FamilyHistoryFiles.com - Bailey T. Baldwin Civil War Pension File

Blind, disabled, obese, semi-literate, and suffering a host of physical maladies, Alabama-born Bailey T. Baldwin became part of the family of Nellie Kinsman Lang Blowe in the early 1870s, when Nellie was destitute and needed help the most. For half a century (1851-1900), Bailey was married to the "half-breed" Margaret Bleau dit Rossignal Bottineau Baldwin. Margaret's younger brother Louis Bleau, also Ojibwe-Métis, married Nellie Kinsman Lang around 1873-74. The marriage made Bailey & Margaret the siblings-in-law of Nellie Kinsman Lang Blowe, and the uncle & aunt of Nellie's small daughters: our great-grandmother Jennie Lang and her little sister Nellie. In everyday practice, Bailey & Marguerite were more like Nellie's parents-in-law, and her girls' grandparents. (Photo of Bailey T. Baldwin from Minneapolis Sunday Tribune, 2 July 1899; date of photo unknown)

Not a direct blood relation to our family, Bailey nonetheless became a crucial part of its story. Without him and Margaret, it can be doubted whether Nellie and her daughters would have survived the 1870s. How Nellie & Louis met, what their brief time together was like, and the nature of the relationship that bound their families together -- these all remain big mysteries, though we're getting closer to some answers. (Margaret Rushenall Baldwin, or Kas-Kas-Ka-Na-Gee, Minneapolis Tribune, 2 July 1899)

This page offers a transcription of Bailey's Civil War pension file, organized chronologically except for the only document penned entirely by Bailey, a poignant February 1895 plea to the commissioner of pensions in Washington D.C. to "take up" his pension case, which is placed first here. (Right: Excerpt of Bailey's Feb 1895 letter to the commissioner of pensions)

The file as a whole does not shed much light on family relations among the Lang-Bleau-Baldwin's, as we'd hoped it might, but does help us to better understand Bailey T. Baldwin as a human being.

For one thing, the doctors' descriptions help us form a mental image of the man: 5' 11" tall, weighing 230 lbs. in 1876, with dark hair, light eyes, and a dark complexion. Bailey T. Baldwin was a big man -- or, as one of his doctors bluntly phrased it in 1893, when Bailey tipped the scales at over 260 lbs., "man is very fat."

He also suffered a panoply of physical ailments after the Civil War, including severe rheumatism, an inguinal hernia, back pain, kidney disease, and piles (polyps on the rectum, which can make evacuation very painful). Most tragically, after his army service, Bailey Baldwin went mostly blind. He claimed that his loss of vision was caused by peering over the prairies while on sentry duty at Fort Abercrombie during the "Indian troubles" -- which seems a ludicrous claim. More likely he suffered some sort of degenerative eye disease -- though his claim that the medical treatment he received at Fort Snelling Hospital damaged his eyes further may well have been true. (Looking across the grasslands toward modern-day Historic Fort Abercrombie, www.ftabercrombie.org)

We also see a man who made deep and lasting friendships -- not only with his neighbors in Northeast Minneapolis, but with some very prominent individuals he came to know before the Civil War -- including the future Governor of Minnesota William R. Marshall (see Marshall's affidavit); veterinary doctor William Mintzer of St Paul; and prominent St Paul merchant Francis A. Cariveau. He even convinced his former commanding officer at Fort Abercrombie, Captain John Vander Horck, to testify on his behalf. Bailey T. Baldwin must have been a man of great personal charisma and irresistible charm. (Left: Minnesota Governor Wm R Marshall [1866-70], mnhs.org. Right, Capt. John Vander Horck, commanding officer of Ft Abercrombie in 1862, who testified in Bailey's behalf, www.ftabercrombie.org)

How did Bailey T. Baldwin, a poor white farmer from the Deep South, end up in living Minnesota, marrying a "half-breed" Indian woman from Manitoba, and fighting in the Union Army? Not to mention making friends with a future governor? To paraphrase Churchill, the man's an enigma wrapped in a riddle wrapped in a mystery.

Some answers are suggested in an intriguing newspaper article that appeared in the Minneapolis Tribune in July 1899. Invoking the classic fiction of James Fenimore Cooper, the article purported to relate nothing less than a "Modern Leather-Stocking Tale."

Profiling Bailey's wife Margaret, the article sheds much light on Bailey's early years in Minnesota. "In the spring of 1845," we read, "B. T. Baldwin was among those who came from the South to the new trading post at St. Paul. He had lived in Alabama . . . and was eager to try his luck in the north, even though his fortunes should lie among the much dreaded Indians."

Contrary to this sensationalist language, clearly directed at a white readership, Bailey did not "dread" Native peoples but embraced them, choosing to live and trade in their midst. Reading these and other passages "against the grain," along with lots of other evidence on these pages, makes it clear that he spent years among the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Métis of the Red River Valley (in French, métis means "mixed," and in this context refers to the "mixed-bloods" of French-Canadians and Native American Lakota and Ojibwe populating the Red River Valley). There's no doubt he felt quite at home among Native peoples. Six years after arriving in Minnesota he married the "half-breed" Margaret, suggesting the extent to which he had insinuated himself into the the Red River Valley's Métis cultures.

For us, the information in this file opened up a slew of puzzles and mysteries, some of which we pursue in later pages. But first read this file. It really does offer a revealing and poignant portrait of the man and his life, from his injury in a ferry mishap and the onset of his blindness in 1862 until his death 42 years later.

Bailey T. Baldwin to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.

7 February 1895

Minneapolis Feb 7th 1895

Hon Wm Lockern

Sir,

This is the first time that I ever setdown to wright to you but you will please excuse me for it is actuley through neadsesety that I wright you this letter I am now in my 74th year and have not dun eney work for the last four years nether can I work. I do wish that you would take up that Pension case of mine that now lyes before your Honor. My present Pension sertificate is no 144663 and let me hear from you at your earlest convenience and oblig----- /s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

My address is 716 Lincoln St, Minneapolis, Minn

Co D, 5th Minn. Vol. Infty

[Note: This is the only document in the file generated exclusively by Bailey T. Baldwin. It is placed here first, out of chronological sequence, because its poignancy and authenticity set an appropriate tone for everything that follows. All spelling and orthography correspond to the original. As seen below, in August the Pension Bureau rejected his petition, and in October reversed itself, granting him a total of $12 per month, which he received until his death nine years later on 19 Dec 1904.]

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Certificate of Disability for Discharge

15 December 1862

     Army of the United States. Certificate of Disability for Discharge.

     Baley T. Baldwin, a Private of Captain John VanderHorck's Company D of the Fifth Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers was enlisted by Capt VanderHorck of the Fifth Regiment of Minn Vol at Fort Snelling, Minn on the twelfth day of February 1862 to serve three years or during the war; he was born in Madison City in the State of Alabama, is forty-three years of age, five feet nine inches high, light complexion, light eyes, dark hair, and by occupation when enlisted a laborer. During the last two months said soldier has been unfit for duty 60 days.

     I certify that I have carefully examined the said Baley T. Baldwin of Captain Vanderhorck's Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of Hernia caused by over exertion while tightening the Ferry rope at Fort Abercrombie, said soldier at that time being on duty as Ferryman. Disability one-half.

     Discharged Jan 3, 1863, Fort Snelling, Minn. Place where soldier desires to be addressed may here be added: Town: St. Paul. County: Ramsey. State: Minnesota.

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Declaration for Invalid Pension

28 August 1876

Enlisted at Fort Snelling on 12 Feb 1862 as a private in Company D commanded by Capt John VanDerhorck in the 5^th Regiment of the Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Honorably discharged on 5 Jan 1863. That while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, on or about the 1^st day of June in the year of our Lord 1862 he

Having charge of the ferry boat on Red River at Ft. Abercrombie D.T. while stretching the ferry rope, by means of a Spanish windlass, the capstan gave way and he was thrown violently across the rope causing a rupture, which at the time was not considered serious but in December following when the 5^th Regiment was going forth, Dr. Potts, the U.S. Surgeon at Fort Snelling objected to the deponent going with the Regiment, reported his condition to the Captain of his company and had him discharged. The disability has since increased yearly, so that he is no able to do but little manual labor for his support. His occupation was that of farmer which he has been obliged to give up.

/s/ Bailey T. Baldwin.

Also personally appeared before me

/s/ John VanderHorck, formerly Capt of Co D, 5^th Regt Minn Vol Infy

Original Invalid Pension

2 September 1876

     Attorney H. P. Van Cleve, St. Paul

     $8 per month, commencing Sept 2, 1876

     Disabled by Right Inguinal Hernia, submitted March 31, 1877, by Geo. H. Heron, Examiner. Approved for Right Inguinal Hernia /s/ F. D. Stephenson, Reviewer, April 10, 1877. Approved for Right Inguinal Hernia /s/ Medical Reviewer, April 11, 1877.

Enlisted 12 Feb 1862

Mustered 12 Feb 1862

Discharged 3 Jan 1863

Declaration Filed 2 Sept 1876

Basis of Claim: Alleges

     Hernia. That on or about June 1st 1862, at Fort Abercrombie, D.T. having charge of the ferry boat, and while stretching the ferry rope by means of a Spanish windlass, the capstan gave way, throwing him violently across the rope, causing rupture.

Invalid Certificate

2 September 1876

144,663. INVALID. No. 224904. Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873. [100]

Bailey T. Baldwin, P.O. Minneapolis, Minn.

Service: Pri. Co. D 5 Minn. Vol Iny. Enlisted: Feb'y. 12^th, 1862. Discharged: Jany. 5^th, 1863. Application Filed: Sept. 2^nd, 1876. Alleges: Rupture rec'd at Fort Abercrombie D.T. June 1^st 1862. Attorney: H. P. Van Cleve, St. Paul, Minn.

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Adjutant General to Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C. re Pension Application of Bailey T. Baldwin

12 October 1876

Volunteered for 3 years . . . for the months of May and June 1862 he is reported Present. On daily duty to attend the Ferryboat. Company was stationed at Ft Abercrombie D.T. June 1, 1862. Roll for January & February 1863 reports him Discharged for disability January 3, 1863 by Col Crooks, Commanding, Ft. Snelling Minn. So reported on Return for February 1863. . . .

Affidavit of Bailey T. Baldwin

14 October 1876

     Resident of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, before a notary public, Ramsey County, Minnesota. Says that

     He was never in any military or [---] service other than that from which he was discharged Jan 5, 1863. That he was never treated for the disability for which he claims herein while in the service excepting by Dr. Potts, Surgeon at Fort Snelling who advised him to procure a truss and wear it, this was at the time the deponent was [---] to the discharged by Dr. Potts. Has never had any medical advice since but has always worn a truss.

     /s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

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Examining Surgeon's Certificate in the Case of an Original Application

13 November 1876

    . . . totally incapacitated . . . disability is permanent . . . 5' 11", 230 lbs, dark complexion, 57 years, pulse 74, respiration 18 . . .

     Claimant has a large right inguinal hernia. The opening is so large that the hernia comes down in spite of any tress yet applied on the slightest exertion or change of position from the erect – He cannot do any manual labor. Is quite comfortable when perfectly quiet. It has become strangulated several times and claimant suffered intensely in the reduction.

     /s/ H. H. Kimball, M.D., Examining Surgeon

Declaration for the Increase of an Invalid Pension

28 May 1878

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin, May 28, 1878.

     Bailey T. Baldwin, age 58, resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, . . . enrolled at Milwaukee, Wisconsin Pension Agency at the rate of $8.00 per month, by reason of disability from Rupture . . .

     That he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of . . . the enlargement of the rupture which causes an increased disability as he grows older. He is now nearly blind from the effects of too great a strain and exposure of his eyes while detailed on sentry duty to attend ferry at Ft. Abercrombie D.T. there being only a few soldiers stationed there, and it being during the Indian troubles that all were forced to be on guard night and day looking over the prairies. Was laid up for four years on account of his eyes, which difficulty commenced immediately after leaving the service and at [our time grow] up for life to be blind; has only a little sight in one eye now.

/s/ W. P. Dunwoody

/s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

/s/ Charles Horn and John Kramer, witnesses.

Examining Surgeon's Certificate in the Case of an Applicant for Increase of Pension

24 June 1878

Height 5' 11", weight 245 pounds; dark complexion; 58 years old; respiration 17; pulse 60

Claimant has right inguinal hernia ordinary form nothing [severe] about it – can wear a truss only partial loss of vision of right eye left good. The difficulty of the right eye existing alone would entitle him to one fourth ¼ #2 – in my opinion. I [find his disability, as described above, to be equal to, and entitling him to:] total eight dollars $8.

/s/ H. H. Kimball, M.D.

Affidavit of Ex-Governor William R. Marshall

24 August 1878

      State of Minnesota, County of Ramsey

     . . . Personally came before me Clerk of the Supreme Court in aforesaid County and State Ex-Governor Wm. R. Marshall, a citizen of St. Paul, County of Ramsey and State of Minnesota . . . That he knew the said claimant long before and up to the time of his enlistment and looked upon and regarded him as a very strong and healthy man. And he also knew of his eye difficulty after he left the service, and rendered him assistance to procure medical aid during the time he was being treated . . .

/s/ Wm R. Marshall

[sworn & subscribed, etc]

BACK TO INTRODUCTION

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Affidavit of Dr. Wm Mintzer, St. Paul

28 August 1878

     State of Minnesota, County of Ramsey.

     In the Matter of Pension Claim No. 144,663 of Bailey T. Baldwin. Personally came before me a deputy clerk of District Court in and for aforesaid County, and State. Wm. L. Mintzer, Veterinary Surgeon, a citizen of St. Paul, County of Ramsey and State of Minnesota, 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 he knew the said claimant long before and up to the time of his enlistment in the Army of the Union during the last Rebellion, and looked upon and regarded him as a very strong and healthy man, and also as a man of good morals and habits; that he treated him for the eye difficulty during the year 1863 or 1864. And he further declares that he has no interest in said case and that he is not concerned in its prosecution

/s/   Dr. Wm. Mintzer

[sworn & subscribed 28 Aug 1878 etc]

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Affidavit of F. A. Carivean

29 August 1878

    State of Minnesota, County of Ramsey. In the matter of Pension Claim No 144,663 of Bailey T. Baldwin.

     Personally came before me a deputy clerk of District Court in and for aforesaid County and State, F. A. Carivean, Merchant, a citizen of Saint Paul, County of Ramsey and State of Minnesota and well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

     That he knew said claimant before and up to the time of his enlistment in the Army of the Union, during the last Rebellion, and looked upon and regarded him as a very strong and healthy man, & possessing good eyesight, and also as a man of good morals and habits; that he knew him and of his eye difficulty shortly after his discharge; and he further declares that he has no interest in said case, and that he is not concerned in its prosecution.

     Sworn to and subscribed before me August 29, 1878 [etc.]

[Note: See document of 2 Aug 1895, below, certifying that Francis A. Carivean was enrolled in Company D, 5th Minn Volunteer Infantry, 15 March 1862 to 28 Feb 1863.]

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Declaration of Captain John Vander Horck

August-November 1878

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin. Personally appeared before me John Van Derhorck, a resident of Hennepin County and city of Minneapolis, Minn, known to me as a respectable citizen and entitled to credit, who being duly sworn, says: That he commanded Co. D, 5th Regt Minn Vol. Inf. in the year of 1862, that Bailey T. Baldwin was a private of said Company, and that he was discharged in January 1863 on account of rupture, as reported at that time by Dr. Potts who was then U.S. Surgeon at Fort Snelling Minnesota, Company D being at Fort Snelling at that time. Said further that he has no interest in the claim of Bailey T. Baldwin for pension.   /s/ John Vander Horck, formerly Capt. of Co D, 5th Minn Vol Infty. Signed and sworn before me this 28th day of August 1876 [etc]

     10 October 1876: Adjutant General's Office, John Vander Horck . . . on the Muster Roll of Co D of 5th Regiment of Minn Volunteeers for the months of March and April 1863, he is reported Resigned. Resignation accepted April 11, 1863 by S. O. 101 Major Gen'l Grant.

     6 November 1876: Adjutant General's Office, John Vander Horck . . . on the Muster Roll of Co D of 5th Regiment of Minn Volunteers for the months of May and June 1862, he is reported Present. Commanding Co. Co. was stationed at Ft Abercrombie D.T. May 31 & June 30, 1862.

/s/ John Vanderhorck

Affidavit of Bailey T. Baldwin on His Pension Claim

4 September 1878

     Before the Clerk of the District Court of Hennepin County, Fourth Judicial District of the State of MN

State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin

     In the matter of Pension Claim of Bailey T. Baldwin No. 144,663 of Company "D" of 5th Minn. Inft. personally came before me a Notary Public in and for aforesaid county and state the said Bailey T. Baldwin a citizen of Minneapolis, County of Hennepin and state aforesaid well known to me to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

     That he is not able to furnish an affidavit of any one of the officers of his company or regiment of his disabilities, from the fact that he was left at Ft Snelling Minn as an Invalid when his company (his regiment already being in the South) was ordered south.

     Soon after his company left he was discharged for Rupture, but still remaining at the Ft and Dr. Potts now deceased treated him for his eyes and for that reason he can not furnish the affidavit of any physician as to his diseased eyes being contracted in the service. That he was treated for his eyes at Ft Snelling during the winter of 1863 by Dr. Potts the Government Surgeon, at said post. During the said winter he was also treated for a fever by Dr. Potts, Brisbim and Dr. Vervey. While sick with the fever his eyes partially recovered but grew worse again after the fever and continued to do so until in the spring he became entirely helpless and had to be lead about in which condition he remained for three years and upwards, exhausting all of his resources to obtain medical aid, board bills and [nothing] fees and finally was given up by all physicians to be a blind man for life.

     On his arrival and return home he commenced a treatment for his blood, and gradually commenced to retain a little vision, and can now see partially out of his left eye, his right eye remaining almost totally blind. And he further declares that his eyes were perfectly sound before he entered the Service and that they began to get weak before he left Ft Abercrombie and that at first he thought not much of it and doctored them himself and that he firmly believes that his diseased eyes was the result of his long duty, as guard at the Abercrombie D.T. which was almost incessant night and day during the Minnesota Indian Massacre of 1862. Drs. Potts and Vervey treated him mainly for the sore eyes and Dr. Brisbin for the fever. Dr. Potts as well as Dr. Vervey are both deceased. Dr. Brisbin is still living and at St. Paul but does not feel like giving his affidavit as he is now examining surgeon for the government.

/s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

Sworn and subscribed, etc.   Sept 4, 1878

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Petition for Increase in Invalid Pension

19 September 1878

     Reject   [handwritten at the top]

     $10 attorney fee

     Approved for Right Inguinal Hernia -- Disease of eyes rejected. No record and inability to furnish medical or other evidence showing disease of eyes in Mil service.

     Claims Right inguinal hernia & nearly total loss of sight. Latter disability now first alleged.

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Affidavit of Bailey T. Baldwin for Increase of Pension

13 November 1878

     Post office address is Corner of 9th and Central Ave. E.D., Minneapolis, Minn

     1st. That he is not now able to show from any one of his company the condition of his eyes before or after his discharge, that he only knows of the whereabouts of only three and they went south when the company were ordered away, and he was left at Fort Snelling as Dr. Potts, now deceased did not consider him in condition to go. Dr. Potts treated him both before and after his discharge for his eyes, and Dr. Murphy the examining surgeon made an affidavit which accompanied his original pension papers that he admitted as passed no man that was not sound.

     2nd. That he is not able to furnish any medical evidence of the condition of his eyes at or immediately after discharge as Dr. Potts was the only physician who treated him at that time before and after, and as stated he is now deceased and at this late date he can not do anything more than he has done except it may be to furnish all the evidence that may be asked for as to his credibility.

   /s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

[notarized]

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Application for Arrears of Pension

30 May 1879

Under act granting arrears of pension, approved Jan 25, 1879 . . .

My post office address is: Cor. of Ninth & Central Ave E. D. Minneapolis, Minn

Witnesses: /s/ Joshua Ring, J. B. Bottineau

s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

[Note: This document is undated, but appears adjacent to the "Declaration for Arrears of Pension" of 30 May 1879, below, both of which give the same address; from this we infer the date above]

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Declaration for Arrears of Pension

30 May 1879

Act Approved January 25, 1879 . . .

. . . Bailey T. Baldwin . . . hereby applies for the arrears due him . . . Office address is as follows: Cor 9th St & Central Ave Minneapolis (East Side) Minn. . . . subscribed & sworn 30 May 1879 . . .

/s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

Witnesses: J. [I?] M. Grant, F. G. McMillan [notarized]

Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension

3 July 1890

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin.

     3 July 1890, Clerk of the Municipal Court re Bailey T. Baldwin, age 68, height 5' 11", dark complexion, brown hair, blue eyes, at Fort Abercrombie, around 1 July 1862, he

     Contracted hernia, right inguinal for which he is drawing pension of $8 per month certificate no. 144663. That he is now suffering from said hernia. Also rheumatism, lameness and stiffness of whole body, old age, piles, partial blindness of right eye. Disease of kidneys and lame back. That all of said diseases are permanent and were not caused by any vicious habit and are such as to wholly incapacitate him from the performance of manual labor in such a degree as to render him unable to earn a support. He makes this application under act of June 1890.

     Occupation farmer and trading, being when enrolled farmer.

     /s/ Bailey T. Baldwin, 716 Lincoln NE, Minneapolis.

     s/s Witnesses Mitchell G. Perry and [Colius McDaniel?], sworn & subscribed

Medical Examination, Minneapolis

20 Jan 1892

Required with petition for increase in pension, address 716 Lincoln St. NE, Minneapolis, date Jan 20, 1892

Cause of disability: Right ing. hernia. Rheumatism & lameness & stiffness of whole body, old age. Piles, partial blindness of right eye. Dis. of kidneys.   Receives a pension of Eight dollars per month.

His statement upon which he bases his claim: Was ruptured in Dak. in 1862. Contracted rheumatism 25 yrs. ago in Minn. My whole body has been lame for 15 or 18 yrs. Contracted piles about 14 yrs. ago. Have been partially blind in the right eye since 1863. Have had kidney trouble for 5 yrs.

Upon examination: pulse 80, respiration 17, temp normal, 5' 11", 263 lbs., 69 years. All muscles, joints and tendons are normal. He alleges pain & soreness in lumbar region and in feet, we believe he suffers from chronic muscular rheumatism for which we rate 6/18. The heart is normal as to size, position, and valvular sounds. He moves with evident difficulty. We find no hernia. The rectum is filled with pile tumors the size of the end of the little finger. We rate 4/18 for piles. The prostate is enlarged and tender. We rate 2/18 for enlarged prostate. He reads #40 with left eye at 18 ft and #80 with right eye at 4 ft. Snellins type A cataract of right eye is present. He has divergent [strabisoms] of right eye. Eyes otherwise normal. We rate 4/18 for loss of vision of right eye. Urinalysis made with negative results except for a trace of sulfur. No other disability is found to exist. 6/18 rheumatism, 4/18 piles, 2/18 enlarged prostate, 4/18 loss of vision of right eye.

/s/ H. H. Kimball, T. F. Quimby, Chas H------

Instructions of Medical Referee, Bureau of Pensions

15 February 1893

Nature of Claim: Additional

Hernia, rheumatism, old age, piles, partial blindness of left eye, disease of kidneys and back (as alleged). This is a test examination for hernia to decide whether any such disability exists. Follow to the letter paragraphs 68 & 69 instructions for 1891. Describe all disabilities, and rate separately.

/s/ Thomas D Ingram, Medical Referee

Medical Examination, St. Paul MN

29 March 1893

    Pulse 92, height 5' 11", 263 lbs., 71 years

      Man is fat very fat. [----] Abdomen very prominent. Has a right inguinal hernia cannot make it out where it stands on account of fat. When lying down finger enters canal and on coughing gut comes into canal to external ring but not through it. And goes back of itself. He says it has been out size of fist six eighteenth.   Creaking in knees and creaking with resistance to motion in right shoulder. No atrophy deformity nor contraction. Cannot make out size of heart on account of fat but sounds normal four eighteenth. No piles [----]. 2 internal size [corn grans] not ulcerated but says they bleed four eighteenth. Right eye cornea is hazy. Can see people but not well enough to recognize them. Left eye reads [Snellin xii pt 2 int] Has not his glasses with him but says with them he can read for [6 feet] and then it begins to blur. Twelve eighteenth. . . . No evidence of trouble in back. So fat can't find lumbar muscles.

     Rating: 6/18 rating for the disability caused by hernia, 4/18 for that caused by rheumatism and 4/18 for that cause by piles, 12/18 loss of sight

/s/ J H Murphy MD

Bureau of Pensions, Request for Evidence

5 June 1893

[Bureau of Pensions requests (1) testimony of two credible witnesses having personal knowledge of the facts, showing when, where, and under what circumstances claimant incurred loss of sight; (2) testimony of the same, or other credible witnesses, who should state to the best of their knowledge and belief whether the rheumatism, piles, and loss of sight alleged by claimant were caused by vicious habits; and (3) testimony, the best obtainable and medical if possible, showing whether the claimant was disabled for the performance of manual labor by reason of rheumatism and piles from July 7, 1890, the date of filing claim, to March 29, 1993.

[Returned by claimant's attorney, Gray & Pulliam, Minneapolis MN]

Affidavit of Bailey T. Baldwin

19 June 1893

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin

     Claim of Bailey T. Baldwin late of Co D, 5th Regt of Minnesota Vol Infantry [---] 144663

     Bailey T. Baldwin being first duly sworn says that he can not prove how, where or when he contracted loss of eye sight. The said disease commenced as [granulated lids, on leash this] to that [---] surgeon said Dr Potts. Or any surgeon at Fort Snelling Minnesota and who is now dead. This was at Fort Abercrombie Dakota in the [---] Fall of 1862. The affiant was discharged in the winter, January 1863 and was treated Dr. Phelps who is dead. He had to [burn the granulabor with] Blue [violet] and this made [----] much worse and affiant has always believed that the loss of sight of right eye was caused by the medicine that was put in his eye. That when affiant first applied for a pension he [was] denied a pension because of loss of eye sight and has sent considerable evidence in support of said claim which is now on file in the Pension Department. That he can not now find any one that was with him or [---] him and can not therefore furnish any evidence as when and where and how that disease of his eyes first commenced. That [whereupon] he furnish evidence as to disease of Piles. He has had no medical treatment for Piles. Has used remedies of his own and as one knows [of own --- ---- ---] few with whom he has complained of said disease. The he has had no physician for the last three years. But he has used patent medicines and home remedies of his own.

/s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

     [Subscribed and sworn, etc. ]

     [Pension Bureau Stamp, 22 June 1893]



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Affidavit of John C. Smith [Neighbor]

19 June 1893

      State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin

     Claim of Bailey T. Baldwin late of Co D, 5thh Regt of Minnesota Vol Infy no 144663.

     John C. Smith being first duly sworn says that his age is 74 years, that he has known the above named Bailey T. Baldwin for the last thirteen years, and he has known him well and intimately ever since, that he, during said 13 years has been a man of good moral temperament and habit, affiant never knew or heard of his having any bad habit or habits except the use of tobacco which he uses moderately. That for the last three years or longer he has been almost [or] not quite blind in his right eye. He says [that] he can not see with this eye and it looks like a blind eye, has a whitish look. That he has been a [great suffer --- ] for the last five years. He is confined to his house every spring [once at othertimes] also and he is more or less home and suffers with rheumatism [all of its home] affairs feels sure that since Baldwin could not earn a [sufficient] if he had not aches [other] than rheumatism. And his eye sight is also so poor that this is almost total disability now. Affiant testifies from his own personal knowledge and [observation]. He lived [as] a close neighbor to said Baldwin for five years and has seen and talked with him frequently during the balance of the 13 years of their acquaintance. That affiant is not related to said Baldwin and is not interested in this matter, and his post office address is 737 Buchanan Street North East Minneapolis Minnesota.

/s/ John C. Smith

  [sworn and subscribed, etc. 19 June 1893]

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Affidavit of Frank Riel (Neighbor, Friend)

19 June 1893

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin.

     Claim of Bailey T. Baldwin late of Co D 5^th Minnesota Vol Infy No 144663 Certificate

     Frank Riel being first duly sworn says that his age is 76 years that he has known the above named Bailey T. Baldwin for the last thirty years. That when affiant first saw him in the Fall of 1863 the said Baldwin was almost blind. He was so blind that he had to be led could not see well enough to walk the streets although he said that he could tell light from darkness. His sight gradually grew better in one eye but no better in the other, the right eye, with the left eye he can see enough to walk and so some work but can not read or write. For the last three years he has been badly disabled with rheumatism. He has been more or less disabled [with it] all of the time and has been confined to his bed and house for several weeks at a time. Each spring for the last three years he has been confined to this house with rheumatism and he is very lame with it most of the time. Affiant has often heard him complain of the piles but has no personal knowledge of said disease. That because of rheumatism alone he is unable to earn a support.

     That said Baldwin is a man of good morals temperate habits and affiant never knew or heard of his having any bad habits except the use of tobacco which he uses in moderation. And affiant feels very sure that none of his disabilities or diseases were caused by any bad habit or habits. That affiant has lived right across the street from said Baldwin for at least seven years and has seen him very frequently for at least 30 years. That affiant is not related to said Baldwin and is not interested in this matter and his post office address is 723 Lincoln St. North East Minneapolis Minnesota

/s/ E. W. Gray

/s/ Geo H Knowles

/s/ Frank Riel "X" his mark

[Subscribed and sworn 19 June 1893 etc ]

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Affidavit of David Bruno [Neighbor]

22 Jan 1894

    State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin

     Claim for Pension of Bailey T. Baldwin, Late of Co. D, 5th Regt of Minnesota Vol Infantry, Certificate No. 144663

     David Bruno being first duly sworn says that his age is 59 years that he has been well and intimately acquainted with the said Baldwin for the last 16 years, that said Baldwin has had rheumatism ever since affiant has known him. And said disease has gradually grown worse. He has not been able to perform manual labor at all for the last five years, for the last four years his rheumatism has been very bad. At home he is [complaint with --- and given] frequently he is not able to dress himself. His feet and hands are swollen at times and he complains of great pain from the rheumatism in his shoulders arms and hands. That said Baldwin has also some trouble with his right eye. There is a film over the right eye and he can not see but little from that eye. He is an old man over 70 years of age. He is in needy circumstances and is aided by his son-in-law, and his support. That the affidavit is written by Elmer W Grey at his office in Room 205 Sykes Block Minneapolis Minnesota on the 22nd day of January 1894, and all in the presence of this affiant and from [all] statement [then and there] made to said Gray and from said [all] statements alone. That affiant has no interest in this matter hand his post office address is 717 Buchanan Street North East Minneapolis Minnesota. In the same block with said Baldwin where he has lived for the last four years.

/s/ David Bruno

[subscribed and sworn, etc. 22 Jan 1894]

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Affidavit of Severe Paragis [Neighbor]

24 January 1894

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin

     Claim for Pension of Bailey T. Baldwin, late of Co. D, 5th Regt of Minnesota Vol Infantry, certificate no 144663

     Severe Paragis being first duly sworn says that his age is 38 years. That he has known said Bailey T. Baldwin for the last four years. But has not known him intimately except for the last two years. That for the last two years he has known very intimately. Has lived in an adjoining house to said Baldwin and has seen him almost every day. He has not been able to work at all for the last four years and for the last two years. He has not been able to put on his coat alone for the last two years. This is because of rheumatism. He can not sleep nights and can hardly walk. His hands are swollen with rheumatism most of the time. He is and has been for the last two years in a very bad condition. In great pain some of the time. He is confined to his bed some of the time and can get out of the house only in good weather. He is over 70 years of age and his [who] supported by his son in law. That this affidavit is written in the presence of the affiant and from all statements made by him to E. W. Grey at his office Room 205 Sykes Block Minneapolis Minnesota on the 24th day of January 1894 and from all statements [there]. That this affiant is not prompted by any one but testifies from his own personal knowledge and recollection. That affiant has no interest in the matter and his post office address is 714 Lincoln St. North East Minneapolis Minnesota

/s/ Severe Paragis

[subscribed and sworn, etc. 24 January 1894]

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Affidavit of John C. Smith and Severe Paradis [Neighbors]

3 March 1894

     State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin

     Claim for Pension of Bailey T. Baldwin, late of Co. D, 5thh Minnesota Vol Infty.

     John C. Smith being first duly sworn says that his age is 75 years and he has known the aforenamed Baldwin for the last 14 years. Severe Paradis being first duly sworn says that his age is 33 years. That he has known the aforenamed Baldwin for the last 4 years. They both say that they have known said Baldwin intimately. That he is a man of good moral [---] habits never knew or heard of his having any bad habit or habits. That ever since they have known him he has had some disease or sickness in his back and he has frequently complained of the Piles. They know that for the last four years he has had to [wear] plasters on his back and he can not stoop over very well and sometimes when he sits down he can scarcely get up because of his back. That he is now and has been totally disabled from the performance of manual labor for the last four years. This has been because of his back, piles, rheumatism, old age and its results. He is a [basically] used up man and is utterly unable to perform labor and has been [so] unable to work for the last four years.   That they feel very sure that none of his diseases were caused by any bad habit or habits. This affidavit was all written in the presence of both of these affiants and from all statements made by said affiants to E. W. Gray at his office in the Sykes Block Minneapolis Minnesota on the 3rdd day of March 1894 and by said Gray then and there . . .

     That John C. Smith's post office address is 737 Buchanan St. North East and Severe Paradis is 714 Lincoln St. North East both in City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County . . .

/s/ John C. Smith, Severe Paradis

[subscribed and sworn, etc.]

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Letter from Bailey T. Baldwin to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.

7 February 1895

Minneapolis Feb 7th 1895

Hon Wm Lockern

Sir,

This is the first time that I ever setdown to wright to you but you will please excuse me for it is actuley through neadsesety that I wright you this letter I am now in my 74th year and have not dun eney work for the last four years nether can I work. I do wish that you would take up that Pension case of mine that now lyes before your Honor. My present Pension sertificate is no 144663 and let me hear from you at your earlest convenience and oblig----- /s/ Bailey T. Baldwin

My address is 716 Lincoln St, Minneapolis, Minn

Co D, 5th Minn. Vol. Infty

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Invalid Certificate

31 July 1895

[Certificate itself is not dated, but penned and partially crossed-out entries on its back side are dated. They read as follows:]

Dec. 26 / 91   Minneapolis H. Co. Minn.

Feb 24 / 92   Ex ord. St. Paul Minn

June 9 / 93   Atty evi- insurance vicious habits, existence [were] filing to date ex on B on Jan 30 1894

Atty to show no vicious habits of piles & disease of back.

July 31, 1895.

R&P amended

R&P to verify

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Pension Bureau Request for Report on Francis A. Carivean

31 July 1895

[Request:] Bureau of Pensions, Dept of Interior, request to Record and Pension Office, War Department, for records of F. A Carivean, 1st Lieut, Co D, 5th Minn Infantry, for claim of Bailey T. Baldwin, July 31, 1895 . . .

[Response:] Record and Pension Office, War Department, to Bureau of Pensions, 2 August 1895 . . . the rolls show that Francis A. Carivean . . . was present during the period named . . . During the period named the station of the company and regiment was as follows: Mar 15/62 Fort Snelling Minn. Apr 30/62 Ft Abercrombie D. T. Same to Oct 31/62 Dec 31/62 Chicago Feby 28/63 cp nr Germantown Tenn /s/

Invalid Pension Rejected

12 August 1895

     Act of June 27, 1890. Invalid Pension. Claimant: Bailey T. Baldwin, 716 Lincoln St. NE, Minneapolis, MN. Private, Company D, 5^th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.

     REJECTED   [stamp]

     Recognized Attorney: Gray & Pullison, Minneapolis, Minn.

     Approvals: Submitted for Adm., Jan 13, 1894, Jacn, Examiner. Approved for:   Right inguinal hernia, rheumatism, piles, disease of right eye, and disease of back. Reject disease of kidneys, NO ratable disability [therefrom] under act of June 27-90, Subject to approval of Medical Referee.   /s/ Legal Examiner, January 18, 1894.    /s/ August 7, 1895

     Approved for: incomplete right inguinal hermia; rheumatism, piles and disease of right eye, $8. No benefit. No ratable disability shown from other alleged causes. /s/ Medical Referee, Aug 12, 1895.

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Medical Referee, Report to Bureau of Pensions

1 October 1895

Respectfully returned to] Hon. William Lochren, Commissioner of Pensions: While claimant's condition is largely due to obesity which does not appear to be alleged, yet if senile debility can be added to the disabilities legally approved on August 7, 1895, he will be entitled to $10 to March 29, 1893, and $12 thereafter. Claimant alleged "old age" which is not included in the legal approval under Act of June 27, 1890. From Ctf of disability for discharge clmt is 75 years of age. /s/ W. W. Faster, Medical Examiner /s/ Thos Featherstonhaugh, Medical Referee /initials/ TF approved

Petition and Approval for Additional Invalid Pension

9 October 1895

     $10 per month, commencing July 7, 1890, and $12 per month from March 29, 1893

     Disabled by Incomplete right inguinal hernia, rheumatism, piles, disease of right eye, and senile debility.

     Attorney: Gray & Pulliam, Minneapolis

     Submitted for admission Oct 9, 1895. Approved for right inguinal hernia, rheumatism, piles, impaired vision of right eye, disease of kidneys and back, and old age (senile debility). Pension granted by Legal Reviewer, Oct. 11, 1895.

     Approved for incomplete right inguinal hernia, rheumatism, piles, disease of right eye, and senile debility, $10 to March 29, 1893, and $12 thereafter. No other disability to affect rate. See slip.

/s/ Medical Referee, Oct. 16, 1895.

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Response to Pension Bureau Circular

15 January 1898

Based on Act of June 27, 1890. Sir: In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below. /s/ Commissioner of Pensions

First: Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full name and her maiden name. Answer.    Yes, Sir. Margaret Rushenall.

Second. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer. February 1851, St. Paul, Minn., La May, J.P.

Third. What record of marriage exists? Answer.   Public Record I am quite sure.

Fourth. Were you previously married? . . . Answer.   No Sir.

Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth. Answer.   Lucy Doyle born April 4, 1852, William 25th of September 1858, Mary McRay 28th of September 1862.

/s/ Bailey T. Baldwin, July 5, 1898

back to nellie blowe documents

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Pension Certificate / Payment Book

20 September 1905

[ $10 from July 7, 1890, $12 from March 29, 1893.] Partial increasing to total inability to earn a support by manual labor. [---] 4 1905. Act March 2 1895, expl to Lucy Doyle, Pen Agt & Auditor adv of death. H.G. Aug 27 1905, Auditor adv no claim for accd filed. H.G.

DROPPED Feby 14 05 death J.M.H. . . . $30.40 Appropriation 1906 Returned to Interior Department for filing Sep 20 1905 J.E.A. Finan, dir

[Question: Does this mean that Lucy Doyle did not apply for accrued pension money after her father's death? Yes, if as appears to be the case, the above note was intended to read: "The Auditor has advised that there has been no claim for accrued monies filed in this case." -- MJS]

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Lucy Baldwin McClure Doyle Death Certificate, Minneapolis MN

1910.07.24

Place of Death: Minneapolis, Hennepin Co MN. Full Name: Lucy Doyle. Address: 1313 [?] Broadway Ave NE. Date of Birth: April 4, 1852. Age: 58. Occupation: Housewife. Name of Father: Bailey Baldwin, b. Tennessee. Name of Mother: Margaret, b. Canada. Date of Death: July 24, 1910. Cause of Death: Chronic diffuse nephritis [kidney disease]. Place of Burial: Hillside Cemetery, Minneapolis.

[Note: This death certificate was not in Bailey T. Baldwin's pension file but is reproduced here for convenience.]

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Wow. That's quite a portrait. In fact this file opened up a host of side investigations -- like trying to figure out who J. B. Bottineau was (which we did) and how Bailey became such a good friend of a one-time governor of Minnesota (we pretty much figured that one out too).

It's reasonable to ask whether Bailey exaggerated the extent of his ailments. After all, that's pattern in most Civil War pension claims, including those discussed on these pages (William Schroeder, Frank Lang, Felix Blue, his brother Ecan Ressenblue, and their nephew Charles Bottineau). The basic rules were simple: the older the claimant, and the more debilitating the disability, the more money the pensioner got.

Did Bailey exaggerate? Considering the full weight of this evidence, my strong sense is that, no, he didn't. In this case, the pensioner's claims appear to have corresponded closely with the actual state of his health (maybe Wm Schroeder's case is comparable here). The barrage of testimony, from so many credible sources, is simply too powerful to make a convincing argument to the contrary. In other words, the probability seems very high that Bailey really was nearly blind, and really did suffer a host of debilitating maladies that progressively worsened as he grew older.

And this, in turn, seems integral to another key aspect of Bailey T. Baldwin's life and character as revealed in this mass of reports and letters and affidavits: that he was very well-connected and had many close friends and acquaintances, some very prominent, and that in general he was a respected, perhaps even esteemed, member of his community.