Scanned images of the official letter from the Special Examiner to the Bureau of Pensions: Image #1, Image #2, Image #3

Deposition A. 

Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 25th day of April, 1914 at North End, Parkersburg, County of Wood, State of West Virginia, before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Jesse Taylor Kincheloe, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 67 years of age; my post office address is Parkersburg, W.VA., R. F. D. # 8. I reside in North Parkersburg and formerly farmed in Worthington Creek, this county is where I was born and raised. My parents were Lawrence and Viletta (Stagg) Kincheloe. The claimant is a younger sister of mine. The full name is Iva Elizabeth Clark and she too was born and raised in Worthington Creek. I am the only member of our family living in this section of the country.

Yes, I personally knew the claimant's former husband Joseph T. Clark. I was well acquainted with him 2 or 3 years before they was (sic) married." He was a civil war soldier. He served in the 6th W. Va. Inf. While I am not sure whether I saw him in the 6th W. Va. Inf., I may have seen him in the regiment as that regiment guarded the B. & O. R. R. and were camped here at Parkersburg more or less. No, I did not know him, Clark, before he became a soldier. No, he had no other military service nor did he serve in the Navy or Marine Corps or in the Confederate service that I have any knowledge of.

Well, he, Clark always signed his name J. T. Clark and he called himself Thomas Clark and he was spoken to and of as Thomas or Tom Clark. His brother Abisha Clark, now dead, always called him Thomas. Abisha died here, but his widow, Ellen Clark lives in Kansas and I think her address is Isbon, Jewell Co., Kansas and she probably knows pensions as Abisha also served in the 6th W. Va. Inf.

Olin (or "Olie") is probably at Isbon, Kansas, can't say where Harlan (or "Harley") but he used to live north of Williamstown, W. Va. I think J. T. Clark had another brother and a sister, but if so I do not recall their names or know anything about them or their families if they had families. Well, as previously stated, I knew J. T. Clark --- I do not know for sure what I understand the initial "J" stood for but I think he told me it stood for Joseph. About 2 or 3 years before he married my sister Iva Elizabeth Kincheloe and when they married he was running an engine for father at his saw mill and worked for father off and on all the rest of the time, not far away at any rate or as I recollect.

I knew him about continuously for about 2 or 3 years before he married my sister. Whether he came to our neighborhood --- about 6 miles N. E. of here -- immediately after discharged from the army I do not know, but he had not been out of the army very long when I first knew him personally & I don't think I had heard of him before he came to our neighborhood. If I had any acquaintance with him or knowledge of him before he went to the army I do not recall that fact now. Well, it was my understanding from J. T. Clark himself and also from his brother Abisha, had both made their homes with their uncle Isaac Clark in Pond Creek, near Briscoe Church which is about half way between here and Williamstown.

I think they said they came here from Marion Co., W. Va., but I can't name the place, nor can I recall how long either of them claimed to have lived about here before enlistment in the 6th W. Va. If Isaac Clark and his wife are dead, I do not know. I can't give name or address of any of his children. Mel Clark, Stapleton, brother Samuel, now dead, who lives in Pond Creek, is the only person who would likely recall J. T. Clark & Abisha Clark before they went the army. They lived in Pond Run not Pond Creek. I meant Pond Run all along.

After J. T. Clark and my sister Iva E. married, they lived neighbor to us in Worthington Creek until they moved to Berlin, Lafayette Co., Missouri, & remained some time and I was there too. Then they returned to Worthington Creek & remained a while, then they went west again and settled at Saltillo, Nebraska & I was there with them. The next move I recall hearing that they made was to Firth, Nebr., where I understand they remained and where I understand claimant still lives. They had several children. Yes, 2 or 3 or 4 were born in Worthington Creek.

Oh yes, I know about J. T. Clark and the claimant Iva Elizabeth Clark, my sister marrying. Yes, a personal knowledge. "Well, I seen them married." Oh they married in the state of Pennsylvania just across the line from Wheeling, W. Va., but I forget the name of the justice of the peace, the squire who married them. I not only saw J. T. Clark & my sister Iva E. married but I married my first wife -- Lois Hultz, on this same day, in fact I think married in the same ceremony -- all four stood up together.

No, it was not a minister that married us, but a squire. I think he gave us certificates, but if so I do not know what became of either certificates.

Ques. Was the squire named Alexander Noltz, Mayes, Sutherland or McCleary?

Ans. I could not say for sure; I think it was Mayes. Since thinking, I believe West Alexandria was the name of the place when we married. Well it was this way, my wife's father Mr. Hultz objected to our marriage so J. T. Clark & my sister Iva Elizabeth occluded that they would accompany us and get married also and did so.

We four boarded a boat here at Parkersburg and went to Wheeling, then to Pa. town where we married, by stage, and returned home the same way. Zack Lyons was present and saw us married. No, there was no objection raised by my parents, or anyone else to the marriage of J. T. Clark and Iva Elizabeth Kincheloe, my sister, now the claimant. They lived together continuously as husband and wife till his death so far as I know and believe. No, I have no knowledge that the soldier J. T. Clark was married before he married my sister Iva E., now the claimant. I have never even gotten an intimation that he was previously married and have never had any reason whatever to suspect that he had a prior marriage.

When they married, he was about 30 years old & Iva about 20. We two couples married in the year 1868 I think. It occurred in November, forget the day of the month. No, my sister Iva Elizabeth Kincheloe, now Clark the claimant, was not previously married. She was up till she married J. T. Clark, the soldier, at home with our parents out here in Worthington Creek & I was here too & I know positively that she was not previously married.

As to Sam. Linhart, Tom Clark often spoke of him as a cook (?). I never knew Linhart but he went out west somewhere too I heard. No, I can't recall the ages of any of the children of J. T. Clark & Iva E. Clark, his wife, my sister, but their eldest child was named Charles and he was born in Worthington Creek and during this next year following his parents marriage but I forget the month of his birth, but his birth occurred soon enough after his parents' marriage to create a suspicion that he, Charles, was conceived out of wedlock. His parents had been married several months when Charles was born.

No, Iva had no child born to her before she married J. Thomas Clark the soldier. Well sir, James Bailey & wife, next door neighbors of mine here are from Worthington Creek too & knew my sister Iva E., the claimant & the children I think. Nearly all the old folks who knew Iva then are dead. Jesse & Narcissus Sutherland (now near town, knew Iva well).

I have fully understood the questions & my answers are correctly recorded as read to me in my wife's presence.

J. T. Kincheloe - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of April 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Case of Iva B. Clark No. 1005683

On this Sixth day of August, 1914, at near Parkersburg county of Wood ,State of West VA, before me, George M. Beckett a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Christena Martin who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension deposes and says: 

I will be 67 years of age on Sept. 25th next. P. O. Parkersburg, WV R. F. D. #2. Res. about 1 ½ miles from North Parkersburg. Wife of Presley Martin and a daughter of the late Isaac and Jane Clark. I know the claimant but I did not know her until after she married Joseph Thomas Clark, this soldier who was a son of my uncle Samuel Clark. 

We usually called him Tom. He was living with my father when he enlisted in the 6th W. Va Inf. bridge guards. His father and his own brother Abisha enlisted in the same regiment and Uncle Samuel died a soldier at Cumberland of smallpox. No sir, Joseph Thomas Clark had no other army service. Oh yes, I was with Joseph Thomas Clark until he enlisted and from my childhood. He was living at my home when he enlisted. For years he made his home ~ before he enlisted ~ at our house and at Uncle Abisha Clark’s ~ we both lived north of here near Briscoe Church. 

He and his stepmother did not get along together well so he did not stay at home much. No sir, I have no knowledge that Joseph Thomas Clark married before he enlisted in the army nor while a solder. I have no knowledge that he married until after he came home from the army discharged and then not until some two or three years afterwards. 

Well he then married a Miss Kincheloe. I never have known the Kincheloe family except a sister Mary Catharine Taylor who is living. From the time he came from the army discharged until his reported marriage to Miss Iva Kincheloe he made my parents house his home but worked around the neighborhood as a farm hand and at saw milling. Working on Mr. Kincheloe’s saw mill when he married his daughter Iva who was not previously married that I know of. 

Well, I heard that Tom and Iva Kincheloe went up the river somewhere & married. No, I never saw their marriage certificate if they had one. Yes sir, I feel positive that Joseph Thomas Clark, my cousin, who served in the 6th W Va. Inf. never married except to Iva Kincheloe of this neighborhood. I certainly would know it if he had had another marriage. They lived together continuously till he died in Nebraska so far as I know. Had several children. Not interested in this case. I have fully understood the questions and my answers are correctly recorded as read to me.

Her Mark X

Christena Martin, Deponent

Attest Presley Martin
Mrs. Bessie Adelsberger

Subscribed and sworn to before me this Sixth day of August, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Deposition B. 
Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 23rd day of March, 1914 at Council Bluffs, County of Pottawattomie, State of Iowa, before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Daniel Hoy, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I was 71 years of age on the 19th day of this month. P. O. address: Roca, Lancaster Co., Neb., R. R. 2. I am a retired farmer. I know this claimant. She is my sister-in-law. I have been more intimately acquainted with her since 1865, but I knew her before the war. I was married to her sister on January 30, 1866. I have no interest in her pension claim. I knew her husband the soldier, J. T. Clark, Joseph T. Clark, I think.

I became acquainted with him after the war, probably in the latter part of 1866, because it was soon after I was married. He was working for my father-in-law in a saw mill when I first met him. He was married but once to my knowledge, and that was to this claimant. I should think he was 23 or 24 when I first met him. I was not personally acquainted with his brothers, but he had two that I saw, but no sisters that I ever heard of. His brothers were Miller and Abisha. Miller did live in Morgantown, W. Va., but I heard he is dead. Abisha is dead. I do not know anyone by whom the fact of no prior marriage on his part could be proven.

This claimant was married but once to my knowledge. She was not very old when she married, probably 17. I think she and soldier were married in 1868 but I would not be real positive. It was one or two years after I was married. They said they were married in Pennsylvania, near Wheeling. I do not know where. I believe the young folks called the place Hard Scrabble when they came back. I cannot tell you who married them, whether a Justice of the Peace or a minister. I was not present at their marriage.

They claimed to have a certificate and to have lost. I don't know as I ever saw it. I cannot remember seeing it. They, soldier and claimant, and her brother Taylor and Zack Lyons, and Taylor's wife, Lois Hultz, went away together when they went to get married. They were married in the Fall of the year. I think that the reason for their going away to get married was because of objections of the parent of Taylor's wife, to his marriage with her. Claimant's parents did not oppose her marriage with soldier to my knowledge, at least said nothing about it. No sir, there was nothing compulsory about their marriage.

Yes sir, claimant and soldier lived together as man and wife continuously from the time of their marriage to his death. Soldier died a little over a year ago, but I do not remember the exact date. I can't tell what month. Claimant has not remarried since his death. If my memory is right they took a boat to Wheeling when they went away to get married. Cannot say how long they were gone. Of course the parents of both parties must have recognized their marriages, as they were allowed to live together, and they were always regarded as man and wife by all the family.

I never heard the fact of claimant's marriage with soldier ever questioned by anyone. I do not know whether Zack Lyons is living or not. He was then living when I saw him in 1900 on Wellington Creek, W. Va., and about 10 miles from Parkersburg, and North West of Parkersburg. I think he was living on the home place then. I met him in the city of Parkersburg. 

Claimant had a child born to her before the regular time; they called it a seven months child, and it was always considered the soldier's child and went by his name. I don't think the family knew anything about the matter until the child was born, or if they were told, they never said anything about it. No one ever questioned the fact of their marriage on that or any other account, that I know of.

I am correctly recorded in the deposition which has been read to me. Your questions were fully understood. Word objections underlined as, before signing. Word 'been' erased line 38 before signing.

Daniel Hoy - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23rd day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Deposition 10
Case of Iva E. Clark, No. 1005683

On the fifth day of August, 1914, at Briscoe Church (Central Stop) county of Wood, State of West Virginia before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Elsie McAtee, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension deposes and says:

"I am 57 years of age. I was born April 11, 1855 and not far from here. My father was Isaac Clark, P. O. Parkersburg, WV, R. F. D. #1. I reside at Central Stop and Briscoe Church. Yes, I know the claimant. She was Iva Kincheloe and a sister of Taylor Kincheloe. She is of light complexion and was quite fleshy when I last saw her. They went from Worthington Creek to Nebraska. The soldier and late husband of the claimant was named Joseph Thomas Clark, but we always called him "Tom". He was a short heavyset man of dark complexion.

Forget the color of his eyes. He was a first cousin of mine. I saw his father, who was named Samuel but I do not know his mother's name. I never saw her. Their home was not about here. They probably lived in Monongalia County, WV for that is where my people came from. Soldier had a brother, "Bishey" and Miller. If another brother or sister, I know nothing about him or her. I don't know what became of Miller. Never saw him but once that I know of.

"Bishey" served in the Union army with Joseph Thomas Clark, his brother. They served together but I can't say in what regiment. I remember mother Jane Clark sending "Tom" and "Bishey" a box off somewhere, while they were soldiers and that the box contained chicken and other goodies. Well it is my recollection that Tom and Bishey Clark made my parents house their home, when boys and that was about 2 east of here in Pond Run.

It is my understanding that my parents practically raised them before they enlisted. Tom had run on the river some before he enlisted, so he afterward told me. Ran in the Kate _________(unreadable). I no doubt saw them before they enlisted. At any rate I recall well about them being in the service. "Tom" came back to our home from the army but "Bishey" did not. But he, "Tom", did not remain continuously at our home until marriage. Worked about the neighborhood and on saw mills.

I think he was working for Mr. Kincheloe in a saw mill when he married his daughter Ivy. From my earliest recollection of Tom Clark, I do not recall that he was out of this neighborhood except possibly for short periods except while a soldier. No sir, I don't think he was in the army more than once. I do not recall about the marriage of Tom Clark to Ivy Kincheloe, but I heard Tom Clark laugh about him running off to get married, but I can't say when.

No sir, Joseph Thomas Clark was never married except to Ivy Kincheloe. I feel positive that he was not previously married. She was about 17 and he about 30 when they married. So far as I know, they lived together continuously. Well by ? 28 before signing. Well if his complexion was light, his beard was dark. Not interested. I have fully understood the questions and my answers as correctly recorded and as read to me.

Elsie McAtee - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this Fifth day of August, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Deposition C. 
Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 5th day of August, 1914 at Pond Run, County of Wood, State of West Virginia, before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared J. Clark J. Stapleton, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: I am 72 years of age. P. O. Parkersburg, W. Va., R. F. D. # 1. I reside about a mile s. e. of Briscoe Church & in Pond Run.

Well, I knew Thomas Clark who was a civil war soldier quite a while before the civil war began. In fact, we went to school together at old Wesley Chapel north of Parkersburg and in this county when we were boys. His father was a renter but I forget his given name, but there were three brothers of this older generation, Samuel, Isaac and Abisha. Mrs. Elsie McAtee of Briscoe Church is a daughter of Isaac.

From our boyhood I kept track of Thomas Clark until he married and went to Nebraska, that is the second time. Oh yes, he was about there usually from our boyhood till his first going west. Worked about different places but made his home about here and especially at his uncle Isaac Clark's after his father died. It runs in my mind that his father's name was Samuel Clark. Well, I know he had a wife about here before going to Nebraska the first time and I understand that he married Miss Kincheloe of Worthington Creek a few miles east of here.

As I recalled he, or they lived at Five-mile both times they lived here after marriage. As to his wife I had no personal acquaintance with her. No I could not say about her being a sister of Taylor Kincheloe whom I know very well. No, I don't recall that Joseph was a part of Thomas Clark's name. We always called him "Tom". No I have no knowledge that Thomas Clark was married except to the Kincheloe woman. I was at his home on Five Mile while passing by, I think they had children.

He and his brother Bishey lived in Five Mile close together. No I never heard that the Kincheloe woman was previously married. I recall Thomas Clark as a short, heavy set man of dark complexion. His beard was dark. Samuel T. Stapleton my brother, William Halfhill & W. T. Sensenery (?) are dead. Not related or interested. I have fully understood the questions asked and my answers are correctly recorded as read to me.

J. C. J. Stapleton - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5th day of August 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Deposition A. 
Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 23rd day of April, 1914 at Smithville, County of Ritchie, State of West Virginia, before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared John P. Kennedy, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 75 years of age. P. O. Smithville, W. Va. res. near same. Former I served in Co. G 6 W. Va. Inf. for about 4 years & I had a comrade named Clark and I knew him as Thomas Clark and he served as Ord. Sergt. the last year of our service.

His father and brother were also members of our co. but I forget their given names. The father died of cold taken in smallpox at Westernport, Md. (?), in spring of 1865. I do not know what became of his brother. If Joseph was a part of the name of the man I recall as Thomas Clark who served as Ord. Sergt. in 1865 I did not know it. If I did it has passed from my memory. The man I recall as Thomas Clark I made an affidavit for and sent to him in the west somewhere Missouri I think. No, I do not recall that it was Nebraska.

Well sir, if I stated in that affidavit that I knew Clark before enlistment that statement was put without my knowledge for I did not know him before we became acquainted in Co. G. 6 W. Va. Inf. No recollection of it now. I think he belonged about Worthington Creek, Wood Co., W. Va. , but I was not acquainted in that neighborhood. However I lived in Wood Co. from 1856, coming from Allegheny Co., Pa., but at different places but not about the Clark's I feel sure, but I don't know that I saw him after the war.

Never heard from him again, except I made an affidavit as to his having smallpox at Westernport, Md. I acted as Ord. Sergt. in his place then. I heard that he lived about Parkersburg after the war somewhere but I do not recall that I heard he married. No sir, not to a Miss Kincheloe. He was not married while in the army & never had been that was my understanding. I feel certain that when he was discharged from the army he had never been married.

William Clark was the father's name and I think "Mash" or something similar the of the brother. Not related or interested. I have fully understood the questions asked and my answers were read to me.

John P. Kennedy - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23rd day of April 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Deposition A. 
Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 23rd day of March, 1914 at Mt. Lennanon, County of Allegheny, State of Pennsylvania, before me, Theodore Tallmadge, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Mrs. Lauretta R. Mayes, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: My age is 56 years; Occupation: - invalid; Address: as above.

I am the widow of the late J. Finley Mayes who was the Justice of the Peace in West Alexander, Washington Co., Pa., for a period of twenty-five (25) years, that is from May 1862 to 1887. J. Finley Mayes kept a record of the Marriages performed by him as Justice of the Peace and I as his widow have received the same and hold the same as owner thereof. I am willing for you to examine the record.

(Record presented for examination, shows the first Marriage as No. 1 dated May 22" 1862 and last marriage No. 2682 dated Feb. 1 " 1887. From this record: Page 42

"Wednesday $3.00, No. 392 Mr. J. T. Clark of Wood County, West Va. To Miss Iva Kincheloe of the same County and State aforesaid, November 11 " 1868".

There is no room for question as to the genuineness of this record and it was made contemporaneous with the event it purports to record, the marriage next preceding same being on Nov. 10 " 1868 and followed by a marriage on Nov. 11 " 1868, the latter of Jesse T. Kincheloe and Losana Hultz.

I have heard the foregoing read and have no interest in this claim and have understood the questions asked and my answers as read have been correctly recorded.

Loretta R. Mayes - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of September 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

Theodore Tallmadge - Special Examiner

Deposition F - Case of Iva E. Clark W.O. 
(widow of) No. 1005,683

On this sixth day of August 1914 near Parkersburg, county of Wood, state of West Va., before me George M. Beckett, a precinct examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appears Mary Wright, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension deposes and says:

I am 61 years of age. P. O. Parkersburg, W. Va., R. F. D. # 8. I reside in Beechwood near Parkersburg. Wife of Absolom Wright and a daughter of Isaac and Jane Clark. Yes sir, I know the claimant personally, but I know nothing about her having a middle initial. She was Miss Iva Kincheloe of Worthington Creek, but I don't think I have seen any of the Kincheloe's except herself and her brother Taylor Kincheloe.

Well the late soldier was a first cousin of mine, a son of my uncle Samuel Clark. No I do not know in what regiment but the father and his brother "Bish" served together. So far as I know Thomas was his full given name. Well if Joseph was a part of his name, I do not recall that fact if I ever knew. We called him Tom, this is what we called him. He stayed at our home, and Uncle Bish's a great deal. After he came from the army he made our house his home a great deal, the time till he married Iva Kincheloe, working about the neighborhood in Pond Run east of Briscoe Church. No I never knew him to make his home elsewhere.

On the river at times, but still made our house and Uncle Bish's house his home. No sir, I have no knowledge that he was in but once, but the one time. No sir, I have no knowledge whatever that Thomas Clark, my cousin the soldier was married except to Iva Kincheloe. I'm positive of that. I never saw claimant until the day she returned home from their wedding trip, but I do not recall as to when they married. Whether they had a marriage certificate, I do not recollect. At any rate there was no question but what they were lawfully married.

I didn't think Tom Clark was the kind of man that would have an unlawful marriage performed. No sir, I have never heard that claimant was previously married. She was young at marriage. On the day they returned from their marriage trip my parents gave them a dinner I think. They began housekeeping in our neighborhood, had children born to them and their marriage was not questioned. Never separated that I know. Removed to Nebraska. Not interested. I fully understand these questions and my answers are correctly recorded as read to me.

Attest < Bessie Wright Mary X (her mark) Wright
No other witness convenient - G. M. B.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of August 1914 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. 

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

Deposition C. 
Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 16th day of March, 1914 at Township 36, County of Lancaster, State of Nebraska, before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Sophia S. Grant, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I will be 60 years of age in June, this year. P. O. Address: Raymond, Lancaster Co., Neb. I am the widow of Robert Grant, a farmer. This claimant is my own sister. I have no interest in her pension claim. We have always lived pretty close together. We never lived any farther from each other than we are now. I knew her husband Thomas Clark, the soldier. I knew him two or three years before he was married to this claimant, that was when he came into the neighborhood where we were living, near Parkersburg, W. Va.

He worked in the sawmill on my father's place in West Va. I could not tell you how long he worked at the saw mill, it was two or three years before he married this claimant. I don't know as to whether I can say where he then came from. If I ever knew I have forgotten. I was not present at his marriage to my sister. He and my sister, and my brother Taylor Kincheloe and Lois Hultz were all married at the same time. They went away to get married.

I cannot remember the name of the place where they were married, it was somewhere near Cincinnati. I can't remember the name. It was in Ohio where they were married. It was not very far from Parkersburg. All I know about it is that they came back and said they were married and we had supper for them when they came back. There was no opposition to her marriage, there was to my brother's. His wife's people did not want her to get married.

The way they arranged it was this. They all came to our house, namely Taylor, and my sister, and soldier, and they sent a young man named Zach Lyons, after Lois to ask her parents if she could not go with them and stand up for my sister and soldier. She was allowed to go on that ground. Zack brought her to our house. They all dressed and went away the same evening. Zack went with them. He is still living I think. I never heard of his death. I suppose a Justice of the Peace married them, but I cannot say. I do not know for sure. 

Yes sir, claimant and soldier lived together as man and wife continuously from the date they came home and said they had been married until his death; he died last spring, just about a year ago, if I am not mistaken. I was not able to go to the funeral. Claimant has not remarried since his death. I think I did see her marriage certificate. I do not mind any other time. I think both Lois and my sister got certificates. I do not believe I can describe that certificate. It has been so long ago.

I do not know what has become of it, whether she has it yet or not. No sir, I never had the least doubts as to her marriage to the soldier at any time. I don not know by whom the fact of their marriage could be proven except my brother Taylor and Zack Lyons if he is still living. They went one evening and came back the next night. Our people knew all of them were going to be married because of the opposition to the marriage of Taylor and Lois Hultz.

All the rest of the family were married at home, I think every one of them. Soldier and claimant had 10 children I think and all are living but one. Yes, there was one child born before nine months were up, just about 7 months after they were married. No one knew anything about that until after they had been married. There never was any trouble about that child. They always got along well together as any man and woman could.

It was in the fall of the year when they were married, in November I think tho I cannot say for sure. I was only about 15 or 16 years old when they were married. Her marriage to soldier was claimant's first and only marriage. She was about 18 or 19 when she married. Soldier was married but the one time too, that I knew, or ever heard of, and that was to claimant. He has a sister-in-law living in Esbon, Kans., named Ellen Clark, mother of Ole Clark, same address. There never was any doubt in my mind or that of any of the family, that they had been ceremonially married. 

We were all struck dumb when that first child was born. Some thought it was a seven months baby, others that it was not. That never raised any question about their marriage. They always got along so well, and seemed so happy together. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which has been read to me. Your questions were understood.

Sophia S. Grant - Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 16th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner

DEPOSITION - Image
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 12th day of March 1914, at Firth, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Lawrence B. Clark, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 33 years of age. P. O. Address, Firth, Neb., I am writing insurance. This claimant is my mother. I have no financial interest in her claim.

Neither my father or mother were ever married more than once that I ever heard of. I was born in West Virginia, near Parkersburg, W.Va. Mother and father lived together as man and wife continuously from my earliest knowledge to the date of father's death. 

Mother has not remarried since father's death. He died here in Firth, Neb., on March 26, 1913, and late in the evening, on Wednesday. I have eight brothers and sisters, living all told, and they are all my own brothers and sisters. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which I have read. Your questions were understood.

Lawrence B. Clark – Deponent 
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION - image #1 and image #2
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 13th day of March 1914, at Hickman, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Armand M. Clark, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 39 years of age. P. O. Address: Hickman, Lancaster Co., Neb. I am in the livery business. This claimant is my mother. I have no financial interest in her claim.

I was born on July 12, 1874, and at Parkersburg, W. Va., near Boreman. We lived there until 1883, and then moved to Saltillo, Neb., and have lived in this and Gage Counties, Neb., ever since we came to the state. My father, the soldier, lived together as man and wife continuously from my earliest remembrance, until his death on March 26, 1913, and on a Wednesday as near as I can recollect.

He was buried two days after his death. I was called over the phone after he died, and he died before twelve o’clock, midnight. My mother has not remarried since his death. My mother has been married but the one time that I ever knew and ever heard of. Father was also married but the one time, namely to mother, and I never heard any different.

I am positive that I saw their marriage certificate, and as near as I can recollect, the last time I saw it was when we moved to the Hendrickle farm, two miles south of College View, Neb., in 1884. I do not know what has become of it. I am satisfied it got lost in moving. I do not know the date or place of father’s marriage, except as far as I heard. I could not give you the dates and place, as I gave it no thought.

I understood that mother and father went with her brother and his fiancée to be married, both parties. They went to Pennsylvania, I understood but what part I do not know. The only reason they went to Pennsylvania was because they wanted to help out her brother to get married, as his wife’s folks did not want him to marry her. Such is the impression I have always had of it. There was no opposition that I ever heard of to the marriage of Father and mother.

It is a fact that the first child was born before time, and so my aunt has told me, the one named Mollie who is in Esbon, Kans., but it was a premature birth I think, and I never understood that this child was the cause of their going to Pennsylvania. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which I have read. Your questions were fully understood.

Armand M. Clark – Deponent
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION - image #1 and image #2
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 13th day of March 1914, at Hickman, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared James A. Clark, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 42 years of age. I was born on May 15, 1871. P. O. Address: Hickman, Lancaster county, Neb. This claimant is my mother. I have no financial interest in her claim for pension.

I am the second oldest child. I was born in Wood County, W. Va., near Parkersburg. Yes sir, mother and father lived together continuously as man and wife from my earliest recollection to his death. I do not think they were ever apart more than two weeks at a time. Father died on March 26, 1913. I was there at the time of his death. He died about 11 p.m. as near as I can remember. Mother has not remarried since his death.

Mother’s marriage to father was her first and only marriage, that I ever knew or heard of. Father was married only once also, that is to mother, and I have never heard anything to the contrary. They were married in Pennsylvania, I have heard, but I cannot speak the name of the place, nor who married them. My uncle Taylor Kincheloe and his wife were with them and were married the same time, the way I understand it. I believe they also said a man named Zach Lyons was also there. He is dead, I think. 

It seems to me that I have seen her marriage certificate, but I do not know whether it would be safe for me to say I did or not. I really believe that I did see it. It’s been quite a while ago I saw it, if at all. It has been lost as far as I ever knew, in moving around. I could not tell you what it looks like, as near as I can remember it was just a plain certificate, nothing fancy about it, just black and white. I could not tell you what was on it.

If any of the children were born before time I never knew anything about it. I do not know why they went to Pennsylvania to be married, nor heard a reason for it. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which I have read. Your questions were fully understood.

James A. Clark – Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 6th day of August 1914, at North Parkersburg, county of Wood, State of West Va.., before me, George M. Beckett, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared James E. Bailey, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 74 years of age. Res. North Parkersburg. P. O. Parkersburg, W. Va., RFD # 8. Retired farmer. My home from 1848 until recent years, except while in the 14th W. Va. Infantry, was northeast of this city in Worthington Creek. 

I have known the claimant from her childhood. She was a daughter of Lawrence Kincheloe and a sister of Taylor Kincheloe. Their home was also in Worthington Creek and about a mile from my home. Yes sir, I knew her well from her childhood until her reported marriage to Joseph Thomas Clark, who was ever much known as Tom Clark who claimed to have served in the 6th W. Va. Inf. 

In fact I was one of the guests at the supper given at the Kincheloe’s home to Iva Kincheloe and Joseph Thomas Clark and also Taylor Kincheloe and Lois Hultz, in the evening prior to their reported up the Ohio river to get married.

The man named Zach Lyons accompanied them in this trip I understood. Upon their return, they said they went to Wheeling on the boat, then went to Pennsylvania somewhere and got married. If they got marriage certificates, I didn’t see either one, but there was no question but that both couples were lawfully married. 

Both couples went to housekeeping and had children born to them, and they, both couples were recognized as husband & wife. Tom Clark and claimant lived together continuously till his death in Nebraska so far as I know.

They had several children born here –went to Missouri first, came back and then went to Nebraska. Oh no, Iva Kincheloe, the claimant, now this claimant was not married before she married Joseph Thomas Clark the soldier. I am positive she was not previously married, in fact young when she married Clark. No she had no child before she married Clark but she was no doubt in a delicate condition when she married Clark & there was no question but what Clark was the father of her unborn child.

I first knew Clark right away after the war – fall of 1865 I think. Got acquainted with him on a sawmill in Worthington Creek. Knew him well from then till he and claimant went west as husband and wife. No I have no knowledge that Clark was married before he married Iva Kincheloe, now his widow. I think not. I never heard of it. Served in 6th W. Va. Infantry as far as I know. Not related or interested. I fully understood the questions and my answers are correctly recorded as read to me.

J. E. Bailey – Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of August 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 6th day of August 1914, at North Parkersburg, county of Wood, State of West Va., before me, George M. Beckett, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Elizabeth Jane Bailey, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 61 years of age. Res. North Parkersburg. P. O. Parkersburg, W. Va., RFD # 8. Wife of James E. Bailey. I know the claimant personally. She was a Miss Iva Kincheloe, daughter of Lawrence Kincheloe, of Worthington Creek and also a sister of Taylor Kincheloe and I knew her before she married Thomas Clark who I understood had been a soldier.

I knew her from the time she was a small girl. We attended the same Sabbath school and church although we did not live right near neighbors. After Mr. Bailey and I married we visited the Clark’s at their home on Worthington Creek. No I don’t know about Joseph being a part of Thomas Clark’s name. No I have no knowledge that claimant was ever married except to Thomas Clark, the soldier. I understood that she and Mr. Clark and Taylor Kincheloe and Miss Lois Hultz went to Pennsylvania & married –that they had a double wedding.

She was young at marriage. She is I think a year or so older than myself. Well I saw Thomas Clark before he married claimant but had no acquaintance with him until after he & Iva married. No I never heard that Thomas Clark was previously married. I think not. It is my understanding that he was raised not far away and if he had a prior marriage I think I would have heard it. Yes they lived together continuously so far as I know until he died. Not related or interested. I fully understood the questions and my answers are correctly recorded as read to me.

E. Jane Bailey – Deponent

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of August 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 13th day of March 1914, at Hickman, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Theys Brockema, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 29 years of age. P. O. Address: Hickman, Lancaster Co., Neb. I am an assistant undertaker. I had charge of the funeral of Joseph Thomas Clark, the soldier, husband of this claimant. Have known her about 6 or 7 years.

I show you a record I made in the case of Joseph T. Clark, whose funeral I had charge of. Record shows: “Lancaster Co., Village of Firth; Name, Joseph Thos. Clark; date of birth: Mo. 6 Day 29 Yr. 1840; Date of death March 26, 1913; Hour: 11:30 p.m., Age 72 yrs., 8 mo., 27 days; sex: male; color: white; single divorced married: “married”; occupation: engineer, retired; Birth place: West Virginia; maiden name of mother “unknown”; birthplace: “unknown”. Informant: A. M. Clark.

Date of service: Mar. 28, 1913
Place: Firth, Neb. Hour: 2:30 p.m.
Remarks: Mr. Clark died of Stone Cancer
The doctor’s name was W. W. Claybaugh of Firth, Neb.
I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which has been read to me. Your questions were understood.

Theys Brockema – Deponent
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION - Image #1 and Image #2
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 12th day of March 1914, at Firth, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Dr. Wm. W. Claybaugh, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 57 years of age. P. O. Address: Firth, Neb. I am a physician of Surgery, graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, Class of 1883; I have practiced ever since. I have been here only 18 months.

I have been acquainted with claimant since about November 1912. She was then living with the soldier, her husband. I never knew anything about them prior to that. Claimant has not married since soldier’s death. I treated soldier off and on from the time I came here to his death. I was at his house during his final illness. He died in the night and I saw him a few hours before his death. He was then hopelessly ill, with sarcoma of the upper jaw. It was a case of metastasis. I think he died on March 26, 1913, if my memory serves me right.

My ledger shows I visited him on March 26, 1913, and I visited him a few hours before his death. He died in the night of the 26th or early in the morning of the 27th of March 1913. I made out the death certificate and I made the return to the undertaker, and to the village clerk, and to the Health office at Lincoln. (Ledger record shows notes on March 26, 1913 and more thereafter, H. F. G.). This is the usual course in such things. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which has been read to me. Your questions were understood.

Wm. W. Claybaugh – Deponent
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION - Image #1, Image #2, Image #3
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 13th day of March 1914, at Firth, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Samuel Linhart, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 80 years old last January. P. O. Address: Roca, RR. 1, Lancaster Co., Neb. I am a retired farmer. I know this claimant. I have known her for about thirty years, ever since she came here to Nebraska. I am not related. I have no interest in her claim.

She and soldier were living together as man and wife when I first met them. They continued to live together in that relationship until his death. He died last year; I do not remember the month. She has not remarried since then to my knowledge. I was at his funeral. I have seen her once since. I expect I would have heard of it if she had remarried. She has been married only the one time that I ever heard tell of. I first met the soldier in 1881 in August, in Parkersburg, W. Va. I first met him about the time we enlisted.

He served with me in Co. G, 6th W. Va. Inf., but he re-enlisted and I did not. He was discharged in 1865. He was not married when I first met him. He was quite young, only about 17. I knew his father and his brother. They were both in the same company and regiment with us. They are both dead. I was not present when he and the claimant were married, but I think I heard tell of it about the time, and if I don’t mistake I also saw it in the Parkersburg Journal at the time, that they went away and got married.

She was a Miss Kincheloe. I had seen her a few times there in W. Va., but was not acquainted with her then. They lived in Wellington Creek, W. Va. His marriage to the claimant was the only marriage I ever heard tell of. I do not know any circumstances in connection with their marriage. 

I don’t know whether he has any relatives living or not. He may have a half brother and a half sister living. I don’t know their names. I heard the old man say that he had two small children when we were in the army, and that is why I speak of half brother and half sister. Claimant and soldier were married in 1867 or 1868, I think, or maybe 1866. 

I do not know by whom you could prove that soldier was not married before his marriage to this claimant. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which has been read to me. Your questions were understood.

Samuel Linhart – Deponent
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

DEPOSITION - Image
Case of Iva E. Clark W., O. No. 1,005, 683

On this 12th day of March 1914, at Firth, county of Lancaster, State of Neb., before me, H. F. Gloetzner, a Special Examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared John F. Boesiger, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I am 38 years of age. P. O. Address: R. R. 1, Firth, Nebraska. I am a farmer. I know this claimant. I am not related to her. I have no interest in her claim. I have known her ever since 1888, and Mr. Clark for the same period of time. They were living together as man and wife when I first met them and continued in that relation until he died.

He died about a year ago now. I attended his funeral. His funeral was either on a Friday or he died on a Friday. I do not know which now. Claimant has not remarried since his death. I do not know anything about the Clark’s before they moved up to Princeton, Neb., where we were living at the time, and that was in 1888. 

I do not know how often they were married. I never heard that they were married more than the one time. That is my signature to affidavit marked B. J. 6. It is correct. I am correctly recorded in this my deposition which has been read to me. Your questions were understood.

J. F. Boesiger – Deponent
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing. Herman F. Gloetzner – Special Examiner

Deposition C. 
Case of Iva E. Clark, W.O. No. 1,005,683

On this 23rd day of March, 1914 at Council Bluffs, County of Pottawattomie, State of Iowa, before me, George M. Beckett, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared Sarah E. Hoy, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to her during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: 

I was 65 years old last April. P. O. Address: Roca, Lancaster Co., Neb. I am the wife of Daniel Hoy, a farmer. This claimant is my own sister, a younger sister. We have always lived pretty close to each other. I have no pecuniary interest in her pension claim.

I knew her husband the soldier, Thomas Clark, John Thomas Clark, before he married this claimant. I first met him about three years after the war. The first I knew of him he worked for my father. I think he boarded at my father's until he was married to this claimant. I never knew any of his relations. I do not know anyone else who would know anything about him before I met with him.

This claimant was married but the one time, that was to John Thomas Clark. I don't know how they were married whether in ceremony or not. They had a certificate. I cannot say I saw it. I have heard her say she had one and that it was lost one time while they were moving. I do not know by whom they were married or in what place. 

My brother Taylor Kincheloe was married at the same time and place. He married a Lois Hultz. It was an elopement on my brothers part, but not on claimant's. A man named Zach Lyons went with them also. He was not dead the last I heard of him and that was in 1900.

Mr. Hoy was then back in Parkersburg, and saw him. I could not say why they went to a place other than Parkersburg to get married. I think they were under age. I think they went away on my brother's account, because his wife's parents objected to their marriage. That was I cannot tell whether it was in 1868 or 1869, and I think in October or November. I remember distinctly their going away, and it was our knowledge and understanding that they were going away to get married.

I am pretty sure it was one of the two months named, tho not positive. I am sure it was in the Fall of the year. I was not at home at the time, but lived right close, probably a quarter of a mile away. I never doubted their being married. Yes, I think they did go to Ohio. I won't say positive that they were married in Ohio, but I think they were. I think they told me where they had been married but I could not tell now. My parents accepted the fact of their marriage.

Yes sir, they lived together, that is claimant and soldier, continuously from their marriage to his death. It was last March he died, but I do not remember exactly what date. She has not remarried since then. My brother Taylor was living the last I heard, tho he was pretty sick. He is living in Parkersburg, W. Va. We have heard from him within a year.

The soldier had never been married before he married the claimant, to my knowledge or hearing. Well, yes, he was a pretty young man when I first met him, probably 25 years old. I never heard him say that he had been or that he had not been married before he married this claimant. She had 10 children by the soldier, counting the one that died. Yes sir, one of the children, the oldest one was born before the time, probably after seven months, after they claimed to have been married.

There was not much said, in fact nothing was said about this premature birth, tho there was the suspicion that there had been prior intimacy between them. We never at any time, for that reason or any other, doubted the fact of their having been ceremonially married. We had a supper for them, a wedding supper at home when they returned. They were not gone more than two or three days.

I did not see them off when they went. No sir, they, soldier and claimant were never separated or divorced. They always seemed to get along first rate together. I am correctly recorded in this deposition which I have read. Your questions were fully understood. I cannot say for sure, whether soldier's name was John Thomas or Joseph Thomas, I know he signed himself J. T. Clark. This is correct also and was read by me.

Sarah E. Hoy - Deponent
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23rd day of March 1914, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

George M. Beckett - Special Examiner