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15 Jul 1834 - Alpha Jane Marshall born. (pension file)

1840 - James D. Stanley born in what is now Ritchie Co. WV (military, medical and pension file)

8 Apr 1859 - Thomas Johnson, first husband of Alpha Jane, dies in a construction accident at the Eastern B&O railroad tunnel at Eatons, Wood Co. WV. (pension file)

5 Apr 1860 - James D. Stanley and Alpha Jane Johnson were married by Rev. John Hull. (documents included in the pension file)

5 Oct 1862 - James D. Stanley enrolled in Co. E, 11th Regiment of (West) Virginia Vol. Infantry at Parkersburg, (W) VA for 3 years. (military file)

24 Nov 1862 - Stanley is mustered in at Parkersburg (W) VA. Age 22. (military file)

16 Apr 1863 - James Stanley is absent, sick, on leave. (military file)

Mar, Apr 1864 - Stanley is sentence to forfeit 10 days pay by order of court-martial, absent without leave. (military file)

19 Dec 1864 - James Stanley is reported sick in Hospital at Wincherster VA (military file)

23 Dec 1864 - James D. Stanley, private, Co. E 11th VA Regiment, is admitted from the field to the US General Hospital, Frederick MD, with chronic diarrhea. Age listed as 25 years. (medical file)

8 Jan 1865 - James D. Stanley died of disease at Frederick, MD - statement on Co. muster-out dated 17 Jun 1865. Age is given as 23 years. (military file)

8 Jan 1865 - James D. Stanley, private, Co. E, 11th Regiment, VA, admitted from the field to US General Hospital, Frederick MD, with chronic Diarrhea, died from chronic diarrhea and pneumonia. Age listed as 25 years. Hospital number for Stanley is #7936, Reg. No. 167, page 51. (medical file)

8 Jan 1865 - Hospital record of death and interment, gives death date for James D. Stanley as 8 Jan 1865, and cause of death as chronic diarrhea and Pneumonia of both lungs. Hospital is located in Frederick, MD. James is listed as 25, born in Virginia, married, and a resident of Ritchie Co., WV. (hospital report, pension file)

9 Jan 1865 - Hospital record of death and interment gives burial date of 9 Jan 1865 for James D. Stanley. Place of burial given as Area "O" of Hospital Cemetery, Frederick, MD. Hospital number od deceased is listed as #1936. (hospital reports, pension file)

18 Feb 1865 - Inventory of the effects of James D. Stanley by Co. E, 11th WV Vol. Inf. Lists place of birth as Ritchie Co. WV; height 5 ft. 7 in.; light complexion, blue eyes, red hair. Age was listed as 23 at the time of enlistment on 6 Nov 1862. The inventory listed 2 flannel shirts, 1 pair of socks. 2 blankets, and 1 shelter tent. The "effects of James D. Stanley" were listed as in the hands of James Drysdale at the US Gen. Hospital at Frederick, MD. The form was signed by the Company Commander, Capt. David Deem, Chapens Farm, VA. (pension file)

18 Feb 1865 - A second report dated this date by Capt. David Deem, certifies that James D. Stanley, private of Co. E, 11th Regiment of WV infantry, was born in Ritchie Co. WV, age 23, 5 ft and 7 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, red hair, and by occupation a farmer. Capt. Deem reports that Stanley was last paid on 31 Oct 1864. He has received clothing amounting to $26.27 since 31 Oct 1863. He has received $25.00 advanced bounty. Due the US, (1) One Long Enfield riftle, complete cartridge box complete, (1) knapsack, (1) horsesack, (1) one canteen. The items total $28.84 due the US From signed by Capt. David Deem, Chapens Farm, VA (report, pension file)

17 Apr 1865 - Alpha Janes Stanley, age 26, resident of Ritchie Co. WV, applies for a pension based on the record of her late husband, James D. Stanley. She states she married to James D. Stanley in Ritchie Co., on 5 Apr 1860 by Rev. John Hull, and that her name before her marriage was Alpha J. Johnson. She lists her children as: H. L. Stanley, born 11 Jan 1861; V. W. E. Stanley, born 2 Oct 1862; Clarinda Stanley, born 21 Mar 1865. Alpha Jane signs with "her mark." (application for widows pension, pension file)

17 Apr 1865 - H. J. Jackson and John Hull, resident of Wood and Ritchie Counties, WV, state he saw Alpha J. Stanley make her mark on the application and that they were acquainted with James D. Stanley, deceased, in his lifetime, and know that he and the said Alpha J. Stanley, lived and cohabited together as man and wife, up to the time when he entered the service.... (affidavit, pension file)

19 Apr 1865 - They also stated that Alpha Jane's name was Johnson before her marriage to Stanley. Also, they were sure that James had not been married before and that he had no children, dead or alive, other than the three listed above. They indicated tat they knew "these facts from a close personal acquaintnace of ten years previous to his entering the army to the time of his death and by living close neighbors to his family since that time to this present time." (affidavit, pension file)

20 Jun 1865 - The Adjutant General's Office reports to the Pension Office that James D. Stanley, Co. E, 11th Regiment of WV Vol. died of disease on January 8, 1865. (report, pension file)

7 Sep 1865 - Mrs. Alpha J. Stanley (widow) married Asa Jenkns in Ritchie Co. WV. ((documents pension file)

1 Jan 1866 - David Deem, Late Capt. of Co. E, 11th WV Vol. Infantry, Freeport, Wirt Co., WV certifies that "James D. Stanley, A Private of my Company was taken sick on or about the 10th of Dec. 1864 with the diarrhea at which time he was sent to the hospital. On or about the 17th of the same month we left the Valley of VA for Richmond. I saw Jas D. Stanley the day we left - he was no better. On or about 31th of Dec. 1864, I received notice of the death of Jas. D. Stanley. He died at Fredrick, Maryland. I received notice from the Sergt. in charge of the uS Hospital, Frederick, MD of the death of Jas. D. Stanley, Co. E, 11th WV Vol. Inf. (affidavit, pension file)

15 Jun 1869 - On motion of Alpha Jane Jenkins, "for satisfactory reason," the Ritchie Co., WV court, M. A. Ayers was appointed guardian of the infant Stanley chidren of James and Alpha Jane stanley; H. L. Stanley, age 8 years; V. W. Stanley, age 6 years; and C. Stanley, age 4 years. A "true copy" is supplied by M. M. woods, Ritchie Co. WV Court. (document, pension file)

19 Mar 1870 - Alpha Jane Jenkins states she is the "late widow" of James D. Stanley, private, Co. E, 11th Regiment VA Vol. Infantry and that the children of the Dec. soldier are H. F. Stanley, born 11 Jan 1861, V. W. L. Stanley, born 22 Oct 1862, and C. Stanley, born 21 Mar 1865. signature is listed as "Alpha J. Jinkins." (affidavit, pension file)

21 Mar 1870 - The recorder of Ritchie Co. WV certifies that j. D. Stanley and Mrs. A. J. Johnson (widow) were married on 5 Apr 1860 by Rev. John Hull. (affidavit, pension file)

21 Mar 1870 - M. A. Ayers, age 29, resident of Webbs Mills, Ritchie Co. WV, appears as the guardian of the children of Alpha Jane and James Stanley. Alpha Jane had remarried - to Asa Jenkins. Ayers was making a declaration to obtain benefits for the Stanley children. He lists children as: H. F. Stanley, born 11 Jan 1861; V. W. L. Stanley, born 22 Oct. 1862; and C. Stanley, born 21 Mar 1865. Ayers states that the widow of James D. Stanley, Alpha Jane, "again married, being now the wife of Asa Jenkns on the 10th day of Sept. in the year of 1865." (affidavit, pension file)

4 Apr 1870 - The Pension Office sends a new request, seeking information on James D. Stanley, to the Surgeon General asking "Has any further information been rec'd in this case"? (report, pension file)

19 Apr 1870 - J. M. Woods, Recorder of Ritchie Co. WV, certifies that Mrs. Alpha J. Stanley (widow) was married on 7 Sep 1865 by J. M. Wilson, Minister of the Gospel (affidavit, pension file)

20 Apr 1870 - A report from the Surgeon General's Office of the War Department indicates that the records indicate that James D. Stanley was admitted to No. 1 General Hospital, Frederick MD on 23 Dec 1864 from the field for treatment for chronic diarrhea and died January 1865 of chronic diarrhea and pneumonia. Th ereport also indicats that the name of James Stanley appears on the "List of Casualties" accompanying the "Monthly Report of Sick and Wounded," of the hospital, for January 1865 stating that Stanley died 8 Jan 1865 of chronic diarrhea and pneumonia of both lungs. (report, pension file)

30 May 1870 - Practicing Midwives of Ritchie Co. WV, stated that they were present at the birth of the following children of Alpha Jane Stanley and her husband James D. Stanley: Henry L. Stanley born 11 Jan 1861, Virginia W. L. Stanley born 22 Oct 1862, and Clarinda Stanley born 21 Mar 1865. (pension file)

28 Oct 1870 - A pension is approved for the children of James D. Stanley: Henry F. Stanley, Virginia W. L. Stanley and Clorinda. The pension is for $8.00 per month, with two dollars per month additional for each minor. The pension commences 9 Jan 1865 and is payable to Michael A. Ayers. (report, pension file)

4 Nov 1870 - Pension Office Certificate #145696, grants pension for the minor children of James D. Stanley. (certificate, pension file)

10 Jun 1875 - Webbs Mills, Ritchie Co. WV. Michael A. Ayers, guardian of Stanley children, sends a letter transmitting "evidence required" for pension benefits for Stanley children. (letter, pension file)

13 Dec 1875 - Alpha Jane is divorced from Asa Jenkins in Gilmer Co. WV. She recieved custody of the children. (copy of divorce record, pension file)

12 May 1885 - Clerk of Ritchie Co. gave marriage date for Alpha Jane Johnson and J. D. Stanley as 5 Apr 1860 by Rev. John Hull, a minister of Ritchie Co. (affidavit, pension file)

14 Oct 1891 - C. B. Conrad, Clerk of Gilmer Co., certifies that Alpha Jane Jenkins was granted a decree of divorce from Asa Jenkins on 13 Dec 1875. (affidavit, pension file)

24 Feb 1892 - The Bureau of Pensions sends a request to the War Department seeking a confirmation that James D. Stanley, a private in Co. E, 11th Regiment, WV Infantry, died while in service in Jan. 1865. (pension file)

25 Feb 1892 - The War Department, Record and Pension Division, returns a report to the Pension Department and indicates that James D. Stanley, Co. E, 11th WV Regiment, died 8 Jan 1865 of Chronic Diarrhea and pneumona in both lungs at the General Hospital, Frederick, MD. They state that from 5 Oct 1862 to 8 Jan 1865, soldier held the rank of private. Stanley was treated at the General Hospital in Frederick, MD from 23 Dec 1864 to 8 Jan 1865. The report also indicated that records indicated that James had been reported absent, sick on 10 Apr 1863 and on 30 Apr 1863. Also, he was sick in the Hospital at Winchester, VA "since 19 Dec 1864." (report, pension file)

29 Feb 1892 - G. W. Amos, County Clerk of Ritchie Co. WV, certifies that Asa Jenkins and Alpha J. Stanley were married in Ritchie Co. on the 7th day of Sept. 1865 by J. M. Wilson, as "appears of record in my office on page 12 Marriage Register." (affidavit, pension file)

7 Mar 1892 - Joseph W. Stanley, age 53, resident of Rusk, Ritchie Co. WV. Gave statement that the marriage of Alpha Jane to James D. Stanley took place at his (Joseph's) house and that he was present at the marriage. He believed the marriage was 8 Apr 1859. (affidavit, pension file)

7 Mar 1892 - R. A. Stanley, age 57, resident of Rusk, Ritchie Co. WV, states that she was present at the marriage of Alpha Jane to James D. Stanley which took place on or about 8 Apr 1859. She remembers the date because her son, Albert, was born shortly afterwards. Stanley signs by "her mark" and her name on the signature line is R. J. Stanley. (affidavit, pension file)

23 Apr 1892 - Samuel Jenkins, age 60, and wife, Elcie J., age 41, residents of Walker Station, WV, gave a statement concerning Alpha Jane. Alpha Jane is listed as age 58 years, a resident of Freeport, Wirt Co. WV. Samuel and Elcie stated that they had known Alpha Jane for 25 years and that Alpha Jane remained a widow after James Stanley died unitl she married Asa Jenkins. (affidavit, pension file)

4 Jun 1892 - A pension for Alpha J. Stanley, of Freeport, Wirt Co. WV, was rejected. (pension file)

11 Jun 1892 - Alpha Jane Stanley, age 57 years, resident of Freeport, Wirt Co., states she was married to James D. Stanley on 8 Apr 1860 by Rev. Hull in Ritchie Co. WV. She also stated that her first husband (unnamed) had been killed. She further stated that she had been married to Asa Jenkins on 10 Sep 1865, and that she was divorced from Asa in 1875 and granted the right to her previous name. She states that the minor children of her late husband are: H. L. (son), born Jan 1861; Viranda (dau), born 9 Nov 1863; and Clarinda (dau) born 21 Mar 1865. She further states that the children had been granted a pension. (pension application, pension file)

27 Jul 1898 - Asa Jenkins, third husband of Alpha Jane, dies in Wood Co. WV. (pension file)

27 Dec 1901 - Alpha Jane applies for a pension as the widow of James D. Stanley. She states that her children drew a pension, but that she had never applied for a pension as she had remarried two times. She is a resident of Volcano, Wood Co., WV age 67. She states that her last marriage took place 10 Sep 1865 in Ritchie Co., WV, but that she was divorced from said husband upon her own application and without fault on her part, on the 13rd day of Dec. 1875 in Ritchie Co. WV. (note: Actually, she was divorced in Gilmer Co. WV.) She states that she has not remarried again after the death of soldier (James Stanley0 except to Asa Jenkins. She has "no income what ever." Alpha J. signs by "her mark." (application for pension, pension file)

25 Apr 1902 - Pension request for Alpha Jane is rejected. (pension file)

10 Apr 1905 - Alpha Jane Stanley completes a "Declaration of a Widow for Originial Pension" form. She indicates that her first husband was killed at Eatons, Wood Co. WV on 8 Apr 1859, and that her second husband, James D. Stanley, died of fever due to exposure at Frederick City in Jan. 1865. She states that James D. Stnaley, a farmer, was born in Harrisville, WV, had light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair color. She was married to Stanley at Nasbys Run in Apr 1861 by Rev. Hull and Stanley had not been previously married. She indicates that after the death of Stanley, she remarried at Gillespies Run, Ritchie Co. WV 10 Sep 1865. She does not list the names of her first and third husband. Alpha Jane lists her age as 72 and address as Walker, Wood Co. WV. She signs by her mark, rather than by her signature as she had done earlier. (pension application, pension file)

19 Apr 1905 - Alpha Jane Stanley, age 72, resident of Walker, Wood Co. WV, completes application for pension application. She indicates that her former (before her marriage to Stanley) husband was killed at Eatons, Wood Co. WV on 8 Apr 1859. She states that James D. was born in Harrisville, WV and that he had blue eyes, light complexion, and light hair. He was a farmer. (pension application, pension file)

12 Mar 1905 - James McKinney, Clerk of Ritchie Co. WV certifies that J. D. Stanley and A. J. Johnson were married 5 Apr 1860 by Rev. John Hull. (affidavit, pension file)

1 Jun 1905 - Alpha Jane completes a "Declaration of a Widow Who Has Remarried." Alpha is listed as age 70, and a resident of Donohue, Ritchie Co. WV. She states that she was married to James Stanley in Mar 1860 and he died Jan 1865. She married Asa Jenkins in 1865 and he died 27 Jul 1898. She was divorced from Asa on 13 Dec 1875 at Glenville, Gilmer Co. WV (pension application, pension file)

11 Jul 1905 - Alpha Jane Stanley states that she has no property, real, personal, or mixed, bonds, stocks, or investments of any kind whatever adn that she has no income from any suorce. She state that she is supported by "the labor of her hands" and that she has been living with her daughter, Lucy Jenkins. Alpha Jane signs her name. Her address is Donohue, Ritchie Co. WV. (affidavit, pension file)

11 Jul 1905 - Alpha Jane Stanley states that after the death of James Stanley she married Asa Jenkins and that she divorced from him in Gilmer Co. WV, as shown by the enclosed copy of the decree from Gilmer Co. dated 14 Oct 1891 and certified by Gilmer Co. Clerk, C. B. Conrad. Alpha Jane signes her name. (affidavit, pension file)

11 Jul 1905 - T. N. Johnson, age 52, post office address is Smithville, WV, indicates that from his personal knowledge, he knows that Alpha Jane Stanley does not have any property of any description and has no visble means of support except that furnished by her children. Name is signed as T. N. Johnson. (affidavit, pension file)

11 Jul 1905 - John Deem, age 64, and T. N. Johnson, age 52, gave a statement that Alpha J. Stanley has not remarried after the death of Asa Jenkins. (It appears that Deem and Johnson gave two statements on the same day.) (affidavit, pension file)

15 Jul 1905 - Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court of Gilmer Co. WV, N. E. Rymer, certifies a document as being "true copy of the petition filed in the chancery casue of A. J. Jinkens against Asa Jinkens." The bill of complaint (not dated) is as follows:

To the Honorable County of Gilmer County:

The bill of complaint of:

A. J. Jinkens, Plaintiff, against

Asa Jinkens, Defendant - In Chancery.

Filled in the County Court of Gilmer County. The plaintiff complains and says that on the ___ day of _____ 18__, in the county of Ritchie, West Virginia she was united in the bonds of Matrimony with the defendant Asa Jinkens that they lived together as man and wife for some years in the county of Ritchie and moved to the county of Gilmer where she the plaintiff now resides, and further shows to the Court that he after their marriage sentenced to confinement in the Penitentiary and served a part of his term of confinement, at Moundsville, West Virginia, andt ehn broke out and escaped and never was captured or pardoned, and is still under sentence. The plaintiff further shows and charges that she is informed that the defendant, is now living in the county of Calhoun and has married an other woman and living with her.

The Plaintiff shows that she last lived with and cohabited with the Defendant in the county of Gilmer, but that she never has since he ws sentenced and sent to the Penitentiary.

She further stats that she the mother of _______ children the issue of their marriage.

The prayers therefore of the plaintiff is that the bonds of matrimony heretofore solemnized between them be for ever dissolved and that the care and custody of the said children be awarded to her and that the defendant be made pay the coats of this suit and grant plaintiff such other and general relief as the Court may see fit to grant.

A. J. Jinkens

Hays & Johnson, Plaff. Atts.

(document, pension file)

20 Jul 1905 - W. R. Meservie, Clark of Ritchie Co. Court, declares that for the year 1904 Alpha Jane Stanley has no property, real or personal, listed. (affidavit, pension file)

19 Aug 1905 - A widow's pension of $12.00 per month, commencing 2 June 1905, is awarded to Alpha Jane Stanley, Donohue, Ritchie Co. WV (pension file)

2 Oct 1905 - John Jenkins and his wife, Lucy Jenkins, ages 60 and 51 years, respectively, stated that the first husband of Alpha Jane was Thomas Johnson and that he was killed in the Eatons Tunnel, WV, in April 1859, while he was working on said tunnel. Johnson was injured about 6 pm and died of his injuries about 5 hours later. John and Lucy were residents of Dononhue, WV. Both John and Lucy sign their names. (affidavit, pension file)

3 Oct 1905 - John Deem, age 64, resident of Smithville, WV adn T. N. Johnson, age 52 years, a resident of near Smithville, WV, stated that they were certain that Alpha Jane had not remarried since the death of Asa Jenkins, nor had she remarried after her divorce from Asa Jenkins on 13 Dec 1875. (affidavit, pension file)

25 Oct 1905 - Alpha Jane Stanley, widow of James D. Stanley, was granted a pension, certificate #599266, at the rate of $12.00 per month, commencing on 2 Jun 1905 and "to continue during her widowhood." (certificate, pension application)

8 Sep 1916 - Pension Office notes that Alpha Jane Stanley is entitled to $20 per month commencing Sept. 8, 1916. (report, pension file)

13 SEp 1916 - Alpha Jane sends note to Pension office giving her date of birth as 15 Jul 1834. She gave her age as 82, and was living at Eatons, WV (letter of reply, pension file)

Sept 13 - 1916 Eatons, W. Va.

G. M. Saltzgaber, Sir

Widow Certificate No. 599226

James D. Stanley, Private Co. E, 11 Regt West Virginina

Sir, I am pensioned under the above certificate No.

I was his wife during the Civil War.

I am 82 years of age, having Bin Born July 15-1834

Yours truly

Alpha Jane Stanley (signature)

20 Mar 1917 - Alpha Jane Stanley, Eatons, Route 2, Eatons, WV, widow of James D. Stanley, dies. (documents included in pension file)

5 Apr 1917 - Letter from T. R. Jenkins, Eatons, WV, to Pension Office, enclosed Pension Certificate for Alpha Jane Stanley and said that she died 20 Mar 1917. T. R. Jenkins indicates that he is her son, and that he "had to wait on her through her sickness." He requests any pay coming to Alpha be sent to help for her funeral. (letter, pension file)

10 Apr 1917 - Alpha Jane Stanley, RR 2, Eatons, WV, pensioner, last paid at $20.00 per month to 4 Mar 1917, is "dropped from the roll" because of death on 20 Mar 1917. (report, pension file)

12 Apr 1917 - Reimbursement to T. R. Jenkins (no further details given) (report, pension file).