Ms. Williams,

Indigent was defined by what the Act of the General Assembly of the state of Tennessee dicated for that particular year. Generally speaking, being indigent meant that the veteran could not support himself through manual labor, that he did not own property and/or real estate that would provide for him. This requirement was adjusted overtime. Indigency was also accompanied by some type of service related disability relating to injury or disease incurred as a result of service that would result in not being able to perform manual labor to support yourself.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
War Between the States Historian
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html