On this 15th day of April 1885, at Knoxville, County of Knox, State of Tennessee, before me. A. B. Jones, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared J. C. Chiles, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
Age 65, P.O. Knoxville, Tenn. Lt. Col. 3d Tenn. Vols. from Sept. '62 to Dec. '62. Drummer in a hardware house.
Q. Are you acquainted with the claimant and did you know hur husband D. H. Fortner, dec'd?
A. Yes sir, I knew him while in the service as a casual acquaintance only.
Q. Did you know of his being afflicted in any way while in the service of __ state when ____ with all the circumstances?
A. My recollection is he was sick at Cumberland Gap, Tenn in 1862, but as to the specific disease from which he suffered, I don't know.
Q. Why do you think he was sick?
A. I do not know as many of the boys were sick and he was away then I think. But would not be _____.
Q. Soldier claims bronchitis due to the service and carried from exposure about 6 months after he enlisted. With this data can you remember the fact after this help?
A. No sir, I cannot. Although I recollect we did not have any tents for some time after enlistment and only a plank to sleep on.
Q. What rank did you hold after your enlistment and before promotion to the Lt. Col.
A. I was Capt. first in the 1st Tenn and then transferred to the 3rd. I did not know the said D. H. Fortner until I joined the 3rd.
Q. Did you see the soldier after his ___ from service?
A. Yes sir, in a very short time after he came out.
Q. Describe his physical condition then?
A. He was coughing and wheezing and grunting sound on several times when I saw him. Any ____ but I can't recollect the specific disability. His wife the claimaint is an old acquaintance of mine and is the widow of the soldier.
Q. When did he die and from what disease?
A. I do not know. His wife said he died of that old complaint he had when he came out of the army.
Q. Did he have chronic diarrhea since M.O.?
A. I can't recollect.
Q. Have you made a former affidavit and is the signature genuine?
A. Yes sir, and the affidavit is genuine.
Q. Are you related to her or interested in the claim?
A. No, sir.
/S/ John C. Chiles, Deponent.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of April 1885 and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before signing.
/S/ A. B. Jones, Special Examiner