Claim Summary
Claim transcribed by Stacy Ashmore Cole
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
SCC Disallowed Claim Liberty County – Isaac & Cyrus Coleman
Claimant’s Name (Last Name, First Name): Coleman, Isaac & Cyrus
Listed as “Colored”? (Y/N):
Amount of Claim: $132.00
Total Amount Allowed: N/A, disallowed
Nature of Claim: Stores for Genrl Sherman’s Army 1864
Claimant living in: Mallard’s Plantation, Liberty County, Ga
Incident occurred in:
Claim #: 20639
Secondary Claim #: N/A, disallowed
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]:
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1877-11-07
Claimant’s Attorney: Hosmer & Co; Gilmore & Co
Special Commissioner: Henry Way
Property Removed to:
Date property removed: 1864-12-17 to 1864-12-21
Army unit involved: Gen’l Kilpatrick of Sherman’s Army
Date Submitted to Congress [YYYY-MM-DD]: N/A, disallowed
Post Office of Claimant:
Transcription
Items Claimed
Item # | Description | Amt Claimed |
1 | 6 hogs, grown | 36.00 |
2 | 6 pair fowls | 6.00 |
3 | 5 small shoats | 10.00 |
4 | 2 cows & 2 yearlings | 60.00 |
5 | 1 overcoat | 20.00 |
TOTAL | $132.00 |
Remarks: The claimants in this case were slaves. Cyrus Coleman is sworn but Isaac does not testify. We gather from the testimony of Cyrus very imperfectly taken that John Coleman of Liberty Co Georgia was the master of the claimants. Cyrus says he bought this property of John Coleman before he became free. In fact, before the war – not a very probable story. Our instructions are explicit that where former slaves present claims their title to the property must be fully proved [two words] ownership established as will warrant payment. It has not been done in this case. The printed questions furnished for the use of the special commissioner [to] the claimant have not been fully answered.
After the case was first submitted, additional evidence was filed by William J. Coleman testifying that Cyrus Coleman belonged to him, that he himself was in the confederate army. He says, “I know he owned by my permission about 14 or 15 head of cattle etc the property consisted of hogs, poultry etc.” This is all he states as to claimant’s title to property. There is no pretence that Cyrus Coleman was a favorite slave. The idea that the witness’s slaves were permitted to raise & keep for their own use separate from the rights of the master 14 or 15 head of cattle each, besides hogs to an unlimited number is incredible. Mr. Coleman should have been a little more explicit in defining the claimant’s title. It is possible that when he left for the confederate army or the federals were approaching the plantation the permission was then given to Cyrus to hold 14 or 15 head of cattle, hogs, etc.
The testimony is not satisfactory and the claim is disallowed.
A.O. Aldis
J.B. Howell
O. Ferris } Commrs of Claims
[Transcriber’s Comments: Testimony taken at #3 station of the Atlantic and Gulf Rail Road in Liberty County.]
Testimony of Claimant
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Cyrus Coleman 62 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 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 Georgia about 3000 acres about 60 or 70 acres cultivated
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?
no
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?
I have. At end of war Farming before I was free before the war bought itI from John Coleman worked for means John Coleman Liberty County Ga he is dead not witness because dead no no no my son Isaac
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 when the hogs & cows were taken
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 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.
Witness answers 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 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 in camp about ¼ mile
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 fowls were grown Capt Norman’s Residence Liberty County Ga 12 Head of I counted them worth 50 cts a head December 18 or 19 1864 Kilpatrick Army caught fowls in yard made me help catch them over 50 men no horses no wagons ½ hour to camp one officer present knew he was officer because I heard the men call him so said you will get pay for it after a while believe officer ordered it because they were present & did not stop it. The overcoat was new gave 20 dollars for it Capt Norman’s residence Liberty County Ga worth $20.00 collars December 18 or 19 1864 Kilpatrick’s army about 50 men all on foot no wagons about ½ hour to camp one officer present knew by hearing men call him so said I would be paid for it Believe officer ordered because he was there and saw it taken.
Cyrus Coleman [signed by mark]
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 7th Nov 1877 }
Henry Way Spec’l Com’r
Testimony of Witness (Brister Dunham)
Brister Dunham first witness for claimant
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Brister Dunham 35 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 son of claimant
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
Cyrus Coleman
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 5 or 6 miles
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
about 2 or 3 times a week
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.
know 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 a Union man. I know because he has told me so Cephus Cassels John Coleman
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 Golden Gus Law Brister Fleming know they would testify
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 actions
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?
Cyrus Coleman 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?
From plantation Liberty County ga about 2 or 3000 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?
Not that I knew of
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 when property was taken but saw them kill & butcher the cows the day after they were taken in camp. Swear they belonged to Cyrus Coleman
Brister Dunham [signed by mark]
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 7th Nov 1877 }
Henry Way Spec’l Com’r
Testimony of Witness (Sam Baker)1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Sam Baker 40 years Savannah Ga ever since war in draying business
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?
nephew to claimant
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
Cyrus Coleman
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
he raised me
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.
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.
He was known by all as a Union man. I have often heard him say so Sam Stacy Henry [name]
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 Golden Gus Law Brister Fleming know they would testify to loyalty
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 actions
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
66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?
Cyrus Coleman 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?
From plantation Liberty County ga about 2 or 3000 acres about 150 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
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 when property was taken but saw them kill & butcher the cows the day after they were taken in camp. Swear they belonged to Cyrus Coleman
Sam Baker [signed by mark]
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 7th Nov 1877 }
Henry Way Spec’l Com’r
Testimony of Witness (William J. Coleman)
Additional testimony in the case [of] Cyrus Coleman & Isaac Coleman Liberty County Ga in
Claim 20639
William J Coleman former owner of 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?
William J Coleman aged 68 [or 63] years
Liberty County Ga all my life
Framer
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
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
Cyrus & Isaac Coleman
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?
Cyrus belonged to me & lived on my place Isaac lived on W.S. Norman’s place in sight of me.
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
Saw them whenever I came home from the army
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.
We followed Sherman’s Army when they passed through the County
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.
Don’t know because I was in army
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 I was a Rebel in army
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.
I was not present but I know he owned by my permission about 14 or 15 head of cattle & other property consisting of hogs poultry etc.
William J. Coleman
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 26th Feby 1878 }
Henry Way Spec’l Com’r