Pension files of Joel Hurt, a Corporal of Independent Battery B, 1st Kentucky Light Artillery, original pension claim # 456,673, and his widow Mary "Polly" Ann Cabbell-Hurt who filed pension application # 333,036 following Joel's death. Joel Hurt was the son of Alban Hurt and Martha “Meeky” Montgomery.
The original pension files of Corporal Joel Hurt consist of over 120 pages of documents. Spelling has not been corrected; some punctuation has been added for clarity. All major documents have been included.
Transcribed by: Brett Jordan Conover
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(not executed)
(says treated by Reg. Surg. Doctor Owen (dead).)
Original Application for Pension
State of Kentucky
County of Adair
On this the . . day of ...... 1882 Personally appeard before me, the undersigned authorty, Joel Hurt, a resident of the County & State aforesaid, who after having been duly sworn, on oath declares that his age is 66 years, was born & raised in Adair County - never lived out of said County; that he was enrolled on the first day September 1861 at Columbia Ky. in Co. [D], 3rd Redgiment of Ky volunteer infantry to serve 3 years or during the war - I subsequently was attached to Hewetts Battery of said Redgiment called the 2nd Battery - That whilst in the line of duty, at the battle of Mill Springs in the State of Kentucky -(date not recolected by reason of great fatigue & exposure), I contracted deep cold, which resulted in Rheumatism, which became Chronic. Dr. Hector Owen, was our Redgimental Surgeon, who is now, dead, who waited on me during my affliction; I was placed in no hospital; That previous to going in the U.S. service I was unusually stout, & healthy, & since my discharge, my disease has continually increased in violence, rendering me entirely unable to maintain myself & family by manual labor; I did not expect to have called on my government for assistance, hopeing that I could get along without it, but necessity impels me to do it; & I hereby appoint L.L. Dunbar of Adair County Ky. my true, & lawful attorney to present, & prosecute this claim.
Joel Hurt
Likewise also personally appeard before me, the undersigned authority, Dr. J.K. Nell & W.B. Montgomery, persons whom I certify to be reputable, & entitled to full credit, who after haveing been duly sworn on oath declare that they are well, & personally acquainted with applicant (Joel Hurt) that I belonged to the same organization myself, & was with him during the whole campaign to the close of the war, & know personally that he was afflicted as he represents in his declaration above written & that we have no pecuniary interest whatever in this matter, & that our post office address is - see enclosed certificate of witnesses
Likewise also personally appeared before Dr. Wm. B. Montgomery who after having been duly sworn by me on oath declares, that he is, & has been the family Physician of applicant (Joel Hurt) & have treated him for Rheumatism ever since the close of the late war; that his post office address is Columbia Ky. & he has no interest in this matter
Sworn to and subscribed before me, Joel Hurt, applicant & Dr. J.K. Nell & Dr. Wm. B. Montgomery, witnesses, & I further certify that the contents of the above were fully made known to applicant, & witnesses before signing, & acknowledging the same, & that I have no interest in this matter
Likewise also personally appeared before me Dr. Wm B. Montgomery, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, who after haveing been duly sworn, on oath declares, that he is well & personally acquainted with Joel Hurt, (Applicant) & am, & has been his family Physician for a great many years, & that previous to going into the army, he was a sound healthy man, in all appearance, & since his return from the U.S. service his health has been very bad, laboring continuously under Rheumatism, & Chronic Cystitis which Seems to render incapable of maintaining himself, & family by manual labor & that I have no interest whatever in this claim. My Post office address is Columbia, Adair County, Ky.
WB Montgomery, MD
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 1st day of May 1882, Jas. K. Nell, MD, & Dr. Wm. B. Montgomery this day, & date above written
Junius Hancock
Clerk, Adair County Court
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State of Kentucky
County of Adair
May 1st 1882
Affiant, J.K. Nell, States on oath that he is personally acquainted with Joel Hurt, Late of (Company) 2nd Ky Battery of U.S. Armey and was mustered in with him during the fall of 1861 and Served 3 years and four months with said Soldier in the above named Company; was with soldier the whole period of service and in January 1862 at Battle of Mill Springs, Ky, Soldier contracted a severe cold and which culminated in Rheumatism of General System, Effecting the Joints and Soldier has been Effected with Chronic Rheumatism ever Since, until now at this time he is not able to perform manual Labor; Said Soldier was hale harty and Stout when he entered the service and came out of service disabled to the extent above named; Affiant is a Physician in regular practice in Adair County, State of Kentucky; Affiant is not interested in the prosecution of this claim
Post office, Columbia, Adair County, Ky
J.K. Nell, M.D.
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(3-108.)
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EXAMINING SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE
IN THE CASE OF AN ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
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No. 456 673
Name of claimant, Joel Hurt
Rank, Private
Company, Battery B
Regiment, 1st Ky Lt Art
State, Kentucky
EXAMINING SURGEON'S ADDRESS:
Post office, Greensburg
County, Green
State, Kentucky
Date of examination, Nov. 1st, 1882.
I hereby certify That I have carefully examined this applicant, who claims that while in the service of the United States, at or near a place named Somerset Ky, and while in the line of duty, on or about the ...... day of January, 1862, he incurred Rhumatism, and that in consequence thereof he is Total disabled for earning his subsistence by manual labor.
He states that he is 66 years of age, that he weighs 160 pounds, and that he is 5 feet 9 inches in height.
His pulse-rate per minute is 76, his respiration 18, and his temperature 99.
The examination reveals the following facts:
There are no Physical Signs of Rhumatism. applicant states that he has frequent spells of Rhumatism; that he has no strength or power in his legs or Arms
Shows cicitrise [cicatrised=scarred] on right side from musket ball - did not enter the abdomen
The condition of the heart normal
From the condition and history of the claimant, it is ...... opinion the disability was ...... incurred in the service as claimed, and that it is not aggravated or protracted by vicious habits.
...... find the disability as above described to entitle him to ...... rating.
A.S. Lewis
Examining Surgeon.
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(3-060.)
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So. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE,
Feb 19, 1883
Respectfully requested of the ADJUTANT GENERAL U.S.A. a report of service and disability in the case No. 456,673, of Joel Hurt, Batt'y "B," 1" Ky. Lt. Art'y
Disabled by Rheumatism, contracted at battle of Mill Springs, Ky, Jan., 1862.
Discharged (Date not given),
Re-enlisted Pri. Co. - 3" Ky Inf.
Please furnish full military history.
Wm. W. Dudley
Commissioner.
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State of Kentucky
Adair County
In the matter of The Invalid Pension claim of Joel Hurt, No 456.673, Personally appeared before me - The Undersigned Authority: John G. Sublett a resident of Taylor County Kentucky: Who being duly sworn : according to law - deposes and says in relation to the aforesaid case as follows : to wit : Deponent states : That he was well acquainted with the said Joel Hurt prior to the date of his Enlistment, and in his opinion, the said soldier was a sound and able-bodied man at the time of his Enlistment : and That while in the performance of his military duty, serving with his command on the Zollicofer Fights at Mill Spring during the month of January in the year 1862, said soldier was attacked with a severe cough : and from the effects of which he has never recovered : Deponent states, That The above information is given from having been personally present at the time the disability was incurred : and That he has no interest either direct or indirect in this matter.
J.G. Sublett
Sworn to and subscribed before me by John G. Sublett, whom I Know to be a gentleman of respectability and credibility - this 20th day of August 1883. I have no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim; I further certify That I carefully made know to affiant the contents of this affidavit before he signed and acknowledged the same.
L.B. Hurt
Adair County Court
By R.A. Burton DC
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War Department,
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, Nov 22", 1883
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions, Joel Hurt, a Corpl of Company 'B', 1" Regiment Ky. Lt. Arty. Volunteers, was enrolled on the 1" day of Sept, 1861, at Camp D Robinson Ky, 3 years and is reported:
on Roll to Feby 28" 1862 (first on file) presence or absence not stated.
To June 20" 1862 present.
To Oct 31" 1862 absent a paroled prisoner of War. Battery was in action at Murfreesboro, Tenn, July 13" 1862.
To Feby 28" 1863 absent without authority.
To April 10" 1863 special muster, name not borne.
To April 30" 1863 not on file.
To June 30" 1863 present.
To Aug 31" 1863 present with remark. Absent without leave from Sept 1" 1862 to May 28" 1863, at which time he reported for duty.
To Aug 31" 1864 present.
Pay & allowances forfeited from Sept 10" 1862 to May 28" 1863, L.F.O. No 115, Dept. Cumb'ld
Mustered out with Batty, November 16" 1864 at Louisville Ky.
Batty returns for Jany 1862 not on file. Name not borne on any Rolls of 3rd Ky
(deleted line)
at Murfreesboro, Tenn, July 13/62; paroled in Warren Co. Tenn, July 15/62; reported at Camp Chase O. July 27/62, No further information of said records.
No evidence of alleged disability. Company morning reports and Regimental Hospital records not on file.
M. Barker
Assistant Adjutant General
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Whitcomb
Invalid Claim No 456.673
Nov 28/83 [Crossed out: Bradford Nov 30/83]
State of Ky. County, of Adair
On this the 3rd day of Dec, 1883 - personally appeared before me the undersigned authority, George Campbell, a resident of the County & State aforesaid, who after haveing first been duly sworn, on oath declares that he is 50 years old; that he belong to Battery B. or 2nd Ky Battery, the Same that applicant, Joel Hurt belonged to; that he (Joel Hurt) whilst at Somerset in the State of Ky, just before the Mill Spring battle which took place about the 19th of Jan, 1862, Said Hurt was attacked of a violent coal, which resulted in chronic Rheumatism; after the battle, we went to Louisville; from thence to Nashville, Tennessee; from thence to Murfreesborough; that he was with Applicant to his discharge at Louisville Ky & that he was complaining all the time, & seems to labor under the same disease to the present time; & that he has no interest in this matter & that his Post office address is Columbia Ky
George Campbell
Sworn to, & subscribed before me this day, & date above written, & that I have no interest in this matter
Junius Hancock
Clerk, Adair Circuit Court
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In the pension claim of Joel Hurt No 456673 I will state that he is yet affected with rheumatism, chronic cystitis, and general debility; that he is unable to do enough labor to clothe and feed himself and family; He frequently calls on me to prescribe for him for rheumatism and I have also known him use empyrical prescriptions
W.B. Montgomery, M.D.
Sworn to before me by W.B. Montgomery this 22nd day of January 1884; I certify that I have no interest in this claim
Junius Hancock
Clerk, Adair Circuit Court
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State of Kentucky
County of Adair
On this 26th day of January 1884, Personally appeared before me, the Undersigned Authority, in and for the county and state aforesaid : Joel Hurt of the County and state aforesaid : who after having been first duly sworn : on oath declares That since the Battle of Mill Spring Kentucky : he has been continuously afflicted with Rheumatism which has disabled him for performing manual labor almost entirely. That his whole System is seriously involved, in said disease, not only his lower limbs, but hands, wrists, and shoulders are affected to the extent that he cannot use them but very little.
Joel Hurt "X" his mark
attest
W.L. Taylor
W.O. Robinson
Subscribed and sworn to before me by Joel Hurt, This 26th day of January 1884, Whom I know to be a gentleman of good character and credibility. The contents of this affidavit were fully understood by affiant before he signed and acknowledged the same. I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.
Junius Hancock
Clerk, Adair Circuit Court
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(3-108.)
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EXAMINING SURGEON'S CERTIFICATE
IN THE CASE OF AN ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
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No. 456.673
Name of Claimant, Joel Hurt
Rank, Pri
Company, B
Regiment, 1st
State, Ky
EXAMINING SURGEON'S ADDRESS:
Post office, Burksville
County, Cumberland
State, Kentucky
Date of examination, April 16th, 1884.
We hereby certify That we have carefully examined this applicant, who claims that while in the service of the United States, at or near a place named Mill Springs Ky, and while in the line of duty, on or about the ...... day of ...... , 1862, he incurred Rheumatism, and that in consequence thereof he is totally disabled for earning his subsistence by manual labor.
He states that he is 68 years of age, that he weighs 167 pounds, and that he is 5 feet 8 inches in height.
His pulse-rate per minute is 72, his respiration 22, and his temperature normal.
The examination reveals the following facts:
There is enlargement of all the joints of both superior and inferior extremeties and a crackling sound on motion of some of the joints of the inferior extremeties. The muscular tissue presents a glazed appearance and is atrophied and flaccid.
There is a varicose condition of the veins of both inferior extremeties, extending from the knees to the ankles on the inner side of the limbs.
Auscultation discloses a rough clearly defined endocordial sound.
Alleges lumbago and stiffeness and want of freedom of action of the muscles in stooping and bending about.
There is slight opacity or muddy appearance of the chrystaline lens of both eyes, impairing vision to such an extent as will only allow him to read, Snellen's test type No. 12 at 17 inches distance from the eyes, The Result we Think of the Rheumatic diathesis with which we believe he is afflicted as claimed
From the condition and history of the claimant, it is Our opinion the disability was -- incurred in the service as claimed, and that it is not aggravated or protracted by vicious habits.
We find the disability as above described to entitle him to Total rating.
J.G. Henton
H.H. Baker
R.M. Alexander
Bd. of Examining Surgeons
Always forward a certificate of examination whether a disability is found to exist or not.
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Southern Div.
Columbia Ky. Oct. 18th 1884
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Dear sir, I will take it as a special favor, if you will inform me the condition of my Pension claim, the number of which is 566,673; I am an invalid - not able to labor in whole, or in part, for the mentainance of my family. I am almost blind, & cannot attend to no business whatever; I cannot even make my own fire, & I have no assistance excep my wife, & two daughters; I therefore respectfully request that you will make my claim a speciality, altho it may be preceded by many others in turn; I am badly ruptured, outside of other physical disabilities - Please let me hear from you at your earliest conveniency, informing me what other proof is requisite in the case, & very much oblige, your most obt. servant
Joel Hurt
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To all whom it may Concern:
Know ye, That Joel Hurt a private of Captain J. M. Hewetts Company, (2'.) Batty Regiment of Ky Vol Artillery VOLUNTEERS who was enrolled on the first day of September one thousand eight hundred and Sixty one to serve three years or during the war, is hereby Discharged from the service of the United States, this sixteenth day of November, 1864, at Louisville Kentucky by reason of Expiration of Term of Service.
(No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.*)
*This sentence will be erased should there be anything in the conduct or physical condition of the soldier rendering him unfit for the Army.
Said Joel Hurt was born in Adair Co in the State of Kentucky, is fifty two years of age, five feet nine inches high, fair complexion, blue eyes, mixed grey hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a Farmer.
Given at Louisville Ky this Sixteenth day of November 1864.
Chas. U. Fletcher
Capt 1st U.S. Infty
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Physicians Affidavit.
State of Kentucky
County of Adair
In the matter of the Invalid Pension claim of Joel Hurt, No 456673, Personally came before me = The Undersigned Authority : within and for the county and state aforesaid = William B. Montgomery, a resident of Adair County Kentucky : whose Post office address is Columbia in said county and state : well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn according to law = declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows = That he is a Practising Physician of 25 years standing : and That he has been acquainted with the claimant for about 50 years, and That he has treated or prescribed for said soldier as follows, to wit =
I can not make any statement in the case of Joel Hurt any more accurate than those already on file in the pension office and perhaps not as accurate as I have not the proper record to refer to and my recolection is verry bad the present time.
The Deponent state = That he has no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of The Invalid claim of the said Joel Hurt for an Invalid Pension.
W.B. Montgomery
attest
L.B. Hurt
Q.N. Peek
Sworn to and subscribed before me by Dr William B. Montgomery whom I know to be a gentleman in good professional standing this 4th day of December 1884. I further certify that affiant was fully acquainted with the contents of the Declaration before he signed and executed the same. I further certify That I have no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of This claim. Given under my official seal and signature the day and year first above written.
Junius Hancock
Clerk Adair Circuit Court
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Comrade Evidence.
State of Kentucky
County of Adair
In the matter of The Invalid Pension claim of Joel Hurt, No 456.673. On this 4th day of December 1884, Personally appeared before me - The Undersigned Authority : within and for the county and state aforesaid = William R. Dooley, a resident of Adair County Kentucky : whose Post office address is Columbia in said county and state : who being sworn in due form of law = on oath declares in relation to the aforesaid case as follows, to wit = The Deponent states = that he is well and intimately acquainted with Joel Hurt, said soldier, having served in the same Battery with said soldier, to wit = Company (B) of the 1st Regiment of Kentucky Light Artillery in the War of 1861. The Deponent state = That during the month of January as near as deponent can remember in the year 1862, while said command was stationed at Mill Spring in the state of Kentucky, said Joel Hurt was attacked with Camp Fever and Rheumatism as the result of his Military Service, a Knowledge of which fact is derived from having been personally present at the incurrence of said disability. Deponent further swears, That he was well acquainted with the said Joel Hurt prior to and at the date of his enlistment, and does positively swear, That said soldier was a man of sound bodily health and vigorous constitution at That time. Deponent further swears, That said Joel Hurt has continuously suffered with Rheumatism and a prostration of the whole system from date of discharge to the present time, a Knowledge of which fact is derived from having lived as a neighbor to said soldier from date of discharge to the present time, and from having had every oppertunity of observing said soldiers condition during the above mentioned length of time : and he further swears That he has no interest either direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.