Weekly Banner Sept 21, 1904 page 5
Negro fought for the South
And is now a Regularly Enlisted Pensioner of Uncle Sam's
Swainsboro, Georgia, August 30
A peculiar pension application has just been made to Ordinary John E. Youmans. It is that of James Clarke, a free Negro, who enlisted in Company K, Twenty-eighth Georgia regiment (Captain Wilcox), as a fifer and went through the civil war. Clark is now 104 years old and unable to work hence his friends are trying to have him placed upon pension rolls. Judge Youmans will send to Commissioner Lindsey today.
This is the first case of a free Negro applying for a pension in the state. There are many negros drawing pensions on the union side but none in this section for serving in the confederate army. On account of the Negro’s age and infirmities, his friends hope that his application will be favorable passed upon. Commissioner Lindsay's decision will be awaited with interest.