Buchanan and MacGahan Law Firm, Military Pension Applications, 1875-1889. MSS-046.

Until 1890, pensions for Civil War service were given only to veterans with physical or mental disabilities directly related to their military service. This volume contains pension applications from Toledo veterans, and outlines their cases for why they should be granted pensions. The application of John Broadbecke was typical. The application describes how, during service in Tennessee, his limbs became swollen. Later, he became nearly deaf in his right ear. He was discharged in 1864, and was “obtaining his sustenance from manual labor.” He sought a pension to assist him because his disabilities limited his ability to work.