Scott County Arkansas
Civil War Pension Applications
JOHN W. McCLAIN
Contributed by Carrie Moos

CERTIFICATE #468166
PERLINA McCLAIN, WIDOW

WIDOW'S DECLARATION FOR DEPENDENT PENSION

State of Arkansas, County of Scott SS:
On this first day of July, 1890 personally appeared before me a Clerk Circuit Court the same being a Court of Record in and for the County and State aforesaid, Perlina McLain, resident of Cedar Creek, in the County of Scott, and State of Arkansas, aged 57 years, who being duly sworn, makes the following declaration, in order to obtain Pension under act of Congress granting Pension to dependent widows.
That she is the widow of John McLain, who was a private in company E, commanded by Robert W. Wishard in the third Regiment of Arkansas Cavalry in the war of 1861; that her maiden name was Perlina Cook and that she was married to said John McLain on or about the 7 day of June 1877 at Cedar Creek, the County of Scott, and State of Arkansas, by James G. Sanders, J.P.
She further declares that said John McLain, her husband, died on or about the 9 day of August 1881, at Parks in the State of Arkansas.
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:
Wm. McLain, born on the 30 day of Nov. 1872 [illegible, crease in paper]
James McLain, born on the 20 day of Nov. 1874, living at Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark.
Andrew McLain, born on the 9 day of Jany. 1876, living at Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark.
She further declares that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband; and she hereby appoints Joseph H. Hunter of Washington, D.C., her lawful attorney, with full power of substitution and revocation, and authorizes him to present and prosecute this her application for pension.
Her Post Office Address is Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark.
Perlina (her X mark) McLain
H.N. Smith
M.M. Beavers

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Arkansas, County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Claim for Pension of Perlina McLain for Andrew J. McLain minor heir of John McLain deceased.
On this 19 day of Nov. A.D. 1891, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Jonathan C. Herrin, age 45 years, a resident of Cedar Creek in the County of Scott and State of Arkansas well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
That the above named Andrew J. McLane was born in Scott County, Sate of Arkansas January the 9th 1875 and that he make[s] this statement from personal knowledge and from record of births in family record.
His Post Office address is Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark. He further declares that he has no interest in said case and is not concerned in its prosecution.
Jonathan C. Herrin

Claim #440901 of Perlina McClain, Widow of John McClain
Late of Co. E, 3rd Regt. Ark. Vols.

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C., April 19, 1895
Respectfully referred to the Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department, requesting a full military and medical history and personal description of the soldier.
Please examine all records likely to afford any information as to diseases, wounds, or injuries incurred by him while in the service. No other report on file.
Claim No. 440901 Widow
Name, John McLane, Priv., Co. E, 3 Reg't. Ark. Cav.

Record and Pension Office,
War Department.
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.
John McClane, Co. E, 3 Reg't. Ark. Cav. was enrolled Dec. 23, 1863, and M.O. May 22, 1865.
From enr. 186_ to M.O., 186_ he held the rank of Pvt. and during that period the rolls show him present except as follows: Apr. 30, 64 on det. Serv. Little Rock; Mar. 23, 64; Oct. 31, 64 absent without leave since Sept. 8, 64.
Name John McLane has not been found on rolls of co.
Personal description: age 34 years; height 5 ft. 8 in; complexion light; eyes blue; hair dark; from Crawford Co., Ark; occupation farmer.
The medical records show him treated as follows: No record found.
By authority of the Secretary of War: F.C. Ainsworth, Colonel, U.S. Army, Chief of Office
Washington, D.C., Apr. 20, 1895

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Perlina McClain
On this 28 day of June A.D. 1895, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, John L. Worsham, aged 65 years, a resident of Cedar Creek in the County of Scott and State of Ark. whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek and Rebecca Worsham, aged 62 years, a resident of Cedar Creek in the County of Scott and State of Ark., well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
That we were personally acquainted with Daniel C. Cook and know that the said Daniel C. Cook and Pelina McClain did live together as man and wife until his death at Little Rock. We were personally acquainted with John Herrin, her second husband and knew of the death of his first wife and the marriage of Pelina McClain and John Herrin and his death and we were personally acquainted with John McClain, Pelina McClains third husband, and we knew of the death of his wife, and the marriage of John McClain and Pelina McClain, and also with the death of John McClain, her last husband. There was no one of them ever divorced one from the other, that Pelina McClain is now the widow of the last named husband John McClain who was a soldier in the Co. (E) 3rd Regt. Ark. Cav. Vols. These statements contained in this affidavit are made to James G. Sanders the person preparing the affidavit orally from our own knowledge of the facts in the case on this the 28th day of June 1895 at Cedar Creek and that in making the same we did not use and was not aided by any written or printed statement or recital dictated by any other person.
Their postoffice address is Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark. They further declare that they have no interest in said case and they are not concerned in its prosecution.
J.L. Worsham
Rebecca (her X mark) Worsham
Witnesses
R.F. Woodford
J.C. Herrin
State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, including the words "we were not aided" erased, and the words [blank] added and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiants are personally known to me and that they are credible persons.
James G. Sanders
Justice of the Peace
Certificate on File

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Pelina McClain
On this 29 day of May A.D. 1897, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Jonathan C. Herrin, aged 51 years, a resident of Cedar Township in the County of Scott and State of Ark. whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek,well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
I was present during the last sickness of Mary E. McClain and was present at her burial. She died on the 8th day of May A.D. 1876. This the sworn statement of Jonathan C. Herrin affiant further states that he knows Mary E. McClain was the former wife of John W. McClain, Dec'd.
His postoffice address is Cedar Creek, Ark. He further declares that he has no interest in said case and is not concerned in its prosecution.
Jonathan C. Herrin
State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, including the words [blank] and the words [blank] added and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me and that he is a credible person.
J.G. Sanders
Justice of the Peace
Certificate on File

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Perlina McClain, widow of John W. McClain On this 7 day of Dec., A.D. 1897, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, J.G. Sanders, aged 54 years, a resident of Cedar Creek in the County of Scott and State of Ark. whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek, Ark. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
I hereby certify that I have this day examined the Family Bible shown to me by Mrs. Perlina McClain which was published by the New York American Bible Society in the year A.D. 1853 and I also find that John Andrew McClain was born on the 9th day of January A.D. 1875 and from the appearance of the writing I believe entries of ages to have been made about the dates given. I also find that John Andrew McClain was the only one of children under 16 years of age at the time of filing said claim on July 15, 1890.
I hereby certify to the above statement as being true & correct.
James G. Sanders, Justice of the Peace
Certificate on File

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Perlina McClain
On this 8 day of January A.D. 1898, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, James C. McClain, aged 25 years, a resident of Cedar Township in the County of Scott and State of Arkansas whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek P.O., Ark. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
I hereby testify that I am the son of John W. McClain. Perlina McClain is my step mother. I was born on the 22nd day of Nov. A.D. 1872 my present Post office address is Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark.
James C. McClain

CLAIMANT'S AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Perlina McClain, widow of Jno. McClain
On this 11th day of [blank] A.D. 1898, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Perlina McClain, aged 66 years, a resident of Cedar Township in the County of Scott and State of Arkansas whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek, Ark. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
I do hereby certify that my husband Jno. W. McClain was mustered into the U.S. military service on the 23rd day of Dec. 1863 and was honorably discharged from the service of the same on the 22nd day of May A.D. 1865 as shown by his discharge now in my possession and I further certify that I am without other means of support other than my daily labor and that my application filed July 15th 1890 as a declaration for pension was under Act of June 27th 1890 and I further state that I had never made any application for pension prior to that date. This affidavit is written by J.G. Sanders as the true statements were made by me to him and the same was read to me by him and I do hereby so certify.
Perlina (her X mark) McClain
Attest:
Samuel Williams
J.G. Sanders

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Perlina McClain
On this 8 day of January, A.D. 1898, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, John Andrew McClain, aged 22 years, a resident of Cedar Township in the County of Scott and State of Ark. whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek, Ark. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
My name is John Andrew McClain. I am the son of John W. McClain Dec'd. I was born on the 9th day of January A.D. 1875 as shown by the family Bible. Said Bible was published by the American Bible Society in the year A.D. 1853. My present post office address is Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark.
John Andrew (his X mark) McClain
Witness:
John W. Herrin
John H. Cook

GENERAL AFFIDAVIT

State of Ark., County of Scott, SS:
In the matter of Perlina McClain
On this 9 day of Dec., A.D. 1898, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Perlina McClain, aged 66 years, a resident of Cedar Creek in the County of Scott and State of Ark. whose Post-Office address is Cedar Creek, Ark. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:
That when she filed declaration the family Bible was some twenty miles away from her at the home of one of the family relations and she thought she remembered the birth of minor child but made the mistake in year of birth. It was in this way mistake was made. Said minors name as recorded in his parents family Bible is John Andrew McClain and he was born on the 9th day of Jan. A.D. 1875 and goes by the name of Andrew McClain here at the home of his birth. Said John Andrew McClain is now alive and living at Cedar Creek, Ark. This statement is written by J.G. Sanders as dictated to him by Perlina McClain with the family Bible at hand from which to get correct date of birth and full christian name of minor child. Said J.G. Sanders herein states that.
J.G. Sanders
His Post Office address is Cedar Creek, Scott Co., Ark. He further declares that he has no interest in said case and is not concerned in its prosecution.
Perlina (her X mark) McClain
Witnesses:
Jonathan C. Herrin
J.G. Sanders

STATEMENT OF ATTENDING PHYSICIANS

Give date of commencement of the pensioner's last sickness: April 13th 1909
Give date of the pensioner's death: May 2nd 1909
During what period did you attend the pensioner: from April 13th to May 2nd 1909
State nature of disease from which the pensioner died: Lagrippe complicated with asthma and a weak heart, old age was one cause of her death, she had been very feeble for several years.
State whether there was necessity for nursing or other attendance: Yes
Give length of time for which such services were necessary: 13 1/2 days
Give name of each person who rendered service as nurse, and who has made or will make a charge for such service: Sarah F. Williams is the only claiment. No others nursed her.
Give names of any other physician who attended the pensioner in her last sickness: No physician was called but Dr. J.S. Newton.
Does your bill include a charge for all medicines furnished the pensioner during his last sickness? Yes
State whether you have read the questions in the foregoing application, and the claimant's answers thereto, and whether such answers are correct according to your best knowledge, information, and belief: Yes
Mention any other facts within your knowledge which, in your opinion, would be helpful in adjusting this claim for reimbursement: Now myself, Sarah F. Williams and Dr. J.S. Newton, are the only unpaid claiments, we having settled the other Bill and attach receipts. Send our Bills in separate checks and in each one's own names.
I certify that the foregoing statement is correct.
J.S. Newton, M.D.

UNITED STATES PENSION AGENCY,
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
May 15, 1909
Certificate No. 468166
Class: Widow
Pensioner: Perlina McClain
Soldier: John McClain
Service: Pvt., Co. E, 3 Ark. V. Cav.

The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the above-named pensioner who was last paid at $12, to 4 Feb. 1909 has been dropped because of death on May 2, 1909.
Very respectfully, Wm. Rule, United States Pension Agent.

APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT

Cedar Creek, Ark., June 4, 1909
The Auditor For the Interior Department,
Washington, D.C.
Sir: I hereby make application for reimbursement from the accrued pension for expenses paid (or obligations incurred) by me for the last sickness and burial of Perlina McClain, who was a pensioner of the United States by Certificate No. 46816, which is transmitted herewith. Pension was last paid to her 17 February 1909, by the agent at Knoxville, Tenn.
In support of my claim I submit answers to questions propounded below, which answers are full, complete, and truthful to my best knowledge, information, and belief.
Respectfully,
Sarah F. (her X mark) Williams
Witnesses:
Janie Grigsby
Sylvanie Newton

1. What was the full name of the deceased pensioner? Perlina McClain 3. If decedent was pensioned as an invalid soldier or sailor-Soldiers widow
a. Was he ever married? Widow
b. If married, did his wife survive him? Widow
c. If so, is she still living? Widow
d. If not living, give her full name and the date of her death. Widow
e. Was he ever divorced? No divorce
f. If so, did the divorced wife survive him? No divorce
g. If so, is she still living? No divorce
h. If not living, give her full name and the date of her death. No divorce
4. Did decedent leave a child under 16 years of age? No
5. Is any such child still living? [blank]

1. Was the pensioner's life insured at time of death? No
2. If so, give the name of each company in which a policy was carried and the amount in which each policy was written. [blank]
3. Who was the beneficiary in each policy? No insurance
4. What was the relation of each beneficiary to the pensioner? No insurance
5. Were the premiums paid by the deceased pensioner? No insurance
6. If not paid by the deceased pensioner, state the amount of premiums paid by each person who made payments on that account. [blank]

1. Did the deceased pensioner leave any money, real estate, or personal property? None
2. If so, what was the character and full value of all such property? None
3. What was the assessed value of the real estate? None
4. How was the pensioner's property disposed of? Had no property
1. What was your relation to the deceased pensioner? She was my mother
a. Are you married? No. I am a widow.
b. Are you responsible for any claim to reimbursement your husband or wife may have? No husband.
2. When did the pensioner's last sickness begin? April 13th 1909.
3. Give the name and post-office address of each physician who attended the pensioner during last sickness. Dr. J.S. Newton, Cedar Creek, Arkansas. No other physician attended her in her last sickness.
4. What was the nature of the pensioner's last sickness? Lagrippe complicated with asthma, weak heart, old age.
5. State the names of the persons by whom the pensioner was boarded during the period or any portion of the period of last sickness. Mrs. Sarah F. Williams.
6. State the name of the persons by whom the pensioner was nursed during the period or any portion of the period of last sickness. Sarah F. Williams all the time.
7. Where did the pensioner live during last sickness? With Sarah F. Williams.
8. Did the pensioner pay rent? No.
9. Where did the pensioner die? At Sarah F. Williams house.
10. When did the pensioner die? May 2nd, 1909.
11. Where was the pensioner buried? In a county grave yard not named, in Scott County, Ark.
12. Has there been paid, or will there be paid, to you or to any other person, any part of the expenses of the deceased pensioner's last sickness or burial by any State, county, or municipal corporation? No.
13. If so, what is the amount of such payment, and to whom has it been or will it be made? None.
14. State below what expenses were paid or incurred by you during the pensioner's last sickness, and for burial. Write the word none where no charge is made in case of any item or expense noted.

Names: J.S. Newton, M.D.
Nature of Expenses:
Physician's bills, Professional Services, J.S. Newton, M.D., Unpaid, Amount 18.00
Medicine, none
Board, none
Nursing and care by Sarah F. Williams, 13.20
Rent, none
Groceries and other living expenses for use of pensioner, none
Undertaker's bill, none.
Burial clothes, 4.00
Livery, none.
Paid by Mrs. Sarah F. Williams
Cemetery charges, none, to W.N. Pearson
Other Expenses and Their Nature.
J.M. Grigsby, lumber for coffin paid by Dr. J.S. Newton to J.M. Grigsby, .80
Total: $36.00

15. Is the above a complete list of ALL the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the deceased pensioner? Yes

Sarah F. Williams, the applicant for reimbursement, whose post-office address is No. [blank] on [blank] Street in the town or city of Cedar Creek, County of Scott, State of Arkansas, first being duly sworn deposes and says that the answers to the foregoing questions and declaration made in support of this application are true and correct, and that no evidence necessary to a proper adjustment of all claims against the pension accrued under Certificate No. 468166 is suppressed or withheld.
Sarah F. (her X mark) Williams
Attest:
J.S. Newton
M.A. Plummer
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 4 day of June 1909 at Cedar Creek, Ark. and I certify that the affiant is reputable and entitled to credit; and knew the contents of the above before swearing.
J.C. Stinson, Justice of the Peace
State of Arkansas, County of Scott, SS:
We, the undersigned, do solemnly swear that we were acquainted with the deceased Perlina McLain, the pensioner named in the foregoing application, and that we know the claimant herein; that we have read all the answers and declarations in said application and believe the facts therein set forth to be true, and that we have no interest, direct or indirect, in this claim.
M.O. Harkey
F.G. Forrest
B.F. Taylor
P.O. add. of all the above witnesses Cedar Creek, Ark.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this fourth day of June 1909, at Cedar Creek and I certify that the affiants are reputable and entitled to credit, and that they knew the contents of the above before swearing.
John C. Stinson,
Justis of the Peace
Cedar Creek, Ark.

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