The Roaming Veteran; Pension Records
Between the end of the Civil War in 1865, and his death in 1920, Henry Trout roamed around the United States and territories. While there are few records of Trout’s specific whereabouts in the first three decades following the end of the Civil War, there is evidence that Trout spent time on his own and in Soldiers’ Homes. He was able to maintain some close relationships, despite having no family of his own.
Timeline
1900 living in Canadian County, Oklahoma Territory
May 1903 living in Canadian County, Oklahoma Territory
February 1906 moved from Decatur, IN to Danville, IL
May 22, 1912 at Danville Branch in IL
April 16, 1918 transferred from Danville, IL and readmitted to North Western Branch in WI
July 26, 1919 admitted to Mountain Branch in TN
March 24, 1920 transferred from Mountain Branch in TN and readmitted to North Western Branch in WI
August 12, 1920 transferred from North Western Branch in Wisconsin
December 23, 1920 died
Pension Applications
Henry Trout was initially accepted for a partial disability pension payment of $6/month on October 30, 1900. Over the course of the time period 1900-1920, he reapplied for increases in his pension numerous times, claiming full invalid status and the inability to sustain a job.
Among Trout’s physical complaints resulting from the Civil War were rheumatism, deafness, diminished sight, lung and heart problems, naso-pharyngeal catarrh, and senile disability.
Age Discrepencies
There were many discrepancies in Trout’s age. This is due to lack of reliable birth records, anecdotal errors, and the possibility that Trout may have “embellished” his age in order to expedite pension increases. Additionally, due to the fact that he was diagnosed with a senile disability, Trout may have had difficulty remembering his age.
The following give an overview of some inconsistencies in Trout’s age:
In January of 1902, Trout was described by a surgeon as being 5’4½”, 120 pounds, light complexioned, blue eyed with brown hair. Trout stated that he was working as a cook in Canadian County, Oklahoma Territory. On this form, Trout claimed that he was 60 years old.
By May 6, 1903, Henry Trout was described by a surgeon as being 125 pounds. Trout stated that he was working as a hotel steward in Canadian County, Oklahoma Territory. At this time, Trout claimed that he was 64 years old, thereby aging four years over the course of one calendar year.
On a form dated May 5, 1906, Trout was listed as being 62 years old.
On a form dated June 14, 1908, Trout’s birthday is alleged to be January or July 25, 1939.
In a letter dated June 13, 1908, he claims to be 70 years old.
On a form dated May 22, 1912, Trout’s age, originally listed as 69 years old, was crossed out and written in as 68 years old.