Claimant's Testimony
In this sworn affidavit, dated November 24, 1888 and received by the Pension Office on December 1, 1888, Elias Roberts testified that at the time he filed his pension declaration he was suffering from malarial fever, piles, and frequent hemorrhages, which made him unable to travel the 40 miles to the county seat. He also stated that his only actual military or naval service was in the Mexican War, though he had been drafted as militia into Confederate service before being discharged for pre-existing disability and disease. The affidavit, sworn at his home post office of Hockley, Harris County, Texas, was taken before notary H. Paul Georgi.
Full Transcription
CLAIMANT'S TESTIMONY
(oval stamp, upper right:) PENSION OFFICE — RECEIVED — DEC. 1 1888
State of Texas
County of Harris } ss.
In the matter of the application for Service Pension No. 20682 of Elias Roberts, personally comes the claimant, who, being first sworn on oath, says that at the time of signing the declaration for service pension he was and is still suffering with malarial fever, piles, and frequent hemorrhages, which rendered and still renders him wholly unable to travel from his place of residence to the county seat, which is 40 miles, and part of that distance would have to be made on horseback or in wagon.
And I further state that I have never done any actual military or naval service except in the Mexican war. I was drafted as militia in the Confederate service, but was discharged on account of disability and disease previously contracted.
My Post-Office address is Hockley,
County of Harris, State of Texas
Elias Roberty (signature — surname consistently signed without the final "s," as elsewhere in this file)
(Claimant's Signature.)
When signed by mark, two witnesses. (left blank — Roberts signed himself)
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24th day of November, A.D. 1888. The affiant is the person he represents himself to be, and a credible witness. I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I am not interested in this claim. Witness my hand and seal the day and year above written.
H. Paul Georgi,
Notary Public, Harris Co., Texas.
