Saturday, August 21, 2021

Welcome to the Jays Family History Blog!

 I am currently researching my great-great grandparents, Thomas Jefferson Lamont and Mary Ann Shade and family (1830s-Present) from Pittsburgh, PA.  They lived in Indiana County PA, Allegheny County PA, Stafford County KS, Barton County KS, and Douglas County KS. I will share about my research and findings. Please share any photos, stories, and research you have learned also.

Photo taken in 1889. Sitting L-R, Thomas, Mary. Standing L-R, Ida, Edwin, Effie

I have been reviewing 
        Thomas's NARA Compiled Military Service file 
        Thomas's NARA Military Pension file
        Mary's NARA Widow Pension file

Here is a summary of what I have learned

Thomas married Mary Shade at her home (Coalman Hills, Allegheny, PA) on 14 May 1861.  They were married by Reverend D A McCready, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church  of East Liberty, Allegheny, PA.  Thomas and Mary have known each other all their life. Their first child, Ida, was born 26 Feb 1862, six months before enlisting in the military.

Marriage Certificate for Thomas Lamont and Mary Shade - 14 May 1861

Thomas Jefferson Lamont enlisted at East Liberty (East End), Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA into the 14th Regiment, Company D, Pennsylvania Calvary on 11 Sept 1862. He enlisted with his father-in-law and best friend, Michael Shade for three years. Their unit was under the command of Captain Richard Pollock. Thomas was twenty-four years old and Michael was forty-three. Both men were coal miners before enlisting and served as boatmen.

While in the line of duty, Thomas engaged in battle with the enemy at Rocky Gap, VA or Dry Run, VA on 26 Aug 1863 and was wounded. The injury was caused by a gunshot striking his fore-finger of the right hand near the first or knuckle joint. He was transported to the hospital in Beverly, VA and his fore-finger was amputated, by Dr Wynn four days after the injury occurred. Thomas recovered at the hospital for seven days before being released.  He only went back to the hospital to have the wound dressed.

During Fall/Winter 1864 Thomas developed Rheumatism of hip joint while in camp near Winchester ("Muddy Creek"), VA. 

Thomas was honorable discharged on 28 May 1865 with occupation of Boatman after serving two-years, eight -months, 17 days in the War of 1861 (civil war) from Bladensburg, Prince George, MD (8.6 miles from central Washington) and mustered out on 24 Aug 1865 from Ft Leavenworth, KS.

He was awarded a pension of 3-dollars per month on 29 May 1865. He failed to include Rheumatism when he applied for pension. Likewise, he only claimed the loss of the index finger. Thomas spent much effort to have his pension increased to include Rheumatism, with little success. He asked Physicians, Neighbors, soldiers for a signed court affidavit to submit. Thomas's pension was last increased to forty dollars on 5 Jul 1912.

The Physician affidavits (1891-1920) showed he was 5' 9", Grey eyes, hair light, fair complexion, weight range from 145-152. Additionally, it showed his pulse and respiration being normal. Treated for attack of "Sciatic Rheumatism". Partially deaf in left ear from shells of 1863

The neighbor's affidavits (1891-1920) showed he was confined to the bed because of pain from Rheumatism in the shoulder, back, hip for weeks at a time; walked lame in the right leg; Stooped over from pain in back, right leg and hip; 3-qtr disabled for manual work. Was strong with good health before enlisting.
  

No comments:

Post a Comment