William Bud Gearhart was born on 9. Sep. 1831 at Hopewell, Muskingum County, Ohio. He was the son of
Isaac Gearhart and
Ann Shafer.
William Bud Gearhart appeared on the census of 3. Jul. 1850 at with his parents, Claibourne Twp., Union County, Ohio.
William Bud Gearhart was shown in the census on 3. Jul. 1850 as a farmer.
He married
Alice Ann Haynes, daughter of
Thomas Sevant Haynes and
Harriet Parks, on 6. Nov. 1852 at Richwood, Union County, Ohio; by Rev. E. G. Webster. William Bud Gearhart held the position of School Inspector in 1859. He removed to at Michigan bt Nov. 1860 - 1862. He held the position of Justice of the Peace. He began military service on 24. Sep. 1864. He seved in Company A., 14th Michigan Infantry. He ended military service on 18. Jul. 1865.
William Bud Gearhart was shown in the census on 16. Aug. 1870 as a laborer.
William Bud Gearhart and
Alice Ann Haynes appeared on the census of 16. Aug. 1870 at Lyons, Ionia County, Michigan.
William Bud Gearhart died on 9. Apr. 1898 at Crystal Lake, Benzie County, Michigan, at age 66; from Rheumaticus and Spinal Disease, Suppresion of Urine.

He was buried at Muir, Ionia County, Michigan.
At age 33, 1864, when drafted into the Civil War. William was listed at 5" 5 1/2" tall, blue eyes, light hair. During the Civil War and while William was away, Alice and the children lived in New Haven Township, Section 5, in a small house. It was a very hard winter for them. After William's return they moved to Ionia County, Michigan where they lived until William died.
Alice lived in Lyon, Ionia County, Michigan for a while after William's death, took care of her aged mother Harriet Parks Haynes Stiles, then moved to her daughter, Anna Houck's, home in New Haven Township, a mile south of Sumner, Michigan.
From: Gratiot County Michigan MIGenWeb Project
Gratiot County Michigan is located in the middle of the lower peninsula of Michigan. At one time it was tagged "Starving Gratiot". Much of the land in Gratiot Co. is flat and also was slow to drain back in the early days, therefore the farmers had to wait during the spring to plant their crops and often got a late start. There were years that there were frosts during the summer and the wolves were literally at their doors during the following winter. Gratiot County was formed out of Clinton and Saginaw Counties in 1855.
Letter to Augusta Smith, wife of Frederick Smith (Isaac Gearhart, Jacob Gearhart, Hattie Gearhart, Albert Smith, Fred Smith) from Fay Esther Gearhart Hanson (Isaac Gearhart, William Bud Gearhart, Frank Gearhart, Cecil Don Gearhart, Faye Esther Gearhart Hanson) Lansing, MI, February 7, 1981:
Dear Augusta: Received your welcome letter and learned things about the Gearharts that I didn't know before. I think I can clear up one mystery for you. I think the lot George Gearhart (brother to William Bud) is buried on belonged to William Bud. He probably bought 4 spaces when their baby Isaac Gearhart died with the idea that he and Alice would be buried there when they died. Thomas and Harriet Parks Haynes are her parents ( Wm's in-laws) and when they died they buried them on the lots he already owned. This left only one place and they buried George there. He died 8 years after Wm. B. died but Alice was still alive and probably gave consent.
William B., Alice Ann and Harvey (12 yr. old son who drowned) are buried in the Village of Muir, MI, in the SW corner across from the school. I have visited their graves many times. His is marked as a Civil War Veteran.
Another mystery I think I can clear up. Your Aunt said Harvey Gearhart lived in a stone house, it wasn't Harvey it was Lansing (Lant) (William Bud's brother) He was a stone mason and built almost all of the stone houses in the area. Several of them in Crystal. He was a brother of my grandfather, Frank. Some of his descendants live on Charlotte, R. F. D. and have a large Maple Syrup Farm. I go by there on my way to Vermontville to visit my son, Herb and family and my daughter, Crystal and family.
As a child I remember going with my parents, Cecil and Lou, to visit Peter and Anna Houck. They lived south of Sumner on the road that goes to Ithaca. The house has since been torn down. They are supposed to be buried in a New Haven Cemetery, too. Do you know what the B. in Wm. B. stands for? I've been dabbling in genealogy for years, just never have enough time to work on it.
I do remember my grandfather talking about starving Gratiot back in the 1800's. All the Gearharts had to eat was potatoes and they slept with them under the bed so the Indians wouldn't steal them as they were starving too. Finally the Gearhart's gave up and went back to Ohio for several years, returning to Michigan again later. [ED Note: See Starving Gratiot.]
My grandfather, Frank Gearhart, married Effie Ruth Carnes, daughter of Jonas Galusha Carnes, who owned a meat market and grocery store in Crystal and was quite well to do. Frank worked for him and he was far from thrilled when he married Effie as he didn't think he'd ever amount to much! My grandmother, Effie, was badly scared about her neck as when she was a child her dress caught fire from a grass fire and she ran until someone caught her and rolled her in a blanket. Later J. G. Carnes owned most of the Village of Perrington (Elevator, Bank, Grocery Store, etc.) He and Wm. B. both belonged to the Masonic Order.
When my father, Cecil (Frank and Effie's oldest child) was but a babe they left for the west by horse and wagon, going to Devil's Lake, N. Dakota where one of Grandpa Frank's sisters was already living. My Aunt Lena, their second child, was born there. But grandma didn't like it there and they returned to Michigan and lived in Lyons and later Ovid.
My grandfather, Frank, was a small jolly man who loved to do a soft shoe dance for us grand kids and always sang the song, "Ole Dan Tucker" to us. My grandmother, Effie, was quite religious and gave much of what she had to the church. They raised a family of 8 kids and seemed to belie J. G.'s predictions that it would never last. He lived to be 77 and she 82. They are buried in a small cemetery across from the Bristol Airport, Flint.
All of the Gearhart's in the U. S. are supposed to be related, stemming back to the 2 original brothers I mentioned in my last letter. They were known as Penn. Dutch. In my father's time there used to be a reunion each summer where anyone by that name was welcome. He always intended to go but never made it. I don't think they hold them anymore; at least, I haven't heard of one in years. I think the Gearhart's probably immigrated from N. Y. to Pennsylvania to Ohio to Michigan. At any rate, Isaac was born in Pennsylvania.
Is the Aunt you mention a Gearhart? If so where does she belong on the family tree? Alice Gearhart lived with Anna Houck, her oldest daughter, until she died at the age of 85. I was two at the time so can't remember her.
I don't know anything about the Holidays or Gallants but perhaps my father's brother, my Uncle Ray Gearhart will. He is 84 and moved from Flint to Carlisle, Penn. a month ago (around Jan 1981) along with my Aunt Marie Gearhart Gay and her husband Allison. I saw them a week before they moved. They went into church owned retirement home there. Uncle Ray's health isn't very good but his mind is quite clear. I shall write to Aunt Marie and find out what they know.
On my birthday 2 years ago Aunt Marie gave me a photograph album with pics of Wm. B. and Alice Ann, of Lansing Gearhart and family, tin type of my great, great grandparents on Grandma Effie's side of the family, plus photo of Rose Marie and others. They are all stuck down in a book but maybe could be copied from that. I've never had a gift that brought me more pleasure. How many people ever see pictures of 4 sets of great grandparents? If you come to Mich. on a visit feel free to come and see us. We would be delighted to have you. After living for years on a large dairy farm outside of DeWitt we now live in King Arthur Mobile Home Park and love it. We have a large 3 bedroom trailer, which is much easier to clean than the 15 room house we lived in. My husband, Lee, was grounds maintenance man for the DeWitt Public Schools for the last 10 years, retiring Jan. 1. We have 5 children who are all married, 15 grandchildren and another expected in June and 1 great granddaughter who lives in Seaside, Calif.
We've had a lot of snow this winter and there is still a foot on the ground and it's spitting snow today. Last winter we didn't have enough snow for the plows to be out, but during the summer it rained every Saturday for 27 weeks.
Well, this is certainly a rambling missle, hope you can make some sense out of it. I collect recipes and am sending a few for you to try. My youngest brother, Don Gearhart, lives just a mile from me. I am the only girl and the oldest, I had 4 brothers. Blessings on you and yours, Faye Hanson
Read: "Starvation Times in Gratiot" page 141-142, The History of Gratiot County. Some Reasons for the Distressing Shortage.
1857: Because of poor crops yields, this area becomes known as "Starving Gratiot". Source: Milestones, City of Alma, Michigan
Excerpt from The Isabella County Republican Newspaper, Shepherd, Michigan. The date on this article was not visible, but it would have been published around 1948. "the ordeal of the early frost which gave Gratiot County the name "Starving Gratiot." Many settlers were forced to leave their new homes and seek lodging and food elsewhere. "
Civil War, Union Army, Company A, 14 Michigan Infantry, Rank in, Pvt., Rank out, Pvt. Film Number M545 roll 15, www.itd.nps.gov/cwss. William entered the service in Flint, MI on September 24, 1864 and was discharged July 18, 1865 in Louisville, KY.
UNION MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS
14th Regiment, Michigan Infantry
SERVICE. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Averysboro, N. C., March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June 13. Mustered out July 18, 1865.
AFFIDAVIT, sworn by S. S. Stevens, M. D., for William B. Gearhart, for Civil War Pension, 20 January 1888. To whom it may concern: I treated William B. Gearheart for Rheumatism in the back in May 1887. He was at that time suffering with lame back and bloating. It was with difficulty he could get about at the time. Respectfully, S. S. Stevens, M. D. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 20 day of January 1888, Zophar Simpson, Notary Public
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
AFFIDAVIT, sworn by William B. Gearhart for Civil War Pension, 21 February 1888.
State of Michigan, County of Ionia, ss
William B. Gearhart of Co. A, 14 Regt. of Michigan Vol Inf being duly sworn deposes and says that: The surgeon of his Regt. as he has been informed and believes is dead and that the Doctor that first attended me after I was discharged, Doctor Gesillhussar, is also dead and Doctor Herman attended me next is dead and Dotor Chadwick of Lewama doctored me one summer in 1876 is dead and the only man I worked for is William Gee and he is in Washington Territory and I have sent for his testimony and further affiant says not. Sworn to and subscribed, William B. Gearhart, before me this 21 day of February 1888, Zophar Simpson, Notary Public, see certificate in file.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
AFFIDAVIT, sworn by Myron Higbee, for William B. Gearhart, for Civil War Pension, 16 April 1888.
State of Michigan, County of Ionia, ss
On this 16 day of April 1888 personally appeared before me a Notary Public for Ionia County, Myron Higbee, a resident of this county and state whose Post Office address is Muir, well known to me to be reputable and executed to credit and being duly sworn declares as follows: I have known William B. Gearhart for three years. Since my acquaintance with him he living about 20 rods from me he has been crawling around complaining of Rheumatism and disease of the Heart depending entirely upon his wife and young girl for support. From the knowledge I have of him I should consider him unfit to performing manual labor of any kind having but little use of his arms as well as legs. I further state that I am in no way related to claimant and have no interest in the proce___lion of the claim. Myron Higbee, S. S. Stevens, Notary Public of Ionia Co., Michigan.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
AFFIDAVIT, sworn by William H. Gee, for William B. Gearhart, for Civil War Pension, 16 April 1888.
This is to certify that I have known William B. Gearhart since 1867 till the present time and he has complained of Rheumatism since that time to the present time he has worked fore me about every year since 1867, some times do a good days work and then not so good. Last year I could not pay him wages as he could not do a days work. He had the rheumaties so bad he had to dig potatoes on his knees and this spring he can do scarsly any thing. His wife has to help him put on his colt hes, his limbs are so stiffened up. Muir, April 16, 1888, William H. Gee, State of Michigan, County of Ionia, ss I certify that Wm. H. Gee made affidavit to the above and signed in my presence. S. S. Stevens, Notary Public in Ionia Co., Mich.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
AFFIDAVIT, sworn by Abram Wiles, for William B. Gearhart, for Civil War Pension, 16 April 1888.
This is to certify that I have known William B. Gearhart since 1865, have frequently herd him complain of Rheumatism. I have worked with him at different times and know that he could not do a good days work and for the last three years he has suffered so much he has dun but little work and this spring he is so stiffened up with Rheumatism so as to be almost helpless. Abram Wiles. Subscribed and sworn before me a Notary Public for Ionia County, State of Michigan this 16th day of April 1888. S. S. Stevens, Notary Public for Ionia Co., Mich.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
AFFIDAVIT, sworn by Harriet Stiles, for William B. Gearhart, for Civil War Pension, 5 May 1888. This is to certify that I have known William B. Gearhart since he came home from the war, it was in August 1865, he was then suffering with Rheumatism, he could hardly walk around all fall and I have known him ever since , know that he has been troubled with Rheumatism every year since so as to hinder him from performing manual labor at times and for the last few years he is not able to earn his support he is so stiffened up with Rheumatism. Mrs. Hariet Stiles, Muir, Mich. Subscribed and sworn to before me a Notary Public in and for Ionia County, State of Michigan this 5th day of May 1888. S. S. Stevens, Notary Public for Ionia Co., Mich.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
Ionia, Michigan
August 30, 1890
Sir:
I have the honor to return with my report the papers in claim No. 612,434, of William B. Gearhart, late Pvt. Co. A, 14 Mich. Vols. whose post office address is Muir, Ionia Co., Mich.
The claim was referred to the S. E. Division for special examination to determine its merits and to me to make initial examination
Claimant was duly advised as to his rights and privileges in the premises and declined to be present during the examination of his case here, but desires to be notified of any further examination in Gratiot Co., Mich.
All of the witnesses in the claim are of good repute, except possibly Wm. H. Gardner and Hopton H. Haynes, who should be rated as fair for truth and veracity. As far as I was able to discover, all of the witnesses are unbiased for or against the claimant and disinterested.
I found a strong prejudice in the community against claimant [Wm. Bud] growing out of his trial and acquittal on a charge of rape, and as Abram Wiles, original witness in the case, is the father of the girls alleged to have been raped, I did not deem if advisable to insist upon his testifying in the case as under the circumstances, he could not help being biased against claimant.
Myron Higbee, who is also an original witness, (see p. 14 Brief Jacket) declined to be examined as a witness and as his testimony only covers a period during the last three or four years, which is covered by medical evidence, I did not insist upon his testifying under the circumstances.
I believe it is true that claimant has a penchant for women, from what has been [pomed, sp] into my ears from all sides, but that has nothing to do with the case, which, from all the testimony thus far [addneed, sp] I am of the opinion possesses considerable merit, but as claimant lived in Gratiot Co., Mich. Near New Haven Centre from discharge to 1868, and near Sumner, Gratiot Co., Mich. From the fall of 1876 to the spring of 1885, I recommend further examination at those places for the testimony of Henry Oakley of New Haven Centre and Peter D. Houck, of Sumner, Gratiot Co., Mich. And at Alma, Gratiot Co., Mich. For the testimony of Dr. L. S. Stevens, as to continuance since discharge.
Very respectfully, L. R. Finney, Medical Examiner
Hon. Green B. Ranson, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
U.S. Pension Agency, Detroit, MI, dated 28 May 1898
William B Gearhart, Pvt A 14 MI Vol Inf, who was a pensioner on the rolls of this agency, under Cert No. 520 460, and who was last paid $30, to 4 Mar 1898, has been dropped because of death 9 Apr 1898.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Washington
Certificate No. 483,626. Alice A. Gearhart, widow of William B. Gearhart, Co. A, 14th Regt. Mich. Vol. Inf.
Docket no. 60,176
Page 1
Appeal. Affirmed
Claim for Widow's Pension under the General Law.
The evidence fails to connect the death cause of the soldier with the cause legally accepted or otherwise with his military service.
Page 2
The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir: Alice A. Gearhart, as the widow of William B. Gearhart, late a soldier of Company A, 14th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, filed her original declaration for widow's pension under the general law, on May 2, 1898, alleging that the death of the soldier on April 9, 1898, was caused by disease of heart resulting from rheumatism contracted in the service.
Her application was rejected October 6, 1899, on the ground that the death of the soldier "resulted from uraemic poisoning not due to cause which has been legally accepted" and on January 9, 1900, she filed her appeal contending that the soldier's rheumatic difficulty for which he was receiving a pension "was the main factor in bringing about the physical condition of the soldier which finally resulted in his death."
A special examination was held to determine the immediate cause of the soldier's death and clinical history of his condition from date of last examination to death.
In said examination Dr. Charles A. Sweet testified: "I treated xxx William B. Gearhart in his last illnessxxxx I have no book record of treatment xxx it will be impossible for me to give a full and definite history of the man's condition while under my care xxx I remember distinctly he had a spinal trouble which I diagnosed as cerebro spinal sclerosis. I discovered it when he first called on me and in my opinion was his most serious ailment. He was also afflicted with rheumatism of a muscular variety which affected the legs and arms principally. In my opinion it was due to an excess of uric acid in the urine. I examined his urine from time to time and found an excess of uric acid. the spinal trouble was progressive resulting in a great loss of motion and partial paralysis. It was not locomotor ataxia. The immediate cause of his death was due to suppression of urine resulting in uraemic poisoning. For several days prior to his death his urine was entirely suppressed. As far as the spinal trouble was concerned he might have lived some time though it would have eventually caused his death. The uric acid and rheumatism were concomitant and so I attributed his death due to suppression of urine and rheumatism. I could not connect suppression of urine with his spinal trouble or paralysis. There was no structural disease of kidneys. His heart was functionally affected if I remember right, being weak in action and rapid pulse due to general causes. I did not connect it with rheumatism. I do not know the cause of his spinal trouble xxx I could discover no injury xxxx I do not remember in regard to special symptoms of his spinal cord disease xxxx I could not connect spinal trouble with rheumatism or death cause xxx."
The same witness stated in affidavit filed August 4, 1898: I treated the above named soldier from winter of 1896 to the time of his death in April, 1898. He suffered from boronic rheumatism in a very severe form and this disease was present constantly during the time I attended him professionally. The immediate cause of his death being uraemic poisoning xxxx."
The last medical examination of the soldier was had on November 17, 1897, and disclosed the following objective conditions: Pulse rate 90; respiration 28; temperature 98.5; height 5 feet 5 1/2 inches, weight 157, age 66 years. Rheumatism: both shoulders tender on motion, limited 2/3; no crepitation felt on motion; elbows also limited on motion 1/3. Motion of knees limited 1/2; crepitation felt on motion; both knees tender, ankles about like knees except no crepitation felt; no enlargement of joints. All joints, muscles and tendon normal. Heart: apex impulse not visible heart in normal position; area of cardiac dulness normal; no murmurs; action regular in force, not in rhythm; no intermission action very feeble; no dyspnoea, no cyanosis or oedema. See no evidence of disease of hear being of rheumatic origin xxx Cerebro spinal sclerosis; attacks of vertigo, no history of convulsions. No arcus senilis. No area of hyperaeshesia or anasthesia; some difficulty in swallowing; no paraplegia or hemiplegia or paresis. No evidence of epilepsy. History of diplopia. Pupils of equal size and respond to light and shade. Applicant evidently demented; mental action very sluggish and evidently confused. Breathes regularly xxx Hearing not diminished. History of difficulty in moving bowels. No cystitis or history of paralysis of bowels. Coordination of movements very poor xxx Some muscular tremor xxx This claimant is so totally and permanently disabled from cerebro spinal sclerosis as to require etc. xxxx ."
Upon full consideration of the foregoing together with other evidence in the case it is not found to connect the death cause of the soldier with the cause legally accepted or otherwise with his military service. The action appealed from is accordingly affirmed. The papers are herewith returned. Very respectfully, F. L. Campbell, Asst. Sec.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives U. S. , Washington D. C. April 27, 1908
Commissioner of Pensions
My Dear Sir:
Kindly send a few blank applications under Act of April 19, 1908 to each of the following named persons: [list several people and Alice Gearhart]
Enclosed, herewith, find certified copy of record of the death of William B. Gearhart that I wish to file in support of the pension claim of his widow, Cert. No. 483, 626. It seems Mrs. Gearhart is receiving a pension of $8.00 per month because it was determined that her husband's death was not the result of his service. The certificate is filed for the purposing of showing that his death was due to injury or disease received or contracted in the service. I presume under the Act of April 19, 1908, Mrs. Gearhart will receive $12.00 per month, but of course, she wishes the increase from the date of her husband's death. Kindly give this matter your early attention and oblige, Yours truly_____unreadable.
Transcribed on April 29, 2006 by Judith A. Churchill, Great Great Granddaughter of William Bud and Alice Ann [Haynes] Gearhart.
Courtesy of Judith A. Churchill.