Military Pension Files for Private John Saunders a.k.a. William Gibson, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. D. Special Examination by A.J. Green. Deposition A of William Gibson. p. 13

Transcription 3 of 3:

In Canada I lived at Chatham West, Ontario something. I lived with a family of Hansburys, and others too.

I was not called after my master's name that I know but my father was named Dick Gibson - dead, and I followed his name. My mother, Sallie Gibson, is living with my brother Jack Gibson at 331 Woodbine Street, Louisville, Ky, also my brother Sandy Gibson lives somewhere in Louisville, Ky. My real name is William Gibson. My mistress name was Sarah Taylor until she married Mallory.

--(cont'd on p. 14)--

Transcription 2 of X:

A white assisted me to escape. I have forgotten his name. He told some officers who were after me that he saw some "ni--ers" going a certain way (claimant expressed it as "going up that er way." A.J.G.), and the officers went that way but one came through the train but I drew a handkerchief over my face and so escaped. Well, I know I was 15 years old about the time I escaped for the reason that my master offered $500.00 reward for my capture and I heard them reading it on the train and it was about me. Well, I know because my name was in connection with it. I was born in Jefferson Co., Ky somewhere near or in Shelby Co., Ky.

--(cont'd on p. 12)--

Transcription 1 of X:

side of head - all received at the Battle of Honey Hill, S.C.

I also claim pension under the new law on account of said wounds, rheumatism, heart disease, and vertigo.

I was born and raised near Louisville, K[entuck]y. I don't know the year I was born. My slave master was Gip Mallory - dead. When I was about 15 years old I ran away from him, crossed the River on ice at Jeffersonville, Ind[iana] where I took train went by New Albany, Ind. Greencastle, Ind. and Chicago, Ill[inois] from which place I escaped into Canada where I lived until I enlisted in Boston, Mass., March 1863.

See also Special Examination Index

Public domain military record

National Archives Catalog #300020. "Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Veterans of the Army and Navy Who Served Mainly in the Civil War and the War With Spain, compiled 1861 - 1934."

National Archives retrieval courtesy of American Origins, LLC

Fee provided by J.M.

Photo editing and transcription by K Raymoure