Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
St. Cloud Stearns Co., Minn
June 10 1904

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir: -
I have the honor to return herewith all papers in the claim of Emma D Longley No. 558,604 as widow of James Longley late of F-77 Ohio V.I. who was pensioned at four dollars on account of diarrhaea an disease of rectum and later at twelve dollars under the act. Claimant is pensioned at eight dollars under act of Jun 27 1890.

Case was referred for deposition of Dr. H.A. Pinault and come here on initial examination. In view of the short time Dr. Pinault was connected with the case it seemed proper to take other testimony which I did.

Claimant bears a good reputation and appears a truthful simple child of nature. She is an invalid of long standing being paralyzed from the hips down. She is never-the-less brave and cheerful. Her case appeals to the sympathetic though it is not one of destitution as she has a good home with her daughter and son-in-law. As M.E. & M.W. Merrill her son-in-law and daughter were present and aided claimant at times it seemed useless to take their depositions.

Dr. Pinault is said to favor pension as unduly but otherwise is rated good. He has no record showing diagnosis or treatment but remembers the case clearly.

As the doctor did not know the history of the case well enough to judge the bearing his testimony might have otherwise his statement represents his unbiased opinion. F.E.Davis - brother - seemed not more biased than should be expected. He has the common error of associating heartburn with heart disease. In view of the current of eveidence tending to show death due to heart disease as predisposing cause, I did not think wise to pursue the matter further unless directed to do so.

Dr Ruddy owing to family troubles is in hiding. Of thought necessary to see him in view of his affidavit (B.J. 9 Nov ??) he can now be found in Champaign Ill. So I am in formed by the Coldspring Postmaster. I believe I have complied with your instructions and recommend the case for consideration of the chief of Board of Review.

Very Respectfully,
H.J. Decker
Special Examiner

Updated on Saturday, 08-Sep-2018 16:11:05 MDT