In 1877, Titus Alvin, an African American man from Liberty County, Georgia, filed a claim with the Southern Claims Commission on behalf of a deceased African American woman named Eliza LeConte. Alvin claimed $101 for cattle, hogs, poultry, lard, potatoes, rice, and clothing/bedding that he said had been taken from LeConte by U.S. soldiers when they raided Liberty County in December 1864.
Alvin said that Eliza LeConte’s slaveowner was John L. Harden, and that she had gotten the property from her (unnamed) father, and that the U.S. soldiers had taken it to their camp at Midway Church from her home on John Harden’s Halifax Plantation. Two other formerly enslaved men, Paul LeConte and Charles Holmes, also testified that Eliza LeConte’s property had been taken, and Judge John L. Harden, a white man, testified that, although he was in the Confederate Army during the actual raid so did not see the property taken, Eliza LeConte did own the property Alvin said she owned.
Special Commissioner Henry Way, who took the testimony and charged an illegal fee of $3 for it, did a spectacularly poor job of presenting the testimony. The Claims Commissioners expressed confusion over why Titus Alvin was filing as Eliza LeConte’s agent, as no relationship between them was listed in the report. They noted that two children had been mentioned but nothing said about who they were, adding, “Who the parties interested in this claim are is not informed. We can not even conjecture. Titus Alvin in his own right as stated in the petition has no claim. The claim is disallowed.”
Commissioner Way’s method of presenting testimony was often confusing, as the claims questions were long and contained multiple questions in one, and he tended to summarize the answers without punctuation. In this report, the Claims Commissions assumed that Alvin had said that John L. Harden was Eliza LeConte’s father because of the way this question was answered in the report:
70. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? If ever a slave, when did you become free? What business did you follow after obtaining your freedom? Did you own this property before or after you became free? When did you get it? How did you become owner, and from whom did you obtain it? Where did you get the means to pay for it? What was the name and residence of your master, and is he still living? Is he a witness for you, and if not, why not? Are you in his employ now, or do you live on his land or on land bought from him? Are you in his debt? What other person besides yourself has any interest in this claim?
She was slave became free after war owned property before became free got it before the war from her father. John L. Harden dec’d he is not witness because dead deceased two children.
It is likely that Alvin was answering the question about who her slaveowner was when he answered “John L. Harden,” rather than saying “her father John L. Harden,” as the Commissioners evidently thought.
However, John L. Harden was not dead, as Alvin had said, because he did testify. In fact, he was only 38 at the time of the testimony. John LeConte Harden did not actually own Halifax Plantation; instead, it was owned by his mother, Jane LeConte Harden, daughter of Louis LeConte and widow of John M.B. Harden, John L. Harden’s father, who had died in 1848. Jane L. Harden lived until 1873. [For more on this, see https://theyhadnames.net/2020/05/20/paul-leconte-southern-claims-commision/]
There was an Eliza in John M.B. Harden’s 1848 estate inventory following his death, and in 1862, when Harden’s estate was divided among his heirs, Eliza was in the group inherited by Jane L. Harden, so it does seem likely that this was Eliza LeConte.
There is no Titus in either the 1848 or 1862 Harden estate inventories. Titus Alvin appears to have been born around 1837, and a Titus of about the right age does appear in Louis LeConte’s estate inventories from 1838 through 1842, and was inherited by John LeConte, John L. Harden’s uncle. That Titus appears to have been the son of Scipio and Tenah, who took the name LeConte and then Polite after the Civil War, and the brother of Boston Polite, who also submitted a Southern Claims Commission petition. However, we don’t know if that Titus is Titus Alvin. [For more on this, see https://theyhadnames.net/2020/07/12/boston-polite-southern-claims-commission/]
Why did Titus Alvin submit Eliza LeConte’s claim? She evidently died before his 1877 claim on her behalf, but the 1870 and 1880 censuses reveal the connection. In 1870, Titus Alvin was living with his wife Rachel, and their children Joseph (14), Scipio (5), and Benjamin (7 months). Also in the household was Julia Howard (35) and James Harden (5), listed in order, which would appear to make them mother and son, since relationships were not listed in the 1870 census.
However, in the 1880 census, which did list relationships, we see Titus and Rachel with their children listed as Scipio (15), Annie (13), Ben (8), Samuel (7), and Aberdean (Dean) (6). Julia Howard and James Harden are still in the household, but now Julia is listed as Titus’ sister-in-law (so presumably Rachel’s sister), and James Harden is listed as adopted.
So it appears that James Harden is probably one of the two children of Eliza LeConte mentioned in Titus Alvin’s claim for her, and Alvin had adopted him. What else can we learn about him?
Remember that the Claims Commissioner had misinterpreted Special Commissioner Way’s report to say that John L. Harden was Eliza’s father? It appears possible there may actually have been a different connection. James Harden was listed as mulatto in the 1870 census, the only member of the household so listed, and when he died of malaria in 1928 his death certificate listed his mother as Eliza LeConte and his father as Johnnie Harden. John L. Harden would have been about 26 when James Harden was born in 1865, and did not marry until 1869. Perhaps Commissioner Way’s report was deliberately vague about relationships because it was an awkward subject. However, James Harden was not listed as mulatto in the 1880 census, and John L. Harden was in the C.S.A. Chatham Artillery from 1861 until April 26, 1865, when he surrendered with his unit in Greensboro, North Carolina. On the other hand, C.S.A. soldiers did get leave during the war. Only DNA testing of descendants could say for sure whether John L. Harden was James Harden’s father.
Claim transcribed by Stacy Ashmore Cole; Research by Stacy Ashmore Cole
More about the Claimant
Liberty County Superior Court records revealed a surprising amount about Titus Alvin’s life. Testimony in an 1882 court case in which neighbor Ben Howard was accused of setting fire to white landowner James Townsend’s rice house and commissary revealed that Titus Alvin’s wife Rachel was Ben Howard’s sister. Ben Howard’s attorney in that case was Judge John L. Harden. The charges were dropped and another man, John Lambert, was later convicted.
In 1885, however, Ben Howard, Titus Alvin, and Titus’ son Scipio Alvin were convicted of theft for stealing three hogs worth $9, and sentenced to two years at hard labor. John L. Harden was again the defense attorney.
In 1892, James Townsend, whose rice house had been burned in the 1882 case, was shot by an unknown party, and Ben Howard was blamed and arrested. While the deputies were transporting him to Hinesville, Ben Howard was lynched. The case made the national news, and two white men were arrested, but no records have yet been found of the outcome of their trial, which was postponed in 1893 because the state was “not ready” to prosecute its case.
Titus Alvin had begun by share-cropping after the Civil War, and was living on the Foster Plantation at the time of his 1877-1878 Southern Claims Commission claim. In 1880 and presumably other years, he was subject to a common, predatory, transaction with the R. Jordan Company. The Company gave him $40 worth of provisions and plantation supplies and in return, he was to hand over his entire crop for the year to be sold by the Company, which would deduct the amount of the loan and give him the balance, “if any.” In addition, all of his property, both real and personal, was mortgaged to the Company.
Despite all these difficulties, Titus Alvin had managed to amass 120 acres of land by at least 1899, when he and his sons Scipio and Ben leased the timber rights to the Hilton & Dodge Lumber Company. The 10-year lease cost the company $50. The lease specified that Alvin had lived on the land for 27 years and had clear title to it, also that it was known as the “Polly Bacon” tract, and was bounded on the north by Col. E.P. [Edward Payson] Miller, east and south by Pompey Stewart, and west by Louis Harden.
By 1900, Titus Alvin was a widower and was living with his grandchildren Bussie (20), Lewis (13), and Fillis [Phillis] Alvin, Julia Howard (now 50), and his nieces and nephews Charlotte Hargrave (25), Robert Hargrave (8), William Hargrave (23), and Betsey Hargrave (6), as well as grandnephew Henry Keller (20). Living nearby — probably on the same land — were sons Ben, Scipio, and Aberdine Alvin with their families. [NOTE: The name Alvin was also spelled Albin in some records.] By 1910, Titus, now about 73, had moved in with son Scipio.
No record was found of Titus Alvin after 1911, when he gifted the 110 acres where his son Ben Alvin was then living to his sons Ben, Dean [Aberdine], Sypio [Scipio], and Joe. By then, the land was bounded by the Brewster Lumber Company on the south and north, west by Paul LeConte (who had also submitted a Southern Claims Commission petition), and east by Miller and Harden.
Citations
U.S. Federal Censuses
1870 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Subdivision 180, p. 36, dwelling #391, family #391, enumerated on November 25, 1870, by Robert Q. Baker, Titus Alvin and household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8/3/2020).
1880 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Dictrict 15, enumeration district 67, p. 47, dwelling #533, family #534, Titus Alvin and household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8/3/2020).
1900 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Militia District 15, enumeration district 81, sheet #12, line number 61-70, Titus Albin and household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8/3/2020).
1910 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Militia District 15, enumeration district 114, sheet #15A, line number 2-12, Titus Alvin and household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 8/3/2020).
1928 James Harden Death Certificate
Certificate of Death for James Harden, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Liberty County, Militia District 15, Riceboro, June 28, 1928, Certificate #16349; accessed online, Ancestry.com, “Georgia, Deaths Index, 1914-1940” for Eliza LeConte, 004335062, Image #220 of 1013 (link: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2562/images/004335062_00220, accessed 8/3/2020)
John M.B. Harden Estate Inventories
1848:
“Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G93L-GHFW?cc=1999178&wc=9SYT-PT5%3A267679901%2C268032901 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Wills, appraisements and bonds 1790-1850 vol B > image 664 of 689.
https://theyhadnames.net/2018/09/24/liberty-county-estate-inventory-dr-john-m-b-harden/
1862:
Family Search.org. Liberty County Superior Court “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” Film: Deeds & Mortgages, v. O-P 1854-1870,” Record Book P, p. 207-210 (image #475-7). (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-RSTR-S?i=475&cat=2923580
https://theyhadnames.net/2019/02/21/liberty-county-estate-inventory-division-j-m-b-harden/
John L. Harden military service:
Confederate Widow’s Pension Application by Mrs. Annie Olivia Harden of Ben Hill County, Georgia, in 1910. Archive Collection #GCP-019; accessed online, Ancestry.com, “Georgia, Confederate Pension Applications, 1879-1960,” image 1 of 64 (link: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1560/images/USAMILCONFEDGA_178145-00792, accessed 8/3/2020).
Liberty County Superior Court Records
Liberty County Superior Court minutes, Liberty County, Georgia. November 1882 term. FamilySearch.org, “Superior Court Minutes, 1784-1935 [Liberty County, Georgia],” database with images. Image #591.
Liberty County Superior Court minutes, Liberty County, Georgia. May 1884 term. FamilySearch.org, “Superior Court Minutes, 1784-1935 [Liberty County, Georgia],” database with images. Image #635.
Liberty County Superior Court minutes, Liberty County, Georgia. November 1882 term. FamilySearch.org, “Superior Court Minutes, 1784-1935 [Liberty County, Georgia],” database with images. Image #313
Land & Mortgage Transactions
Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. AD 1898-1901,” p.248-9, Titus Alvin to Hilton & Dodge Lumber Company, lease; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, v. AE-AF 1901-1904” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” image #475, ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-59HL-5?i=66&cat=292358, accessed 8/2/2020)
Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. AE 1901-1903,” p.67, Titus Alvin to Hilton & Dodge Lumber Company, lease; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, v. AE-AF 1901-1904” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” image #67, ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-59HL-5?i=66&cat=292358, accessed 8/2/2020)
Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. S 1877-1882,” p. 527, Titus Alvin lien to R. Jordan & Co ; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, v.S 1877-1882” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” image #330, ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-RS2F-P?i=329&cat=292358, accessed 8/2/2020)
Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. AL 1911-1912,” p.211, Titus Alvin to Ben Alvin, Dean Alvin, Sypio Alvin, Joe Alvin; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, v. AK-AL 1910-1912” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” image #508, ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-5SXK-X?i=507&cat=292358, accessed 8/2/2020)
About the Southern Claims Commission
The Southern Claims Commmission was set up by Congress in 1871 to adjudicate claims for property taken by U.S. federal troops during the Civil War. More than 140 Liberty County residents — both black and white — filed claims, mostly for property taken during December 1864 when a unit of Sherman’s Army commanded by General Kilpatrick camped at Midway Church and conducted foraging raids throughout Liberty County. Horses, cows, hogs, poultry, corn and rice were the most common items of property taken. In Liberty County, many slaveowners allowed their enslaved people to work on their own time and own small amounts of property, most of which was taken by the U.S. troops for use by the Army.
The claims files, which are held at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), have been digitized and are available at Ancestry.com or Fold3.com. For more information on these files, click here. A set of standard questions were used to take the testimony of claimants and witnesses. This set of questions was amended twice, in 1872 and 1874. The questions are not usually part of the digitized file, but we have included them to help make sense of the answers. The questions we used were provided online courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Special Collections, as taken from National Archives Microfilm Publication M87, Roll 1, Frames 104–105, Records of the Commissioners of Claims (Southern Claims Commission, 1871-1880), and can be found here.
About This Transcription
What you are seeing: The Southern Claims Commission files for each claimant included all forms filed for the claimant, including cover pages, standard forms with filled in information, a special agent’s report about the claim, remarks made by the Special Commissioner summarizing the case, testimony from the claimant and his or her witnesses based on a standard set of questions, and copies of other paperwork involved. Much of the information contained in the forms is repetitive. We have summarized that information into one block, and transcribed all testimony, the Special Commissioner’s remarks, the special agent’s report, and any other relevant text.
Methodology: The testimony of the claimant and the witnesses has been transcribed exactly as seen. Some of the files are faded and/or difficult to read. Any words that cannot be read are indicated by “[word]”, or, in the case of entire sections, “[section illegible]”. Alternative spellings of names are also indicated with brackets.
The Claim: Summary & Transcription
Find the digitized original of this claim file at this Ancestry.com link.
Summary
Claimant’s Name (Last Name, First Name): Alvin, Titus
Listed as “Colored”? (Y/N): Y
Amount of Claim: $101.00
Total Amount Allowed: N/A
Nature of Claim: Stores for Genrl Sherman’s Army 1864
Claimant living in: Foster Plantation, Liberty County, Georgia
Incident occurred in: Halifax Farm
Claim #: 20635
Secondary Claim #: N/A
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]:
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1878-02-18, 1877-11-08
Claimant’s Attorney: James M. Simms, Savannah, Georgia
Property Removed to: the Camp of the Army
Date property removed: 1864-12-15 to 1864-12-20
Army unit involved: Sherman’s Army commanded by Genrl Kilpatrick
Date Submitted to Congress [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1878-12-13
Post Office of Claimant: Riceboro
Items Claimed
Transcription
Remarks: Titus Alvin filed this claim in his own name but little information is furnished by what is called evidence. It is said that Titus Alvin filed the claim as agent for Eliza LeConte dec’d. She owned the property, got it before the war from her father John L. Harden dec’d we find the words “deceased two children”. Who or what they refer to it is impossible to tell. Who the parties interested in this claim are is not informed. We can not even conjecture. Titus Alvin in his own right as stated in the petition has no claim. The claim is disallowed.
A.O. Aldis
O. Ferriss
J.B. Howell
Comms [Commissioners] of Claims
[Transcriber’s Comments: Claimant acting as agent for Eliza LeConte. John S. Ashmore and Joseph Ashmore witnessed the claimant’s signature. Testimony of Titus Alvin, Paul LeConte, and Charles Holmes taken on November 8, 1877, at the #3 Atlantic & Gulf Railroad stop in Liberty County. R.Q. Cassels was the claimant’s counsel on the day he gave testimony. ]
Testimony of Claimant (Titus Alvin, agent for Eliza LeConte)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Titus Alvin 44 years Liberty County all my life farmer
2. 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 claimant
The following questions concerning the ownership of property charged in claims will be put to all claimants, or the representatives of deceased claimants:
66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?
Eliza LeConte deceased from her father also deceased
67. 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?
From plantation Liberty County Ga about 600 acres about 200 acres cultivated
68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?
No
[Question 69 asked only of women.]
The following questions will be put to colored claimants:
70. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? If ever a slave, when did you become free? What business did you follow after obtaining your freedom? Did you own this property before or after you became free? When did you get it? How did you become owner, and from whom did you obtain it? Where did you get the means to pay for it? What was the name and residence of your master, and is he still living? Is he a witness for you, and if not, why not? Are you in his employ now, or do you live on his land or on land bought from him? Are you in his debt? What other person besides yourself has any interest in this claim?
She was slave became free after war owned property before became free got it before the war from her father. John L. Harden dec’d he is not witness because dead deceased two children.
The following questions will be put to all colored witnesses in behalf of white claimants:
71. Were you formerly the slave of the claimant? Are you now in his service or employment? Do you live on his land? Are you in his debt? Are you in any way to share in this claim if allowed?
[not answered because not applicable]
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:
72. 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 I did. 3 cows 3 hogs 15 fowls 10 lbs lard 3 bush[els]. Potatoes ½ bush[els] clean rice clothing & bedding.
73. 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?
In day time openly
74. 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.
No complaint made.
75. 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.
Witness answers none.
76. 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?
No no no no.
77. 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?
Troops were camped at Midway Church
78. 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.
[no answers recorded]
79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. 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. 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.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. 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. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. 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. 10th. 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. 11th. 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.
The cows were stock cattle Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head worth 15 dollars a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army drove cows to camp 25 or 30 men & horses no wagon about ½ day to camp no officer present said you will get pay for them. (11) don’t know.
80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.
The hogs were bacon hogs Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head worth 6 or 7 dollars a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army Killed hogs in pen took them on horses 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons about ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know.
The poultry all grown Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Georgia 15 head I counted them worth 50 cts a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army caught & carried them on horse 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The lard was in bucket Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 10 lbs guess that amt worth 25 cts a pound December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army carried it off on horses 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The potatoes were in house. Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 bushels worth one dollar a bushel December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army eat some & carried rest off 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know.
The clean rice was in bag Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga ½ bushel worth 2 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army put it on horse 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The clothing & bedding were quilts blankets etc. Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga worth 20 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army took it horse 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
[signed] Titus Alvin [signed by mark]
Agt for Eliza LeConte deceased
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 8th Nov 1877
Henry Way
Special Commr [Commissioner]
Testimony of Witness (Paul LeConte)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Paul leConte 38 years Liberty County raised here farmer
2. 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?
Not related not interested in claim
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
Titus Alvin agt for Eliza LeConte deceased
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
All my life
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
About 1 mile
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
Saw him every day
56. 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.
No
57. 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.
No
58. 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.
No
59. 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.
Heard nothing
60. 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.
All knew him as a Union man I knew by his conduct Bill Tyson Peter Jenkins
61. 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?
Toney Golding Gus Law Brister Fleming know they would
62. 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 claimant knew it by my life
63. 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.
No
64. 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?
No
65. 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.
No
The following questions concerning the ownership of property charged in claims will be put to all claimants, or the representatives of deceased claimants:
66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?
Heirs of Eliza LeConte died represented by Titus Alvin agt
67. 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?
From plantation Liberty County Ga about 800 acres about 150 or 200 acres
68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?
Don’t know
[Question 69 asked only of women. Questions 70 & 71 evidently not asked.]
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:
72. 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 I did 3 cows 3 hogs 15 fowls 10 lbs lard 3 bush potatoes ½ bush clean rice clothing & bedding
73. 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?
In day time openly
74. 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.
No complaint made
75. 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.
None that I know of we were afraid
76. 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?
No no no no
77. 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?
Troops were camped at Medway Church
78. 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.
79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. 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. 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.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. 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. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. 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. 10th. 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. 11th. 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.
The cows were stock cattle Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head worth about 14 or 15 dollars a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army drove cows to camp 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.
The hogs were bacon hogs Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Georgia 3 head worth 6 or 7 dollars a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army killed hogs in pen carried them off on horse 25 men & horses no wagon ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The fowls were grown Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 15 head I counted them worth 50 cts a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army caught & tied them to saddles 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The lard was in bucket Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head 10 lbs guess that much worth 25 cts a pound December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army drove cows to camp 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The potatoes were in house Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 bushels worth one dollar a bushel December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army carried it off in bags on horse 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
Rice was in house Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head ½ bushel worth 2 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army drove cows to camp 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The clothing & bedding were quilts blankets etc. Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga worth 20 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army took out of house & carried off on horse 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
[Signed] Paul LeConte [signed by mark]
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 8th Nov 1877
Henry Way
Special Commr [Commissioner]
Testimony of Witness (Charles Holmes)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Charles Holmes 30 years Liberty County all my life farmer
2. 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?
Not related not interested in claim
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
Titus Alvin agt for Eliza LeConte deceased
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
All my life
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
About ½ mile
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
Saw him every day
56. 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.
No
57. 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.
No
58. 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.
No
59. 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.
Heard nothing
60. 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.
He was known by all as union I knew it because I was with him all the time
61. 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?
Toney Golding Gus Law Brister Fleming know they would
62. 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 claimant knew because I have told him so
63. 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.
No
64. 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?
No
65. 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.
No
The following questions concerning the ownership of property charged in claims will be put to all claimants, or the representatives of deceased claimants:
66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?
Heirs of Eliza LeConte dec’d represented by Titus Alvin agt
67. 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?
From plantation Liberty County 700 800 acres 200 acres cultivated
68. Has the person who owned the property when taken since filed a petition in bankruptcy, or been declared a bankrupt?
Don’t know
[Questions 69, 70, 71 not applicable]
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:
72. 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 I did 3 cows 3 hogs 15 fowls 10 lbs lard 3 bush potatoes ½ bush clean rice clothing & bedding
73. 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?
In day time openly
74. 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.
No complaints that I know of
75. 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.
Not that I know of
76. 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?
No no no no
77. 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?
Troops were camped at Medway Church
78. 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.
79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. 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. 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.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. 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. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. 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. 10th. 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. 11th. 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.
The cows were stock cattle Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head worth 15 dollars a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army drove cows to camp 25 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.
The hogs were bacon hogs Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head counted them worth 6 or 7 dollars a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army carried off on horses 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The fowls were grown Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 15 head counted them worth 50 cts a head December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army killed & tied them to saddles 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The lard was in bucket Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 10 lbs judge that much worth 25 cts pr lb December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army took bucket & lard on horse 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The potatoes in house Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga 3 bushels worth one dollar a bushel December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army carried them off on horse 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The clean rice was in bag Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga ½ bushel worth 2 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army carried off on horses 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
The bedding etc were quilts blankets etc Mr. Harden’s plantation Liberty County Ga worth 20 dollars December 15th 1864 Kilpatrick’s Army took it off on horses 25 or 30 men & horses no wagons ½ day to camp no officer present (11) don’t know
[Signed] Charles Holmes [signed by mark]
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 8th Nov 1877
Henry Way
Special Commr [Commissioner]
Testimony of Witness (John L. Harden) (taken on 2 February 1878)
Additional Evidence in case of Titus Alvin on claim 20635
John L. Harden, Judge, third witness for claimant answers the questions as follows:
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
John L. Harden aged 38 years Liberty County Ga all my life lawyer
2. 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?
Not related to claimant not interested in success of this claim
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
Titus Alvin
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
All my life
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
I was not near him during the war because I was in the army.
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
Occasionally.
56. 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.
No
57. 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.
No
58. 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.
59. 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.
No
60. 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.
Don’t know.
61. 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?
Don’t know.
62. 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?
Never.
63. 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.
No.
64. 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?
No.
65. 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.
No.
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:
72. 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 present saw no property taken but to the best of my knowledge & belief the person who he represents did own property by the permission of her owner.
[Signed] John L. Harden, Judge, County Court, Liberty Co., Ga
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 18th Feby 1878
Henry Way
Special Commr [Commissioner]