Joseph Little – Pension Record # 80121 An Example of Data that may be found in a Pension File By Joe Scraper Jr.

Joseph is the ancestor of many in Adair County, Oklahoma and various states throughout the country. Including Vanbebers, Scrapers, Kirbys, Meridiths, Clintons, Cagles, Smiths, Bartons, and of course Littles.

Joseph M. Little enlisted July 15th 1863 at Nashville, Davidson Co, , as a Private in Company A commanded by Capt W. L. Cates, Lt Col. I. M. Thornburg, in the 4th Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry to serve three years. His unit took part in the Rousseau Raid through Alabama then immediately was sent on the McCook Raid around Atlanta. His regiment was the rear guard during the mission. They were cut off from the rest of the compa ny during the retreat, lost their horses, and were eventually captured near Philpot’s Ferry. Prisoner of War records show Joseph M. Little captured at Rome, Georgia on Aug 4 th 1864. He was taken to Andersonville Prisoner of War Camp in Georgia. About the last of Sept 1864 he was removed to Charleston, South Private Joseph Little - Tennessee Cavalry Carolina and about last of Oct 1864 was removed to Florence, South Carolina. While confined his feet and legs froze solid from the knees on down some time in January 1865. Besides trying to survive the inclement weather, the prisoners had to survive rampant disease and near starvation. Joseph was admitted to General Hospital Number 3 Goldsboro, North Carolina on Feb 23rd 1865 suffering from frost bitten feet and general debility. After about three w eeks he was sent to Fortress Monroe State of Virginia and stayed there about five weeks before being admitted to 1 st Division Hospital Annapolis, Maryland on April 22nd 1865 still suffering from same injuries. The surgeons decided that he would never be c ured, the right foot being nearly entirely useless and the left very painful. He was honorably discharged from the service of the United States on June 21 st 1865 at Camp Chase, Ohio. He was given a pass to travel by train back to Nashville where he had enlisted. The doctors gave him a ¼ disability rating which entitled him to two dollars a month, patted him on the back, and hollered, “Next!” “He was discharged June 21, 1865, by reason of General Order # 77 A. G. O. dated April 24, 1865. He returned to the company at Nashville, Tenn. (camp in Edgefield) the latter part of June, or early in July 1865, and was then going on crutches on account of frozen feet. I think it was caused by exposure in prison. At the time he was captured he was suffering with piles. He returned home crippled. I knew him for 12 years afterwards and do not think he had recovered from his prison experience in that time. He was a good, faithful soldier, always on hand if able to ride.” Quote from Joseph’s Captain, W. L. Cates. “Said soldier came back to his or our “Co” & Regt and when he came he was using Crutches and had his feet tied up and they had sores on them. He told me his feet had been frost bitten and that was the cause of them being sore of course, this I do no t know of my own knowledge tho I do know that he was in a very bad fix. The last time I saw the soldier Joseph M. Little, he was using his crutches & as I then thought in a very bad fix. Some time in 1864 while we was on the McCook Raid in Alabama and ????? he was captured in Georgia near Atlanta. I cannot give the exact dates. At that time he was a sound and healthy man so far as I could see or know, always ready for duty. I have not seen the soldier since discharged. At that time I was what was called the Second Duty Sergeant of the Company.” Quote from Joseph’s Sergeant, William A. Robertson Claim filed in 1876 at Chattanooga, Tennessee- Joseph states that his feet and legs were solidly frozen from the knees down while in the rebel prison at Florenc e, South Carolina during January 1865. Claim filed on Jan 2nd 1884 for increase in pension due to “loss of health from starvation and hardships – frozen feet, while a prisoner of war. Current pension was $2 per month and Joseph’s address was listed as Flint District, Nation. Isham C. Simmons of , Bradley Co., Tenn- states (1893) that he was on the McCook Raid south of Atlanta, and that he was not captured but knows that Joseph M. Little was captured and taken to Andersonville prison in Geo rgia. Also confirms that Joseph M. Little incurred piles and bowel troubles while in the army and suffered with them prior to the McCook Raid. Besides the enlistment and discharge papers, and the copy of his marriage record, of special interest to genealogists within this pension file was form 3-173. A questionnaire from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, asking the pensioner several family questions. He gives his name as Joseph M. Little, Esq., of District, . State your wife’s full name, her maiden name – Nancy Delila Jackson. When, Where, and by whom married – February the 27, 1877, Chattanooga, Tenn by James Sanders J.P. Were you previously married? – No. Have you any children? If so, state names and birthdates – Julia L., April the 17, 1878; Robert S., August the 6, 1879; Benjamin F.L., November the 20, 1880; Mary R., January the 11, 1883; Cattahlyah E., September the 13, 1884; Ancel Z., December the 10, 1886; Nancy Ann L., May the 17, 1888; Churchwell R., May the 24, 1890; Araminta E. & Lecta P. twins October the 10, 1892; Susie Ann L., February the 5, 1895; and Jennie Dosha, March the 4, 1898. This was filled out by Joseph Little in his own handwriting. It is dated Aug 1898 so his last two children were not yet born. In April of 1902 M. L. Barnes M. D., filled Joseph Little - Christie, I. T. out a physician’s affidavit stating that he had been a practicing physician for 28 years and had known Joseph Little for 12 years. He concludes that Mr. Little is disabled to the extent of ¾ percent and that for the past 12 months has been totally disabled as far as farm work or manual labor. In 1907 Joseph filed a claim for an increase in pension due to having reached the age of 70. To provide proof of his age, his sister Lamenda P. Grissom of Sanger, Texas, sent an affidavit stating that her remnant of the family bible showed her brother born on Saturday, Sept the 16 th 1837 in White County, Tenn. Lamenda further stated that the old record was written in her mother’s handwriting. Affidavit certified by County Clerk W. P. Hays stating that: Joseph V. L. M. Little and Nancy D. Jackson were married on Feb 27 th 1877 by J. A. Saunders, Justice of the Peace, Hamilton County, Tennessee. (other items show a more precise marriage location of Chickamauga Station, Hamilton, Co., Tenn)

It would seem from these records that the soldier was required to submit a new medical examination report from a qualifying doctor each time he filed a claim. When Joseph died, as widow, Nancy was entitled to continue receiving his pension and accordingly filed the necessary paperwork. Her claim was rejected due to “no medical exam in the claim.” Before long however the mess was straightened out and the claim approved when a bright doctor wrote “no medical action required.” (difficult to examine him after he was dead and buried). rd Honorable Discharge G. W. Wright and Thomas P. Nowlin testify (Feb 3 1909) that they are neighbors of Nancy Little and family and know that she has the following named children under 16 years of age: Susie Ann Little, born Feb 5th 1895; Jennie A. Little, born March 4th 1898; James C. Little, born April 24, 1901; and Gracie M. Little, born Feb 23, 1904. (this is to provide required proof that Nancy has dependant children under her care as the pension now switches to her at her husbands death). A notice shows that Nancy to begin receiving $12 per month as of Feb 1909 ( widow & minor children) Act of April 19th 1908. On Sept 13th 1909 – administrator communicates: relative to headstone for soldier, should be addressed to Quartermaster General. ( Nancy had requested a $40 headstone for Joseph). In 1924, Mr. Charles Miller of the Miller Store at Christie, Okla, retained Nancy’s whole pension check when her daughter tried to cash it and pay half toward t he families account at the store. A letter from the Pension Bureau firmly stated to Mr. Miller that he was in violation of federal law in interfering with Mrs. Little’s pension check. Mr. Miller complied. (Mr. Miller had generously allowed the family to run a tab, and was trying to reduce the balance due) Widow Little’s pension was raised to $40 per month commencing Nov 10 th 1931. (Act of June 9th 1930). This must have been quite a blessing to Granny Little and made her life just a little bit easier.

Uncle Dutch (Churchwell) Little holding the brake on wagon Photo taken before this Christie store was owned by Charlie Miller

Some names who signed affidavits on behalf of Joseph M. Little: (showing who his friends and neighbors were at various times)

Charley Whitmire- of Goingsnake District. States that he has known Joseph M. Little for 6 years as of August 1890. William Crowder- of Goingsnake District. States that he has known Joseph M. Little for 6 years as of August 1890. Simon R. Walkingstick- (Jan 1891) J. V. McPherson- (Jan 1891) Albert Scraper- (March 1891) Peter Walters- (March 1891) Henry Watt- of Westville, I. T. (March 1902) Thomas Threekiller- of Westville, I. T. (March 1902) Fred Couch- of Westville, I. T., States that he has known Joseph M. Little for 3 years as of April 1902. R. L. Sellers- of Westville, I. T., States that he has known Joseph M. Little for 3 years as of April 1902. Robert J. Carter- of Westville, I. T. Notary Public (Feb 1902 & Oct 1904) G. W. Gibson- of Westville, I. T. (Oct 1904) A. C. Alberty- of Westville, I. T. (March 1906) Bert Neel- of Westville, I. T. (March 1906) Percy P. Howard- of Baron, I. T. (August 1906) Cecil C. Walkingstick- of Baron, I. T. (August 1906) S. B. Beaty- of Westville, I. T. (Feb 1907) Otis Nowlin- of Christie, I. T. (Feb 1907) Oscar Cannon- of Westville, I. T. States that he has known Joseph M. Little for 10 years as of Oct 1907 Oscar Dearing- of Westville, I. T. States that he has known Joseph M. Little for 10 years as of Oct 1907 J. B. Alexander- of Westville, Oklahoma (July 1908) F. M. Crow and Rebecca Crow who have lived in Hamilton County, Tenn for 55 and 65 years respectively, testify that they knew Joseph V. L. M. Little and that he was the same one who lived and married Nancy D. Jackson in Hamilton Co., Tenn. and that they had not been previously married. (Feb 1909)

Some names who signed affidavits on behalf of Nancy D. Little: G. W. Wright- States that he has known Nancy D. Little for 16 years as of Jan 1909. Also that he was at the bedside of Joseph M. Little on Dec 28 th, 1908 and saw him die. Thomas P. Nowlin- States that he has known Nancy D. Little for 4 years as of Jan 1909, and that he attended the funeral of Joseph M. Little on Dec 30 th 1908. N. B. Dore- States that he has known Nancy D. Little for 7 years as of Jan 1909 Eli H. Whitmire- States that he has known Nancy D. Little for 15 years as of Jan 1909 W. W. Hastings- 2nd Disrict of Oklahoma, House of Rep. Wrote to E. W. Morgan, Director of Pensions, when Nan cy requested his help as her pension check had apparently stopped.(actually it was delayed) (Dec. 1931) Granny Little A Promise Kept – A Debt Repaid

As a young boy growing up I heard the tales of how great -granddad Archie Scraper had come to marry great-grandmother Mary R. Little. These pension records have helped me to put this in perspective. It was said that Archibald had rescued or somehow come to the aid of Mary’s father, Joseph Little. Depending on who was telling the story, the account varied somewhat, but generally included mention of the Civil War. The years had stretched the story around a bit, possibly turning a mundane event into a grand tale. Yet by the time my interest really took hold, the old tellers were all but gone and I was left with second and third hand versions. In trying to piece these together I realized that the military lives of Arch Scraper and Joseph Little were separated by so much distance and circumstance, that it was quite unlikely that Capt. Scraper had actually rescued Private Little during the war. From years of research regarding the matter, I believe that I have managed to piece together a reasonable theory of what transpired. Mr. Little entered the service of his country a healthy man in the prime of his life. Through fate or misfortune, he came away a broken man. Along with other ailments he would spend the better part of the rest of his life leaning on crutches for support. Looking for a better life, he brought his wife and three young children from Tennessee to Indian Territory in about 1881. His wife, Nancy, was part Cherokee and had family in the with whom they stayed for a while in the Pilgrim Rest Community west of Stilwell in Flint District. After a short stay of perhaps a couple of years in Flint District, the family moved a few miles north to Scraper Hollow, Goingsnake District. It is here that Arch Scraper entered the picture, allowing the Little family, who now had 4 or 5 children with many more to come, to make a home in one of his old cabins. Joseph Little was in a bad way, his disability making it very difficult for him to work. Most potential bosses in that day expected a man to work sun-up to sundown, and to work hard all day. This was impossible for Mr. Little in his condition, yet Mr. Scraper took him on as a sharecropper. The marriage that would later occur between Mr. Little’s daughter, Mary, and Scraper, was an arranged marriage. As we understand it, Mary was not adverse to the marriage. She and her sisters often met Archie in passing on the walking path or wagon road nearby (he lived in the big house across the road from them). Although he was many years their senior, the girls found him charming and handsome. Did the fact that he was said to be quite wealthy have anything to d o with it? This writer won’t touch that. At any rate, the marriage was arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Little and Mr. Scraper. I suggest that this was in part at least to settle the debt owed to Scraper for allowing them to live on his place. The old stories had told that a daughter was promised to repay Archibald for his aid and this union satisfied that obligation. The Civil War part of the story most likely grew from tales of why Mr. Little could barely walk, and of how he and his fellow soldiers had been captured and were lucky to have survived the freezing conditions and near starvation in the prison camp. In addition to farming as best he could in the sharecropping capacity, with his growing boys to help with the heavy work, Joseph was known as a Minister of the Methodist faith. Though he may not have been ordained to perform marriages and such, he went wherever called on to occasionally preach the Lord’s word. He was also known as a sage of sorts. He kept ledgers filled with his scribbled notes of how to do this or that. People would often come to him for advise on every subject. For instance, "how to choose a good milk cow.” His notes explained what characteristics to look for when buying a cow to know that she would produce good milk. For those of us who simply pop in a grocery store and buy a gallon of milk, this may not seem important. Yet when the survival of your family may well have depended on it, these were crucial issues. Joseph Little and family continued to live on a portion of the Scrap er property until Arch Scraper passed away in 1904. Shortly after this they moved to a cabin in Christie about three miles north. It was here that the old soldier passed away on December 28, 1908. He was laid to rest in the nearby Whitmire Cemetery beside his son Benjamin, who had been overtaken by typhoid and passed on in 1904.

Obtaining the Records

After trying for years to obtain this pension record from the National Archives, I had all but given up. I received various replies, months or years apart, stating that no such record existed, or that it was not found, or that I should contact the state Veterans Affairs Headquarters for the records. Fortunately, I was to discover that a cousin from a small town called Westville located in eastern Oklahoma within a few rock throws of Arkansas, had managed to obtain copies of Joseph Little’s Military Record file. This cousin, Mrs. Ina Mae (Cagle) Welch, was gracious enough to share with me the files through her sister, Mrs. Betty ( Cagle) Morris. Additionally, another cousin, Mrs. Richele (Morris) Larrance, thanks to her amazing persistence was finally able to obtain Joseph Little’s Pension Record file, which she also shared. I most gratefully acknowledge Mrs. Welch, Mrs. Morris, and Mrs. Larrance for their efforts and their kindness. For clarification allow me to say that there are three types of records available relating to our veterans: Military, Pension, and Land Bounty records, with the pension files generally being the most useful to genealogists. As previously stated, these records are not always easy to obtain, but if you have an ancestor who served in the military service, you may wish to consider checking into these records. Depending on various factors, these files can range from one or two pages to occasionally over 100 pages. The example above was probably the exception rather than the rule, the pension file was over 150 pages and the military file was about 25 pages with some duplicates of the pension file. I have heard of others having the s ame trouble I had when attempting to get these files, but I’ve also heard from some who had little or no trouble. So consider it an adventure, but have patience.

Use NATF 85 for military pension and bounty land warrant applications, and NATF 86 for military service records for Army veterans discharged before 1912. The following website may help with obtaining these records. Forms can be requested at this site. http://www.archives.gov/geneal ogy/military/

Be sure and check costs before ordering as rumors have been flying about their fees jumping way up. (a few years ago the price increased from $10 to $37.50)

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001 Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272

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