The National Archives Pensioner, Philisa Bedell, former widow of Veteran John W . Cather
#64423 Bundle No. 10
Declaration for Widow's Pension Knox County Indiana 6 Oct 1916 Felissa B. Bedell
resident of Vincennes, Knox Co., Ind., widow of John W. Cather who enlisted 24 Feb 1864 as
a Private Company K 149th Regt. of Indiana Vol. Inf. who was honorably discharged Sept 22,
1865. She was married as Felissa Lagrange to John W. Cather on 6 Nov 1863 by J. E.
Jenkins, M.G. at Gibson Co., Indiana. She was born Posey Co., Indiana. She was remarried
since the death of John W. Cather to Clayborn B. Bedell 8th Jan 1872 who died 22 Apr 1901.
A prior application had been filed by herself # 396,121 She appointed James P.L. Weams of
Vincennes, Indiana. Her Post Office address is Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana signed her
mark. Felissa Bedell.
Also personally appeared Herman J. Wesker, residing at Vincennes, Ind. and Sterling H.
Royse residing at Vincennes, Ind, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to
credit and who, being thus duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Felissa Bedell,
claimant [sign her name or make her mark] to the foregoing declaration, that they have
every reason to believe from the appearance of said clamant and therein acquaintance with
one 25 years and 25 years, respectively that she is the identical person she represents
herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim, signed 6
Oct 1916. George W. Foults, Notary Public.
Child or Children under Sixteen years of age Surviving. State of In., County of Knox; 28
May 1886 appearing before the Clerk Knox Circuit Ct., James Cather aged 17 years declares
in order to obtain a pension to him, that he is the son of John W. Cather who enlisted at
Terre Haute Ind. in Co K 149th Reg. Ind. Vols. in the War of 1861-5 who contracted disease
of lungs, in said service. That his mother Philisa Lagrange married to said John W Cather.
That applicant has no guardian, and therefore applies in his own name. His mother was
remarried.
Surviving children under age 16 at the time of the father's death. William C. Cather,
born 22 Dec 1864 and James Cather b. 31 Mar 1869. The mother has not abandoned the support
of any one of his children, that William C. Cather is absent, and where abouts not known
to claimant, no prior application had been filed. He appoints James P. L. Weams as his
attorney of Knox Co Ind. Post Office address Vincennes Indiana, Claimant signature James
Cather. John A. Randolph residing in Vincennes Claiborn Bedell residing near Vincennes.
28 May 1886.
#340.355 War Department Adjutant General's Office Washington Dec 18, 1886. [In 1887
the marriage certificate was added to this file] John W. Cather to Felissa Lagrange 6 Nov
1863 by J. E. Jenkins M.G.Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions John W.
Cather private of Company K 149th Regiment Indiana Volunteers was enrolled 23 day of
February 1865, at Terre Haute Ind for 1 yr. and is reported: on Rolls to June 30/65
present, July & Aug./65. Absent, sick in hospital Huntsville, Ala., since July 12/65.
He was mustered out on Individual Muster Out Roll at Indianapolis Ind. September 22,1865
The record of this office furnish no evidence of alleged disability. Regtl. Hospital
Records are not on file.
Philisa Bedell Vincennes Ind. 852790 Act : Apr. 709 S. 10th St. Drop Report - Pensioner ,
Class Act of May 1,1920 Group 2. Disbursing Division Jan 8 - 1923 Check # 6788571 $30.00
dated Jan 4, 1923 section 5 returned by Postmaster with information that the above
described Pensioner died Dec 5, 1922. Has been canceled.