thomas-h-dumars-pension

PENSION FILES FOR THOMAS H. DUMARS
Veteran Reserve Corp 21st Division Company 'E'

Originally the Veteran Reserve Corps was called the "Invalid Corps", which was "authorized by the Adjutant General's Office, General Order 105, April 28, 1963." The Corps "was to consist of companies and, if desirable, of battalions." The companies were to be made up of the following:
1. Officers and enlisted men of commands in the field who, because of wounds or service-connected disease were unfit for duty in field service, but were capable of effective garrison or light duty; 2. Officers and enlisted men still in service and on the rolls, who were absent from duty in hospital or convalescent camps or who were otherwise under the control of medical officers; and 3. Officers and enlisted men who had been honorable discharged because of wounds or disease and who wanted to reenter the service." "The Invalid Corps was renamed the 'Veteran Reserve Corps' by order of the Adjutant General's Office General Order 111, dated March 18, 1864."
Thomas H. Dumars began receiving $2. a month on the Invalid Pension when first approved, in 1889, and was finally making $17. a month at the time of his death on Feb. 4, 1897. All during the years from 1889 to 1997, Thomas worked hard for his monthly pension, fighting Washington for every dime, all while in tremendous pain and suffering. A far cry from Washington in modern times, for they mail out checks at the sound of a whimper today - even to strong healthy criminals in prison for murder and rape.

Thomas H. Dumars was the 2nd Great grandfather of Betty Matteson Rhodes	THOMAS H. DUMARS was born February 1822 in Tyrone, Ireland, and came to America in 1842, residing in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Dumars was a Civil War Navy Seaman from the County of Erie, served with the USS General Burnside, a SS Navy Gun Ship commissioned on August 8, 1864 at Bridgeport, Alabama, Acting Volunteer Lt. H. A. Glassford in command. On December 27, 1864 this ship helped repulse Confederate attacks at Decatur, Alabama, located on the Tennessee River in Morgan County. Because of Decatur's railroad, the city was of strategic importance during the war and therefore changed hands several times as the opposing armies struggled to control the all-important railroad. By the war's end the city had suffered complete devastation, with all but three buildings burned to the ground. The 'General Burnside' was hulled several times while exchanging gunfire with Confederate sharpshooters. This gunboat action was in concert with Union Army land forces, which brought about the evacuation of Decatur by the Confederates and left the upper Tennessee region under firm Union control.The gunboat continued river patrol until June 1, 1865 when it was returned to the War Department at Bridgeport, Alabama. Thomas H. Dumars enlisted on August 18, 1864, entering the War on August 22, 1864 and was discharged on June 21, 1865. Thomas married SUSAN JANE COTTRELL May 9, 1853 in Waterford, Erie Co., PA, daughter of BENJAMIN COTTRELL and TAMAZINE/TAMISON BUNTING. He first filed for Invalid Pension on September 9, 1889. In the Will of Susan J. DuMars, wife of Thomas H. Dumars, she mentions the daughters of Rose St. John, which would be her granddaughters, and Susan appoints her son-in-law, Warren St. John, executor of her Will, but she never mentions her daughter, Rose, nor does she mention her ailing husband, Thomas, who was still living at the time she wrote up her Will. Susan also wills her real estate to her granddaughter with no mention of her husband's presence. Susan died on February 21, 1890, while Thomas lived until February 4, 1897. Likewise, Thomas does not mention his wife in his pre-1890 pension papers. There may have been a separation with the couple. In the Will of Thomas, he leaves all to Rose. From the Erie County Courthouse - #1233 vol 1, pg 154, blk 5 pg 1158 Thomas DuMars' Will dated February 18, 1897. Thomas leaves all his personal property to his daughter, Rose. "I Thomas H. Dumars of Union City in the county of Erie, State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made. I do give devise and bequeath all my property, real and personal, to Mrs. Rose A. St. John of Union township, Erie County, State of Pennsylvania. To have and to hold the same to her, her heirs and assigns forever. And I direct that my debts and funeral expenses be paid by my executing hereinafter named. And I do nominate constitute and appoint her the said Rose A. St. John to be the executrix of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof, I Thomas H. Dumars the testator, have to this my Will set my hand and seal this Eighteenth day of February A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and Ninety seven. Thomas H. Dumars (his mark) Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Thomas H. Dumars as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names at his request as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said testator and of each other. A. C. Sherwood C. F. St. John Mr. C. Jackson"
DATE Place	PENSION FILES FOR THOMAS H. DUMARS Veteran Reserve Corp 21st Division Company 'E' Originally the Veteran Reserve Corps was called the "Invalid Corps", which was "authorized by the Adjutant General's Office, General Order 105, April 28, 1963." The Corps "was to consist of companies and, if desirable, of battalions." The companies were to be made up of the following: 1. Officers and enlisted men of commands in the field who, because of wounds or service-connected disease were unfit for duty in field service, but were capable of effective garrison or light duty; 2. Officers and enlisted men still in service and on the rolls, who were absent from duty in hospital or convalescent camps or who were otherwise under the control of medical officers; and 3. Officers and enlisted men who had been honorable discharged because of wounds or disease and who wanted to reenter the service." "The Invalid Corps was renamed the 'Veteran Reserve Corps' by order of the Adjutant General's Office General Order 111, dated March 18, 1864." Thomas H. Dumars began receiving $2. a month on the Invalid Pension when first approved, in 1889, and was finally making $17. a month at the time of his death on Feb. 4, 1897. All during the years from 1889 to 1997, Thomas worked hard for his monthly pension, fighting Washington for every dime, all while in tremendous pain and suffering. A far cry from Washington in modern times, for they mail out checks at the sound of a whimper today - even to strong healthy criminals in prison for murder and rape.
August 20, 1889 Union City	Articles of Agreement: Whereas Thomas H. Dumars,late a Seaman on S S "General Burnside" of the U.S. Navy Volunteers war of 1861 and 1865, having made application for pension under the laws of the United States: Now this agreement witnesseth: That for and in considereation of services done and to be done in the premises, I hereby agree to allow my attorney, George E. Lemon, of Washington, DC the fee of twenty-five dollars, which shall include all amonts to be paid for any services in the furtherance of said claim; and said fee shall not be demanded by or payable to my said attorney; in whole or in part, except in case of the granting of my pension by the Commissioner of Pensions; and that the same shall be paid to him in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4768 and 4769 of the Revised Statutes US. Signed Thomas H. Dumars, Witnessed by J. V. B. Smiley and James D. Phillips of Union City. Be it known that on this the 20the day of August AD 1889, personally appeared Thomas H. Dumars the above named, who, after having had read over to him in the hearing and presence of the two attesting witnesses the contents of the foregoing articles of agreement, voluntarily signed and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed. D. G. Smiley, Justice of the Peace.
September 3, 1889 Union City	Declaration for Original Invalid Pension:State of Pa, County of Erie. On this 3rd day of September AD one thousand eight hundred and eighty nine personally appeared before me Prothonotary of the Court of Commons, a court of record within and for the County and State aforesaid, Thomas H. Dumars, aged 70 years, a resident of Union City, County of Erie, State of Pa, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Thomas H. Dumars who entered service under the name Thomas H. Dumars on or about the 22 day of Aug 1864 as seaman in the USS "Gen'l Burnside" US Navy commanded by Capt M. Forest and was discharged at Mound City, Ills, on or about the 21st day of June 1865, by reason of close of the War. That his personal description is a follows: Age 70 years; height 5 feet 7.5 inches; complexion dark, hair black; eyes blue. That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the service and in the line of his duty at Decatur in the Tate of Ala, on or about the day of Dec 1864 he contracted rheumatism from exposure. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise than as stated above, That since the 21st day of June AD 1865, he has not been employed in the military or naval service of the United States. That since leaving the service his occupation has been that of a laborer. He hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation, George E. Lemon, of Washington DC his true and lawful Attorney to prosecute his claim. Signed Thomas H. Dumars.
September 9, 1889 Union City	From the Original Navy Invalid Claim: Thomas H. Dumars of Union City, Rank Seaman from the county of Erie, served with the USS General Burnside SS Navy Ship. He was pensioned because of RHEUMATISM, and has medical evidence to support this ailment. Thomas enlisted on August 22, 1864 and was discharged on June 23, 1865. Rheumatism began in December of 1864.
Not dated 1889 Union City	Affidavit of Claimant: Thomas H. Dumars of Union City, county of Erie, state of Pennsylvania, appearing befor Justice of the Peace, D. G. Smiley Union City, Pa. The following statement was made: That he [Dumars] is unable to comply with the requirements of the Pension Office as to furnishing evidence of treatments in the service, and since his discharge, for rheumatism. "I did not receive medical treatment while in the servis Doctor Jonas Humphery was my family physican and I receved medical treatment from him on my arval home but he is now dead." Signed Thomas H. Dumars [Note: the darker font indicates that Dumars wrote these words himself in his own handwriting. He had good penmenship and easier to read than many of the other persons writing on pension papers.
1889 [month not known] Union City	General Affidavit: State of Pennsylvania, County of Erie: In the matter of claim for pension of Thomas H. Dumars U.S. Navy, Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for aforesaid County and State, Warren St. John 36 years old, residence Union City, Erie County, State of Pennsylvania. A person of lawful age, who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: "I have been acquainted with the applicant, Thomas H. Dumars for Sixteen years I have lived neighbor to him most of the time. I have worked with him more or less during any acquaintance; although willing to work, yet his bodily infirmities: Rheumatism, has been a great drawback to him in his earnings as he has been obliged to seak lite employment. I know him to be a honest industrious and sober man applicant has often told me that his disability of Rheumatism was caused by exposure while in the service of U.S. during the war of the Rebelion. I would rate applicants disability at from 1/2 to 2/8 at least. I think that would be a fare estimate as far as his earnings is conserned. I further declare that I have no interest in said case, and am not concerned in its prosecution."Signed Warren St. John. [Note: Warren St. John married Rosa Dumars in 1874, the daughter of Thomas H. Dumars. Warren St. John is listed as a Railroad worker, age 26, living in Union City, according to the 1880 US Census.]
November 25, 1889 Edinboro, Pa	Edinboro Erie Co, Penn. Mr. Green B. Rauns Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C. Dear Sir, In reply to your inquiry how I know Claimant suffered from rheumatism by serving with him on the same boat and being an eye witness to his suffering with the same. I have not seen comrade Dumars since he came home from the Naval Service but have heard by others that he is still suffering from rheumatism. Yours Truly Joseph Stancliff
1889 but not dated Union City	Affidavit to Origin of Disability: In the matter of the Pension claim of Thomas H. Dumars, a Seaman on the USS General Burnside USN, personally came before me a Justice of the Peace in Union Cit,y, Pa (D. G. Smiley), one Thomas Williamson aged 40 years, being duly sworn declares the following: That he served on the USS General Burnside USSN and knows the above soldier, on or about the 1st day of December 1864, while in the line of duty, and without fault or improper conduct on his part, at or near Decature, State of Allabama, said soldier incured or contracted Rheumatism caused by exposure while on duty as Seman on USS General Burnside U.S.N.. "He was in sound helth when & first become acquanted with him that was shortly after he enlisted I was with him in the servis on board General Burnside U.S.N". Signed Thos Williamson, Union City, Pa.
November 1889 Edinboro	Affidavit to origin of disability: Statement by Joseph Stancliff, age 54, who served as a Master at Arms on US Steamer General Burnside on or about December 1864, at Decator, Alabama. "The said soldier, Thomas H. Dumars, suffered a severe cold from exposure while in line of duty he was unable for some time at different times heard said soldier complain of pain and soreness about the back, his arm and legs. I understood at the time that said soldier was suffering from rhumatic pains caused as I belive from cold and exposure while in line of duty aboard of said U.S. Steamer Genl Burnside. My knowledge of the care is derived from being aboard the same boat with the said soldier." signed Joseph Stancliff Edinboro, Erie Co, Pa.
November 27, 1889 Union City	From Doctor's report regarding Thomas H. Dumars, who states he is suffering from Rheumatism. Pulse rate: 72; respiration 19; temperature 98.5; height 5' 7"; weight 150 lbs; age 67 years. Dumars makes the following claim for increase: Original Rheumatism came on board G. B. Burnside on Tennessee River in 1864 winter and followed up ever since. Upon examination we find these conditions: Fairily nourished shin soft, moist tongue, slightly coated but otherwise normal - very nervous and tremulous in the whole body, muscles well developed, flex and extension of arms & legs fair for a man of his age. Dullness of heart action, good apex beat proper position, ??tenelon ?? ligaments in good condition. Obtuse intellect evidently well broken down physically as well as intellectually. He is in our opin entitled to a 4/18 rating for the disability caused by General debility.
December 5, 1889 Union City	Pretaining to a Medical Examination: "Doctor, It is a rule of this Bureau not to pension any man on the grounds of "general disability" unless the condition of the person is absolutely known. Therefore, in this case, if you believe after a careful and thorough examination, are of the opinion that Claimants general disability is the result of the alleged Rheumatism of service, you should so state, or if satisfied that such is not a fact then conclusion should be given. Please give opinion in this case. Very Respectfully, PHL Dec 5th 89."
December 2, 1889 Union City	Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC: I know he had Rheumatism by being on board the same boat with him and hearing him making complaint at different times and by him being releaved from duty at different times during such service for the above reason. your ??, Thomas Williamson Union City, Pa.
1889 Union City	Statement made by A. C. Sherwood, MD, to Att'y George E. Lemon of Washington, DC in regards to the physical condition of Thomas H. Dumars: "I have practised medicine sixteen years having graduated at University of Pa in month of March A.D. 1873. I have been acquainted with the applicant, Thomas H. Dumars fore twenty years and have been his family physician for past five years, and during all my acquaintance with applicant, have known him to be a sober, industrious man, but although willing to work, yet his bodily infirmity of Rheumatism has been a great drawback in his earning, as it prevents him in a large measure from performing manual labor at his trade of stone mason and was obliged to seek other lighter and less remunerative emplyment. I will state that to best of my knowledge and belief, that applicants disability was caused by exposure while in US Service in late war of the Rebellion. Said disease of Rheumatism is chronic and affects the muscles and joints and makes the applicant prematurely old and helpless. As far as performing manual labor is concerned, applicant comes from a hardy race of Irish parantage, and with his steady habits during his whole life would have had good health had it not been for the severe exposure above mentioned, while in US Service. I would note applicants disability at from 1/2 to 2/3 at best. Signed A.C. Sherwood, MD. This paper is not dated.
December 24, 1889	Thomas H. Dumars No 15-073 "While we failed to find positive evidence of Rheumatism it is the opinion of this board that the claimant's present general debility is due to probable effects of rheumatism contracted in service." O. Logan Sect Respectfully returned December 24, 1889. It is in our opinion that claimant is entitled to a 4/18 rating for the disability caused by General debility.
January 29, 1890 Union City	Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions, Washington DC: Re: Thomas H. Dumars, USN. January 29, 1890 To further aid this Bureau in determining the merits of the above entitled claim for pension, be kind enough to answer in your own handwriting the following questons, giving more complete details than your affidavit affords. Very respectfully, Green B. Raum, Commissioner. Questions: When did you first see claimant after he returned from the navy, and how do you fix the date? Answer: On March 30, 1869 my first residence in Union City, Pa. Question: Of what disability did he complain, and how was he affected? Answer: Of painful rheumatic affliction general in it's character. Was sore and lame in all the larger joints. Question: How frequesntly have you seen him since your first acquaintance? Answer: Almost daily. Question: If he has continued to suffer with such disability, please describe the symptoms. Answer: The symptoms were those of general rheumatic arthritis. Progression in its character, and disabled applicant to the extent of 1/3 at first and last 10 years to fully 1/2 disability. Question: What are your means of knowing the facts of this case? Answer: Seeing applicant frequently as above stated. Signed by A. C. Sherwood, M.D. Union City, Pa. February 1, 1890
January 29, 1890 Union City	In regards to the condition of Thomas H. Dumars, the Department of the Interior sent out a questionaire to T. J. Johnson of Union City, Pa. Question: When did you first see claimant after he returned from the Navy, and how do you fix the date? Answer: About two weeks in memory say June or July 1865. Question: Of what disability did he complain, and how was he affected? Answer: He gave the complaint no name, but could see that he was bent and stiff in his movements. Question: How frequently have you seen him since your first acquaintance? Answer: Casually off and on as one neighbor might meet another. Question: If he has continued to suffer with such disability, please describe the symptoms which were apparent to you. Answer: He was and is poor and bony in flesh, and looked emaciated and as though in pain from Rheumatic troubles. He is a stone mason by trade but saught lighter employment such as watching in factories and RR Engines. Do not think he has been able to do manual labor over half of the time. He tried to work on Gravel train but was discharged for disability so the foreman tole me his hip and shoulder joints crack as though perfectly dry." Signed T.J. Johnson [Note: Thomas J. Johnson was born in 1831, was age 49 on the 1880 US Census, living in Union City and was listed as a Merchant.]
January 29, 1890 Union City	Jesse M. Blade vouches for Thomas Dumars with a statement saying; "I saw him on the 23red of June 1865, the day he returned from the services. He complained of cronic Rheumatism in shoulders and chest. His cals to a barn apast my door every day or nearly so. In my opinyon he has not bin free from pain his nurves forcefuly act and his sholders seem to be out of place for tha creak and crack like something is broke. Before going to the army was sound as rock. I have had a constant opertunity to know this jenterman and can most charefully state him worthy and reliable".
1890 [month not known] Union City	General Affidavit: In the matter of the claim of Thomas H. Dumars late Seaman U.S.S. Gen'l Burnside: J. M. Blade, 62 years old a resident of Union City, Erie County, State of Pennsylvania, being a person of lawful age, who being duly sworn, declare, in relation to the aforesaid case as follows: "I have been pearsonaly aquainted with Thomas H. Dumars from the year 1865 down to the present time in fact, I have come in contact with him almost daily during the time above mentioned and I know that he has been a great sufferer from Rheumatism during that time, he has often told me in conversation with him in regard to his disability, that it was caused by exposure while in the service of the United States during the War of the Rebelion. I have known him to be a very industrious man and willing to work but his disability of Rheumatism has been a great draw back as far as earning wages is concserned. I would rait his disability as far as earning wages at from 1/3 to 1/2? Signed Jesse M. Blade. [Note: Jesse Blade was a brick mason in Union City according to the US Census of 1880. Jesse was age 52 in 1880]
1890 [month not known] Union City	General Affidavit: State of Pennsylvania, County of Erie: In the matter of claim for pension of Thomas H. Dumars U.S. Navy: T. J. Johnson, 59 years of age Union City, Erie County, State of Pennsylvania: "I have known Thomas H. Dumars twenty eight years. Have lived neighbor to him Seventeen years or more of that time and have seen him in my daily walks as often as two or three times a week, when in town, and know that he was unable to work at his trade as a stone mason very much of his time on account of Rheumatism troubels. Has sought lighter employment Such as he was abel to do when he could do any thing. He is very willing to work and is a man of the very best of habits in fact do not know of a clergyiman that is any more free from bad habits, he has told me many a time of the exposures he had to undergo while in the U.S. Nave, and that it was the first cause of his rhumatism troubles. I know his joints are congested to such an extent that they sound dry in a creaking way in my opinion he is not able to work at all where common manual labor is necessary and would not rate him capabel over 1/3 of the time. Signed T. J. Johnson. [Note: Thomas J. Johnson was born in 1831, was age 49 on the 1880 US Census, living in Union City and was listed as a Merchant.]
November 29, 1890 Union City	Thomas H. Dumars aged 67 years, of Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania. A pensioner enrolled at the Philadelphia Pension Agency at the rate of $2.00 per month. Disability from rheumatism incurred in the Naval services as Seaman on the USS General Burnside. Seeking additional rate increase because, "The two dollars per month above name is unjustly and unreasonably low and inadequate to his degree of disability from rheumatism which he has suffered in a permanent degree at least ever since before he made his original declaration for pension, that during the time specified above, he has suffered continuously with rheumatism severely effecting his hips, back, shoulders, and all his limbs. That his wrists and other joints have been very annoying, painful and swollen, that his shoulders are efflicted to a degree causing noises in same that can be distinctly heard when he moves them; that his afflictions causes much pain when trying to work or walk, that his knees hurts him severly while lying in bed when turning over or in making an effort to straighten his legs, or in a general way of changing position; and for the disabilities above described, he believes himself entitled to receive at least eight dollars per month in order to be rated anywhere near other pensioners who suffer in an equivalent or similar way; He desires an order to go before the board of examining surgons at Corry Pa, for an examination. He appoints Wm F. Blanchard of Union City his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim.
January 16, 1891 Union City,	General Affidavit: State of Pennsylvania, County of Erie: In the matter of Pension Certificate No 7.532 issued to Thomas H. Dumars dated the 12th day of June 1890, at the rate of $2. per month on this 16th day of January A.D. 1891, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, the pensioner Thomas H. Dumars aged about 68 years, a resident of Union City in the County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That his name in the above named certificate is not spelled correct and he wishes to have it corrected, from Thomas H. Dumas; to Thomas H. Dumars, the letter 'r' being left out in the name in the certificate. That his discharge from the U.S.S. Gen'l "Burnside" bears his name spelled correctly 'viz' (Thomas H. Dumars) and he was No. 77 on said Gun Boat. That he enlisted on the 22nd day of August 1864, and was discharged on the 21 day of June 1865. Signed Thomas H. Dumars
March 25, 1891 Union City	Thomas H. Dumars disabled by Rheumatism and resulting disease of heart. Pensioned from September 9, 1889 presently receiving $2. a month - Previous claims for rate increase are stamped rejected. Claimant contracted Rheumatism in back and should while on Gunboat in Tennessee River in 1864 and has since suffered ore or less in all joints. Is unable to do manual labor now. Upon examination we find the following conditions: Pulse rate 96; respiration 19; temperature 98.5; height 5' 7"; weight 146; age 68 years. General appearance very aged, wrinkled and feeble and trembly. Conjunctive conjested - tongue furred, liver slightly enlarged - spleen normal, stomach full and ?? - Bowels flat and hard - the chest is flat and resonnant - Lungs normal - Hearts action rapid and irregular, sounds blurred and a faint septolic murmer - There is tenderness and stiffness of shoulders, limbs, knees, and knuckle joints of right hand. The joints are all dry and arthritic. Urine - amber in color - highly acid and spec gravity 1022 scarity. There is atrophy of muscles of lumbar region and general ? [perhaps tremors] of arms and head. The motion of each hip is limited 1/3 and of shoulder 1/4. The whole muscular is flabby. He is unable to do manual labor except light chores. He is in my opinion, entitled to a 6/18 rating for the disability of Rheumatism and 4/18 for that caused by the disease of heart, and disability due to age. Examined by U.S. Pension Physician - not named.
November 3, 1891 Union City, Pa	Declaration for Invalid Pension Act of June 27, 1800. Thomas H. Dumars, who enrolled on the 22nd day of August 1864 in the U.S.S. General Burnside, and ranked as a Seaman of a vessel in the Navy. He was honorably discharged at Mound City, Ill. on the 21st day of June 1865 That he is now unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of Rheumatism contracted in the above name service and resulting disease of the heart. And also by reason of an inguinal hernaia of the right side, which came on to him gradually during the month of September 1891. That he is a pensioner under Certificate No. 7.532 under the name of Thomas H. Dumas, but his correct name is Thomas H. Dumars. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise then as stated above. He appoints Wm. F. Blanchard of Union City, Erie Co, Penn'a. as his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim, and he directs the sum of ten dollars be paid to his attorney. Signed Thomas H. Dumars.
November 5, 1891 Washington, DC	Navy Act of June 27, 1890 United States of America Bureau of Pension Department of Interior: 'It is hereby certified that in conformity with the laws of the United States , Thomas H. Dumars who was a Seaman USS General Burnside is entitled to a pension under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890, at the rate of Twelve dollars per month to commence on the fifth day of November one thousand eight hundred and ninety one. This pension being for Rheumatism and resulting disease of heart and complete right inguinal hernia." Given at the Department of the Interior Fifteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and ninety two [yes it reads ninety two here] and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventeenth. Signed by the Secretary of the Interior, John W. Noble. Added note says: Pension granted under former laws terminated on Nov 4, 1891.
January 13, 1892 Union City, Erie Co, PA	Thomas states: My wife died on the 21st day of February 1890. Her maiden name was Susan Jane Cottrell. We were married on the 9th day of May 1853 at Waterford, Pa, in Erie County. I know of no marriage record but I was married by a Methodist preacher. I had never been married at any other time, neither before or since her death. I never had any children.
January 27, 1892 Union City	Increase Pension Claim 7532 Thomas H. Dumars USS Navey, Union City, Pa. Ailment: Rheumatism & disease of heart, Ingunial hernia. Thomas H. Dumars now receives Eight $8. per month, and is asking for an increase based on the following: Has rheumatism in shoulders, hands, back, and hips, also palpitation of heart on exercise. Also rupture which requires a truss all the time. Upon examination we find the following conditions: Pulse rate 80; respiration 19; temperature 98.5; height 5; 7: wieght 138; age 69 years. Aged stooping stiffened, wrinkled and trembling. Muscles flabby, skin soft. There is very marked crepitation of both shoulders, right elbow, both wrists, both hips and right knee. The right wrist is some thickened and also the knuckle joint of right hand. The heart is normal in size, action rapid and unsteady and second sound indistinct. There is a right oblique ingurnial hernia protruding through external ring to half size of hens egg but does not descend into scrotum, reducible and held in place by truss. openning is 1/2 inch in diameter ? and walls potulans. No other disability found. He is in our opinion entitled to a 3/18 rating for the disability caused by Rheumatism, 10/18 for that caused by Hernia. F. L. Hull.
June 25, 1894 Union City	Increase of Pension Declaration: Thomas H. Dumars, aged 71 years. Pensioned on account of rheumatism and resulting disease of heart. And complete right inguinal hernia, under act of June 27, 1890 that said rheumatism were incurred in the Naval service of the United States while serving as a Seaman on the U.S.S. General Burnside. He believes that he is entitled to an increase of pension on account of an increase of disability from said rheumatism, and resulting disease of heart, and other results, which were of service origen. That he desires to have his pension claim considered under the general law because he believes himself entitled to more pension on account of rheumatism and results, which were of service origen, than he is now receiving under Act of June 27, 1890, with the disability from hernia added, which was not of service origen. That said rheumatism badly affects his sholders and limbs, and that said results have impaired his mind and memory to a great extent. His heart trouble, has many times caused him to fall down and remain unconscious for several moments. That he considers himself unsafe to remain alone, and for this reason he requests special action in this claim, that he may be the more prepared to employ the regular service of an attendant. He prefers to be examined by the board of Sugeons at Meadville, Pa." Wm F. Blanchard of Union City, Pa, his attorney.
June 26, 1894 Union City	Special Action Pension Claim: Statement by C. A. Law, age 36 of Union City, Pa. "The said claimant is a descreit, feeble old man suffering with rheumatism and disease of heart, and I understand his case as a neighbor. He is, in my opinion, very liable to die at any time, as he is subject to spells of unconsciousness of which I have witnessed him falling down at such times seven or eight times within the last two years and he should have an attendant with him all the time, and I consider him entitled to an increase of pension to enable him to be better prepared to employ such attendant. This statement was all written at my home in Union City, Pa, on the 26th day of June, A.D. 1894 by Wm. F. Blanchard and only from my oral declaration then made to him and in making the same I did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement prepared or dictated by any other person."
June 27, 1894 Union City	Warren St. John vouches for Thomas H. Dumars: Warren St. John aged 40, a resident of Union Township, County of Erie, Pa, whose post office address is Box 160 Union City, Pa. "I have been acquainted with Thomas H. Dumars for about 20 years, and he has been afflicted with rheumatism to a greater or less extent during all that time, and for several years last past, he has been afflicted with disease of heart as I believe from his complaints and appearance and as it is generally understood. Said heart trouble (as I believe it is) affects him in a way that causes him to become unconscious and he falls down. Since the fall of 1892 I have seen him in four of those spells and I know by common rumors that he has had many other like spells which I have not seen. Said Dumars is a widower and has no one to look after him only as he hires them, and has been boarding with different parties among his neighbors within the last two years. I think he is very liable to die at any moment and he ought to have an attendant with him all the time. I think his pension claim should be made special, and allowed enough so he can hire such an attendant. This statement was all written in my presence, on the 27th day of June A.D. 1894 at Union City, Pa. by Wm F. Blanchard, and only from my oral declaration then made to him, and in making the same, I did not use, and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital, prepared or dictated by any other person, and I have further declare that I have no interest in said case and am not concerned in its prosecution." Signed Warren St. John - (Warren St. John married Thomas' daughter, Rose, in 1874.)
July 18, 1894 Meadville	Physicians report to Increase Pension # 7532 Thomas H. Dumars, Seaman USS General Burnside US Navy, Union City, Pa. Cause of disability: Rheumatism & resulting disease of heart; hernia, impaired mind. Receives presently $12. per month. Dumars makes the following as basis for his claim for an increase of payment: "Has pain in back all the time, and getting worse. Haspain in his arms and hands. Has palpitation of hart, has falling spells and loses consciousness , for four years. This two or three times a week. Feet swell. Had hernia last 3 years, it gets large, pains him, comes down but puts it back himself. Has lost hearing in left ear. Is forgetful, has headaches often, can do no work." Upon examination we find the following conditions: pulse 84; respiration 20; temperature normal; hight 5'7"; weight 138 lbs; age 71 years. General appearance and condition bad, has the appearance of a helpless old man. The spinal muscles in lumbar region wasting and excessively rigid. In right shoulder joint motion somewhat limited. The right hand fingers cannot be completely flexed or extended due to calcium deposits in joints. Heart action is rapid and irregular. Pulse 84-96-120. and small and feeble. ? ?faintly disccernable 2" below the left nipple area of cardiac duluces not changed, no dysperira or ocdema, no cyanosis. Heart sounds weak but not otherwise abnormal. An oblique inguinal hernia on right side complete passing outside ? and during examination lying in the inguinal canal, tumor size of a hen's egg and ring fully 1 in in diameter. Can be retained by a properly fitting tress, but the old man has not wit enough to know when it is rightly adjusted. When he came for examination the pad was quite above the tumor and the mg2ring . Hearing appears to be lost in left ear - cannot hear with it the loudest calling in close relation. There is a marked degree of muscular tremors, and a general condition of childishness. No evidence of syphilis. We are unable from his statement or other evidence to say whether his fallings and unconsceiousness are due to ?syncope? or epilepsy. No disease of the special senses, except heaing, and no evidence of disease of the spine. The mental condition is evidently poor, the mind failing in a general way." Date of examination July 18, 1894 at Meadville, Crawford, Penna. No doctor's signature.
July 19, 1894 Union City	Request for Special Action in Pension Claim: "I was 71 years old last February. I am totally unable to earn anything by labor on account of rheumatism and resulting disease of heart and partial paralysis, which had its origen in the service of the U. S. while on the U.S.S. General Burnside. Those disabilities affect me so that I am abrade to be left alone, as I have many times been unable to stand up, loosing control of myself, and falling down very suddenly, hurting myself, and very liable to injure or even kill myself. And I believe this to be a result of my heart disease. I don't feel that I have but a short time to live, and I ought to have some one with me all the time and being a widower with no family - never had a child - I have to hire whatever attendance I have. This statement was all written in my presence on the 19th day of July 1894 at Union City, Pa by Wm. F. Blanchard and only from my oral statement then made to him, and in making the same. I did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recitte prepared or dictated by any other person." Thomas H. Dumars
August 25, 1894	Navy Invalid Pension for Special Claim Renewal and Increase for Thomas H. Dumars of Union City. Disabled by rheumatism and resulting disease of the heart. Original declaration filed on September 9, 1889 Increased payment to $8.00 per month from March 25, 1891 for rheumatism and resulting heart disease. Claim for renewal and increase from July 18, 1894 dropped. Direct sub payments and drop name from rolls under Act June 27, 1890.
January 11, 1895 Union City	Thomas H. Dumars submits claim for Increase of an Invalid Pension: "He states that he is entitled to an increase in pension rate due to the increase of rheumatism and resulting disease of the heart, and results thereof, since last examined. He states that his disabilities are increasing very fast, both mentally and physically, rendering him disabled to such a degree as to require frequent and periodical, though not regular and constant personal aid and attendance of another person. That he believes himself to be entitled to a pension of Fifty Dollars per month, provided by Act of Congress, approved July 4, 1892, in such case as his. That on account of his heart disease, he has many times been prostrated for several moments at a time, while other persons have attended him by rubing him and working over him to keep him alive, many times being unconscious for several moments. That it is not safe for him to stay alone, and he therefore requests special action in his case, as he has to employ attendance to assist him in his afflictions. He desires to be examined by the Pension Examining board of Surgeons at Meadville or Corry, Pa" Wm F. Blanchard, Attorney at Law, Union City, Pa.
January 18, 1895 Union City	General Affidavit: On this 18th day of January 1895, personally appearing before a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Erie, duly authorized to administer oath , Oscar Frank, age 22 years a resident of Union City, and Sate of Pennsylvania, whose Post Office address is Union City, Pa. His statement: "I have been well and personally acquainted with Thomas H. Dumars, since the 6th day of June 1894 and much of the time since said date. I have borded in the same house with him, and have been in his immediate presence, and from such an intimate acquaintance with him, I have been able to learn the following facts, concerning his physicial condition, viz; I know that he has been badly afflicted with rheumatism with swollen hands and wrists unable to perform any manual labor, and has always complained of disease of the heart, that he has often been prostrated for a few moments at a time, appearantly perfectly unconscious for a little time, and sometimes, it has been many minutes, or even an hour or two before he would fully recover from the effects of those prostrations - after he had re-gained consciousness, that he has always attributed those spells of prostration to heart disease, which is generally conceded by his neighbors and aquaintances. I have witnessed at least five or six of those prostrations in which I have assisted in carrying him into the house and to bed, or to some other place of rest and have helped to rub him to bring him to recovery. Those afflictions cause him to require the aid and attention of other persons much of the time. he should never be left alone at all, as he is very feeble both in mind and body, and is failing all the time. This statement was all written in my presence at Union City, Pa on the date above written by Wm F. Blanchard, and only from my oral declaration then made to him, and in making the same I did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital prepared or dictated by any other person." Signed Oscar Frank. [Note: Oscar Franck married Thomas Dumars' granddaughter, Catherine St. John on August 08, 1894, at Union City, Pa.]
January 18, 1895 Union City	General Affidavit: David Inman, aged 35 years a resident of Union City makes a a statement in Thomas Dumars' behalf: "I have been acquainted with Thomas H. Dumars about five years since which time I have resided near him, I borded in the same house with him about three or four months last winter, and have again borded with him since the forepart of November 1894, and have been in his immediate presence much of the time while we have borded together, and in my said aquaintance, I have learned considerable of his physical condition. I know that he has during all my acquaintances with him, suffered a great deal with rhematism, with swollen joints, swollen hands and wrists, and a grating noise of his bones in his sholders, joints when he moves them; he saeys he is never without pain, he is entirely unable to do any manual labor. He also has many times fell down suddenly in my presence, requiring the care and attention of other persons in which I have often assisted in carrying him to some place of rest and rubing him to bring him to himself - as he would be unconscious for a few moments - and I have seen him when he has remained for two or three hours, before he would recover from the effects of those spells, which are attributed to disease of the heart; by him and his neighbors generally. And I consider him liable to dye at any time very sudden as he has been growing wors all the time, more especially for the last few months. And he ough not to be left alone for any length of time at all. This statement was all written in my presnce, at Union City, Pa on the date above written, by Wm F. Blanchard and only from my oral declaration then made to him and in making the same. I did not use, and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital, prepared or dictated by any other person." Signed David Inman.
January 19, 1895 Union City	General Affidavit: H. G. Smith aged 54 years, a resident of Union City, Pa, whose address is Lock Box No 133 Union City, Pa. "I have been acquainted with Thomas H. Dumars since before the commencement of the war of 1861-65. I have lived within a mile of him for more than twenty years and during that time I have known of his suffering more or less from the effects of rheumatism and have heard him complain of heart disease of a serious character at different times within the last few years, and have heard from reliable sources of his being so effected with said disease of heart, as to cause him to fall down suddenly and would be unconscious for a moment or two at a ttime, that he is thus effected very frequently and I have been an eye witness of his being thus attacked twice within the last few months, once in the Post Office where I assisted in caring for him a few moments until he recovered. This man is entirely unable to do any kind of work at all by which to earn a support. It is not safe for him to be left alone any time at all, day or night. I believe him to be in a shape that he will die in one of those attacks before long, and for these reasons I think his pension claim should receive special attention in the Pension office. I believe his said trouble to be a result of heart disease as he describes his feelings in a way that compares with myself, I being a sufferer from same complaint though am not as bad as claimant. This statement was all written in my presence at Union City, Pa, on Jan 19, 1895 by Wm. F. Blanchard and only from my oral declaration then made to him and in making the same, I did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statemnet or recital prepared or dictated by any other person." Signed H. G. Smith [Note: According to the 1880 census, there was a 'Garrott' Smith - a merchant born 1839 in Dumars' locatity.
January 21, 1895 Union City	Thomas H. Dumars, aged 71 years, a resident of Union City, Erie Co, Pennsylvania. His statement: "I am nearly 72 years of age, and am totally unable to do any kind of work at all on account of rheumatism and resulting disease of the heart, and partial paralysis. And on account of said heart disease, I am afraid to stay alone, as I often fall down with said disease, hurting myself and liable to kill myself, and it is essential that I have some one to care for me all the time. I have no family, or children to look to for help, and have to hire my board and all the attention I have, and my pension is nearly all the income I have, and my entire income is not enough to hire an attendant all the time, which I very much stand in need of the remainder of my life, for I am satisfied that my time is short at the longest. I desire to be examined at Meadville, Pa as soon as possible. I furnish affidavits of H. G. Smith". Oscar Franck and David Inman in support hereof and signed as witnesses. (Editor's note: Thomas Dumars had a daughter, Rose who married Warren St. John. Oscar Franck was married on August 08, 1894, to Thomas' granddaughter, Catherine St. John. His entire family lived nearby in Union City at the time).
February 16, 1895 Union City	Practicing Physician, L. D. Rockwell, M.D.gives this statement on behalf of Thomas H. Dumars: "I have been aquainted with said soldier for about 15 years and that I have lived about one fourth mile from him during that time and have seen him on an average once or twice a week and have prescribed for him for rheumatism, both general and local, many times but have no record of dates of treatment as he always paid cash. I know however that he has been troubled with rheumatism ever since I knew him and for the last five years has been unable to do any work at all. His phalangeal joints are all stiffened and some enlarged. Both shoulders are loudly crepitant and limited in motion one half. All the large joints are more or less limited in motion. The arteries are athecourclous . A well marked rheumatic area on each cornea. The heart is enlarged on third and sounds muffled and action very unsteady making the circulation so imperfect that he has frequent fainting uncounscious spells. There is marked paralysis of both arms and head. And his mind is such weakened. It is unsafe for him to be alone at anytime and he frequently requires the attentance of another person when he is dizzy faint and entirely helpless. I have examined him today and find the above condition. He is growing more helpless and weaker in mind every day and liable to die at any time. This statement is all written in my own hand at Union City, Pa on the 15th day of February 1895 and in making the same, I did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital prepared or dictated by any other person. For the reasons given above, I request a special consideration of the claim by the Honerable Commission of Pensions."
April 8, 1895 Corry, Pa	Physicians report to Increase Pension # 7532 Thomas H. Dumars, Seaman USS General Burnside US Navy, Union City, Pa. Cause of disability: Rheumatism & resulting disease of heart. Pension now receiving: $17. per month. Satement from Dumars: "Thinks he had rheumatism first during the service, is troubled with it now all the time most at night so he is unable to sleep well. Heart commenced to trouble him 5 years ago, gets very short of breath and every few weeks has attacks of unconsciousness (falls) and is confused and for several days after any attack is very forgetful. Six years ago had hernia come on." Upon examination we find the following conditions: pulse rate 96 hard; respiration 21; temperature 98; height 5'6"; weight 145 lbs; age between 70 - 80 years. Claimant is very feeble, poorly nourished, skin wrinkled, muscles flabby, shoulders stooping, palms are soft. Rheumatism in metacarple lategral joings of middle finger of each hand are enlarged one half all the other metacarple langral joints are somewhat diffined, so he is unable to extend his fingers more than 2/5. He closes the fingers to the palm by considerable effort. There is loud crepition ? in both shoulder joints, no enlargedment of these or other large joints but all joints move with that slow half stiffened motion, so common in old age. Heart is hypertrophied, dullness from 2nd to 7the interspace & pain one inch to right of stemun to 1 1/2 to left of left nipple, apex 2 1/2 in below nipple & 3 in pain center. There is an aortic obstinctive murmur (which with the hardened condition of the radial ateries) I believe that this is due to an arthermotion condition of the aorta - Chest measures 33 - 35.5. Lungs normal. He has right Inguinal Hernia turmor in ingrunal canal, does not pass through external ring size of tumer 2 1/2 in long by 2" in diameter, There is paralysis agitaus? very marked muscular tremor of hands and head. He walks fairly well for one of his age. He seems to be forgetful and uncertain in many of his answers. He waits on himself only fairly well as far as seeing him put on his clothing. (He states that he takes care of himself pretty well except when he has one of his spells of unconsciousness after which he is confined to bed for five or six days. He has no relatives - pays $3.00 per week for board $13.50 per month) taking into consideration all the circumstances of his condition I believe him justly entitled to an increase to enable him to receive better attention than he can on $3.00 per week, other than as above stated, I find him in as good condition as I could expect at his age. He is wholly incapacitated for the performance of manual labor." Examing Physician at Corry, Pa. Unable to read name.
April 25, 1895 Union City	Navy Invalid Pension for Thomas H. Dumars. Original declaration filed on Sept 9, 1889, alleged Rheumatism, Increased the $2. per month pension to $8. per month from March 25, 1891. Pensioned at $12. per month from November 5, 1891, under Act of June 27, 1890 for rheumatism and resulting disease of heart and complete right inguinal hernia. Renewal under the general law at $17 per month from July 18, 1894 for rheumatism and resulting disease of heart.
June 30, 1900 Philadelphia, Pa	Thomas H. Dumars U. S. Navy. Sir: I have the honor to report that the above named pensioner who was last paid at $17. a month up until February 4, 1897, has been dropped because of Section 4719, R. S. (Editor's Note: Thomas died on February 5, 1897)