This is an abstract of the Pension File of James Polston from the National Archives in Washington D.C. After having read and reviewed the documents, I have typed up this abstract for your pleasure. Thanks, Edith
PENSIONER CERTIFICATE: # 817953
Pension Amount: $8.00 increased to $12 on October 29, 1892
RESIDENCE:
Always lived in Clinton County, Ky.
Lived at Seventy Six, Ky.
Lived with daughter at his death.
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION:
Height: 5 ft. 6 in.
Complexion: Dark
Eyes: Black
Hair Color: Black
OCCUPATION:
Farmer
EDUCATION:
Could not write his name. All his papers were signed by someone and he made his “x”.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION LOCATION:
Byrdstown, Tennessee, May 27, 1899
BIRTH:
His birth varies throughout the records. He says he was 18 years of age at enlistment in 1863, he would have been born in 1845. Another document states his birth as 1838; another states he was born in 1841 or 42; yet another gives his birth as June 19, 1842.
DEATH
December 28, 1920 at Seventy Six while living with daughter.
CAUSE OF DEATH
Bronchial Pneumonia and Lagrippe
DISABILITY
Cut himself between the knee and ankle with an ax while cutting cedar timber. This caused him to lose the use of his leg and foot. He developed blood poison causing permanent loss of the use of his limb. In addition to the injury, he had Rheumatism and a Heart Disease of serious form.
MARRIAGES:
Statements say he married three times and no time was he ever divorced and at no time were his wives married before their marriage to him, James Polston.
1st Wife -- Married Angeline Brown 1867 Clinton County, Kentucky by Rev. Jorden Hunter and Angeline died about 1881.
2nd Wife -- Didn’t state when he married Sarah J. “Sally” Brown, who died on October 14, 1892; yet another death date was given as October 12, 1892' and another death date given was "about 1894".
3rd Wife -- Married Mary E. Shootman May 12, 1895 in Russell County, Kentucky. She died September 28, 1903. (His memory is getting better.)
CHILDREN:
Children by 1st Wife, Angeline Brown;
1. Thomas L. Polston – born February 19, 1868
2. Lucy E. Polston – January 12, 1872
3. Isiac Josh Polston – June 28, 1874
Children by 2nd Wife, Sarah J. "Sally" Brown:
4. Benjamin F. "Bennie" Polston -- born August 19, 1885
5. Oatis W. Polston – born October 14, 1890
Children by 3rd Wife:, Mary E. Shootman
6. Bettie Ann Polston – born May 12, 1896
7. Baily Polston – born January 28, 1899
8. Bessie Polston – born May 28, 1901
9. Ida Polston – born December 10, 1903
CHILDREN LIVING AT HIS DEATH:
Benjamin born Aug 19, 1885
Oatis born October 14, 1890
Betty Ann born May 12, 1896
Daughter, Bessie was not given as a survivor; but the information was obtained from Bessie Polston, Seventy Six, Kentucky and Bennie F. Polston, Creelsboro, Kentucky for the Settlement on the Claim Application of Expenses after his death on March 23, 1921.
EXPENSES OF PENSIONER’S LAST SICKNESS AND BURIAL:
Dr. W. H. Norris, Physician, $35.00
J. A. Warriner 7 Son, Medicine, $3.85
Children, Nursing and Care, No Charge
J. A. Warriner and Son, UnderTaker, $113.48
Children, Livery, No Charge
Cave Springs Cemetery, No Charge
No Other Expenses Charged
Total Expenses: $152.33
Expenses not paid to W. H. Norris, M.D., but J. A. Warriner held responsible for payment as claim is filed in his name.