Buckner Walker's Claim

Buckner Walker's Claim

Courtesy of Gary Walker, 3rd great-grandson of Buckner and Selety Walker

Transcribed from Southern Claims Commission, Approved Claims, 1871 - 1880: At Houston, Winston County, Alabama.

Testimony occurred April 7 - 9, 1875
Transcribed and assembled January 3, 2007.

No 18032

CLAIM
of
Buckner Walker Sr.
of
Winston Co, Ala

SUMMARY REPORT
Amount allowed $140
December 5, 1877

No 18032

The Claim of Buckner Walker of Winston Co., in the State of Alabama

No. of Item

NATURE OF CLAIM

Amount Claimed

Amount Allowed

Amount Disallowed

		$	Ct	$	Ct	$	Ct
1	20 Bus. Corn	20		20
2	1500 lbs. Beef	187	.5	120		67	.5
		$207	.5	$140		$67	.5

Remarks:

Claimant opposed secession and the war and was known as a union man. The rebels threatened to hang him, took his property without compensation. He went inside the union lines and was employed several months in Government service in the gun smith shop and Chattanooga. He had five sons and two sons-in laws in the union army. We find him loyal.

The supplies were mostly taken in Pulaski and near Nashville in 1864 by union troops in the vicinity. The original petition amounted to $207.50 and there was no permission to amend, therefore the amount as stated in the petition must govern and limit the allowance. We allow one hundred and forty dollars.
Petition:
To the Honorable Commissioners of Claims,
Under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871, Washington, D.C.

The petition of Buckner Walker Se. respectfully represents:

That he is a citizen of the United Sates and resides at present at or near Houston, Winston County, Alabama and that he resided when these claims accrued at or near 1^st Pulaski Tennessee, 2^nd at Nashville in said state of Tennessee.

That he has a claim against the United States for property taken for use of the army (5) of the United Sates during the late rebellion at (or near)__ blank__ in the County of __blank__ in the State of __blank.

That the said claim, stated by items, and excluding any and all items of damage, destruction, and loss, (and not use) of property; of unauthorized or unnecessary depredations by troops and other persons upon property, or of rent or compensation for the use or occupation of buildings grounds, or other real estate, is a follows:

Date	Quantities and Description	Value
1^st June 1864	20 Bushels corn at $1 pre Bus	20.00
" " "	1000 Pounds of Beef at 12 ½ cents per lb.	125.00
Dec. 1^st, 1864	500 Pounds of Beef at 12 ½ cents per lb.	62.60

Total $207.50

That the property in question was taken or furnished for the use of a portion of the army of the United States, known as 1^st 9^th Regt Indiana Cavalry & 2^nd officers & soldiers under and all commanded by Maj. Genl. George S. Thomas and that the persons who took or received the property, or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished were the following: George S. Thomas, Major General, Co. 11, commanding the army of Tennessee.

That the property was removed to Camps 1^st at Pulaski Tennessee, 2^nd Camps at Nashville, Tennessee and used for or by said cavalry & soldiers all this on or about the June 15 & Dec. 1^st day of June & Dec in the year 1864

That no voucher, receipt, or other writing, was given for the property thus taken.

That your petitioner verily believe that the property described was taken under the following circumstances, or one or more of such circumstances viz:

For the actual use of the army and not for the mere gratification of individual officers or soldiers already provided by the Government with such articles as were necessary or proper for them to have.
In consequence of the failure of the troops of the United States to receive from the Government in the customary manner, or to have in their possession at the time, the articles and supplies necessary for them, or which they were entitled to received and have.
In consequence of some necessity for the articles taken, or similar articles, which necessity justified the officers or soldiers taking them.
For some purpose so necessary, useful, beneficial or justifiable as to warrant or require the Government to pay for it.
Under the order or authority of some officer, or other person connected with the army, whose rank, situation, duties, or other circumstances at the time authorized, empowered, or justified him in taking or receiving it, or ordering it to be taken or received.

That I was loyal and at work in the gun shop at Chattanooga, Tennessee in the service of the United States and that no other person had and have of said property the original owner of said claim, and that no person had any interest to the property of which I make this claim the present owner of same.

That your petitioner remained loyally adherent to the cause and the Government of the United States during the war, and Blank so loyal before and at the time of the taking of the property for which this claim is made, and he solemnly declare that, from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, his sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States; the he never, of his own free will and accord, did anything or offered or sought, or attempted to do anything, by word or deed, to injure said cause or retard its success, and that he were at all times ready and willing, when called upon, to aid and assist the cause of the Union, or its supporters, so far as means and power, and the circumstances of the case, permitted.

That said claim has not before been presented to any branch of the government or department thereof.

That Messrs. Thos. C. Fullerton, of Washington, D.C, are hereby authorized and empowered to act as Attorneys for the prosecution of this claim.

Wherefore your petitioner pray for such action of your Honorable Commission in the premises as may be deemed just and proper.

I Buckner Walker being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is BLANK the petitioner named in the foregoing petition and who signed the same; that the matters therein stated are true, of the deponent’s own knowledge except as to those matters which are stated on information and belief, and as to those matters he believes them to be true; and deponent further says that he did not voluntarily serve in the Confederate army or navy, either as an officer, soldier, or sailor, or in any other capacity, at any time during the late rebellion; that he never voluntarily furnished any stores, supplies, or other material aid to said Confederate army or navy, or to the Confederate government or to any officer, department or adherent of the same in support thereof, and that he never voluntarily accepted or exercised the functions of any office whatsoever under, or yielded voluntary support to, the said Confederate government.

Sworn and subscribed in my presence, the 25^th day of November, 1872

____________A. B????_____________ [J.P] 6

Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove loyalty:
Dennis C. Cantrell, of Houston, Winston, Co. Alabama
Robert D. Wilson of " " "
Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove the other facts alleged in the foregoing petition:
William Walker of Houston, Winston Co. Alabama
Isaac N. Walker of " " "
Post office address of claimant: Houston, Winston Co. Alabama
Post office address of attorney: Washington, D.C.

Author’s note: Buckner Walker Sr. appeared before John C. Moore, Esq., Special Commissioner for the state of Alabama to claim the loss of 180 bushels corn @ $1 per Bu. Valued at $180 dollars and 1750 lbs. Beef Cattle at 12 ½ cents. per lb. or $218.75. The total claim was $398.75.

a part of the corn herein before mentioned was taken from the Petitioners while residing in Limestone Co Alabama by troops on the march in the winter of 1863 and the 3 steers and 1 yearling and 160 bushels of corn was taken from the claimant family at Pulaski Tennessee by Troops encamped at such place in Aug. or Sept. 1864 about 1^st Nov. 1864, the Cow & yearling was taken about 1^st Dec. 1864 by troops encamped at Nashville Tennessee.

That the property was removed to Camps and used for or by the Troops of the Army of the U.S.; all this on or about the Winter 1863 & in August or September 1864 and Nov 1864 and in December, in the year 1864, as appears by the petition presented to the Commissioners.

Act March 3, 1871
Before the Commissioners of Claims
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Claim of Buckner Walker Sr.
Of the County of Winston and State of Alabama
Numbered 18032

It is hereby certified that on the 7.8. & 9^th days of April, 1875, at Houston in the County of Winston and State of Alabama came personally before me, for the purpose of a hearing in the above-entitled cause, the following persons, namely:
Buckner Walker Sr., Claimant
Blank Counsel
Dennis C. Cantrell, Wm H. Hyde, William Walker, Witnesses
Isaac Walker, & Selety Walker, Witnesses

Witness my hand and seal this 9^th day of April, 1875

John C. Moore

Special Commissioner

Testimony of Buckner Walker Senior

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY CLAIMANTS UNDER OATH

Standing Interrogatories
The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony:

What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

Buckner Walker Sr., I am 69 years of age. I reside in the county of Winston and State of Alabama and have so resided about 16 years. I am a Blacksmith by occupation.

If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

I am the claimant.
The following questions will be put to every claimant, except claimants who were slaves at the beginning of the war: [Note-If the original claimant be dead, these questions are to be answered by each of the heirs or legatees who was not less that sixteen years of age when the war closed.]

Where were you born? If not born in the United States, when and where were you naturalized? Produce your naturalization papers if you can.

I think I was born in the State of Georgia, in the County of Towns.

Where were you residing and what was your business for six months before the outbreak of the rebellion, and where did you reside and what was your business from the beginning to the end of the war? And if you changed your residence or business, state how many times, and why such changes were made.

In said county where I now live or near the same place where I so resided from beginning to close of the Rebellion working at the Blacksmith trade, except what time I was beyond the Union lines.

On which side were your sympathies during the war, and were they on the same side from beginning to end?

They were on the Union Side from the beginning to the end of the Rebellion.

Did you ever do anything or say anything against the Union cause; and if so, what did you do or say, and why?

I did not.

Were you at all times during the war willing and ready to do whatever you could in aid of the Union cause?

I was.

Did you ever do anything for the Union cause, or its advocates or defenders? If so, state what you did, giving times, places, names of persons aided, and particulars. Were the persons aided your relations?

I went through the lines and work in the Employ of the U.S. Government about 6 mos. (months) at Chattanooga Tennessee. I went to Chattanooga the first day of January 1864. I have forgotten the names of the boys workmen of the gun shop in which I worked. I fed Unions lyouts and U. S. soldiers. I fed Dennis C. Cantrell and James H. Cantrell, William Looney and Doc Spain these have named were U.S. soldiers except the Cantrells. They afterwards joined the 1^st Regiment Alabama Cavalry commanded by Col. George E. Spencer in Company D. I also fed and harbored my sons who while lying out to escape the Dog Cavalry and Conscript officers.

Had you any near relatives in the Union army or navy? If so, in what company and regiment, or on what vessel, when and where did each one enter service, and when and how did he leave service? If he was a son, produce his discharge paper, in order that its contents may be noted in this deposition, or state why it cannot be produced.

I have 5 sons and 2 sons in laws. 2 was in company D and 2 in company ?? 1^st Regiment Ala Cavalry Volunteers and 1 son and 2 sons-in-law in 10 Tennessee Regiment Calvary. Four of my sons entered service at Camp Davis, Mississippi. Isaac Walker, Buckner Walker Jr. entered the service 16^th of November. Memory Walker and Robert H. Walker was entered service 7^th day of December, 1863. James H. Walker, and C. P. Cook, and Joseph Burger my sons- in-law I don’t know at what time they enlisted in said Tennessee Regiment. I have seen all of said boys and sons-in-laws since the war. They all said they had honorable discharges. I herewith provide two of these discharges. The others I cannot handily get hold of. Isaac Walker private of Captain Henry C. Peek Company D 1^st Regiment Alabama volunteers was enrolled on the 16^th day of November 1863 to serve for one year or during the war. Was discharged at Huntsville, Alabama on 20^th day of October 1865 by reason of S.O. # 28 headquarters district Huntsville October 10^th day 1865. Memory was discharge at the same time and place. Isaac Walker was discharged and belonged to company ?? of Captain John Lomax of said regiment ??? at Huntsville, Alabama this 20^th day of October 1865.

Signed by GAO # 3Q John Lomax Captain 1^st Regiment Alabama Cavalry Volunteers and Company ??? W. H. Barrett Captain 40^th U.S. Cavalry 2^nd Alabama. I certify that the above is true taken from the Discharge of Memory and Isaac Walker attested by Semore and Spl. Poust.

Were you in the service or employment of the United States Government at any time during the war? If so, in what service, when, where, for how long, under what officers, and when and how did you leave such service or employment?

I was in the U.S. Government employ about 6 months at Chattanooga Tennessee in the year 1864. I was taken sick and sent up the river about 20 miles where I stayed until February 1865. I then went to Nashville and stay there until the surrender. I then took my wife and children and two of son’s children and came back to my house to where I now reside.

Did you ever voluntarily contribute money, property, or services to the Union cause; and if so, when, where, to whom, and what did you contribute?

Nothing more than stated. I spent several dollars in getting my boys through to Camp Davis, Mississippi. This was in the year 1863.

Which side did you take while the insurgent States were seceding from the Union in 1860 and 1861, and what did you do to show on which side you stood?

I took the union side. I voted against secession and I done all I could to defeat secessions.

Did you adhere to the Union cause after the States had passed into rebellion, or did you go with your State?

I adhered to the union cause from beginning to the end of the rebellion and I am a square out Republican never have nor ever will vote if I can with the secession and keeping democracy.

What were your feelings concerning the battle of Bull Run or Manassas, the capture of New Orleans, the fall of Vicksburg, and the final surrender of the Confederate forces?

When I heard of the battle of Manassas and Bull Run I felt sorry and down with trouble, but on hearing about the Capture of New Orleans and the fall of Vicksburg and the final surrender of the Rebel forces I rejoiced and glad beyond expression.

What favors, privileges, or protections were ever granted you in recognition of your loyalty during the war, and when and by whom granted?

Dennis C. Cantrell fed me & my sons while we were lying out. J. S.? Mc Calister did the same, all this & many other such favors were don for me on account of my Union principles in the year 1863, by the Union men of my county.

Have you ever taken the so-called "iron-clad oath" since the war, and when and on what occasions?

I never have.

Who were the leading and best known Unionists of your vicinity during the war? Are any of them called to testify to your loyalty; and if not, why not?

Dennis C. Cantrell, James H. Cantrell, Joseph Curtis, Thomas Curtis, A. B. Hayes and many others. Some of them will be called to testify to my loyalty.

Were you ever threatened with damage or injury to your person, family, or property on account of your Union sentiments, or were you actually molested or injured on account of your Union sentiments? If so, when, where, by whom, and in what particular way were you injured or threatened with injury?

The Rebs took all the corn meal, fodder, Bridles, 5 head horses, 2 hogs, 4 big steers, bed clothes, and almost everything I had, and to cap it all they showed myself & wife the rope they were going to hang us with.

Were you ever arrested by any Confederate officer, soldier, sailor, or other person professing to act for the Confederate government, or for any State in rebellion? If so, when, where, by whom, for what cause; how long were you kept under arrest; how did you obtain your release; did you take any oath or give any bond to effect your release; and if so, what was the nature of the oath or the bond?

I was arrested by Lieutenant Aldridge belonging to the Rebel General Rooy’s Command as he said, in the year 1862 on account of my Union principles. I was arrested at my home in this county. He carried me to Moulton in Laurence Co. Ala. kept me about 1 week. I obtained my release by getting a man to tell a falsehood for me. I give no bond neither did I take my oath to allow my release.

Was any of your property taken by Confederate officers or soldiers, or any rebel authority? If so, what property, when, where, by whom, were you ever paid therefore; and did you ever present an account therefore to the Confederate government or any rebel officer?

I had 5 head of horses, 4 big steers, corn, 2 meat hogs, bed clothing and a great many other thing’s not mentioned taken from me by the Rebs & the Dog Cavalry. I never got any pay for my things they took from me, and I never presented any account for pay to the Confederate Government or to any officer belonging there to.

Was any of your property ever confiscated by rebel authority, on the ground that you were an enemy to the rebel cause? If so, give all the particulars, and state if the property was subsequently released or compensation made therefore.

As before stated, the Rebels took nearly all I had, they knew I was an enemy to their cause I got two of my horses back since the War. The balance I never have been paid for.

Did you ever do anything for the Confederate cause, or render any aid or comfort to the rebellion? If so, give the times, places, persons, and other particulars connected with each transaction.

I did not, except I shod Abe Powel’s horse in the year 1861. He belonged to General Rody’s Rebel company D. There was two or 3 soldiers in the crowd. They said I had to shoe the horse and I thought it might be best for me to do it. I shod him, but it was through fear I done it.

What force, compulsion, or influence, was used to make you do anything against the Union cause? If any, give all the particulars demanded in the last question.

None that I recollect, ??? as before stated.

Were you in any service, business, or employment, for the Confederacy, or for any rebel authority? If so, give the same particulars as before required.

I was not.

Were you in the civil, military, or naval service of the Confederacy, or any rebel State, in any capacity whatsoever? If so, state fully in respect to each occasion and service.

I was not.

Did you ever take any oath to the so-called Confederate States while in any rebel service or employment?

I did not.

Did you ever have charge of any stores, or other property, for the Confederacy; or did you ever sell or furnish any supplies to the so-called Confederate States, or any State in rebellion; or did you have any share or interest in contracts or manufactures in aid of the rebellion?

I did not.

Were you engaged in blockade running, or running through the lines, or interested in the risks or profits of such ventures?

I did not.

Were you in any way interested in any vessel navigating the waters of the Confederacy, or entering or leaving any Confederate port? If so, what vessel, when and where employed, in what business, and had any rebel authority any direct or indirect interest in vessel or cargo?

I was not.

Did you ever subscribe to any loan of the so-called Confederate States, or of any rebel State; or own Confederate bonds or securities, or the bonds or securities of any rebel State issued between 1861 and 1865? Did you sell, or agree to sell, cotton or produce to the Confederate Government, or to any rebel State, or to any rebel officer or agent, and if so, did you receive or agree to receive Confederate or State bonds or securities in payment; and if so, to what amount, and for what kind and amount of property?

I never did.

Did you contribute to the raising, equipment or support of troops, or the building of gunboats in aid of the rebellion; or to military hospitals or invalids, or to relief funds or subscriptions for the families of persons serving against the United States?

I did not.

Did you ever give information to any person in aid of military or naval operations against the United States?

I did not.

Were you at any time a member of any society or organization for equipping volunteers or conscripts, or for aiding the rebellion in any other manner?

I was not.

Did you ever take an oath of allegiance to the so-called Confederate States? If so, state how often, when, where, for what purpose, and the nature of the oath or affirmation.

I did not.

Did you ever receive a pass from rebel authority? If so, state when, where, for what purpose, on what conditions, and how the pass was used.

I never did.

Had you any near relatives in the Confederate army, or in any military or naval service hostile to the United States? If so, give names, ages on entering service, present residence, if living, what influence you exerted, if any, against their entering the service, and in what way you contributed to their outfit and support.

I had 3 sons in Rebel service. John Walker about 23 or 24 years of age when he entered service. Isaac Walker about 18 years of age when he entered service & Robert H. Walker about 21 years of age when he entered service.* I used all the influence I could by talk and everyway I could think of to keep them from joining the Rebel service, but they said it was so far to the union lines that they could never get through, that they would be killed on the way, they had to do something. If they stayed here they would be killed. I did not contribute anything to their outfit and support. Robert & Isaac ranaway and come home, and I took them to Camp Davis Mississippi in the year 1863 and they joined the 1^st Alabama Regimental Cavalry volunteers. They stayed in the U.S. service & was honorably discharged in the 20^th October 1865 at Huntsville, Alabama. Isaac is living here in this County. Robert lives in Fanning Co. Georgia, John ranoff from confederate service sometime in 1862, came home and layout for about 2 years went through the lines into the state of Ohio from whom I have never heard of since with any certainty.
*Author’s note Buckner fails to mention James Harvey Walker another son who served in the CSA Army.

Have you been under the disabilities imposed by the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution? Have your disabilities been removed by Congress?

I have not.

Have you been specially pardoned by the President for participation in the rebellion?

I never participated in the Rebellion.

Did you take any amnesty oath during the war, or after its close? If so, when, where, and why did you take it?

If I recollect right, I never took any oath but the Registration oath.

Were you ever a prisoner to the United States authorities, or on parole, or under bonds to do nothing against the Union cause? If so, state all the particulars.

I was not.

Were you ever arrested by the authorities of the United States during the war? If so, when, where, by whom, on what grounds, and when and how did you obtain your release?

I was not.

Were any fines or assessments levied upon you by the authorities of the United States because of your supposed sympathy for the rebellion? If so, state all the facts.

There was not.

Was any of your property taken into possession or sold by the United States under the laws relating to confiscation, or to captured and abandoned property?

There was not.
The following questions will be put to all male claimants or beneficiaries who were not less than sixteen years of age when the war closed:

After the Presidential election of 1860, if of age, did you vote for any candidates, or on any questions, during the war, and how did you vote? Did you vote for or against candidates favoring secession? Did you vote for or against the ratification of the ordinance of secession, or for or against separation in your State?

I don’t recollect of voting after the Presidential election in 1860, but if I did I know I voted for Union candidates, and candidates opposed to secession. I vote for no candidates up to the present only Republican Candidates.

Did you belong to any vigilance committee, or committee of safety, home guard, or any other form of organization or combination designed to suppress Union sentiment in your vicinity?

I did not.

Were you in the Confederate army, State militia, or any military or naval organization hostile to the United States? If so, state when, where, in what organizations, how and why you entered, how long you remained each time, and when and how you left. If you claim that you were conscripted, when and where was it, how did you receive notice, and from whom, and what was the precise manner in which the conscription was enforced against you? If you were never in the rebel army or other hostile organization, explain how you escaped service. If you furnished a substitute, when and why did you furnish one, and what is his name, and his present address, if living?

I was not. I was over age. I kept out and kept from being hanged by lying out, and by going through the Union lines & staying there until the surrender.

Were you in any way connected with or employed in the Confederate quartermaster, commissary, ordnance, engineer, or medical department, or any other department, or employed on any railroad transporting troops or supplies for the Confederacy, or otherwise engaged in transportation of men and supplies for the Confederacy? If so, state how employed, when, where, or for how long, under whose direction, and why such employment was not given "aid and comfort" to the rebellion?

I was not.

Did you at any time have charge of trains, teams, wagons, vessels, boats, or military supplies or property of any kind for the Confederate government? If so, give all the facts as in previous questions.

I did not.

Were you employed in saltpeter works, in tanning or milling for the Confederate government, or making clothing, boots, shoes, saddles, harness, arms, ammunition, accoutrements, or any other kind of munitions of war for the Confederacy? If so, give all the particulars of time, place and nature of service or supplies.

I was not.

Were you ever engaged in holding in custody, directly or indirectly, any persons taken by the rebel government as prisoners of war, or any persons imprisoned or confined by the Confederate government, or the authorities of any rebel State, for political causes? If so, when, where, under what circumstances, in what capacity were you engaged, and what was the name and rank of your principal?

I was not.

Were you ever in the Union army or navy, or in any service connected therewith? If so, when, where, in what capacity, under whose command or authority, for what period of time, and when and how did you leave service? Produce your discharge papers, so that their contents may be noted herein.

As before stated, I was in the Government employ in a gun shop for about 6 months in the year 1864.
The following questions concerning the ownership of property charged in claims will be put to all claimants, or the representatives of deceased claimants:

Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?

I was. I raised the cattle, the corn was bought by my wife in my absence.

If any of the property was taken from a farm or plantation, where was such farm or plantation situated, what was its size, how much was cultivated, how much was woodland, and how much was waste land?

The corn & cattle were taken in my absence. The 3 steers, 1 yearling were killed near Pulaski Tennessee & the cow & 1 yearling was killed in Nashville, Tennessee. I don’t recollect exactly where they said the corn was taken, my witnesses will know about it.

Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?

I have never filed a petition in Bankruptcy neither have I ever been declared a bankrupt.
The following questions will be put to claimants and witnesses who testify to the taking of property, omitting in the case of each claimant or witness any questions that are clearly unnecessary:

Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was not.

Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

I expect from what my family says that it was taken in the day time.

Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint.

If any complaint was made I never heard of it.

Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? If given, where are the vouchers or receipts? If lost, state fully how lost. If asked and not given, by whom were they asked, who was asked to give them, and why were they refused or not given? State very fully in regard to the failure to ask or obtain receipts.

If any vouchers or receipts given I’m not aware of it.

Has any payment ever been made for any property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken at the same times as the property charged in this claim? Has any payment been made for any property taken from the same claimant during the war, and if so, when, by whom, for what property and to what amount? Has this property, or any part of it, been included in any claim heretofore presented to Congress, or any court, department or officer of the United States, or to any board of survey, military commission, State commission or officer, or any other authority? If so, when and to what tribunal or officers was the claim presented; was it larger or smaller in amount than this claim, and how is the difference explained, and what was the decision, if any, of the tribunal to which it was presented?

There has not. There has not. There has not. It has not. If it has, I am not apprised of it.

Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

I don’t recollect what my family said about it.

You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

I saw none of it taken.

Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1^st.^. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. &c.&c. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4^th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5^th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6^th. Say when the property was taken. 7^th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8^th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9^th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10^th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11^th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.

I did not know all the cattle. I only knew 2 steers the milk cow & 2 yearlings. The two steers would have weighed 400 lbs. each, the milk cow would have weighed about 330 lbs. and the yearlings about 100 lbs. each, and further more I sayeth not.

Testimony of Dennis C. Cantrell:

Standing Interrogatories
The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony:

What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

Dennis C. Cantrell, I am 52 (?) years of age. I reside in the county of Winston, State of Alabama and have so resided abut 15 years. I am a farmer by occupation.

If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

I am no kin to the claimant and not interested in the success of his claim.
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:

In whose favor are you here to testify?

In favor of the claimant.

How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?

I have been intimately acquainted with the claimant bout 14 years.

Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?

I live in 5 miles of him.

Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?

I met him frequently, can’t tell how often.

Did you converse with the claimant about the war, its causes, its progress, and its results? If so, try to remember the more important occasions on which you so conversed, beginning with the first occasion, and state, with respect to each, when it was, where it was, who were present, what caused the conversation, and what the claimant said in substance, if you cannot remember his words.

The claimant & myself talked together frequently about the war, in fact we never met without talking about the rebellion. He and myself was bitterly opposed to it. I have been here in Houston in the years of 1861 & 1862 when they were making up, or calling for confederate soldiers or volunteers, when they had up the confederate flag and were mustering under it. I heard Claimant express himself fully, that he would not muster under the secession flag, that he had took an oath to the Constitution of the U.S. (author note…cannot read the balance which is about 8 words.)

Do you know of anything done by the claimant that showed him to be loyal to the Union cause during the war? If you do, state what he did, when, where, and what was the particular cause or occasion of his doing it? Give the same information about each thing he did that showed him to be loyal.

Myself and others went to the Rock House to keep out of the Rebellion, and Claimant furnished us in provisions brought it to us, himself, said as long as he had anything to eat he would divide with us and that if times got so warm that he couldn’t bring us anything to eat that he had a gang of hogs that ran near to us and for us to kill and eat as we might need. And that he did not want us caught by the Rebels that it was death when they caught us.

Do you know of anything said or done by the claimant that was against the Union cause? If so, please state with respect to each thing said or done, what it was, when it was, where it was, and what particular compulsion or influence caused him to say or do it.

I do not.

If you have heard of anything said or done by the claimant, either for the Union cause or against it, state from whom you heard it, when you heard it and what you heard.

I have heard of him doing many things, and known of the things before stated. And I know he went through the Union lines at Camp Davis, Mississippi the year 1863 and I never heard of him saying or doing anything against the union cause. And in all I ever heard him say or heard of him saying I never heard of him saying or doing anything in favor of the Rebel cause.

What was the public reputation of the claimant for loyalty or disloyalty to the United States during the war? If you profess to know his public reputation, explain fully how you know it, whom you heard speak of it, and give the names of other persons who were neighbors during the war that could testify to this public reputation.

It was loyalty to the Government of the U.S. I knew it by his talk, actions, and deeds. I heard J. L. Mc Calister & Joseph McClure speak of him as a loyal man and F. W. Curtis & James H. Cantrell, & W. B. Sikone could testify to his loyal public reputation.

Who were the known and prominent Union people of the neighborhood during the war, and do you know that such persons could testify to the claimant's loyalty?

The above named persons and Judge Wiley & J. ? Hughs et. Al, they could and would and think testify to Claimants loyalty.

Were you, yourself, an adherent of the Union cause during the war? If so, did the claimant know you to be such, and how did he know it?

I was. He did. He knew it by my talk and actions, he knew that I went and joined the US. Service and he knew that I was in Service in the 1^st Alabama Regiment Cavalry Volunteers led by Colonel George E. Spencer in Company D. when he went through the lines at Camp Davis Mississippi.

Do you know of any threats, molestations, or injury inflicted upon the claimant, or his family, or his property, on account of his adherence to the Union cause? If so, give all the particulars.

I know by hearsay after I went into the U.S. Service that claimant was arrested and treated badly and was called and treated as a Tory on account of his Union Principles.

Do you know of any act done or language used by the claimant that would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy? If so, what act or what language?

Opposing the secession flag and saying if he was subject to military service he would fight under the U.S. flag and not the confederate flag and the fact of him going through into the union lines and working in the U.S. employ. Is sufficient cause to prevent him from establishing his loyalty to the Rebel Government?

Can you state any other facts within your own knowledge in proof of the claimant's loyalty during the war? If so, state all the facts and give all the particulars.

I know of my own knowledge that he carried his sons to camp Davis in Mississippi and had them to join the U.S Army and told them to fight the Rebs asking as they lived and that he would go back behind the lines and work in the U.S. employ.

Testimony of William H. Hyde:

Standing Interrogatories
The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony:

What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

W. H. Hyde 61 years of age I reside in the county of Winston & State of Alabama and have so resided about 14 years. My occupation is that of a farmer.

If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

I am no kin to the claimant and I am not interested in the success of his claim, further (???) I made out his claim for him and if it allowed I may get something for it.
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:

In whose favor are you here to testify?

I am here to testify in favor of the claimant.

How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?

I have been intimately acquainted with him since the year 1861.

Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?

I lived in 3 miles of him until he was beyond the Federal lines.

Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?

Until he went beyond the Union lines, which was in Nov. 1863 I met him frequently, can’t tell how often.

I heard him speak of the War its causes & progress. He seemed to be always mad about the War. Said it was a wicked thing and I don’t remember that I ever heard his say a word favoring the cause in my life. He is as always as much opposed to the Rebellion as any man I’ve saw. I so talked on every occasion I heard him speak of it from beginning to the end of the Rebellion.

Claimants family brought rations to us out lyers time and again. He done all he could for the support of the Union cause. In the year 1863 he went through the Union lines and as I understood offered his services to the U. S. but was refused on account of his age. In the year 1863 his sons and eye lay out together (exact transcription!) to keep out of Rebel service. When Claimant left for the Union lines I understood from his sons that they were going with him and I am well satisfied that they went and joined the U.S. Service

I do not.

If you have heard of anything said or done by the claimant, either for the Union cause or against it, state from whom you heard it, when you heard it and what you heard.

I never heard of claimant saying doing anything against the Union cause. And at no time during the Rebellion did I ever hear of him saying or doing anything in favor of the Rebel cause.

His public reputation was loyal to the U.S. Government. I heard Dennis C. Cantrell and B. F. Curtis speak of him as such, and John Hill & Andrew Willis can & will no doubt testify to his loyal public reputation.

Who were the known and prominent Union people of the neighborhood during the war, and do you know that such persons could testify to the claimant's loyalty?

The above named persons, Charles A. Taylor, J. L. McAllister et al could & would no doubt testify to his loyal public reputation.

Were you, yourself, an adherent of the Union cause during the war? If so, did the claimant know you to be such, and how did he know it?

I was, He did, He knew it by my talk, actions. And he knew it by his boys & myself lying out together to escape Rebel Service.

Do you know of any threats, molestations, or injury inflicted upon the claimant, or his family, or his property, on account of his adherence to the Union cause? If so, give all the particulars.

I know that the Rebels taken a great deal of his property and I know that I was told by the Rebel Cavalry that they had shot at Claimants sons, and said that they tried to kill the damned Tories & Lincolnites that his sons was forced lying out and that claimant was harboring them and caught to be hung for it to the first tree that could be found and if they could catch him they would do it. I also understood that the Rebel Cavalry on several occasions went to Claimants house took the bed clothes & other household furniture of Claimant, cursed and abused his wife & family called them Tories and Lincolnites and said they ought to be hanged.

Do you know of any act done or language used by the claimant that would have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the Confederacy? If so, what act or what language?

The above stated acts and many other such things in my judgment would have been sufficient to have prevented him from establishing his loyalty to the confederacy.

Can you state any other facts within your own knowledge in proof of the claimant's loyalty during the war? If so, state all the facts and give all the particulars.

I don’t know that I could state anything further except that he was a solid Union man in my service of the word.

Testimony of William Walker:

Standing Interrogatories
The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony:

What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

William Walker, I am 24 years of age. Mainly I reside in Winston County Alabama and has so resided about 15 years. Farmer by occupation.

If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

The claimant is my father and I am not interested in the success of his claim.

The following questions will be put to claimants and witnesses who testify to the taking of property, omitting in the case of each claimant or witness any questions that are clearly unnecessary:

Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was present and saw the corn taken and I was present and saw the beef cattle taken.

Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

It was all taken in the daytime.

Nothing more than Mother’s prevail on them not to take the corn that they was obliged to have corn to feed upon. They drove off 3 steers and 1 yearling at the slaughter pen there at Pulaski Tennessee. After this some time at Nashville they took our last cow and yearling. Mother prevailed on them not to take her last cow and yearling. They replied that they was bound to eat they would take the cow and yearling. I don’t know of any of the officer’s names that took the 3 steers and one yearling but it was said that is was men of the 9^th Indiana Regiment.

They give some sort of a showing for 160 bushels of corn, but I don’t know what went with it. They give no receipt or voucher for the remaining ???? of corn or any of the other property.

There has no. There has not. There has not. It has not.

Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

The first property that was taken was 20 bushels of corn by troops on the march to Rome, GA. As was said the 3 steers and yearling was taken by the 9^th Indiana encamped at Pulaski Tennessee. The 160 bushels of corn were taken by troops encamped at Pulaski, Tennessee. The cow and one yearling was taken by troops encamped at Nashville, Tennessee.

You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

I was present and saw all the corn taken. I was present and saw all the cattle taken.

The corn was good sound corn it was in the shuck. The first 20 bushels of corn taken was in the crib. The brigade on the march stopped went into the crib, packed corn off by the arm full and fed it away to their stock at the time taken the corn was worth U.S. $1 per bushel. This 20 bushels of corn was taken when Mother lived at Mooresville, in Limestone County Alabama. This corn was taken in the winter of 1863 as well as I recollect. The 3 steers and 1 yearling was taken in August or September 1864. The steers were 4 years old and in good order and of good size for their age and weighed about 400 lbs. each. The yearling was over a year old and would have weighed 100 pounds or more. The cattle was all in good order and at the time taken was worth 12 ½ cents per pound in U.S. money. They were taken near Pulaski Tennessee where mother then lived. The cattle was taken by the 9^th Indiana Regiment then stationed at Pulaski, Tennessee. Said troops come to our house and got the cattle drove them off and put them in their slaughter pen. At Pulaski Tennessee 160 bushels of corn was taken by the troops encamped in Pulaski Tennessee about the last of October or 1^st of November 1864. The corn was in mother’s dwelling in one of the rooms of the house. Mother had caught 180 bushels of corn. It had been measured hulled and put in said room. We supposed that 20 bushels of it had been used. The troops then took the corn and said there were at least 160 bushels of it. It was good sound corn in the shuck. At the time taken it was worth in U.S. money $1 per bushel. The troops had taken this 160 bushels of corn was encamped in Pulaski Tennessee. Some officer of the command came to Mother and ordered her to get out of the house. She then moved to Nashville Tennessee and in the winter of 1864 not far from Claimant. The troops encamped at Nashville, Tennessee taken the last cow and yearling we had. The cow and yearling was in good order. The cow was a large cow would have weighed 350 lbs. The yearling was 12 or 15 months was in good order and weighed about 100 lbs. and at the time taken was worth in U.S. money 12 ½ cents per pound. Troops came and drove the cattle off to camps near Nashville Tennessee. At the time taking of all of said property officers were present. I knew them by their stripes but not by their name. The manner and way the troops took the property the use they put it to led me to think that it was by order of the Army officers. It was taken it was for the necessary use of the Army by the U.S.
Testimony of Isaac Walker:

Standing Interrogatories
The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony:

What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

Isaac Walker I am 31 years of age mostly I reside in the county of Winston State of Alabama and have so resided for 16 years. I am a farmer by occupation.

If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

The claimant is my father and I am not interested in the success of his claim.

The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:

Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was present and saw the corn and yearling taken from my mother near Nashville Tennessee. I was in the U.S. in company D 1^st Alabama Regimental Cavalry Volunteers and had went to see my mother on furlough. That is the reason I saw no more of the property taken named in said application.

Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

The cow and yearling was taken in the day time.

None was made as I recollect of.

None was asked for none was given.

There has not. There has not. There has not. It has not.

Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

It was taken by the troops encamped at Nashville, Tennessee.

You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

I was present as before stated at my Mother’s house near Nashville, Tennessee. And I saw the troops take the cow and yearling. I saw no more of the property taken.

The cow was about 4 years old, the yearling about 15 months. They were both in good beef order. The cow was of good size and would have weighed about 350 pounds, the yearling would have weighed about 100 lbs. The troops came and drove them off to the slaughter pen in or near Nashville, Tennessee. At the time taken the cattle was worth around 12 ½ cents U.S. money. Mother a few days before was offered $50 for the cow.

The cow and yearling was taken about the last of November or the 1^st of December 1864. The troops that took the cow I think belonged to the 4^th US Corps. There were officers present. I knew them by their stripes and not by their name. Officers present when the property was taken and the use they applied too caused me to think that is taken by order of the officers in command and it was for the necessary us of the Army of the U.S.
Testimony of Selethy Walker:

Standing Interrogatories
The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony:

What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?

Selety Walker 70 years old and reside inside of the county Winston state of Alabama and have so resided for about 16 years. My occupation is that of attending to my house affairs.

If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant or interested in the success of the claim?

Claimant is my husband.

Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken.

I was there present and saw the cattle and corn taken as named in said application.

Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?

All of the property named in said application was taken in the daytime.

I begged the troops and officers not to take the property (this was when they taken the 20 bushels of corn). They said they had obliged to feed and eat. When I moved to Pulaski, Tennessee they taken from me 4 head of cattle and 160 bushels of corn. I begged them not to take my property and told them it was all I had to live on. Their reply was that they were there and in service and that was their orders to take enough to live on wherever they could find it. The cows and yearlings the 2 head of cattle was taken from me at Nashville, Tennessee. I tried to keep them from taking the last named cattle but it done no good. They said they had to eat and must have the cattle. Don’t recollect the names of officers or the command they belonged to that taken said property.

I asked for no receipts or vouchers for said property. They gave me some sort of showing as they said for the corn 160 bushels but I was never so badly frightened and so pestered and getting away from Pulaski Tennessee and I never noticed or paid any attention to any the paper they gave me until I got to Nashville, Tennessee. Then I was informed that my paper was of no account. Said paper is lost or mislaid. I don’t know what has gone with it.

There has not. There has not. There has not. It was not.

Was the property charged in this claim taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, or were they on the march, or were they on a raid or expedition, or had there been any recent battle or skirmish?

The first 20 bushels of corn taken was by troops as was said on their march to Rome, Georgia. 160 bushels of corn and 4 head of cattle was taken by troops stationed in Pulaski Tennessee. 2 head of cattle was taken by troops encamped in Nashville, Tennessee.

You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.

I was present and saw the corn and cattle taken.

In the year 1863 the Conscript Officers and Dog Cavalry ran my husband through the union lines on account of his Union principles and I was treated so bad and threatened to be hanged that I had to gather up my little children and go through the lines. I stopped at or near Mooresville at Limestone County Alabama. It was there that the troops taken 20 bushels from me. It was good corn in the shuck and in the crib. The troops said they were on the march to Rome Georgia. They stopped near where I lived went into the crib got their arms full packed it off and fed their horses. Until they had taken all I had at that time. This is well as I recollect in the last of the winter 1863 or first of the winter 1864. I had just bought and paid for and hulled and put into the crib 20 bushels of corn. At the time taken the corn was worth $1 per bushel in U.S. I then moved near Pulaski Tennessee. The troops there took from me 3 beef cattle and 1 beef yearling. The 3 steers was in good beef order 4 years old would weighed about 400 lbs. each. The yearling was about 15 months old and would have weighed about 100 pounds was in good order. At the time taken was worth about 12 ½ cents per pound U.S. Troops came and took the cattle and drove them off to the slaughter pen in Pulaski Tennessee. These cattle was taken about the last of August or 1^st of September 1864 by troops encamped in Pulaski Tennessee. Also the same troops stationed at the same place taken the 160 bushels of good sound corn in the shuck. I had just bought and paid for and hulled and had put it in one room of my dwelling house. 180 bushels of corn and used little of it not more than 20 bushels if that much. The officers came to my house and told me I must get out of it that they needed the house and must also have my corn. And said there was about 160 bushels. I at once got out of the house and left my corn in it. This was about last of October 1^st of November 1864. The troops then took possession of the house and corn.

At the time the corn was taken it was worth $1 per bushel U.S. money and then went to Nashville, Tennessee and there the troops encamped took 2 head of beef cattle from me. The cow was fine and fat and large size and would have weighed about 350 pounds. The yearling was 15 months old was fat in good beef order would weigh 100 pounds. At the time taken the cow and yearling was worth 12 ½ cents per pound U.S. The last mention beef cattle was taken about the 1^st December 1864 by the troops encamped at Nashville, Tennessee. They came and drove them off to their camps near to Nashville. There were officers present at the taking of all said property. I knew them by their strips but not by their name. I did not know what command they belonged. Officers being present at the taking of the property I was satisfied in my own mind that taking of the property was by order of the commanding officers. It was used by the troops it was for the necessary use of the Army of the United States.

Home