From: KyArchives [Archives@genrecords.org] Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 10:33 AM To: Ky-Footsteps Subject: Burns.Harriet.Civilwar.1902.Laurel-Clay.MILITARY-Pension Deposition For Pension - Case 656465 Civilwar Laurel-Clay County KyArchives Military Pension Deposition For Pension - Case 656465 In these files, there is a copy of a handwritten letter of complaint [supposedly written by a BUCK BOWING] about Harriet (Dixon) Burns title to pension. There is a letter from the Department of Interior, Bureau of Pension dated Sept 16, 1897 requesting an investigation. Hand written letter reads (as best as I can read the handwriting). The spelling is as written in letter: I will inform you that ROBERT BURNS of Manchester, Clay Co, KY is dead whitch said BURNS was Drawing a Pention for his eyes and with a stomache desease and now, HARRIT BURNES, his wife is wanting to Draw his Pention whitch HARIT is not his lawful wife But NANCY MURL, of Clay Co Ky is his wife and is liveing. So I have heard for further information you rite to BUCK BOWLING at Williams Burg, Whitley Co. KY. After investigating this matter, below is a letter from Percy S. Crown (Spelling?), Special Examiner on his findings: Wid Orig. 656465 HARRIET BURNS, wid ROBERT BURNS, Co I 14 Ky Cav. P.O. - "Deceased" Late Ionia, Laurel Co., KY Office of Special Examinant, Lexington, KY. Aug 29, '02 Sir: I have the honor to return the papers in the above cited claim and to submit my report thereon. This Claimant died on or about August 19- 1902. She perhaps been a good character since death of ROBERT BURNS, she had no children by this soldier. Claim was referred to S. E. Div., to determine legal widowhood and came to me for initial examination. J.B. BUCK BOWLIN, the stepson of soldier, see preliminary report, is the man sent to Nashville Prison by U.S. Court, for forgery or other crooked work in Pension Claims and I think is still in prison. Claimant was mistress of SILAS HOSKINS by whom she had two sons, now grown men, these boys being taken by HOSKINS' wife [this would be PATIENT JONES HOSKINS] and raised with his legitimate children their names appearing on his Bible Record along in order, among his numerous legitimate children. I learned from Asylum Records that ALMIRA BURNS, 51 yrs, married, of Clay Co. Ky was at Asylum April 81 to Oct 81, was an epileptic, correspondent was C?? HAYES, Manchester Ky. I think their is no question that all three of the wives of ROBT BURNS are now dead, the first probably died about time of war, the second likely in Jan 82, shortly after return from Asylum. BURNS had deserted her for HARRIETT DICKSON several years before, but it is not likely that he really married HARRIETT till after ALMIRA died. However this is not now material, then is no one to file or complete claim based on ROBERT BURN'S ser?? . Witnesses are good for truth,. SILAS HOSKINS is most highly respected now, I am told. Recommend consideration Chief Brd of Rev. Respectfully submitted Percy S. Crown Special Examiner Hon. E. F. War? Comm. of Pensions Washington, D.C. Submitted by: Patti Smith psmith11@columbus.rr.com Additional Comments: I received the application for pension files for Robert 'Cody' Burns, filed by his wife Harriet Dixon Burns. Harriet Dixon is my gg-grandmother. She had two children with Silas Hoskins, Leander & Robert Hoskins. Robert is my g-grandfather. There is some interesting information that may be of help to others including Stillings & Bowling. I am going to type some excerpts from this file that maybe others on the list would be interested. I can not always make out some of the had writing. Spelling is as written in deposition. This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/kyfiles/