Booby Houston – Southern Claims Commission

Remarks: The claimant was a slave. The only explanation he gives of how he came to own this property is “bought it,” “raised it,” “worked for means”. No detail of how he got the means to buy it, or how he got it or from whom, or anything to show he was the owner. If the claim was for such property as he could have raised & owned, & there was evidence that his master allowed him to earn & own property, & that in fact he did own this property & how he came by it, one might allow it. But the depositions in this case show nothing of the kind. They merely state some general phrases – “bought it, raised it” etc so that it is impossible to either contradict or corroborate the statement of the witness. He does not tell of whom he bought it, when, for what price, or any attending circumstances to give the story an air of truth & enable an agent to investigate the truth. The amount claimed is much beyond the means of an ordinary slave – the horse & 3 cows were property not usually owned by slaves, and there is nothing to show that this slave was more industrious, thrifty or moneygetting than usual, or even that he had any such character for industry & economy.

The white witness Cassels knew nothing of him.

Where the property is of a kind that slaves were allowed to own & might have well raised by their labor & of a reasonable amount, & the slave is shown to be industrious & thrifty so that his ownership of the property is probable & reasonable we are disposed to allow the claim. But this does not belong to that class. Claim disallowed.

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

[Transcriber’s Comments: ]

Testimony of Thomas Q. Cassels 

Thos Q Cassels white witness for Booby Houston on Claim No 20657 answers the questions as follows

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

Thos Q Cassels aged 70 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 the success of this claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Booby Houston

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

Not much acquainted with him but knew he belonged to J.B. Mallard he was brought in his plantation after I left off managing for him

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

About 6 miles

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

Occasionally

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 when property was taken but I know his former owner JB Mallard allowed [white space] Servants to own property

Thomas Q Cassels

Sworn and subscribed before me this 11th Feby 1875
Henry Way Special Comr

Testimony of Claimant 

Testimony of Booby Houston Liberty County Georgia on Claim 20657

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

Booby Houston 49 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

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 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 about 1000 acres about 100 acres cultivated balance woodland

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 at end of war Farming before I was free before the war bought and raised it I worked for means John B Mallard Liberty County Ga He is dead he is not witness because dead no no no no one

[Question 71 not applicable]

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 1 Sorrell Mare 3 Cows 2 Bacon hogs 9 Head Stock Hogs 20 Chickens 2 Mattresses 2 Sheets and 4 Quilts 15 Bushels Rice 3 Suits of Clothes Saddle and Bridle 2 Ovens 1 Spider 4 Galls Lard

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?

Taken 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.

Complaint was made to officerI made complaint complaint did 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.

No I did not know any better

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 near by

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 Mare was Sorrell color John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga worth 125/00 dollars December past before Christmas 1864 Kilpatrick Army Took the Mare out of stable and rode her off about 30 or 40 men all horseback no wagons about ½ an hour to camp They said nothing 2 officers knew by their stripes I believe officers told men to take her because officers were present

The Cows were Milch Cows John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head worth $15 00 a head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Drove Cows off to camp 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp They said nothing 2 officers present Know they were by their stripes I believe officers told men to take them because they were there

The 2 Bacon hogs were fat John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County 2 Head worth /12 00 dollars a head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Hogs were killed and salted took them out of house put the meat in bags and carried off 30 or 40 men and horses ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present They said nothing I believe officers told men to take them because they were there

The Stock Hogs were Sows and Shoats John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 9 Head worth about $2.00/ a head December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Caught them out of field shot them all carried off on horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp They said nothing 2 officers present know by their stripes I believe officers told them to take it because they were present

The Fowls were grown John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 20 head I counted them worth about 50 cts a Head December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Caught some and shot balance carried them off on horse 30 or 40 men on horse about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present knew them by stripes I believe officers told men to take them because they were present

The Mattresses were Moss Mattresses John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County 2 Mattresses worth about five dollars a piece December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of House carried them off on horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered them taken because they were present
The Sheets and Quilts were new John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Sheets and 4 Quilts worth about worth about $20 00/ dollars December 20th or 21th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of room carried them off on horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Rice was threshed John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 15 bushels guess that much worth one and ½ dollars a bushel December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out House put it sacks and carried it off on horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The clothes were nearly new John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 3 Suits worth thirty dollars December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of house carried them off on horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew them by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Saddle and Bridle were second hand John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 1 Saddle and Bridle worth about $9.50 dollars December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of my house put on horse and carried off 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Ovens were large ovens John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 2 ovens worth about 2 or 3 dollars December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of kitchen carried them off in horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe they ordered it taken because they were present

The Spider was a small Spider John B Mallards Plantation Liberty Co Ga 1 Spider worth 50 cts December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of kitchen carried off in horse 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Lard was in Jar John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Galls worth $6 00 dollars December 20th or 21st 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of house carried it off in jar 30 or 40 men and horses about ½ an hour to camp 2 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it taken because they were present

his
Booby Houston
mark

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 24th Oct 1877
Henry Way Special Comr

Testimony of Witness (Plymouth Fraser)

Plymouth Fraser Jnr first Witness for Claimant

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

Plymouth Fraser Jnr 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?

am not claimant not related to claimant not interested in this claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Booby Houston

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

from a boy

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

on the 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.

Talked with claimant about the war during war talked about how the war was taking all our property etc etc John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County don’t remember any one present talked about because they had stripped us of everything we had

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.

never heard anything

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 a union man because he lived with from boyhood London Way Harry Porter

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 I 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 did

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?

Booby Houston Bought 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?

Taken from plantation Liberty county Ga about 1000 acres about 100 acres cultivated balance woodland

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

no

The following questions will be put to female claimants:

69. Are you married or single? If married, when were you married? Was your husband loyal to the cause and Government of the United States throughout the war? Where does he now reside, and why is he not joined with you in the petition? How many children have you? Give their names and ages. Were any of them in the Confederate service during the war? If you claim that the property named in your petition is your sole and separate property, state how you came to own it separately from your husband; how your title was derived; when your ownership of it began. Did it ever belong to your husband? If the property for which you ask pay is wood, timber, rails, or the products of a farm, how did you get title to the farm? If by deed, can you file copies of the deeds? If single, have you been married? If a widow, when did your husband die? Was he in the Confederate army? Was he in the civil service of the Confederacy? Was he loyal to the United States Government throughout the war? Did he leave any children? How many? Are any now living? Give their names and ages. Are they not interested in this claim? If they are not joined in this petition, why not? State fully how your title to the property specified in the petition was obtained. Did you ever belong to any sewing society organized to make clothing for Confederate soldiers or their families, or did you assist in making any such clothing, or making flags, or other military equipments, or preparing or furnishing delicacies or supplies for Confederate hospitals or soldiers?

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?

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 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 1 Sorrel Mare 3 Cows 2 Bacon hogs 9 Shoats Hogs 20 head Fowls 2 Mattresses 2 Sheets and 4 Quilts 15 Bush Rice 3 Suits Clothes Saddle and Bridle 2 Ovens 1 Spider 4 Galls Lard

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 as 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.

Don’t know because we were all so afraid of them

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 nearby

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 Mare was Sorrell John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga worth $150 00/ December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army caught the mare rode her off about 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp They said nothing one or two officers present Knew them by their stripes I believe officers ordered men to take mare because they were on the ground

The Cows were Milch cows John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 3 head worth 15 or 16 dollars a head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army drove them off about 26 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp They said nothing one or two officers present Knew them by their stripes I believe officers ordered them to take them because there were there

The Bacon was just killed and salted in house John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 2 hogs worth about twenty four dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took the meat and put it bags and carried to camp 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp They said nothing one or two officers present Knew them by stripes I believe officers ordered it because there were there

The Stock Hogs were sows and shoats John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 9 head worth about two dollars pr head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot hogs cut off what they wanted and carried to camp on horse 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp They said nothing one or two officers present Knew them by stripes I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Fowls were grown John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 20 head guess that number worth about 40 or 50 cts apiece December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot some and caught balance tied them to saddles and carried them to camp 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present They said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Mattresses were second hand John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County 2 Mattresses worth about five dollars a piece December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out house carried them off on horse 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Knew by their stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present
The Sheets and Quilts were new John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County 2 Sheets and 4 Quilts worth about 15 or 20 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of room and carried them off on horse 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Rice was threshed John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 15 Bushels guess that quantity worth about one ½ dollars pr bushel December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of house put it sack and carried off 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Clothes were new John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 3 Suits worth 25 or 30 dollars taken December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of house 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Knew them by stripes I believe officers ordered them taken because they were there

The Saddle and Bridle was second hand John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 1 Saddle and Bridle worth about 8 or 9 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of house and put in on horse and carried it off 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officer ordered it taken because they were there

The Ovens were large John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 2 ovens worth 2 or 3 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took them out of kitchen 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there.

The Spider was small John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 1 Spider worth 50 cts December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of kitchen 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Lard was in jar John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Galls worth $5 or 6 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out of house 25 or 30 men and horses about one hour to camp one or two officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

his
Plymouth Fraser
mark

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me this 24th Oct 1877
Henry Way
Special Comr

Testimony of Witness (London Way)

London Way Second Witness for Claimant

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

London Way 60 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 claimant not related not interested in this claim

52. In whose favor are you here to testify?

Booby Houston

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

from boyhood

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

on the 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.

don’t know

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.

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.

Everybody looked upon him as union man because I was with him all the time Israel Powell Toney LeConte

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 Law and Brister Fleming 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 because was with me all the time

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?

Booby Houston 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 about 800 or 1000 acres about 100 acres planted balance woodland

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

no

The following questions will be put to female claimants:

69. Are you married or single? If married, when were you married? Was your husband loyal to the cause and Government of the United States throughout the war? Where does he now reside, and why is he not joined with you in the petition? How many children have you? Give their names and ages. Were any of them in the Confederate service during the war? If you claim that the property named in your petition is your sole and separate property, state how you came to own it separately from your husband; how your title was derived; when your ownership of it began. Did it ever belong to your husband? If the property for which you ask pay is wood, timber, rails, or the products of a farm, how did you get title to the farm? If by deed, can you file copies of the deeds? If single, have you been married? If a widow, when did your husband die? Was he in the Confederate army? Was he in the civil service of the Confederacy? Was he loyal to the United States Government throughout the war? Did he leave any children? How many? Are any now living? Give their names and ages. Are they not interested in this claim? If they are not joined in this petition, why not? State fully how your title to the property specified in the petition was obtained. Did you ever belong to any sewing society organized to make clothing for Confederate soldiers or their families, or did you assist in making any such clothing, or making flags, or other military equipments, or preparing or furnishing delicacies or supplies for Confederate hospitals or soldiers?

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?

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 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 Sorrell Mare 3 Cows 2 Head of Hogs killed 9 Head Stock Hogs 20 Head of Fowls 2 Mattresses 2 Sheets and 4 Quilts 15 bushels Rice 3 Suits Clothes 1 Saddle and Bridle 2 Ovens 1 Spider 4 Galls Lard

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.

complaint was made to officer I made complaint He said they had come to destroy everything

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 because we did not know any better

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 Mare was Sorrell John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga worth 125 00 dollars December just before Christmas Kilpatricks Army rode her off about 40 or 50 men on horses about one hour to camp Said nothing about 3 or 4 officers Knew by stripes i believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Cows were Milch cows John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 3 Head worth 15 or 18 dollars a head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army drove them off about 50 men and horses about one hour to camp Said nothing 3 or 4 officers present I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Bacon was salted in house John B Mallards Plantation Liberty Co Ga 2 head worth 10 or 12 dollars apiece December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took the meat out of house carried it off in sacks 50 or 60 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present they said nothing I believe officers ordered it taken because they were there

The Stock Hogs were Sows and Shoats John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 9 head worth about 2 dollars a head December just before christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army shot hogs cut up what they wanted and carried them to camp 50 or 60 men and horses about one hour to camp 3 or 4 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Fowls were grown John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 20 head I counted them worth about 30 or 40 cts apiece December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army shot some and caught them tied them to saddles 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Mattresses were Moss John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Mattresses worth about four or five dollars apiece December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took them out of house 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Sheets were new John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Sheets and 4 Quilts worth about 12 or 15 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took them out of room 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Rice was threshed John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 15 bushels judge it that quantity worth 1.50 pr bushel December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took it out of house carried it off in sacks 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Clothes were almost new John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 3 Suits worth about 25 o4 30 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took them out of house 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were there

The Saddle and Bridle second hand John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga worth 8 or 9 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took it out of house put on horse carried off 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Ovens were large ones John B Mallards plantation Liberty County Ga 2 ovens worth 2 or 3 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took them out of kitchen 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Spider was a small one John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga worth 50 cts December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took it out of kitchen 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Knew by stripes Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

The Lard was in jar John B Mallards Plantation Liberty County Ga 4 Galls guess that amount worth 5 or 6 dollars December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army took it out of house 40 or 50 men and horses about one hour to camp 2 or 3 officers present Said nothing I believe officers ordered it because they were present

his
London Way
mark

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 24th Oct 1877
Henry Way Special Comr