Unpublished Civil War Material
in the Clarke Historical Library
Bounties, Military
Aldrich, Silas C., d.1863. Widow's application for bounty, 1866 Sept. 5. 2 items. Widow's application for bounty filed by Amanda King. Notes on back regarding a claim made by Silas L. Aldrich the following year. Includes brief service history. Bio: Resident of Grattan, MI; served in the 25th Mich. Inf.; died of disease at Bowling Green, KY in 1863.
Preston, C. A. Claim against transfer of right and demands of back pay bounty cases, 1863. 1 folder. Two-page agreement by Preston to sign over to James Kennedy claims/demands against the U.S. as claims agent and the interest and two $75 bounties of George S. Hunt, father of Francis Hunt, deceased of Company G, 18th Michigan Infantry, and William Hall, father of Sylvenus G. Hall, deceased of Company D, 21st Michigan Infantry. Also included are five pages of names of dead Michigan soldiers, names of claimants, and the reasons for claims, such as "back pay" or "invalid guardians." Bio: Kennedy was from Ionia (Ionia County, Mich.).
Reed, Sumner O. Land Grant Certificate, 1865. 1 folder, ill. Land Grant Certificate No. 12390 for Settlers Swamp Land in Kent County (Mich.), dated July 14, 1865, probably issued as a bonus for Reed's Civil War service. Bio: Reed was killed in action near the Chattahooche River (Ga.) on July 5, 1864. Perhaps this grant was given to his widow or son. Reed enlisted from Solon (MI) into Company F, Michigan 14th Infantry on Dec. 24, 1861 at age 32. He was mustered on January 7, 1862 and re-enlisted on January 4, 1864 at Franklin (TN). He was mustered again on February 5, 1864.
Stilwell, Lyman D., 1820-1864. Widow's pension application, 1865. 1 folder. Application of Stilwell's widow, Caroline Stilwell of Ionia County (MI), for $8/month beginning May 3, 1864. A photocopy of Lyman's service record is also included. Bio: Lyman, from Lowell (Kent County, Mich.), enlisted in Company M, 6th Michigan Cavalry, on Sept. 3, 1862 at age 42. He was mustered on Oct. 3, 1862, taken prisoner at Waterford (Va.) on August 8, 1863, died at Andersonville Prison (Ga.) on May 3, 1864, and was buried at the National Cemetery, Andersonville (Ga.), Grave No. 854.