Polk County Historical & Genealogical Society P. O. Box 636 Benton, TN 37307

The following collection was gleened from the microfilmed accounts of Robert B. Barker, a lawyer and avid Civil War historian whose special interest was the Western North Carolina and East Tennessee area. Barker donated his fourteen volumes and a section of loose papers to the McClung Historical Collection in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1972 which they microfilmed in order to make it available to area researchers and also to preserve the now fragile material. Mr. Barker passed away in December 1980 at his home in Andrews, North Carolina.

The collection contains information on both Union and Confederate soldiers who have a Polk County connection and we share some of it here. This transcription from roll #1, Union Army Volunteers, was by PCHGS president, Marian Bailey Presswood who apologizes for any errors.

We do advise caution when reading these entries, as there were at least three men and possibly more, who committed fraud in applying for some pensions. Names of soldiers, wives, and other information was sometimes completely fabricated. In the Boyd Fraud three men were indicted for filing fraudulent claims and one, Thomas G. Boyd, was sentenced to do time in the penitentiary - the other two were deceased by that time. At least 20 men were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States Government in the Goldman Bryson Fraud where the perpetrators obtained a stack of application claim forms and filled them out themselves, the 'claimants' never even saw 'their' applications.

As far as we know, the information presented here is accurate and as stated since almost all were reviewed by an investigator and their findings reported. However, if you have and doubts about the information on your family it would be best to check other sources if at all possible.

Amburn, Samuel: Farrier (blacksmith and horseshoer) Company I, Tenth TN Cavalry, Union Army Volunteers, March 1, 1864 to August 1, 1865. Ducktown, Polk County, TN. Filed claim for pension on March 11, 1882, stating that he was born in Burke County, NC December 11, 1829. He married Mary J. McAllister in Gilmer County, GA on December 26, 1847. Children were Julia E. born May 16, 1851; James R. February 25, 1862; Edward L. January 17, 1867; John H. and William H. born January 11, 1869; Maggie, June 8, 1870 and Charles A. August 3, 1873. (Note: Edward L. Amburn appears in file as a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public and photographer at Ducktown in 1915) Pension received was $8 a month from March 11, 1882. $10 September 14, 1887; $16 September 19, 1888; $17 April 13, 1892; $24 May 18, 1898 and $30 from May 25, 1912. Samuel Amburn died at Ducktown on February 14, 1915 at the age of 85. Dr. L. E. Kimsey signed the death certificate. His widow received $12 per month from March 15, 1915 until she died June 10, 1915. Nothing appears in the file regarding any service in the Confederate Army, but a man by the same name deserted from Company F, 19th TN Inf. CSA. (File # WC 796-188)

Arthur, Felix:: Pvt. Co. B First GA Volunteers of the Union Army. He died of brain fever while in service at Dalton, GA on May 15, 1865. Claim for pension filed by widow, Susan E. Gruber on March 19, 1866 and she furnished evidence of her marriage on July 4, 1861 in Cherokee Co., GA. They had a son William T. Arthur, born April 9, 1862. The pension was for $8 per month from May 16, 1865, plus $2 to the minor and increased to $12 from March 19, 1886. The widow died on July 12, 1907 at Faulkner, Pickens Co., GA. (File # 103-054)

Barnett, Isaac: : Pvt. Co. F, 1st KY Cav. Union Army Vol. Enlisted August 30, 1861, discharged on Surgeon's certificate of disability on Oct. 19, 1862 from the Gen. Hospital at New Albany, IN and died Dec. 23, 1862. The claim for pension was filed by his widow, Tempe Dodson Barnett of Hopewell Springs, Monroe County, TN on Sept. 10, 1867. She stated that she married Isaac Barnett on August 29, 1858 in Polk County, TN and had a child, Mary Elizabeth Barnett on October 8, 1859. Pension was $8 per month from December 24, 1862 plus $2 for the minor. The widow remarried Edward Lynn on June 21, 1871 and pension payments ceased. Dr. Edwin Hall, Hopewell Springs, was appointed guardian of the minor by the County Court of Monroe County on August 7, 1971 and he received payment of pension for the minor in the amount of $8 per month until she was 16 on October 7, 1875. (File # 159-191 & 135-500)

Barnett, Taylor: : Pvt. Co. E Seventh TN Mtd. Inf. Union Army Vol. from Nov. 1, 1864 to July 27, 1865. Rural Vale and Jalapa, Monroe Co., and Servilla, Polk County, TN; Colville, Stevens C., Washington. Filed claim for pension February 18, 1887 and said he was born in Polk Co., TN in 1847. He married Sarah A. I. Duckett in Polk County on February 1, 1873. Children named are Jane E. born 1874; Samantha, born 1876; Della, born 1882; James T., born 1886 and Mollie Boatman born June 19, 1898. The pension was $12 per month from Feb. 18, 1887 and $17 per month from January 2, 1902. Taylor Barnett died November 25, 1913 at Baker County, OR The widow received $12 per month from Jan. 12, 1914, $40 per month from June 4, 1928. She died May 24, 1928 before receiving her increase in pension. (File # 780-643))

Bell, John H.: : Sgt. Co. F, Second TN Cav., Union Army Vol. Died in the service at Murfreesboro, TN, February 26, 1863 of the fever. Claim for pension filed Aug. 26, 1867 by Elizabeth Simonds Bell of Cherokee County, NC but P.O. address of Ducktown, Polk County, TN. The widow stated that she was married to John H. Bell in Cherokee County, NC on December 8, 1850 at Jonathan Simonds' house by Benjamin Stiles, MG, but was unable to furnish evidence of her marriage since the original records had been destroyed by fire during the war. (This info verified by Drury Weeks, Clerk of the County Court of Cherokee Co., NC who said the Courthouse at Murphy was destroyed by fire on April 26, 1865 by a company of some 50 men claiming to be Federal soldiers, and that all the marriage records of the county were burned.) The widow listed her children as Joel J., born January 5, 1852; Mary L., August 30, 1854; Andrew W., April 26, 1856; Lafayette, September 28, 1858; John, October 11, 1860 and Abraham, January 26, 1863. The pension was granted at $8 per month for the widow from February 27, 1863, plus $2 for each child under 16 from July 25, 1866, approved May 7, 1869. The widow died on November 16, 1914 at Sweet Gum, Fannin County, GA. (File # 129066))

Blankenship, James A.: : Pvt. Co. F, Fifth TN Mtd, Inf. Union Army Vol. Oct. 21, 1864 to July 18, 1865. Conasauga, Polk County, TN; Filed claim Nov. 6, 1889, said he was born Monroe Co., TN April 11, 1846. He married Polly Ann Holloway who died 1868 and he married Lucinda Hayes in August 1873. Children named were John A., born April 5, 1868; Magnolia, September 23, 1874; Charles D., April 4, 1877; Franklin A., June 7, 1879; James L., December 25, 1881; Louella, March 14, 1884; Tilda A., October 9, 1886; Julia, February 29, 1888 and Virginia, June 8, 1890. The pension was for $12 per month from July 29, 1890; $15.50 from June 6, 1912 and $19 from April 11, 1916. Pensioner died November 1, 1917 leaving no widow. (File # SC 666072))

Bowman, James Alfred:: Pvt. Co. I, Tenth TN Cav., Union Army Vol., Feb. 10, 1864 to Aug 1, 1865. Filed claim July 9, 1890 from Fannin County, GA, stating that he was born in Walker Co., GA December 26, 1845 and was 18 when he enlisted. His father was John Bowman, mother, Anna Rogers. (John Bowman of Co. F, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf. Union Vol. died in Military Hospital at Nashville, March 15, 1865, widow Anna Bowman, Wolf Creek, Cherokee Co., NC.) James A. Bowman said he had lived at Ducktown, Polk County, TN (Editor's note: John and Ann Bowman are listed in household no. 1081 in the 1860 Polk County, TN census with son, James, then age 14.) Rockwood and Knott in Roane Co., TN; Tallapoosa, Haralson Co., GA and Smith Co., TX. He married first, Sarah Jane Thurman, September 27, 1863 in Fannin County, GA. Children from this union were Polly Ann, born July 7, 1864; Rosella, August 23, 1866; Joseph E., March 29, 1868 and Martha C., June 26, 1877. Sarah Jane died March 7, 1888, 1889 or 1890 at Knott, Roane Co., TN. James married 2nd, Lucy Ola Landrum, June 8, 1891 at Tallapoosa, Haralson Co., GA. and children from this marriage are James Franklin, born February 23, 1892; Cora, December 26, 1894; Ida, February 14, 1896; Longenia Leger, May 13, 1898; John Allen, January 17, 1901; Ollie May, May 21, 1903; Larkin Lafayette, May 14, 1905; Jimmie (female) August 20, 1907 and Ruby Lee, November 22, 1909. Pension was $12 per month from July 9, 1890; $16 from August 10, 1912; $20 December 26, 1915; $35 from Dec. 26, 1920 and $65 from July 3, 1926. James A. Bowman died at the age of 81 on December 18, 1926 in Kerrville, Kerr Co., TX. The widow said she was born November 30, 1870 in Fayette Co., GA and she continued to receive a pension until she died June 25, 1943 at Van, Van Zandt Co., TX. (File # XC 2945355))

Bowman, John: : Pvt. Co. F, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vol. Died in Military Hospital, Nashville, TN March 15, 1865 of "gangrene of the lungs." Claim for pension field by widow, Anna (Rogers) Bowman of Wolf Creek, Cherokee County, NC on July 25, 1870. She was unable to furnish a record of evidence of her marriage on July 1, 1840 in Walker Co., GA to John Bowman. The Ordinary certified on January 19, 1872 that the records of Walker County were sent south to Atlanta for safe keeping during the war, but were totally destroyed by Gen. W. T. Sherman's Union Troops in 1864 when Atlanta was burned. Pension was approved on April 2, 1873 at $8 per month from December 21, 1872. An inquiry was made into this case on Sept. 17, 1877 when the widow testified that J. B. Fain took all of her first check except $5, claiming he had to pay a claim agent in Washington, D. C. On April 7, 1879 the widow Bowman filed a claim for arrears of pension from the date of death of the soldier in the service of the Union Army, in this case, March 15, 1865, her claim being executed at Ducktown on March 28, 1879, and being attested by E. M. Kilpatrick and Adam Burger, before James Parks, JP for Polk Co. A little more than a month later, May 15, 1879 and before her claim was settled and paid, it appears that the widow Bowman died. (File # WC 161-662) (Ed. note: There is quite a bit more information on the inquiry, including copies of original papers attached to the John Bowman file.) )

Brown, John D.:: Pvt. Co. D, 23rd OH Inf., Union Army Volunteers, July 29, 1864 to July 26, 1865. John had lived at Murphy, Cherokee Co., NC, Camp Creek, Union Co; Blue Ridge, Fannin Co. GA; Seneca City, Oconee Co., SC and McCays, Polk Co., TN. He filed claim for a pension on June 30, 1880 and said later that he was born in Jackson, Jackson County, OH on December 25, 1835. He claimed that he was injured when he was knocked off a string of box cars on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Cumberland, MD on July 17, 1865. John D. married Elizabeth Estrop in Pike Co. OH and Mary Casey in Talladega Co., AL; both are deceased. He said he had an adopted boy, not named. His pension was $8 from August 9, 1890; $10 May 2, 1904; $12 February 14, 1906 and $15 June 24, 1907. He died June 27, 1910 in Soldier's Home, Columbus OH. (File #SC 616994))

Burger, Joseph:: Pvt. C. D, Tenth TN Cav. Union Army Vol. Jan. 3, 1864 to August 1, 1865. John V. Fain of Wolf Creek, Cherokee co., NC filed a claim for pension on behalf of Joseph Burger on July 30, 1870 and gave Burger's address as Wolf Creek, but it appears that Burger lived at Ducktown, Polk Co., TN. The veteran received no pension and he died October 29, 1878. Nancy Walker Burger, the widow of Joseph Burger, filed claim for herself and minor children, stating that she married Joseph Burger at Buckner Walker's on September 10, 1854, but failed to name the county or state. A certified copy of the marriage record showed that Jonothan Burger and Nancy Walker were married on September 9, 1855 in Polk County, TN. Their children were Louisa Emmelline, born October 23, 1863; Lydia Anne, January 9, 1868; Amanda, September 16, 1870; Susan, April 20, 1872; Joseph Whitfield, October 13, 1874. (The widow appears to be a sister of James H. Walker of Ducktown.) Pension to Joseph Burger $8 a month from August 2, 1865 to October 29, 1878, veteran died. After dragging on for nearly ten years due to difficulty of obtaining medical evidence from physicians who attended her husband, the pay was finally approved to the widow on October 6, 1888. Nancy Burger died in Ducktown February 14, 1915. (Interesting note: Samuel Amburn of he same regiment died in Ducktown on the same day as the widow of Joseph Burger.) (File # 212-231))

Burnett, John C.: : Sgt. Co. E, TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vol. from October 24, 1864 to July 27, 1865. Lived Turtletown, Cherokee County, NC, Ducktown, Polk County, TN, then Cummins, Cherokee Co., NC. Filed claim June 13, 1878; born March 18, 1838 in Macon Co., NC; married Louisa Emeline Pack in Polk County on September 29, 1861. Children were Augusta (Reese), born April 1, 1862; Mary (Caffey) May 20, 1864; Millard, December 25, 1869; Hassie, December 12, 1871; Leonidas L., March 22, 1874 and J. Romelus, December 29, 1877. Pension $4 per month from July 28, 1865; $6 January 15, 1879; $10 June 6, 1888; $15 May 11, 1908; $19 May 21, 1912; $22.50 March 18, 1913. John C. Burnett died on May 2, 1915 at Turtletown, Cherokee Co., NC. The widow was unable to furnish evidence of her marriage since the Polk County Courthouse and records were destroyed by fire on September 26, 1894. However, W. L. Voyles, Notary Public, Cherokee Co. NC was able to prove marriage by other proof. Pension $12 per month to widow from June 10, 1915; $20 from Sept. 8,1916; widow died May 19, 1921. Note: There was another John Burnett of Co. A, 7th TN Mtd. Inf. He also married a Pack - Narcissus Pack, sister to Tim Pack and daughter of Jeremiah Pack. This John Burnett left Ducktown in 1867-1870 deserting his wife and taking with him Tasey Ann Givens who was, or had been, the wife of Fate Carter. In 1903, this John Burnett was living in Butler, Arkansas. He had never filed for pension. Narcissus Pack Burnett also moved toArkansas and lived at Nogo in Pope County. She filed for pension under general law, but her claim was never allowed since she was unable to prove the death of John Burnett and it was alleged that she divorced him after he ran off with another man's wife. No divorce could be proven since the records were destroyed. She also died about 1903. (File # WC 796-802))

Carden, Francis M.: : Pvt., Co. F., Fifth TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Volunteers from October 29, 1864 to July 17, 1865. Lived Conasauga, Polk County TN; filed claim July 10, 1897. He married Mary M. Fetzer on October 4, 1873 in Polk County, TN; no children listed at this filing. Pension $10 per month from July 10, 1897; he died March 10, 1905. Widow approved for $8 per month from April 24, 1905 plus $2 for each minor child: Florence J. born July 9, 1892 and Laura M., born August 20, 1896. Widow's pension increased to $40 a month as of July 4, 1930. She died March 4, 1932 at Route 1, Ocoee, TN. (File #WC 609388))

Carden, Jasper F. (Floyd): : Pvt., Co. E, Tenth TN Cav., Union Army Vol. from Feb 9, 1862 to Aug. 1, 1865. He lived Mecca, McMinn Co., Servilla, Polk County, TN. Filed claim September 24, 1883 and said he was born July 28, 1828. Pension approved for $2 per month from Sept. 24, 1883; $6 from Nov. 30, 1887 and $12 from Dec. 24, 1890. He died February 16, 1903. It appears that Jasper F. Carden first married Annie Ware before the war and that she died at Harriman, Roane County, TN during the war. He then married Elizabeth Shell Newman in Bradley Co., TN January 9, 1868. Elizabeth Shell appears to have been born Feb. 20, 1836 and married Thomas Newman in Meigs Co., TN in 1853. Tom Newman obtained a divorce from his wife, Elizabeth, in Chancery court of Meigs Co. in 1866. There were half a dozen investigations before and after the death of Jasper F. Carden which had to do with an increase in pension sought by the veteran, and after his death the legality of the claim for pension filed by his widow. Witnesses testifying by deposition were: Elizabeth Carden, 69, of Servilla; Benjamin H. Carden, 28, son of claimant, Calhoun, McMinn Co. TN; Sarah Hicks, 45, daughter of Tom Newman and Elizabeth Shell Newman Carden; W. A. Woods, 28, merchant and postmaster at Servilla; J. L. Morgan, 61, Servilla; Howard Shell, 60, brother of widow and former private, Co. A, 29th TN Inf. Confederate Army; J. N. Carden, 47, Hickey, Polk Co., TN; Malissa Haney, 65, wife of Green Haney and niece of Jasper F. Carden, Cleveland, TN; William Seigler, 62, former Pvt. Co. E, 10th TN Cav. of the Union Army, who said he married a niece of Jasper F. Carden; Others testifying were William Carden, 51, nephew of Jasper F. Carden; David Miller, 78, who said he knew both Tom Newman and Elizabeth Shell before they were married and that Tom had brothers named Bud (William) Dan, John, and Jim Newman. Angeline Miller, 79, wife of David Miller; Sophy Davis, 81, of Decatur, Meigs Co. who said that Tom Newman was in the Confederate Army; James Dennis, 53, of Decatur who said that Tom Newman had sisters named Viny, Mary and Nancy and that Nancy was known as 'Pete' and that 'Bud' or William was hanged in Texas for drowning his wife. Bryant Thompson, 83, of Vigor and William Miller, 58, of West Fork, Washington Co., Arkansas former Pvt. in Co. D, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army who said he was present when Tom Newman's suit for divorce was tried in Chancery court of Meigs Co. TN in 1866 and was one of three men falsely accused by Tom Newman of adultery with his wife Elizabeth Newman. The widow received a pension of $8 per month from March 2, 1903 and $40 from March 23, 1928. She died on April 15, 1932 at Plainsville, GA. Children of Jasper Floyd Carden were Newt, born Sept. 7, 1858; Doctor Ben Franklin, Nov. 11, 1861; Amanda, February 14, 1863; Cora, March 13, 1869 and B. H., May 19, 1870. (WC #604824))

Carter, Nathan: : Pvt., Co. G, Tenth TN Cav., Union Army Vol. from Jan. 18, 1863 to August 1, 1865. He had lived at Wolf Creek, England's Point and Culberson, Cherokee Co., NC and Ducktown and Isabella, TN. The claim was filed on October 14, 1884 and said he was born in Cocke County, TN January 2, 1845. He was married to Tilda Ann Ledford on February 7, 1870 and she died January 5, 1890 or April 23, 1890 or January 5, 1892, he was uncertain as to date. Nathan married 2nd Marthie Jane Nelson on September 11, 1890 and she died October 25, 1918. He married 3rd, Stella Cochran at Copperhill, Polk County, TN January 1, 1919 by J. P. Hood. Stella was born December 1, 1881 at Pisgah, Gilmer Co., GA and had previously been married to John Henry Cochran (m. July 15, 1899) at Protection, Gilmer Co., GA, and he had died May 12, 1908. She married Ed Ray a short time after the death of Carter. Children of Nathan A. Carter were Thomas Alexander born April 9, 1871; Albert Nathan, July 12, 1873; Eliza Ellen, December 19, 1875; Callie, August 19, 1878; Perry Ernie, December 20, 1881; Julanne Emmeline, January 30, 1885 and Darah Magnety, November 19, 1888. Children listed with Stella are Leonard, born January 15, 1920, Lemma Mae, Augst 23, 1921 and Clemma Irene, March 13, 1924. (The girls married while in their teens. Lena married Lloyd Curtis on Feb. 29, 1936 in Polk County, TN and Clemma married Sam Allen in Fannin County, GA March 5, 1939. Their mother Stella Cochran Carter Ray divorced Ed Ray in Ducktown Court of Law on January 16, 1951.) Nathan received $2 per month from October 14, 1884, and filed for an increase in pension in 1887. David A. Ballew of Wolf Creek, NC, hearing about it, wrote a letter of protest to the Commissioner of Pensions stating, among other things, that Nathan A. Carter was not disabled at all but did a full day's work, chopping wood for the copper mines at Ducktown and lately had been working on the new railroad grade at full wages, same as everybody else - ninety cents a day! Special Field Examiner, A. B. Casselman, working out of Asheville, arrived in Cherokee County in June 1888 and took testimony in the Nathan A. Carter case. In addition to Nathan A. Carter, testimony was taken from David A. Ballew, William Prince, John 'Jack' Fain, Joel Simonds, D. M. Stewart, J. R. Hyatt, Daniel Wilcoxen, James H. Walker, John H. Verner and Dr. J. S .Abernathy, M.D. Casselman, in his report, seemed to be highly prejudiced not only against Carter, but against all Carter's comrades in the vicinity who had made affidavits in Carter's case. Casselman said that Carter was a big stout fellow and showed no visible signs of a disability. Casselman said he strongly suspected fraud and recommended examination of Carter by a Medical Board. The Board of Review in Washington, apparently aware of Cassleman's biased attitude, rejected his report and ignored him entirely, raising Carter's pension to $4 a month from September 19, 1888. The widow filed claim as the re-married widow of Nathan Carter, but apparently was unable to meet the strict statutory conditions requisite to establishment of her title to pension, which required, among other things, that she was married to Nathan A. Carter for ten years before his death, was herself over sixty years of age, and was in dependent circumstances. (File # XC-2663356))

Carver, Reuben: : Pvt., Co. L and C, 2nd TN Cav. Union Army from August 6, 1863 to July 6, 1865. He lived at Conasauga, Polk County, TN but stated that he was born in Jackson County, Alabama March 15, 1845. He filed claim May 6, 1891 and received $8 per month from May 8, 1895 and $12 from March 28, 1907. Reuben died May 3, 1911. Mary Jane Ladd Carver filed claim for pension and submitted her record of evidence of her marriage to Reuben Carver in Bridgeport, Jackson Co., AL on April 8, 1866. No children were living. Pension granted $12 to widow from June 21, 1911 and $30 at a later date which was not on file. Mary Jane died at Old Fort, Polk County, TN on April 9, 1921 and is buried in the Pettit (Mountain Springs) Cemetery at Old Fort, TN. (File # WC 730277))

Chambers, George:: Pvt., Co. I, Tenth TN Cav., Union Army Vol., from February 3, 1864 to August 1, 1865. He had lived at Ducktown, Polk County, TN and Morganton, Mineral Bluff, Chestnut Gap and Higdon's Store in Fannin Co, GA. He filed claim on April 22, 1974 with the help of local agents Gilbert E. L. Falls, Morganton and Blue Ridge, GA. Chambers married Mary Vaughn, (no date or place); she died 1865. He married 2nd Margaret A. Williamson in Polk County, TN and she died (no date.) Only one child was listed, a daughter Rebecca C., born May 1, 1870 in Fannin County, GA. Dr. Gilbert E. L. Falls said that he was unable to obtain a statement from Dr. J. D. Ketcherside because his whereabouts was unknown and he had left Polk County, TN "in a private manner." Dr. B. B. Freeman, on April 24, 1883 addressed a letter to Commissioner of Pensions Dudley in which he stated that when the Regiment was disbanded in 1865, Dr. William Spencer, former Surgeon of the Tenth TN Cavalry, had taken all the books and medical records of the Regiment and kept them as his personal property. Spencer charged all former members of the command a fee of $10 for a certificate of medical attention received and refused to furnish same unless the $10 was forthcoming. He also stated that he, Dr. Freeman, was, for a time, in complete charge of all sick and wounded personnel of the command and had received large numbers of requests for statements and was unable to furnish same from memory and Dr. Spencer had refused to allow him to make copies from the books and records, stating that they were a source of revenue for him. Dr. Freeman then posed a question: Do the books and records belong to the Government? There is no record of the reply by the Commissioners to Dr. Freeman but in the file appears a letter from the Surgeon General of the Army to the Commissioners of Pensions under date of May 25, 1883 requesting that the Commissioner have a Special Agent or Investigator of the Pension Bureau call on Dr. Spencer at Monticello, Indiana, and inspect the records to ascertain their contents. Numerous agents made investigations in this case and one reported that he had visited Dr. Ketcherside now living in Martin, Franklin Co., Georgia, and found him seriously ill and not expected to live. He did find in the account books a record of one visit to George Chambers on December 22, 1865 when Ketcherside was in practice in Ducktown, TN. The charge was $2.50, with medicine furnished, but the nature of the illness was not shown. Pension was finally received of $12 a month from July 10, 1890. George Chambers died April 26, 1901. No widow was listed. (File # SC 562-583))

Chancey, Joseph: : Cpl., Co. B, Tenth TN Cav., Union Army Vol., September 15, 1863 to August 1, 1865. He lived at Ducktown in Polk County, TN. Chancey filed claim April 14, 1880, listing his wife as Elvira Caylor whom he married November 11, 1855. No children were listed. Pension was $6 per month from August 2, 1865; $8 February 22, 1882; $10 May 18, 1887 and $12 November 11, 1889. Joseph died December 22, 1890 and is buried in Ducktown cemetery. An Army headstone was erected at his grave by a granddaughter in 1956. His widow drew $12 per month from December 23, 1890 until she died in 1904, exact date not in file. (File # WC 319962) )

Chastain, Edward P.: : Pvt., Co. A, Seventh TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vol. from Sept. 16 1864 to July 27, 1865. He lived at Ducktown, Polk County, TN and filed claim February 25, 1880. Pension was $4 per month from July 28, 1865 (?); $8 from June 1890; $17 from Dec. 28, 1892 and was approved for payment on July 19, 1890. Edward P. Chastain died October 23, 1896. Mary Fox, widow, submitted evidence of her marriage to Edward P. Chastain on December 20, 1868 and proof of birth of two sons, Joseph C. Chastain born May 24, 1882 and James A. Chastain, born October 24, 1884. A pension was approved of $8 per month to the widow plus $2 each for minors from March 0, 1897. A. B. Parkey, Special examiner for the Pension Bureau, in Sept. 1899, took a deposition from Cornelius M. Hyde of Ducktown who said that Edward P. Chastain was in the Polk County Confederate Home Guard and "was a southern man (rebel) when he had to be and a Union man when he got the chance." Although the Adjutant General of the Army said his office had no record of Captain Brock's or Capt. Foster's Polk County Confederate Home Guard, the widow, who lived at Pierceville, Fannin County, GA., was dropped form the rolls. She was restored under the Joint resolution of Congress July 1, 1902 In 1900, several special investigations were conducted regarding prior marriages of Edward P. Chastain and his wife, each having been previously married. She said that she had been married to Alfred Harris in 1858 in Fannin County, GA, but that he deserted her and she later learned that his real name was Alfred Jenkins and that he had married Deliah Harris in North Carolina on November 6, 1851 as shown by record evidence. She further stated that his lawful wife and three children were living but that Jenkins had been in jail on a charge of burglary but had broke jail and taken up the maiden name of his wife. Mary Fox Chastain said that she and Jenkins had one son, Rufus Joseph Harris, now a 40-year-old carpenter of Glasgow, Rhea County, Tennessee. Thomas R. Hardwick, Special Examiner, hunted up Rufus Joseph Harris in Rhea County and obtained a deposition from him. Edward P. Chastain first married Margaret 'Peggy' Gossett and they had some children. She died in 1868 and he later married Mary Fox. Stacy Queen and John W. Fox, sister and brother of Mary Fox, the widow, testified that this was true. Haseltine Kiker of Fannin County Georgia testified that she was a daughter of Edward P. Chastain and Margaret Gossett and that her mother died January 12, 1866 or 1867 and that she was 8 years old when the Confederates surrendered and 13 years old when her mother died. There were a number of witnesses in this case, but one was especially interesting, Frances E. Gee, who said that she was raised in Rutherford County, North Carolina ten miles south of Rutherfordton near the South Carolina state line. She stated that her father was Samuel and her mother was Malinda Jenkins. Her siblings were Henry Jenkins, Alfred Jenkins, Pleasant Jenkins, John Jenkins, Mary and Sarah Jenkins. Frances said she came to Fannin County, Georgia in 1861 and that she had heard that her brother, Alfred, 17 or 18 years old, who called himself Harris, had married Mary Fox, who later married Ned Chastain. She said that Alfred was already married to Lila Harris, daughter of Riley Harris of Rutherford County and had two children named Clarissa and Tommy, whom he deserted. Alfred Jenkins, while married, carried off a young girl and was indicted and jailed. She said that he got the girl to come back and was released. He was then charged with robbery of a store and later broke jail while in arrest on that charge. Frances said she never saw him again after he broke jail. She described Alfred as having light curly hair, blue eyes, fair complexion and looked just like a young woman and could weave, spin, card, cook and wash just like a woman. Henry Jenkins, age 70, of Ferry, Rutherford County, North Carolina testified that he had a brother, Alfred, who left Rutherford County in 1857 or '58 and went to Fannin County, GA and Ducktown, Polk County, Tennessee, later dying at some place in Tennessee. He said that when Alfred left, he had a wife, Lila Harris, who several years after Alfred's reported death, married a man named Kellis Webb, and then died. The pension to the widow, Mary Fox Harris Chastain, having been resumed in 1902 was increased to $12 a month. Mary died July 19, 1909. (File # WC 548441))

Christopher, John:: On muster rolls of Co. C, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf. Union Volunteers, 1864 - 1865 with the following remarks: Enlisted October 1, 1864, age 18, killed by guerrillas in Polk County, TN, November 27, 1864. On March 7, 1906, a man claiming to be the above named Jon Christopher of Co. C, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf, Union Vol., filed a claim for pension with an address of Postelle, Polk County, TN. The Commissioner of Pension ordered an inquiry and special Pension Examiner, Thos. R. Hardwick came up from Chattanooga and took a statement from John Christopher. He said he was born about 1844 and was in Co. C, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. and that he was in a fight with Rebels and got 'cut off' and did not thereafter return to his command. John Christopher said his father K. C. Christopher was in the Union Army but John's mother corrected him by stating the correct name of his father was William Kimsey Christopher, generally known as Kimsey Christopher. Wm. Kimsey Christopher was in Co. H, 11th TN Cav., Union Army at Cumberland Gap during the war. He enlisted on September 15, 1863 and was discharged September 22, 1864 for fraudulent enlistment because of chronic rheumatism, existing eight years before enlistment. A brother to John named William C. Christopher was also in Co. H, 11th TN Cav. with his father. He died in Military Hospital at Cumberland Gap on August 29, 1864 of brain fever. Elvira Christopher, wife of Wm. Kimsey Christopher and mother of William C. Christopher was granted a pension of $8 per month as a dependent parent of Wm. C. Christopher. Testimony was given by Allen L. Loudermilk of Culberson, Cherokee Co., North Carolina in September 1906 saying he was in Co. C, 5th TN Mtd. Inf., and that he knew John Christopher, son of Kimsey and Elvira but that he could not recall John being in his company in the Union Army. John Waldrop (father of Mark and Lucius Waldrop of Andrews, North Carolina) said he did not know a man named John Christopher who served with him in Co. C, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. John C. Padgett, Marble Hill, Pickens Co., Georgia said he had no knowledge of a man named John Christopher who was alleged to have been a member of his company. David Davenport of Buren Union County, Georgia and Andrew Moore of Hall county GA testified same as Padgett. Testimony was taken from Henry M. Morris, Washington County Ark who said that he knew John Christopher and his parents in Union County, Georgia before the war being near neighbors but that if John Christopher was in his Co. C, he had forgotten it. His brother James Morris and another brother, Coloway Morris could offer no testimony supporting John Christopher's claim to service in the Union Army. More testimony was taken from Rufus Cearley, 74 years of age, living at Richfield, Douglas Co., Missouri. Cearley said that when the war started he was appointed Captain of Georgia Militia by Gov. Joe Brown, while he, Cearley, was a resident of Union County and that later he was in the Confederate Home Guard. He claimed that he deserted and went north to McMinn county and then to Sweetwater where he was employed in getting out cross ties for the U.S. Military Railroad. He stated that he knew old man Kimsey Christopher and his brother, Joshua Christopher who married sisters, daughters of Micojah Walker. He named all the children of Kimsey and Elvira Christopher, including John. He said that he had two brothers, Elijah and Colbird Cearley in Co. I, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. and that they were both now dead. (The muster rolls of the Company show that both deserted.) Cearley said that he understood that John Christopher had joined the 5th TN Mtd. Inf. but had 'stepped off' and that John Christopher was afterwards with him at Pond Creek, Tennessee, and had opportunity to return to his regiment. The investigation even extended to Indian Territory when testimony was taken from John A. Raper who said he was known as Powell Raper at Choteau, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory on November 3, 1906. Raper said he was in Co. I, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. and that John Christopher was in his company, "He went to Cleveland and enlisted because I took him there myself." Raper said that he had never heard that John was dead or even reported dead. Raper had married John Christopher's sister, Mary Raper, in 1869 before he came to Indian Territory and that John Christopher was living at Ducktown. Capt. Van Stewart, a U. S. Constable at Miami, Indian Territory testified that he knew John Christopher and that if the War Dpt. reported him dead that he, Stewart, made the original entry on the muster roll in 1864. He said that he did not always view the bodies of deceased soldiers and took the reports coming to him from his men regarding members of the command killed by bushwhackers or guerrillas, there being plenty of both. The claim was rejected March 27, 1907 since applicant had less than 90 days service and had never been honorably discharged, therefore no title to pension by Act of June 27, 1890. William K. Christopher died November 1, 1901 age 88 (born 1813) He is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Union Co. GA. The headstone was furnished by the Quartermaster General, U.S. Army. Elvira Christopher died at Murphy, NC June 16, 1912 and was also buried at Mt. Zion. There is more to this file regarding the pension application of Elvira filed on John's brother William C. and his father, William Kimsey Christopher. (File #XC 2731259))

Coe, William Newton (Newt):: Pvt. Co. A, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf. Union Army Vol. from September 15, 1864 to June 26, 1865. He had lived at Charleston in Bradley County and Chestuee Mills, Polk County, Tennessee. He filed claim for pension March 5, 1872 and said he was born in Polk County in February 1838. He claimed a gunshot wound of the back received at Gordon's Mill in 1865. An investigation into this case in October 1877 took depositions from James M. Wallis and *James T. Bradford of Benton, J. D. Porter of Cog Hill and former Col. Spencer B. Boyd of Cleveland, Bradley County, TN. (*Bradford was a wealthy merchant.) Pension was granted at $6 per month form June 27, 1865; $8 from Nov.17, 1877; $10 May 7, 1890; $12 from April 27, 1907 and $15 from August 7, 1909. William Newton Coe died March 26, 1910. Marriages were listed as to Rachel Fox, no date or place and she died, no date or place. He married 2nd Manda Fleming in July 1873, and she died the same year. He married 3rd Martha Davis on July 20, 1874 in Polk County by Isaac Nicholson, J. P. Martha had previously been married to Clifford Wilkerson who had been in the Confederate Army and had died of smallpox at Jackson, Tennessee in 1873 while working on a railroad. Children of Newt Coe were Sarah Ann, born April 27, 1875; Hayes, June 22, 1877; Rector V., November 20, 189; Lillie, February 28, 1885; Ezekiel, June 10, 1887; Benjamin, December 14, 1889; Henry Clay Evans, July 19, 1892 and John Moore, June 23, 1896. (Henry Clay was named after Commissioner of Pensions, former Mayor of Chattanooga, Henry Clay Evans.) Martha Davis Coe, following the death of her husband, William Newton Coe, March 26, 1910 filed a claim for pension and another inquiry was ordered. A field examiner came down from Knoxville to determine if Martha was the legal widow and took witness from Isaac Nicholson, 80, and his wife, Helen M. Nicholson, 81, at Benton Springs, Polk County, Tennessee. Nicholson said that he was the Justice of the Peace who married Newt and Martha at the home of her father, Rector Davis. Nicholson said that he dug the graves and helped bury Coe's first and second wives. Ben Eaves, 75, of Sanford, McMinn County and Elizabeth Swafford, 49, of Riceville also testified. The widow was granted a pension of $12 per month from April 20, 1910 plus $2 for the minor, John Moore Coe until he was 16. Martha died February 9, 1917. (File # WC 715915))

Cole, John M.: : Pvt., Co. C, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vol. from September 12, 1864 to July 16, 1865. He lived at Ducktown, Tennessee and filed claim for pension July 11, 1887 stating that he was born February 4, 1847. Pension was granted at $6 per month from July 16, 1890 and $8 from Feb. 22, 1899. John M. Cole died May 14, 1901. John was married to Phebe Gassoway on October 8, 1863; she was born September 29, 1844. Their children were Julius L. Cole, born April 7, 1867; James M., February 12, 1869; William S., March 3, 1872; John D., May 16, 1874; George A. T., November 9, 1877; Ollie M., September 3, 1879; Sarah, May 3, 1882; Joshua M., April 25, 1887 and Ular F., August 17, 1889. Pension was granted to the widow at $8 per month from June 4, 1901 plus $2 per month for each minor, Joshua M and Ular F., until 16. She then received $20 per month from Sept. 8,1916 and $5 a month from August 1926. Phebe died at Ducktown on January 7, 1929. (Original entries from the family Bible are in the pension file # WC 544513))

Cole, Robert M.: : Pvt., Co. C, Fifth TN Mtd. Inf. Union Army vol., from September 15, 1864 to July 16, 1865. He had lived in Ducktown, Polk county and Etowah, McMinn county Tennessee. He filed claim July 23, 1890, stating that he was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina on February 22, 1839. Robert had been married to Nancy Celina Wood in June 1858. She died December 28, 1898 in Pierceville, Fannin County, Georgia. Robert married 2nd Sarah Dunn at Blue Ridge, Fannin County Georgia on April 29, 1900. Sarah was born March 2, 1860 in Gilmer County, Georgia. Children of Robert M. Cole were W. N. Cole, born April 10, 1858; M. A., May 10, 1861; A. E., September 8, 1863; R. J. January 27, 1866; H. L. April 20, 1868; J. H., May 29, 1871; R. M. May 5, 1871 (?)(sic); Blanche, December 19, 1901 and Bill H., September 26, 1905. The veteran received $12 per month from July 23, 1890; $15 from Feb. 24, 1909; $19 from May 24, 1912; $22.50 from Feb. 22, 1914; $32 from June 10, 1918; $50 from May 1, 1920 and $72 from March 23, 1921. Robert M. Cole died April 28, 1924 in Etowah, McMinn County, Tennessee. The widow received $30 per month from May 13, 1924 and $40 from July 4, 1930. She died December 4, 1931 at Franklin, Macon County North Carolina at Angles Hospital and was buried at Cornelia, Habersham County, Georgia. (File #WC 955367))

Coleman, William: : (African descent): Pvt., Co. A, 44th U. S. Colored Troops, enlisted at Chattanooga, April 7, 1864 and died of the fever at Rome, Georgia, September 9, 1864. The pension was filed by his widow, Philis Rogers Coleman, Benton, Polk County, Tennessee on March 20, 1876. The widow stated that in March 1862 she married a slave belonging to Mr. George M. Coleman and bearing the name of his master. A Negro preacher named Prince Davis performed the ceremony. She said that William Coleman, the soldier, was the father of her son, Franklin Coleman born January 20, 1863. An inquiry was made on October 1, 1877 with testimony from Nelson Lawson 71 and Travis Rogers, 73. Travis Rogers said that he sold Philis to the late George M. Coleman in 1861 and that Philis married a slave by the name of William Coleman who belonged to George M. Coleman, now deceased. Testimony was also taken from M. H. Hancock, 50, a brother-in-law of George M. Coleman and from James Dunn, 32, of Columbus and Aaron Gamble, 35, also of Columbus who stated that he was a former slave and belonged to Gen. James Gamble. C. C. Coleman, son of the late George Coleman was reported in the record as having left Polk County and established residence at Fort Worth, Texas. Philis Coleman testified that for several years before the war she was the slave of Thomas Hall in Murray County, Georgia and that she had a husband named Hastings Davis who was the father of a daughter who was (1877) about 20 or 25 years old, was married and lived in Blount County. She said Thomas Hall, before the war, had sold her to Travis Rogers and that Travis had a slave named Felix, with whom she 'accidentally' had a son, born June 20, 1861, and named William Rogers. She said that she was not the wife of Felix Rogers and that he was carried away by some soldiers during the war and was never heard from again. Travis Rogers sold Philis to George Coleman and she married a slave belonging to Mr. Coleman named William Coleman. She said her son, Franklin, was about 14 years old and had hired himself out to somebody and was working at the Ducktown mines. On September 18, 1879, Philis Coleman was granted a pension of $8 per month from September 10, 1864, plus $2 for Franklin until he reached 16. No date of death of Philis Coleman is in the file but her name was dropped from the pension rolls at Knoxville on July 26, 1905 since she had made no claims for her checks in the last three years. (File # WC 179007))

Collins, William Watson:: Pvt. Co. H, Seventh TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Volunteers, Feb. 10, 1865 to July 27, 1865. Filed pension claim June 17, 1881 stating that he was born in Macon County, NC 1841. He married Louisa E. Culberson in McMinn county, TN October 3, 1865. Their children were Arminda born June 6, 1869; William, January 28, 1871; Mary, July 31, 1872; Ellen, June 12, 1876; Tyrus, September 7, 1880 and John, August, 19, 1883. Pension was $4 per month from June 17, 1881; $8 from December 7, 1887; $17 March 12, 1890; $20 April 5, 1905; $25 November 3, 1909; and $30 from November 1, 1911. William Collins died July 22, 1915 at Englewood Tennessee. Louisa filed claim on August 5, 1915, but the Adjutant General reported to the Commissioner of Pensions that the Confederate Archives showed that William Collins had served in Co. C, 16th VA Inf. and in Co. C, 34th NC Inf. of the Confederate Army. Since he had enlisted in the Union army after January 1, 1865, the Joint Resolution of Congress, July 1, 1902, forgiving Confederate soldiers for Rebel Army service provided they joined the Union army before January 1, 1865, would not apply in this case and the widow would be barred from pension. In further inquiry, deposition was taken from Clarence F. Barrett who stated that William Watson Collins was not the named Collins who had served in the 16th VA Regiment and in the 34th Confederate Army. Louisa E. Collins was allowed $12 per month from August 5, 1915. Louisa died at Dalton Georgia February 17, 1926. In a letter from Special examiner Clarence Barrett states that "James Withrow and his sister Nancy A. Ballew are relatives of the soldier and very old. Mr. Withrow is almost 92 years old, but his mental faculties and memory are in excellent condition." "The Ducktown, Isabella, and Copper Hill mines are all in the same immediate neighborhood and before the war were all referred to as Ducktown. Soldier (William Watson Collins) was reared not more than eight to ten miles from the mines and it seems that his father and brother, as well as himself, often worked at the mines from time to time, returning during the intervals to the home farm." "When the war commenced the Ducktown plant was the only copper producing works in the South, and I was informed, for a while workmen were exempted form conscription. Later when the call for more men for the Army became insistent, the exemption was withdrawn, and a good many of the workmen, including claimant's husband's parents "refugeed" to the "Yankee" lines. Soldier's parents lived at the head of Hothouse Creek, which was a strong "Union" neighborhood, and they were all for the North." Ninety-one year old James Withrow stated, "I remember William Watson Collins very well, his mother was a Watson, she was my half-sister. My mother was married twice, and I am the oldest of my mother's children by her last husband. William's parents were Adolphus Madison and Jane Watson. Before the war old man "Dolph" Collins worked in the copper mines off and on; his sons, Billy and Jim also worked there at times. . . Joseph E. Brown was then governor of Georgia, and the men who worked at Ducktown at the copper mines were called "Brown's pets" and "Brown's exemptions." "I myself worked at the copper mines at times, on outside work. J. E. Raht, superintendent of the plant sent me word that he was afraid he couldn't hold me out of the Rebel army any longer so in December 1863, I refugeed to Bridgeport Alabama and went to work for the Yankee quartermaster's department for $40 a month and board. I never went into the Yankee Army as a soldier." Mr. Withrow first said that owing to his being nearly blind he would not try to sign his name, but when the deposition was finished he announced that he had never made his mark in his life and would not begin now. Louisa, widow of William Collins adds a bit more of family information in her deposition, stating that her husband had a brother, Adolphus Terrell Collins who was born December 1857 and a sister, Margaret Lou Reid born 1851 who had sons, James and Robert. There was also another sister, Sarah Elizabeth Reid, born December 13, 1861. (File # WC 811 960)

In the November 2003 issue of the PCHGS Quarterly / Newsletter we began to extract information from the first of four rolls of microfilmed records of the late lawyer-historian Robert B. Barker. The complete collection of fourteen volumes and one section of loose materials was donated to the C. M. McClung Historical Collection in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1972. Barker had collected a great deal of information about Civil War veterans of the area of Northeast Georgia, Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, especially Union Veterans.

We were unable to find any explanation for the letters SC, WC and XC that precede the pension file numbers after each entry. Some entries only say Pension Certificate followed by the numbers. Note: SC=Soldiers Claim, WC=Widows Claim

The Tennessee State Library and Archives has an online index of Tennesseans who filed claims with the Southern Claims Commission from 1871 to 1873. These 3,929 Tennesseans claimed their property had been taken by US military personnel for use in the Civil War. All of the SCC files are located at the National Archives, but disallowed and barred claims have been microfilmed and are also available at TSLA. Allowed claims are available only through the National Archives.

Coleman, James S., Corporal, Company E., Seventh TN Mounted Inf., Union Army Volunteers from Sept. 30, 1864 to July 27, 1865. Lived Ducktown and Turtletown, Polk County, Tennessee.
Filed claim for pension November 1, 1890 and said he was born in Monroe County, TN September 28, 1839. Received $12 per month from Nov. 1, 1890 and reduced to $10 from December 4, 1891. Dropped from rolls December 3, 1895 because he served as volunteer enlistee in Rebel Army.
In the investigation James S. Coleman told Special Agent, A. B. Parkey that he enlisted in Co. H, 39th NC Inf. Confederate Army because the Rebels were going to conscript his father, Spencer Coleman, so he went to save his father from having to serve. This explanation fell on deaf ears in Washington. He was restored to the pension rolls by the joint resolution of Congress on July 1, 1902.
He received $10 per month from July 26, 1902; $12 from March 4, 1907; $15 from October 11, 1909; $19 from June 1, 1912; $22.50 from September 28, 1914 and $32 from June 10,1918.
James S. Coleman died June 26, 1929 at Turtletown, Polk County, TN. Marriages: Elizabeth Hale, (no dates) she died March 3, 1892; he married 2nd Margaret Picklesimer on October 8, 1893 in Cherokee County, NC. Children of James S. Coleman are as follows: Mary Ann born September 23, 1859; J. B., September 16, 1861; A. H. July 24, 1864; A. E. June 30, 1867; J. G. May 19, 1871; Julie C., March 17, 1874; W. O., June 9, 1877; Henrietta, August 20, 1894, George W., September 11, 1895. His widow received $30 a month from October 3, 1929. She died May 15, 1945. (XC 2625818)

Cook, Cyrus P., Corporal, Company F, Tenth TN Cav., Union Army Volunteers, February 13, 1864 to August 1, 1865. He lived Ducktown, Polk County TN and Chestnut Gap and Kyle in Fannin Co., GA (did not say when or where born.) He filed claim October 26, 1886 and received $14 per month from October 26, 1886; $17 from October 3, 1889 and $24 from June 24, 1891. He died August 21, 1899; his widow was Mary A. Walker Cook who married Cyrus P. Cook in Lumpkin Co. GA October 1844. She received $12 a month from August 22, 1899 at Atalla, Fannin County, GA. She died June 5, 1916 in Dennison, Texas. No children in the list or on file. Note: In this pension file are papers alleging that Atty. H. H. Walker met some thirty claimants for pension at Brasstown, Town Co., GA in 1887 and charged each of them separately, and all of the jointly, for expenses for Hotel and lodging; hire of a buggy; feed for horse; turnpike tolls, etc. That the said Walker, being a Preacher, was a free loader, and had no expenses! (WC 494440)

Cordell, John C., Private, Company G. Fourth KY Mounted Inf., Union Army Volunteers, November 4, 1864 to August 17, 1865. Lived Mineral Bluff and Hot House, Fannin County, GA; Ducktown and Isabella, Polk County, TN. Filed claim for pension July 30, 1890 said he was born in Cherokee Co., NC on June 4, 1834 (which was apparently an error.) The pension office asked the Director of Census to find the family of Bennett and Martha Cordell, parents of John C. Cordell, in the 1860 census which showed him to be 14 years old, or born in 1846. This was accepted by officials. Later, in 1894, John C, Cordell gave his age as 48, or born 1846. Still later, May 17, 1914, another special examiner said that Cordell did not appear to be 80 years old (if born 1834) since John rode a horse and mounted and dismounted with ease. Cordell's claim for pension was alleged to have been filed by Mr. Hunter, a school teacher of Mineral Bluff, who subsequently was sent to prison in Ohio (no Federal Penitentiary at Atlanta then) for violation of the pension laws, etc. On June 27, 1894, a special agent came to make an inquiry into Cordell's claim and to report if same was fraudulent. Parkey said the evidence was regular and the claim was verified in all respects. But it was not until six years later that John C. Cordell could obtain his pension of $6 per month from June 27, 1900. His first marriage was to Margaret E. Wood, August 16, in Fannin County, GA. She died January 29, 1883. Their children were: Jeff J., born July 1, 1867; William, October 15, 1869 and Harrison C., born October 15, 1871. The 2nd marriage was to Frances Dillard, she and her three children were dead. No date of place of marriage to Frances Dillard given and no date of death or names of the three children in the file. W. K. Dillard, a brother to Frances, said in 1923 that "she died 23 years ago" which would be 1900. Frances had been previously married to another Union Army veteran, Joseph Merchant, who died, leaving her a widow. The third marriage was to Sarah Kelly in Fannin County, GA on March 7, 1901. The Census Bureau said the 1880 census showed her to be 20 years old; she said that she was born October 5, 1858, or 10 years younger than John C. Cordell. The pension file contains a certified copy of the judgement and final decree of the Ducktown Law Court wherein Judge S. C. Brown on July 30, 1914, Case No. 96, granted John C. Cordell an absolute divorce from Sarah Kelley Cordell. The 4th marriage was to Ellen Horton in Fannin County, GA October 17, 1916. They had a son, Ulis Samuel Cordell born September 16, 1916 and twins Purley and Claude born March 3, 1921. Their birth certificate said the father was 89 and the mother was 38 years old. John Cordell was granted an increase to $8 per month from June 3, 1903; $12 May 6 1909; $15.50 June 7, 1912; $19 January 4, 1916; $32 June 10 1918 and $50 May 1, 1920. He died March 13, 1923 age 77, but his death certificate said he was 88 or 89. The fourth wife, Ellen Horton filed claim for pension as legal widow of John C. Cordell, but since she had married him after the statutory deadline of June 27, 1905, and since there was some question as to the legality of the divorce from wife no. 3, Sarah Kelley, she was denied pension. Wife no. 3 filed claim for pension on February 28, 1932, giving her address as Copperhill, Polk County, TN. The claim was rejected for the reason that she married the pensioner after March 3, 1899 and did not live with him continuously for ten years or until his death. John C. Cordell told one of the pension special field examiners who interviewed him that his brother, Thomas Cordell died in the Union Army in 1865 while in Co. L, 14th Illinois Cavalry. (XC-2648219)

Cornet, Javan, Private, Co. H., 12th TN Cav. Union Army Volunteers, enlisted February 7, 1864 and died in Military Hospital at Nashville, TN April 3, 1864 of the measles. Claim for pension was filed January 23, 1867 by Sarah Cornett, dependent mother, of Morganton, Fannin County, GA, but with Post Office address of Ducktown, Polk County, TN. The original papers seem to allege that the father of Javan Cornett, *Bird Cornett (or Burgess Cornett) died in Nashville in October 1863, but he was reported alive in October 1872 and a fugitive from justice, having been indicted in Fannin County for lewdness. Sarah Cornett was granted a pension of $8 per month from April 4, 1864 on March 4, 1868. The pension was suspended in late 1869 on charges of disloyalty to the US during the war. It appears that Gilbert E. L. Falls wrote out a statement on October 15, 1869 making charges of disloyalty against the mother of the soldier, and then persuaded Spencer Prewitt, Ordinary of Fannin County to sign same. When filed with the Commissioner, this statement caused the pension of the mother to be suspended, pending investigation. Then on June 28, 1872, Falls prepared another statement stating that the mother of the soldier was entirely loyal during the war and that Spencer Prewitt had been indicted in Fannin County for murder of an old man on the streets of Morganton, had been arrested but broke custody and escaped and was now a fugitive form justice. That said Prewitt was, and is, a man of very bad character and not entitled to credit. When the mother was restored to the pension rolls in December 1872, it appears that Falls charged and collected from her, illegally of course, $100 for his services in securing her restoration to the rolls. Gilbert E. L. Falls was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Atlanta Federal Court on April 5, 1873 for illegally withholding $120 in pension money from Malinda Dover, widow of Michael Dover, Third US Rifles, War of 1812, original complaint having been made against Falls by former Union Army Lt. John A. Stuart of Hemp. While under indictment in the Dover case, special agent John H. Wager of the Pension Bureau appears to have put the heat on Falls in late 1873 to force him to refund $404 in illegal charges to Sara Cornett. Receipts for same are filed in the Malinda Dover pension file. Special agent John H. Wager reported to the Commissioner from Knoxville on October 24, 1872 and stated that 'Bird' Cornett joined the Confederate Army then deserted; took up with another woman; would not support his wife, Sarah Cornett, and that Spencer Prewitt was a grand rascal, had been indicted for murder and had fled the state. Wager said that Sarah Cornett was loyal to the Union during the war and he recommended that she be restored to the rolls. The recommendation was approved and she was restored. Sarah Cornett died on December 9, 1877. Polly Bivens, Sarah's daughter, filed a claim for $53.90 with the commissioners for expenses of the last illness and burial of Sarah Cornett and included in the list of bills was the sum of $20 to Dr. Gilbert E. L. Falls, family physician. Sarah had apparently been ignorant of the fact that Falls had gotten her knocked off the pension rolls so that he could collect a large sum of money to have her reinstated. * Note on 'Bird' Cornett: The only Cornett found in the archives who might be 'Bird' of Fannin County is B. F. Cornett of, age 49, Co. F, 43rd TN Infantry who enlisted November 9, 1861 for 12 months . He was enlisted by Capt. James W. Gillespie. Cornett was captured in Kentucky by Union Army Troops but subsequently released by exchange a Vicksburg, Mississippi from the steamer Maria Denning. He was later discharged for being over 40 years of age, at Vicksburg on March 29, 1863 and paid $119.11. The record said he was born in Grayson County, Virginia, a wagon maker by trade, but no residence address was given. It was stated that he joined the Confederate Army at Loudon, Tennessee.

Culberson, James L., Pvt. Co. B. 7th TN Mtd. Inf. Union, September 17, 1864 to July 27, 1865. He lived at Hot House and Mineral Bluff, Fannin County GA; Culberson and England's Point, Cherokee C., NC and Hyatt, Polk County, TN. Filed claim March 24, 186 and said he was born Cherokee County, NC June 9, 1847. He married Mary Jane Robinson in 1869 in Fannin County, GA. After she died, he married Nora Standridge at Copperhill, Polk County, TN November 15, 1916. His children were Nancy E. born September 21, 1870; Callie, December 12, 1872; Mattie, July 23, 1875; Beckie, March 25, 1877; William, October 16, 1879; James Calvin, March 20, 1885 Commodore, September 11, 1888; Marcus Elisha, April 20, 1891 and Leonard, February 26, 1893. Pension granted at $2 per month from May 24, 1886; $6 May 7, 1890; December 26, 1891; $6 May 4, 1894; $8 July 1, 1908; $13.50 May 25, 1912; $15.50 July 9, 1912; $19 June 9, 1916; and $32 June 10, 1918. The 2nd wife filed claim for pension and said she was born August 13, 1877 in Isabella, Polk County, TN. Claim rejected February 19, 1920. (SC 490154)

Culberson, Elisha, Pvt. Co. C., 3rd TN Cav. Union Army Vol. December 5, 1862 to June 12, 1865. He had lived at Wolf Creek and Hot House, Cherokee County, NC, Mineral Bluff and Morganton in Fannin County, GA and Ducktown and Turtletown in Polk County, TN. He filed claim for pension on January 22, 1880 and said he was born in Habersham County, GA February 3, 1845. He married Malinda Hill in Polk County August 15, 1867. Their children were John, born April 24, 1871; Edward, January 28, 1874; Arch, April 17, 1876; Rhoda, October 16, 1880; Horace, May 13, 1883 and Ranco, August 22, 1885. John B. Fain of Wolf Creek, NC wrote the Commissioners of Pension a letter on January 22, 1894 stating that the pension of Elisha Culberson was a fraud. He said Elisa went to see his brother and that his brother and family had a 'ketching fever' and that Elisha 'ketched' it, and gave it to his own family and they all 'ketched' it from Elisha. Special agents came up from the Pension Bureau in February 1896 and took depositions from Elisha Culberson, David N. Hughes, 63; James L. Culberson, 50, William Collins, 50, Letitia and Joel Simonds, 62 and Napoleon Graham. Elisha Culberson said he had paid Napoleon B. Graham of Ducktown Tennessee $10 to write up some evidence for him. The report to the Commissioner stated that the original claim for pension was filed by J. B. Fain of Wolf Creek on January 22, 1880, but that Fain stayed drunk most of the time, so Elisha Culberson took the claim away from Fain and gave it to W. L. Hunter of Mineral Bluff, who was subsequently sent to the Penitentiary for pension fraud in another case. The special agent, Parkey, said he found no fraud in Elisha Culberson's pension claim and concluded that J. B. Fain was a personal enemy of Elisha Culberson and stated, in part, "Mr. Fain originally filed this claim, but on account of Mr. Fain's drunkenness and unreliability, the claim was taken out of his hands and he tried to get revenge by stopping the pension." The War Dept. notified the Commissioner that the records showed that Pvt. Elisha Culberson of Co. C, 3rd TN Cav., was captured by Confederate Troops at Athens Alabama, September 24, 1864, he being sent to Military Prison at Cahaba, Alabama. The Rebels released him on parole at Vicksburg, Mississippi in March 1865. Pension approved at $2 per month from June 13, 1865; $6 from October 13, 1881; $10 November 30, 1887; $14 December 19, 1888; $17 June 1, 1904; $18 December 6, 1912; $24 February 3, 1915; $40 June 10, 1918 and $72 October 21, 1921. Elisha Culberson died at Turtletown, Polk County, TN August 8, 1923 at the age of 78. The attending physician was A. J. Guinn, M.D. The widow, Malinda Hill Culberson received $30 per month from September 4, 1923 and $40 from June 4, 1928. She died March 27, 1935 at Wetmore, Polk County, Tennessee according to information contained on a post card to the commissioner from her daughter, Rhoda Tate. (W. C. 942979)

Curtis, John W., Pvt. Co. E & B, 10th TN Cav. Union Army Vol. from January 10, 1864 to July 31, 1865. He deserted Nov. 24, 1864 but returned May 1865 and was restored to duty. He had lived at Chestuee Mills & Carlock in Polk County, TN; Cambria and Grady in McMinn County and Kincaid in Monroe County. He filed claim August 18, 1882 and received $2 per month from August 18,1882; $4 July 3, 1889; $6 July 17, 1890; $8 December 1, 1897; $10 March 15, 1899 and $12 Feb. 19, 1902. John died July 18, 1904 John Curtis had married Nancy M. Berong in Fannin County, GA on September 6, 1859 by Solomon Stansberry, JP. Their children were: John H. Curtis born September 6, 1862; Benjamin M., June 15, 1870; James T., July 18, 1872; Charles L., September 21, 1874; George N., January 20, 1878 and Ellen, June 18, 1881. The widow received $12 from July 19, 1904; $8 from July 27, 1904 and $20 from September 8,1916. Nancy said she was born in Morganton, Fannin County, GA on May 9, 1844. She lived on RFD 3, Madisonville, Monroe County but died at 1715 Williams Street in Chattanooga on July 23, 1925 and was buried in Vonore in Monroe County, Tennessee. (W. C. 589902)

Curtis, William J., Pvt., Blacksmith & Commissary Sergeant, Co. B, 10th TN Cav., Union Army Vol., September 15, 1863 to August 1, 1865. He had lived in Ducktown, Polk County, TN; Tate, Pickens County; Suit and Ball Ground, Cherokee County and Blue Ridge, Fannin County, GA. He filed claim April 1, 1865, but gave no date or place of birth. He married Mary Amanda Yother in Fannin County, GA on November 27, 1859 by Solomon Stansbury, JP. Their children were: William Asbury, born November 12, 1860; Martha Jane, April 24, 1870 Mary Ann, October 29, 1872; Nancy Josephine, November 2, 1875; Anna Lou March 16, 1878 and Laura Winfred, May 4, 1887. (A sheet from the Curtis Family Bible with the above information is in the pension file.) A series of special field examinations began in this case in August 1888 and continued off an on until July 1899 or eleven years. He did receive a pension of $2 per month from April 1, 1885 and $12 from January 28, 1891. Pension reduced to $2 per month from September 28, 1891 and $6 from March 2, 1895 because of Confederate Army service. The agent reported that he got the information from Mrs. Curtis and confronted Curtis with same and made him admit it. Curtis said that he was conscripted in Co. F., 19th TN Inf. at Ducktown Mines but never reported, going instead to Cherokee County, NC where he enlisted in Walker's Battalion of Thomas Confederate Legion. Records confirm that he enlisted for 3 years by Capt. C. C. Berry in Co. A. Walker's Battalion, July 18, 1862 age 20, occupation, miner, residence Polk County, Tennessee. He detached in January & February by order of Col. Wm. Walker to go to Polk County and Cherokee County to arrest deserters. Present March and April 1863 but deserted July 1, 1863 at Strawberry Plains, TN. William J. Curtis died May 17, 1902. His widow received $8 per month from May 31, 1902 and $10 from September 8, 1916. She died at Ducktown on August 13, 1919. (W. C. 550757)

Davis, Solomon Avery, Pvt. Co. F., 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols. He had lived at Turtletown, Polk County, TN and Nina, Cherokee Co., NC. He filed claim July 6, 1881 and said he received a gunshot wound of the right and on February 26, 1865 in a skirmish with bushwhackers in Murray county, GA. The Adjutant General of the Army on October 20, 1883 and again June 7, 1886 advised Commissioner of Pensions that the name of Solomon Avery Davis was not bourne on the rolls of Co. F. 5th TN Mtd. Inf., so the claim was rejected. (S. O. 426-409)

Davis, Robert, Pvt., Co. A, 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols. from September 1, 1864 to June 10, 1865. He had lived at Chestuee Mills, Polk County and Calhoun, McMinn County TN. He filed claim July 10, 1890 saying he was born July 2, 1844. He married Polly Ann Forgey in Polk County in 1866. Their children were: Sallie (Bishop), born February 17, 1867; James, January 15, 1869; Nancy (Melton) July 2, 1871; Harriett, April 2, 1874; John, July 20, 1877; Mary, July 27, 1880; Willie, September 17, 1883, Lizzie (Dodson) June 3, 1886 and Tina, August 31, 1888. He received pension a $8 per month from March 19, 1894; $10 Jan. 17, 1906; $12 March 1, 1907; $15.50 May 31, 1912; $19 Jan. 2, 1914 and $22.50 Jan. 2,1917. Robert Davis died December 15, 1917 in the 1st Civil district of Polk County. His widow received $25 from Jan. 12, 1918. She lived on Route 2, Calhoun, McMinn Co. TN. Polly Ann Forgey Davis died May 2, 1934. (W. C. 850962)

Davis, William Jackson, Pvt. Co. A. First Alabama Vidette Cav. Union Army Vols. from August 28, 1863 to muster out on June 16, 1864. He had lived in Old Fort, Polk County, TN. He filed claim on August 5, 1890 saying he was born in Jackson County, Alabama in August of 1845. Pension granted at $8 per month from August 5, 1890; $12 Nov. 7, 1907 and $15.50 June 3, 1912. William J. Davis died November 28, 191 at Old Fort. He had married Hulda Mashburn Highfield on September 20, 1866 in Jackson Co., Alabama. She was the former wife of John Highfield, Corporal, Co. C., 1st AL Cav. who died in the service at Mud Creek, near Stevenson, AL. on Dec. 15, 1863. Their children were: Joshua, born June 10, 1867; James, March 8, 1870; John, July 5, 1872; Julian, January 25, 1875; William, January 6, 1877 and Luva Jane, April 27, 1881. His widow received $12 per month from January 5, 1916; she died March 4, 1917 a Ocoee, Polk County, TN. (W. C. 814533)

Deaver, Ephriam, M. Pvt. Co. F. 2nd TN Cav. Union Army Vols. August 1, 1862 to July 6, 1865. Post offices, Sweetwater, Monroe County in 1867 until mails restored, then Ducktown, Polk County, Persimmon Creek, Suits, Letitia in Cherokee Co., NC; Mineral Bluff, Fannin County, GA; Knoxville, TN and Clever, Christian Co, MO. He filed claim October 19, 1867 from Sweetwater since mail had not been restored in Western NC. He said he was born in Buncombe Co., NC June 29, 1840. He claimed a gunshot wound of the right ankle incurred in service. Ephriam M. Deaver married Nancy C. Anderson in Cherokee County, NC September 17, 1865 by Rev. Ruben Deaver, his father (his mother was Lidia Thomas, born 1813 Sevier Co..) Children were: C. C. (Dora) born July 6, 1866; Eugenia (Isabella) July 11, 1868; F. J. (Jerome 'Rome') March 9, 1870; C. M. (Cyrus) October 23, 1971; A. F. (Addie) May 17, 1873; H. J. (Hattie) January 1, 1875; A. P. (Purley June 9, 1876; Ephraim M., Jr. (Marvin) February 13, 1878 and I. M. (Ira) August 28, 1880. Nancy Deaver died August 20, 1882. Ephriam then married Mary Elizabeth Leatherwood. (born September 27, 1849, died July 26, 1928) at Marble, Cherokee County, NC on September 24, 1884 by Rev. William Baker of Tomotla. They had three children: Mattie M. born May 25, 1886; Dellie R., September 16, 1888 and Reuben J. February 15, 1891. (Ruben died June 27, 1892 and is buried Harris Chapel Cemetery.) Pension granted $8 per month July 7, 1865; reduced to $6 from June 30, 1875; $8 August 31, 1883; $12 July 14, 1890; $14 Sept. 5, 1900; $15 July 1, 1910; $24 May 22, 1912; $30 June 29, 1915; $40 June 10, 1919 and $72 July 1, 1920. Ephriam Deaver said he was in skirmish in McMinnville and battles of Chickamauga and Nashville but it appears that his gunshot wound was incurred elsewhere. An inquiry was conducted in 1893 and 1894 regarding allegations that Deaver was drawing a pension illegally. A deposition was taken from J. N. Craig, 73 years old of Culberson, Cherokee County NC who said he knew Deaver before and after the war, living within a few miles of him. That he had observed Deaver frequently an could not see any disability from a gunshot wound because Deaver never walked lame, except when he was in the town of Murphy, walking about the courthouse, when Deaver walked 'real lame', having practiced until he could limp just right. He said he had heard that Deaver, with others, received orders to go out on a raid during the war and that Deaver being a 'powerful coward' pleaded sickness but was ordered to go anyway and as the detail started, Deaver shot himself down his boot, inflicting a flesh wound of the heel, for which he now draws a pension. Craig admitted that there was some feelings between himself and Deaver "on account of his treatment of a relative of mine." Craig said that Deaver was a hard working man on his farm, working almost night and day and made everybody in his family work the same way. That about six months ago, a mule fell with Deaver, breaking a bone in his foot, which foot, Craig said he did not know. John Clonts of Persimmon Creek testified quite differently, regarding Deaver's gunshot wound. Clonts said he was 50 years old and lived within a half-mile of Deaver and that he had known him before, during and after the war. He said Deaver was in his Company in the Union Army and that he was with Deaver when Deaver accidentally shot himself. He said Deaver was on picket duty near him in a small town in Tennessee and as they left to return to camp, Deaver was leading a stray horse and pulling on a shank or bridle to make the horse follow, when Deaver's carbine discharged, shooting Deaver in the heel. He said that he, Clonts, was only fifteen feet away at the time and did not see the actual shooting, but concluded that Deaver's gun must have been discharged by some part of his equipment on the horse, having caught in the trigger of Deaver's carbine, stropped on Deaver's shoulder and hung shot-pouch fashion at his right side. The ball entered the ankle and came out his heel, several small pieces of bone coming out of the wound. On January 5, 1894, the recommendation was that no action be taken since there was no evidence that Deaver was receiving a pension illegally. As a result of a family quarrel on April 16, 1923, it appears that Ephriam Deaver and his 2nd wife separated, he going to live with his son, Ira M. Deaver on Ben Hur street in Knoxville and Mrs. Deaver moving in with one of her married daughter's, Mrs. W. R. (Della) McNelley on McCalla Avenue. The Deaver family squared off into hostile camps, Ephriam Deaver's children by his first wife joined his camp, and the children by the 2nd wife, together with the in-laws entered the camp of Mrs. Deaver. One of the in-laws, (Ephriam Deaver referred to them once as out-laws) advised his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ephriam Deaver to get herself a lawyer, which she did. Fowler & Fowler of Knoxville were retained and they filed suit in the Chancery Court of Knox County on April 22, 1923.

Editor's note: This case is quite lengthy and involves charges that Deaver sold land to one of his children with the intent to defraud his 2nd wife, she charges desertion, many witnesses are called, etc. There is much Deaver family history given in this case which includes the information that Ephriam's father, Reuben, was a surveyor by trade and was employed by the state of North Carolina to survey the Cherokee Indian lands in the Western Counties, prior to the Removal of the Indians in 1838. When Reuben had completed the survey, he prepared a map, a remarkable document, considering the tools available to him. The original map was deposited in the office of the secretary of state at Raleigh.

Reuben Deaver, born 1809, married first Lydia Thomas born 1813 in Sevier County, TN and 2nd Susan Chapman born 1823 Union Co. GA. He was the father of sixteen children: William, born 1832 Sevier County; Thomas Sheppard, 1835 in Buncombe Co. NC; Vienna M. 1836, Buncombe; Ephriam M., 1840, Buncombe; Mary Lou Arte, 1842, Buncombe; Elvira, 1843, Buncombe; John A. and Nancy I. (twins) 1844, Buncombe; Cecelia Ann, 1846, Buncombe; Susan M., 1848, Buncombe; Lidia S., 1850 Buncombe; Reuben Miles, 1855, Cherokee Co. NC; Adolphus Pinkney, 1871, Union Co., GA; Solomon Alfred, 1872, Union; Harvey Wilson, 1876, Union; Isaac Benjamin, 1880 Union. (Last four children by 2nd wife Susan Chapman.) Judge Bascom S. Deaver, a son of Reuben Miles Deaver (youngest son of Reuben and Lydia Thomas Deaver) was a noted Georgia jurist. He was appointed Judge of the U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia by President Calvin Coolidge in 1928. (W. C. 956587)

Dillard, John R., (John Robert), Pvt., Co. B, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. Union Army Vols., died Cleveland Tennessee of measles March 9, 1865. His widow, Nancy Patterson Dillard of Ducktown, Polk County TN filed claim for pension March 28, 1866. She presented a record of her marriage to soldier on September 19, 1855 in Fannin County GA by Jackson Hughes, Minister of the Gospel. Their children were Martha Jane, born June 25, 1856, Laura Ann, June 25, 1861, Josephine, February 14, 1863. She received $8 per month plus $2 per month for each minor child until 16 years old, from March 10, 1865; $12 from March 19, 1886. Nancy Dillard died November 20, 1910 at Blue Ridge, GA and is buried at Harmony Cemetery. (W. C. 84 450)

Duckett, Robert C., Sgt. Co. H, 10th TN Cav. Union Army Vols. September 25, 1863 to May 25, 1865. He had lived at Servilla in Polk County and Rafter in Monroe County TN. He filed claim for pension August 4, 1886 and said he was born September 24, 1840 in Hall County, GA. He married Martha Frances Gillespie in 1865 and she died (no date.) He married 2nd Sarah Ann Williams in 1873 and divorced her in 1904. He married 3rd Arizona Williams on July 2, 1904 in Monroe County, TN. Children were: Walter, William T., James R., Lloyd, Samuel C., Elisha, Martha J., Dillio A. (no birth dates given.) Pension granted at $8 per month form April 21, 1891 but the pensioner was dropped from the rolls February 11, 1897 because of voluntary service in the Rebel Army. Confederate archives recorded Robert Duckett as enlisting as a Pvt. in Co. F., First GA Cav. March 22, 1862 at Fairmont, GA. He was a prisoner of the Union Army, captured at Powell's Valley, east Tennessee June 27, 1862 but apparently escaped and returned to command. He deserted October 5, 1863 at Chattanooga. His pension was resumed July 1, 1902 and he received $6 per month from August 22, 1902 $12 June 6, 1906; $15 October 19, 1910; $20 May 29, 1912; $24 September 24, 1915; $35 June 10, 1918 and $72 September 9, 1921. Robert Duckett died December 3, 1923 and was buried at Mr. Isabella Baptist Churchyard at Rafter, Monroe Co., TN. His widow received $30 a month from January 5, 1924. she died February 11, 1936 at Tellico Plains, Monroe County, TN. (XC-944881)

Epperson, Nathaniel W., Pvt. Co. A, 8th TN Inf., Union Army Vols. from February 20, 1863 to June 30, 1865. He had lived at Conasauga and Helitrope in Polk County, TN. He filed claim for pension February 21, 1880 and received $4 from July 1, 1865; $6 from September 2, 1885; $24 July 21, 188_; and $30 from February 3,1892. Nathaniel Epperson died May 7, 1897. His widow, Parthenia Southerland Epperson furnished evidence of her marriage to the veteran on August 13, 1857 in Bradley County, TN and received a pension of $8 per month from May 8, 1897. She died in 1903, exact date not on file. (W.C., 451775)

Fain, William C., was reported killed by Confederate guerillas near Ducktown, Polk County, TN April 6, 1864. Claim for pension was filed on December 3, 1866 and again on June 18,1869 by Margaret S. McLelland Fain, widow of William C. Fain, who gave her address as Morganton, Fannin County Georgia. The widow said that she was 39 years old and that she married William C. Fain in Murphy NC on January 1, 1849 in a ceremony performed by William Walker, JP of Cherokee County who is since deceased. Rachel L. Young of Valleytown and Isaac McLelland of Murphy said that they were present at the marriage. The War Dept. could find no record of the service of William C. Fain in the Union Army, but William Lillard swore in an Affidavit that he was at the Union Army General Howard's headquarters in Cleveland on or about April 6, 1864 and saw the commission of William C. Fain. He said he was asked if he knew when Mr. Fain would be by to pick up his commission and he answered that William C. Fain was dead. James Parks, 72 year old, said on December 8, 1885 that William C. Fain was taken prisoner by Confederates and that when they reached the Tecoah River at Edward's Ferry, William C. Fain attempted to escape and was shot off his horse, dead. Parks said the place where this occurred was about one-half mile from the state line. Mary C. Slate, 48 years old, a resident of Morganton, GA said in a statement on August 20, 1885, that William C. Fain left Morganton to recruit for the Union Army in March 1864 and was reported killed by Confederate Capt. Rogers and sixty of his men on March 6, 1864. She said Rogers and his men later stopped at the hotel in Morganton for refreshments and told her that they had killed William C. Fain.
Abram Picklesimer, 52 and George Thomas, 65, swore that William C. Fain got a commission at Cleveland in 1864 to raise a regiment of Union Volunteers and that they had seen his authority or commission. and that he was killed on April 6, 1864 at Pittman's Ferry. Thomas said that he went to Fain's funeral. William H. Weaver on November 2, 1885, said that he was a former Private, Co. C, 5th TN Mtd, Inf, Union Army and that he heard the shots that killed William c. Fain on April 6, 1864 and that afterwards he went to the ferry and found Fain dead in the road and that his body was still warm. He said Fain had been shot in the back of the head and that present with him at the time, viewing Fain's body, were Jasper and John Long. William Postell, swore that he was at the house of Aaron Mathis near the ferry and that when he examined the body of the dead man in the road, he knew it was William C. Fain, because he had known Fain before the war as an attorney at law of Morganton, GA. He said that Fain had recruited Henry Robinson for the Union Army and that Robinson, after Fain was killed, was taken by the Confederates out on the Ellijay road, tied to a tree and shot 15 or 20 times. Postell referred to the Confederate commanding officer as Capt. Rogers and added that two days before they captured and killed Fain, Rogers and his men had killed Edward O. Kelly, second Sgt. of Co. G, 10th TN Cav. The widow, Margaret S. Fain said that she was with her husband at the house of Alexander Officer when her husband was captured by Confederates who took him three miles to Edward's Ferry and killed him. She said that he husband's body was then removed three miles to Hiwassee and buried. D. S. Stanley, Col. 22nd Infantry sent a letter stating that, "I gave him (William C. Fain) official authority to go ahead with his recruiting, referring my action to General Thomas, for approval." The claim for pension was rejected because the Army was unable to find any record of service, but by a special Act of Congress a bill was introduced authorizing and directing that Margaret S. Fain, widow of William C. Fain, be placed on the rolls and she did receive $20 per month from August 3, 1886. She died in 1899, exact date not on file. The 1860 Fannin County GA census shows William C. (35 years old) and Margaret S. Fain (30 years) with a daughter Clairrissa A., age 11. Although Clayton Fain is not mention in the pension papers, Fain family records state that 'Clayton' Fain was killed in the War Between the States. Robert E. Barclay's book, Ducktown Back in Raht's Time, gives William C. Fain's parents as John and Elizabeth Butt Fain with brothers Mercer, Allen, Newton, John B., Caswell, Jasper, Thomas T. and Martin. (editor's note: This was truly a family divided as John B., Dr. Thomas T., Allen S. and Caswell S. Fain all served in the Confederate Army during the War.) The widow of William Clayton Fain, Margaret S. McLelland Fain, was a sister of Caroline McLelland Fain (Mrs. Mercer Fain) of Murphy, NC. The marker for the grave of William C. Fain in Hiwassee cemetery in Ducktown, Tennessee was obtained by Mary Porter Fain Owen, daughter of W. Mercer Fain, former Mayor of Murphy. An article about the grave marking ceremony was in The Cherokee Scout newspaper on August 29, 1974 p. 13. (WC 225514)

Falls, Gilbert E. L., scout and spy, Union Army Volunteers, 1864-1865. Falls filed claim July 8, 1908 saying that he was employed by Lt. Col. Martin B. Ewing, 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery, Union Army at Charleston, TN from 1864 to the close of the war and that as a part of is services he captured Capt. Lu Harris, a notorious bushwhacker and in addition he captured 65 head of fat hogs, weighing about 200 lbs. each and turn both hogs and bushwhacker over to Lt. Col. Martin. The Army said that they were unable to find any record of service of Gilbert E. L. Falls in the Union Army and rejected the claim for pension. As shown by the records in many pension cases of Union Army volunteers, Falls was very active in the prosecution of claims while at Morganton, Georgia and later at Blue Ridge when the county seat was moved. 'Dr.' Falls served one term as Clerk of the Superior Court of Fannin County from 1874 to 1880. He was very active in the John Lafayette Hickey case on behalf of the legal widow, Elizabeth Tilley Hickey, and made a trip by horseback to Sweetwater to see Thomas G. Boyd, pension and claim agent, in 1871. Falls' numerous letters to the Auditor of the Treasurer and the Adjutant General of the Army set off the powder which blew up the 'Boyd Frauds' and resulted in Boyd going to the penitentiary for five years. Falls testified in U. S. Circuit Court that he was a member of Capt. Goldman Bryson's Company, which was immediately disputed by A. T. Payne, Lt. of Bryson's Company who took the stand and said that Falls was never in Bryson's Company. Benjamin Brannon also testified to the same. Falls' testimony of Union service was a bit incredible since he had two periods of service in the Confederate Army, apparently deserting from both enlistments. He enlisted as a volunteer on March 4, 1862 at Morganton, in Co. H, 52nd GA Inf. for three years. He enlisted Feb. 9, 1863 in Lumpkin Co., GA in Co. E. 25th Battalion, GA Inf. for 3 years. Falls was promoted to 4th Sgt. of Co. and Muster rolls for Feb 28, 1863 show Gilbert E. L. Falls present for duty. In a special sworn statement taken by A. B. Parkey, in the pension claim of former Union army officer, Lt. Nathan B. Long, Gilbert E. L. Falls admitted that he was in the Confederate Army with Long. L. B. Crawford, Morganton merchant and Postmaster also testified that he was in the Confederate Army with both Gilbert E. L. Falls and Lt. Nathan B. Long. Gilbert E. L. Falls was indicted at Atlanta at the March term 1873 charging that he had wrongfully and illegally withheld from Malinda Dover, widow of Michael Dover, one hundred and twenty dollars of pension money received by said Falls as local agent for Malinda Dover. An arrest warrant was issued for Falls on April 14, 1973 with bond of one thousand dollars which was posted by Falls. The case dragged on so long that it seems to have been worn out on the Docket and some five years after the original indictment was returned his attorney, L. J. Gartrell obtained a nol pros and on March 27, 1878, the case was dismissed. Malinda Dover had died by that time. Falls was also investigated for many other pension frauds, and was disbarred from practice before the Pensions Office, but he went right on collecting fees from the pensioners direct - he took one half of their first check! Special Agents in their reports of investigation seem to have regarded 'Dr.' Falls as a quack who, without medical training or license, took up the practice of medicine. Several of the agents said that his reputation was not good. Gilbert Falls, age 45 was on the 1850 Polk County, TN census with wife, Bathsheba, age 43, and sons, Gilbert, age 15 and Silas, 9. Gilbert, age 42 a physician, and wife Ruthelman, age 43, are on the 1880 Fannin County, GA census with children, Columbus, 20, James W., 13, Augustine M., 11, and Thomas W., 8. (S. O. 1375492)

Falls, John B., Pvt. Co L, 9th TN Cav. Union Army Vols. from October 4, 1863 to Sept. 11, 1865. He lived at Sweet Gum, Fannin County GA, but was married at Ducktown, Polk County, TN on January 15, 1866 to Artitis A. Stansbury. John B. Falls filed claim for pension on April 22, 1890 which was granted at $12 per month from October15, 1890. He died January 1, 1910. The widow filed claim and received $12 per month from February 2, 1910. She died September 7, 1914. Children of John G. and Artitis Stansbury Falls were Marion, born March 26, 1864, Mary L. December 24, 1867, James October 27, 1870 and William, April 4, 1880. (S. C. 699981)

Fox, John, Pvt. Co. C, 5t TN Cav. Union Army Vols. September 1, 1862 to June 25, 1866. He had post offices at Morganton, Vanzandt's Store & Newport in Fannin County, Talking Rock in Pickins County, GA and Copperhill, Polk County, TN. He filed for pension May 27, 1879, saying he was born March 18, 1841 in Haywood County, NC. He married Martha Carson, but gave no date. She died September 28, 1880. He married 2nd Mary Louise Whisenhunt on February 28, 1884 in Polk County, TN and 3rd Jane Fox, no date, but divorced her August 10. 1904. Children of John Fox were John M., born August 5, 1885, Millie W. September 14, 1888 and Gertrude, July 7, 1890. (John was a brother of Robert and William Fox, whose files are also in the Barker papers, but are not listed as ever having lived in Polk County, except that their mother, Nancy Fox, had a Copperhill, Tennessee address when she filed for a dependent mother's pension. Their father was George Fox, and other children were Hugh H., Mary A., Rebecca A. and Lilly C. E.) Pension was granted at $8 per month from September 25, 1890.

Gambell, William, (African Descent) Pvt., Co. A, 44th U. S. colored Troops, enlisted March 7, 1864 at Chattanooga and died of smallpox in Military Hospital No. 11, Nashville, TN on January 31, 1865. His widow, Mariah Gambell, filed claim July 5, 1865, address, Benton, Polk County, TN, stating that she married the soldier on December 2, 1855 under slave custom law. A joint affidavit was made by James A. and W. A. Gambell on June 14, 1866 before R. M. McConnell, JP, Polk County in which they said that James A. Gambell was the former owner of William and Mariah Gambell, slaves. Pension was granted at $8 per month to Mariah Gambell from Jan. 31, 1865. She died December 1909. (W. C. 77 789)

Graham, James E., Pvt. co. D. 11th TN Cav., reorganized as Co. K, 9th Cav. Union Army Vols. from January 26, 1864 to September 11, 1865. Soldier enlisted Lee County, VA, age 18 (actually 15 years and 7 days old) and was honorably discharged at Knoxville, TN. He had lived at Ducktown, Polk County, Letitia and Ranger in Cherokee Co., NC. He filed claim for pension on August 10, 1881 and said he was born in the town of Benton, Polk County, TN January 19, 1849 and that he was a resident of Ball Play in Monroe County, TN when he enlisted. The soldier was captured by Confederate Troops less than one month after his enlistment, at Wireman's Mill, Lee County, Virginia, February 22, 1864 and was confined in Bell Island Prison, Richmond, VA. He was admitted to Military Hospital on April 16, 1864 and was paroled at City Point by Confederates on April 16, 1864. He was taken by boat to Baltimore to Jarvis Hospital, two days later, April 18, 1864. After rest in the hospital, he was granted a 30 day furlough from June 10 to July 10, 1864, to report to Camp Chase, Parole Camp, Ohio. He returned to his regiment in September 1864 and was transferred to newly organized Co. K, 9th TN Cav. March 24, 1865. James E. Graham married Sarah Jane Pratt in Knox County, TN in 1867; divorced from her in 1878. He married 2nd Laurina White in Benton, Polk County, Tennessee on February 22, 1880 by Calvin Hensley, JP. His children were John W., born January 8, 1870; Margaret, March 8, 1881; Arthur, August 4, 1883; Napoleon B., February 8, 1886; William E., April 23, 1888; Ernest, October 9, 1890; Dardist, January 19, 1893, (died March 8, 1914); Venora Lynn, October 20, 1898 and Roscoe, May 17, 1895 (died March 14, 1897.) Pension granted a $6 per month from August 10, 1881; $8 June 5, 1889; $10 December 10, 1890; $12 October 27, 1897; $14.50 May 29, 1912; $16.50 January 19, 1915; $30 June 10, 1918 and $38 January 19, 1921. James E. Graham died at Ranger, NC December 27, 1928 and is buried in the Methodist Churchyard at Ranger. Their markers read: James F. Graham, Co. D. 11th TN Cav. January 19, 1849 / December 27, 1928 and Laurania Graham, April 19, 1857/November 20, 1925. (Mrs. Graham was a younger sister of Sarah White, who first married Landa Thomas Bryant of the Union Army, and when he died, she married 2nd Jacob White, late of Union Army volunteers. (SC 281409)

Graham, Martin V., Pvt. Co. H, 4th TN Cav. Union Army Vols. August 14, 1863 to July 12, 1865. He received mail at Old Fort, Conasauga, Ocoee in Polk County, TN. He filed claim on August 17, 1888 and said he was born in Pickens District of SC on November 9, 1837. He married Martha Jane Ballew, daughter of David and Malinda Ballew on November 8, 1870 at Cookson Creek, Polk County, TN. No children are listed. He received pension of $6 per month from April 6, 1898; $8 from April 9, 1904; $10 March 31, 1905; $12 Jan. 16, 1907; $15 March 18, 1907; $20 Jan. 27, 1912 and $27 from June 3, 1912. Martin V. Graham died July 14, 1917 at Ocoee and his widow received $20 per month from August 9, 1917 and $25 from October 6, 1917. She died April 18, 1918. (WC 841119)

Graham, Napoleon B. (full name: Martin Napoleon Bonaparte Graham), Pvt. Companies C & F, 6th Indiana Cavalry, Union Army. He was born at Benton, Polk County TN June 14, 1846, enlisted in Co. C, 71st Indiana Volunteers June 11, 1863 at Indianapolis. Union Army Capt. J. H. Sands, certified that he was guardian for Napoleon B. Graham, a minor, and consented for his ward to enlist in the Union Army for a period of three years. Napoleon signed his own enlistment papers with a very bold hand. It appears that Napoleon Graham was a prisoner of war at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, having been captured by Union Army troops at Big Black River Mississippi May 17, 1863. The Confederate Archives show him as a 4th Corporal, Companies D and 3 59th TN Inf, enlisted at Knoxville by Capt. G. W. Gillespie of Polk County January 16, 1862 at age 18. He was detailed to shell corn May and June 1862. Promoted form Pvt. to 4th Corporal of Co. E., 59th TN. He was reported on Muster Roll of Co. E, 59th TN as lost on retreat of Regiment from Big Black River, Mississippi May 17, 1863. Union Army records show him captured on May 17, 1863 at Big Black Mississippi, sent to Memphis by the Memphis and Charleston RR and transferred to Camp Morton, Indianapolis. His Union Army service record show Pvt. Graham was transferred to Co. C., 6th Indiana Cavalry and from Co. C to 71st Indiana Infantry. His pay was docked .26 for a lost currycomb and .75 for a lost brush. Napoleon was absent from command June 22, 1864 while on scout duty and was captured by Confederates near Sweetwater in Gwinnett County, GA on July 23, 1864 while out foraging. He escaped and showed up in Indianapolis about May 1, 1865 and reported his escape as of April 26, 1865. He was transferred to Co. F from Co. C, Indiana Cavalry. He was mustered out at Indianapolis September 15, 1865 and received an honorable discharge. It appears from Confederate Archives that the father of Napoleon Graham also served in the Confederate Army with his son. William M. E. Graham, age 46 enlisted as a Pvt. in Co. D, 59th TN Infantry of the Confederate Army on January 10, 1862 at Knoxville. He was sent home to Monroe County, TN as too sick for duty May and June 1862 and was reported AWOL since June 31 (sic) 1862. He was discharged at Vicksburg, Mississippi as over-age March 22, 1863 and was sent home. The 1860 Federal Census of Monroe County TN 13th Civil Dist. Belltown shows W. E. Graham age 40 a shoemaker, born SC and M. A. age 32, wife, born NC. Children were M. N. B. (erroneously listed as a female) age 13, J. L., 6 born TN, Nancy A. Cooper, age 22 and Isabella Murphy, age 5. Napoleon B. Graham took the 1880 Census of the 8th Civil District of Polk County, Ducktown and listed himself as age 34, teaching school, and a trader born TN. His wife Stacey L. was 26, sons William H., age 5 and James R., age 1. Listed in the census next door was James L. Graham, age 31 and William Graham, 24 both miners at Ducktown mines. He was editor and publisher of the Ducktown Gazette in 1899. He married Stacey L. McMillian in Cherokee County, NC in December 1869 and she died May 20, 1908 at Madisonville in Monroe County, TN. Their children were William H., born August 1873, James R., July 1877 and Ed M., July 1880. He married 2nd Louise Hall June 14, 1910 and she died August 10, 1910 at Hibernia, Clay County, Florida. He married 3rd Laura Schoonover at Beaver City, Furnas County, Nebraska June 11, 1914. Laura had been previously married to Ezekial J. Potts of the 56th Ohio Regiment, Union Army in 1866, but Mr. Potts had died in 1879. She married 2nd William F. New, March 1, 1880 but he died February 1882. Her 3rd marriage was to John Watters on March 1887, he died March 12, 1906. Claim for pension was filed by Napoleon B. Graham on October 31, 1890 and he received $8 per month from October 31, 1890; $10 February 16, 1898; $12 June 16, 1908; $15 May 20, 1912; $17 June 14, 1912; $23 June 14, 1916; $30 June 10, 1918; $40 June 14, 1918; $50 May 1, 1920 and $72 July 7, 1921. Napoleon B. Graham was in the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Mountain branch at Johnson City, Washington County, TN. He was discharged August 13, 1908 and again September 26, 1911 and February 13, 1918. He died at Knoxville, Tennessee May 24, 1922. It appears from other records that in 1889, when a flood of Government checks arrived in the Sarah White pension a payable to her and to her brother-in-law, James E, Graham (brother of Napoleon) and guardian for Tom Bryant's son, John D. Bryant, a minor, that Napoleon borrowed money from both the widow White and the guardian and put in a large stock of goods in his store which was the "largest store between Murphy and Ducktown at Persimmon Creek." (SC 781650)

Green, George H. W., Pvt. Co. I, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. Union Army Vols. September 5, 1864 to June 26, 1865. He had lived at Fetzerton and Ocoee, Polk County, TN. He filed claim for pension on June 4, 1889 stating that he was born March 7, 1836 in Hendersonville, NC. He was the son of Ancel and Fannie Chastain Green.) He married Martha Reese (no date) and she died May 6, 1881. He married 2nd Josephine Millsaps, January 8, 1882. Their child was Abraham Lincoln Green, born May 16, 1903. George received $6 per month from June 4, 1889; $10 October 4, 1893; $17 January 2, 1907; $20 January 7, 1911 and $22.50 June 6, 1912. He died March 11, 1917 at Rt. 1, Ocoee, TN and is buried on his farm. (The cemetery has several other burials and was referred to as the Coxey Cemetery, now called the Lincoln Green cemetery, although Lincoln and his wife, Jennie Brock Green, are both buried in Benton Town cemetery.) His widow received $12 from June 3, 1917 and $25 from October 6, 1917, plus $2 for Abraham Lincoln Green, until he was 16. Josephine died August 13, 1943. (Vital stats for Polk County state that she was 82 years old, died 1945, and gives her parents as Joe Millsaps and Mary Beavers, both born Georgia.) (XC 2696565)

Hall, Jonathan H., Capt. Co. H, 10th TN Cav., Union Army Vols. from February 14, 1864 to December 28, 1864. He lived at Ducktown, Polk County, TN, and filed claim January 15, 1884. He received $5 per month from January 15, 1884; $10 from April 6, 1887; $20 from May 14, 1890 and $24 from August 5, 1891. He died February 17, 1900. His widow, Zilpha McLeod Hall filed claim for pension and furnished evidence of her marriage to the veteran in Union County, GA on November 27, 1845, but apparently died before the claim was completed. The file says they had seven children, but none were named.
(Editor's note: The 1870 Polk County Census, household # 60 Ninth Civil District lists Jonathan Hall, age 47, a lawyer, born NC, wife Zelpha age 44, also born NC; children: Hansel, 15; Mary, 14; Alice, 12; Susan, 10; Julius, 8; John, 7 and Sidney, 3. All the children are born in Georgia except the youngest who was born in TN. (Hansel and wife, Zilla (daughter of Calvin Coleman) are living next door to his parents in 1880.) The same family is listed in the 1850 Union County, GA census household # 1003 and the 1860 Fannin County, GA census household # 846. . The ages are really off and there are two older children, Melissa and William making a total of 9. (SC 459151)

Hamilton, Stephen J., Sgt. Co. F. 101st Indiana Inf., Union Army Volunteers. He had Post Offices at Assumption, Christian County, Illinois, Chestuee Mills, Polk County, and Cleveland, Bradley Co., TN. He filed claim for pension April 3, 1883 and July 19, 1890 stating that he was born in Rush County, Indiana on December 8, 1838. He married Josephine Wolfinbarger in 1859 in Wabash County, Indiana. Children were Frank B., born February 28, 1867, W. C., born January 27, 1869. His pension was for $6 per month from July 19, 1890; $8 July 5, 1904; $10 December 20, 1906; $12 March 18, 1907 and $15 December 12, 1908. He died January 27, 1911 at Cleveland, Tennessee. No widow was listed. (SC 550648)

Harmon, John, Pvt. Co. G, 3rd TN Cavalry, Union Army Volunteers from July 1, 1863 to August 3, 1865. He was captured by Confederate Troops under command of Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest at Sulphur Springs Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864 when the entire regiment surrendered to the famous Confederate Raider. John Harmon never filed for pension, dying in Polk County Tennessee October 25, 1881. His widow, Louisa Webster Harmon furnished evidence of her marriage to John Harmon on March 12, 1846 in Bradley County, Tennessee. She filed claim for pension on February 8, 1884 and gave her address as Red Clay, Whitfield County GA, but residing in Ocoee, Polk County, TN. (Her attorney, William Tucker lived at Red Clay.) Pension granted at $8 per month from October 25, 1881, increased to $12 plus $2 for each minor, William Sherman born July 15, 1866 and John Calvin born December 10, 1971 until they reached 16. Louisa died September 30, 1902. (WC 246137)

Headrick, John, Blacksmith, Co. B, 2nd TN Cav. Union Army Vols., served from August 5, 1862 to July 6, 1865. He lived at Conasauga and Route 1, Ocoee, Polk County TN. He filed claim for pension August 7, 1890 and said he was born in Blount County, TN on January 10, 1836. He married Rebecca Ann Saltz on December 28, 1861 in Sevier County, TN. Their children were Minerva Jane, born October 29, 1862; James, December 25, 1866; Alexander, December 10, 1868; Peonety Caroline, December 29, 1870; Rose Anna, April 8, 1973; Rebecca Louise, January 30, 1875; John Harvey, July 28, 1875; George Washington, February 4, 1880; Marion Clinton, March 8, 1882; William Henry, February 16, 1884 and Samuel Clifford, August 29, 1890. He received pension at $6 per month from April 6, 1898; $8 January 7, 1903; $10 April 12, 1904; $12, October 4, 1905; $15 June 10, 1907 and $30 June 4, 1912. John Headrick died September 26, 1914 at Spring Place, Murray County, Georgia.

Helton, James, claimed service as Pvt. Co. B, 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols. He lived at Ducktown, Polk County, TN. He filed claim on July 30, 1888. The Adjutant General's report to the commissioner on March 18, 1895 was that James Helton was never mustered into the Union Army and that he deserted April 17, 1865 from the Regiment at Gordon and Lee's Mill, Georgia and was due the US Army one carbine complete. His claim was rejected April 9 1895. (SO 666101)

Helton, Miles W., Pvt. Co. G, 10th TN Cav. Union Army Service Record: Enlisted at Knoxville, TN for three years beginning January 1, 1864. No residence shown. He deserted July 28, 1864 at Pulaski, TN said to have stolen one Army pistol. The muster roll for Co. for Nov. & Dec. 1864 show he was present for duty and also Jan. and Feb. 1865, present for duty. Muster out with Co. August 1, 1865; pay due from June 30 1864 to August 31, 1864. The Adjutant General said on Sept. 1, 1887 that the charges of desertion are removed and granted honorable discharge. The soldier was AWOL July 28 to September 25, 1864. Helton lived at Wolf Creek in Cherokee County NC and Benton, Polk County, TN. He filed claim for pension August 10, 1870 with J. B. Fain and Joshua Pack as witnesses on the declaration for pension. Miles Helton was married to Mary Ann Carter in Fannin County GA on November 22, 1857. No children were listed in the records. (Editor's note: Mary Ann was the daughter of Frederick and Margaret Carter who were in the 1850 Polk County census.) Drs. John W. Patton and Benjamin Mayfield examined the veteran on July 21, 1870 and reported their findings in writing: In this file is the claims jacket of a man named "Washington Helton" same service as Miles W. Helton, who filed claim for pension on July 31, 1883 and was assigned the number SO 491328. Address given was Conasauga, Polk County, TN. This claim was sworn to before W. W. Dodd, County Court Clerk of Polk County TN on July 31, 1883. The exact date of enlistment and discharge are left blank. The applicant, whoever he was, claimed the loss of two fingers by gunshot wound. He was examined by Dr. E. L. Anderson, Cleveland TN who reported no evidence of gunshot wound, and no disability. Drs. John W. Patton and Benjamin Mayfield made no mention of gunshot wounds in their examination of Miles W. Helton on July 21, 1870. The claim is stamped "ABANDONED" with a large rubber stamp. In the file is an affidavit by the veteran in which he says that on January 25, 1890 eighteen years ago, he employed J. B Fain to get his pension and that Mr. Fain swindled the government and was disbarred from practice before the pension office. He said that he turned over his discharge from the Army to Fain and had never been able to get it back. Pension granted to Miles Helton for $12 per month form January 19, 1892. Miles died April 29, 1900 at Dare in Bradley County TN. Claim filed by the widow on May 4, 1900, but payment was withheld because of reports that her husband had served in the Confederate Army. Attorney Wm. F. Duncan of Chatata, Bradley County, TN seems to have raised the question of Rebel Service of Miles Helton while pretending to be the local agent or attorney for the widow. It appears that Duncan was attempting to prevent the payment of a pension to the widow and while he was unsuccessful, he did cause considerable delay. Duncan wrote to the Commissioner on Sept. 25, 1900 that he had been unable to ascertain the Confederate Service of Miles W. Helton, and that the widow said her husband had no Confederate Army Service and that he had been confused with his brother, George Washington Helton. The widow cited the acquittal of Miles W. Helton in the US District Court on an indictment charging violation of Revenue Laws, because of mistaken identity, it being George Washington Helton, the Federal Grand Jury intended to indict for making whiskey without a license and paying tax. Duncan urged the Commissioner to send a Special Agent to investigate the claim of the widow. He enclosed a letter he had written to Elias Milton Kilpatrick, Jr. a Ducktown merchant, Postmaster, etc., and during the war, Confederate Conscript Officer for the Hiawassee area of Polk County, Tennessee regarding alleged Rebel Army Service of Miles W. Helton. Kilpatrick replied by endorsement to the effect that he did not recall any Confederate Army service by Miles W. Helton and that Helton's name did not appear on any of Kilpatrick's Rolls of Confederate conscriptions. (Miles, or Milus, Helton's name does not appear on the Consolidated Index of Confederates in the Archives of the Adjutant General, U. S. Army and the Commissioner was so advised October 12, 1900.) The Confederate Archives does show the enlistment of George W. Helton in Company F, 19th TN Infantry CSA September 9, 1861 at Cumberland Gap for twelve months as a volunteer. He was slightly wounded at Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862 (no details.) Muster Roll of Co. March 11, 1863 at Shelbyville, TN shows George W. Helton present and to deduct $1.45 from his pay for four days AWOL. He reenlisted at Corinth, Mississippi for two years (or war) on May 10, 1863. His name was dropped from the rolls July and August 1863. In an affidavit before A. B. Nicholson, Notary Public, Polk County, TN, Jan. 28, 1901, William E. Cross stated that he was 67 years old and lived near Benton, the County seat. He said that he had known Miles W. Helton for 47 years and was working with Helton in the coal and wood yard at Ducktown when the war broke out. Two years after the war started, Tom Helton, David Cross, Miles W. Helton, Joseph and Jacob Cross were arrested by a Confederate Conscript Officer named *"Coot" Ray and sent to a Rebel Regiment at or near Shelbyville, Tennessee. He said all escaped but that Tom and Miles Helton were captured and taken back, escaped again, and Miles Helton then joined the 10th TN Cav. Union Army. (*Coot Ray was actually 2nd Lt. Robert Rhea, Co. F., 19th TN Inf. detached on special duty as Conscript Officer prior to his death in action with Union Army pickets on June 17, 1863 near Shelbyville, TN. Rhea was a son of Stephen Rhea of Cherokee Co., NC) William E. Cross said that Miles Helton never was a volunteer in the Confederate army and had never been married but once, to Mary Ann Carter, and that she had not remarried since he had died. William made no mention of Alexander Helton being in the Confederate Army or of his relationship, if any to the other Helton boys, but the Muster Rolls of Co. F, 19th TN Inf. CSA show his enlistment at Knoxville on Nov. 8, 1862 for 3 years. Muster Roll of Co. dated May 11, 1863 near Shelbyville says 'Deserted', (no date.) His record further shows that he took the Oath at Chattanooga on March 9, 1864 and gave his residence as Polk County, TN. Thomas Helton, Private, Co. F, 19th TN Inf. CSA enlisted the same day as Alexander Helton, Knoxville, TN on November 8, 1862. Muster Roll of Co., dated May 11, 1863 near Shelbyville, TN report him present and to deduct $1.45 for 4 days AWOL. This is the end of his record, nothing further found. David Cross, Pvt. Co. F., 19th TN Inf. CSA enlisted Cleveland, TN Feb. 25, 1863 for 3 years, no further record found. Joseph Cross in the same Company with David Cross enlisted same day at Cleveland, TN and nothing further is shown regarding him. Likewise, Jacob Cross enlisted with Joseph Cross in the same Company and on the same day, with his record ending right there, no further entries.
So, from the above it appears that the records show:
Miles W. Helton: No service in the Confederate Army.
George W. Helton: Enlisted at Cumberland Gap, Co. F, 19th TN Inf. September 9, 1861.
. Alexander Helton: Co F. 19th TN Inf. enlisted Knoxville, TN, November 8, 1862..
Thomas Helton: Co. F, 19th TN Inf. enlisted Knoxville, TN, November 8, 1862..
David Cross: Co. F, 19th TN Inf., enlisted at Cleveland, TN, February 25, 1863..
Jacob Cross: Co. F, 19th TN Cav., enlisted Cleveland, TN, February 25, 1863.
Joseph Cross: Co. F, 19th TN Inf., enlisted Cleveland, TN, February 25, 1863. .
.
It appears that George W. Helton subsequently served in the Union Army..
George W. Helton: Pvt, Co. B. 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols. He enlisted at Cleveland, Tennessee on August 24, 1864 at age 34, born Hamilton County, TN. Occupation, blacksmith. He deserted from camp at Cleveland on December 1, 1864. He was charged with one Smith Carbine, complete..

James Helton: Pvt. Co. B, 5th Mtd. Inf., enrolled February 14, 1865 at Cleveland, TN, age 18. Muster out roll of Company at Nashville, July 13, 1865 reports him as a deserter at Gordon's Mills, GA on April 17, 1865 and he is charged with one Smith Carbine complete. James Helton, address Ducktown, Polk County, TN filed a claim for pension on July 30, 1888 stating that he was a Pvt. in Co. B, 5th TN Mtd. Inf., His claim # was SO 666101. Jacob Cross, on October 7, 1888, said he was in the same Company in the Union Army with James Helton and that Helton took mumps in March 1865 at Cleveland and was sent home by the Doctor. He stated that James lost his hearing and had to hire his cattle hunted because he could not hear the cowbells on them. Adjutant General of the Army said on March 18, 1895 that James Helton was never mustered in the service of the United States and his claim for pension was rejected April 9, 1895. Jacob Cross also served in the Union Army subsequent to his service in the Confederate Army. He was a Pvt., Co. B., 5th TN Mtd. Inf. stating he was age 31 and a resident of Polk County TN. He enlisted at Cleveland, TN on September 22, 1864 for 12 months. Muster out roll of Company at Nashville reports him as a deserter at Gordon's Mill, GA, April 20, 1865 charged with one Smith Carbine and one horse with equipment. On August 27, 1888, the Adjutant General f the Army denied an application for removal of the charges of desertion. There is a notation in the service record jacket of April 7, 1894 that the entry of March 3, 1871 directing the Commanding General, Department of the South to dishonorably discharge this soldier as of April 20, 1865 is cancelled, the final record of the soldier is that of a deserter.

(Pension case of Miles W. Helton resumed) Mary Ann Carter Helton, widow of Miles W. Helton late Pvt. co. G, 10th TN Cav. was granted a pension of $8 a month from May 4, 1900. She died June 25, 1915 at RFD 1, Charleston, Bradley County, TN.

Hensley, Calvin L. Pvt. Co. G, 8th TN Cav., Union Army Vols., March 1, 1864 to September 11, 1865. He lived at Ducktown, Polk County, TN and field claim for pension April 9, 1890 saying he was born in McDowell Co., NC June 7, 1829. He was married to Dicey Evaline Dale in Cherokee County, NC on April 7, 1850 by Henry Moss, JP. She died January 21, 1898. Calvin married 2nd, Eliza Ann Richards (no date) and she died July 6, 1906. Calvin married 3rd Callie Bates Thompson on august 18, 1907. Her former husband, J. L. Thompson was born August 12, 1862 and died May 19, 1893. Children of Calvin L. Hensley were: Mary A., born January 26, 1851; William J., 1853; John, 1855; J. C., 1857; Joseph, 1860; J. D., 1862; C. J., 1864; Emma, 1867; Thomas A., 1870 and Allas E., 1875. (Someone had written on this list, "That is the crop!") Pension received at $12 per month form July 18, 1890 but dropped form the rolls January 26, 1894 saying he was not disabled. Pension was resumed at $12 per month form July 23, 1894 and $20 per month from February 28, 1907. Calvin Hensley died at Unaka, Cherokee County, NC on April 11, 1910. No claim was filed by the widow. (SC 590891)

Hooker, Cornelius S., Pvt. Co. E, 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols. from September 23 1864 to July 23, 1865. He lived at Fetzerton and Conasauga in Polk county, TN. He filed claim for pension July 23, 1890 and said he was born in Sevier County, Tennessee in 1819. He married Ellen Hyde August 7, 1865 in Bradley County, Tennessee. No children were listed. He received pension of $12 per month from July 23, 1890. He died March 23, 1903. His widow received $8 a month from June 11, 1903 until she died February 9, 1908. (WC 564585)

Hughes, Thomas J., Pvt. Co. E, 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols. August 17, 1864 to June 26, 1865. He died February 27, 1884 and never filed for pension. A claim was filed by his widow, Mary Ellen Copeland Hughes, of Fetzerton, Polk County, TN on November 10, 1890. She furnished proof of her marriage to Thomas J. Hughes on September 5, 1869 in Bradley County, TN. Children listed were: William, born June 22, 1876; Evaline, born November 6, 1878 and Julia, born March 16, 1882. The widow received $8 per month from July 31, 1890 plus $2 each for the minors under 16. It was increased to $20 per month from September 8, 1916. Mary Ellen Copeland Hughes died September 2, 1926 at Route 1, Ocoee, Polk County, Tennessee. (WC 342216)

Hyde, Cornelius M. of Ducktown, Tennessee was a Pvt. Co. G, 11th TN Cav., enlisting at Loudon, September 21, 1863 and deserting at Cumberland Gap, April 3, 1864. He was a Corporal, Co. D, 7th Mtd. Inf. November 16, 1864 to July 27, 1865. Hyde filed claim for pension on May 11, 1872 and said he was born on September 6, 1846 at Ducktown. He claimed a gunshot wound on the right thigh which was received from Confederate Guerrilla attacking Athens, McMinn County January 28, 1865. Cornelius M. Hyde married Nancy Catherine Elliott in Polk County on January 6, 1867. Children were: Sarah, born October 11, 1869; Nancy L., June 12, 1871; Elizabeth, February 14, 1873; Mollie, February 11, 1875; John H., September 16, 1877; Thomas M., March 14, 1879; L. Benjamin, December 17, 1880; Dovey, January 29, 1883; Martha, November 21, 1884 and Willie, May 2, 1891. Special Agent E. L. Weaver from the Bureau of Pensions conducted an extended inquiry in this case in May 1884 and recommended admission of Hyde to the pension rolls. He received $4 per month from July 28, 1865; $6 from June 20, 1888; $12 from July 17, 1890; $14 June 20, 1912; $16 from September 6, 1912; $20 from September 6, 1916; $30 from June 10, 1918 and $35 from September 6, 1918. Cornelius M. Hyde died at Grassy Creek, Polk County, TN on August 17, 1920. He was a contractor and at one time was Agent for the Tennessee Copper Company. The widow, Nancy, received $30 a month from September 18, 1920 stating that she was born January 6, 1844 in Gilmer County, Georgia. Nancy died October 11, 1924. John L. Hyde appears in the file as the brother of Cornelius M. Hyde. (WC 911049)

Hyde, William B., Pvt., Co. E. 5th TN Mtd. Inf., Union Army Vols., September 25, 1864 to June 26, 1865. He lived at Fetzerton, Polk County, Tennessee. Hyde filed claim for pension July 22, 1890. He married Lucinda C. Carrell on October 24, 1848 in Gilmer County, GA. No children were listed in the file. He received $12 per month from July 22, 1890 and died April 30, 1895. His widow received $8 per month from May 14, 1895. She died in 1896, exact date not in file. (WC 424457)

Martin, Jeremiah C., Capt. Co. D, First Tennessee Light Artillery, Union Army Vols., August 1, 1863 to February 22, 1865. He lived at Coker Creek and Epperson in Monroe County, TN and in the 8th Civil District of Polk County before the war. He filed claim for pension on May 15, 1885. He married Mary L. Witt on September 26, 1858 by Rev. Elijah Clayton at Springtown, Polk County, TN. No children are named, but Callie and Nora A. Martin appear in the pension file as daughters of Jeremiah C. and Mary L. Martin. Pension was received at $15 per month from May 15, 1885 and $20 from June 11, 1890. Jeremiah Martin died of a stroke on March 24, 1898 at Coker Creek and is buried in Ironsburg Cemetery. During the war, he was a Recruiting Officer in Polk County and vicinity for Andrew Johnson, Military Governor of Tennessee in 1863 and was a Captain in the Union army. He was captured by Confederate troops during the Battle of Rogersville, Tennessee on November 6, 1863 and was a prisoner of war for almost one year. He was sent to Lynchburg and from there to the dreaded Libby Prison in Richmond, but was transferred to Macon, GA on May 7, 1864 and escaped prison at Columbia, SC November 4, 1864. He rejoined his Regiment, but his resignation to provide and care for his family was accepted February 22, 1865. J. C. Martin's family moved back and forth from Coker Creek to Maryville, Blount County, TN, so many times that they escaped the census taker in 1870 and 1880.

Note on the Captain Goldman Bryson frauds: J. C. Martin was very active in the investigation of the fraud in the substitute Muster Rolls of Capt. Bryson's Company (Bryson being dead-killed by Indians October 28, 1863) and the name of J. C. Martin appears on the back of Capt. W. H. Clapp's notes as one of Clapp's informers. Later, J. C. Martin appears as a sort of part time Special Agent for the Pension bureau in running down frauds on a per diem basis.

Jeremiah's widow, Mary L. Martin, filed claim for pension on April 5, 1898 and said she married Jeremiah Martin on September 26, 1858. She was granted a pension of $8 per month sent to Coker Creek and later Ironsburg. On September 1, 1899, an unsigned letter was mailed from Epperson to the Commissioner of Pensions. This letter charged that J. C. Martin had served in the Confederate Army in the 36th TN Inf. and that N. B. Witt of Servilla, Polk County, TN was an officer in the same company with J. C. Martin. On January 18, 1900, some 4 and 1/2 months later, Special Agent Thomas R. Hardwick came from Chattanooga and took the testimony of N. B. Witt in which Witt said he was Third Lt. in Capt. J. B. Brock's Co. F, 36th TN Inf., Confederate Army, same being organized at Benton, Polk county, TN. He stated that J. C. Martin, his cousin by marriage, was forced to join the Company (as others were) although J. C. Martin was actually a Union man. He said that Martin went as far as Knoxville with the Company and then deserted after about two weeks. The widow Mary L. Martin told about the same story and said that the Martin family was surrounded by Rebels and that her husband realized that his family would be molested unless he joined the Confederate Army. The name of Mary L. Martin was dropped from the pension rolls at Knoxville on March 29, 1900, after the usual thirty days notice, because J. C. Martin had been disloyal to the United States. The Confederate Archives show that J. C. Martin, age 21, a resident of Polk County, enlisted in Capt. Ivin B. Brock's Co. F, 36th TN Inf. at Cleveland, Bradley County, TN January 12, 1862 for a period of 12 months. No further Confederate records found on J. C. Martin. Mary Martin was restored to the pension rolls by the joint resolution of Congress July 1, 1902. She received $12 per month from March 24, 1898, less previous payments and $20 from September 8, 1916.Mary Martin died July 25, 1918. (WC 468895)

Mathis, William R., Pvt. Co. H, 10th TN Cav., Union Army Vols. from February 8, 1864 to August 1, 1865. Post offices were Ducktown, Polk County, Tennessee and Skeinah and Paynter in Fannin County, Georgia. Mathis filed claim for pension on April 11, and September 11, 1876 and said he was born in Jackson County, NC November 26, 1833. He moved to Georgia on December 8, 1857. He claimed a pension for sore eyes contracted while serving as a Courier and Scout for the Tenth TN Cav. at Pulaski, Tennessee in 1864. Mathis was married to Susan C. Mears on March 6, 1866. She died November 2, 1872. He married 2nd to Louisa White at Ducktown, Tennessee on February 8, 1873. Since the Courthouse at Benton was destroyed by fire on September 26, 1894, no marriage record exists. Children of William R. Mathis are listed as: Sheridan S., born September 6, 1868; Lisa, October 30, 1871; May J., May 16, 1875; Vilus, September 6, 1877; J. M., May 5, 1880; Laura, October 5, 1882; Alice, April 7, 1885; W. L., May 5, 1888; Dissie B., May 16, 1892 and Hattie E., April 13, 1895. Pension granted at $2 per month from August 1865 but was suspended September 5, 1887. Rumors coming from Gilmer County, GA June 9, 1887. Special field Examiner J. B. Steed sent the commissioner of Pensions testimony he had taken on June 8 at Skeinah, Fannin County, GA and Gaddistown, Union County, to the general effect that the pension claim of William R. Mathis was a fraud. L. D. Wright, 45, Clementh Cavender, 60, James A. Cavender 35, and Eliza Crown, 56, said that Mathis, the pensioner, had sore eyes before the war; had been in the Rebel Army; chased after lewd women (the Frady girls from Jackson County, NC) had had a venereal disease; was a habitual drunkard; fox hunted all night and ran a moonshine or blockade still for former Lieutenant Nathan B. Long, who, himself had been Conscript Officer for the Rebels and then was a contract rural mail carrier. The file does not show the fact that Nathan B. Long has also been sheriff of Union County, GA from September 1865 to September 1868. Special examiner, J. B. Steed was back in this case on August 31, September 1,2,3, 1887 taking 59 pages of testimony from 22 witnesses at Skeinah, Morganton as follows: W. R. Mathis, 53, the claimant; Barney Painter, 41 formerly with Co. H., 10th TN Cav. Union Army; Cynthia Painter, 65; Sarah E. Tanner, 58; Louisa Painter, 39; A. P. Davis, 40; W. J. Beaver, 40, formerly in Co. E, 2nd GA Inf. with W. R. Mathis; R. M. Chastain, 47; T. J. Bivins, 44; W. A. Morris 49; R. H. Davis, 35; E. J. Davis, 45; Sarah A. Davis, 37; Margaret Davis, 66; Elizabeth Wright, 46; J. W. Wright, 53; Aaron Warren, 54; C. R. Woody, 57 and J. W. Mears, 36. Former Confederate Captain Thomas R. Trammel, 53, of Morganton, an attorney, testified that he met William R. Mathis on Christmas Day 1857, when Mathis first came to Georgia from Jackson County, NC. He said that he saw Mathis several times while he was in the Confederate Army and had a brother and several relatives in the same Company with Mathis (Co. E, 2nd GA Inf.) L. D. Wright, 45, was cross-examined by Mathis and his former testimony against Mathis appears to have been impeached. Mathis, the pensioner, in his testimony said that 80 year old A. H. Kee (an uncle of L. D. Wright) had worked up the proof in his claim for pension and when it was allowed, demanded $90. He said that he paid Kee $25 and refused to pay him another nickel. From Atlanta on September 5, 1887, Steed reported to the Commissioner that the charges against William R. Mathis were baseless and not supported by proof. He further stated that the Frady girls were not lewd women and that Mathis was a regular member of a local church and had a good reputation. Steed did recommend further inquiry in Jackson County, NC. Special Examiner, A. B. Casselman of Asheville made an investigation in Jackson County on October 20, 1887 calling witnesses: David Rogers, 57 of Cullowhee; James M Hooper, 68 and Roland A. Painter also of Cullowhee; Hazeltine Mathis, 48, wife of John Mathis and a sister of William R. Mathis (this is what she said, but sound wrong to me, maybe she meant sister-in-law?) She testified that William R. Mathis left Jackson County two years before the Civil War and that he was 21 years old at that time and in excellent health. Isam Love, 56, (colored) testified that he was a former slave and that he played with William R. Mathis when they were small boys. He said that upon the death of his master, he was taken to Fannin County, GA, and was there the slave of Jason Chastain. He said that while he was in Fannin County that William R. Mathis married a daughter of Jackson Mears and that he, Isam Love, saw them married. A fourth investigation was held with Special Examiner, L. D. Carman at Taylor, Texas on August 12, 1889, and the testimony of Capt. Thomas J. Morris, formerly of Co. #, 2nd GA Inf. Confederate Army of Bluff Dale, Erath County, Texas. Capt. Morris, said he was age 27, (but surely must have been older to have been in Bull Run), testified that William R. Mathis was in the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) in July 1861 and was later in the Battle of Chickamauga (near Chattanooga) in September 1863, when Mathis had his little finger shot off.

Note:.
The 1870 Federal census of Erath Co. TX shows Thomas J. Morris, age 28, born North Carolina, his wife Mary M. born GA, Eugene D., age 1 born GA, and in the same household Andrew L. Greenwood, age 16 and J. Samuel Greenwood, age 13, both born GA.

The Confederate Archives show that W. R. Mathis, Pvt. Co. E., 2nd GA Inf., enlisted at Morganton, Fannin County, GA, August 17, 1861 for two years. He was in General Hospital, Camp Winder, Richmond, VA October 18, 1862 to October 31, 1862. He was in Receiving and Wayside Hospital No. 9, Richmond, VA March 19, 1863 and in General Hospital at Farmville, VA May 7, 1862 to July 28, 1862. He was AWOL since March 1, 1864. On receipt of the pension file in Washington from L. D. Carman, no action appears to have been taken for some two years. On July 20, 1891, a reviewer of claims named Macauley wrote, "Reject" but it was not until November 9, 1891 that William R. Mathis was dropped from the rolls at the agency for paying pensions at Knoxville, TN. The pension of William R. Mathis appears to have been restored at $12 per month form July 28, 1890; $16 per month from June 20, 1912 an $20 per month from November 26, 1912. Dr. Gilbert E. L. Falls at Morganton, prepared a number of affidavits for Mathis. William R. Mathis died at Dahlonega, Lumpkin Co. GA on August 21, 1915 or October 21, 1915 (both dates appear.) His widow, Louisa White Mathis drew $12 per month from November 15, 1915. She died at Orange, Cherokee County, GA on February 19, 1925. (WC 810974)

Maynor, William M. (Britt), Pvt., Co. D. 47th KY Inf., Union Army Vols,. July 3, 1863 to December 26, 1864. Lived Welch, Stecoah, Japan, Graham Co., and Bushnell, Swain Co., NC. (Editor's Note: We include Britt Maynor because the editor's husband's grandfather, James Monroe Maynor was born in Stecoah, Graham County, NC in 1876 and we think Britt may be related and hope someone out there can help with this line of Maynors.) William M. Maynor filed claim for pension June 8, 1881. He married Mary J. Hyde on July 1, 1855 in Cherokee County, NC by Abe Taylor, JP. Children were Mary, born October 5, 1857; Mahalay 1860; Sarah J., 1863; *Gincy, 1866; Joel, 1870; Rosetta, 1877; Ida, 1880 and Clara, 1885. (*Gency Jane Rosetta Buckner was the mother of Jobe Allen Maynor, father of James Monroe, so the naming of William M.'s children may denote a strong relationship to Jobe and Jobe named his first son William.) S. M. Arnell, G. E. Reilly, J. E. Armstrong and F. A. Stockledger and several others all made inquiries in this case. Arnell took depositions in Graham County from David E. Hyde, Joel L. Crisp, Isaac Sawyer and Albert Walker. Pension was granted at $12 per month from July 22, 1890; $15 from March I, 1907 and $20 March 24, 1908. William M. Maynor died August 23, 1909 and his widow, Mary, received $12 per month from October 1, 1909; $20 September 8, 1916; $30 May 1, 1920; $50 August 4, 1926 and $45 from July 1, 1933. Her post office was Japan, Graham County, NC. Mary died at Wesser Creek, June 16, 1934 and is buried at Painter (Panther) Creek Cemetery. (XC 923732)

Montgomery, Elijah, Sgt. Co. F, 2nd TN Cav., Union Army Vols. August 1, 1862 to July 6, 1865. He lived at Ducktown, Polk County and Postell, Cherokee County, NC. He filed claim August 9, 1881 and said he was born in Burke County, NC December 18, 1840. He married Eliza Taylor, April 29, 1866 by J. Leander McDowell, JP in Cherokee County, NC. Their children were: Ella Susan (Hogshead) born July 16, 1867; Sherman, February 3, 1869; Delia (Suit) May 29, 1871; Emma (Quinn) May 26, 1873 and Quincy, July 3, 1877. Pension received at $4 per month from August 9, 1881; $6 February 24, 1886; $8 September 17, 1890; $10 August 1, 1900; $12 April 5, 1907; $15 January 19, 1911; $24 June 17, 1912; $30 December 18, 1915; $40 June 10, 1918 and $50 May 1, 1920. Elijah died June 3, 1928 at Postell, NC (Note: there is also a Postelle, Tennessee.) (SC 284677)

Montgomery, Isaac, Pvt. Co. F, 2nd TN Cav. Union Army Vols. enlisted at Maryville, TN, August 1, 1862 for three years. Reported fell out of ranks on retreat from Cumberland Gap, being left sick at Flat Lick, KY September 29, 1862. His widow filed claim for pension for herself and 4 minor children on August 27, 1867 with a post office address of Ducktown, Polk County, Tennessee. She stated that she married Isaac T. Montgomery on January 23. 1851 in Cherokee County, NC by Squire W. Butler Nelson, JP and that her maiden name was Mary Simonds. Their children were Eliza A. born September 6, 182; Elijah A., September 10, 1855; Jonothan A., April 11, 1858 and Harriett J., October 6, 1860. Her original claim was signed with her cross mark, indicating that she was unable to read or write. The claim was attested by J. R. Simonds, her brother and by James Voyles. The allegation was made that Isaac T. Montgomery died of wounds inflicted by Confederate soldiers at Flat Lick, KY with the statement, "See muster roll of company." Pension granted at $8 per month plus $2 for the minors, approved May 20, 1872 with $8 to the widow to begin September 30, 1862 and the $2 to each child to begin July 25, 1866. The widow and the children were dropped from the rolls in Knoxville April 19, 1875, Special agent M. E. Jenks came to Cherokee County, NC with this case and several others and on March 12th and 13th, 1875 conducted inquiry. Mary Simonds told the Special Agent that her husband came home from Kentucky in the fall of 1862 and said he had been cut off from his Regiment and could not return to his command. She said that he was shot and killed by Rebels in the yard of the home of Enoch Farmer in August 1863, following a fight at the Shallow Ford on the Hiwassee River. She said that he was killed about two miles from his own home on Persimmon Creek, where she presently lived and that he was buried at the Persimmon Creek Baptist Church yard. Mary stated that she was unaware of statements made by Mr. Truitt and her brother, John Simonds, regarding circumstances of the death of her husband, since she was unable to read or write and did not know what they wrote down on the declaration. Tomas Payne and Ephriam M. Deaver, both formerly in Co. F, 2nd TN Cavalry with Montgomery, and Calvin C. Vest, late Sheriff of Cherokee County and a former Sergeant of Co; L, 9th TN Cavalry of the Union Army were in agreement that Montgomery came home from Kentucky after being left sick at Flat Lick and was subsequently killed by Confederates following a fight at the Shallow Ford, the Union men retreating in great disorder and confusion. Emeline (Mrs. John) Headrick was too ill to testify, and subsequently died. She was the remarried widow of the late Enoch Farmer and it was in her front yard that Isaac T. Montgomery was shot to death by pursuing Rebels, some twelve years before. James Voyles must have been present because a statement from him is in the record saying that Montgomery was shot and killed as stated by Mrs. Headrick and that he could not say that Montgomery was unable to return to his command in Kentucky because it depended on how bad Montgomery wanted to rejoin his regiment. Calvin C. Vest in his deposition said at the time Montgomery was killed that Montgomery and others had gotten together under Captain Goldman Bryson to fight Rebels but that Bryson's men were loosely organized and had not yet been mustered in to the Union Army. Bryson's men were called out to fight Confederates from Colonel McKenzie's 5th TN Confederate Cavalry. Special Agent Jenks made his report to the commissioners stating that in his opinion Montgomery was a deserter and the widow should be dropped from the rolls. However application was made for restoration in 1886 and Special Agent A. B. Casselman began another inquiry and discovered that three other men from Cherokee County were with Montgomery and had also been left sick at Flat Lick, KY September 29, 1862. They were Thomas J. Payne, Moses F. Reece and Amos Tallent, and that all four men, walking some 300 miles reached Cherokee County, NC safely. Payne said that the Captain of C o. F, 2nd TN Cav. Gave them permission to fall out of the retreat because they were too ill to travel. When they had rested some, they started west again and on the 2nd day, reached the house of John Reece, brother of Moses Reece at Sudan KY, he taking them to Barbourville, KY to find a pilot to their command. Being unsuccessful, they came home after some weeks spent on the road and in Scott County, Tenenssee, a Union stronghold. Once home, they lay out in the brush to escape the Rebels. Captain Goldman Bryson had organized a Union Company of Cherokee County and vicinity, but that same had not yet (fall 1862) been mustered into the Union Army, bunching up when danger was present and scattering to their homes when it was over. Payne said that he and Tallent subsequently joined Capt. Pete (Enoch) Voyles' Company G., 3rd TN Mtd. Inf. for 100 days in mid-summer 1864. Casselman reported to the Commissioner that in his opinion, Montgomery, Tallent, Reece and Payne were all deserters and the claim was rejected December 13, 1886. William Perry Payne who served in the same Company with Montgomery had his claim investigated some two years later and a special act of congress for the relief of Payne was approved. The brother of widow Montgomery, John R. Simonds, joined Co. F, 2nd TN Cav. at Maryville on the same day, August 1, 1862 with his brother-in-law, Isaac T. Montgomery and was a Scout, Pilot and Recruiting Officer for C o. I, 10th TN Cav. To which he was transferred on December 25, 1863. He afterwards served as Postmaster at Persimmon creek and as Representative from Cherokee County in the North Carolina General Assembly. He died June 29, 1882 from a series of ailments resulting from his service in the Union Army and is buried on a ridge alone near his old home not far from Bear Paw & Swanson Church cemeteries. (WC 158037)

Moore, Alonzo L., Cpl., Co. F, 5th TN Mtd. Inf. Union Army Volunteers, January 1, 1865 to July 17, 1865 from Ducktown, TN, filed claim September 10, 1870, but did not state where he was born or his age. Physicians who made certificates in this case were Drs. J. W. Patton and Benjamin Mayfield , Isaac Owens, S. M. Hunter and Adolphus Brooks. Alonzo was married first to Casandra Moore, no date given, and divorced her on March 3, 1887; married 2nd to Jane Bates on March 8, 1887 five days after his divorce. His children were James B., born March 1, 1887, Helen, December 15, 1888, Myrtle, October 17, 1890, Floyd, March 9, 1893, Ethel, January 19, 1895 and Claude, August 9, 1897. Pension granted at $6 per month from July 18, 1865; $8 from June 1, 1882 and $30 from September 26, 1884. Alonzo L. Moore died June 4, 1897 at Ducktown. Drs. L. E. Kimsey and J. M. Postelle signed the death certificate in 1897. Jane Bates Moore, his widow, was granted a pension of $8 per month from June 5, 1897, plus $2 each for minor children under 16 years of age. She died at Ducktown on August 11, 1932. (WC 453715)

Note: For $1 and a SASE we will be happy to copy and send to you the index of names that are contained in the Barker Papers. Send to PCHGS, P.O. Box 636, Benton, 37307. We have only excerpted here those names that have Polk County connections, but many others are in the files.