Volunteer Enlistment
State of Indiana Town of Indianapolis
I, William A. Bales, born in Randolph Co., in the state of Indiana aged twenty years, and by occupation a farmer, Do Hereby Acknowledge to have volunterred in the ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for the period of
three years, unless soonre discharged by proper authority: Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, William A. Bales, do solemnly swear that I will
bear true faith and allegiance to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the
United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.
Sworn and subscribed to at Indianapolis, Ind. 1863, August 21st, Before John Miller, Captain 13th Infantry.
I CEERTIFY ON HONOR, That I have carefully examined the aboveee named Volunteer, agreeably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would,
in any way, disqualify him from epeforming the duties of a soldier.B. Newcomer
Examining Surgeon
I CERITIFY, ON HONOR, THAT I have minutely inspected the Volunteer, William A. Bales previously to his enlistment and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgement and belief, he is of lawful age, and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, I have strictly observed thee Regulations which govern the recruiting service.
This soldier has hazel eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, is 5 ft 10 in high.
John Miller
Captain 13th Infantry
for 57th Regiment of Ind. Volunteers,
Recruiting OfficerWar Record of William A. Bales
August 21, 1863, enlisted. Private William A. Bales, by Captain Miller, for Company E 57th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Age 20 years...Edmunc Klamroth, a Witness. Enlisted at Indianapolis, Indiana.COMPANY MUSTER ROLL:
For September to December 1863: Present
DETACHMENT MUSTEER-OUT ROLL OF THE ORGANIZATION NAMED ABOVE:
Roll Dated: Chattonooga, Tennessee. February 12, 1864
Last Paid to October 31, 1863
Last seettled November 1, 1863
Amount forclothing, in kind
Muster Roll) or money advanced $27.47
For April, May, June, 1864: Absent.. Veteran absent. Sick in Randolph County, Indina. since April 1, 1864 (Remarks)
(Note: On June 7, 1864, age 21, he reported voluntarily to Louisville, Kentucky. Received at Barracks #1, on June 8, 1864).For July and August: Present (1864)
For Novembeer & December, 1864: Present
For January to June, 1865: Absent. Remarks: On detailed duty in 2nd Division,
4th Ambulance Corps, since February 7-9, 1865, by order of General Stanley.Engaged in the Battle of Dalton, Georgia, May 9, 1865, and all the Atlanta Campaign. Detailed to Ambulance Corps as stated above.
For July & August, 1865 Absent
For September & October, 1865: Absent
Remarks: Deserted June 30, 1865, at Cairo, Illinois.NOTATION: WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, MAY 6,
1878, A CERTIFICATE FOR EXTENSION OF FURLOUGH ON FILE.
DESCRIPTION OF DESERTERS:
Dated Camp Irvin, Texas, September 30, 1865
When deserted: June 30, 1865 at Cairo, Illinois.Remarks: Deserted while on detacheed Service in 2nd Division, 4th Ambulance Corps.
COMPANY MUSTER-OUT ROLL:
Dated: Victoria, Texas, December 14, 1865
Last paid to April 30, 1865. Remarks: Entered Service as a Recruit, as set forth. On detailed Service with 2nd Division, 4th Ambulance Corps. By virtue of special order #86, dated Headquarters, 4th Ambulance Corps, April 13, 1865.
Deserted from Ambulance Corps at Cairo, Illinois, June 30, 1865.
APPEARS ON RETURNS AS FOLLOWS. A SUMMARY:
September, 1863, Enlisted in Regiment, on August 21, 1863, Indianapolis, Ind.
May, 1864 Absent, sick since April 1, 1864. Nashville, Tennessee.
June, 1864, Absent, Sick since April 1, 1864. At Rishy Face
On June 7, 1864 age 21, he reported Voluntarily to Louisville, Kentucky.
Received at Barracks #1, on June 8, 1864.
July, 1864, Absent. Sick since April 1, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tennessee
(Note this date above)
February to June 1865, Absent. Detached since February 7-9, 1865, in 2nd
Division, 4th Ambulance Corps.
September, 1865 Deserted June 30, 1865, at Cairo, Illinois.
NOTATION: WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 10, 1885; THE CHARGE OF DESERTION OF JUNE 30, 1865, AGAINST THIS MAN, WILLIAM A. BALES, IS REMOVED AND HE IS DISCHARGED TO DATE, JUNE 30, 1865, UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, APPROVED JULY 5, 1884. DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE FURNISHED BY ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, FEBRUARY 14, 1885.
Volunteer Enlistment
State of Indiana Town of Indianapolis
I, William A. Bales, born in Randolph Co., in the state of Indiana aged twenty years, and by occupation a farmer, Do Hereby Acknowledge to have volunterred in the ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for the period of
three years, unless soonre discharged by proper authority: Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations, and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, William A. Bales, do solemnly swear that I will
bear true faith and allegiance to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the
United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.
Sworn and subscribed to at Indianapolis, Ind. 1863, August 21st, Before John Miller, Captain 13th Infantry.
I CEERTIFY ON HONOR, That I have carefully examined the aboveee named Volunteer, agreeably to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion he is free from all bodily defects and mental infirmity, which would,
in any way, disqualify him from epeforming the duties of a soldier.B. Newcomer
Examining Surgeon
I CERITIFY, ON HONOR, THAT I have minutely inspected the Volunteer, William A. Bales previously to his enlistment and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgement and belief, he is of lawful age, and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied soldier, I have strictly observed thee Regulations which govern the recruiting service.
This soldier has hazel eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, is 5 ft 10 in high.
John Miller
Captain 13th Infantry
for 57th Regiment of Ind. Volunteers,
Recruiting OfficerWar Record of William A. Bales
August 21, 1863, enlisted. Private William A. Bales, by Captain Miller, for Company E 57th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Age 20 years...Edmunc Klamroth, a Witness. Enlisted at Indianapolis, Indiana.COMPANY MUSTER ROLL:
For September to December 1863: Present
DETACHMENT MUSTEER-OUT ROLL OF THE ORGANIZATION NAMED ABOVE:
Roll Dated: Chattonooga, Tennessee. February 12, 1864
Last Paid to October 31, 1863
Last seettled November 1, 1863
Amount forclothing, in kind
Muster Roll) or money advanced $27.47
For April, May, June, 1864: Absent.. Veteran absent. Sick in Randolph County, Indina. since April 1, 1864 (Remarks)
(Note: On June 7, 1864, age 21, he reported voluntarily to Louisville, Kentucky. Received at Barracks #1, on June 8, 1864).For July and August: Present (1864)
For Novembeer & December, 1864: Present
For January to June, 1865: Absent. Remarks: On detailed duty in 2nd Division,
4th Ambulance Corps, since February 7-9, 1865, by order of General Stanley.Engaged in the Battle of Dalton, Georgia, May 9, 1865, and all the Atlanta Campaign. Detailed to Ambulance Corps as stated above.
For July & August, 1865 Absent
For September & October, 1865: Absent
Remarks: Deserted June 30, 1865, at Cairo, Illinois.NOTATION: WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, MAY 6,
1878, A CERTIFICATE FOR EXTENSION OF FURLOUGH ON FILE.
DESCRIPTION OF DESERTERS:
Dated Camp Irvin, Texas, September 30, 1865
When deserted: June 30, 1865 at Cairo, Illinois.Remarks: Deserted while on detacheed Service in 2nd Division, 4th Ambulance Corps.
COMPANY MUSTER-OUT ROLL:
Dated: Victoria, Texas, December 14, 1865
Last paid to April 30, 1865. Remarks: Entered Service as a Recruit, as set forth. On detailed Service with 2nd Division, 4th Ambulance Corps. By virtue of special order #86, dated Headquarters, 4th Ambulance Corps, April 13, 1865.
Deserted from Ambulance Corps at Cairo, Illinois, June 30, 1865.
APPEARS ON RETURNS AS FOLLOWS. A SUMMARY:
September, 1863, Enlisted in Regiment, on August 21, 1863, Indianapolis, Ind.
May, 1864 Absent, sick since April 1, 1864. Nashville, Tennessee.
June, 1864, Absent, Sick since April 1, 1864. At Rishy Face
On June 7, 1864 age 21, he reported Voluntarily to Louisville, Kentucky.
Received at Barracks #1, on June 8, 1864.
July, 1864, Absent. Sick since April 1, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tennessee
(Note this date above)
February to June 1865, Absent. Detached since February 7-9, 1865, in 2nd
Division, 4th Ambulance Corps.
September, 1865 Deserted June 30, 1865, at Cairo, Illinois.
NOTATION: WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 10, 1885; THE CHARGE OF DESERTION OF JUNE 30, 1865, AGAINST THIS MAN, WILLIAM A. BALES, IS REMOVED AND HE IS DISCHARGED TO DATE, JUNE 30, 1865, UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, APPROVED JULY 5, 1884. DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE FURNISHED BY ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, FEBRUARY 14, 1885.
Thomas H. Bales was born on October 20, 1845, Randolph Co., Ind., near Farmland. He was the 2nd child born to Amer J. & Harriett (Higgenbotham) Beals, 1st wife. The sturdy young parents being homesteaders and where Thomas
H. spent his boyhood. Thomas and his three brothers and one sister were quite young when their mother, Harriett, died Oct. 25, 1856, in Randolph Co., Indiana. How the father managed the care of his motherless children at that time, this recorder doesn't know. However, Amer J. Beals married a second wife, Matilda H. (Nolin) Quick, Aug. 11, 1857, in Randolph Co., Indiana.
Matilda was the mother of two children by her former marriage to a Mr. Quick. Namely: Florence Quick and Henry Quick. Thomas H. Bales loved and respected his step-mother, Matilda, and she loved Thomas. Thomas served in
the Civil War, and after he was dischared in 1865, he returned to White River Township, Randolph Co., Indiana. I do not know what year he departed from his native state to locate in Nebraska. On October 20, 1878, In Seward Co, Neb., Thomas H. Bales and Delsina Diana (Bates) Jeffers were married by a traveling preacher. Delsina was born April 7, 1855, at Rosco, Winnebago Co., Illinois, and her former consort was Abe Jeffers, of Beloit, Wisconsin, their marriage
date being May 27, 1869. Abe obtained a divorce in or about 1875. They were the parents of Lillie Jeffers, married William Mapes, he is a son of Sarah C. & Hiram Mapes; Alice died age 3 years; Henry Jeffers; Edward Jeffers; and
Christy Jeffers. Lillie was living as of Sept. 30, 1956. Sometime before 7/22/1882, Thomas H. and Delsina Bales with young son, Thomas Paine Bales, born Oct. 5, 1879, in Sewared Co., Neb., located twelve miles north of McCook, on
Willow Creek in Red Willow County, where 8 children were born. It may be that Thomas Paine Bales was born at Beaver Creek, 10 to 15 miles south of McCook, instead of Seward Co., Neb. It was because of the respect that Thomas H. Bales always had for his step mother that prompted Matilda to present the letters she had received during the Civil War from her husband, A. J. Beals to Thomas H., who was a son of A. J. Beals and his first wife, Harriett. After the death of Thomas H. Bales, Apirl 13, 1934, McCook, Neb., the Civil War letters were passed down to his eldest son, Thomas Paine Bales, who in 1962, lived at Simila, Colorado. After the death of Thomas P. Bales, March 30, 1966, the Civil War letters were again passed down to eldest child of Thomas Paine Bales.NOTE: When Thomas Higgenbotham Bales migrated from his native state, Indiana, to locate in Nebraska, he left in Indiana his sweetheart, Viretta Puckett, not marrying because she thought they were related, but actually they were not.
EXPLANATION: Amer Jackson Beals had a sister, Elizabeth Beals. Elizabeth Beals married Tyre Taylor Puckett. After her death in 1838, T. T. Puckett married (2) Elizabeth J. Hill, & they became parents of Viretta Puckett.McCook, Nebraska, 8 mo. 3 day 1962:
Dear Mayme Bales
Linneus, Mo.
My grandfather, Thomas Higgenbotham Bales, was in Seward Co., Nebraska, 1871, where he taught school for two or three months in that county. Do not know exactly how long he taught. My Dad, Clarence Cecil Bales, told me that
his father didn't like to be confined to the school room and stopped teaching to work out of doors. He was of farm stock so it is easy to see why he preferred outdoor life. My grandfather never did stop reading and studying, and was of the most brilliant man around these parts. He used to tell Dad to start reading the books that were in his library so he could learn more. Grandpa had many, many books as I remember & I keep wondering what happened to all of them. Dad bought a few when the family had their sale after granma's death.
Love and Prayers,
Marie (Bales) Patton, McCook, NebraskaDECLARATION FOR INVALID ARMY PENSION
State of Indiana }
County of Randolph } ss
On this 17th day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty five, personally appeared before me, John B. Goodrich, clerk of the circuit court within and for the County and State aforesaid, Thomas H. Bales aged Nineteen years, a resident of White River Township, in the County of Randolph in the State of Indiana, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Thoams H. Bales who enlisted in the service of the United States at Randolph County of Wayne State of Indiana on the 18th day of November in the year 1861 as a private in company "E" commanded by Captain A. M. Dunn in the 57th Regiment of Indiana Vol. infantry in the War of 1861, and was honorably
discharged on the fourth day of February, in the year 1865: That while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty at a place called Stone River & in Battle of Stone River, in the State of Tennessee on the first day of January 1863, he received a Gun Shot wound in the right foot and ankle.
My Post Office address is Cerro Gordo, Randolph Co., Ind. Since leaving the service he has resided in said White River Township in county of Randolph in the State of Indiana, his occupation has been Farmer. When he enrolled he was a Farmer. And for the purpose of prosecuting his claims, he hereby appoints Cheney & Watson of Winchester, in Randolph Co., Ind his attorney in fact with power of substitution, and authority to receive his Pension Certificate.
Thomas H. Bales
Signature of Claiment
Witnesses:
Alvin M. Owens
William W. Starbuck
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also personally appeared Alvin M. Ownes and William W. Starbuck residents of Washington, West River Twnsp County of Randolph State of Indiana, persons whom I certify to be responsible and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly
sworn, say that they were present and saw said Thoams H. Bales sign his name to the forgoing declartation and power of attorney, and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, form the appearence of thy applicant, and
their acquaintace with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; that they have known him for three years last past; that prior to enlistment he was a farmer and his habits have been uniformly good; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Alvin M. Owens
William W. Starbuck
Signature of Witness
Sworn to, acknowledged and subscribed, before me, this 17th day of February 1865, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
John B. Goodrich, Clerk
Randolph Circuit CourtWashington D. C., November 21, 1895. The Department of The Interior, bureau of Pensions, requesting a full military and medical history of Thomas H. Bales, Certificate #46810.
Reply From the Record and Pension Office, War Department, returned to Commissioner of Pensions, is as follows:
Thomas H. Bales Co. "E" 57th Reg't Indiana Infantry. (Dunn's) Was enrolled Nov. 18, 1861. And M.O. (Mustered Out) with Co., Feb. 4, 1865.
From enlistment to Muster Out, he held the rank of Private, and during that period the rolls show him present except as follows:
Feb. 28, 1863 Wounded in the battle before Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Jan. 1, 1863 Sent to Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
April 30, 1863 Sick in Hospital, Louisville, Ky. from wounds rec'd at the battle of Stone River.
August 31, 1863 Absent in Hospital at Evansville, Indiana since Jan. 3,
1863.
The Medical Records show him as follows:
Thomas Bayles, Pvt.
Co. "E" 57th Ind. Inf. wounded Through right ankle. Rifle ball at battle of Murfreesboro, Teeenn. (Date not shown)Thomas Bales
Wounded severe by Musket ball, right foot, at battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Dec. 29, 1862 to January 3, 1863. Treated January 8, 1863 Gun Shot wound of foot. Ordered for Medical examination at the following dates: June 25, 1863, furloughed 20 days: July 29, 1863, no diagnosis: Aug. 1, 1863 furloughed 20 days.
Nothing additional found. By Authority of the Secretary of War, Washington D. C.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington D. C. Nov. 29, 1918
Requesting a report of any additional military and medical history of the soldier, such as the records may now afford, including all absences without authority, arrests, and confinements, with dates of beginning and ending of each; if court-martialed, the findings, sentence and date of promulgation, and when restored to duty, personal description and all ages not shown in reports herewith returned. If soldier had other service, the same information relative thereto as desired.
CTF. #46810
Name: Thomas H. Bales
Service: Co. E 57th Indiana, Inf.Reply. War Department, The Adjutant General's Office,
Washington D.C., Dec 4, 1918
With the information that in the case of Thomas H. Bales, Co., "E" 57th Regiment Ind. Infantry. In additon to the statement or statements herewith, the miltiary record show the following:
Age 18, Height 5 feet, 3 Inches, complextion dark, Eyes black, Hair dark
Place of birth, Randolph Co., Ind. Occupation farmer No other age, sevice found. No record found of any unauthorized absence, arrest, confinement or trial by court martial.
The Medical records show him treateed as follows:
No record found additional to that furnished in statement dated NOv. 23,
1895. Herewith.
G. M. Saltzgaben P. O. Harris
Commissioner The Adjutant General
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
STATE OF NEBRASKA
Certified Copy of Death Certificate
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name ------------ Thomas Higgenbotham Bales
Place of birth McCook, Red Willow Co., Nebr.
Date of Death April 13, 1934
Burial McCook, Nebraska April 17, 1934
Undertaker Pade Funeral Home, McCook, Nebr.
Filed April 17, 1934, S. F. Moss, RegistrarPersonal and Statistical Particulars:
Color White, married
Widow Mrs. Delsina Bales
His birth October 20, 1845, age 88 years, 6 months, and 23 days
Birthplace Winchester, Indiana, Randolph Co.
Name of Father Amer Jackson Bales (Printeed as Amos. Name origianlly
spelled Beals)
Father born Ohio
Name of Mother Catherine Higgenbotham
Mother born Ohio
Informant Mrs. Thomas H. Bales
Address McCook, NebraskaMedical Certificate of Death:
Date of death April 13, 1934
Time 11:35 AM
Cause of death Chronic Endocarditis, onset in 1900
Operation None
Autopsy County refused examination and autopsy
Was disease or injury in anyway related to occupation of deceased
Signed K. W. Brimmer, Doctor. Attended patient 1/14/1934 to
4/13/134.
Address McCook, NebraskaFiled with the Division of Vital Statistics, Bureau of Health
Jean Barrett
Lincoln, Nebraska May 12, 1934 State Registrar
DECLARATION OF A WIDOW FOR ORIGINAL PEENSION
State of NEBRASKA, county of Red Willow, ss:
On this 8th day of May, 1934. personally appeared Delcina Diana Bales,
before me the undersigned, who makes the following declaration as an
application for pension under the provisions of the acts of Congress granting
pensions to the widows of soldiers and sailors who have died by reason of wound
or injury received or disease contracted in the service of the United States
and in line of duty:
That she is SEVENTY NINE years of age, that she was born April 7, 1855, at
Rosco, Illinois, Winnebago Co.
That she is the widow of Thomas H. Bales, enlisted November 18, 1861, at
Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, under the name of Thoamas H. Bales, in
Private, of Captain Addison M. Dunn, Volunteer, Co. "E" 57th Indiana Infantry.
Discharged February 4, 1865, at Huntsville, Alabama, and who died April
13th, 1934, at McCook, Neb., of Endocarditis.
That he also served in the Civil War (Army), in the military service of the
United States.
That she was married to said soldier October 20th, 1878 at Seward County,
Nebraska, by Traveling Preacher, under the name of Delcina Jeffers, that she had
(YES) been previosly married, that he had (No) beeen previously married. Her
former consort was Mr. Abe. Jeffeers, Beloit, Wisconsin, May 27, 1869.
Divorced about 1875. Mr. Abe Jeffers secured the divorce.
That there were no children at this time, under sixteen years of age. She
did not serve in the Army.
THat a member of her family served in the Army: Justin E. Bales, a son,
served in World War I. He Enlisted June 26, 1918, at McCook, Nebraska.
Discharged February 3rd, 1919, at Ft. Logan, Colorado. Son still living.
That she has never heretofore applied to pension. That said soldier was
(YES) a pensioner, the number of his pension certificate being 46810.J. W. Curl Mrs. Delrina D. Bales, McCook, Neebr. R # 2
Signature of first witness Claimant's signature in fullC,E, Vandervort, McCook, Nebraska
Signature of second witnessSubscribed and sworn to before me this 1st day of May, 1934.
J. W. Curl, McCook, Nebr.
Signature, addressNotary Public
Official Character
These excerpts from letters written by Marie Patton, McCook, Neb. great-granddaughter of A.J. Beals, to Mayme L. Bales, Linneus, Mo., great granddaughter of Daniel Beals.
February 16, 1962 Dear Mayme, I got my papers and money back from Washington D.C. on Joel Bales. I do not know his middle initial and as they had records on 3 Joel Bals from Indiana, they did not know which was mine. I will do
further research on Joel and then I will write again.April 21, 1962. I received Joel F. Bales Civil War records last week. I am sending the four brother's War Records for you to copy.
November 29, 1962 I had a nice letter from Frank Bales, 811 W. 14th St., Muncie, Ind. a son of Joel F. Bales, the latter a son of Amer J. Bales and Harriett. Frank is very alert, so writes Clara, age 74 years, who stays and helps him. He is very interested in what you and I are doing in regard to our search for Beals/Bales records. Frank is getting hard of hearing and can't see very well, but says he is in pretty good shape for a young man. He sent name of his children and their addresses. In one letter, he wrotee of his son, Charles Bales, and of a daughter and son-in-law, Joe Dull, who were at that time at a Navy Base in the West India Islands, visiting a daughter. Frank mentioned a graveyard that is located about four miles north and 1/2 miles east of Farmland, Ind. At this cemetery is called Rehobeth. Frank sent his picture
and he is a good looking man.June 1, 1964 I wrote to Frank Bales for the first time Mayme L. Bales, Linneus, Mo.
Jun 7, 1964, Mom and Dad (Clarence Cecil and wife) went to Trenton, New Jersey, to vist Floyd Bales, my brother. On return trip they will visit Fran Bales in Ind.
Note: Marie Patton, McCook, Neb. has the Civil War records of A.J. Beals and his four sons, William A; Thomas Higgenbotham, Daniel and Joel F.
Cambridge, Neb.
March the 30th, 1902My dear children. I once more take my pen to write you a fewe lines to know
why you dont write to me. This will be three or four times I have written to
you and can not hear from you. If I dont hear soon I dont think I will eeveer
hear for I am graduly growing weakeer and worse til it is all I can do to walk
about the house. I cannot do anny housework. I am so weak I cannot last many
weaks longer without a change for the better and I dont look for that. I have
been going down for a year or more til I cant get much weaker and live. This
may be the last letter I will write to you and it is so poorly done dont
wheather you can read it or not. I do want you to write to me once more before
I go I would be so glad to hear from you all and how you are getting along both
spiritualy and temporly. Have you moved to town if so what are you all doing
is the boys stil at hom my dear boys beware of taking up with evil habits shun
the Salune as you would a nest of vipers never enter its door dear childreen
one and all of you be good and mind your parents and I pray the Lord to bless
you Clay and Libbie I want you not to give up your religon dont let the trails
and troubles of this life cheat you out of heaven this life is fleeting and
will soon be past then let us prepare for a blessing home that will never end
is the prayer of your affeectionate mother.
do write soon Matilda H. Bales
the Friends are all as well as common, Daniels health is failing as well as
mine he is quite poorly.
----------------------------On October 5, 1959, Ernest and Neva (Nickell) Bales of Fairbury, Neb.
visited Annis and Mayme L. Bales at Linneus, Mo.
Ernest Bales was the son of Cassius M. Clay Bales and Anna Elizabeth
(Brumbaugh) Bales. He was the grandson of Amer Jackson and Matilda H. (Nolin)
Quick Beals.
On this visit, Ernest gave me the original of the letter copied above, and
one page of another letter. He also gave me a Tintyplee picture of Amer
Jackson Beals, dressed in his Civil War Uniform, taken in 1861, and pictures of
P.H. and Clara R Swain and children, Mamie E. Swain and George E. Swain.
Mayme Louisa Bales
Linneus, Mo
Linn Co.
When Clay was just past one yar of age, his fatheer, Amer J. Beals,
volunteereed to serve his country during the Civil War, and was mustered in Dec
1861. Amer's four sons by Harriett also enlisted at various times. Amer J.
Beals died of pneumonia at Nashville, Tenn. April 16, 1862 and his
grave is No. 4236 Section A. Nashville National Cemetery. When the four boys
weree discharge from service, William A., Thomas H., Danieel and Joel they
returned to Randolph Co.,Ind. During those years it is presumed that little
Sarah C. lived with heere step-mother Matilda. In due time the four boys
married. In 1866, the widow Matilda H. Beals and her three children, Florence
Quick, Henry Quick, children by her former marrige, and Cassius M. Clay Bales
accompaineed her brother in law and family, Daniel and Levina (Hiatt) Beals and
sons Levi, age 14 and William Riley, age 2 to Sullivan Co., Mo. in the civinity
of Scottsville a settlement south of Humphreys and not far from Milan, Mo. The
five childreen of Amer and Harriett remainded in Indiana, Sarah C. living with
a Till Gray. However, Thomas H. Bales and Daniel B. Bales did locate in Neeeb.
later on. after Sarah and Hiram Mapes married, they lived at Norton, Kansas.
A great geal of history during those years is unknown to researchers today. In
Sullivan Co., Mo Nov 26, 1881, Cassius M. Clay married Anna Elizabeth Brumbaugh
was born Jan 11, 1864 in Sullivan Co., Mo, a daughter of John and Abbigal
Brumbaugh. Clay and A. Elizabeth liveeed in Browning, Mo. for several years,
then located in Neb. In March 1936 Anna Elizabeth Bales died. Cassius Bales
died in May 1949, both buried at the Fairbury Cem., Fairbury, Neb. to this
union 11 children were born.
Obituary of Mrs. Anna Elizabeth Brumbaugh Bales
Annie Elizabeth Brumbaugh was born on a farm near Browning, Mo. Jan 11,
1865. She passed away at her home in Fairbury, Neb. March 4, 1936, age 71
years, 1 mo and 23 days. She was next to the oldest daughter in a family of 13
children. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Brumbaugh.
Miss Annie Elizabeth Brumbaugh was married to Clay Bales, Nov 26, 1881.
They lived on a farm near Browning, Mo. for 4 years following their marriage.
In 1885, theey sold out and went to Haynes Co., Neb., where they took a
homestead and where they lived for 9 years. Mrs. Bales suffered a severe and
prolonged illiness, and in hope that a lower altitude would be beneficial they
moveed back to Mo. 12 years ago, the family moveed to Fairbury, and have made
this their home ever since. For the last 9 years, they have lived in the
house where Mrs. Bales died.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bales 11 children were born, 8 of whom are still living.
They are Roy Bales, Fairbury, Neb.; Jackson Bales, Denver, Colo.; Carl Bales,
Eldora, Iowa; Cecil Bales, Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.; Mrs. Blanche Kirby,
Fairbury, Neb.; Mrs. Pearl McCarty, Eldora, Iowa; Ernest Bales and Neville
Bales, Fairbury, Neb. Besidees her husband and these 8 children who mourn her
passing, theere are 27 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is also
survived by 3 brotheers and 3 sisters
Mrs. Bales have been in poor helath for a long time, but a week before
here death, she was taken with pneumonia, and growing steadily worse, she
passeed away last Wednesday afternoon at about 1:20 pm. She and her husband
united with the Methodist Church in 1883. They were baptised in Locust Creek
near Browning, Mo. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Fairbury, and
died in Faith.
Brother and sister Bales spent their boyhood and girlhood together as they
grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same school. As children,
they walked together and then as husband and wife, they walked together a long
journey through sunshine and rain, but always trusting one another and with
full confidence in their Heavenly Father. They celebrated their 54th Wedding
Anniversary last Nov.
They have bequeathed to their children something better than gold. A
memory of a father and mother whose trust was in God and who walked with God.
The children and their children have shown their esteem and love. There was
every evidence of love and thoughtfulness about her death bed on the part of
husband, children and grandchildren.
Sister Bales has gone to her Heavenly Home.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth,
give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. St.
John 14:27