The historical society has microfilmed the files through #600, and hope
in the future to complete the project. Until they are microfilmed, these files are
available at the manuscript department of the Oregon Historical Society, and cannot be
photocopied.
What will you find in a pension file? There is usually lots of good
information. The following is an abstract of some of the genealogical information found in
the pension file of Justine Fry (# O356), the widow of soldier Richard A. Fry:
A letter dated 7 Jan 1898 from Richard Fry reported that "Laban Fry and Amherst
Fry and Alferd Fry are dead and have no widdows living, in fact they were never
married..."
Richard was born March 6, 1838 in Knox County, Illinois. He married Justine Sustiken on
January 3, 1860. Justine was born November 5, 1838 in Coleville, Washington.
Richard Fry enlisted in Company H, commanded by Captain Davis Layton, and served about
10 months.
His personal description indicated that he stood 5'10" tall, had grey eyes, dark
hair, and a dark complexion. His occupation was that of a farmer.
Upon leaving the service, he lived at Albany, Oregon for two years, then for twelve
years at Coleville, Washington, and has since resided at Bonners Ferry, Idaho for the past
twenty-seven years.
Witness to his service was given by Mr. Lyman Markham, of Laclide, Idaho and by Mr.
Olney Fry, of Linn County, Albany, Oregon
The widow, Justine Fry made application for a pension on August16, 1902.
She said that her husband was born in Fannington, Knox County, Illinois. They were
married January 3, 1860 in Coleville, Washington by Father Joseph, a Catholic Priest.
Richard A. Fry died in Bonners Ferry, Idaho on December 14, 1898.
