Jefferson County, Alabama Spanish-American War

H. R. 12108. Lucile D. Murphey, Birmingham, Ala., widow of William R. Murphey, who served during the War with Spain in Companies E, D, C, and K and United States Infantry, from February 26, 1900, to March 10, 1901, when honorably discharged. (W. O. 1132363).

The records of the War Department show treatment of soldier in service at intervals between March 31, 1900, and March 10, 1901, for stye, lower lid right eye; tonsillitis; granular pharyngitis; dysentery, acute; substance inflammation of intestines and colon; and diarrhea; acute. He was discharged as being unfitted for service on account of his physical and mental condition. Surgeon W. O. Owens, in commenting on soldier’s condition, made the following statement:

Private Murphey is, in my opinion, unfit for service and will remain so for months yet. He is not insane, but apathetic to such a degree as to be valueless as a soldier. His physical condition is improving very slowly. He has been sick in hospital since July 29, 1900, except 20 days furlough, Januay, 1901, coming to the hospital with a chronic diarrhea contracted in service in Cuba. If my information is correct the change in this man is so great that no one would suspect that he could be the same bright, active young man that he was when he joined as a recruit. I recommend his discharge as unfitted for service as best for the interest of the Government as well as that of the man.

The claimant filed a claim for pension for herself and soldier’s minor child, under act of July 16, 1918. It was rejected on the ground that soldier did not serve 90 days in the zone of active hostilities in the wars named in said act. It is shown, however, that he did serve 120 days in Cuba in 1900 where he contracted chronic diarrhea and which apparently undermined his health.

He was married to claimant in 1906 and a son was born to them who is now about 13 years of age. Soldier died with disease of heart May 19, 1916. Legal widowhood is shown.

Evidence filed in support of the bill shows that claimant owns no property and has no income except as a seamstress, and that her parents have to aid her in the support of her child.

A pension of $12 per month to widow with $2 per month additional on account of soldier’s minor child until he reaches the age of 16 years is recommended.

[Calendar No. 752., 66^th Congress, 3d Session. Senate. Report No. 780, PFNSIONS AND INCREASE OF PENSIONS FOR CERTAIN SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF THE REGULAR ARMY AND NAVY, ETC., February 9 (calendar day, February 12), 1921 - Ordered to be printed. Transcribed by C. Anthony]

Teresa M. Strain - widow of John A. Strain

H. R. 14541. Teresa M. Strain, Eastlake, Birmingham, Ala., widow of John A. Strain, who served during the War with Spain, in Company H, First United States Infantry, from June 27, 1893 to August 8, 1898. (W. O. 1123974.)

The records of the War Department show that soldier was treated in service for bronchitis and indigestion, and that he was treated for other disabilities not due to service and line of duty of a moderately severe character.

He filed a claim for pension about three years after his discharge form the service, based upon malarial poisoning and piles, but was never able to establish his claim to the satisfaction of the Bureau of Pensions. The soldier died from paresis and insanity July 11, 1911.

The claimant filed a claim for herself and two minor children under act of July 16, 1918. It was rejected on the ground that soldier did not servc 90 days in the zone of hostilities during the War with Spain; however, he did serve more than 90 days during the period of said war, about 60 days being in the zone of hostilities.

One of soldier’s minor children became 16 years of age since her claim was filed. Legal widowhood is established.

The evidence submitted with the bill shows that claimant owns no property and has no income except from keeping house for a married sister.

It is believed that a pension of $12 per month to the widow with $2 per month additional for soldier’s minor child until he reaches the age of 16 years is warranted and it is so recommended.