| SENATE 54TH
CONGRESS, 1st Session IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 26, 1896 – Ordered to be printed. Mr Baker, from the Committee on Pensions, submitted the following REPORT (To accompany S. 1976) The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1976) granting a pension to Catharine E. O'Brien, beg leave to report that she is the widow of George M. O'Brien, late major of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry and brigadier-general of United States Volunteers who enlistedMay 15, 1863, and was mustered out May 17, 1866. The records of the War Department show that he was mustered out as major and brevet brigadier-general, with the remark “brevetted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier-general, conirmed by the Senate, date unknown.” From July 13, 1863, to his muster out he held the rank of major under the act of June 3, 1884, and was recognized as a major from July 9, 1963. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel and brigadier-general of volunteers to rank from March 13, 1865, “for faithful and meritorious services during the war.” His record as given by the War Department is one of distinguished merit: Serving through many hard campaigns in connection with border warfare; during the days of our civil war being in command at Cottonwood Springs, Utah Territory; in charge of the headquarters, district of Nebraska, during 1864; having his headquarters in the Division o the Plains during 1865, and in 1866 transferred to Cottonwood Springs, Utah Territory, where he remained up to the close of his military career. He was also on detached duty at Fort Kearney, around which post clustered many thrilling episodes of Indian warfare. Upon his muster out General O'Brien settled in Omaha, where he began the practice of the law. He was married to Catharine E. Carroll, the claimant, September 23, 1851, and the soldier died January 9, 1887, at his home in Omaha, leaving no children under 16 years of age. The said claimant has remained a widow since the death of General O'Brien. Affidavits in possession of your committee show that she owns no real estate or personal property, deriving no income, and is dependent upon her daily labor for support. In view of the fact above set forth, and that the widow of a distinguished soldier is in needy circumstances, we recomment the passage of this bill. |