A Timeline of Events Based on the Military
and Pension Records of Michael Errthum

The following information is based solely on the military and pension records for Michael Errthum. These records were viewed and photocopied on 25 Aug 2004 by his great-great-grandson Eric Errthum at the National Archives located in Washington, DC. Names are spelled in each entry according to the way they appear on the original document. When text appears in quotes, effort has been made to match the spelling and grammar of the original, noting known spelling and/or grammatical errors with the standard "[sic]" notation. The punctuation and capitalization has been slightly modified in some cases . Words or phrases that were deemed illegible, unintelligible, or irrelevant were omitted and replaced by an ellipsis "...". Additional historic facts from other sources have been added to provide context. These entries have their date underlined.

13 May 1835 Michel Errthum is born in Flaxweiler, Luxemburg. A German copy of the Certificate of Baptism, copied on 16 Aug 1904 from the Baptismal Register by D. Theiss, Pastor of Flaxweiler, reads (as translated by the United States Bureau of Pensions):

"May 13, A.D. 1835 at one o'clock P.M. born in Flaxweiler and baptized on the following day: Michael Irrthum, legitimate son of Peter Irrthum and Angela Schneider of Bucholtzhof, Flaxweiler Parish.

Sponsors were: Michel Edinger and Maria Schneider of Bucholtzhof.

In testimony whereof (signed) Wilh. Belgon, Pastor"

28 Aug 1862 Michael Irrthum volunteers for war in Marysville, Kansas. He completes a Volunteer Enlistment form (with the Declaration of Recruit on the opposite side). In it he states he was "born in Lexingburg, Holland, aged twenty-four years, and by occupation a farmer." He is assigned to the 13th regiment of Kansas.

30 Aug 1862 Michael Irrthum signs a Declaration of Recruit at Marysville, Marshall Co., Kansas. This document states his desire to "Volunteer as a Soldier in the Army of the United States, for the term of three years."

Aug/Sep 1862 A military secretary describes Michael Irrthum as "age 24, height 5 ft. 9 in.; complex. dark; eyes gray; hair black; born Lexenburg, Germany a farmer."

20 Sep 1862 Priv. Michael Irrthum appears on the Company Muster-in Roll at Camp Staton, Kansas for Capt. Hutchinson's Co., 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry.

Sep–Dec 1862 Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "present" on his bimonthly Company Muster Roll.

29 Sep 1862 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry sees action at Newtonia, Mo.

4 Oct 1862 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry starts occupation at Newtonia, Mo.

29 Oct 1862 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry arrives at Old Fort Wayne, Ok. by march.

28 Nov 1862 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry participates in Battle of Cane Hill, Ark.

7 Dec 1862 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry participates in Battle of Prairie Grove, Ark.

27–31 Dec 1862 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry takes expedition over Boston Mountains to Van Buren, Ark.

Dec 1862 During the march to Van Buren, Ark., the regiment crosses the Coal Creek a various number of times. The men must break the ice in order to cross the waist deep water. Michael Errthum falls ill.

7 Jan 1863 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry marches to Springfield, Mo.

Jan–Apr 1863 Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "absent" on his bimonthly Company Muster Roll. The remarks state that he is "sick in Hops. at Springfield Mo. since 27th day of Feb 1863."

30 Jan 1863 Michael Irrthum treated for Rheumatism.

7 & 11 Feb 1863 Michael Irrthum treated for Rheumatism.

12 & 15 Feb 1863 Michael Irrthum treated for Pleurisy.

17 & 19 Feb 1863 Michael Irrthum treated for Asthma.

23 Feb– Michael Irrthum treated for "Chronic Rheumatism" and then returned to

19 May 1863 duty.

May & Jun 1863 Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "present" on his bimonthly Company Muster Roll.

19–29 May 1863 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry marches from Springfield, Mo. to Fort Scott, Kan. and thence to Drywood, Kan.

July 1863– Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "absent" on his bimonthly Company

Feb 1864 Muster Roll. The remarks explain that he is "absent on sick furlough since July 25th 1863."

Aug 1863 Capture of Fort Smith, Ark.

Mar & Apr 1864 Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "present" on his bimonthly Company Muster Roll. The remarks state that he has "returned for duty from absent sick. Detached Service Engineer Dept Ft Smith per S.O. No 37."

Mar–Dec 1864 Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "present" in bimonthly Detachment Muster Rolls at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is also listed as "absent" on each of his bimonthly Company Muster Rolls for company E, 13th regiment of the Kansas Infantry.

Jan–Apr 1865 Priv. Michael Irrthum is listed as "present" on of his bimonthly Company Muster Rolls for company E, 13th regiment of the Kansas Infantry.

26 Jun 1865 Priv. Michael Irrthum of company E, 13th regiment of the Kansas Infantry appears on a Muster-Out Roll in Little Rock, Arkansas. It lists his bounty paid at $25.11 with $75.11 due. There is also a $2.00 premium due. It also mentions a "Clothing account" that was "last settled 28 Aug 1862; drawn since $96.30."

16 & 17 Oct 1867 Michel Errthum and Mary Stronk are married in Eschweiler in the providence of Grevenmacher, Luxemburg near the German border. A copy of the German marriage license reads (as translated by the United States Bureau of Pensions):

"On the 16th of October 1867, after the publication of three bans of marriage in the parish Church of Waldbillig, and having received the dispensation of two bans for the parish of Eschweiler and no canonical impediments having been shown, I, the undersigned rector of the parish of Eschweiler, H. Schaack, joint in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony

Michael Irrthum, legitimate son of the late Peter Irrthum and Angela Schneider, now living, with

Maria Stronk, legitimate daughter of Peter Stronk, deceased and Anna Maria Neyens, now living,

the mutual consent of all parties having been expressed, the nuptial blessing was bestowed on them during the celebration of the mass, and in presence of the witnesses Johanna Irrthum and Anna Maria Neyens in the parish church of Eschweiler.

Sign. H. Schaack."

Jan 1868 Michael Errthum and his wife come to the United States and settle in Iowa.

23 Sep 1889 Michael Irrthum gives the Power of Attorney to J.B. Cralle Co. of 108 C Street Northwest, Washington D.C.

9 Oct 1889 Michael Irthum Pin Oak, Ia. signs an Articles of Agreement hiring J.B. Cralle & Co. of Washington D.C. to be his attorney in his case for pension. The fee is $25.

12 Nov 1889 Michael Irrthum files a Declaration for Original Invalid Pension. It states: "I am the identical Michael Irrthum who was enrolled on the _____ day of _______ 186_ in Company E of the 13th Regiment of Kans. Volunteers, commanded by Captain Calleck and I was honorably discharged at Ft. Leavenworth Kans on the ____ day of July or Aug 1865 and my age is now fifty-seven (57) years. While in service aforesaid, and in the line of duty at Springfield State of Arkansas on or about the _____ day of Dec 1863, I contracted lameness of the left leg and affection of breast and kidneys; and at the same time I incurred rupture caused by [left blank] ... That since leaving the service I have resided in Europe and in the state of Iowa and my occupation has been that of a laborer. That prior to my entry in the service above named I was a man of good, sound, physical health, being when enrolled a carpenter. That I am now partially disabled from obtaining my subsistence by Manuel labor by reason of my disabilities above described, received in the service of the United States; and I therefore make this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the invalid pension roll of the United States."

5 Apr 1890 An unsigned form letter is sent from the Commissioner of the Bureau of Pensions to the Officer in Charge of the Record and Pension Division, War Department that states: "It is alleged that Michael Errtham ... served as a Pr. in Co. E, 13 Reg't Kans. Inf. ... and was discharged at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. August, 1865. It is also alleged that while on duty at Springfield Ark. on or about Dec., 1863, he was disabled by lameness of left leg and affection of breast and kidneys; also rupture and was treated in hospitals of which the names, locations, and dates of treatment are as follows: Hosp. at Springfield, Ark. Regimental Hosp."

30 Apr 1890 Michael Errthum is examined by a medical board as part of his application for pension. The medical report reads as follows:

"We hereby certify that in compliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who state that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the service, viz: Lameness left leg; affection of breast; affection of kidneys; rupture and that he receives a pension of --- dollars per month.

Pulse rate per minute, 100; respiration, 21; temperature, 99 2/5; height, 5 feet 7 1/2 inches; weight, 141 pounds; age, 56 years.

He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for: Original in Springfield Mo in '63 incurred some sort of lung trouble for which he spent a yr in hospl. The most of the time in bed. During that period his left leg became affected with something like rheumatism. This has become crooked, pains him especially on change of weather. At the same time incurred rupture of right side. What he calls 'kidney disease' was incurred at same time and is manifested by pain in back.

Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Physical condition good, hands hard. There is preternatural concavity of the ant ... of left leg below the patella the cause for which difficulty to get ... to be due to an abnormal fulness [sic] of the patella & adjacent ... The left knee with circumf greater than rt. The appearance in that of hydrops articuli. The patella stands off from the underlying bone.

Chest expansion 2 3/4 inches. There is a deep pitched ... rale heart beat over right lung chiefly both antily & postily, heart also on deep ... over left. There are also finer rales heart over left upper lobe.

There is a rt hydrocele size of a large orange. And a very peculiar condition of left side of scrotal contents. There are two bodies one above the other, the upper one evidently the testicle. The lower one slightly smaller & of the same consistence -- Urine light amber, ..., acid, no sediment, no albumen.

... He is, in our opinion, entitled to 2/18 rating for the disability caused by Samenep [sic] left leg, 2/18 for that caused by affection of breast, and 0 caused by affection of kidneys, 4/18 for hydrocele."

27 Jun 1890 An act of Congress creates the Invalid Pension. To qualify a soldier must have: (1) An honorable discharge, (2) A minimum service of ninety days, and (3) A permanent physical disability not due to vicious habits. The rates under the Act are graduated from $6 to $12, proportioned to the degree of inability to earn a support and not is affected by rank held. A pensioner under prior laws may apply under this one and may apply under other laws, but he cannot draw more than one pension for the same period.

8 Jul 1890 Michael Erthum files a Declaration for Invalid Pension with T.J. Paisley as his attorney. It states "that he is partially unable to earn support by reason of hernia of Right side injury to left leg and Rheumatism, and general debility." He is unable to give his pension file number since "J.B. Cralle & Co has been his atty and he has no means of knowing the number."

19 Aug 1890 Michael Irrthum files a Declaration for Invalid Pension. It declares "that he is totally unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of Rhumatism [sic] one leg being badly swollen and crooked ... and ruptured, am blind in left eye so that cannot tell ... ." He lists his attorney as W.G. McKnight and Co. of Ironton and his pension number as 739-128.

Sep 1890 Michael Irthum "of Georgetown Dubuque County" gives the Power of Attorney on Henry D. Phillips of Washington D.C. to be his attorney in his case for pension. The fee is $25.

Nov 1890 Michel Errthum is approved for invalid pension and is to be paid $8 per month commencing (retroactively) on 11 Jul 1890. The legal reviewer approves him for "disease of left leg, rheumatism, disease of lungs and right hydrocele." The medical reviewer approves him for "disease of left leg, disease of lungs, hydrocele right side." His recognized attorney is T.J. Paisley, who charges $10.

9 Jan 1891 Michel Irrthum files for an increase and re-rating of his pension. In it he declares that "he is a pensioner of the United States, enrolled at Pin Oak the U.S. Pension at the rate of $8 per month, by reason of disability from rupture crippled in one leg pains in the left side loss almost sight of one eye."

2 March 1891 Michael Errthum files a Declaration for the Increase of an Invalid Pension form. He is currently receiving $8 per month "by reason of disability from disease of left leg disease of lungs hydrocele of right side." It goes on to say that "he believes to himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of increase in his disability being totally disabled for the performance of any manual labor, as his lungs trouble him so he coughs almost constantally [sic] and for the reason his pension is not commeusarate [sic] with his disability and not equal in amount to that received by others of his comrades for a like or similar disability, as he has a family of eight (8) children depending on him, and is in very poor circumstances being wholly unable to labor."

9 Sep 1891 Michael Errthum is examined by a medical board as part of his application for increase in pension. The medical report reads as follows:

"We hereby certify that in compliance with the requirements of the law we have carefully examined this applicant, who states that he is suffering from the following disability, incurred in the service, viz: disease of left leg, disease of lungs, hydrocele right side, rheumatism, general debility, nearly complete loss of sight of left eye and that he receives a pension of eight dollars per month.

He makes the following statement upon which he bases his claim for increase of pension because unable to work.

Upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Pulse rate, 70; respiration, 20; temperature, 98 2/5, height, 5 feet 7 inches; weight, 135 pounds; age 58 years.

Moderately emaciated, skin of dull color. Chest: measurements 36, 35, 37. Percussion normal. Auscultation find moderate bronchial rales in left lung. Heart: action rather weak, otherwise normal. Rheumatism: Find relaxed and thickened condition of ligaments of left knee joint with very free crepitation. Circumference 3/4 inch greater that that of right knee. No other enlargement joints, no contraction tendons. Scrotum: Find hydrocele right side size of large orange, and enlargement and softening of left testicle, apparently from cystic condition. Eye: An examination find chronic choroiditis left eye. 0 = 6/200. Right eye normal. No other disabilities found.

He is, in our opinion, entitled to a 4/18 rating for the disability caused by bronchitis, 4/18 for that caused by disease scrotum, and 6/18 for that caused by rheumatism, and 6/18 for that caused by nearly total loss of vision of left eye."

Sep 1892 Caleb Hurlburt of Marshall Co., Kan. submits an affidavit stating "that we were in the same company & Reg't with [Michael Errthum] and had been well acquainted with him before he enlisted and we well know that he was a stout harty [sic] healthy person and that he remained so up to the ... Dec 1863 when the Reg't was on a forced march ... Van buren Ark. and ... to wade a deep stream of water and ... to break the ice to do so. We waded said stream 13 [different] times and as a consequence the above named soldier was thrown into a severe attack of Rheumatism or pneumonic ... and was sent to a hospital at Springfield Mo. And at the same time that he contracted ... was ruptured. For as best we know of the rupture above the same time and were informed that it resulted ... he was so disabled that he ... not ... any more service on the field during ... ."

4 Apr 1894 Michael Errthum is approved for reduction of pension payments "as per action of [Medical Refereer]. See slip of [Board] of Revisions of Mch 30, 1894." His pension is lowered to $6 per month.

12 Jan 1897 Michael Errthum appears before a Notary Public to file a general affidavit stating "that he desires his claim made special for the reason he has exhausted every means in his power to procure the evidence in his claim, that he is totally disabled for performance of any labor, he is in destitute circumstances has no means or property that might go to Kansas to find his comrades, that he has a wife and two children depending upon him for support but he is ... supported by his children, that he truly believes he is in danger of death and unless this claim is specially examined he will not live to have the same allowed."

12 Jan 1897 Michael Errthum gives Power of Attorney to T.J. Paisley of Pin Oak, Ia in his "claim for pension under the general law #739128 in place of J.B. Cralle Co. of Washington D.C. as my said attys have done nothing for me in the past four years."

12 Jan 1897 John Steinmetz of Pin Oak, Ia. submits a general affidavit stating "that he is a neighbor of Michael Errthum and have known him intimately for past three or four years, that he knows him to be in destitute circumstances, has no means or property, is in very poor health and wholly unable to do any manual labor and is supported by his children. He made this statement to T.J. Paisley at his office on [12 Jan 1897] in Dubuque, Iowa who wrote the same in his presence from oral statements and since are correctly written from his one oral statements."

4 July 1898 Michael Errthum completes a survey for the Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions. The questionnaire reads as follows:

"First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full name and her maiden name.

Answer. Yes Maria Errthum nee Stronk.

Second. When, where, and by whom were you married?

Answer. Oct 14th 1867. Eschweiler Luxemburg Europe. don't remember the name.

Third. What record of marriage exists?

Answer. no record of marriage exists in this country

Fourth. Were you previously married? ...

Answer. No

Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.

Answer. yes. Mike Born Nov 5 1868, Nick Feb 5th 1870, Annie Dec 19th 1871, Peter Sept 15th 1873, Mary Aug 12 1875 Maggie Nov 25th 1879 John Sept 15 1882 Lena Aug 12 1886."

5 Sep 1900 Nicholas Koppes of Marysville, Kan., writes a response to the Bureau of Pensions to furnish a statement of his personal knowledge relating to the incurrence of any wound, injury, or disease, by Michel Errthum while in service. His letter reads as follows:

"I cannot write English very well I therefore got J Boawer to write it for me. In regard to Michel Errthum he was sound and always ready for duty until he got sick on the march from Caneshill Ark. to Van Buren Ark. we crossed the Coral Creek 38 times the water was about 'waist' deep this was in the month of December 1862 there was ice in the creek and we had to break it to get through. Michel Errthum was taken sick and smelted [sic]... they called it Rehumatism [sic] I called it an ... of ... his blood so chilled we left Van Buren about Dec 26 or 27 for Springfield Mo he ... with us marched about 8 or 10 miles ... out and was ... up by amblance [sic] he went to the hosiptal [sic] in Springfield stayed until abut [sic] the month of May got a sick ... was gone a year after returning Regiment was just ... day. The last 3 months he was with us ..."

13 Sep 1900 A letter is sent to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. It reads:

"Sir:

Answering your circular letter of August 28th 1900 herewith returned will state; I have resided in Concord Tp. ever since my return from the army, Post office Pin Oak, Dubuque Co, Ia. When I was able to work, I worked at carpentering, for past five or six years done no work at all.

I can not ... any more of a history of my injuries in the army. I was ruptured in Arks. in Dec 1863 and was in hospital at Springfield Mo. afterwards had lameness of left leg from Rhumatism [sic] and kidney disease. I was treated by Dr Miller of Dyersville Ia and Dr Stuart of Cottage Hill, Ia. I am not able to do more. My comrades are in Kans, I have no means to get evidence more than I have filed and ask that my case be sent to a special examination.

Michel Errthum"

18 Jun 1902 Michael Errthum is examined by a medical board as part of his application for pension. The medical report reads as follows:

"Cause of disability: Rheumatism, affection of breast and kidneys and rupture. He receives a pension of six dollars per month. He makes the following statement in regard to the origin of his disabilities and date when first discovered by him: has had rheumatism ever since discharge geting [sic] worse. right rupture ever since discharge.

Birthplace, Germany; age, 69 years; height, 5---6; weight, 120 pounds; complexion, dark; color of eyes, dark; color of hair, dark; occupation, carpenter; permanent marks and scars other than those described below, none.

We hereby certify that upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Pulse rate, 84 87 108 [Sitting, standing, after exercise]; respiration, 20 20 32 [Sitting, standing, after exercise]; temperature 98 1/2

Rheumatism - Crepitation right knee right hip. Some deposit and tenderness about right knee. slight rigidity about right knee. No other enlargment [sic] swelling tenderness loss of motion or other evidence of rheumatism. Heart not perceptible. Dullness upper third to upper sixth ribs and from left border sternum to left nipple line. Hearts action very feeble. No murmurs but sounds not distinct. Breathing labored. Hacking cough increased on exertion. Marked retraction of intercostal spaces with expansion of lower part of thorax. Expiration prolonged and harsh. Numerous small dry rales. Chest at rest 34, exp. 32 1/2, full insp. 35 inches.

Kidneys - Urine pale, clear. Sp. Gr. 1005. No deposit. No sugar, no alb. Slightly acid.

Rupture - Right oblique inguinal. Enters canal passes through rings. descends into scrotum. Can be reduced with difficulty and is not easily retained. Internal ring edges thin and sharp 1/2 by 3/4 in. Ext. ring relaxed. Some adhesions. Right testicle hard and enlarged size seven inches in longitudinal circumference. Tender on pressure.

There is no other evihence [sic] of disease disability of or vicious habits. There is no oedema but slight dyspnoea and marked cyanososis [sic] on exertion. He is in our opinion entitled to a 10/18 rating for disability caused by hernia, 7/18 for disability caused by rheumatism and 0/18 for other alleged disability."

11 Apr 1904 Michael Errthum appears before the notary public, H.J. Crippes, to file a Declaration for the Increase of an Invalid Pension. It states that he is "a pensioner of the United States, duly enrolled at the Des Moines Pension Agency, at the rate of six dollars per month ... by reason of disability from inability to earn a support by manual labor under act June 27th 1890." It goes on to state "that he believes himself to be entitled to an increase of pension on account of increase in his disabilities and senility as by recent rulings of the Hon Commissioner of Pensions, he believes he is entitled to full pension of twelve dollars per month, as he is wholly unable to do any manual labor."

16 Aug 1904 A letter, written in German, is sent to Mr. Irrthum. Translated by the United States Bureau of Pensions, it reads:

"Flaxweiler, Lux.
August 16, 1904

Dear Mr. Irrthum

I send you herewith enclosed the desired certificate of Baptism, post-paid as all letters must be send [sic] post-paid, otherwise, you would have had to pay now.

I would have send [sic] you the certificate sooner, but your letter arrived just before the festival of Maria's ascencion [sic] when I had very little time.

Try immediately to regulate your affair.

I give you a souvenir from my trip to Jerusalem.

With greetings,
Very respectfully
signed: D. Theiss
Canon of Hanover
and Pastor of Flaxweiler.

(Certificate of Baptism is on the other side)."

7 Jun 1905 Michael Errthum is examined by a medical board as part of his application for an increase in pension. The medical report reads as follows:

"Cause of disability: Lameness of left leg, affection of breast and kidneys, rupture, disease of lungs, hydrocele right side rheumatism, gen debility, blind left eye, pain left side. He receives a pension of six dollars per month. He makes the following statement in regard to the origin of his disabilities and date when first discovered by him: Lameness for twenty five years. Rupture and dis- of testicles for thirty five years. Rheumatism for many years. Failure of sight of left eye for thirty five years. ...

Birthplace, Germany; age, 70 years; height, 5 7; weight, 160 pounds; complexion, dark; color of eyes, blue; color of hair, grey; occupation, Carpenter; permanent marks and scars other than those described below, no.

We hereby certify that upon examination we find the following objective conditions: Pulse rate, 80 84 96 [Sitting, standing, after exercise]; respiration, 30 32 36 [Sitting, standing, after exercise]; temperature, norm.; Affection of breast- Chest at rest 35. full insp. 36 1/2. full ex. 34 1/2. respiratory murmur feeble. Creaking rales over entire posterior portion both lungs. Kidneys - sp.gr.1022.straw colored clear, trace of albumin. No sugar. Prostate enlarged moderately due to age. Frequent micturition. Quantity about normal. Rupture. Right direct inguinal hernia. Tumor passes through ring and enters scrotum. Two by four inches in size. Can be reduced and is retained with difficulty. Both testicles enlarged. Right hard and 1 3/4 by 3 inches. Left epidydimus cystic. One by two inches. Testicle proper soft and small. Hydrocele and varicocele excluded. Rheumatism --- Heart perceptible. Dullness from upper third to upper sixth and from mid sternal line to within one inch of nipple line. Sounds feeble and indistinct. No murmurs. Crepitation both shoulders. Right hip, both knees, right elbow. Left knee swollen and painful. Some rigidity left knee. No other enlargment [sic] swelling tenderness atrophy loss of motion or other evidence of rheumatism. Some dyspnoea. No oedema or cyanosis. He is generally debilitated and emaciated. Muscles flabby and atrophied. Marked arcus. Left eye. Pupil irregular Contracted. Can distinguish fingers at two feet. Small epithelioma at inner canthus lower lid. No other evidence of disease dis, disability or of vicious habits.

He is in our opinion entitled to a 6/18 rating for disabilities caused by disease of chest, 4/18 for right inguinal hernia, 4/18 for rheumatism, 2/18 for loss of sight of one eye and 0/18 for other alleged disabilities."

Aug 1905 Michel Errthum is approved for an increase in his invalid pension to $12 per month, the maximum, from 7 Jun 1905. The legal reviewer approves him for "disease of left leg and lungs, hydrocele of right side (old). Also senile debility (new) alleged April 18, 1904 and rheumatism, right hernia, formerly alleged." The medical reviewer approves him for "disease of left leg, right inguinal hernia, and disease of lungs and senile debility." His recognized attorney is T.J. Paisley, who charges $2.

31 July 1905 Michel Errthum appears before a notary public to submit a general affidavit which states "That his name is correctly spelled Michel Errthum, that he signs his name as above spelled in all transactions he signs."

6 Feb 1907 Congress passes the Act of February 6, 1907. This Act grants pensions to certain members of the Civil War and the war with Mexico. If the person qualifies and is older than 62, he shall receive a pension of $12, older than 70 a pension of $15, older than 75 a pension of $20.

23 May 1907 Michel Errthum file a Declaration for Pension under the Act of February 6, 1907. In his declaration, he states that he "is 72 years of age, and is a pensioner of the United States enrolled at the rate of 12 per month. ... That he was born on or about the 7th day of March 1835." He also appoints Edgar T. Gaddis, of Washington D.C., his attorney.

4 Feb 1908 Michel Errthum is approved for pension under the Act of February 6, 1907. He is subsequently dropped from the rolls under Act of June 27, 1890. He is to receive the rate of $15 per month since his age is over 70. The form indicates that is alleged date of birth is March 7, 1835. However a side note states "records show May 13, 1835."

2 May 1911 Michael Errthum files a Declaration for Pension under the Act of February 6, 1907. He declares "that he is 77 years of age," and thus qualifies for the higher pension provided by the act. He states "that his personal description at enlistment was as follows: Height, 5 feet 9 inches; complexion, Dark; color of eyes Blue; color of hair, Dark; that his occupation was Laboring for salery [sic]; that he was born March 7th, 1835 at Luxemburg Europe. That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: Lived ever since in the County of Dubuque State of Iowa in the vacinity [sic] of Holy Cross and labored by each days labor." His witnesses are Peter Maiers and Leo Ellerbach, both of Holy Cross.

11 May 1911 Two documents exist from this day. One is a rejection for increase of pension due to "evidence furnished by the claimant which shows that he is not 75 years of age at date of executing the pending declaration and therefore he is not entitled to a higher rate than he now receives under the Act of February 6, 1907." The other is an approval for increase of pension to $20 per month due to "age over 75." Both documents are signed by the same legal reviewer. However, only the approval is signed by the Re-reviewer.

28 Jun 1911 Mary Errthum, of North Buena Vista, Ia., is "appointed as Temporary Guardian by the District Court of Dubuque County, State of Iowa" in the "case of Michel Errthum." She is "adjudged spendthrift."

4 Aug 1912 Michel Errthum dies.

12 Aug 1912 Maria Errthum, with assistance from her attorney Edgar T. Gaddis, files her Declaration for Widow's Pension under the Act of April 19, 1908. The form reads: "Maria Errthum aged 65 years, who being duly sworn according to law, declares she is the widow of Michael Errthum who enlisted under the name of Private Co., in Co. E 13 of the Kansas Regiment of Infantry Vols, Infantry and served at least ninety days in the Civil War 1861–1865, and was honorably discharged. That he died on the 4th day of August 1912. That she was married to said soldier under the name of Maria Stronk on the 17th day of October 1867 there being no legal barrier to said marriage. Neither spouse had been married previously. That she has not again married since the death of said soldier above named. ... There is no child under the age of Sixteen years. That she has having never applied for a Pension. ... That her Post Office address is N. Buena Vista, Route #1, County of Dubuque, State of Iowa." It is signed "Mary Errthum." and witnessed by Henry H. Steffen and Jos. Ahlers, both of Holy Cross.

29 Aug 1912 Mary Errthum files a Widow's Application for Accrued Pension. In it she declares "that she is the lawful widow of Michel Errthum, deceased; that he died on the 4th day of August, 1912; that he had been granted a pension by Certificate x; that he had been paid pension by the Pension Agent at Des Moines up to the 16th day of July, 1912; ... that she hereby makes application for the pension which has accrued on aforesaid certificate to the date of death."

31 Aug 1912 A Drop Order and Report is filed which directs the Bureau of Pensions "to drop from the roll the name of [Michel Errthum] who died Aug 4, 1912."

3 Sep 1912 Michel Errthum is officially dropped from the pension roll. The report states that he was "last paid at $20 per month to 4 July, 1912."

4 Sep 1912 Frank Schroeder submits an affidavit claiming "that he is a regularly licencend [sic] physician; that he knew the said Michel Errthum in his life-time; and attended him during his last sickness; that said Michel Errthum died on the 4th day of August, 1912 of ... [10 blank lines] ... That Mary Errthum is the widow of said Michel Errthum."

17 Sep 1912 Michel Mueller of North Buena Vista submits an affidavit stating: "I, Michel Mueller, being first duly sworn on oath depose and say that I am acquainted with Mary Errthum, widow of Michel Errthum; that said Mary Errthum and Michel Errthum were united in marriage October, 1867 in Eshweiler, Gravenmacher, Luxumburger; that I was present at the marriage ceremony and stood up with said parties as a witness; that the said Michel Errthum died on or about the fourth day of August, 1912 and that the said Mary Errthum still survives him."

15 Oct 1912 Mary Errthum submits an affidavit claiming "that she is the widow of the said Michel Errthum; that the said Michel Errthum died on or about the 4th day of August at North Beuna [sic] Vista, Iowa; that affiant is now seeking his pension as said soldier's widow; that she was married to said Michel Errthum October 17th 1867 in Eshweiler, Grevenmacher Gr and Duch de Luxemburg and that said marriage ceremony was witnessed by two witnesses, on of whom was Michael Mueller of North Beuna [sic] Vista, Dubuque County, Iowa; that the other witness to the ceremony was Katharina Glassner and is dead; that the clergyman who performed the ceremony is also dead; and that affiant has been unable to get any documentary evidence from the church records where said ceremony was performed; although diligent effort to do so has been made."

22 Oct 1912 An envelope arrives at the pension office. The outside reads: "Enclosed find the Certificate of my marriage, got it by today's mail. hope all the papers are satisfactory. truly, Mrs. Mary Errthum."

24 Oct 1912 A letter is sent to Edgar T. Gaddis, Atty., Washington, D.C. advising that the pension claim for Mary Errthum, widow of Michael Errthum, requires "evidence showing the date of soldier's death; the date of his marriage to the claimant; and whether they lived together, without divorce, from marriage until his death." An additional paragraph points out that "the claimant signed her declaration as 'Mary Errthum', but stated that she was married under the name 'Maria'. She should state her correct name."

30 Oct 1912 A letter is sent to Edgar T. Gaddis, Atty., Washington, D.C. advising that the pension claim for Mary Errthum, widow of Michael Errthum, requires "evidence showing whether the claimant and soldier lived together, without divorce, from marriage until his death."

30 Oct 1912 Mary Errthum submits an affidavit claiming "I Mary Errthum of Holy Cross Dubuque Co, and state of Iowa hereby certify & state that neither of us, soldier and myself, were married until to such time as soldier and myself were united and got married in Germany, and four month [sic] after we were married we came to this country and lived in Holy Cross and ... Dubuque Co. Iowa, and during the fourty five [sic] years, we lived together and and [sic] I have sent you the ... of the two persons showing that I and said soldier lived together ..." She signs it "Maria Errthum"

30 Oct 1912 Anthony Stager of Holy Cross, Ia. submits an affidavit stating: "I hereby certify & state that I have known [Michael Errthum] ever since he came to this country and he was maried [sic] about 4 months before he came to this country and during that time he always lived with his wife and they always agreeded [sic] nicely up to till [sic] soldier died and neither soldier or his wife were maried [sic] before. I further will state that I got acquainted to soldier and also his wife in the year 1868 when they came to this country."

30 Oct 1912 The marriage license for Michael Irrthum and Maria Stronk is translated into English by "F.J.B." who makes the following note "Irren = to Err."

4 Now 1912 John Huss of Holy Cross, Ia. submits an affidavit which states: "I hereby certify and state that I have known [Michael Errthum] ever since he came to this country and he was maried [sic] about four months before he came to this country, and during that time he always lived with his wife and they always agreeded [sic] nicely up to till soldier died and neither soldier or his wife ever maried [sic] before. I further will state that I got acquainted to soldier and also his wife in the year 1868 when they first came to this country."

15 Nov 1912 Peter J. Maiers of Holy Cross submits an affidavit which states: "I will state and certify that I know the above named Michael Errthum soldier since their emigation [sic] to America wich [sic] followed shortly after their marriage and know that they allways [sic] lived together that no separation allways [sic] lived together till death of soldier."

Nov 1912 Mary Errthum is approved for the accrued pension for that she filed for in August 1912.

30 Nov 1912 Mary Errthum is approved for widow's pension at the rate of $12 per month, commencing 24 Aug 1912.

22 Jul 1914 Mary Errthum dies.