and who died on March 16th, 1934 at Vernon, Wilbarger Co., Texas. That she was married to the said soldier on January 11th, 1866 under the name of Elizabeth J. Weddle by Rev. Billie Porter at Waterloo, Pulaski Co., KY; that she had not been previously married; that he had not been previously married.

Claimant: Elizabeth J. Rainwater, Vernon, Texas
Witness: Miles Rainwater, Vernon, Texas
Notary: J.O. Rouse, Vernon, Texas

John Rainwater, 1915, Arkansas

Date and place of birth? April 9th 1842. In Tennessee, but don’t remember the county*.
Name of organization in which you served? in Co. A 2d Regiment Arkansas Cavalry
What was your post office at enlistment? Fayetteville, Arkansas
State your wife’s full name and her maiden name? Isabell McKever
When, where and by whom were you married? Feb 20th 1868 in Washington Co., Arkansas by Parson Bell, a Presbyterian Preacher
Is there any official or church record of your marriage? It’s recorded at clerks office Fayetteville, Arkansas
Were you previously married? I was never married but the one time
If your present wife was married before her marriage to you, etc.? She was never married to another man
Are you now living with your wife, or has there been a separation? I am still living with my wife
State the names and dates of birth of all your children, living or dead?
James L. Rainwater was borned Dec 1st 1868 and died April the 2 1871
George W. Rainwater was borned Sep 14th 1870
Joseph M. Rainwater was borned Jan the 4 1872
Milor Rainwater was borned June the 8 1874 and died Sep 17th 1875
Walter J. Rainwater was borned Oct 4th 1875
Willie Rainwater was borned Jan 29th 1878 and died November the 27th 1893
Lelar Rainwater was borned Nov the 18 1882

John { his X mark } Rainwater
April 8, 1915

*Service papers say Jefferson Co., TN. Thanks to Glidie Rainwater Mobley for copies of these pension papers.

Josiah W. Rainwater, 1880, Kentucky

War Department, Adjutant General’s Office
Washington, D.C., July 31st, 1880

Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 285424, and to return it herewith, with such information as furnished by the files of this Office. If appears from the Rolls on file in this Office that Josiah W. Rainwater was enrolled on the fifth day of November 1861 at Camp Wolford, in Co. D, Third Regiment of Kentucky Infantry Volunteers, to serve three years or during the war, and mustered into service as a private on the first day of January 1862 at Camp Boyle, Kentucky in Co. D, 3rd Regiment of Kentucky Infantry Volunteers to serve three years or during the war. On the muster rolls of Co. D of that Regiment to February 28, 1862, he is reported present. Subsequent rolls to August 31, 1862: not on file. Sept-Oct 1862: present. Roll from the two months ending December 31, 1862: absent, wounded at Murfreesboro Dec 31, 1862 (Company was in action there that date). Roll Jany-Feby 1863: present for duty. Same report on subsequent rolls to April 30 1864. May-June 1864: absent, wounded in action June 27, 1864 near Marietta, sent to division hospital, Sergeant. July-August 1864: absent, wounded and sent to hospital. Company muster out roll, dated at Louisville, Kentucky January 10, 1865. Mustered out with the Company, that place and date, as Sergeant. No Regtl. Returns on file for 1862 subsequent to Feby 1 other than that for August which furnishes no report of absent Eul. Men, Co. D (Regt was in action near Marietta, Ga, June 27, 1864).

He was wounded in the hand at the Battle of Stone River, Tennessee, Dec. 31, 1862. Wounded, thorax and hip, in action at Marietta, Ga., June 27, 1864.

Josiah W. Rainwater, 1889, Kentucky

Certificate No. 194180, Josiah W. Rainwater
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C., January 15, 1898

Sir: In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment, please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
First: Are you married? If so, please state your wife’s full name and her maiden name.
Answer: Elizabeth Rainwater - - Elizabeth Weddle
Second: When, where and by whom were you married
Answer: Jan. 11 1866, Pulaski Co., KY, Rev. W.L. Porter
Third: What record of marriage exists?
Answer: If any, is on record at the Clerk’s Office of Pulaski County Court, KY
Fourth: Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer: No
Fifth: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and dates of their birth.
Answer:* Martha Rainwter Oct 24/66 - Nannie Aug 28/69 - Lucy Jan 7/72 - Doretta March 18/74 - Miles June 15/76 - Mollie Apr 28/79 - Roscoe July 4/83 - Minnie July 15/85

*Josiah inexplicably fails to name his daughter Cornelia, born 4/1881, in this answer.

Miles Rainwater, 1898, Kentucky

Certificate No. 277004, Miles Rainwater
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C., January 15, 1898

Sir: In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment, please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
First: Are you married? If so, please state your wife’s full name and her maiden name.
Answer: Cornelia E. Rainwater - maiden name Sawyer
Second: When, where and by whom were you married
Answer: August 13th, 1865 - Linn Co., Kans. - Rev. S. B. McGrew
Third: What record of marriage exists?
Answer: Records of Probate Judge of Linn Co., Kans.
Fourth: Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.
Answer: No
Fifth: Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and dates of their birth.
Answer: Josephine W. Rainwater, born August 16th, 1883

Miles Rainwater, 1912, Kentucky

21 May 1912
Declaration for Pension
State of California, County of San Bernardino

On this 21st day of May, A.D., 1912 personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the county and state aforesaid, Miles Rainwater, who upon being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is 76 years of age, and a resident of Upland, County of San Bernardino, State of California; and that he is the identical person who was enrolled at Camp "Dick Robinson", KY under the name of Miles Rainwater, on the 7th day of August 1861, as a 2nd Sergeant in Company D of the 3rd Kentucky Regiment Volunteers in the service of the United States in the Civil War, and was honorably discharged at Louisville, KY on the 5th day of January 1863, on account of Surgeon’s Certificate of disability. That on account of the disability above stated, he was and still is unable to perform manual labor or do aught toward his support. That he was not employed in the military or naval service of the United States otherwise than as stated above. His personal description at enlistment was as follows: Height 5 feel 8 inches; complexion fair; color of eyes blue; color of hair light; that his occupation was teacher; that he was born April 7th, 1836 in Pulaski Co., KY. That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: That he went to Mound City, KS, removing from there in 1875; thence to Oregon, remaining until 1896; returned to California where I have remained. That he is a pensioner under certificate No. 277004.

Miles Rainwater was the brother of Josiah W. Rainwater, the son of Bartholomew and Nancy Rainwater.

Rebecca J. McDaniel Rainwater, widow of William C, 1862, Kentucky

Claim for widow’s pension with minor children, application #93288
Under the Acts of July 14, 1862 and July 25, 1866

Brief in the case of Rebecca J. Rainwater, widow of William C Rainwater, a Private in Co A, 11th Kentucky Vols
resident of Muhlenberg County and State of Kentucky
Post Officce Address: Laurel Bluff, KY

Declaration and identification in due form / Proof Exhibited

Service: The soldier was enrolled Sept 11, 1861 and is reported as follows: – “sick at home”

Death: Died June 3, 1862 – From the testimony of Wm. Mayhugh, a practicing physician, and J. F. Kimberly, M. D., it appears that the disease was on by an attack of measles contracted in the service and in the line of his duty, which ended in consumption; and further that the soldier was a healthy man when he enlisted.

Marriage: Proved by public records by which it appears that William C. Rainwater and Rebecca J. McDaniel were married May 22, 1850.

Names and dates of birth of children: Provided by attendant at births

Loyalty: Shown

Agent and his P.O. address: Joseph Ricketts, Greenville, KY

Issue certificate for $8 dollars per month, commencing June 4, 1862, and $2 dollars per month additional for each of the above named children, commencing July 25, 1866.

P. H. Berkau, Examiner
Passed: April 15, 1867

View a copy of the original, contributed by John Rainwater

Civil War Pension Applications / Confederate

Allen Rainwater, 1899, Alabama

State of Alabama, County of Clay
Schedule of property filed with application for pension by Allen Rainwater
80 acres of land situated in Beat 18, Clay Co., value $100.00
Household and kitchen furniture, value $15.00
Mechanical and farming tools and implements, value $4.00

Personally appeared before me, James McIntyre, Notary Public and Ex. Off. J.P. in and for the said State and County, Allen Rainwater, who being duly sworn, deposes and says that the foregoing schedule embraces all the property owned by himself and his wife and that the valuation as fixed is a fair and just value thereof.
Allen {his X mark} Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of April 1899
James McIntyre, N.P., Ex. Off. J.P.

View a copy of original

Amanda Adeline Rainwater, widow of Benjamin F., 1917, Arkansas

State of Texas, County of Jones
I, Mrs. Amanda Adeline Rainwater, do hereby make application to the Commissioner of Pensions for a pension to be granted me under the Act passed by the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Texas and approved April 7 A. D. 1913 on the following grounds: I am the widow of Benjamin Franklin Rainwater, deceased, who departed this life on the 5th day of November A. D. 1882 in the county of Washington in the State of Arkansas. unnecessary text omitted I was married to him on the 21st day of August A. D. 1862 in the county of Madison, in the State of Arkansas. unnecessary text omitted

What is your age? 75 the 8th day June 1917
Where were you born? Bradley Co., Tenn
How long have you resided in Texas? Since 1883 - 34 years
How long have you resided in the county of your present residence? 10 years, Haskell, Tex
Did your husband draw a pension? No
What was your husband’s full name? Benajmin Franklin Rainwater
What was the date of his death? Nov 5 1882
In what state was your husband’s command originally organized? Washington Co., Arkansas
How long did your husband serve? About 7 months, about the last of August 1862, date of discharge not remembered
What was the name of the company in which your husband served? Company A, Brook’s Regiment, Fagen’s Brigade, not transferred, under Capt. Phillips and Lieut. Hines
Name branch of service in which your husband served? Infantry, not conscripted.
Have you transferred to others any property of any kind for the purpose of becoming a beneficiary under this law? No.

Amanda A. Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16th day of April A. D. 1917
J. F. Lindsey, County Judge, Jones Co., TX

This application for pension was rejected because Benjamin F. Rainwater’s service records could not be found. Based in the information Amanda supplied, the unit could only be the Arkansas 34th Infantry, Company A, under Col. W. H. Brooks and Gen. James F. Fagan, but Benjamin Rainwater is not carried on the roster of Company A, or or any of the other Companies of the 34th Infantry. At least two other Rainwaters did serve in the 34th.

Thanks to Glidie Rainwater Mobley for copies of these pension papers.

Annie Jane Rainwater, widow of James, 1907, North Carolina

State of North Carolina, County of Richmond
On this 14th day of June, A. D. 1907, personally appeared before me, Thos. L. Covington, C. S. C. in and for the State and county aforesaid, Mrs. Annie Jane Rainwater, age 70 years, and a resident at Rockingham post office in the said County and State, and who, being duly sworn, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension under provision of an act entitled "An act for the relief of certain Confederate Soldiers, Sailors and Widows", ratified March 8, 1907; that she is the widow of the late James Rainwater who enlisted in Co. D, 22 Reg. N. C. State Troops on or about the 1st day of May 1862 to serve in the armies of the late Confederate States . . . Remainder of form omitted

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 14th day of June 1907
Annie Jane {her X mark} Rainwater
Thos. L. Covington, C. S. C.

View a copy of the original

Bargilla G. Rainwater, widow of John, 1900, Texas

State of Texas, County of Fannin
Your petitioner, Mrs. B. G. Rainwater, respectfully represents that she is a resident citizen of Fannin County, in the State of Texas, that she is the widow of John Rainwater, deceased, who was a Confederate soldier (or sailor) and that she makes this application for the purposes of obtaining a pension as the widow of said John Rainwater . . . remainder of paragraph omitted

What is your name? B. G. Rainwater
What is your age? 62 years
In what county do you reside?
How long have you lived in this county and what is your post office address? Resided in Fannin County 3 years, post office Honey Grove
Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate Pension Law heretofore and been rejected? No
What is your occupation? None
What is your physical condition? Very feeble
What was the name of your deceased husband? John Rainwater
On what date were you married to him and where? In Haralson County Georgia - January 1860
What was the date of his death? June 19 1890
Are you unmarried and have you remained so unmarried sonce the death of your said husband? Yes
State in what company and regiment your deceased husband enlisted in the Confederate army and the time of service therein? In Alexander M[unreadable]’s Co, 40 Georgia
If your deceased husband served in the Confederate navy, state when and where and the time of service? Signed [unreadable] East side of the Mississippi, removed from [unreadable] 1862 [unreadable].
Remainder of form omitted

Mrs. B. G. Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27 day of July 1990
W. A. Swans, County Judge, Fannin Co., Texas

View a copy of the original

Bargilla G. Rainwater, widow of John, 1919, Mortuary Warrant, Texas

State of Texas, County of San Patricio
I S. Rainwater to hereby certify that I am the person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late B. G. Rainwater who was a pensioner of the State of Texas and whose file number is #7589 and whose original county is Fannin. The said pensioner, Mrs. B. G. Rainwater died on the 24th of October 1919 in the town of Aransas Pass in the county of San Patricio, Texas. The pensioner died in the home of S. Rainwater who was related to the pensioner as a son. That the warrant which application is hereby made for shall be applied to paying all or part of the expenses incurred by the pensioner Mrs. B. G. Rainwater.

I am related to the pensioner as son and that my home is in the town of Aransas Pass in the county of San Patricio, State of Texas, that my post office address is Aransas Pass, San Patricio County, Tex, Box #344.
S. Rainwater

This same form contains the Certificate of the Undertaker, which contains one significant piece of information - that B. G. Rainwater was buried in Prairie View Cemetery, San Patricio Co., TX

View a copy of the original

Berry Moore Rainwater, 1899, Texas

State of Texas, County of Collin
What is your name? B. M. Rainwater
What is your age? 66
In what county do you reside? Collin
How long have you resided in this county and what is your post office address: 17 years, Blue Ridge
Have you applied for a pension under the Confederate Pension Law heretofore and been rejected? No
What is your physical condition? Very weakly
If your physical condition is such that you are unable by your own labor to earn a support, state what caused such disability? [unreadable] and pains in head
State in what company and regiment you enlisted in the Confederate army and the time of your service? First Partisan Texas Rangers, Company C, Lane’s Regiment from Hunt Co., Texas, John Thompson was Captain. Remainder of form omitted

B. M. Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 3rd day of August 1899
J. H. Faulkner, County Judge, Collin County, Texas

View a copy of the original

For confirmation that this individual is Berry Moore Rainwater, see [1028]

Berry Moore Rainwater, 1919, Mortuary Warrant, Texas

State of Texas, County of Rusk
I, G. R. Little, do hereby certify that I am the person to whom is entrusted the paying of the accounts and indebtedness of the late B. M. Rainwater, who was a pensioner of the State of Texas and whose file number is #5828 and whose original county is Collin. The said pensioner, B. M. Rainwater, died on the 25th day of Sept., 1919, in the town of Henderson R3, County of Rusk, Texas. The pensioner died in the home of G. R. Little who was related to the pensioner as a father-in-law. Remainder of form omitted

I am related to the pensioner as son-in-law, and that my home town is Henderson R3, County of Rusk, State of Texas and that my post office address is Henderson, Texas R3.
G. R. Little

This same form contains the Certificate of the Undertaker, which contains one significant piece of information – that B. M. Rainwater was buried in Little Cemetery, Rusk Co., TX

View a copy of the original

For confirmation that this individual is Berry Moore Rainwater, see [1028]

Caroline Rainwater, widow of William T., 1910, South Carolina

State of North Carolina, County of Richmond
On this 26th day of February, A.D. 1910, personally appeared before me, Thos. L. Covington, C. S. C. in and for the State and county aforesaid, Caroline Rainwater, age 67 years, and a resident at Hoffman, NC post office in the said County and State, and who, being duly sworn, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension under provision of an act entitled "An act to amend chapter 674 of the Laws of 1907 for the relief of certain Confederate Soldiers, Sailors and Widows", ratified March 8, 1909; that she is the widow of the late W. T. Rainwater who enlisted in Co. C, 8th Regiment South Carolina State Troops on or about the 17th day of February 1861, to serve in the armies of the Confederate States . . . Remainder of form omitted

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 26th day of February 1910
Caroline {her X mark} Rainwater
Thos. L. Covington, C. S. C.

View a copy of original

Elizabeth Rainwater, widow of Allen, 1899, Alabama

State of Alabama, County of Clay
To the Honorable Board of Examiners of said County:
Your petitioner, Elizabeth Rainwater, respectfully represents to your Honorable Board, that she is a citizen of Clay County in the State of Alabama, and was such on the 1st day of January 1899; That she is the widow of Allen Rainwater, who served as a Private in Josh McCain’s Company, Regiment Home Guards; That her husband died on the 8th day of Sept., 1899; That he did not desert the service of the State of Alabama nor of the Confederate States . . . Remainder of form omitted.

Respectfully, Elizabeth {her X mark} Rainwater
In the presents of James McIntyre, M. W. Whalley

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George M. Rainwater, 1915, North Carolina

State of North Carolina, County of Richmond
On this 3rd day of July A.D. 1915, personally appeared before me, J. A. McAulay, C. S. C. in and for the State and county aforesaid, G. M. Rainwater, age 79 years, and a resident at Roberdell, NC post office in the said County and State, and who, being duly sworn, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension under provision of an act entitled "An act for the relief of certain Confederate Soldiers, Sailors and Widows", ratified March 8, 1907; that he is the identical G. M. Rainwater who enlisted in the Home Guards on or about the 11th day of November 1863 to serve in the armies of the late Confederate States.

Nature of disability: Mr. Rainwater was in the Home Guards under Wm. McKinnon, Capt. Remainder of form omitted

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 3rd day of July 1915
G. M. Rainwater
J. A. McAulay, C. S. C.

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Jeanette Rainwater, widow of William A., 1931, Mississippi

State of Texas, County of Lampasas
I Mrs. Jeanette Rainwater, do hereby make application for a pention . . . remainder of paragraph omitted. I am a widow of W. A. Rainwater who departed this life on the 25th day of January A. D. 1931 in the county of Lampasas in the State of Texas. unnecessary text omitted I was married to him on the 17th day of July A. D. 1878 in the county of Franklin Parish in the state of Louisiana.

My husband, W. A. Rainwater, served as a Confederate soldier . . . remainder of paragraph omitted. He was honorably discharged or paroled at end of war.

What is your age and date of birth? 69, July 8, 1861
How long have you resided in the county of your present residence? Since about 1886 or 87
What is your post office address? Lampasas, Texas
Did your husband draw a pension? Yes
If so give his file number: 47023
All of the remaining questions are answered by the number 47023, referencing her husband’s pension application.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of February A. D. 1931
Mrs. W. A. Rainwater
James Freeman, County Judge, Lampasas County, Texas

Thanks to Glidie Rainwater Mobley for copies of these pension papers.

John Daniel Rainwater, 1911, Alabama

The State of Alabama, Clay County
Before me, F. J. Ingram, Judge of Probate in and for the said State and County personally appeared J. D. Rainwater who being by me first duly sworn says that his name is now on the pension roll of Clay County in the Third Class; that he, J. D. Rainwater hereby makes application under an Act approved April 24th, 1911, to be placed on the pension roll of the second class on account of his age, he, J. D. Rainwater being at the time of making this application over the age of seventy-five years. He further states that he, J. D. Rainwater, was born in Cherokee Co., Ala on the 14th day of November 1840 as shown by the family record and that he, J. D. Rainwater, depends partly upon his pension for support and maintenance; that he is unable to procure any other positive proof as to his age, as there is no one in this part of the country can testify to his birth.

J. D. Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of November 1911. F. J. Ingram.

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Lemuel F. Rainwater, 1924, Georgia

What is your name? Lemuel F. Rainwater
In what county and state do you reside? Panola Co., Miss
What is the name of your post office? Sardis
Are you a bona fide citizen of the United States? yes
Are you a bona fide citizen of Mississippi? yes
Are you an inmate of the Beauvoir Soldier’s Home? no
What was the date of your enlistment? January 1864
In what state, county and place did you reside when you enlisted? Alpharetta, Milton Co., Georgia
Give the names of the officers of your company, regiment or vessel? Capt. C. B. Daugherty, Col. Rains
Were you ever discharged from your command? no
If so, for what cause? Paroled at the close of the war
Were you in active service at the surrender in 1865? yes

Lemuel F. Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16th day of June 1924.
J. A. Carter, Chancery Clerk

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Margaret Rainwater, widow of James A., 1927, Mississippi

Petition for enrollment of Pension List of Mrs. Margaret Rainwater, widow of Captain James A. Rainwater, deceased.

Petitioner respectfully states to the Board that she is the widow of Captain James A. Rainwater. That the said Captain James A. Rainwater and petitioner were lawfully married to each other and lived together as husband and wife until the date of his death, as will appear from affidavit duly signed by J. L. Townes, which is hereto attached, marked Exhibit A.

That the said James A. Rainwater is dead as also appears from said affidavit, and she is his lawful widow.

That the said James A. Rainwater served as a soldier in the Confederate Army, in Company E, 29th Mississippi Infantry; enlisted and was appointed to First Lieutenant March 12, 1862; later promoted to Captain; and was paroled at Grenad[a], Mississippi, May 21, 1865. A more particular detail of his service is shown in the records of the War Department, Adjutant Generals Office, Washington, D. C. A copy of which is hereto attached, marked Exhibit B. remainder of form omitted

Margaret Rainwater
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 8th day of November, 1927
Maud Gordon Perkins

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Mary Rainwater, widow of John Doris Rainwater, 1926, Alabama

State of Alabama, Winston County
What is your full name? Mrs. Mary Rainwaters
What is your present post office address: Haleyville, Rt. #1
What is your exact age? 80 years 1 month 25 days
How long have you lived in this state? 39 years
In what other states have you lived, give county and state? Cherokee County, Ga
What date did your husband enlist in the service of the Confederacy? Don’t remember the exact date, but some time in 1864. He served about 1 year.
What branch of the service was he in? Cavalry
What was his rank? Private
Company? B Name of his Captain? A. J. Laissamon*
Regiment? Graham Name of his Colonel? Major Graham
How long did he see actual service? About 1 year
Was he ever wounded? No
Was he ever taken prisoner? He was not
Was he paroled? Yes
Do you know where his parole is? It was lost
What was your husband’s full name? John D. Rainwaters
When did you marry him? October 16, 1867
When and where did your husband die? Oct. 31, 1895 in Blount Co., Ala
If you have any children living at the present time, give their names and what each one is doing? Joe, Cicero and Virgil Rainwaters - all farmers. Mrs. Rosa Haley, Mrs. Mary Little, Mrs. Evie Braseale and Mrs. Vallie Henderson - all farmer’s wives
At the time of your husband’s death, were you separated by divorce or were you living voluntarily apart from him during a perior of one year prior to his death? No, we were living together.
Have you ever been on the pension roll of this state before? Yes, from about 1900 to 1913 in Blount County. Was stricken in 1913 - I never knew the cause.
With whom are you living at the present time? Mrs. Vallie Henderson
Some irrelevant portions of the form omitted

Mary {her X mark} Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 4th day of June 1926
John B. Weaver, Judge of Probate

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*The attached affidavit of J. M. Lindsey identifies this officer as Captain A. J. Lummus, and confirms Major Graham’s name. He indicates he served with John D. Rainwaters in the 12th Georga Battalion Cavalry, Company B. However, the jacket of the pension folder lists him as having served with Company F of the 3rd Georgia Regiment Infantry. I do not know which is correct.

Mary F. Rainwater, widow of Virgil Cicero, 1913, Georgia

State of Texas, County of Smith
I Mrs. Mary F. Rainwater do hereby make application to the Commissioner of Pensions for a pension unnecessary text omitted on the following grounds:

I am the widow of Virgil Cicero Rainwater, deceased, who departed this life on the 24th day of May 1903 in the county of Smith in the State of Texas. unnecessary text omitted I was married to him on the 14th day of January A. D. 1866 in the county of Milton in the State of Georgia.

What is your age? 70 years
Where were you born? Originally Cobb County Georgia
How long have you resided in Texas? Since 1884
How long have you resided in the county of your present address? 28 years
What is your post office address? Tyler, Texas, 614 Augusta Ave.
What was your husband’s full name? Virgil Cicero Rainwater
What was the date of his death? 24th day of May 1903
In what State was your husband’s command originally organized? Georgia
How long did your husband serve? During the war
What was the name or letter of your company, or name or number of battalion, regiment or battery of artillary in which your husband served? Georgia 22nd Regiment
Name the branch of service in which your husband served? Served in Infantry, (unreadable) Lee’s Army in Virginia

Mary F. Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of July A. D. 1913
Jesse D. Odom, County Judge, Smith County, Texas

Thanks to Glidie Rainwater Mobley for copies of these pension papers.

Mary Jane Rainwater, widow of Silas Mercer, 1903, Alabama

State of Alabama, County of Lamar
Your petitioner Mary J. Rainwater respectfully represents to your Honorable Board that she is a citizen of Lamar County in the State of Alabama and was such on the 1st day of January 1899; that she is the widow of S. M. Rainwater whose name is now on the petition roll of pensioners from Lamar County; that her husband died on the 8th day of Nov. 1902; That she has not since remarried, that she has no children upon whom she can depend for support, that all of her property do not exceed four hundred dollars in value . . . Remainder of form omitted

Respectfully, Mary J. {her X mark} Rainwater
17 Aug 1903

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Rebecca Rainwater, widow of John D., 1920, Alabama

The State of Alabama, Clay County
To the Alabama Pension Commission: My full name is Rebecca Rainwater. I am the widow of John Daniel Rainwater who died 20th July 1920 at Ashland in Clay County, State of Alabama. He was at the time of his death on the pension roll of Clay Co. My present full post office address is Millerville RFD #3, Clay Co., Alabama. I was married to him in the county of Heard, State of Georgia on September 12 1862. I was born at Chesterfield District, State of South Carolina on December 6, 1846 and my age is 73 years 11 months 5 days. I moved to Alabama on 9th December 1853. I am now living with W. U. Rainwater whose post office address is Millerville RFD3 Clay Co., Ala.

The names of my children and their post office addresses and occupation of each are as follows:
Mrs. Josephine Grizzle, Millerville R3, Ala., Farming
J. E. Rainwater, Bon Air, Ala., Farming
W. U. Rainwater, Millerville R3, Ala, Farming
Florence Prickett, Chandlers Springs R1, Ala, Farming
Beulah Mayo, Talladega, Ala, Cotton Mill Employee

The above and foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Rebecca {her X mark} Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of November 1920. O. B. Cornelius, Probate Judge

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Rebecca Rainwater, widow of John D., 1927, Alabama

State of Alabama, Talladega County
Give your full name: Mrs. Rebecca Rainwater
Your present, permanent, complete post office address: Talladega, Ala.
What is your number on the pension roll? 28052
With whom are you now living? Mrs. J. H. Mayo
Where were you born? SC
When were you born? December 8 1846
State the name of your father: J. Hugh Linton
If living, his present address: dead
If dead, when and where he died: Clay, about 40 years ago
What was the name of your husband? J. D. Rainwater
When and where did you marry him? Georgia, 1861 or 1862, Sept. 12th
When and where did he die? Clay Co., Ala., Aug 19th 1920
Were you living with him one year prior to his death? yes
Were you ever divorced from him? no
Have you been married more than once? no
Have you been on the pension roll of any other county in this State at any time? Clay
If so, state in what counties and the years of your residence there: Clay Co. up until recently
Remainder of the form is blank

Signed this 20th day of August 1927
Mrs. Rebecca {her X mark} Rainwater
Witnesses: Wilius M. Corcan, Jas. H. Mayo

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of August 1927, E. A. Hammett, Judge of Probate

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Sarah Rainwater, widow of Miles, 1916, Alabama

State of Alabama, Lamar County
What is your full name? Sarah Rainwater
What is your present post-office address? Corrin, Ala R #1
What is your exact age? 62 years 8 months 5 days, born Sept 10 1853
How long have you lived in the state? All my life except 6 years
What date did your husband enlist in the service of the Confederacy? July 20 1864
What branch of the service was he in? Militia
What was his rank? Private
Company? Captain Palmer’s
Regiment? Does not know
How long did he see actual service? 8 1/2 or 9 months
Was he ever wounded? Was not wounded, but had a spell of [unreadable] fever at Cahaba Ala. and was furloughed. And the surrender came before the extension of his furlough expired or was able to return.
Was he paroled? Yes
If not attached hereto, do you know where his parole is? The paper at Montgomery having been filed with my application in 1915 and was never returned.
What was your husband’s full name? Miles Rainwater
When did you marry him? January 1886
What is the actual value of your property? $400.00
Have you any income whatever? None
If you have any children living at the present time, give their names and what each one is doing. Mrs. Pearl Allen, whose husband is a farmer
Did your husband belong to a Camp of Confederate Veterans? No
Have you ever made application for pension before and been turned down? Yes
When? In 1915. Once was on the roll but was dropped for some cause.
Why and by whom? State board
With whom are you living at the present time? My daughter, Mrs. Pearl Allen

I hereby solemnly swear that I have answered the foregoing questions truthfully and fully to the best of my knowledge and recollection and that I have not remarried since the death of my husband.
Sarah {her X mark} Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of May 1916
W. M. Sudduth, Notary Public, Ex Justice of the Peace

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Sarah Rainwater, widow of Miles, 1926, Alabama

State of Alabama, Fayette County
Give your full name: Sarah Rainwater
What is your permanent, complete post office address: Kennedy, Ala, R-1
Where were you born? Fayette County, Ala
When were you born? September 10th 1852
State the name of your father: Pinkney Edwards
If living, his present address: dead
If dead, when and where he died: In Lamar County, about 1912-1913
What was the name of your husband? Miles Rainwater
When and where did you marry him? Westly* Chapel, Fayette Co. about 38 years ago
When and where did he die? In Lamar Co, Ala about 35 years ago
Were you living with him one year prior to his death? Yes
Were you ever divorced from him? No
Have you been married more than once? No
Has your name ever been dropped from the pension roll? Yes
If so, state in what county you were then drawing and give the reason: In Lamar Co., Ala. It was reported I was dead, but as soon as [unreadable] was made that I was living, my name was out on the roll and I have drawn ever since.
Have you lived in any other states? Mississippi
Remainder of form omitted

Signed this 15th day if May 1926
Sarah {her X mark} Rainwater
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of May 1926
J. Y. Collins, Judge of Probate, Fayette Co., Ala.

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* Wesley

Sarah A. Rainwaters, widow of Umphrey, 1900, Georgia

State of Alabama, Marshall County
Your petitioner Sarah A. Rainwaters respectfully represents to your Honorable Board that she is a citizen of Marshall County in the State of Alabama and was such on the 1st day of January 1899; that she is the widow of U. P. Rainwaters, who served as a Private in Company B of the 21st Regiment Georgia Volunteers; that her husband died on the 8th day of July 1899; That he did not desert the service of the State of Alabama nor of the Confederate States . . . Remainder of form omitted.

Respectfully, Sarah A. {her X mark} Rainwaters
Sworn to before me this 26th day of May A. D. 1900
M. M. Downey, Clerk Circuit Court

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Silas Mercer Rainwater, 1899, Alabama

State of Alabama, Lamar County
Your petitioner, S. M. Rainwater respectfully represents to your Honorable Board that he is a citizen of Lamar County in the State of Alabama and that he resided in the state on the first day of January in the year 1899; That he enlisted in the service of the state or Confederate States as a Private in Company I in the 56th Regiment on the 1st day of March 1863 at Fayette C. H. in the state of Alabama; That he is unable to make a living by manual labor on account of old age and infirmity; That he is at the time of filing this application 76 years of age and that his post office address is Cody, Lamar County, Alabama. Remainder of form omitted

S. M. Rainwater
19 Jul 1900

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Umphrey P. Rainwaters, 1892, Georgia

State of Alabama, County of Marshall
Personally appeared before me, Thomas A. Street, Judge of Probate in and for said County, Umphrey P. Rainwaters, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that when a Private in Company B of the 21st Regiment of Georgia Infantry and while in discharge of his duty on the 22nd day of August 1862 at Manassas in the State of Virginia, he was wounded by being shot through both hips and in consequence of his wounds, he has been rendered physically incapable of making a livelihood by labor; that he was a resident of Alabama on the 13th day of February 1891 and is a resident at the date of this application; that he is engaged in the business of farming; that his taxable property does not exceed four hundred dollars in value and that his Salary and Gross Income does not amount to four hundred dollars per year.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 31st day of May 1892
Umphrey P. {his X mark} Rainwaters
Thomas A. Street, Judge of Probate, Marshall County

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William Andrew Rainwater, 1930, Mississippi

State of Texas, County of Lampasas
I W. A. Rainwater do hereby make application . . . remainder of paragraph omitted. I served honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the war. I was honorably discharged or surrendered on parole on exchange from Rock Island, Ill at the break up of the war. Was then in Alabama. Served the full war. I have been a bona fide resident of this State since about Nov of A. D. 1885.

What is your age? 88 yrs.
In what county do you reside? Lampasas
How long have you resided in said county? About 44 years
What is your post office address? Lampasas, Texas
In what state was the command in which you served? Mississippi
What was your post office address at the time of the enlistment? Jones or Berry County
How long did you serve? All the war
Give, if possible, the date of enlistment and discharge? Enlisted at first of war, stayed until war ended
What was the letter of your company, number of battalion, regiment or battery? Co. B, 27th Miss Reg., Capt. Amos McLemore under Bragg
If transferred from one command to another, bive time of transfer, etc.? Stayed with same regiment as near as possible all time
What branch of the service did you enlist in - infantry, cavalry, artillary or navy? Infantry. Was in heavy artillary at Pensacola and also Mobile, Ala.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of July A. D. 1930
W. A. Rainwater
J. M. Freeman, County Judge, Lampasas County, Texas

Thanks to Glidie Rainwater Mobley for copies of these pension papers. Based on the date of death of W. A. Rainwater given in his widow’s pension application (which follows), this individual matches the record for William Andrew Rainwater in the Texas death index.

William T. Rainwater, 1908, South Carolina

State of North Carolina, County of Richmond
On this 3rd day of July, A.D. 1908, personally appeared before me, Thos. L. Covington, C. S. C. in and for the State and county aforesaid, W. T. Rainwater, age 67 years, and a resident at Hoffman post office in the said County and State, and who, being duly sworn, makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension under provision of an act entitled "An act for the relief of certain Confederate Soldiers, Sailors and Widows", ratified March 8, 1907; that he is the identical person who enlisted in Co. C, 8th Reg, S. C. State Troops on or about the 15th day of April, 1861 to serve in the armies of the late Confederate States, and that while in said service at Gettysburg in the State of Pennsylvania, on or about the -- day of July in 1863, he received a wound or wounds, etc. describe Flesh wound in the thigh.

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 3rd day of July 1908.
W. T. Rainwater
Thos. L. Covington, C. S. C.

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Pension Extracts Page 2