Edward Spencer
Born: 11 Nov. 1831, in Franklin or Cumberland Co., Pennsylvania
Died: 5 Sep. 1909
Buried: Old Fallowfield burial ground (alternate cemetery name used by Attorney).
Wife: None
Edward Spencer was born Nov. 11, 1831 and was aged 33 or 34 when he enrolled in the military. He was listed as 5' 10" tall, a laborer and born in Franklin County or Cumberland County, Pa. In 1860, prior to his enlistment, he was living on the Downing farm as a laborer. He is listed as having dark eyes, dark hair, and black complexion.
Military Service: Edward enrolled as a Private, Co. F, 127th USCT Infantry and was mustered in on August 30, 1864 at West Chester, Pennsylvania for a period of three years. From West Chester Edward's Company moved to Camp William Penn. The Regiment was ordered to City Point, Virginia in September 1864. They participated in siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia from September 1864 to April 1865. They were in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, the pursuit of Lee, Appomattox Campaign and the surrender of Lee and his armies. During January and February 1865, Edward was sick in a hospital but returned to duty in March. Edward was then transferred to Company B, 127th USCT and in June and July 1865 the Regiment moved to Brazos Santiago, Texas with duty at various points on the Rio Grande. The trip back to Philadelphia was by way of New Orleans and New York where Edward was mustered out on October 20, 1865 and was owed a Bounty of $100.
Invalid Pension Application: Edward suffered from rheumatism acquired during the war and was treated for his medical problems by Dr. Scott, 3rd Ave. and Chestnut St. and Dr. Hall, 750 Merchant St. In 1890, Edward was treated by George R. Spratt, M.D., who stated that Edward was not treated regularly by him "by reason of his poverty." His original Invalid Pension Application in 1890 was witnessed by Lewis J. Henson and William Barber and submitted by P. J. Lockwood, Atty. His accompanying Affidavit said that he was in the Point of Rocks Hospital, Virginia in January 1865 suffering from rheumatism. Edward's statement of disability was verified by Wilmer Ringold, George W. Johnson and Mitchell Taylow who all served in the same Regiment and who all lived in the Coatesville area. Mitchell Taylow listed Rosewick, Pennsylvania as his Post Office in 1896. Coatesville citizens, Benjamin Henson and Smith Williams, also verified that Edward was suffereing from rheumatism after his return from the war.
Edward Spencer's Original Pension Application was filed by P. J. Lockwood whose applications were twice rejected by the Pension Office in 1890 and 1894 for insufficient evidence of disability. Edward later switched attorneys to John Wainwright who was successful.
Family and Friends: Edward did not list any family members. It is apparent from his Pension File that from at least 1860 until his death in 1909, he lived with Coatesville area families. More to be added.
Death: Edward boarded with Hannah Henson during his last year and died on Sept. 5, 1909. He was buried at "Old Fallowfield burial ground" by the G. S. Landis & Son company who charged $38. Submission for these expenses was by David A. Clarkson, Attorney in Coatesville.
Associations in Edward Spencer's Pension File:
Affidavits: Wilmer Ringold, George W. Johnson, Benjamin Henson, Smith Williams, James A. Potts, Benjamin G. Henson, John B. Beale, Coatesville
Attorney: P. J. Lockwood, John Wainwright, David A. Clarkson
Justice of the Peace: George G. Myer, Coatesville; Henry G. Thomas; Frank I. Russell
Other: B. J. C. Miller, Joseph Fulton, Jas. Beal, Aaron Davis, Abrams Hatfield, Mr. Rose
Physician: Dr. Scott, 3rd Ave. & Chestnut St.; Dr. Hall, 750 Merchant St.; E. V. Lunig
Witnesses: Lewis J. Henson; William Barber; H. M. Woodward, 215 Chestnut St., Coatesville; F. P. Zook, 58 Olive St., Coatesville; Augustus G. Brown and Forester D. Stanton, Coatesville; John W. Wright; J. L. Raymond; H. F. Davis; John H. Sinn; William White, Pomeroy; George A. Reeves, Pomeroy; William W. West; Harvey C. Pennington; John D. McFarlan; Amos Atkins; Lewis R. Emery; Harvey C. Nields; Anna M. Ennis; Mitchell Taylor; Willet Markwand