William Wilson filed his Southern Claims Commission petition in 1877, claiming $59 for two hogs, corn, rice, and 40 head of poultry taken from him by Federal troops from his wife’s home on the Mrs. Lydia Quarterman Goshen plantation, where she was enslaved, in December 1864. Wilson said he was 61 years old when he gave his testimony for the claim, and that he had lived all of his life in Liberty County.
He added that Mrs. Quarterman’s plantation was about 60 acres, 8-10 acres of it cultivated, and said that his own slaveowner was Edward Andrews, who did not testify for him because the property taken was at his (William Wilson’s) wife’s home. Simon Harris testified for Wilson that he had witnessed the property being taken, saying that he had known Wilson for 18-20 years and was not related to him. He named Tom Irvin, Nejah Martin and Marlboro Fabian as people who could testify as to Wilson’s loyalty to the Union, as well as Toney Golding, Gus Law, and Brister Fleming. Harris said he himself was 70 years old when he gave his testimony.
Thomas Irvin also testified, saying that he was 60 years old at the time of his testimony and that he had lived in Liberty County all his life and was a farmer and a blacksmith. He said he had known Wilson about 20 years of that time and had witnessed the property being taken from Mrs. Quarterman’s plantation. He named as additional potential witnesses as to Wilson’s loyalty Harry Martin, Nejah Baker, and Peter Martin.
The Claims Commission normally had a white landowner testify as well, and in this case it was Robert Q. Andrews, who said he was 23 years old and had lived in Liberty County for 16 years, having known Wilson all of that time. He said Wilson lived about 4 miles from him, and that Wilson’s wife had “lived in the same place I did.” He testified that he was present when the property was taken and saw the Federal soldiers shoot one of Wilson’s hogs and take all his poultry. He said that he did know that Wilson was allowed to own property, and did.
In the case file were also two documents reporting service to the Confederacy by a William Wilson, but concluding that this was not the same man.
Wilson was granted $38 of his $59 claim.
Claim transcribed by Cathy Tarpley Dillon; Research by Stacy Ashmore Cole
More about the Claimant
The Southern Claims Commission petition said that William Wilson was 61 in 1877, had lived in Liberty County all his life, and that his slaveowner was Edward Andrews and his wife lived on Mrs. Lydia Quarterman’s plantation in 1864. According to the 1870 U.S. Federal Census, William Wilson, 59 years old, was living with Tamar Wilson, 55, and William Wilson, 10, in Liberty County’s Subdivision 180 [1]. In addition to 59-year-old William and 10-year-old William Wilson, there was a 30-year-old William Wilson also living in Liberty County. The 1870 census does not specify relationships, so 10-year-old William Wilson could have been either 59-year-old William Wilson’s son or grandson.
Tamar is named as William Wilson’s wife in the 1880 census, and they are listed as 62 (William) and 57 (Tamar) [2]. Living with them was Susan Graham, a 15-year-old black girl listed as a farm laborer and Georgia Bacon, a 10-year-old black girl listed as “niece.”
Although no death records were found for William or Tamar, they were not found in the 1900 Liberty County census, and given their ages, were likely deceased by then. (The 1890 census burned in a fire so is not available.)
William Wilson had said in his SCC claim that his wife was living on Mrs. Lydia Quarterman’s plantation, Goshen Farm. Mrs. Quarterman was born Lydia Quarterman Andrews to Micajah Andrews (1774-1843) and Ann Quarterman (1775-1815), and was baptized in the Midway Congregational Church on January 7, 1816 [3]. She married William Thomas E. Baker in 1837 [4], and in 1844, inherited Tamar, said to be 22 years old, from her father, along with Lucretia, Henry, and Samm [5]. Micajah Andrews had specified in his will that “three of my coloured people old Phebe, old Tom and Tamar shall choose their owners out of my heirs,” indicating some special relationship [6]. Baker died, and in 1858, Lydia married William Elliott Way Quarterman, and became Mrs. Lydia Quarterman [7]. She presumably took Tamar to live with her at Quarterman’s farm. W.E.W. Quarterman died in 1868, so was not alive at the time of Wilson’s SCC claim [8]. Robert Q. Andrews, who testified for Wilson in his claim, was a nephew of Lydia Quarterman’s.
Tamar was received as a member in the Midway Congregational Church on February 15, 1845, and was said at the time to belong to T.W.E. Baker, who was William Thomas E. Baker, Lydia Quarterman Andrews’ first husband, indicating that she probably lived at the Baker place before Baker died and Lydia remarried to W.E.W. Quarterman [9].
William Wilson said in his claim that Edward Andrews was his slaveowner, and that he lived about 4 miles from Goshen Farm. This would have been Edward Quarterman Andrews (1800-1880), also a son of Micajah Andrews and Ann Quarterman. It would seem likely then that William had also been inherited from Micajah Andrews, but there is no William (or Will) listed in Micajah Andrews’ estate division. It is noteworthy that both witnesses, Tom Irvin and Simon Harris, said they had known Wilson for about 20 years, though both he and they said they all had lived in Liberty County all their lives, indicating perhaps that he had come from a different plantation. An avenue for further research would be investigating Edward Andrews’ wife, Margaret Beasley Andrews, to determine when her father died, in case William had been inherited from him.
In February 1867, a William Wilson was received into membership at the Midway Congregational Church, shortly before the Church dissolved and its white and black members went their separate ways [10]. [NOTE: In the post-War Midway Church records, white members were given the courtesy title of Mr. or Mrs, while African-American members were not.]
In looking at the Liberty County land deed records for land sold or bought by William Wilson, the fact that there were three William Wilsons during the post-War period complicates the process of disentangling the records. The land transactions found were mostly before 1890, which probably lets out the youngest William Wilson, who was 10 in 1870. That leaves this William Wilson and also the William Wilson who was 30 in 1870. There are records for both a William Wilson and a William A. Wilson, and it is not clear who is who, so be aware that more work needs to be done to determine this. References to these records is provided here to help with that task:
* January 1877: E. [probably Ezra] Stacy sold to William Wilson, listed as “colored,” for $280 “a portion of the Oakland Plantation known as Lot No. 5 bounded on the north by the Ball tract or H.M. Stevens land on the east by Lot No. 6 on the south by lands formerly belonging to Est. Thomas Bacon on the west by Lot No. 4 of the Oakland Plantation containing in all fifty acres more or less together with Lot No 5 of the Cato pineland tract adjoining and lying on both sides of the Riceboro Road being one sixth of said tract bounded on the north by Lot no. 6 of the same tract on the east by lands of John B. Mallard on the south by lot no. 4 of the same tract on the west by land known as the Ball tract (which is known as Lot No. 9 of the Oakland Plantation) containing ten acres more or less…” Witnessed by James Clark, and Henry Way, C.S.C.L.C. [11]
* March 30, 1885: Wm. Wilson used his coming year’s crop of rice, corn and cotton, and a mare, as collateral for $15 worth of groceries from R.Q. Cassels, if not paid back by October 15 at 8 per cent interest. [12]
* April 4, 1885: Wm. A. Wilson used a cream horse & buggy/Jersey wagon, plus 4 head of cattle and his coming year’s crop of rice, corn, and cotton as collateral for $37.50 worth of groceries from R.Q. Cassels, if not paid back by October 15 at 8 per cent interest. [NOTE: These transactions were common for Cassels.] [13]
* On September 7, 1889, William Wilson sold to Peggy Jones for $10 one acre of land bounded north by T.G. Stacy, south by Mrs. Mary L. Stacy, east by William Wilson and west by Hannah Bacon. [14]
* On May 12, 1888, William Wilson sold to Shadrach Roberts for $44 “what is known as the Stacey Ball tract,” said to be part of Lot No. 9, bounded north by George Berrien, east by N. Tillman, south by William Wilson. Document witnessed by T.S. Ball, Floyd Snelson, E.W. James, J.P., and not recorded until 1895. [15]
* On January 7, 1891, William Wilson sold to Samson Bacon for $3.37 land on the public road leading from McIntosh [post office] to Station S.F. & W Railroad to Riceboro at the 8 miles post on that public road, bounded on the north, east and south by Stacy lands and west by Peter Maxwell, “and containing two tasks and three quarters of a task.” [16]
* On February 14, 1891, William Wilson sold to Mariah Maxwell for $13 two and ¾ acres bounded north by the McIntosh-to-Riceboro public road, and south, east and west by William Wilson. [17]
Citations:
[1] 1870 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Subdivision 180, p. 12, dwelling #120, family #120, enumerated on November 11, 1870, by Robert Q. Baker, William Wilson, digital image, Ancestry.com (hhttps://www.ancestry.com/interactive/7163/4263491_00392/5879544: accessed 9/17/2019).
[2] 1880 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Dictrict 15, enumeration district 67, p. 3, dwelling #28, family #28, Wm. Wilson; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/6742/4240148-00403/12823907: accessed 9/17/2019).
[3] Midway Congregational Church Baptism Records, baptism for Lydia Quarterman Andrews, female, 7 January 1816, father Micajah Andrews, FamilySearch.org FHL #924846.
[4] Ancestry.com, “Liberty County, Georgia Marriages, 1785-1895″(https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 5/28/2020), William Thomas E. Baker to Lydia Q. Andrews, license date 17 February 1837, marriage date 20 February 1837.
[5] Liberty County Court of Ordinary, Vol. B, 1823-1850, pp. 356-7, Estate Division of Micajah Andrews; digital image, Ancestry.com, “Georgia Probate Records, 1743-1990,” Liberty County, within “Appraisements, bonds, and wills Vol. B 1823-1850” image #623-4. Record summarized and put online at TheyHadNames.net (https://theyhadnames.net/2018/10/01/liberty-county-estate-inventory-division-micajah-andrews/)
[6] Liberty County Court of Ordinary, Vol. B, 1823-1850, pp. 345-6, Will of Micajah Andrews; digital image, Ancestry.com, “Georgia Probate Records, 1743-1990,” Liberty County, within “Appraisements, bonds, and wills Vol. B 1823-1850” image #613. Record summarized and put online at TheyHadNames.net (https://theyhadnames.net/2018/06/08/liberty-county-will-micajah-andrews/)
[7] Ancestry.com, “Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828-1978,” Liberty County, Wm. E.W. Quarterman to Lydia Q. Baker, marriage date 8 April 1858.
[8] Find A Grave Index, Memorial ID 59689930 (created by Ann White, 6 October 2010), William Elliott Quarterman, 15 December 1802, death 12 February 1868, Flemington Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Liberty County, Georgia; digital image: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59689930/william-elliott-quarterman.
[9] Midway Congregational Church Records, digital images, FamilySearch.org (accessed 5/28/2020); Tamar, belonging to T.W.E. Baker, to be propounded for membership on February 16, 1845 in the quarterly session records. Records online at: https://theyhadnames.net/midway-church-records/.
[10] Midway Congregational Church Records, digital images, FamilySearch.org (accessed 5/28/2020); William Wilson admitted to Church membership during the February 1867 session, in the quarterly session records. Records online at: https://theyhadnames.net/midway-church-records/.
[11] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. R 1874-1877,” p. 460-1, E. Stacy to William Wilson; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, R 1874-1877” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-5TGG?i=521&cat=292358, accessed 5/29/2020)
[12] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. U 1884-1885,” p. 460, Wm. Wilson to R.Q. assels; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, U 1884-1885” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9HP-5?i=511&cat=292358, accessed 5/28/2020)
[13] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. U 1884-1885,” p. 479-80, Wm. A. Wilson to R.Q. cassels; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, U 1884-1885” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9HP-K?i=521&cat=292358, accessed 5/28/2020)
[14] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. X 1887-1890,” p. 538, William Wilson to Peggy Jones; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, X 1887-1890” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R91T-4?i=280&cat=292358, accessed 5/28/2020)
[15] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. AB 1894-1896,” p. 429-30, William Wilson to Shadrach Robert; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, AB 1894-1896” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-59QG-G?i=538&cat=292358, accessed 5/28/2020)
[16] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. Y 1890-1891,” p. 269-70, Wm. Wilson to Samson Bacon; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, Y 1890-1891” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-5TYN?i=172&cat=292358, accessed 5/28/2020)
[17] Liberty County Superior Court, “Deeds & Mortgages v. AD 1898-1901,” p. 523, William Wilson to Mariah Maxwell; digital image, FamilySearch.org, “Deeds & Mortgages, AD 1898-1901” within “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-5918-Q?i=614&cat=292358, accessed 5/28/2020)
About the Southern Claims Commission
The Southern Claims Commmission was set up by Congress in 1871 to adjudicate claims for property taken by U.S. federal troops during the Civil War. More than 140 Liberty County residents — both black and white — filed claims, mostly for property taken during December 1864 when a unit of Sherman’s Army commanded by General Kilpatrick camped at Midway Church and conducted foraging raids throughout Liberty County. Horses, cows, hogs, poultry, corn and rice were the most common items of property taken. In Liberty County, many slaveowners allowed their enslaved people to work on their own time and own small amounts of property, most of which was taken by the U.S. troops for use by the Army.
The claims files, which are held at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), have been digitized and are available at Ancestry.com or Fold3.com. For more information on these files, click here. A set of standard questions were used to take the testimony of claimants and witnesses. This set of questions was amended twice, in 1872 and 1874. The questions are not usually part of the digitized file, but we have included them to help make sense of the answers. The questions we used were provided online courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Special Collections, as taken from National Archives Microfilm Publication M87, Roll 1, Frames 104–105, Records of the Commissioners of Claims (Southern Claims Commission, 1871-1880), and can be found here.
About This Transcription
What you are seeing: The Southern Claims Commission files for each claimant included all forms filed for the claimant, including cover pages, standard forms with filled in information, a special agent’s report about the claim, remarks made by the Special Commissioner summarizing the case, testimony from the claimant and his or her witnesses based on a standard set of questions, and copies of other paperwork involved. Much of the information contained in the forms is repetitive. We have summarized that information into one block, and transcribed all testimony, the Special Commissioner’s remarks, the special agent’s report, and any other relevant text.
Methodology: The testimony of the claimant and the witnesses has been transcribed exactly as seen. Some of the files are faded and/or difficult to read. Any words that cannot be read are indicated by “[word]”, or, in the case of entire sections, “[section illegible]”. Alternative spellings of names are also indicated with brackets.
The Claim: Summary & Transcription
Find the digitized original of this claim file at this Ancestry.com link.
Summary
Amount of Claim: $59.00
Total Amount Allowed: $38.00
Nature of Claim: Stores for Genrl [General] Sherman’s Army 1864
Claimant living in: No. 3. Atlantic & Gulf Rail Road, Liberty County, GA
Incident occurred in: Goshen [or Gashen] Farm, Liberty County, GA
Claim #: 20700
Secondary Claim #: 51913
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1878-02-01
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1877-10-23
Claimant’s Attorney: James M. Simms, Savannah, GA, R.Q. Cassels, Gilmore & Co, Washington, D.C.
Property Removed to: the Army’s Camp
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]: 1878-12-13
Post Office of Claimant: #3 A & G Railroad, Liberty County, Georgia
Witnesses to be Called: |
Simon Harris |
Thomas Irvin |
Robert Q. Andrews |
Items Claimed
Item # | Description | Amt Claimed | Amt Allowed | Amt Disallowed |
1 | Two hogs | 20 | 20 | |
2 | 8 bush[els] corn | 8 | 8 | |
3 | 10 bush[els] rice | 15 | 10 | 5 |
4 | 40 hd [head] fowls | 16 | 16 | |
TOTAL | 59 | 38 | 21
|
Transcription
Remarks: Claimant was a slave during the war. His loyalty is established by the law and the testimony.
The supplies were taken from the plantation where his wife was owned and lived and the sentence is that the articles belonged to claimant and were taken by Sherman’s Command in Dec 1864. We allow $38.
A.O. Aldis
J.B. Howell
O. Ferriss } Comms [Commissioners] of Claims
Testimony of Claimant
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
William Wilson 61 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?
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 Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga about 60 acres 8 or ten 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]
[questions 70 & 71 did not apply]
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 freedom bought it before the war Bought it worked for means Edward Andrews Liberty County Ga No he is not witness because the property taken was not on his place but on the place where my wife lived No no no no No one
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 present I saw it taken 2 Hogs 8 Bush[el] Corn 10 Bush [el] Rice 40 Head of Fowls
73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?
in day time openly
74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint.
no complaint was 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 because I 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
78. You will please listen attentively while the list of items, but not the quantities, is read to you, and as each kind of property is called off, say whether you saw any such property taken.
[no answers recorded]
79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.
Hogs were Bacon Hogs Mrs Lydia Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Head worth about 10 dollars a head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Hogs were in Pen Shot them in Pen carried them off in Wagon about 25 or 30 men all on Horseabout 6 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp dint [didn’t] know whether officers were there or not Said if they did not take it the Rebel Soldiers would [word] I would get pay for it after a while think that it was necessary for the use of Army because I knew they had very little in Camp
80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.
The Corn was Harvested Shucked and Shelled Mrs Lydia Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 8 Bushels worth one dollar a bushel December just before Christmas 1684 Kilpatricks Army Took Corn out house put in sacks and carried it off in Wagons about 25 or 30 Men all on Horse 6 Wagons ½ hour to Camp did not see any Officer to know them Said if they did not take it the Rebels would (11) don’t know
The Rice was Harvested & housed & threshed Mrs Lydia Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 bush[el] measured it worth one dollar and half pr [per] bushel December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took Rice out of House carried it off in Sacks to camp about 25 or 30 Men on Horse 6 Wagons about ½ hour to Camp no officer present Said if they did not take it the Rebels would and that I would get pay (11) didt [didn’t] know
The Fowls were grown fowls Mrs Lydia Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 40 Head worth 40 cts [cents] a head December just before Christmas 1864 Kilpatricks Army Shot Some and caught the rest and carried them off 25 or 30 Men on Horse back 6 Wagons about ½ hour to camp no officer present Said if they did not take it the Rebels would
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 23d at 1877
Henry Way
Special Comr [Commissioner]
[signed] William Wilson [by mark]
Testimony of Witness (Simon Harris)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Simon Harris 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?
am not claimant not related to claimant no interest in claim
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
William Wilson
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
18 or 20 years all that time
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
yes about ¼ of a mile
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
yes every day or two
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 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.
none
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.
none
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.
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 considered by every body as Union man judge so by his action Tom Irvin Nejah [alt: Negah, Neger] Martin Marlboro Fabian
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 yes
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?
yes 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.
none
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?
none
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.
none
66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner?
William Wilson 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 Mrs Quartermans plantation in Liberty County Ga about 40 or 50 acres about 8 or 10 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]
[questions 70 & 71 did not apply]
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 present I did 2 Hogs 8 or 10 Bush[el] Corn 10 Bush[el] Rice 30 or 40 Head Fowls
73. Was any of the property taken in the night time, or was any taken secretly, so that you did not know of it at the time?
in day time openly
74. Was any complaint made to any officer of the taking of any of the property? If so, give the name, rank and regiment of the officer, and state who made the complaint to him, what he said and did in consequence, and what was the result of the complaint.
no complaint that I knew 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 dont [don’t] know why
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.
[no answers recorded]
79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.
The Hogs were fat Bacon Hogs Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Head worth 10 dollars a head December 17 or 18th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Killed them in Pen put them in wagon carried them off about 40 or 50 Men about 10 or 12 Horses 10 or 12 Wagons about ¾ of an hour to camp no officer present They Said if they did not take them the Rebs [Rebels] would (11) dont [don’t] know
80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.
The Corn was harvested shucked and shelled Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 8 or 10 Bushels guess this much by the bulk December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took corn out of the House put it [in] sack about 40 or 50 Men 25 or 30 Horses 10 or 12 Wagons ¾ of an hour to camp (11) dont [don’t] know
The Rice was Harvested and threshed Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 Bushels Rice guess that much in Bulk worth one dollar and half per bushel December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took Rice out of House in sacks carried off in wagon 40 or 50 Men 25 or 30 Horses 10 or 12 Wagons ¾ of an hour to camp no officer present Said if they can not take it the Rebs would (11) dont [don’t] know
The Fowls were grown Fowls. Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 40 Head counted them worth from 40 to 50 cts [cents] pr [per] head December 18th or 19th 1864 Kilpatrick Army Caught some and Shot others carried them off some on horse some in hand ¾ of an hour to camp about 40 or 50 Men 25 or 30 Horses 10 or 12 Wagons No officer present Said if they did not take them the Rebs would (11) dont [don’t] know
Sworn to and Subscribed before me [word] 23d Oct 1877
Henry Way
Special Comr [Commissioner]
Simon Harris
Testimony of Witness (Thomas Irvin)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Thomas Irvin 60 years Liberty County Georgia all my life Farmer and Blacksmith
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
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
William Wilson
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
About 20 years about the same [word] of time
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
Yes about 4 or 500 yards
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
About every day or two
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.
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 considered by all to be a union Man Judge so by his actions Harry Martin Nejah Baker Peter Martin
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 do 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?
I was Claimant knew it by his conduct
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?
William Wilson 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 Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga about 30 or 40 acres 10 or 12 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]
[questions 70 & 71 did not apply]
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 present saw it taken 2 Hogs 8 or 10 Bush[el] Corn to Bush[el] Rice 40 Head Fowls
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 cant [can’t] tell why
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.
[no answers recorded]
79. Begin now with the first item of property you have just said you saw taken, and give the following information about it. 1st.. Describe its exact condition, as for instance, if corn, whether green or ripe, standing or harvested, in shuck, or husked, or shelled; if lumber, whether new or old, in buildings or piled; if grain, whether growing or cut. 2d. State where it was. 3d. What was the quantity; explain fully how you know the quantity, and if estimated, describe your method of making the estimate.4th. Describe the quality to your best judgment. 5th. State as nearly as you can the market value of such property at the time in United States money. 6th. Say when the property was taken. 7th. Give the name of the detachment, regiment, brigade, division, corps, or army, taking the property, and the names of any officers belonging to the command. 8th. Describe the precise manner in which the property was taken into possession by the troops, and the manner in which it was removed. 9th. State as closely as you can how many men, animals, wagons, or other means of transport, were engaged in the removal, how long they were occupied, and to what place they removed the property. 10th. State if any officers were present; how you knew them to be officers; what they said or did in relation to the property, and give the names of any, if you can. 11th. Give any reasons that you may have for believing that the taking of the property was authorized by the proper officers or that it was for the necessary use of the army.
The Hogs were fat Bacon Hogs Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 2 Head worth 10 dollars a Head December 20 or 21 1864 Kilpatrick Army Killed them in Pen put them in wagon carried them off about 25 or 30 Men all on Horse back about 8 or 10 wagons ½ an hour to camp No officer present They said we would all get pay for our property (11) dont [don’t] know
80. Now take the next item of property you saw taken and give the same information, and so proceed to the end of the list of items.
The Corn was Harvested and Shelled Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 bushels guess that much worth one dollar pr [per] bushel December 20 or [word] 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took it out house put in sacks and carried off 25 or 30 Men on Horses 8 or 10 Wagons ½ an hour to camp No officer present They said we would all be paid back (11) dont [don’t] know
The Rice was Harvested and threshed Mrs Quartermans plantation Liberty County Ga 10 bushels Rice guess that much worth one dollar ½ pr [per] bushel December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army Took out of House put it [in] sacks carried off in wagons 25 or 30 Men on Horses 8 or 10 Wagons ½ an hour to camp no officer present They said we would all be paid (11) dont [don’t] know
The Fowls were all grown Mrs Quartermans Plantation Liberty County Ga 40 Head guess that many worth 40 cts [cents] pr [per] Head December 19 or 20th 1864 Kilpatricks Army caught some and shot balance carried them off 25 or 30 Men on Horse 8 or 10 Wagons ½ an hour to camp no officer present They said we would all be paid for our property (11) dont [don’t] know
Sworn and Subscribed before me 23d Oct 1877
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]
Tom Irvin
Testimony of Witness (R.Q. Andrews)
1. What is your name, your age, your residence, and how long has it been such, and your occupation?
Robert Q Andrews aged 23 years Liberty County Ga for 16 years 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 success of this claim
The following questions will be put to every person testifying to the loyalty of claimants or beneficiaries:
52. In whose favor are you here to testify?
William Wilson
53. How long have you known that person altogether, and what part of that time have you intimately known him?
16 years
54. Did you live near him during the war, and how far away?
About 4 miles
55. Did you meet him often, and about how often, during the war?
About twice a week his wife lived in the same place I did
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.
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. 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?
Dont [Don’t] remember
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 not
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
[questions 66 to 71 not asked]
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 on the place when the property was taken but cant [can’t] say that I can Identify all the property claimed by the Claimant but saw the Federal Soldiers shoot one of his Hogs and take all of his Poultry and know that he was allowed to own and did own property by his owners consent
Sworn to and Subscribed by me this 18th Feby [February] 1878
Henry Way Special Comr [Commissioner]
R Q Andrews
[images 243-4]
[Copy of draft for $38.00 for William Wilson, claim #51913, Sett. #3664, reported March 13, 1879, returned March 24, 1879, requisition #1669 dated April 2, 1879, transmitted for warrant April 5, 1879.]
[image 245] [Transcriber’s notes: The following two pages were documents for a William Wilson who sold supplies to the Confederate Army, which would have been disqualifying for the Southern Claims Commission. At the bottom of each document was written “not claimant,” indicating that it was not this William Wilson.]
This claimant sold the Confederate States, Army supplies to the amount of $189.60 in March 1863. Also in November 1863 Sold the Qr. Mr. [Quartermaster] Dept. $352.00 worth of Corn.
He was paid for the same at Dalton and Rome, Ga. by Major Ayer and Capt. F. M. Johnston of the C. S. Army, on the 24th March and 26th Decr [December] 1863.
Not Claimant
————————————-
Mr. Wilson furnished the Confederate States 21.834 pounds of Hay in the year 1864.
Major Richard Orms, Q.M. of the C.S.A. paid for said Hay “In the field” on the 20th day of May 1864.
See Mr. Wilson’s receipt for $533.25. On file.
Not the Claimant
————————————
State of Georgia
No. 20700
Wm. Wilson
Allowed $38.00
We are the attorneys of Record in this case, having filed with the Commissioners of Claims a power of attorney from J.M. Simms to Chipman, Hosmer & Co to prosecute all the claims in which he has a power of attorney.
Gilmore & Co
[Image 246] [Copy of statement by Gilmore & Co that they are attorney of record for a John Wilson, claim no. 6054. Looks like it was accidentally included in this file.]
[END OF FILE]