Abstracts of some Civil War Questionnaires with Obion County Connections
Abstract by jpruett [at] gateway [dot] net, Joan Pruett

Between 1915 and 1922, the state of Tennessee sent to its soldiers a Tennessee Civil War Veterans Questionnaire giving them an opportunity to share their perceptions of the Old South, the Civil War, and the post-bellum world. There were 1,650 respondents. Each of the questionnaires constituted a short, uniform autobiography, and included questions about the soldier, his family, his parents, how they lived, etc. A copy of the full questionnaire can be obtained from the Tennessee State Library and Archives. For the most part, the questionnaires were completed by the soldier himself and in his own handwriting.

• Adams, J. M., lived in Kenton, TN, age 77, when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Dyer Co. His father was George Washington Adams, b. Franklin, Williamson Co., TN. His mother was Jane Arms.
• Anderson, Henry, lived in Troy, TN, age 75, when he completed the form. He was born in Cumberland Co., NC, son of James Anderson and Mary Bostic of Cumberland County, NC. James Anderson’s grandfather came from England before the Rev. War and fought with colonies.
• Baldridge, William T., lived Martin, TN, age 87, when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Weakley Co. His father was Josiah Baldridge, b. NC. His mother was Jane Melton, daughter of Thomas Melton of Weakley Co. His great grandfather, Daniel Baldridge, served in Rev. War and was given land near Raulston, Weakley Co., TN. His grandfather, William Baldridge, served in War of 1812.
• Barnes, J. W., lived Troy, TN, age 76 on 26 June 1922, when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Marshall Co., TN. His father was S. F. Barnes, b. Marshall Co. His mother was Mary Caldwell Mauldin, daughter of Col. Dick Mauldin and __Johnston. Colonel Dick Mauldin and wife came from NC, possibly of Irish descent. Col. Mauldin was in the Mexican War.
• Bittick, John Holland, lived Rives, TN, age 75, when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Giles Co., TN. He married Harriet Alice Patimer (Latimer). John Bittick was the father of three sons and three daughters. His pension file number is 10651.
• Briggs, William Jackson, lived in Union City, TN, age 77, when he completed the form. He was born in Hickman Co., TN. His father was James G. Briggs, b. Hickman Co., TN, died 1900. His mother was Agelina Stanes(?), daughter of Jackson and Ceailee Stanes who lived in Hickman Co., TN.
• Brown, Hiram Reimes, lived in Union City, TN, age 77 on 2 Oct. 1922, when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Obion County. His father was John Milles Brown, b. Chester Co., SC, and lived near Troy, TN. His mother was Jane Rieves, daughter of Hiram Rieves and Margaret Rieves who lived at Troy. His ancestors came from Ireland, from county Down, near county Antram. His pension file number is 13120.
• Caudle, Jesse Benton, lived Rives, TN, and was 78 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Decatur Co., TN, son of Absalom Caudle who was born in Adnderson Co., SC, and died in Decatur Co., TN. Jesse Caudle’s mother was Mary Hainey. Jesse’s father and mother both died when he was young.
• Cavanaugh, John, lived in Hornbeak, TN, and was 84 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Cork, Ireland. His father was a merchant in Ireland. Cavanaugh’s pension file number is 7242.
• Cochran, James Lindsy, lived in Union City, TN, and was 75 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Pontitoe(sic) Co., MS, son of Silas Maxwell Cochran who was born in North Carolina. The family lived in Hacelsburg, AL, Lewisburg, TN, and Chesterville, MS. James Cochran’s mother was Nancy Lavina Talley, daughter of Abraham Talley and Nancy Dunkin, who lived in Marshall Co. His great grandfather, Robert Cochran, came from Ireland and fought with “Washington on behalf of the Coloneys. He was a sailor on Atlantic Ocean 14 years.”
• Craig, W. D., lived in Elbridge, TN, and was 82 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Maury Co., TN, the son of Robert Randol Craig who was born in South Carolina. Craig’s mother was Rachel Miles, born in South Carolina. His great grandparents, on his father’s side, came from Ireland.
• Cunningham, Demarus Perry, lived at Elbridge, TN, age 89, when the completed the form. He was born in Lincoln Co., TN, son of Robert Cunningham and Elizabeth Collins of Lincoln Co. Elizabeth was daughter of Abner Collins. His great grandfather and grandfather came from Spartanburg, SC, “names of Robert Cunningham.” His father was Robert Cunningham, 3rd and was first white child born in Lincoln Co., TN. His pension file number is 246. Descendants of Demarus Perry Cunningham lived in the Union City, TN, area.
• Cunningham, William Monroe, lived in Troy, TN, when he completed the form. He was born 2/9/1842 in Lincoln Co., TN, son of Wilson Cunningham. He lived in Lincoln Co., a short time in Iowa, then to Obion Co. in 1852. His mother was Nancy Laurence, daughter of Jesse Laurence and Annie Laurence of Marshall Co., TN. His great grandfather came from Ireland to N.C.
• Fielder, Reubin J. lived in Obion, TN, when he completed the form. He was born 12/11/1847, son of John J. Fielder of VA. His mother was Carah (Sarah?) Turpin. They lived in Gibson Co., TN. His pension was #12403.
• Fields, William Thomas – He lived in Newbern, TN, and was 81 yrs. old when he completed the form. He was born in Gibson Co., TN, son of Thomas Finley Fields of Carroll Co., TN, who was Justice of Peace before the war. His mother was Elizabeth Hendricks, daughter of Daniel Hendricks and Ibby Hendricks, who lived in Dyer County. “Don’t know maiden name of grandmother Hendricks but do know she came from Ireland when a small child. My grandfather’s people at the same time came from Holland. The families settled together in NC….” His pension was #14216. (This file included because Hendricks descendants lived in Obion County.)
• Flemming, Burl White, lived in Hornbeak, TN, and was 73 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Rutherford Co., TN, son of Andrew Jackson Fleming of Rutherford Co. Andrew Jackson Fleming was in “Indian War” and drew a pension. Burl’s mother was Mary Martha Jammerson. Burl’s ancestors were of Irish descent. “My parentage Scotch Irish.” His pension numbers were 10748 and 13511.
• Glasgow, John Mason, in Union City, TN, and was 83 yrs. old when he completed the form. He was born in Gibson Co., TN, son of James W. Glasgow, who was born near Norfolk, VA, in 1806. James Glasgow was a Judge Advocate during the “muster days.” His mother was Mary Jane Fisher, daughter of George Fisher and Susannah Fisher of Gibson County. His grandfather was George Fisher and his grandmother was Sussanah Fisher, born in GA. His grandfather and grandmother Glasgow came from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1790.
• Harmon, James W. He lived in Lawrenceburg, TN, and was 78 yrs. old at that time he completed the form on 4/24/1922. He was born in Maury Co., TN, son of Albert Harmon, who was born near Petersburg, VA. Mother was Sarah I. (or J.) Turner, daughter of Anthony Turner and Karen —-appuch (?) Turner, first sheriff of Maury Co. His father’s family lived in Florence, AL, and died when he was about 10 yrs. old. His grandfather Harmon moved the family from VA and settled in Florence, AL. His grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. His father moved to Maury Co. and married there. (This abstract included because there are Harmon descendants in Obion County.)
• Hart, Harvey L., lived in Troy, TN, and was 69 when he completed the form. He was born in York Co., SC, and moved to Obion County in 1872. In 1862, Harvey’s father enlisted in the SC regiment. Harvey jointed in Virginia. His pension number is 15937.
• Heflin, J. K. P., lived in Union City, TN, and was 77 years old when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Robertson Co., TN, son of Wiley Heflin who was born in Montgomery Co., TN. Wiley was a Capt. in the Militia. The mother was Emily Albinia Adams, daughter of George Adams and — Chambers of Robertson Co., TN. The family came from England and settled in Robertson Co., TN. Heflin’s pension file number is 15975.
• Hendricks, James W., lived in Marshall Co., TN, age 83, when he completed the questionnaire. His father was John Hendricks of SC. His mother was Caroline Shaw, daughter of J.J. Shaw of Maury Co. Great grandparents came from England to SC and grandparents from SC to Maury Co., now Marshall. Great grandparents Shaw came from England to Maryland then to NC and grandparents Shaw from NC to Murry (sic) Co., TN. (There are Hendricks descendants in Obion County.)
• Inman, Thomas Redis, lived in Troy, TN, and was 82 years old when he completed the form. He was born in McNary (sic) Co., TN. His father was Abraham Inman of Wayne Co., TN, and his mother was Malissa Branch. Abraham Inman was of Irish descent. Thomas Inman’s pension filed number is 13512.
• Kersey, T. J., lived at Troy, TN, and was 83 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Giles Co., TN, son of David B. Kersey of Bototat, VA. David Kersey served under General Jackson in battles of Pensacola and New Orleans. T. J.’s mother was Susan Hall Trigg, daughter of William Trigg of Giles Co. His great grandfather, Thomas Kersey, was a native of Ireland.
• Lasley, James Thomas, lived in Union City, TN, and was 76 years old when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Gibson Co., TN. His father was John Lasley, b. Murry (sic) Co., TN, buried in Yorkville, Gibson Co., TN, and served in the 47th TN Infantry. His mother was Beele Baldridge, daughter of James Baldridge and Narissa Baldridge of Yorkville, TN. His grandparents came from Ireland. His pension file number is 11039.
• Lownohough, Thomas Henry Chesterfield, living Woodland Mills, Obion Co., TN, age 86 years when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Albany, NY. His father was Thomas Lownohough, b. NY, and his mother was Sarah McDongall, daughter of Hugh McDongall and Hannah M. K—–, who lived in Troy, TN. His great grandfather Thomas Lownohough came from England in 1755 to New York. His great grandfather, Hugh McDongall, came from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1760 to New York.
• Mabry, Robert Franklin, lived in Union City, TN, and was 79 years old when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Wilson Co., TN. His father was Frances Brali (Iralir), b. North Carolina, and was sheriff of Wilson Co., TN, “when he was killed.” His mother was Malinda Rennett Hasseley, daughter of John Hasseley and —- Carr of Wilson Co., TN. His pension file number is 12004.
• Milam, Laurence Lafayette, lived in Union City, TN, and was 81 years old when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Weakley Co., TN, son of Thomas Milam who was born in Columbia, SC. His mother was Rachal Beele Jones, daughter of John Jones. His grandfather, Thomas Milam, came from Scotland and served in the Rev. War, then settled in Columbia, SC. His pension file number is 2760.
• Nailling, Joseph Willis – He was 76 yrs. old when he completed the form. No home address was included. He was born in Weakley Co., son of Willis Auston of Obion County and Mary Jane Eavans (sic).
• Nowlin, George W., lived in Greenfield, TN, and was 79 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Halifax Co., VA, and moved to TN 1845. He was a doctor. (Note: The abstract in vol. 4, p. 1644 included a reference to Dr. Thomas Edwards, surgeon, 31st TN Inf. Regiment. Dr. Thomas Edwards lived in Obion County.
• Ponder, James Freeman, lived in Troy, TN, and was 86 years old when he completed the questionnaire. He was born in Rone (sic) Co., TN, son of Pleasant Ponder who was born in SC. His mother was Sarah Elizabeth Beauregard, daughter of Abraham Beauregard and Elizabeth Beauregard of Rhone (sic) Co., TN. His grandfather, Valentine Ponder, served in War of 1812. His parents were emigrants from Ireland. He grandmother, Margarite Ponder, was a Spence before her marriage and was of Dutch descent. His pension file number is 5486.
• Rice, George A., lived Dyer County and was 79 years old when he completed the form. His father was Isaac C. Rice who moved from Roane County to Obion County in 1869. His mother was Jane Cordial from North Carolina. His great grandfather Rice was in the Rev. War.
• Steele, J. H., lived in Union City, TN, and 74 years old when the completed the form. He was born in Quitman, Clarke Co., MS. His father was S.A.D. Steele who was born in Madisonville, KY, and was a captain in the Civil War. His mother was Elizabeth Green whose parents lived in Mobile, AL. His father’s grandfather was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and his father’s father was a native of Virginia. His pension file number is 12999.
• Taylor, James, lived Buena Vista, TN, and was 77 years old on 6 December 1921. He was born in Carroll Co., TN. He enlisted in Obion County in Federal Army, 7th TN Regiment. He was a POW for 13 months. His father was Jarrett Taylor, b. 1814 in NC. Jarrett Taylor served in Mexican and Civil Wars. James Taylor’s mother was Emily Elizabeth Smith, b. 1810, daughter of Levy Smith of NC.
• Tucker, William Jerrymiah, lived at Route # 2, Troy, TN. He was born 30 June 1838 in Maury Co., TN. He was in Madrid Bend Guards, Co. E., 15th Tenn. Inf. His father was Daniel A. Tucker, b. Maury Co. and moved to Obion County where he died 17 Aug 1861. Daniel was the father of 14 children, 12 boys and 2 girls. His mother was Mary A. Graham, daughter of Robert Graham from Cork, Ireland. Robert Graham landed in American in 1788, settled in Virginia, then Williamson Co., TN, until he died. He had 8 children, 3 boys and 5 girls. Tucker’s pension file number is 14153. Not a slave-owner; father had 150 acres, lived in log houses sometimes with plank floor or round logs puncheon floor with 1 or 2 rooms. His first school was taught by Miss Harriett McCormick, 1845.
• Tucker, James F., lived in Obion County and was 80 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Spartanburg Co., SC. His father was Terrel Turner of Spartanburg, SC, and his mother was Cenderiall Turner, daughter of Billie Turner and _____ Kantral. Tucker’s pension file number is 9234.
• Verhine, John Prince, lived Fulton, KY, and was 79 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Obion Co., TN. His father was Everett Heart Verhine who was born in Stewart Co., TN, and moved to Obion County. His mother was Rebecca Carter. His grandfather was of German descent and served in War of 1812.
• Walker, Capt. J. W., lived Rives, TN, and was 89 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Obion County. His father was Simeon Walker, b. NC, moved to Roane Co., TN. His mother was Elizabeth Castle.
• Wall, Joseph D., lived in Obion, TN, and was 78 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Obion Co. His father was Abner Madison Wall, b. Franklin, TN, and Capt. of Minute Men. His mother was Ruthie Anne Wright, daughter of John P. Wright and Rebecca Brown of Obion County. His grandparent, William Henry Harrison Wall came to American from England. His grandfather, John P. Wright, came to TN from KY in 1833.
• Williams, Pleasant Thomas, lived at Troy, TN, and was 83 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Marshall Co., TN. His father was John Williams, b. Marshall Co., TN. His mother was “Short Lisbeth Clifton Williams” (not clear if her name was Elizabeth Clifton Short).
• Yates, John Wesley, lived in Union City, TN, and was 80 years old when he completed the form. He was born in Randolph Co., NC. His father was John Yates of NC and his mother was Mary Ross of NC. His grandfather, John Yates, came from Ireland and was killed in “1812 War at New Orleans.”