Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-10-22
PENSION FOR MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS.

PE5SION FOB MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS
Commissioner OF Pensions, Mr. Barrett, has
addressed the subjoined full and satisfactory
letter to one of the numerous correspondents
who have written, inquiring as to the mode of
establishing claims for Pensions in behalf of
mothers of soldiers, deceased in the m ilitary
service of the United States, under the act
granting Pensions approved July l4th, 1862.
Pension OFFICE, Oct. l3, 1862
Sir To the several questions contained in
your letter of the 10th inst, concerning the
Pension Claims Of mothers of deceased officers
and soldiers. who have left neither widow nor
minor child, reply, in no case will the de-
pendence of the mother upon her son for sup
port, whether wholly or in part be saken for
granted ON the mere affidavit of the claimant
The allegation must be sustained by positive
proof that she has actually received her sup.
port, during stated period, either wholly or
in part, from the deceased soldier on accoun,
OF whose military service she presents her
claim. This can be proved by the affidavits
of two credible Witnesses who are not inter.
ested in the result of the application by the
production OF evidence. that portion of the
SS'A'S'S Poy, ny dudtcutut tlCket Or OtDer-
wise, was regularly transmitted to the mother
by proof that he constantly paid or contrbu-
ted towards paying her board, house rent or
other specific and necessary expenses, or by
snch other equivalent testimony as will clear
iy establish the fact in question. II is not
sufficient that the mother received occasional
presents from the deceased. If the mother
IA huo nd livin hat So.
prima facia evidence that she was not in any
degree dependant upon her son tor support
In such case, before she can be admitted On
the pension roll, it must be clearly proved that
her husband has refused or neglected to pro-
vide for her support, stating for how long
time On account of physical inability to labor,
having no other source OF income, or else that
having deserted her, he is beyond the reach
OF legal compuision to contribute to her main-
tenance. The proof required in this case is
that two creditable and disinferested witness.
es, who must state their means Of knowing the
facts to which they make affidavit. 1t is my
opinion that if the mother of DECEASED SOL
dier has husband living. who is not proved
to be responsible to support her, and in such
claim upon him for subsistence, she is not en-
titled to receive pension by reason of the
service and death of her son. A proof of the
mothers marriage to the father Of the de-
ceased soldier is regarded as indispensable,
and the fact should be established by record
evidence. When that can be obtained, if the
marriage took place in a foreign country q
record of the baptism of any child of the par
ties will be accepted in place OF the marriage
record, if the latter cannot be obtained with.
out great Inconvenience. If either cannot be
obtained, an affidavit to that effect. private
letter, or the evidence of common reputation,
shown by two creditable witnesses, having no
interest In the result, will be received.
Respectfully yours, JAMES II. BARRErr,
commissioner.