"A" Declaration for Original Invalid Pension "A"
STATE OF West Virginia
COUNTY OF Marshall

     On this 3rd day of September A. D., one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine personally appeared before me Thos. Figue (sp.) County Clerk; the same being a Court of Record of the County and State aforesaid Geo. O. Riggle a resident of County of Marshall, State of W. Va who being by me duly sworn according to law, on his solemn oath deposes as follows, to wit:
     "I am the identical Geo. O. Riggle who was enrolled on the 12 day of Aug 1862 in Company A of the12 Reg’t of W. Va. Vol’s, commanded by Captain Tumbleson and I was honorably discharged at Cumberland Md. on the 10 day of May 1865 and my age is now 35 years. While in the service aforesaid, and in the line of my duty I received the following disability, to wit:
     About the 1st April 1884 I contracted measles while at or near Cumberland, Md. and they settled upon me producing disease of the lungs for which I claim a pension.
     I was sent to Hammond Hosp at Cumberland Md. April 1, 1884 & sent home on furlough & treated by Dr. Gray.
     I have never been employed in the Military or Naval Service of the United States otherwise than set forth above. Since leaving the Service, I have resided at W. Va. and my occupation has been a farmer & before my entry into the Service aforesaid I was of good, sound physical health, being at enrollment a farmer and I am now so much disabled from obtaining my subsistence by manual labor by reason of my disabilities above stated, received in the service of the United States, and I make this Declaration for the purpose of being place on the Invalid Pension Roll of the United States. I hereby appoint and empower, with full power of substitution, NATHAN W. FITZGERALD OF WASHINGTON CITY, D. C. my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute my claim. My Post Office address is Dallas, County of Marshall, State of W. Va.

George O. Riggle
(Claimant’s Signature)

Attest: J. G. Phillips
Two Witnesses Thos. W. Manning

Sir:
Please furnish this Office a report of hospital treatment in the Claim No. 312517, of Geo. O. Riggle, late a ____Co. A, 12 W. Va. Vols. from the data given below.

1. Disability from measles, causing lung disease, contracted at or near Cumberland, Md., about April 1, 1864.

2. Treatment as follows:
Sent to Hammond Hospital at Cumberland, Md., May 1/64 then sent home.

3. The Adjutant General’s report called for but not rec’d.

4. Discharged May 10, 1865, at Cumberland, Md.

Very respectfully,
J. A. Burtly(sp.)
Commissioner.

The Surgeon General U. S. A.

Sir:
     I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 312517, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.
     It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office that George __ Riggles was enrolled on the 12 day of August, 1862, at Cameron, in Co. "A" 12 Regiment of W. Va. Volunteers, to serve 3 years. On the Muster Roll of Co. "A" of that Regiment, Decr. 31, 1863, he is reported Pvt. Present and so reported to Feby 29/64. April 30/64 absent. Sick at Cumberland, Md. since April 3/64 and is reported to June 30/64. August, 3/64 Absent sick and is reported to June 30/65.
     Mustered out on Detachment Muster Out Roll at Cumberland, Md. May 10/65.
     Nature of sickness not stated.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
H. C. Certin (sp)
Assistant Adjutant General

The Commissioner of Pensions,
     Washington, D. C.

No. 49670

Sir:

     I have the honor to return herewith your request for a report of hospital treatment in Claim, No. 312514, with such information as is furnished by the records filed in this Office, viz; that Pvt. George Riggle, Co. "A", 12 Va. Vols. entered Genl. Hospl. Cumberland Md. April 1-1864 with measles and was returned to duty Oct. 26/64. Pvt. George O. Riggle of said Co. and Regiment, entered G. H. Cumberland Md. Oct. 24-1864 with chronic diarrhea and was discharged from service May 10/65. There are no records of the Regiment on file.

By order of the Surgeon General:
          J. J. Woodward
          Surgeon, U. S. Army
To the Commissioner of Pensions,           per J. Frech

State of West Virginia
County of Marshall

     On the 13th day of September 1881, personally appeared before me, Clerk of a Court of Record in and for the County and State aforesaid Elizabeth M. Riggle a resident of the County of Marshall and State of W. Va aged 36 years, who being duly sworn, makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the Pension provided by the Act of Congress approved July 14, 1862. That she is the widow of George O. Riggle who was a private in Company A commanded by Capt W. Tomlinson in the 12 Regiment of W. Va. Vols. in the War of 1861; that her maiden name was Elizabeth M. Gribben and that she was married to said George O. Riggle on or about the 23 day of June 1867 at _____in the Counthy of Green and State of Pa by Rev. Job Rossell and that she knows of no record evidence of said marriage.
     SHE FURTHER DECLARES that said George O. Riggle her husband, died in the United States as aforesaid at Marshall Co in the State of W. Va. on or about the 14 day of May 1881, of Lungs disease caused by falling back of Measles contracted while in the service. Deceased soldier was an applicant for Pens No. 312517. She also declares that she has remained a widow ever since the death of said George O. Riggle and that she has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States; and she hereby appoints W. M. Fitzgerald & Co of Washington D.C. as her lawful Attorneys with power of substitution, and authorized them to present and prosecute this claim, and to receive her pension certificates. The following are the names dates of birth and places of residence of all the children of her deceased husband who were under sixteen years of age at the time of his death

David A. born 4 Apl 1869 Bertha L. born Jun 7/71
Mary C. born Apl 13/73

My Post Office address is Majorsville, Marshall Co. W. Va.

If mark is made, two witnesses who write sign here.

her - Elizabeth M. Riggle - mark
G. W. Seaton
T. H. Vanatta

     ALSO PERSONALLY APPEARED before me, G. W. Seaton and T. H. Vanatta residents of Marshall County and State of West Virginia to me well known as credible persons, who being duly sworn, declare, that they were present and saw said Elizabeth M. Riggle make her mark to the following declaration, and that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of said applicant, and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and know that said deceased recognized said applicant as his lawful wife, and that she was so recognized by the community in which they resided; and that they have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

          G. W. Seaton
          T. H. Vanatta
          (Signatures of Witnesses)

State of West Va. County of Marshall S.S
In the matter of Pension claim of George O. Riggle late private Co. A 12 West Va Vols. personally comes the affiant who being first sworn, on oath says: I was acquainted with the said Geo O. Riggle about one year before he went in the service. He was enrolled on the 16" day of August 1862 at Wheeling W. Va. He was a stout able bodied young man and was able for duty in the service to April 1864 (I dont remember the date) While in camp in Cumberland Md. he took sick with the meassels, We got marching orders, and he was sent to the hospital. I did not see him again until we was discharged in 1865. I seen him several times after was discharged he was not able to do manual labor and affiant further swears that he is not interested in the prosecution of the claim, and his Post Office address is Cameron Co. of Marshall State of West Va.

Andrew J. Mathews
(Affiant’s signature)
private Co A, 12 Regt

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10" day of March 1882. The affiant is the person he represents himself to be, and a credible witness. I am not interested in this claim sought to be established. Witness my hand and seal, day and year above written (my certificate on file)

The contents were read over to affiant before signing the same.

D. A. Woodburn
Notary Public
(Official Signature)

If this evidence is sworn to before a Notary Public or Squire, it will be necessary to have the Clerk’s certificate attached, unless said Notary or Squire already has such a certificate on file in the Pension Office showing official capacity. If such a certificate is on file, the Notary or Squire must say so, in his Jurat.

          Return to N. W. FITZGERALD & CO.
          Washington, D. C.

State of West Va. County of Marshall S.S.

In the matter of Pension claim of George O. Riggle late private Co. A 12 West Va Vols. personally comes the affiant who being first sworn, on oath says: I was a member of Co A 12" Regt W Va Vols. was acquainted with the said Geo O Riggle from his enlistment up to April 1864. I considered him an able bodied man until he took the measels while in camp near Cumberland Md about the above date. We got marching orders when the said Riggle was sent to the hospital. I never saw him again until we was discharged and we came home. When I seen him after we came home I did not consider him an able bodied man.

and affiant further swears that he is not interested in the prosecution of the claim, and his Post Office address is Rock Lick Co. of Marshall State of West Va.

          G. A. Jones
          (Affiant’s signature)

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10" day of March 1882. The affiant is the person he represents himself to be, and a credible witness. I am not interested in this claim sought to be established. Witness my hand and seal, day and year above written (my certificate on file)

The contents were read over to affiant before signing the same.

          D. A. Woodburn
          Notary Public
          (Official Signature)

If this evidence is sworn to before a Notary Public or Squire, it will be necessary to have the Clerk’s certificate attached, unless said Notary or Squire already has such a certificate on file in the Pension Office showing official capacity. If such a certificate is on file, the Notary or Squire must say so, in his Jurat.

          Return to N. W. FITZGERALD & CO.
               Washington, D. C.

Statement in case of G O Riggle, late Private, Co "A", 12" Regt W. Va. Vol

Having been applied to for a certificate in case of "Riggle" and not being able to give any information in the blank furnished for officers certificate can only state Riggle was a member of my Co "A" was of good habits, but I am not able to say anything as to the time he was taken sick nor the cause of his death. Have seen him several times since the close of the war & he was in very delicate health. G. A. Jones & A. J. Mathews whose affidavits are filed in this case were members of his mess. and both men entitled to credit & have no doubt have stated the facts as they occured.

Moundsville, W. Va.          W. J. Burley(sp) Late
March 25, 1882          Capt. Co "A" 12" Infty Regt W Va Vols

State of West Virginia
County of Marshall

     Sworn and subscribed to before me this 25th day of March 1882 & the affiant is the person he represents himself to be & is a credible witness & I am not interested in this claim. Witness my hand and seal this 25th day of March A.D. 1882

Thos. Fairy (sp) Clk
Marshall County Court

(This entire page was handwritten)

State of West Virginia
County of Marshall

In the matter of application for invalid Pension N286431 of E M Riggle widow of George O Riggle of Co A 12 W Va infantry personally comes the affiant who being first duly sworn on oath says I was acquainted with George O Riggle the husband of Elizabeth M Riggle prior to his enlistment in the army war of 1861 and believe him to have been at time of his enlistment sound and healthy and free from measels or effects of that or other disease. After said soldiers discharge from the army he lived on my farm most of the time until his death. During this time he was able to do light work about one fourth of his time and was suffering all this time with a severe cough and hermarge of the lungs. The above statement is made from personal knowledge and I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim for Pension and my Post Office address is Cameron, County of Marshall, State of West Virginia.

J. G. Phillips

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of January 1863. The affiant is the person he represents himself to be and a credible witness. I am not interested in the prosecution of this claim. The contents were read over to affiant before executing the same. My official certificate is on file in the Pensions Office at Washington, D. C.

Given under my hand this day and year above written

O Moore J.P.

On side of page
E. M. Riggle and G O Riggle A-12-W Va 286431

Stamped
U. S. Pension Office Feb 5 1883
Cond after discharge - Phillips

(This entire page was handwritten)

Stamped: U. S. Pension Office Dec 17 1885

Dear Sir:
In reply to you questions I will answer them as best I know how. I saw Geo O Riggle immediately after he came back from the army not over ten days. He got me to tell Dr. Gray to stop and see him. He told the Doctor he had the measles in the army. The Doctor told him the measles had settled on his lungs and would be death of him some time. I heard the Doctor tell him this. He was, in my judgment, suffering considerable from the lungs. Dr. Gray gave him medicine evry once and while for his lungs untill Dr. Gray moved west. He seemed to be getting worse all the time. I suppose he could perform some labor about 3/4 of a days work untill about 1869 when I did not consider he was able to perform more 1/2 days work at light labor.

J. G. Phillips
Calis
Marshall
P O
W Va

(This entire page was handwritten)

State of Pennsylvania
County of Greene

     In the matter of the Pension Claim of Eliz M. Riggle widow of Geo. O. Riggle "A" 12" W. Va. Vols.
Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, James Barnhart age 56 years Post Ryerson’s Station
person of lawful age,who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows:

     that affiant here makes his own Statements.

     I have known George O Riggle ever since he was born. He worked for me a month in the spring of 1861. Just before he went to the war, he had been a stout hearty little man ever since he was a man and a good hand at all kinds of farm work. I never knew anything serious the matter with him before he went to the army. He wrote several letters to me while he was in the army--in one of which he stated that he was not well--that he had come near dying with the measles.
     I first seen George O. Riggle soon after he was discharged--do not remember the date exact. He had a pale yellow bad look--not like the George Riggle that he was before he went away. He told me that he had something the matter with his bowls while in the war that was very hard on him. I dont think he ever seen a well day since the war altho he was of a cheerful disposision. I met George Riggle a little over a year before he died.. He was al crooked down, and his breast drawn in. I asked him if it would not be better for him to streighten out and expand his breast. He said he could not streighten out as it hirt his breast so bad.
     As to his work for the first five years after coming from the war, might be half or 2/3 of a hand; but he got weaker till the last two years or more he could not do any work.

I further declare that I have no interest in said case, and am not concerned it its prosecution.

If either affiant sign by X mark, two persons WHO WRITE THEIR NAMES MUST sign here as witnesses thereto.

J. C. Booker          James Barnhart
(Name of witness)           (Signature of affiant)

Seal: Pension Office Nov 7, 1885

Along side of form: This Blank is prepared by GEORGE E. LEMON, of Washington, D. C., and is Exclusively for his Use.

State of Pennsylvania
County of Greene

     In the matter of the Pension Claim of Eliz M. Riggle widow of Geo. O. Riggle "A" 12" W. Va. Vols.

     Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, S. H. Barnett 49 years Ryerson’s Station, Greene County, Penna.
person of lawful age,who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows:
     I have known the above applicant for thirty or thirty-five years and up to the time of death before entering the service by all appearence he was sound and healthy and performed ordinary manual labor required to be performed as a farmer. Never to my knowledge knew him to be disabled in any way to hinder him from performing any kind of manual labor. I seen him after his return from the service and do not consider that he at anytime thereafter was ever able to perform one half manual labor. He had a very bad cough which continued with him up to the time of his death which I have no doubt caused his death. I was often with him during the period of his returning from the service to his death from 1872-up-1881. I was in the mercantile business and he did a great part of his dealings with me. He was considered a sober temperate man so far as I can state. and I further declare that I have no interest in said case, and am not concerned it its prosecution.
If either affiant sign by X mark, two persons WHO WRITE THEIR NAMES MUST sign here as witnesses thereto.
J. C. Booker          S. H. Barnett
(Name of witness)          (Signature of affiant)

GEORGE RIGGLE MILITARY RECORDS

Co. A, 12 West Virginia Inf

Pvt., New Co. A, 12 Reg't Virginia Inf. (This organization subsequently became Co. A, 12 Reg't W. Va. Infantry.)

Age 18 years

Company Muster-in Roll of the organization named above. Roll dated Wheeling Va, Aug 16,1862

Muster-in to date - Aug 16,1862

Joined for duty and enrolled: Aug 12,1862 in Cameron for period of 3 years.

Remarks: Premium and bounty paid.

COMPANY MUSTER ROLL

August 16, 1862 through Apl, 1863 - Present

SPECIAL MUSTER ROLL

April 10, 1863 - Present

COMPANY MUSTER ROLL

May, 1863 through Feb., 18,64 - Present
Mar, 1864 through Apl,1865 - Absent. Sick at Cumberland, MD sice Api 3,1864
Notation on Nov & Dec., 1864 - Paid $25.80 in hospital
Notation on Jan & Feb, 1865 - Paid $25.80 in Hospt., also $52, also, $32.
Notation on Mch & Api, 1865 - Descriptive list furnished

DETACHMENT MUSTER-OUT ROLL

Age 18 years

Roll dated Cumberland, Md., May 10, 1865

Muster-out to date - May 10, 1865
Last paid to Feb. 28, 1865
Am't for cloth'g in kind or money adv'd since enlist $50.68
Bounty paid $    Due $75.00
Remarks: MO in accordance with Tel instructions from Adj date May 3, 1865
Mus. out to date May 10, 1865

Appears on CO. MUSTER-OUT ROLL, dated Richmond, Va. June 16,1865
Last paid to Dec. 31, 1863
Remarks: Cumberland, Md. Hospital sick, since Apl 3, 1864.