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In the war's aftermath residents of Franklin and Augusta counties
assessed the damage they had incurred during the Civil War. Many
suffered insurmountable losses, but some residents found assistance in
new government programs that reimbursed loyal Unionists for wartime
property losses. The state legislature of Pennsylvania, as well as the
U.S. Congress, created claims mechanisms through which loyal citizens
could apply for reimbursement for their losses. Rarely did a claimant
receive the full amount he or she sought, however, and typically the claims
process was a long and complex one. The paperwork generated by this process is revealing of the extent and nature of wartime property damage. From this page you may view the claims applications of both Augusta and Franklin County residents. The records of the Southern Claims Commission consist of petitions from Augusta County residents whose property was taken during raids of the Valley, while the Claims from the Burning of Chambersburg include the applications of Franklin County residents whose property was destroyed by Confederate troops in 1864. |
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