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| William H Geary Sr | William H Geary Sr with his grandson Richard | William H Geary Sr (note the missing fingers, suggesting the picture comes from near the end of the war or after the war) | ||
| These pictures are courtesy of the Smith-Strockbine Project. Thanks! (Click on the pictures for larger images) | ||||
He was born on 20 March 1845 (13, 22 [Mar 1846]; 6 (18 in 1864), 13 [80 in 1924], 17 [5 in 1850], 18 [15 in 1860], 19 [24 in 1870], 20 [25 in 1870], 21 [34 in 1880], 22 [54 in 1900], 23 [65 in 1910], 24 [75 in 1920]). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (6, 13, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24).
In 1850, he was living in West Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania (17). He was living with his parents George and Sarah, and with various others (presumably siblings) (17).
In 1860, he was living in ward 20, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (18). He was living with his parents George and Sarah Geary, and with various others (presumably siblings) (18). He had attended school within the year (18).
When he enlisted, he was a teamst[er], and was living at 1724 Stiles Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (6, 13).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 7-1/2 inches tall, and had a light complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair (6).
He also served in company K of the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry (8, 9, 13). He enlisted on 9 October 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (13).
On 19 December 1861, he accidentally shot himself, through his left hand, and was sent to Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia (13). He was discharged on 3 February 1862, at Camp Franklin, Virginia (13 [or 27 Feb]).
He also served in company K of the 54th Pennsylvania Infantry (8, 9) (13 does not mention, implicitly denying).
He also served in company C of the 20th Pennsylvania Cavalry (8, 9, 13). He enlisted on 25 June 1863, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for six months (13). He mustered out with his company on 6 January 1864, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (13).
He enlisted and was mustered into service in the 91st Pennsylvania Infantry on 23 February 1864 (1, 6, 9, 13 [3 Feb]). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Lieutenant Shipley (6). He was mustered in service by Lieutenant Burke (6). He was a private, in company D (1, 13, 25, 26).
On 19 June 1864, he volunteered to carry the colors, after the color bearers had been wounded on the 18th (14).
He was promoted to corporal effective 24 July 1864 (2, 5; 1 has 1 Sep 64, 6, 7).
On 13 December 1864, he was wounded, and sent to the Division Hospital (13).
On 3 July 1865, he was promoted to sergeant, effective 1 July 1865 (1, 4).
He mustered out on 10 July 1865 with his company (1, 9, 13). He was a sergeant, in company D (25, 26).
At his first enlistment, he was 5 feet 11 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and dark hair (13).
Eli G Sellers, David B Baker, and Justus Gregory signed a letter of reference praising Geary's character and service (15). George D Stroud signed a similar letter testifying to his service in the 20th Pennsylvania Cavalary (16).
After the war, he was a teamster and a lamp lighter (13).
On 24 October 1862, he applied successfully for a pension (8, 9).
On 5 September 1869, he married Josephine M Roat (13, 19 [Nov], 22). They were married by Reverend Andrew Manship, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (13). This was the first marriage for both of them (13). They had four children, all of whom were alive in 1910 (13, 22, 23):
In 1870, he was living in ward 20, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19, 20). He was living with his mother, Sarah Garey, his wife, Josephine, and others (19, 20). He was a wagon driver (19).
In 1880, he was living at 2115 Sharswood Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (21). He was living with his wife Josephine, child Ida, and Josephine's parents (21). He was a huckster (21).
In 1900, he was living at 2404 North 27th Street, ward 28, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (22). He was living with his wife Josephine, their children William, Mary, Gertrude (and Gertrude's daughter Gertrude), and Josephine, and a boarder (22). He was a lamp lighter (22).
In 1910, he was living at 2409 Montgomery Avenue, ward 32, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (23). He was living with his wife Josephine and their children William, Mary, and Josephine (23). He was a city lamp lighter (23).
On 22 January 1913, his wife, Josephine M Geary, died (13).
He was contacted for the 1914 ceremony, and listed as a color bearer, apparently based on his volunteering to carry the colors on 19 June 1864 (3, 14).
In 1920, he was living at 2437 Arlington Street, ward 32, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (24). He was living with his son William and William's father (24). He was an order clerk for a provision market (24).
On 10 January 1924, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp in the Grand Army of the Republic (14).
On 9 September 1924, he applied for a pension under the act of 1 May 1920 (13). He needed regular help from another person because of the following disabilities: "at times badly ruptured, varicose veins from wounds in right leg, loss of left hand, bad eyesight" (13). He was living at 2542 Diamond Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (13).
He died on 5 January 1929, at Pleasantville, [Atlantic County,] New Jersey (9, 12). He was living at 33 North 3rd Street, Pleasantville, [Atlantic County,] New Jersey (12).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 special order 68, HQ 91st PA, 24 July 1864
3 Advance the colors, p.314.
4 special order 39, HQ 91st PA, 3 July 1865 (William H Geary)
5 company D, list of non-commissioned officers (William H Geary)
6 company D, second descriptive roll, entry 8 (William H Geary)
7 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 25 July 1864 (W H Geary)
8 pension index, by name (William H Geary)
9 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company D (William H Geary)
10 [removed because it duplicates 8]
11 e-mail, from the Smith-Strockbine Project, March 2011 (William Henry Geary, Senior)
12 drop report, 1929 (William H Geary)
13 pension documents (William H Geary)
14 GAR certificate (Wm H Geary)
15 letter, from Eli Sellers (William Geary)
16 letter from George D Stroud (William Geary)
17 1850 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, microfilm series M432, film 823, page 527 verso = 1090 handwritten (William H Garry)
18 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 20, microfilm series M653, film 1171, page 448 = 450 handwritten (William Geary)
19 1870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 20, district 63, microfilm series M593, film 1406, page 237 = 236 handwritten (William Garey)
20 1870 US census, second enumeration, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 20, district 63, microfilm series M593, film 1435, page 529 = 29 handwritten (William Geary)
21 1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 631, microfilm series T9, film 1188, page 280 = 14 B handwritten (William H Geary)
22 1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 28, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 696, microfilm series T623, film 1470, page 245 = 6 A handwritten (William H Geary)
23 1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 32, division 22, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 768, microfilm series T624, film 1404, page 40 = 12 B handwritten (William H Geary)
24 1920 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 32, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1080, microfilm series T625, film 1634, page 95 = 8 B handwritten (William H Geary Sr)
25 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William H Geary)
26 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William H Gearey)
In the above-described case a declaration filed in this Division indicates that said pensioner died [blank]
Chief, Record Division.The name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at the rate of $75 [??] per month to JAN 4 1929, has this day been dropped from the roll because of Death Jan 5. 1929
Chief, Finance DivisionOn this 9th day of September 1924, before me, the undersigned, personally appeared William H Geary, who makes the following declaration as an application for pension under the provisions of the act of Congress approved May 1, 1920.
That he is 80 years of age: that he was born 20th March 1845 at Philadelphia City Philadelphia County Pennsylvania
That he is the identical William H Geary, who ENLISTED Oct 9th 1861 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the name of William H Geary in Company K 95th Pennsylvania and was honorably DISCHARGED 3rd February 1862, at Camp Franklin Virginia, having served the United States, in the Civil War.
That he also served in the 20th Penn Calvary [sic] and 91st Penna Volunteers.
That otherwise than herein stated he was not employed in the United States Military or Naval service.
That his personal description at time of first enlistment was as follows: Height 5 feet 11 inches; complexion Light; color of eyes Blue; color of hair Dark; that his occupation was Teamster
That since leaving the service he has resided at 2542 Diamond Street and that his occupation has been Teamster + Lamp Lighter
That he requires the regular personal aid and attendance of another person on account of the following disabilities: at times Badly Ruptured, varicose veins from wounds in right leg. Loss of left hand. Bad Eyesight.
That he has required such regular aid and attendance since [blank]
That he has [blank] applied for pension under Original No. 441218; that he is [blank] a pensioner under Certificate No. 441218
Subscribed and sworn before me this 9th day of September, 1924, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing, and that I have no interest direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
William A BarrSIR: Please answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below. The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your widow or children. Use the inclosed envelope, which requires no stamp.
Very respectfully,In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.
Very respectfully,Respectfully returned to the Commissioenr of Pensions.
William H. Geary, a Private of Company 'K' 95" Regiment Pa Infty Volunteers, was enrolled on the 9" day of October, 1861, at Philada Pa, 3 years and is reported on Muster roll to October 31' 1861 present To Dec 31' 1861 absent wounded by accident at Alexandria Hospital. To Feby 28' 1862, Discharged for disability at Camp Franklin Feby 27' 1862. Same report on Muster out roll of Co. dated Nov 9' 1865 [?] Certificate of disability not in file. Company morning report Dec 19' 1861 shows Privt W. H. Geary accidentally shot himself this morning through the left hand, sent to Hospital at Alexandria Va.
(0ver)This is to certify that William Geary late a Sergeant in D Co. 91st Penna Vols was a good soldier always attentive to his duties and that on the Nineteenth day of June AD 1864 while in front of Petersburg the said Geary volunteered to carry the colors of the regiment the color bearers having been wounded in charging the enemy on the day preceding
Eli G SellersWe the undersigned officers and members of the 91st P.V. hereby cheerfully add our testimony to that of Colonel Sellers as to the good character of Wm Geary as a soldier in the service of his country
David B. Baker (Late) 1st Lieut E Co 91" P.V.V.This is to certify that William Geary was a Corporal in Co "C" 20th Penna. Cavalry (six mos service) and that he conducted himself in all respects as a good and reliable soldier.
George D Stroud| line | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Dwellings visited | 379 | |||||||
| Families visited | 403 | |||||||
| Name | George N. Garry | Sarah Ann " | Ann M. " | Susan M. Garry | Russel W. " | William H. " | Margaret " | Elizabeth " |
| Age | 33 | 34 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3/12 |
| Sex | M | F | F | F | M | M | F | F |
| Color | ||||||||
| Occupation of males over 15 years | Stone Cutter | |||||||
| Real estate owned | ||||||||
| Birthplace | Eng. | Pa | " | " | " | " | " | " |
| Married within year | ||||||||
| Attended school within year | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Over 20 & can't read/write | ||||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| line | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| Dwelling number | 2873 | ||||||||
| Family number | 3170 | ||||||||
| Name | George M Geary | Sarah A " | Susan " | Russell " | William " | Elizabeth " | Sarah " | Mary " | George " |
| Age | 43 | 42 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Sex | M | F | F | M | M | F | F | F | M |
| Color | |||||||||
| Occupation | Stone Cutter | Stone Cutter app | |||||||
| Value of real estate owned | 1500 | ||||||||
| Value of personal estate | |||||||||
| Place of birth | England | Penna | " | " | " | " | " | " | " |
| Married within year | |||||||||
| Attended school within year | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Cannot read & write | |||||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| line | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| Dwelling-house number | 1450 | |||||||
| Family number | 1636 | |||||||
| Name | Garey Sarah | - William | - Sarah | - Mary | - George | - Josephine | Barbir [?] Martha | - Maggie |
| Age | 54 | 24 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 18 | 56 | 23 |
| Sex | F | M | F | F | M | F | F | F |
| Color | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| Occupation | Keeping house | Wagon Driver | Works Dental Manuf | Works P. Box Manuf | ||||
| Real estate value | 2000 | |||||||
| Personal estate value | ||||||||
| Birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| Father foreign born | ||||||||
| Mother foreign born | ||||||||
| Birth month if born within year | ||||||||
| Marriage month if married within year | [blank (sic)] | Nov | ||||||
| Attended school past year | ||||||||
| Can't read | ||||||||
| Can't write | ||||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. | ||||||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old | 1 | |||||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ... |
| line | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Dwelling-house number | 1724 | |||||||
| Family number | ||||||||
| Name | Geary Sarah | - William | - Josephine | - Sally | - Mary | - George | Barber Martha | - Margeret |
| Age | 55 | 25 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 57 | 23 |
| Sex | F | M | F | F | F | M | F | F |
| Color | ||||||||
| Occupation | ||||||||
| Real estate value | ||||||||
| Personal estate value | ||||||||
| Birthplace | ||||||||
| Father foreign born | ||||||||
| Mother foreign born | ||||||||
| Birth month if born within year | ||||||||
| Marriage month if married within year | ||||||||
| Attended school past year | ||||||||
| Can't read | ||||||||
| Can't write | ||||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. | ||||||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old | ||||||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ... |
| line | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | |
| street name | Sharswood [??] St | |||||
| house number | 2115 | |||||
| dwelling visit # | 133 | |||||
| family visit # | 144 | |||||
| name | Roat Josiah | - Sarah V | Geary William H | - Josephine M | - Ida G | |
| color | W | W | W | W | W | |
| sex | M | F | M | F | F | |
| age | 68 | 64 | 34 | 27 | 3 | |
| month born if born in year | ||||||
| relationship | wife | son in law | daughter | granddaug | ||
| single | 1 | |||||
| married | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| widowed/divorced | ||||||
| married during year | ||||||
| occupation | Plasterer | Keeping House | Huckster | At Home | At School | |
| months unemployed | ||||||
| currently ill? | ||||||
| blind | ||||||
| deaf/dumb | ||||||
| idiotic | ||||||
| insane | ||||||
| disabled | ||||||
| school this year | 1 | |||||
| can't read | ||||||
| can't write | ||||||
| birthplace | Penna | New Jersey | Penna | Penna | Penna | |
| father's birthplace | Penna | New Jersey | Penna | Penna | Penna | |
| mother's birthplace | Penna | New Jersey | Penna | New Jersey | Penna | |
| line | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 |
| street | N 27th St West side | |||||||
| house number | 2404 | |||||||
| dwelling number | 123 | |||||||
| family number | 129 | |||||||
| name | Geary H William | Geary M. Josephine | Geary M William | Geary E Mary | Craver I Gertrude | Craver J Gertrude | Geary M Josephine | Mort J John |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Son | Daughter | Daughter | Daughter G | Daughter | Boarder |
| color | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| sex | M | F | M | F | F | F | F | M |
| birth date | Mar 1846 | July 1852 | Feb 1883 | Sept 1886 | Aug 1870 | Aug 1898 | Nov 1890 | Mar 1838 |
| age | 54 | 47 | 17 | 13 | 29 | 1 | 9 | 62 |
| married? | M | M | S | S | M | S | S | Wd |
| # years married | 31 | 31 | X | |||||
| mother of how many children? | 4 | 1 | ||||||
| # of children living | 4 | 1 | ||||||
| birthplace | Philadelphia | Phila | Phila | Phila | Phila | Phila | Phila | Phila |
| father's birthplace | England | Philadelphia | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| mother's birthplace | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| immigration year | ||||||||
| # years in USA | ||||||||
| naturalized citizen? | ||||||||
| occupation | Lamp Lighter | Moulder | At School | At School | Plasterer | |||
| # months not employed | 0 | 0 | 5 | |||||
| # months in school | 10 | 10 | ||||||
| can read | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| can write | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| speaks English | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |
| owned/rented | R | |||||||
| free or mortgaged | ||||||||
| farm/house | H | |||||||
| # of farm schedule | ||||||||
| line | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 |
| street | Montgomery Avenue | ||||
| house nr | 2409 | ||||
| dwelling nr | 222 | ||||
| family nr | 247 | ||||
| name | Geary William H | - Josephine | William Jr | Mary E | Josephine M |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Son | Daughter | Daughter |
| sex | M | F | M | F | F |
| color | W | W | W | W | W |
| age | 65 | 56 | 27 | 23 | 19 |
| marital status | M1 | M1 | M1 | S | S |
| #years present marriage | 38 | 38 | 1 | ||
| mother of # children | 4 | ||||
| mother of # living children | 4 | ||||
| birthplace | Penn | Penn | Penn | Penn | Penn |
| father's birthplace | England | Penn | Penn | Penn | Penn |
| mother's birthplace | Penn | Penn | Penn | Penn | Penn |
| immigrated | |||||
| naturalized/alien | |||||
| speaks English | English | English | English | English | English |
| occupation | Lamp Lighter | None | Fireman | Milliner | Operator |
| nature of industry etc. | City | City | Watch lace [?] | ||
| employer etc. | W | W | W | ||
| out of work 15 Apr 1910? | no | no | no | ||
| # weeks out of work 1909 | 0 | 0 | 0 [?] | ||
| can read | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| can write | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| school since 1 Sep 09 | |||||
| owned/rented | R | ||||
| owned free or mortagaged | |||||
| farm/house | H | ||||
| nr on farm schedule | |||||
| civil war vet | |||||
| blind | |||||
| deaf & dumb | |||||
| line | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 |
| street | Arlington Street | |||
| house number | 2437 | |||
| dwelling visit number | 165 | |||
| family visit number | 178 | |||
| name | Geary William H (Jr) | - Alice J. | - William H. (3d) | - William H. (Sr) |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Son | Father |
| own/rent | R | |||
| free/mortgaged (if owned) | ||||
| sex | M | F | M | M |
| race | W | W | W | W |
| age at last birthday | 36 | 27 | 5 | 75 |
| marital status | M | M | S | Wd |
| year of immigration | ||||
| naturalized/alien | ||||
| year of naturalization | ||||
| attended school since Sept 1919 | No | |||
| can read | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| can write | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| birth place | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| native language | ||||
| father's birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | England |
| father's native language | English | |||
| mother's birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna |
| mother's native language | ||||
| can speak English | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| occupation | Fireman | None | Order Clerk | |
| industry, business | Fire Dep't | Provision Mkt | ||
| employment status | W | W | ||
| number of farm schedule | ||||