This record was transcribed by Penny Bennett Casey from the "Pensions and Increase of Pensions",which pertained to the Bill that was approved in 1917 for pension benefits for the Indian War Veterans.

PENSIONS AND INCREASE OF PENSIONS

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

APRIL 20, 1922

H.R. #7669

WILLIAM S. RITMAN

William S. Ritman, Clearwater, Idaho, served during certain Indian campaigns in D.B. Randall’s Company B, Second Regiment Idaho Volunteers, from June 10 to July 9, 1877, and in quartermaster department from July 10, to November 11, 1877.

He filed a claim for pension as an Indian war survivor March 30, 1917, under the act of March 4, 1917.  It was rejected on the ground that the official records of the United States afford no evidence of claimant’s service or payment for service in Capt. D.B. Randall’s subsequently Capt. James L. Cearley’s, Company B. Second Idaho Volunteers, nor do the records in the archives of the State of Idaho furnish any evidence of such service.

It is claimed that some of the men who were paid for service in claimant’s organization did not have their names entered on the records when the campaign closed, and that is what happened in this case.

Two comrades of claimant who served during the Nez Perce Indian war and who are pensioned for their service testify positively that claimant performed the service he claims to have rendered.  Their evidence in full is as follows:

I am well acquainted with William S. Ritman.  I was with him in Nez Perce Indian war.  I know that he served in Capt. D.B. Randall’s company, doing such service as standing guard at night.  He was in the battle of Clear Creek with the other volunteers

At the time of the Nez Perce war the said William S. Ritman was young, able, and strong, but time has very much changed his condition.  He has a small ranch of small value, the income from which is very limited, possibly $100 per annum.  Because of his age he is unable to do hard work.  I am drawing a pension for services in Indian wars, and from my knowledge of the said William S. Ritman property I would place the value at $1,000.

                                                            J.G. Rowton

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 26^th day of August, 1921, and I certify the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing, and that affiant is personally known to me as reputable and entitled to credit.

Lyle H. Cox,

Notary Public, Kooskia, Idaho

I know personally that said William S. Ritman performed service as a packer and a volunteer in the Nez Perce Indian war of 1877.  I was acquainted with him and know of such service at that time.  I am a pensioner under the provisions of the act of March 4, 1917, for service rendered in said Indian wars.  I know that said William S. Ritman was a the time he performed such service in excellent physical condition, but that now he is, because of advancing years and incidental incapacities, unable to perform hard and continuous labor.  He has a small farm and is doing his best to improve it and make a living upon it, but in the circumstances his labors do not bear much fruit.  I have no knowledge of any disability incurred by said William S. Ritman during his term of service in said Indian war.  He served in Capt. D.B. Randall’s company.  I would estimate his property as worth not to exceed $1,000 and his income as less than $100 a year.  What he makes does not meet his necessary expenses.

                                                            Frank A. Fenn

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25^th day of August, 1921, and I certify the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing, and that affiant is personally known to me as reputable and entitled to credit.

Lloyd A. Fenn,

Notary Public, Residing at Kooskia, Idaho

My commission expires January 23, 1923

The Claimant is about 66 years of age, owns property valued at $1,000 and has an income of about $100; he is partially deaf and his left shoulder and left thumb have been injured; with these afflictions and age he is unable to do much work.  These facts are shown by evidence presented to the committee in sworn affidavits.