DEPOSITION B
Case of David H Savage, No. 291,007

On this 14 day of October, 1884 at Stockport, county of Morgan, state of Ohio, before me, John A Carr, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared William B Chidister, who, being, by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says:

Q. Please state your age, occupation, postoffice address, military service, and relationship to claimant

A. I am 46; farmer; Stockport, Morgan Co., Ohio; was private Co F 77th Ohio Vols all through the war; not related.

Q. Where did you form the acquaintance of Mr. Savage?

A. About 40 years ago.

Q. Before he enlisted what disease did he suffer from at any time up to his enlistment?

A. I do not know that he suffered from any disease at any time; I did not know of his being sick. If he was I did not know it.

Q. How near him did you live before and up to 1861?

A. I lived about a mile and a half or two miles.

Q. In the service what was his condition?

A. When he when in I knew of nothing ailing him. He left this town with me. In Marietta, he had a severe attack of measles. While he had the measles, went to see him. He was complaining after that right on. He done little duty after that. We were to leave about that time, as I was sick. We both returned to the regiment at Camp Dennison at the same time. While we were going there, he complained that his eyes were weak, and that the light hurt them; he said they were sore. His eyes were looking inflamed. I supposed it was from the measles; it was my understanding that he took cold while he had measles, and caused this.

Q. How long did his eyes continue sore?

A. Well, I don't know that I can say. I think he was excused from duty on account of his eye trouble.

Q. Are you testifying now from your own recollection or upon what do you base your evidence?

A. Just from my recollection as I remember it.

Q. Did he suffer from any other cause?

A. Not to my knowledge.

Q. Was his eye-sight as good as usual in the service?

A. After his eyes became sore they were weak; he could not see good, the light affected them.

Q. What was the condition of his eyes during the remainder of his service and at his discharge?

A. They appeared to continue weak and sore. They were this way up to his discharge; When I was discharged in 1866, I saw him, and his eyes were still the same.

Q. Were his eyes affected before he enlisted?

A. Not to my knowledge.

Q. Have you known of his condition since?

A. The first few years after 1866 I saw him frequently; for the last 8 or 9 years I have not seen him so often. He has complained of his eyes from that time to this. I could not say how badly his eyes have been affected. They dont look as bad now as then - though they may be as bad.

Q. Have you known of any ailment since 1866, other than this eye trouble?

A. Not that I recollect; I have not heard of anything.

William B Chidester
Deponent.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of October, 1884 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.

John A Carr
Special Examiner

Updated on Saturday, 08-Sep-2018 16:08:41 MDT