Minnie,

Pension records are wonderful things, and as you discovered are full of the pitfalls and trials that the petitioners and widows/surviving children had to go through. I have just received my mail two records that I have been waiting for, and they are wonderful. Both answered questions that I had, and some that I hadn't even asked..

You are extraordinarily lucky to have an ancestor whos picture-naked or not was in the file. Those are very rare! You can request a copy of the entire file by mail-even requesting forms online. Service records usually are very thin, and often disappointing, but the penision records are a goldmine. Re: the trouble gone through-in the case of my ggf (not USCT) he was awarded an increase in pension due to disability-only to get his pension REDUCED by a large amount, and it took three years to rectify.

Best of luck in your searches

Sharon