The below pension for Vilmont Romero, resident of Kaplan, Vermillion Parish, Louisiana,a soldier who served in the 10 Louisiana Battalion (Fournet's Battalion, Yellow Jacket Battalion) and possibly the 7th Louisiana Cavalry, which was reorganized with troops from the Yellow Jacket Battalion. This pension application was transcribed by Keith A. Melancon from microfilmed records located in the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Romero, Vilmont. 10th Louisiana Battalion, Company I, Fournet's Battalion ------------------------------------------------------------------------ First Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ READ ACT AND ARTICLE ON BACK Parish of Vermillion No. 2989 Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Vilmond Romero P.O. Abbeville Company and Regiment: Co. A, 18th La Inf. Filed: Dec 6th, 1899 Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: President [Signed] E. F. Brian Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. [There is a script "R" at the bottom of the document, indicating it was rejected. There is also a note on the back of the form, "Took Oath."] Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmond Romero, a native of Louisiana, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Abbeville in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. In what town, county, State, Country and year where you born? Answer: I was born in the town or rather near New Iberia, Parish of Iberia, State of Louisiana, in the year 1836. 2. When and where did you enlist, and in what command? Answer: I enlisted in 1862 at Camp Pratt in Command of Fournet's Battalion [Note - Fournet's Battalion is the 10th Battalion, or the Yellow Jacket Battalion. Source - Bergeron, Arthur W., Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units: 1861-1865.] 3. Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you enlisted, and under whom you were serving at the date of your discharge or parole. Answer: I enlisted after in the 18th Regiment, Colonel Brangier, Capt Tertrou, Lieut. Pierre Lasalle, Company A. [Note - Col Bringier was commander of the 7th Regiment, Cavalry. Capt. Tertrou is listed as Captain of the 13th La. Battalion, Co. D (DeClouet Guards from St. Mary Parish), as well as Captain of the 7th La. Regiment Cavalry, Co. I (Chasseurs du Teche). Source - Bergeron, Arthur W., Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units: 1861-1865.] 4. Were you wounded? If so, in what battles, and if not, state under what circumstances during the war you received injury or injuries. Answer: No 5. What was the precise nature of your wound or wounds, if any? Answer: None 6. If you have lost a limb or eye, state where, when and how. Answer: No 7. Were you discharged from the army by reason of wound, wounds, or from effects of service? Answer: No [Note: There is a note scribbled in the margin, "This man's name is among those who took the oath in New Orleans before the surrender."] 8. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: When paroled from the army, I was at Morgan City and then came home, and about 18 months after I returned to Lake Dautrive to my company. 9. What was the name of the surgeon who attended you when discharged? Answer: None 10. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: I was in Vermillion Parish near Abbeville, La. 11. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: I was taken a prisoner in Iberia Parish, taken to New Orleans and held there about 2 months, and then sent home. 12. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? Answer: Yes 13. If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: I took the oath in 1863 at New Orleans, La. [Note: There is a big question mark in the margin next to this question.] 14. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the data of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: I have resided in Louisiana all my life. 15. Are you married or have you been married? Answer: I have been married. 16. If so, what is the size of your family? Answer: I have eleven children. 17. What are the respective ages of your wife and children? Answer: My children are from 10 to 35 years of age. 18. How many children have you and how many of each sex? Answer: Eleven children, three boys and eight girls. 19. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: No, I earn a living by working on share 20. Have you any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: I have only one horse, valued at about $20.00 21. Has you wife any estate in her own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: No 22. How have you derived support for yourself, and family if you have one, for the last five years? Answer: By working on share. 23. What prevents you from earning a living now? Answer: old age. 24. Do you use any intoxicants to any extent? Answer: No. 25. Have you an attorney to look over the application? Answer: No. 26. Give his name, address, and the compensation agreed between you. Answer: none 27. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Demosthene Trahan, Abbeville as writing, Sosthene S. Abshire, Abbeville P.O. as writing, Victorin Olier, New Iberia P.O., and C. Marceaux as comrades. 28. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: My post office is Abbeville, La. Witness my hand on this 4th day of December 1899. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x Applicant Witnesses [Signed] Demosthene Trahan x [Signed] Sosthene S. Abshire x his mark Applicant must go before Clerk of Court. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Vilmond Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 4th day of December 1899. [Signed] Alcide LeBlanc Clerk (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Demosthene Trahan and Sosthene S. Abshire, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 4th day of December 1899. [Signed] Alcide LeBlanc Clerk of Court ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Second Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ READ ACT AND ARTICLE ON BACK Parish of Vermillion No. 2989 [3249 is lined out] Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Vilmond Romero P.O. Abbeville Company and Regiment: Filed: Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: President Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmond Romero, a native of Louisiana, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Abbeville in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. In what town, county, State, Country and year where you born? Answer: I was born near Town of New Iberia, Parish of St. Martin, State of Louisiana, Attakapas Country, in the year 1836. 2. When and where did you enlist, and in what command? Answer: I enlisted in 1862, at St. Martinville, in Fournet's battalion. 3. Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you enlisted, and under whom you were serving at the date of your discharge or parole. Answer: I enlisted in Fournet's battalion - under Capt Nicolas Cormier, 1st Lieutenant Pierre Lasalle, 2nd Lieut. Adolphe Broussard, 3rd Lieut. Alphonse DeBlanc, and I was serving at the close of the war under the 7th Regiment, Col. Bringier, Capt. Tertrou. 4. Were you wounded? If so, in what battles, and if not, state under what circumstances during the war you received injury or injuries. Answer: No 5. What was the precise nature of your wound or wounds, if any? Answer: None 6. If you have lost a limb or eye, state where, when and how. Answer: No 7. Were you discharged from the army by reason of wound, wounds, or from effects of service? Answer: No 8. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: At the close of the war I was under thirty days furlough 9. What was the name of the surgeon who attended you when discharged? Answer: None 10. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: I was home 11. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: I was taken prisoner near New Iberia and then taken to New Orleans and while there during about two months, I ran away from the enemy and came back to my regiment 12. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? Answer: No 13. If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: 14. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the data of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: I have resided in this state since birth 15. Are you married or have you been married? Answer: I have been married 16. If so, what is the size of your family? Answer: I have ten children. 17. What are the respective ages of your wife and children? Answer: My children are from 10 to 40 years of age 18. How many children have you and how many of each sex? Answer: Ten Children, Seven Girls and Three Boys. 19. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: No 20. Have you any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: None, I have but a twenty dollar horse 21. Has you wife any estate in her own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: None 22. How have you derived support for yourself, and family if you have one, for the last five years? Answer: I have supported myself and family by working on share on farms and also done some carpenter work. 23. What prevents you from earning a living now? Answer: Old age and I am suffering from pains. 24. Do you use any intoxicants to any extent? Answer: No. 25. Have you an attorney to look over the application? Answer: No. 26. Give his name, address, and the compensation agreed between you. Answer: none 27. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Jean Louis Marceaux, P.O. Abbeville, La, and Victorin Olier P.O New Iberia, La 28. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: My post office address s Abbeville, La, and that of my two witnesses, Severin LeBlanc and Dupre Blanchet is Abbeville, La. Witness my hand on this 23rd day of April 1900. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x his mark Applicant Witnesses [Signed] Dupre Blanchet [Signed] Severin LeBlanc Applicant must go before Clerk of Court. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Vilmond Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 23rd day of April 1900. [Signed] Alcide LeBlanc Clerk (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Dupre Blanchet and Severin LeBlanc, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 23rd day of April 1900. [Signed] Alcide LeBlanc Clerk of Court ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Third Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ READ ACT AND ARTICLE ON BACK Parish of Vermillion No. 2989 Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Vilmond Romero P.O. Abbeville Company and Regiment: Col. Fournet's Bat Filed: Sept 19th, 1900 Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: President E.F.Brian,Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. [There is a script "R" at the bottom of the document, indicating it was rejected] Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmond Romero, a native of Louisiana, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Abbeville in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. In what town, county, State, Country and year where you born? Answer: In 1836. Iberia, Parish of Iberia, State of Louisiana. 2. When and where did you enlist, and in what command? Answer: In the Parish of St. Martin, in the Battalion of Valasin Fournet, Company C, Capt. Cormier, Infantry Regiment No. 7 under Gen. Grange, enlisted in May 1862 3. Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you enlisted, and under whom you were serving at the date of your discharge or parole. Answer: Lieutenant P. Lasale, Major S. Fournet, Col. V. Fournet, Capt N. Cormier, 2nd Lieutenant A. LeBlanc, 3 Lieutenant G. LeBlanc. When discharged under Capt. Chas Tertrou, A. LeBlanc 1st Lieutenant A. Broussard, 2 Lieutenant Jim Mouton, 3 Lieutenant . 4. Were you wounded? If so, in what battles, and if not, state under what circumstances during the war you received injury or injuries. Answer: I have not received any injuries of any kind 5. What was the precise nature of your wound or wounds, if any? Answer: No wounds, therefore, no precise nature of same 6. If you have lost a limb or eye, state where, when and how. Answer: I have not lost any limb or eye. 7. Were you discharged from the army by reason of wound, wounds, or from effects of service? Answer: I had or received furlo. (sp) on the 13th of May, then war was closed. 8. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: I was in the army until its closure, with the exception I was prisoner 2 months 9. What was the name of the surgeon who attended you when discharged? Answer: Anatole Boudroit 10. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: I was in Vermillion Par. Send their to Guard Prisoners. 11. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: I was prisoner in the retreat of Bisland. Released in New Orleans and sent in the Parish of Iberia and my Company. 12. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? Answer: Not that I remember 13. If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: None 14. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the data of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: I have always resided in Old Louisiana. 15. Are you married or have you been married? Answer: I am single, but have been married 16. If so, what is the size of your family? Answer: I have Eleven children 17. What are the respective ages of your wife and children? Answer: If my wife was living she would 57 years. Oldest/42 and the last one Eleven years of age. 18. How many children have you and how many of each sex? Answer: Eleven, 3 boys and 8 girls. 19. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: No 20. Have you any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: None 21. Has you wife any estate in her own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: None 22. How have you derived support for yourself, and family if you have one, for the last five years? Answer: None 23. What prevents you from earning a living now? Answer: Rheumatism 24. Do you use any intoxicants to any extent? Answer: No. 25. Have you an attorney to look over the application? Answer: No. 26. Give his name, address, and the compensation agreed between you. Answer: none 27. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Alphonse LeBlanc, Joseph LeBlanc, Erath, La 28. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: My P.O. Abbeville. My witnesses are: M.C. Broussard, P.O. Erath, La. D.M. Broussard, P.O. Moriceville [possibly Maurice], La. Witness my hand on this 10th day of September 1900. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x his mark Applicant Witnesses [Signed] M.C. Broussard [Signed] D.M. Broussard Applicant must go before Clerk of Court. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Simonet LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Vilmond Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 10th day of Sept 1900. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named M.C. Broussard and D.M. Broussard, two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 10th day of Sept. 1900. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk of Court ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fourth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2989 3249 READ ACT AND ARTICLE ON BACK Parish of Vermillion No. 2989 Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Valmon Romero P.O. Kaplan Company and Regiment: A Fournet's Bat Filed: Aug 3d, 1906 Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: rejected took oath in N.O. President E.F.Brian,Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. Company and Regiment or Naval Service? Date, Place and Nature of Wound Received? Disability - Where and How Occasioned? Where and When Paroled or Discharged? If Discharged, Where Remaining until Surrender? Age? Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmond Romero, a native of Louisiana, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Kaplan in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. When were you born? Answer: (Feb 8th, 1836) Feb 8th 1836 2. Where were you born? Answer: Parish of St. Martin, now Parish of Iberia. 3. When did you enlist in the Confederate service? Answer: In July, 1862 4. Where did you enlist? Answer: St. Martinsville, La 5. In what command? Answer: Valsin Fournet 6. Give the letter of your company? Answer: A 7. Give the number of your regiment? Answer: Seventh Louisiana 8. Give branch of service, Artillery, Cavalry, or Navy; if in navy, give name or names of vessels you served in or in what capacity? Answer: Infantry 9. Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you enlisted, and under whom you were serving at the date of your discharge or parole. Answer: Capt Nicholas Cormier, 1st Lieutenant Pierre Lasalle, 2nd Lieutenant Alphonse LeBlanc, + Adolph Broussard, 3rd Lieutenant. At discharge officers were those above named except that my capt. was Chas Taltrout and 1st Lieut. Alphonse LeBlanc. Capt Cormier + 1st Lieut Lasalle having died during the war. 10. Were you wounded? If so, in what battles, and if not, state under what circumstances during the war you received injury or injuries. Answer: I was never wounded. 11. What was the precise nature of your wound or wounds, if any? Answer: As above stated was not wounded. 12. If you have lost a limb or eye, state where, when and how. Answer: I lost no limb or eye. 13. Were you discharged from the army by reason of wound, wounds, or from effects of service? Answer: I was not discharged only at the close of the war and when it was ended 14. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: This question is answered above. 15. What was the name of the surgeon who attended you when discharged? Answer: I had no surgeon attending me at my discharge - Dr. Martin had been my surgeon. 16. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: at Camp Beesland [sp] 17. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: I was not a prisoner at the surrender. 18. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? Answer: Yes 19. If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: about 1864. I was taken prisoner and was imprisoned at New Orleans. There were in prison about eleven hundred men: They took sick and many of them died. I feared the malady and took the oath in order that I may taken away from the contagious disease. When I was and came back and rejoined the Confederate Army . My first Capt. having, in the mean time, died. 20. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the data of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: I have always resided in the State of Louisiana. 21. Are you married or have you been married? Answer: I am a widower. My wife is dead. 22. If so, what is the size of your family? Answer: I have 7 children 23. What are the respective ages of your wife and children? Answer: My wife is dead as already stated. Children's ages: 50, 48, 46, 44, 42, 40 + 38 24. How many children have you and how many of each sex? Answer: Seven - 3 boys, 4 girls - they have all left me and I am alone. 25. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: None whatever. 26. Have you any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: None whatever 27. Has you wife any estate in her own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: I have no wife. 28. How have you derived support for yourself, and family if you have one, for the last five years? Answer: My family support themselves. I have been carpenting; but I can do work no more. I am old and full of pains. I live no from place to place 29. What prevents you from earning a living now? Answer: My age and health. I live as above stated from place to place. 30. Do you use any intoxicants to any extent? Answer: Not to excess. I take a drink occasionally. 31. Have you an attorney to look over the application? Answer: Yes. 32. Give his name, address, and the compensation agreed between you. Answer: Preston J. , atty. Abbeville, La. He charges me nothing as he knows I have no means to pay him. 33. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Jean Louis Marceaux and Ozeme Menard both Kaplan P.O. La. 34. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: My address and that of the two witnesses is Kaplan, La. Parish of Vermillion Witness my hand on this 25th day of July 1906. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x his mark Applicant Witnesses [Signed] Z.B. Broussard [Signed] A.O. Landry Applicant must go before Clerk of Court. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Simonet LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Vilmond Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 25th day of July 1906. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Z.B. Broussard and A.O. Landry, two of the subscribing witnesses to the ["signature of the applicant in the" written in] foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 25th day of July 1906. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk of Court ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fifth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kaplan - Vermillion Parish/La August-6-1906. This is to certify that the undersigned registered Physician in the State of Louisiana have knowing the applicant Vilmemon Romero for the past 10 years; He is about seventy years and I hereby certify that on account of acute rheumatism said Vilemon Romero is often unable to earn a living. [Signed] E.L. Telly M.D. PhM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sixth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10352 READ ACT AND ARTICLE ON BACK Parish of Vermillion No. 2989 Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Valmond Romero P.O. Kaplan, La. Company and Regiment: I. Fournett's Batt. 7th La Reg. Cav. Filed: Oct 10th, 1911 Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: President Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. [writing at bottom of page: of service after 1863] Company and Regiment or Naval Service? I. Fournett's Batt. 7th La. Reg. Cav. Date, Place and Nature of Wound Received? Disability - Where and How Occasioned? Old age + illness Where and When Paroled or Discharged? At home, Iberia Ph. If Discharged, Where Remaining until Surrender? Age? 75 Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmond Romero, a native of Louisiana, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Kaplan in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. When were you born? Answer: February 8th, 1836 2. Where were you born? Answer: Iberia Parish 3. When did you enlist in the Confederate service? Answer: at beginning of war. 1861 4. Where did you enlist? Answer: St. Martinsville, St. Martin Ph., La. 5. In what command? Answer: Fournet's Batallion 6. Give the letter of your company? Answer: I 7. Give the number of your regiment? Answer: Seventh La. Regiment 8. Give branch of service, Artillery, Cavalry, or Navy; if in navy, give name or names of vessels you served in or in what capacity? Answer: Infantry 9. Give the names of the regimental and company officers under whom you enlisted, and under whom you were serving at the date of your discharge or parole. Answer: at enlistment: Captain Nicholas Cormier, at Parole, Captain Charles Tortue. 10. Were you wounded? If so, in what battles, and if not, state under what circumstances during the war you received injury or injuries. Answer: No 11. What was the precise nature of your wound or wounds, if any? Answer: No 12. If you have lost a limb or eye, state where, when and how. Answer: No 13. Were you discharged from the army by reason of wound, wounds, or from effects of service? Answer: was paroled for 30 days, during which time war ended 14. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: Vermillion Parish, + returned home in Iberia Parish + cropped on my land 15. What was the name of the surgeon who attended you when discharged? Answer: None 16. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: at Home, Iberia Parish 17. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: 18. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? Answer: No 19. If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: No 20. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the data of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: All my life 21. Are you married or have you been married? Answer: Yes, twice 22. If so, what is the size of your family? Answer: By my first wife 5 children. By second wife Seven 23. What are the respective ages of your wife and children? Answer: My first wife is living would be 70 yrs. Old. My second wife if also living would be 68 yrs. Or there about, and my children range in age from 40 yrs. to 22 yrs. Respectively. 24. How many children have you and how many of each sex? Answer: 12 - 3 Boys + 9 Girls 25. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: No 26. Have you any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: No 27. Has you wife any estate in her own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: No 28. How have you derived support for yourself, and family if you have one, for the last five years? Answer: No 29. What prevents you from earning a living now? Answer: old age + illness 30. Do you use any intoxicants to any extent? Answer: No 31. Have you an attorney to look over the application? Answer: No 32. Give his name, address, and the compensation agreed between you. Answer: None. 33. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Jean Louis Marceaux, Kaplan, La. And Alcide Landry, Kaplan, La. 34. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: Kaplan, La., witnesses - Alex LeBlanc and A.O. Landry - Abbeville, La Witness my hand on this 9th day of September 1911. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x his mark Applicant Witnesses [Signed] Alex LeBlanc Applicant must go before Clerk of Court. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Simonet LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Vilmond Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 9th day of September 1911. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Alcide LeBlanc, Clerk of the District Court of said parish, the above named Rex LeBlanc and A.O. Landry, two of the subscribing witnesses to the ["signature of the applicant in the" written in] foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 9th day of September 1911. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk of Court ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seventh Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ No. 10352 Judge A.C. Allen, President Franklin, La. E.F. Brian, Secretary Baton Rouge, La. State of Louisiana, Office of Board of Pension Commissioners. Baton Rouge, LA., Oct. 19 1911 To Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir, This board, in discharge of its duties under Article 303 of the Constitution of 1898 of the State of Louisiana, and of Act 125 of its General Assembly of the same year, creating a Board of Pension Commissioners, respectfully apply for information from your records, relative to Vilmond Romero of Company I. Fournett's Batt. 7th La. Reg. Cav. Was at home Iberia Parish, La. At the close of war. Please give me the record of this soldier. Very Respectfully, [Signed] J. A. Chalaron President ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eighth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Stamp] Adjutant General's Office Oct 26, 1911 War Department 1841443 10352 1841443 War Department The Adjutant General's Office Washington, October 27, 1911 Respectfully returned to the President, Louisiana Board of Pension Commissioners, Baton Rouge. There are no rolls on file in this office of 7th Louisiana Cavalry or of Company I, 10th (Fournet's, also known as Yellow Jacket) Battalion Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States Army. The name Vilmont Romero appears on a list of conscripts of the parish of St. Martin, Louisiana, and the records of prisoners of war show that one V. Romero, private, Company C, Yellow Jacket Battalion, Confederate States Army, was captured April 14, 1863, at Bayou Teche, Louisiana, a remark on those records indicating that he was sent to New Orleans to be exchanged. No later record of him has been found. [Signed] illegible The Adjutant General ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ninth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2989 Parish of Iberia No. Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Vilmont Romero P.O. Kaplan Company and Regiment: I. Fournett's Batt. Filed: Feb 22d, 1913 Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: Took oath. Rejected Finally March 10, 1915 President [signed] E.F. Brian, Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. [writing at bottom of page: Absolute final. Rejected] Company and Regiment or Naval Service? I. Fournett's Batt. Date, Place and Nature of Wound Received? Disability - Where and How Occasioned? Age Where and When Paroled or Discharged? Washington, La. If Discharged, Where Remaining until Surrender? Age? 77 Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmont Romero, a native of Iberia Parish, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Kaplan in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. When and where were you born? Answer: 1836, Iberia Parish La. 2. When and where did you enlist? Answer: In St. Martin Parish, about the month of April, 1861 3. Give the letter of your Company and the number of your Regiment? Answer: Co. "I" Fournet's Battalion 4. Give branch of service, Artillery, Cavalry, or Navy; if in navy, give name or names of vessels you served in or in what capacity? Answer: Infantry Fournet's Bat. Ad was transferred to Seventh Cav. Reg, Co. "I" 5. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: was not discharged or paroled from the army 6. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: near Washington, La 7. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: (none) 8. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: [Paper is torn at this point, appears answer is "no" due to the brevity of the answer] 9. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the date of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: Always been a resident of State of La. 10. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: No, unable to support myself. 11. Have you any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: None 12. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Alfred Hebert, Kaplan, La, Comeaux, Kaplan, La., John B. Miia, Kaplan, La. 13. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: Vilmont Romero, Kaplan, La., Henry L. David, Kaplan, La., Jules Elezar, Kaplan, La. Witness my hand on this 18th day of February 1913. [Signed] Vilmont Romero x his mark Applicant Witnesses [Signed] H.I. David [Signed] Jules Elezar Applicant must go before Clerk of Court, or Notary Public, or Justice of the Peace. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, O.H. Deshotels, ["Clerk of the District Court" is scratched out and "Notary Public" is written in] of said parish, the above named Vilmont Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 18th day of February 1913. [Signed] O.H. Deshotels Not. Pub. (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, O.H. Deshotels, ["Clerk of the District Court" is scratched out and "Notary Public" is written in] of said parish, the above named Alfred Hebert and John Miaa, two of the subscribing witnesses to the ["signature of the applicant in the" written in] foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 18th day of February 1913. [Signed] Alfred Hebert x his mark [Signed] John B. Miia Witness to mark [Signed] O.H. Deshotels Notary Public ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ STATE OF LOUISIANA OFFICE OF PENSION COMMISIONERS Judge A.C. Allen, President Franklin, La. E.F. Brian, Secretary Baton Rouge, La. Baton Rouge, LA, April 2d, 1913. Mr Vilmond Romero. Kaplan La. Dear Sir. You have made six applications for pension all of which the Board has rejected. Your name appears among a list of conscripts of the parish of St Martin, that you were assigned to Company C of Fournet's Battalion, that you were captured on the Bayou Teche April 14th 1863 and that you took the oath of allegiance in New Orleans May 16th, 1863. With this showing they refuse to place you on the lost of pensioners, and will refuse to do so. Very respectfully. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eleventh Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion Sixth District Court Before me C.C. Blanchard, a Justice of the peace in and for the said parish and ward personally came and appeared Alfred Hebert and Edgard Comeaux who first being duly sworn say: that to the best of their knowledge say: that they know that the said Vilmond Romero, to their personal knowledge did serve with them after May 16th, 1863 to the end of the war in the seventh La Cav, and that the said Vilmond Romero was with them at or near Washington, La after the Battle of Mansfield and in May 1865, was sent home as discharged after the surrender, and fully believe that the said Vilmond Romero is entitled to a rehearing before the board of pension. (Signed) [signed] Alfred Hebert x his mark [signed] Edgard Comeaux x his mark Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of April 1913 [signed] C.C. Blanchard Justice of the Peace [Note: the numbers 2984, 3249, 10352 appear in the margin, representing the Application numbers that have been previously assigned to Vilmont Romero] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twelfth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion Sixth District Court Before me C.C. Blanchard, a Justice of the peace in and for the said parish and ward personally came and appeared Vilmond Romero, who first being duly sworn says; did serve in Fournet's Battalion. Was taken prisoner in the year 1863, and while prisoner of war, that to the best of his knowledge, that he did not take the oath of allegiance to the enemy nor denounce the Confederate Army, as he did not swear or sign any document, at the utmost he was parolled and upon his return home in the parish of Iberia on or about the month of June 1863. He returned to the Confederate Army under Capt. Dautrive and Capt. Tartrou and remained in his command until the end of the war, reaching home on the 13th day of May 1865, at the surrender he was at Washington, La from which place he was sent home. He further states that had he given allegiance to the enemy he would not have once more taken arms with the Confederate Army as shown as shown by the affidavit sworn to by Alfred Hebert and Edgard Comeaux, Comrades who served with him until the end of the War. Signed Vilmond Romero x his mark Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23rd day of April 1913. [signed} C.C. Blanchard Justice of the Peace Sixth Ward ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thirteenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ STATE OF LOUISIANA OFFICE OF PENSION COMMISIONERS Judge A.C. Allen, President Franklin, La. E.F. Brian, Secretary Baton Rouge, La. Baton Rouge, LA, July 15th, 1913. Mr Vilmond Romero> Kaplan La. Dear Sir. You have made six applications for pension all of which the Board has rejected. Your name appears among a list of conscripts of the parish of St Martin, that you were assigned to Company C of Fournet's Battalloon, that you were captured on the Bayou Teche April 14th 1863 and that you took the oath of allegiance in New Orleans May 16th, 1863, in New Orleans. With this showing the Board refuses to place you on the roll of pensioners from this State Very respectfully. Secy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fourteenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ W.A. Poche, M.D., President W.H. Sledge, Vice-Prest. L. Saporito, M.D., Vice-Prest. A.M. Smith, Cashier J.W. Lacouture, Ass't-Cashier Bank of Kaplan Kaplan, La. State of Louisiana, Parish of Vermillion. Personally came and appeared before me, William W. Toul (?), he undersigned authority, a Notary Public in and for the above State and Parish, Mr. Vilmond Romero, a resident of Vermillion Parish and State of Louisiana, and personally well known to me; who deposes and says: That he served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War between the States, that he was a member of the Seventh Louisiana Infantry in Company I, that he was mustered in the army at St. Martinville, La., and at the close of the war was mustered out at or near Washington, La., that he served in the army under Captains Nicola Cormier and Chas Tartue, and that he is now old, decrepit and unable to earn a living. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x his mark wit [signed] Dupre Hebert Sworn and subscribed to before me on this the 11th day of Dec. 1914. William W. Toul (?) Notary Public. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fifteenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Office of Board of pension Commissioners Board meets second Tuesday in March, June, September and December. Judge A.C. Allen, President Franklin, La. E.F. Brian, Secretary Baton Rouge, La. Baton Rouge, La., Dec 14th 1914. Mr. A.W. Smith. Kaplan La. Dear Sir. In regard to Vilmon Romero and his application for pension. Under the date of April 13th 1913, I wrote Mr Romero particularly in regard to his claim. In his application for pension Mr Romero says that he was at home at the time of the surrender, and the record shows that he was captured on the Bayou Teche on April 14th 1865, and on May 16th he took the oath of allegiance to the United States, and was released from prison and went home and remained th (sic) there until the war closed. I will file the affidavit and ask a rehearing from the Board when they meet next March, but there is no hope for his ever being placed on the roll of pensioners. Very respectfully. Secy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sixteenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ W.D. Gooch Commander Jos. T. Labit, Adjutant G. LaBauve, Sr., Treasurer. Headquarters Vermillion Camp No. 607, U.C.V [Scribble in the Margins: 2989/3249 V. Romero, June 99] Abbeville, La. May 6, 1915 Board of Pensioners Baton Rouge, La, Dear Sirs: Vilmont Romero wants to apply for a pension. Rumors here are to the effect, that, while a prisoner at New Orleans, during the war, he had taken the oath of Allegiance to the United States Government, and that the fact is recorded at the office of the Board of Pensioners at Baton Rouge, and, that his failure to be pensioned heretofore is swing to this fact. All these assertions, he denied. He states that he is entitled to be pensioned; that after being exchanged, he went back to his Company, which, had been reorganized, after being temporarily disbanded, and that he has remained with his company till the end of the war, doing good service. Please inform if you have any thing affecting his standing as a Confederate Veteran on record. Doing this you will much oblige your most obliging Comrade + friend, [Signed] Gilbert Labauve, Sr. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seventeenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Note: Spelling in the following article appears to be especially bad due to a poor typist, but it also reflects the Cajun accent written as spoken. Text, as in all of my transcriptions, is as written with no corrections.] State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion January 22, 1916 John Miia, a resident of the Parish of Vermillion La Came and personally appear before me Polive Manceaux a Notry Public in and for Parish of Vernillion La and says that personally knew Vilmo romero of the parish of Vermillion and says that he seen him in sevent regiment of the State of Louisina corrner [colonel] Branger and cpt Charles Taltrou of the Seven regiment of the state of Louisian a Afantry and was discharge on the 13 day of May 1865 at Washington La [Signed] John Miia [Signed] Paullive Manceaux Notry Public ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eighteenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Scribble in margin: 2989/3249 (check mark) Romero Took Oath] State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion. Before me, the undersigned authority, personally came and appeared Vimond Romero, to me well known, who is aresident (sp) of the Parish of Vermillion,Louisiana, and upon first being duly sworn deposes and says: That, he served in the Confederate Army for four years having first joined the Army at Camp Pratt in Company I Fournet Batallion, known as the Yellow Jacket Battallion Louisiana Infantry; that he served therein until he made a prisoner; that he was made a prisoner of war at Franklin, La, and from there I was sent to New Orleans, La, and remained here about one month and a half, and from New Orleans, I went back Home in the month of June, and about the latter art of June or July, I joined the 7th La. Cavalry Company I, Cpatain (sp) Charles Tertro, and Col Branger at New Iberia, La, and served therein until the surrender; that at the time of the surrender the 7th La., Cav was at or near Alexandria, or Opelousas, I don't remember exactly; that I swear further that if I am reported of having the oath og allegiance I know what I was doing, because I am holly unable to read and write; that I attached here to an letter from United States Senator Robert F. Broussard, and, also a letter from the Adjutant Gen's office, which shows that there is nothing in the office at Washington, which indicates that he took the oath of allegiance. That is a very poor man, and has no means of livelihood. He swears further that he is 78 years of age. [Signed] Vilmond Romero x his mark Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 26th 1916 [Signed] Z.B. Broussard Clerk of Court. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nineteenth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion. Before me, the undersigned authority, personally came and appeared Venance Romero and Valcourt Romero, both personally well known to me, who are residents of the Parish of Vermillion, La, and each being first duly sworn each deposes and says for himself, as follows: That they both served in the 7th La., Cavalry, Company I, during the whole four years of the Confederate Army; that they served therein honorably until, the surrender; that Vilmond Romero served also with us therein, having joined the 7th La. Cavalry Company I somewhere around the latter part of June or the beginning of July in the year 1863; that we sear that he never deserted the cause of the confederacy; that he served with us honorably, until the surrender; that we are related to Vilmond Romero, but we swear further that we are not influenced by that relation, in the least in making this affidavit; we make it because he made a good service, and he should be pensioned; that Venance Romero swears that he is 77 years and he is pensioned; that Valcourt Romero swears that he is 90 , and he is pensioned: That they have no interest, at all, in the application of Mr. Vilmond Romero, save and except to give him justice. [Signed] Venance Romero x his mark [Signed] Valcourt Romero x his mark Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of Jany 1916 [Signed]Z.B. Broussard Clerk of Court. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twentieth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Whereas, communications form the Adjutant General's office at Washnigton, D.C. has been exhibited to the Camp No. 607. U.C.V of Abbeville, La, in Regular Session on the 5th day of Feby 1916, which communications, show that Vilmond Romero did not take the oath of allegiance, nor deserted to cause of the confederacy; that theses communications being supported by the affidavits of two comrads swearing that he served in the 7th La, Cavalry honorably to the surrender: Therefore, upon the motion of Captain W.D. Gooch, Commander of the Camp. 607 U.C.V. it was unanimously passed that this Camp endorsed the said application of Comrad Vilmond Romero, as one worthy of being pensioned by the State of Louisiana: It is further unanimously adapted that Vilmond Romero is a poor man, and has nothing whereby a livelihood can be dependent upon; that he is wholly a lw abiding citizen, and enjoys an amiable reputation in his community: All of the foregoing was unanimously voted on by the whole Camp. Without a dissenting vote. Attest: [Signed] Gilbert Labauve, Sr. Adjutant [Signed] W.D. Gooch Commander ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-first Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fen 22d, 1916. Mr. Gilbert Labauve, Sr Adjt. Abbeville La. Dear Sir. Now in regard to Vilmont Romero, I am enclosing a copy of my letter to you on May 7th which gives the particulars in his case, and you will understand that the information comes from a list of those who took the oath at the same time and published on May 16th, 1863. Please file my letters in regard to both the Romeros, Aladin and Vilmont, so that I will not have to do this over again. The Board has acted finally in both these cases and I cannot file them for action any more. Very respectfully, Secy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-second Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ W.D. Gooch Commander Gilbert LaBauve, Sr. Adjutant Isaac Jettun Treasurer. Headquarters Vermillion Camp No. 607, U.C.V Abbeville, La. March 1, 1916 Hon. E.F. Brian Sect. Board of Pension Commissioners Baton Rouge, La, Dear Sir Comrade: Under , I send you a copy of the minutes of the meeting held this day by our camp. Also, the reports of the committee appointed at the meeting of February 26, 1916, to report on the application of Aladin and Vilmont Romero. All of which is respectfully submitted to the Board of Pension Commissioners, with our respect and regards. [Signed] Gilbert Labuave, Sr. Adjutant ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-third Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abbeville, La. March 1, 1916 Vermillion Camp No. 607, U.C.V. met at this day at the Court House in Special Session with R.J. Simon(?), Lieut. Commander in the chair, in the absence of W.D. Gooch, commander, to receive the report of the committee appointed at the meeting of February 26, 1916 to submit a report on the applications of Aladin and Vilmont Romero, candidates for pensions. The camp being in session was ready to receive the committee's report, which after being read, was approved unanimously, and the committee, discharged. [Signed] Gilbert Labauve, Sr. Adjutant ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-fourth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vermillion Parish, La, March 1, 1916. To the members of Vermillion Camp No. 607 U.C.V. Comrades: You undersigned Committee appointed in the matter of endorsement of the applications of Aladin and Vilmont Romero, as candidates for pensions, beg leave to report: That they are firmly of opinion, that our Camp erred in endorsing those applications for the reason that; the only body sble to dispute this question, without bias is the Louisiana Board of Pension Commissioners. Your Committee, would therefore, beg leave to pray you to accept their report as it stands; they also beg you to accept their discharge. [Signed by the following individuals] R.J. Simon W.L. Camille Gilbert Labauve, Sr. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-fifth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the Parish of Vermillion Personaly came and appear Vilmo Romero and being first been duly swarn and says that he was in the civil war in company I of the seven regiment of the State of Louisiana with Captin Charles Taltria and was discharge at Washington La the 13 day of may 1865 [Signed] Vilmo Romero x his mark Sworn and subscribe before me this 3 Day of April 1916 W.W. Greene Justice of the Peace Witnesses who served with Vilmo Romero in civil war [Signed by the following individuals] Jean P. Dartez John Miia Alfred Hebert Eloi Guidry Aurlien Lebraux (?) Sevenne Touchet Alcide LeBlanc Nicholas Champagne Shadrick Venance Romero Charles Frederick LeBlanc ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-sixth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Parish of Vermillion. Before me the undersigned authority, personally came and appeared Jean Pierre Dartez, Alfred Hebert, and John Miia, all three residents of the Parish of Vermillion, Louisiana, all well known to me, and after being duly sworn declared: That all the three affiants swear that thy served honorably during the Confederate war up to the surrender; that they know Vilmond Romero, well, they knew him before the war and saw him during the war. They know of their own personal knowledge, that Vilmond Romero, was made a prisoner of war at the Battle of Bisland; that after being made a prisoner he was taken to New Orleans; that at the time that Vilmond Romero was male a prisoner of war he was in the Fournet Battalion, Company I. That we are informed that the Board of Pension Commissioners for the State of Louisiana, at Baton Rouge, has evidence filed in the archives of its records that Vilmond Romero took the oath of allegiance, which is printed, along with other names, in the New Orleans Delta, under date of May 16th, 1863, affiants swear that they do not wish to contradict this, but they do wish to swear that on May 16th, 1863, they saw Vilmond Romero in actual service in the Confederate Army clear up to the surrender; that at the time of the Surrender we know that Vilmond Romero was at or near Alexandria that Vilmont Romero served two years prior to the surrender in the 7th Louisiana Cavalry in Company I., Capt Charles Tertro, and Col. Branger. The three affiants swear that they are not application for pension, but simply make this affidavit to assist him therein, because he served honorably to the surrender. Affiants wish to swear further that if Vilmond Romero took the oath of allegiance to the Federal Government on the 16th day of May, 1863, he rendered honorable Service thereafter to the Confederate Army, in view of this service, even though he tool the oath of Allegiance, he should be entited (sp) to his pension. [Signed by the following] Jean Pierre Dartez x his mark Chas Leulbeaux x his mark D. Leblanc Babe Frederick Theodule Bouryou (?) Sworn to me and subscribed before me this 13th day of December A.D. 1916 Notary Public ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-seventh Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3248 2989 Parish of Vermillion No. 2989 Soldier's Application for Pension. The Board Reserves the Right to Call for Additional Testimony. Vilmont Romero P.O. Kaplan Company and Regiment: I. Fournett's Batt. Filed: April 29th, 1918 Allowed: Quarterly Allowance: Pension Allowed from: Rejected: President [signed] E.F. Brian, Secretary Board of Pension Commissioners All documentary evidence substantiating your claim should accompany the application. Applications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board of Pension Commissioners at Baton Rouge. Blanks will be furnished by the Secretary on request. Regular meetings of the Board second Tuesdays in March, June, September and December. [writing at bottom of page: Absolute final. Rejected] Company and Regiment or Naval Service? I. Fournett's Batt. Date, Place and Nature of Wound Received? none Disability - Where and How Occasioned? Age Where and When Paroled or Discharged? Abbeville If Discharged, Where Remaining until Surrender? Age? 82 Soldier's Application for Pension I, Vilmont Romero, a native of Louisiana, and now a citizen of Louisiana, resident at Abbeville in the Parish of Vermillion in said state of Louisiana, and who was a soldier (sailor or marine as the case may be) from the state of Louisiana in the Confederate States army (or navy as the case may be) in the war between the United States and Confederate States, do hereby apply for aid under act 125 of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1898; and I do solemnly swear that I served the Confederate States honorably from the date of my enlistment until the close of the civil war, (or until discharged or paroled as the case may be,) as shown by my answers below, and that I remained true to the Confederate cause until the surrender, and that I am now in indigent circumstances, and unable to earn a livelihood by my own labor or skill, and that I am not salaried or otherwise provided for by the State of Louisiana or by any other State or government, and am entitled to receive said benefits of said Act 125 of 1898 as further shown by my answers to the questions below, which I swear to be true and correct: 1. When and where were you born? Answer: Iberia Parish La., 1836. 2. When and where did you enlist? Answer: St. Martin Parish La. 3. Give the letter of your Company and the number of your Regiment? Answer: Co. "I" Fournet's Battalion 4. Give branch of service, Artillery, Cavalry, or Navy; if in navy, give name or names of vessels you served in or in what capacity? Answer: Co. "I" Fournett's Batallion [sp] 5. If discharged or paroled by the army, where were you and what did you do until the close of the war? Answer: no 6. Where were you at the surrender? Answer: Abbeville, La 7. If a prisoner, at what camp, and when you were released, and to where sent? Answer: Was taken prisoner in 1863 at Franklin, La, escaped + returned to Vermillion Ph., my home, + then re-enlisted under Capt. Tertru, Co. "I" St. Martin Ph. La. 8. Did you take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government at any time during the war? If so, when, where and under what circumstances? Answer: no 9. How long have you been a resident of the State of Louisiana next preceding the date of this application? Where have you resided during that period? Answer: All my life, in Vermillion Ph., La. 10. Are you engaged in any business? If so, what do you earn? Answer: No, am solely dependent upon my children 11. Have you or your wife any estate in your own right, real or personal, and what is its value? Answer: No 12. Give names of two or more of your comrades with their postoffice addresses. Answer: Duprelon (?) LeBlanc, Erath, La., John Miia, Kaplan, La. 13. Give your postoffice address and that of the two witnesses. Answer: Kaplan, La. Witnesses address, Abbeville, La. Witness my hand on this 26th day of April 1918. [Signed] Vilmont Romero x his mark Applicant Witnesses [Signed] Alex LeBlanc [Signed] Theo (?) Baudoin Applicant must go before Clerk of Court, or Notary Public, or Justice of the Peace. State of Louisiana Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Simonet LeBlanc, ["Clerk of the District Court" is scratched out and "Notary Public" is written in] of said parish, the above named Vilmont Romero, the applicant, with whom I am personally acquainted, and having the application read and explained to him as well as the statements and answers therein made, made oath that the statements and answers are true. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 16th day of April 1918. [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk District Court. (If possible, the two witnesses as to character should have served with the applicant in the army, and if so, let them, or either, state it in their oath; also any other information regarding the applicants army services.) State of Louisiana, Vermillion Parish, Personally appeared before me, Simonet LeBlanc, ["Clerk of the District Court" is scratched out and "Notary Public" is written in] of said parish, the above named S. Rex LeBlanc and Theo Baudoin, two of the subscribing witnesses to the ["signature of the applicant in the" written in] foregoing application, with whom I am personally acquainted, and known to be citizens of veracity and standing in this community, and who make oath that they are personally acquainted with the foregoing applicant, and that the facts set forth and statements made in this application are correct and true, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they have no interest in this claim, and that said applicants habits are good and free from dishonor. Witness my hand and seal of office, this 16th day of April 1918. [Signed] Alfred Hebert x his mark [Signed] John B. Miia Witness to mark [Signed] Simonet LeBlanc Clerk District Court. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twenty-eighth Document: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ State of Louisiana Office of Board of pension Commissioners Board meets second Tuesday in March, June, September and December. Hon. John McGrath, President, Baton Rouge, La. E.F. Brian, Baton Rouge, La. Hon. Paul Capdeville, Auditor, Baton Rouge, La. Capt. J.H. Nallin, Mansfield, La. Capt. C.H. Peevy, Calhoun, La. Baton Rouge, La., April 29th, 1918. Mr. Vilmont Romero Kaplan, La. Dear Sir: Your application for pension is here and I place it with your papers that have been on file for several years back, Sept 1900. On March 16th, 1915, the Board passed upon your claim and made their action final and I cannot present this application for examination. Mr Romero, you state in your application that you were captured at Franklin and that you escaped and rejoined your Command. The records show that you were captured on the Teche April 14th, 1863, and that your took the oath of allegiance to the United States on May 16th, 1863, and permitted to go home, and when the war closed you were at home. It gives me no pleasure to write you this Mr Romero but this Board has what I have written above taken from the records of your service during the war and cannot do otherwise than to refuse to place the matter before the Board again. Very respectfully. Secy. Mr. LeBlanc, The above letter was mailed to Mr Romero this morning and am sending you a copy just for your information as to how this man stands before the Board. The record I give him may be seen any day that you or any friend of his can examine whenever you happen to be in Baton Rouge. Very respectfully. Secy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ End of File ------------------------------------------------------------------------