On March 16, 1911, Eldad Geer states that he was born on January 27, 1836 and that the only written proof of his birth – an entry in the family bible – was destroyed in a house fire. He also states that he is the “sole surviving member” of his family. Throughout his entries and statements made in his Civil War Pension Papers, we get bits and pieces of who Eldad Geer was and what his life was like after his service in the Civil War. We find out that he was married to Charlotte Louise Greenman on November 11, 1860 in Lake Como, PA. In a signed affidavit, he states that he has 4 children, 3 girls; Eudora, Vernie, Mary and 1 boy, Rufus. (In the 1900 census, Eldad and Charlotte state that they had 8 children, but only 4 are living).
After his service with Co. K, 137th Penna. Vol., Eldad returns home an injured veteran with both a severe eye injury and harsh bouts of rheumatism. These ailments continue to affect his life rendering him unable to procure employment on a permanent basis. Throughout the pension papers, neighbors, doctors and certified “surgeons” for the United States Bureau of Pensions submit written affidavits concerning his condition and sometimes approve, disapprove his meager pension/stipend. In several cases, statements are made about his poor physical condition.
Eldad Geer was my great grandfather and died on Feb. 6, 1912. He is buried in the Balls Eddy Cemetery in Balls Eddy (Wayne County), PA. Several of his papers have been posted in the gallery so you, too, can read about this Civil War Veteran. A picture of his son, my grandfather, Rufus Geer and his wife, Della (Quick) Geer has been posted as well.
Eldad Geer Tombstone
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