They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Sam Winn – Southern Claims Commission

Transcript of
Southern Claims Commission Petition By

Sam Winn

Claim transcribed by: Cathy Dillon

Sam Winn SCC testimony
Sam Winn SCC testimony

Find the digitized original of this claim file at this Ancestry.com link. 

Summary

Claimant’s Name (Last Name, First Name): Winn, Samuel
Listed as “Colored”? (Y/N): Y
Amount of Claim: $149
Total Amount Allowed: N/A, disallowed
Nature of Claim: Stores for Genrl Sherman’s Army in 1864
Claimant living in: Woodland, Liberty County, Ga, No 3 Atlantic & Gulf Rail Road
Incident occurred in: Woodland, Liberty County, Ga, No 3 Atlantic & Gulf Rail Road
Claim #: 20705
Secondary Claim #: N/A, disallowed
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1872-09-14
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1877-10-25
Claimant’s Attorney: J.M. Simms [crossed out]; Hosmer & Co; Gilmore & Co
Special Commissioner: Henry Way
Property Removed to: the Camp of the Army
Date property removed: 1864-12-15 to 1864-12-21
Army unit involved: Sherman’s Army commanded by General Kilpatrick
Date Submitted to Congress [YYYY-MM-DD]: N/A, disallowed
Post Office of Claimant: Riceboro

 

Witnesses to be Called:

Boston Polite [did not testify]

Scipio LeConte [did not testify]

John Quarterman [did not testify]

Gideon Jackson

Isaac Williams

Items Claimed

Item #

Description

Amt Claimed

1

7 head of hogs

442

2

13 pr fowls

13

3

5 bush[els] rice

7.50

4

6 bush[els] corn

6

5

10 bush[els] potatoes

10

6

10 gall. syrup

8

7

10 lbs sugar

2

8

6 doz eggs

3

9

12 hives honey

36

10

2 medium size pots

2

11

3 pr ducks

4.50

12

Bedding & clothing

15

 

TOTAL

149.00

 

Remarks: The claimant was a plantation slave during the war. His claim consists of a dozen items and he and two witnesses testify identically to the same number of articles in each item to the same number of pounds, and bushels and to the same value. A [words] and worthless as testimony for it is evident that the two witnesses swear right after the claimant in [two words] and whether he swears from his own knowledge and memory or according to instructions is doubtful. Most of the articles are such as slaves would consume for food and probably belonged to claimant’s owner.

We cannot recommend payment of the claim.

A.O. Aldis
J.B. Howell
O. Ferris } Commrs of Claims

[Transcriber’s Comments: Testimony of Sam Winn, Gideon Jackson taken on October 25, 1877, at #3 A & G R.R. with R.Q. Cassels acting as counsel. Testimony of Isaac Wilkinson taken on October 12, 1877.]

 

Transcription

Testimony of Sam Winn liberty County Georgia on Claim 20705

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

Sam Winn, 37 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?

Am claimant

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

I was labored for it

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 3000 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?

no

[Question 69 only asked 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?

Slave after war Farming before freedom before the war worked by hard labor G B Dean dead he is not witness dead no no no no no one

[Question 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 7 Hogs 10 Fowls 5 Bush[el] Rice 6 Bush[el] Corn 10 Bushels Potatoes 10 Galls [Gallons] Syrup 10 lbs [pounds] Sugar 6 Dozen Eggs 12 Bee hives 2 Pots 3 Prs [Pairs] Ducks Bedding and Clothing

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.

I made complaint to officer no good

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 was 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

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 Hogs 4 Bacon hogs rest stock Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 7 Head counted them worth about 6 Dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army Killed them on the place carried them off in wagons 100 or more men on horses about 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by stripes said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Fowls were grown Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 worth one dollar a pair December 16 or 17 1864 Kilpatricks army Shot some and caught rest tied them to saddles 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered them taken because they were present

The Rice was threshed Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 5 Bushels measured it worth 150 a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put it in sacks carried off in wagons 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Corn was shucked in ear Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Bushels measured it worth one dollar a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put it in wagons 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 4 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Potatoes were in Bank Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 Bushels I measured them worth one dollar a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put them in bags in wagon 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Syrup in Barrel Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 Galls [Gallons] measured it worth 75 or 80 cts [cents] a gallon December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put barrels in wagon about 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Sugar was in Keg Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 lbs [pounds] weighed it worth 20 cts [cents] a lb [pound] December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army carried off key in wagon 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Eggs were in Basket Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Dozen counted them worth 3 or 4 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army carried them off in basket 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Hives were full Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 12 Hives counted them worth 3 dollars a piece December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army broke hives open put honey in buckets pans etc etc etc 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by their dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Pots were common size cook pots Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 2 pots worth one dollar a piece December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army carried them off in wagons 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present
The Ducks were grown Mr Deans plantation 3 pr [pair] worth 450 December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army caught them and tied to saddles 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present said nothing Believe officers ordered them taken because they were there

The Bedding and Clothing Quilts Blankets etc etc Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga worth 15 or 16 Dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army rolled them up took them on horses 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

his
Sam Winn
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th Oct 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (Gideon Jackson)

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

Gideon Jackson 60 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 to claimant not interested in claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Sam Winn

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?

on same place

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

was with him all the time

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.

did not talk much about the war

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.

Everybody looked upon him as union man I know by his actions Frank Williams Madison Baily

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 Golden 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 he knew it I 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?

Sam Winn Bought and raised it

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 1000 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 only asked of women]

[Question 70 apparently not asked]

[Question 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 7 hogs 10 pr [pair] Fowls 5 Bushels Rice 6 Bushels Corn 10 Bushels Potatoes 10 Galls [Gallons] Syrup 10 lbs [pounds] Sugar 6 Dozen Eggs 12 Bee Hives 2 Pots 3 pr [pair] Ducks Bedding and Clothing

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.

not 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.

none 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 in camp

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 Hogs were stock Hogs Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 7 Head counted them worth about 5 or 6 dollars a head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army killed them and put them in wagons 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officer told men to take them because they were present

The Fowls were grown Mr Deans plantation Liberty County 10 pr [pair] know that many worth one dollar a pr [pair] December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army caught them tied them to saddle over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew them by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered them taken because there were present

The Rice was threshed Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 5 Bushels worth 150 pr [per] bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put in sack in wagon over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Corn was shucked in ear Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 6 Bushels worth one dollar a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army threw in wagons over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Potatoes were in Bank Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 bushels guess that much worth one dollar a bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put them in wagon over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Syrup was in Barrell Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 Galls [Gallons] guess that much worth one dollar a gallon December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put barrell in wagon over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officer ordered it taken because they were present

The Sugar was in Keg Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 lbs [pounds] saw it weighed worth 20 cts [cents] a lb [pound] December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army carried it off in wagon over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew them by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it because there were present

The Eggs were in Basket Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 6 dozen counted them worth 3 or 4 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army carried it off in basket over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Hives were full of honey Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 12 Hives counted them worth 3 or 4 dollars a piece December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army Broke Hives took Honey out in Buckets Pans etc etc over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Pots were cooking Pots Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Pots worth 2 or 3 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army put them in wagons over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

The Ducks were grown Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 3 pr [pair] worth 4 or 5 dollars December 18 or 19 Kilpatricks army shot them tied them to saddle over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered them taken because they were present

The Bedding and Clothing were Quilts Blankets etc etc Mr Deans plantation Liberty County Ga worth 15 or 16 dollars December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks army rolled them up and put item on horse over 100 men and horses 7 or 8 wagons about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present knew by dress said nothing Believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

his
Gideon Jackson
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25 Oct 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner)

Testimony of Witness (Isaac Williams)

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

Isaac Williams 37 years Liberty County Ga 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

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Sam Winn

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?

on same place

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 to be union

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?

Tony Golding Gus Saw 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

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?

Sam Winn worked for it

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 1000 acres 200 cultivated

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

not that I know of

[Question 69 only asked of women]

[Question 70 apparently not asked]

[Question 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 7 Hogs 13 pr [pair] Fowls 5 Bush[els] Rice 6 Bush[els] corn 10 Bush[els] Potatoes 10 Galls [Gallons] Syrup 10 lbs [pounds] Sugar 6 Doz [Dozen] Eggs 12 Bee Hives 2 Pots 3 pr [pair] Ducks Bedding and Clothing

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.

none

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.

no

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 in camp

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.

Item 1 The hogs were stock hogs G B Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 7 Head counted them worth five dolls [dollars] a head about 20th Decebr [December] 1864 Kilpatricks army killed them and carried them off in wagons 70 or 80 men men and horses 6 or 7 wagons about 1 ½ hours to camp 2 officers present knew by their dress Believe officer ordered because they were present

Item 2 The Fowls were large G B Deans plantation Liberty County Ga 13 pr [pair] worth one dollar a pr [pair] taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 3 The Rice was threshed Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 5 bushels judge that quantity worth 1 50 dolls [dollars] a bushel taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 4 The Corn was shucked and in ear Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 6 Bushels judge that quantity worth one dollar a bushel taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 5 The Potatoes were in Bank Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 10 bushels saw them measured worth one dollar a bushel taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 6 The Syrup was in Barrell Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 10 Galls [Gallons] saw it measured worth 7 cts [cents] pr [per] Gall [Gallon] taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 7 The Sugar was in small keg Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga about 10 lbs [pounds] worth 20 cts [cents] a pound taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 8 The Eggs were in basket Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 6 dozen saw them counted worth about 4 dollars taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 9 The Hives were full on honey Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 12 hives counted them worth 2 50 dolls [dollars] a piece taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 10 The Pots were common size Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 2 worth one dollar each taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 11 The Ducks were grown Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga 3 Pr [pair] worth 75 cts [cents] each taken same time and place as Item 1

Item 12 The Bedding and Clothing were Quilts Blankets Matrass [sic] etc etc Deans plantation Liberty Co Ga worth 12 or 13 dollars taken same time and place as Item 1

his
Isaac Williams
mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th Decebr [December] 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

Testimony of Witness (Gideon B Dean)

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

Gideon B Bean aged 37 years McIntosh County Georgia 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 to Claimant and not interested in the success of this Claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Sam Winn

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?

He lived on my Fathers place – deceased now

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

Every day or so as he belonged to my Father

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 he was 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?

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?

No

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

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.

Was not present but know that Claimant was allowed to own and did own property before and during the war Know he owned Hogs and other property on my Fathers place in Liberty Co

Gideon B. Dean

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st Feby [February] 1878
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]

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.

 

SCC Sam Winn testimony
SCC Sam Winn testimony
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