Abstract of Civil War Widow’s Pension File

Elizabeth McCleary Bennett
 
1. William A. Bennett enlisted August 9, 1862 at Garden Grove in Co. A, 34th Iowa Volunteer Infantry to serve three years.

2. William A. Bennett mustered in as a private on October 15, 1862 at Burlington, Iowa in Co. A, 34th Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

3. Muster roll of Co. D, 34th Iowa reports William A. Bennett “died in hospital, Keokuk, Iowa, Dec. 31, 1864 of gastritis.” [note: on Nov. 12, 1864 companies A and D of the 34th were consolidated] Other information in the report says soldier was born in Greene Co., Indiana, was 6’ 2” with hazel eyes, dark hair and dark complexion. Also noted he was with his company except during his last illness and when hospitalized on Feb. 28, 1863 at Arsenal Island, St. Louis, and June 3, 1864 in General Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

4. Copy of marriage record of William Bennett, age 24 and Elizabeth McCleary, age 22, married April 26, 1859 at the home of Isaac McCleary in Decatur County by Bryant Stephens, J. P.

5. Per “Act of July 15, 1862” and “Act of July 25, 1866” Elizabeth Bennett applies for pensions for herself and for the minor children of soldier William Bennett, namely Malinda Jane Bennett and Martha Alice Bennett, on May 28, 1867.

6. Affidavit of Mrs. Livia Ann Bennett of High Point, Iowa, stating that she knew William and Elizabeth Bennett and knew that they were married, and that she was the midwife at the birth of Malinda Jane Bennett on March 13, 1860 in High Point, Iowa. Affidavits of Mrs. Martha Mendenhall and Mrs. Sarah McCleary stating they also witnessed the birth.

7. Affidavit of Mrs. Livia Ann Bennett of High Point, stating the she was the midwife at the birth of Martha Alice Bennett on December 27, 1861 in High Point, Iowa. Affidavit of Sarah McCleary stating she was also present at the birth.

8. Pension #98,678 granted to Elizabeth Bennett at the rate of $8 per month, payment retroactive to January 1, 1865. Malinda and Martha Bennett granted pension for minor children at the rate of $2 per month for each, commencing June 28, 1872, and payments retroactive to July 25, 1866, ending when each minor reaches the age of 16 years.

9. Elizabeth Bennett dropped from pension roll on account of her marriage to Josiah Randall on June 27, 1872 by Rev. S. A. Garber in Decatur Co.

10. Elizabeth Bennett Randall files for restoration of her widow’s pension on Aug. 30, 1901, due to divorce of second husband, Josiah Randall and herself, which was granted on April 3, 1878.

11. Elizabeth Bennett Randall’s restoration of her pension rejected on account of her death, which occurred September 24, 1908, before the adjudication of her request became final. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hetha R. Porter (wife of William Porter) in High Point, and she was buried in the High Point Cemetery.
 
Source: Fold3; added 01 Feb 2020
 
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