Ann Mariah Sammons concerning Gilbert Sammons Pension
Transcriptions of selected documents from the National Archives file on the request by Ann Mariah Sammons
for a Mother’s Pension after the death of her son Gilbert Sammons of the 21st Regiment, Missouri
Volunteers Infantry in 1864. Most of the documents were handwritten while some,particularly later ones,
represent forms that were filled out. The portions appearing below in BOLD indicate that these documents/
portions were originally handwritten., while the portions represented in standard text font were either
printed on a form or, in one case, typewritten.
CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL LINE TO GO TO DOCUMENT
1. Affidavit by Ann Mariah Sammons for application for pension, 9 August 1865
2. Affidavit in support of Mariah Sammons’ application
3. Affidavit by Ann Mariah Sammons for pension declaration, 28 October 1868
4. Affidavit by Mariah Sammons to support pension application, 28 October 1868
5. Affidavit by Henderson Legrand and Joel G. Legrand in re Mariah Sammons’ application
for a pension, 28 October 1868
6. Formal claim for Mother’s Pension by Mariah Sammons
7. Petition by residents of Mariah Sammons’ area to withdraw her pension on the basis that
the statements made to obtain it were false, 27 September 1871.
8. Order to suspend pension of Ann M. Sammons
9. Affidavit of Mariah Sammons restating her dependent situation, 10 December 1871
10. Affidavit on 11 December 1871 by Silas Morgan, Samuel Wyatt, and Rebecca Wyatt supporting
Mariah Sammons’ pension application. [Also of interest because later, in 1912, Samuel
Wyatt, after Rebecca’s death, became the third husband of Susan Sammons, Mariah’s
daughter, and Susan was able to claim his pension as well.]
11. Affidavit by Joel G. Legrand on 11 December 1871 supporting Mariah Sammons’ application
for restoration to the pension rolls.
12. Affidavit on 11 June 1872 by George Sammons, Mariah Sammons’ brother-in-law, refuting
basis for her pension.
13. Affidavit on 11 June 1872 by a neighbor refuting Mariah’s claim for a pension
14. Another neighbor’s affidavit of 11 June 1872 opposing Mariah’s rights to a pension.
15. Another affidavit, 12 June 1872, refuting Mariah’s qualification for a pension.
16. Another neighbor’s affidavit, dated 12 June 1872, opposing Mariah’s claim
17. Report by a Special Agent from the Pension Office of the Department of the Interior
concerning alleged fraud in Mariah Sammons’ receipt of a pension
18. This is a "true and complete transcript as the same appears in the records" of the Probate
Judge in and for the county of Schuyler of the will of Edmund Sammons to support the
foregoing report by Special Agent Tichnor. Note that George Sammons and his son Abner
witnessed the transcript and George added his own deposition..
19. Mariah Sammons did not give up on the pension and, it appears, in the wake of new regulations
passed in 1890, applied to get her pension restored by completing a form for and filing a
"Declaration for Dependent Parent’s Pension". By this time she was apparently living with
her son, James, back in Hancock Co., Illinois as he had stayed there when Edmond moved his
family to Schuyler Co., Missouri.[NB: The Justice of the Peace apparently misunderstood her
name as he rendered it twice as Amariah].
Declaration for Dependent Parent’s Pension
20. Summary of the remaining documents copied from the pension file are as follows:
Affidavit dated 28 April 1892 containing the declaration of Sarah E. Sammons, age 51,
P.O. address Joetta, Illinois, and Rebecca J. Daugherty, age 51, also of Joetta.
1. Affidavit by Ann Mariah Sammons for application for pension, 9
August 1865
[Cover of Document]
No 864
Application
of
Ann M. Sammons
for
Pension
PO Address Wesley
Schuyler Co Mo.
Filed by Geo. Hillgartner
State Rep for Missouri
H. Louis
State of Missouri
County of Schuyler
On this 9th day of August AD 1865 personally appeared before me the Clerk of the Circuit
Court within and for said county Mrs. Ann Maria Sammons and her Post Office address is
Wesley Mo, her age 55 years who being duly sworn by law doth on her oath depose and say in
order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by act of congress approved July 14th 1862.
That she is the Mother of Gilbert Sammons who was a private in Co. B. commanded by Capt.
Davis in the 21st Regt. Of Mo. Inft. Vols Commanded by Col. D. Moore in the war of 1861
who died at Mobile Alabama on the 27th day of June AD 1865 in consequence of desease
contracted in the service of the U.S. She declares that she was married to Edmund Sammons
the Father of Deceased in AD 1825 [**] & that her said husband died in AD 1858 that she
has remained a widow since that time That she had nine children all living but the above
mentioned Gilbert only one however living with her the others are of age and married or living
away from home & doing for themselves. The only child living with her is a sickly Boy 14 years
of age but he is not able to work and is of little use to her in the way of making a living She
further states that her said husband Edmund Sammons died the owner of 120 acres of land
which was willed to the two youngest children being the one living with her & deceased & that she
was to have the use of the same during her life time if she remained single. Upon this land she
now lives and her only means of support is her own & her childs labour in cultivating about 16
acres of land being the amount of improved land on the said Tract. The rent of this place is
not worth more than Twenty dollars a year according to the custom of renting in this county.
The value of her other property consisting of Two cows 15 Sheep 1 Hog 1 small wagon &
household furniture is not to exceed Two hundred dollars and that she cannot sell it because she
needs daily its use in order to live, that she has no money at interest nor any other means of
support except about Fifty dollars in money which her said Deceased son sent to her since he was
in the service of the U.S. He the said Gilbert sent her money twice after he went into the
U.S. service at the first time fifty dollars for her to use as she stood in need & then afterwards
he sent her one hundred Dollars with a request that she keep it for him until his return for
further proof she refers to the evidence hereto annexed.
She also declares that she has not in any manner been engaged in or aided or abetted the
Rebellion in the U.S. and I empower George Hillgartner special agent of the State of
Missouri to present this claim for pension and to do all acts necessary to have it granted and to
receive the certificate when granted
In presence of her
A. R. Leangill Ann X Maria Sammons
James McCollum mark
Also at the same time and place appeared George Sammons and William Legrand person
whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and also being duly sworn say that they
were present and saw Mrs. Ann Maria Sammons sign her name to the foregoing declaration
that the same was read to her in our hearing & she declared the same to be true signing the same
voluntarily and they further swear that they have known the applicant and deceased for Ten
years that she is the identical person she represents herself to be That her said son Gilbert left
no wife nor child & that her statement as to all the facts are to our knowledge true That the
value & amount of her property is in our opinion correct and that they have no interest in this
claim or the prosecution thereof.
George Sammons
William Legrand
The foregoing declaration and power of attorney of Mrs Ann M. Sammons was signed by mark
by her in presence of said witnesses & and was subscribed sworn to & acknowledged before me as
was also the foregoing affidavits of George Sammons & William Legrand
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & the seal of our said Circuit Court here this 9th
day of August 1865
Wm McAfee
Circuit Clerk
** In a later document the year is given as 1826, probably the more accurate one
2. Affidavit in support of Mariah Sammons’ application
State of Missouri
County of Schuyler
On this 9th day of July A.D. 1866 personally appeared before me Wm McAfee Circuit Court
Clerk within and for said County and State T.W. Baird and William Snook whiom I certify
to be respectable and entitled to credit and belief & being duly sworn according to law depose &
say that they have been for ten years acquainted with Ann M. Sammons mother of Gilbert T.
Sammons deceased who was a private in Co. "b" 21st Regt Mo Inf Vols. & knew him as her
son and that he was never married consequently left neither widow nor minor child and that for 4
years before his death he contributed ½ to the support of his mother & her younger son by his
labour on the farm in plowing hoeing cutting & hauling her fire wood going to mill etc. and after
he was in the service he regularly sent his mother most of the money he drawed we are not
interested in the result of this application & the Husband of Ann M. Sammons died in this
county in 1857 & she has remained a widow ever since. Her property consists of 120 acres of
land about 25 acres of which is improved & has sheep buildings thereon and the rent of the place
is worth about $40 per year & this she occupies as her house & consequently receives nothing for
the rent & her personal property is worth about one hundred and twenty five dollars and this is
all herworth & consists of cows sheep & hogs that she needs & uses for her maintainance & her
family & her son Gilbert T did in his lifetime regularly contribute to her support before he went
into the service by his labour on the farm for he was her principal hand and dependanse
being the largest and oldest child she had with her. We are not related to the applicant nor
interested in the result of this application.
Thomas W. Baird
William Snook
Subscribed and Sworn to before me Wm McAfee circuit clerk this 9th day of July 1866 & I
certify that I am not related to applicant nor interested in the result of this application.
Witness my hand and official seal
Wm McAfee
3. Affidavit by Ann Mariah Sammons for pension declaration, 28 October 1868
State of Missouri
County of Schuyler
On this 28th day of October 1868 personally appeared before the Judge of the Probate
Court Mariah Sammons a resident of Lancaster in the County of Schuyler and State of
Missouri age 58 years who being first duly sworn according below doth on her oath make the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of
Congress approved July 14th 1862 and its amendments – That Mariah Sammons is the widow of
Edmund Sammons and mother of Gilbert T. Sammons who was a private in Company "B"B commanded
by Cat. J.W. Davis in the 21st Regiment of Missouri Volunteers in the War of 1861-1865 who
died at mobile Alabama on or about the 27 Day of June A.D. 1865 and the cause of his death
was chronic Diarhoea in the service and in the line of his duty.
Mariah Sammons further declares that her said son upon whom she was wholly dependent for
support having left no widow or minor child under sixteen years of age surviving, declarant
makes this application for a pension under the above mentioned act and refers to the evidence
filed herewith and that in the proper department to establish her claim
Mariah Sammons also declares that she has not in any way been engaged in or aided or
abetted the Rebellion in the United States. That she is not in receipt of a pension under the
2nd section of the Act above mentioned or under any other act nor has she again married since
the death of her son the said Gilbert T. Sammons.
She hereby appoints Edward Higbee her attorney to prosecute this claim and secure and
receipt for a pension certificate.
My Post-office address is Lancaster, Missouri.
Mariah Sammons
Also personally appeared Henderson Legrand and Joel G. Legrand, residents of Schuyler County
Missouri persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being by me
duly sworn say they were present and saw Mariah Sammons sign her name to the foregoing
declaration and they further swear that they have every reason from the appearance of the
applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents
herself to be and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
[Signatures] Henderson Legrand
Joel G. Legrand
Sworn to me and subscribed before me this 28th day of October A.D. 1868 and I hereby certify
that I have no interest – direct or indirect – in the prosecution of this claim and I further
certify that the interlineation on Page 2 "contracted in the service and in the line of his
duty" was made before the application was signed and sworn to by Mariah Sammons.
J.S. Shelton Judge &
ex officio clerk of the Probate
court of Schuyler County Mo
4. Affidavit by Mariah Sammons to support pension application, 28 October 1868
State of Missouri
Schuyler County
On this 28th day of October 1868 personally appeared before me Judge of the Probate Court
within and for the County and State aforesaid Mariah Sammons who being duly sworn declares
that her son Gilbert T. Sammons prior to his enlistment was her sole support; that he
supported her by raising annual crops by which she was supported; that he lived with her and
labored for her sole benefit; that she owns one mare of about twelve years of age worth about
50$ two cows worth about 15$ each and twelve head of sheep worth 1.50$ each; four hogs worth
16$ that she is entirely dependent on the charities of her friends for her support save as
above stated, that she has no other property whatsoever.
[Signed by] Mariah Sammons
Also personally appeared Henderson Legrand and Joel G. Legrand and who being duly sworn
declare that they knew the foregoing affidavit made & signed by Mariah Sammons to be true,
that Joel G. Legrand resides about ¾ of a mile and Henderson Legrand about one mile from
Mariah Sammons, that they have no interest whatsoever in this claim.
[Signed by} Henderson Legrand
Joel G. Legrand
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 28th of October 1868 & I certify that I have no interest
in this claim.
J.S. Shelton Judge &
Ex officio Clerk of the Probate
Court of Schuyler County Mo
5. Affidavit by Henderson Legrand and Joel G. Legrand in re Mariah Sammons’
application for a pension, 28 October 1868
State of Missouri
Schuyler County
On this 28th day of October 1868 personally appeared before me Judge of the Probate
Court a court of record within and for the County of Schuyler and State aforesaid Henderson
Legrand and Joel G. Legrand well known to me and whom I certify to be respectable and
entitled to credit and who being by me duly sworn according to law declare that they have been
intimately acquainted with Mariah Sammons and Edmund Sammons her husband for 13 years that
the said Edmund Sammons died on or about the 1st of October A.D. 1857 in Schuyler County
Missouri; that they were well acquainted with Gilbert T. Sammons who was a Private in Company
B of the 21st Mo Vols; that they well know that he was the sole support of his mother Mariah
Sammons; that prior to his enlistment into the said service he lived with his mother and
supported his said mother by his labor, by raising crops yearly; and that after his enlistment
he sent the greater portion of his bounty money and his monthly pay to her. That when he
enlisted there was offered to him the said Gilbert T. Sammons, the sum of three hundred
dollars bounty of which 60 dollars was paid him upon being mustered into the service, and
there was due him of said bounty forty dollars every six months until the bounty shares be
paid; Deponent Henderson Legrand declares that the said Gilbert T. Sammons employed him to do
his writing while in the service and that he sent forty dollars of the 60 dollars bounty said
Sammons received on being mustered into the service to his mother Mariah Sammons and that
frequently up to the time of Sammons death he employed deponent Henderson Legrand to remit
money to his mother, Mariah Sammons, and that he sent in this manner for said Sammons to his
mother between one hundred and one hundred and fifty dollars. Deponent Joel G. Legrand says
he knew Sammons sent the greater portion of his money to his mother; also that he died on the
27 of June 1865; that he saw his corpse and recognized it and Henderson Legrand was at his
grave was directed to it by the officer that kept a register of the buried soldiers,
(Signed by] Henderson Legrand
Joel G. Legrand
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 28th of Oct 1868
J.S. Shelton, Judge &
Ex officio clerk of the Probate Court
Schuyler County Mo
6. Formal claim for Mother’s Pension by Mariah Sammons
WAR OF 1861
Act of July 14, 1862
CLAIM FOR MOTHER’S PENSION
126592
Brief in the case of Ann M. Sammons , Mother of
Gilbert Sammons Priv. Co. "B" 21st Mo. Vols
Resident of Schuyler County, and State of Missouri
Post Office address: Wesley, Mo
DECLARATION AND IDENTIFICATION IN DUE FORM
PROOF EXHIBITED
Service Adjt Genl reports enrollment & muster July 2nd 1864 & died at Mobile Ala
June 27th 1865 of "Chronic Diarrhoea"
Death Surgeon Genl reports death June 27th 1865 at Marine Genl Hspt, Mobile Ala
of "Chronic Diarrhoea"
Celibacy
of Soldier Proven
Relationship Shown
Death or
Disability Died Oct 1st 1857, Proven
of Husband
Dependence Shown that claimant has one 8th interest in 60 acres of land valued at two
dollars and fifty cents per acre shown that previous to the soldier’s
enlistment he supported his mother by his labor by raising crops yearly that
fter his enlistment he sent the greater portion of his bounty to her that he
sent her between $100 and $150 for his mothers support
Loyalty Declared
Agent
and his P. Edward Higbee Lancaster Mo
O. address
Admitted March 13th, 1869 , to a pension of $ Eight, per month,
commencing June 28th, 1865
App’d H.V.Hutton, Examining Clerk
7. Petition by residents of Mariah Sammons’ area to withdraw her pension on
the basis that the statements made to obtain it were false, 27 September
1871.
Clifton, Mo
Mr. Wm . Ebert Sept 27, 1871
Pension Agent
Macon City, Mo
We The undersigned residents and citizens of this vicinity wish to state that they are
acquainted with the recipient of a pension, Anna Maria Sammons, And that the statements under
which she obtained her pension are false unjustly [?] so. She falls heir by will to 120 acres
of land [word unclear] well improved during her life. And she also heirs one half of said land
by the death of her son which is ample for her support. Her claim that she depended upon her
son, who died in the [word unclear] for her support has no foundation whatsoever as he
depended upon her in a great measure for his maintainence. And the parties who made affidavits
were a son in law who is considered irresponsible and another man, a german, who knew nothing
only as it was represented to him by said son in law. She could get no other disinterested
evidence among her neighbors. We think that she gets her pension wrongfully and therefore
would petition you to take measures to ascertain the facts in the case and if in your
judgement she obtained her pension fraudulently take measures to stop said pension
Daniel Stevens
C. Baker Pitt 16. T.W. [word unclear]
Herman Feigge 17. Irwin W. Cannon
Jacob Andrews 18. C.S. Fetter
Edward A. Stevens 19. William Snook Jr
G.W. Stevens 20. N. C[?]. Sammons **
C.Y. Weilesman
Oliver H. Fetters X
Richard Carr
N.S. Gier X
James Caldwell X And the above make
W.M. Snook Sr this statement
Isaac Rogers without any malice
M.V. Newcum X But Because it
J.I. Griggs X is not deserving
** Probably Newton Cassius Sammons, son of George Sammons
8. Order to suspend pension of Ann M. Sammons
Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Washington D.C. October 10th 1871
Suspend payment of pension in case of Ann M. Sammons, Mother of Gilbert No. 126.592,
Macon City Agency, on evidence of non dependence.
J.M. Butler[?]
Commissioner
Note: Suspended Oct 12/71
Finance Division
9. Affidavit of Mariah Sammons restating her dependent situation, 10 December 1871
State of Missouri County of Schuyler
On this 10th day of December 1871 personally appeared before me Clerk of the Circuit
Court in & for the County aforesaid the same being a court of record Ann M. Sammons, aged 61
years, a resident of Schuyler County, Missouri, who being be me duly sworn according to law
declares that she is the identical Ann M. Sammons who was pensioner on the rolls of the agency
at Macon City, Missouri and whose previous certificate was returned, that she has resided
since the 1st day of January 1861, in Schuyler Co., Mo, that during this period her means of
subsistence have been as follows. Her son Gilbert Sammons during the summer season would raise
a little patch of corn say five acres, a little patch of potatoes etc., & feed a few pigs &
such other little stock as I may have had during the winter say about 2 cows, 6 head of sheep,
6 head of hogs & did my [word indistinct] hauled my wood and chopped it & after he entered
the United States service, he sent me nearly all his wages and bounty money, & since his death
I have drawn his back pay & this with the pension I have drawn has been my entire support. My
son Gilbert from the time he got able to work till his death was my sole support. The total
vale of the proceeds I get from the land my husband left at his death does not amount to more
than ten dollars per year & I have no other source of dependence. That she has never borne
arms against the United States or in any manner aided or abetted the rebellion or those
prosecuting the rebellion or manifested a sympathy with their cause but in the contrary did
during the rebellion earnestly desire its suppression by force of arms, that she was last paid
her pension on the 4th day of September 1871 that she has not remarried & is yet entirely
dependent upon her pension for her support, and she hereby appoints Edward Higbee of Lancaster
Schuyler Co. Mo., her attorney to prosecute the above claim for restoration to the pension
rolls, that her residence is Schuyler Co., Mo & her Post Office address is Lancaster, Schuyler
County Missouri
her
Attest Edward Higbee [Signed] Ann M. X Sammons
R Laywood mark
Silas Morgan
Also personally appeared Silas Morgan and Joel G. Legrand both residing near Clifton,
Schuyler County Mo, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to full credit and
who being by me duly sworn say that they were present and saw Ann M. Sammons the claimant
write her mark, that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant
and their acquaintance with her, Ann M. Sammons, that she is the identical person she
represents herself to be & in fact know she is and that they have no interest in the
prosecution of this claim.
[Signed by] Silas Morgan
` Joel G. Legrand
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 11th day of December 1871 & I certify that the foregoing
affidavits were fully read over to claimant & witnesses including the words "to prosecute"
interlined on the third page before signing & swearing thereto & that I have no interest
whatever in claimants application whatever. Witness my hand and official seal
D.J. Truitt
County Clerk
10 Affidavit on 11 December 1871 by Silas Morgan, Samuel Wyatt, and Rebecca
Wyatt supporting Mariah Sammons’ pension application. [Also of interest because
later, in 1912, Samuel Wyatt, after Rebecca’s death, became the third husband of Susan Sammons,
Mariah’s daughter, and Susan was able to claim his pension as well.]
These affiants Silas Morgan, Samuel C. Wyatt & Rebecca Wyatt all upon their oath say that
they are well acquainted with Mrs. Ann M. Sammons & have known her & her family for many
years. Her husband owned 120 acres of land in Schuyler Co Mo at his death it was generally
understood that he made a will of his land to his two youngest children. Affiant Silas Morgan
is a Justice of the Peace & says he was requested to search the records of the Probate Court
for this will. He made a diligent search & and was assisted by an attorney & could find no
record of a will nor of a probate of a will nor could he find the original will. Affiants say
that under the laws of Missouri she was entitled to 1/3 part of the land as dower for life.
There was [word unclear] 8 or 10 acres in cultivation of this tract & inclosed at Sammons
death (her husband) balance uninclose & at cash rent worth about $1.00 per acre per annum.
Gilbert Sammons from the time he was able to work did all he could towards supporting his
mother & contributed very materially toward her support, by raising a patch of corn in the
summer time & feeding it to their pigs and cows in the winter season, which with all the
weaving & and other work about the house that Mrs Sammons could do was their sole support.
Gilbert did her milling hauled & chopped her wood & choring generally. Affiant Silas Morgan
had a conversation with him just before he went into the service. Gilbert spoke of his
intention of going into the service; he was then about 16 years old. I told him he had better
stay at home & take care of his mother; he said couold do more towards supporting her by
going into the army & sending her his wages. Affiant Rebecca Wyatt says she staid with Mrs
Ann M. Sammons one winter while her son was in the army & knows that she received money from
her son several times that winter. The 120 acres mentioned is all brush land & is worth now
about six dollars per acre & no sale for land.
There were eight children living at the death of Gilbert & his 1/8 interest would pass
to his mother, brothers & sisters in equal portions. The family has always been in poor
circumstances. Mrs Sammons has 1 cow, worth about 20 dollars, 1 yearling worth $12.00, 1 calf
worth $8.00, 1 horse diseased with Poll Evil [sic] worth $35.00, 1 sow, worth about $2.00 &
and some household furniture worth about $30.00 She has no other means of support & we believe
she is entirely dependent upon her pension for her support. Her share of the annual value of
the 20 acres mentioned will not near pay her share of the taxes on it, & save that the little
log house affords her a home her share in the land would be a burden to her. While her son was
in the service her pecuniary condition was just about the same as it is now. Affiant Morgan
remembers of her getting meat of him while her son was in the service, saying she would pay
for it when she got money from Gilbert. It was generally understood that her son Gilbert sent
her all his money that he drew while in the service with exception of some little pocket
change that he may have kept. We have no interest whatever in Mrs Ann Sammons obtaining her
pension either directly or indirectly. Silas Morgan
Samuel E. Wyatt
Rebecca Wyatt
State of Missouri
County of Schuyler
Be it remembered that on this 11th day of December 1871, personally appeared before
me, the undersigned, Clerk of the County Court within and for the County aforesaid, Silas
Morgan, Rebecca Wyatt & Samuel Wyatt all personally to me known & whom I certify to be
respectable & entitled to full credit & belief & were by me severally sworn to the foregoing
affidavit, having first subscribed the same in my presence & I sertify that the foregoing
affidavit was fully read over to them before signing the same & that I am not interested.
Witness my hand and official seal
T. Truitt Co. CLerk
11. Affidavit by Joel G. Legrand on 11 December 1871 supporting Mariah
Sammons’ application for restoration to the pension rolls.
In the matter of the application of Ann M. Sammons mother of Gilbert Sammons private Co B 21st
Reg’t Mo Vols holding Certificate of Pension No. 120.592 for restoration to the rolls
State of Missouri, County of Schuyler
This affiant, Joel G. Legrand upon his oath says that I have been well acquainted with
Mrs Ann M. Sammons & her family since the year 1865 & well acquainted with her pecuniary
circumstances. At the time I enlisted in the U.S. service in Nov 1861 as Pv’t Co B 21st Reg’t
Mo Vols, Up to that time I had lived a near neighbor to her & know that her son Gilbert
Sammons was from the death of her husband in 1857 her sole support except such labor as she
did herself. On the death of her husband, he left 120 acres of land. She hold undivided 1/3
part for life as her dower interest. I understand that he willed his land to his two youngest
children but can find no record or probate of the will, nor can the original copy be found.
If willed as stated & the will should be good on the death of son Gilbert she would be
entitled to a childs part, eight children living at the time of his death, entitling her to ¼
of the land. At his death there was about 8 or 9 acres in cultivation & inclosed the balance
being uninclosed & if rented for cash would have been worth not more than one dollar per acre
for the inclosed lands. The whole tract at that time was worth, if a purchaser could be found
from three to four dollars per acre. At present if a purchaser could be found it is worth
about six dollars per acre. It is all brush. Mrs Sammons has no help at all & I am well
satisfied she is entirely dependent upon her pension for her support. At the time I enlisted
as aforesaid I think she had two cows worth from 12$ to 15$ each, with no sale at all about 6
head of sheep worth from $1.50 to $2.00 each, about 6 head of hogs worth very little, no sale,
bacon being worth about 1 ½ cents per pound. This number includes hogs of all sizes. Two beds
and bedding worth about fifteen dollars, some chairs, table etc of very little value, no stove
at all. Was in same company with said Gilbert Sammons, I [word unclear] with him & know that
he sent his mother all his money with the exception of a very little pocket change, sent all
that he drew from the Government for his services when he drew it and when he was at a place
he could send it from only reserving a little pocket money & I know he continued to do so
punctually till his death. After he death she drew all back pay due him and if there was
anything back on his bounty of 300$, she got it though I do not know that there was anything
back. He was very saving of his money & I am satisfied that he sent her at least twelve
dollars per month during all the time he was in the service and probably more. I returned
about 1st May1866. She has very little property, a few sheep & a few hogs, probably a half a
dozen of each, worth about one dollar apiece all around, no horse, 2 cows, worth about
fourteen dollars & all other property not worth over fifty dollars & she has no other income
or means of support to my knowledge & is about similarly situated today. This contains a full
statement of all her property to the best of my belief & I think I have as full & correct
information as anyone can have. I married her daughter Susan in the year 1856 or 1857 before
death of Mr. Sammons. I am not interested whatever in her claim for pension.
[Signed by] Joel G Legrand
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 11th day of Dec 1871, & I certify that affiant is
respectable & entitled to full credit & belief & I certify that foregoing affidavit was
carefully read over to affiant, including the word "could" erased before signing. & that I
have no interest in said claim. Witness my hand & official seal
D.J. Truitt
County Clerk
12. Affidavit on 11 June 1872 by George Sammons, Mariah Sammons’ brother-in-law,
refuting basis for her pension.
State of Missouri
Schuyler County
George Sammons being duly sworn deposes and says that I have been intimately acquainted
with Mrs Ann Maria Sammons ever since she was a child that her husband Edmund Sammons was my
own brother. That I have lived a near neighbor to her during the past sixteen or seventeen
years during which time we have been upon the most intimate relations and I have been
thoroughly informed as to her family affairs and pecuniary circumstances. That to my own
certain knowledge her son Gilbert Sammons who was a Private in Co B 21st Mo Vols at no time
prior to his enlistment ever contributed in any degree to the support of said Ann Maria
Sammons but was in fact a burthen and expense to his mother. That after his enlistment the
said Gilbert Sammons never to my knowledge sent any money to his mother for her support and
my relations with said Mrs Sammons were such at that time that I am confident I would have
been advised of the fact had he ever sent her any money for her support. I have been informed
that he sent her twenty dollars at one time for safe keeping until his return from the army
which was all the money he ever sent her. I further swear that at my brothers death he left
his said widow Ann Maria Sammons a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of good land partly
improved and well stocked and all clear of debt being amply sufficient for her comfortable
support during her lifetime which said farm stock etc she has had the use of ever since. That
I have been informed and believe that said Ann Maria Sammons did while drawing a pension
divide and distribute it amongst her sons and sons-in-laws the two latter being Henderson
Le Grand and Joel G. Le Grand.
I further swear that I have no prejudice against Mrs Sammons and that we have never
had any personal difficulty other than that arising from the fact that she has thought I
signed the petition to have her pension stopped
[Signed with a feeble signature] George Sammons
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 11th day of June AD 1872
[Signed] Geo. C. Tichnor
Special Agent
13. Affidavit on 11 June 1872 by a neighbor refuting Mariah’s claim for a pension
State of Missouri
Schuyler Co
I Oliver H. Fetters being first duly sworn depose and say that I am personally and
intimately acquainted with Ann Maria Sammons mother of Gilbert Sammons, deceased, and have
been for and during the past fifteen years. That during that time I have been well informed
as to the pecuniary circumstances of said Ann Maria Sammons. That I knew her said son Gilbert
Sammons for a long time prior to the war of the rebellion and also during the war and know of
my own knowledge that said Gilbert at no time prior to his enlistment contributed in any
material degree to his mothers support but on the contrary he was dependent upon and a burthen
to his said mother. That about six months prior to his enlistment he left home and remained
away until he enlisted and that he never at any time prior to his enlistment neither by his
labor at home or otherwise aided in the suppport of his mother nor earned his own support.
That I served as a soldier in the same company (B) and regiment – 21st Mo Infy Vols – with
said Gilbert Sammons up to the time of his death and from an intimate acquaintance with him
and knowledge of his habits I am of the opinion that he did not save much if any of his pay
as a soldier and I never heard him say or intimate that he ever sent any money home to his
mother for her support. That since the death of her husband Edmund Sammons, said Ann Maria
Sammons has lived upon and had the use and control of one hundred & twenty acres of land which
land is of a fair average quality for this section of county and is worth at least ten dollars
per acre. That in November 1871 I offered to purchase of her forty acres of the unimproved
portion of said land and she told me she would not take less than five hundred dollars
therefor. That about thirty acres of said one hundred and twenty acres is well improved and
is amply sufficient to yield a comfortable support to Mrs Sammons. That at her said husbands
death he left her in addition to said farm a large amount of valuable stock such as cattle,
horses, sheep and hogs and that with ordinary care thereof and of her said farm said Mrs
Sammons would have had a comfortable support without help. That after said Gilbert Sammons
enlisted his younger brother remained at home with his mother and was of more help to her
than Gilbert had ever been. That I am informed and believe that said Ann Maria Sammons did
whilst she drew her pension divide the same with her two sons-in-law Henderson LeGrand and
Joel G. LeGrand and that she did not use and apply it to her own use and benefit. That for
about two years past said Joel G. LeGrand has lived in Mrs Sammons house with her and has
cultivated and lived upon her farm earning thereby a support for himself and family and I
presume for Mrs Sammons also.
I further swear that I have no feeling of prejudice whatever against Mrs Sammons
Oliver H. Fetters
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 11th day of June AD 1872
Geo C. Tichnor Special Agent
14. Another neighbor’s affidavit of 11 June 1872 opposing Mariah’s rights to a pension.
State of Missouri
County of Schuyler
I Charles Baker do state upon oath that I am well acquainted with Ann Maria Sammons
mother of Gilbert Sammons deceased formerly a private of Co B 21st Mo Vols. That I have been
acquainted with said Mrs Sammons for and during the past fifteen years having during that time
resided in the same neighborhood with her and during that time have been somewhat conversant
with her private affairs and pecuniary circumstances. That I was well acquainted with her said
son Gilbert Sammons prior to his enlistment and am quite confident that he did not at any time
prior to his enlistment contribute materially to his mothers support and that his said mother
was not dependent upon him for support. The said Gilbert Sammons prior to his enlistment was
not an industrious or energetic young man but on the contrary was inclined to be lazy and
shiftless and did not appear to be at all devoted to his mother or under her control and was
when at home dependent upon his mother for his maintenance and support and I am quite sure he
never whilst in the army contributed any of his wages to his mothers support. That Mrs Sammons
has since her husbands death enjoyed the use and had control of a farm of one hundred and
twenty acres, partly improved with some stock thereon which has with fair management been
amply sufficient for her comfortable support.
I further swear that I entertain no ill will whatever toward Mrs Sammons and am on
friendly terms with her. I make this statement in the knowledge and belief that she is not
entitled to a pension as dependent mother upon her deceased son Gilbert.
Subscribed and sworn to before me by Charles Baker this 11th day of June AD 1872
Geo C. Tichnor
Special Agent
15. Another affidavit, 12 June 1872, refuting Mariah’s qualification for a pension.
State of Missouri
Schuyler Co
I Alcy Sanders being duly sworn depose and say that I have resided in Schuyler Co.
Missouri and in the neighborhood of Clifton P.O. during the past twenty three years. That I
have lived within about one half mile of Mrs. Ann Maria Sammons mother of Gilbert Sammons who
was a private in Co B 21st Mo Vol Infy during the past seventeen years and during that time
have been well and intimately acquainted with said Ann Maria Sammons and the members of her
family and have been well informed regarding her pecuniary condition and affairs. That I knew
Gilbert Sammons from the time he was about seven years old until he enlisted in the United
States Service. That at no time did he contribute by his labor to the support of his mother
but on the contrary to the best of my knowledge and belief he was up to the time of his
enlistement a burthen to his mother and depended upon her for his support. That after said
Gilbert Sammons enlisted and up to his death I frequently heard Mrs Sammons talk of her
pecuniary affairs and have heard her complain often of being hard run and never heard her say
that she received any money from her said son Gilbert Sammons or that she relied upon him at
all for assistance. That I have heard her say that her son Joseph Sammons who was in the Army
and unmarried sent her money to kepp for him and to use in case she needed it. That since the
death of her husband Edmund Sammons Mrs Ann Maria Sammons has had the use and control of a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres, twenty to twenty five acres of which was under
cultivation whis was entirely sufficient if properly attended to yield her a comfortable
support and that her said husband at his death left her a large amount of stock, such as
cattle, sheep and hogs. That Mrs Sammons now lives upon said farm and rents the same to her
son in law and as I am informed and believe derives a comfortable support therefrom. That
during the wr Mrs Sammons youngest son lived with his mother and by his labor in cultivation
the farm aided to support her and was as much greater help to her than her son Gilbert ever
was when at home. That I have never had any difficulty with Mrs Sammons but have always been
on firendly terms with her.
His
Alcy X Sanders
mark
Witness
Mary M. Gier
N. S. Gier
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of Jun AD 1872
Geo C. Tichnor
Special Agent
16. Another neighbor’s affidavit, dated 12 June 1872, opposing Mariah’s claim
State of Missouri
Schuyler Co
This affiant N. S. Gier deposes and says that he has lived a near neighbor to Mrs Ann
Maria Sammons, mother of Gilbert Sammons who died in the military service of the U.S. since
about the first of April AD 1861 and during that time have been well acquainted with said Mrs
Sammons circumstances. That she has had the control of – for her own use and benefit – one
hundred & twenty acres of land about twenty of which is improved. That said land is an average
quality in this part of the country and could be sold I should think for eight dollars per
acre. That I am of the opinion that there has been no time within the past ten years but that
said farm would rent for sufficient to support said Mrs Sammons in a comfortable manner. That
I knew her son Gilbert Sammons for a long time prior to his enlistment and of my own personal
knowledge he never contributed to her support by his labor or otherwise but on the contrary
his mother supported him. That during the war I lived within a half mile of Mrs Sammons and
was on the most intimate terms with her seeing her every few days and although she
communicated freely to me her business and financial affairs she never intimated to me that
her son Gilbert sent her any money or that she expected him to send her any part of his pay as
a soldier. That our relations were such that I am quite confident I should have known it had
the said Gilbert sent her any money. I further swear that I have never had any personal
difficulty with said Ann Maria Sammons and have no prejudice against her whatever.
N. S. Gier
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of June AD 1872
Geo C. Tichnor
Special Agent
17. Report by a Special Agent from the Pension Office of the Department of
the Interior concerning alleged fraud in Mariah Sammons’ receipt of a
pension
Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Des Moines Iowa June 15th 1872
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose herewith papers in the case of Ann M. Sammons – No. 108.670 –
mother of Gilbert Sammons, deceased. I also enclose as part of the results of my investigation
in this case the affidavits of Alcy Sanders, N. S. Gier, George Sammons, O.H. Fetters and
Charles Baker. Also a copy of a certified copy of the will of edmund Sammons, deceased husband
of Ann M. Sammons with affidavits of George Sammons indorsed thereon.
All these affiants are near neighbors of Mrs Sammons and intimate acquaintances of hers
and perfectly familiar with her affairs and are amongst the best citizens of that neighborhood.
Alcy Sanders is a lady about 60 years of age, conspicuous as a devout christian and highly
esteemed throughout the neighborhood by all.
N.S. Gier bears the reputation of an honest and fair minded man and consistent member of
church.
George Sammons is an old and highly respected citizen and has the reputation of a devout
and consistent christian.
O.H. Fetters is a leading and highly respected citizen and served as a soldier in the war
of the rebellion from 1861 to 1866 having at the expiration of his first term reenlisted.
Charles Baker is [few words obscured] citizen of the county, served in the federal army
during the war, is a gentleman of education and culture, prominent as a radical republican and
is highly esteemed in his neighborhood.
I conversed with many of the citizens of Clifton neighborhood and found that the affiants
named were quite as likely to favor Mrs Sammons as any reliable citizens in the neighborhood,
being her nearest neighbors, supposed friends and all "union" people as contra-distinguished
from "rebels". I found that no prejudice existed in the neighborhood against Mrs Sammons on
account of her sons having served in the army. On the contrary I found that all but three of
the citizen who signed the petition upon which her pension was suspended are and were "union"
men during the war and seven of them soldiers in the federal army. I found that Henderson Le
Grand and Joel G. Le Grand are sons-in-law of Mrs Sammons and have enjoyed in part her pension
and hence were deeply interested therein. I found that Silas Morgan – another of Mrs Sammons’
witnesses – is a most violent "rebel". I find also that his neighbors do not all regard him as
honest and truthful and in this connection I call your attention to the fact that he stated in
his affidavit of Dec 11th 1871 that he "made a dilligent search" of the records of the Probate
Court for the will of Edmund Sammons, and was assisted by an attorney and he could not find any
record of a will nor probate of a will etc. When in fact the records contained the will, a copy
of which I enclose, and the same had been duly and promptly admitted to probate.
Samuel C. Wyatt and Rebecca Wyatt were as I was informed "rebels" during the war and
are ignorant and rather unreliable people. And you will observe that Herman Feigge, William
Snook and T.W. Baird, three others of her witnesses, had signed the petition to have her
pension stopped and all state that they signed these affidavits in the case under
misapprehension of the contents thereof.
I visited the farm of Mrs Sammons and found it to all appearances one of the best, in
point of quality of soil, in the neighborhood. Mrs Sammons son in law Joel G. Le Grand lives
upon the farm with Mrs Sammons and it is the understanding in the neighborhood that he pays
the old lady sufficient for her support and also all her taxes for use of the farm.
It was the universal testimony of all of Mrs Sammons neighbors with whom I conversed that
her son Gilbert was previous to his enlistment an indolent and in all respects a worthless
boy and the idea that he had ever sent any of his pay as a soldier to his mother for her
support was regarded as utterly absurd by all of Mrs Sammons’ neighbors with whom I conversed.
It is perfectly clear to my mind that Mrs Ann M. Sammons was not in any manner dependent
upon her son Gilbert Sammons for her support and that had he lived to this date he would not
have contributed to her support. Hence that her application for a pension was fraudulently
made, and also that she made it in collusion with Henderson Le Grand and Joel G. Le Grand, her
sons-in-law who expected to enjoy the benefit thereof and have shared in the money she has
drawn therefrom. I therefore recommend that Mrs Ann M. Sammons be stricken from the pension
rolls. I also suggest for your consideration the propriety of notifying Mrs. Sammons, Joel G.
Le Grand & Henderson Le Grand that unless they refund to the government the amount drawn as
pension by Mrs Sammons criminal proceedings will be instituted against them and a civil action
brought for the amount with damages and costs.
Respectfully
Geo. C. Tichnor
Special Agent
To
Hon J.H. Baker
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
18. This is a "true and complete transcript as the same appears in the
records" of the Probate Judge in and for the county of Schuyler of the
will of Edmund Sammons to support the foregoing report by Special Agent
Tichnor. Note that George Sammons and his son Abner witnessed the transcript and George
added his own deposition..
Will of Edmund S.[?] Sammons Oct 24th 1857. Know all men that I Edmund Sammons do will to
Gilbert Sammons the South east quarter of the North West Quarter of Section Twenty Six and to
Deverix Sammons the South West qr of the said section and the North West of North West is to
be divided equally East and West between the said Gilbert and Deverix Sammons and Gilbert
Sammons is to pay Mary Sammons forty dollars if he takes the well Deverix Sammons is to pay
Mary Sammons thirty dollars when they become of age.
(Signed) Edmund Sammons
Attest
George Sammons
Abner Sammons
State of Missouri
County of Schuyler
I Thomas Walker Judge of the Probate Court in and for the County of Schuyler and State of
Missouri do hereby certify that the foregoing paper’s writing is a true and complete
transcript as the same appears of record in myh office in Book No One Page 206 Probate records
of Schuyler County, Mo.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and
affixed my official seal of Office
Done in my office in Lancaster this
18th day of January AD 1872
(Signed) Thomas Walker
Probate Judge
19. Mariah Sammons did not give up on the pension and, it appears, in the
wake of new regulations passed in 1890, applied to get her pension
restored by completing a form for and filing a "Declaration for
Dependent Parent’s Pension". By this time she was apparently living with her son,
James, back in Hancock Co., Illinois as he had stayed there when Edmond moved his family
to Schuyler Co., Missouri. [NB: The Justice of the Peace apparently misunderstood her
name as he rendered it twice as Amariah].
Declaration for Dependent Parent’s Pension
State of Illinois County of Hancock ss:
ON THIS 5 day of September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety
one before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County
and State aforesaid, personally appeared Amariah Penington
aged 81 years, a resident of Joetta , county of Hancock
State of Ill, who being duly sworn according to the law declares as follows
That I am the Mother of Gilbert Sammons
who enlisted under the name of Gilbert Sammons, at Schuyler
County Missouri on the day of January , 18
64 as Private , in Co. B , 21 Reg’t, Miss
Vols, in the service of the United States, and who died at Mobile , in the State of
Alabama on the 27 day of June , 18 65 , from the effects of Chronic Diarea
on or about the 1st day of May, 18 65 , while he belonged to said
organization.
That he left neither widow, nor child under sixteen years of age surviving; that I
was married to Edmond Sammons the father of said son, at
Williamson Co. Tenn, on the day of October A.D. 18 26
That the father of said son is dead at Scuyler Co. Missouri October 1857
Remarried to William Pennington 1873 who died in the winter of 1889 - 1890
That I am now without adequate means of support other than my own manual
labor or the contributions of others not legally bound to support me, and make this
declaration for the purpose of being place on the pension roll of the United States
under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890.
That I am not receiving pension but formerly drew under Ctf. No
I hereby appoint J. W. MORRIS, of Washington, D.C. my true and lawful attorney
to prosecute my claim. My post-office address is Joetta
county of Hancock , State of Ill
William Gohagen witness her
Anna Mariah X Pennington
Malinda Belknap witness mark
Also appeared William Gohagen , residing
at St Marys , and James Samons
persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me
duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Amariah Pennington
the claimant, with whom they have been well acquainted 40 and 50 years respectively
and whom they fully identify as being the person represented, sign the foregoing
application for pension; and that they have no interest in said claim
Albert S. Bear
Justice of the Peace
20. Summary of the remaining documents copied from the pension file are as follows:
a. Affidavit dated 28 April 1892 containing the declaration of Sarah E. Sammons,
age 51, P.O. address Joetta, Illinois, and Rebecca J. Daugherty, age 51, also of
Joetta. This affidavit affirmed that "since September 11, 1891, the above-named
claimant has been dependent for adequate and comfortable support upon her own
exertions and others not legally bound to support her. And that during said period
she has had not other means of support, and has owned no property except as
follows: First, she has had no property and nothing but her labor. Second, she has
owned none."
The affidavit was signed by Sarah E. Sammons and Rebecca J. Daugherty’s mark was
witnessed. The witnesses were Ida Sammons and John J. [name unclear].
b. An affidavit deposed in "State of Illinois, County of McDonough" by "Ruth
Dunham, aged 25 years, a resident of Vishnu (Tennessee), in the County of
McDonough and State of Illinois, whose Post Office address is Tennessee , and
Lillie Vance, aged 20 years, a resident of Tennessee, in the County of McDonough
and State of Illinois." This affidavit stated :"I have known Mrs. Amariah
Pennington all my life, until about a year ago she supported herself by knitting and
spinning at that time she became helpless by reason of sickness and old age, and is
now kept by her children and friends, has no means of support, and is entirely
destitute. I know this to be facts, for out of the past year I have kept her part of
the time, doing it purely out of charity. She is 80 years of age and weak and poorly..
c. .A form entitled "War of the Rebellion – Dependent Mother Pension" and
dated September 17, 1892, reinstated [retroactively] Ann M. Sammons’ pension under
Certificate #126.592 at the rate of $12 per month effective September 11, 1892.
d. The last pertinent entry was the standard "Pensioner Dropped" form referring
to "Ann M. Sammons now Pennington" from the U.S. Pension Agency, Topeka,
Kans. dated Oct 31, 1899, and reporting "that the above-named pensioner who
was last paid at $12, to 4 Feb’y 1899 has been dropped because of her death.
Date 1 Apl 1899."
Submitted by William and Anna Stewart
Charlotte
Curlee Ramsey
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~cramsey/index.html
