I just re-read a statement made by Sgt Thomas Goodman in 1873 in support of a pension for Edward M Pace's widow/minor pension. He stated that Edward had been honorable discharged and was on the way home. That would explain in 1864/65 why the pension was denied for him. Rules changed later (in 1873 or so) from what I've found that allowed pensions for widows/minors to any Union Army vet. Not Confederate, unless their state paid for it.
In the case of my great grand uncle James W Thomas though, he was still on active duty, on furlough, when he was killed at Centralia. Even under the rules at the time, his widow and children should have received a pension.
Who would I check with to find out why? I do have the application numbers on microfilmed copies of original records. Does anyone know?
Tom
Oh, Bruce, you mentioned 23 killed at Centralia. In Sgt Goodman's statement of 1873, he says he was on the train with 26 soldiers. That would explain that several did escape although Sgt Goodman said that all be he were killed while he watched helplessly. He also said he personally knew Edward Pace whom he called Edmond Pace in his pamphlet. His statement helped the widow finally get her minors pension.