I guess I should have explained a little more about my grandfather in reguards to some kind of pension. He lived either in Nebraska or Iowa somewhere on and island in the Missouri River. He was born in 1866, so we know he wasn't in the Cival Was. He never worked for the Railroad and refused to ride the train. He was a Pole Cutter, but he was self employed and did not work for anyone. He would cut pole's and take them to the lumber company in town and sell the pole's to them. Then he loved to go drink the rest of the day, so we know he didn't work for any employer. Was there some kind of old age pension in the 1900's that we don't know about? Is it possible this pension was kept secret, to keep frudulent people from trying to collect it. Any idea's would be most welcome. Joan