Claim Summary
Andrew Stacy, born into slavery in Liberty County, Georgia, around 1838, became free at the end of 1864, when Sherman’s Army arrived. In 1873 Andrew Stacy told the story of that day to the U.S. Southern Claims Commision’s Special Commissioner in support of his claim for compensation for property the soldiers took from him.
Stacy was living on his owner John E. Baker’s plantation when the soldiers came. They asked him where all the “white folks” were; Stacy told him they had all left. He added, “They tell me we were free. This was the first I know of our freedom. I did not run because I was glad when the Yankees came. My master was bitterly against the Yankees. I did not go with my master because someone told me when the Yankees came we would be free and I thought if there was a chance for me, better be here to get it. They did not say anything particular to me but just plunged right in and take it.” Stacy’s owner Baker had fled to Thomasville, Georgia, and stayed there after the war.
Stacy was amazed at the number of soldiers, who spent the better part of three days, off and on, taking property from the plantation, including, Stacy said, his 7 cows, 10 hogs, 30 bushels of corn, horse, and 20 bushels of potatoes, a total of $415 worth of property. Fellow enslaved people Jack Bacon, Scipio King and Plenty Porter were there with him when the property was taken. The soldiers flung a saddle on his horse and rode him off. They drove the cattle off from the field to their camp, smashed the beehives out to take the honey in any container they could find; and killed the poultry and the hogs and took them off over their saddles. Stacy didn’t complain, because he had seen officers order it done.
The soldiers took the property to their camp at Midway Church, where Kilpatrick’s Army was camped, about three miles from Baker’s plantation.
Stacy said that his horse was about 5 years old, and he had raised it from a mare he bought sometime before the war. He was his father’s only son, he said, and his father had left him a cow and a calf when he died, and he kept raising stock from then on.
When questioned about his loyalty to the Union, Stacy said, “I was all the time on the United States side during the war and hope to die so.”
Scipio King, who had been there that day, testified for Stacy in 1873. He said he was 47 years old and living on Lawrence Winn’s place. He had known Stacy since he was a boy. King testified that he had seen Stacy help the soldiers load up his property and that Stacy had said he didn’t care as long as he had his freedom. Stacy was a “great hand for bees…always had a plenty to sell and made money that way,” King said, adding that the soldiers were happier to get the potatoes than anything else. King said drily that he had counted the chickens as they were taken: “I counted them for my own amusement…had nothing else to do just at the time.”
John Bacon Jr also testified for Stacy in 1873. He was 26 years old and also lived on Lawrence Winn’s place but said he was at Stacy’s house on Baker’s plantation when the soldiers came. Plenty Porter was there too, according to Porter’s testimony. He was 65 years old at the time of his testimony, and had been owned by Major Porter; he was living at James Winn’s place farming. He had also known Stacy since Stacy was a boy and saw the property taken. Porter testified that Stacy’s father had died when Stacy was young, and had left him a cow. He also said that Baker allowed Stacy to own property and to buy and sell as he pleased. Porter’s wife lived at Baker’s plantation not far from where Stacy lived, so he happened to be there that day. After the soldiers came, Porter left Porter’s plantation and moved in with his wife on Winn’s plantation.
The Southern Claims Commission was a little dubious about Stacy’s claim, so they sent Special Agent W.W. Paine in to investigate in 1876. He interviewed Raymond Cay Sr, a white planter who was the father of Stacy’s attorney, Raymond Cay Jr. Paine did not feel that was a conflict of interest because Cay Sr was white “a gentlemen of high standing in the County of Liberty.” Cay verified that Stacy had owned some cattle, that he had pastured his cattle on Cay’s land, and that the cattle bore his (Stacy’s) mark. Although he had seen Stacy riding a horse during the war, he could not swear that it was his horse.
Paine also wrote to Stacy’s former owner, John E. Baker, in Thomasville, Georgia. Baker said that, “as well as he can remember,” Stacy did have a couple of cows, worth $10 each, and a few beehives. Paine noted that Baker was a “gentlemen of very high standing” and that he was principal of a “large female institution” in Thomasville.
Paine reported that “Mr. Baker and several other gentlemen give Claimant a good character,” but that L.J. Mallard and E.J. Delegal did not.
Based on Paine’s report, the Commission decided to award Stacy only $20 of his $415 claim. It was disbursed in 1877. It was supposed to have gone to Stacy’s attorney, Raymond Cay Jr, but Cay had been barred from receiving grants on behalf of these clients because of the exorbitant fees he was charging them, so it went instead to James Atkins, Savannah Collector of Customs.
Claim transcribed by Cathy Tarpley Dillon; Research by Stacy Ashmore Cole
More about the Claimant
Stacy had described his life after the war like this: “I was a slave at the beginning of the war. I became free after the raid came through. My business was Farming. I went over into Bryan Co [County] and staid [sic] there one year farming. I returned and bought a place of my former owner I mean [words] working for him till I got the means to buy it. I bought 42 acres. I paid $167.50 for the 42 acres. The land is none of the best. I raise corn and cotton. I manage to make a living. It is 3 times better than being a slave. My Father died and left me one cow and a yearling and I raised from that. My Father died when I was about 14. I was his only boy and he left me this corn and calf. This gave me a start and when I begun to be grown I raised chickens and take [word] of the money till I got a start. I raised cattle to sell. My master’s name was John Baker. I bought my place of my wife’s old master name was Wm [William] Winn. I do not owe my master or my wife’s master anything. No one has any interest in this claim besides myself and wife.”
Andrew Stacy was found in the 1870 and 1880 U.S. federal census records in Liberty County, living with his wife Charlotte. The 1870 census gave his birth year as 1838; the 1880 as 1844. His own Southern Claims Commission testimony would put it around 1837 or 1838.
In 1870, he and Charlotte had their son Solomon, 12, in the house, and were living near Joe and Celia Bacon.
In his 1873 testimony, Stacy said he owned the 42 acres he was living on. That original deed was not found in the online Liberty County deed records, but Andrew Stacy was involved in a number of deed record in the 1880s. It appears possible from the records that he originally bought the land as part of a collective, then purchased it from the other members later. (See deed records to follow.)
In 1880, Stacy was living with his wife Charlotte, their daughter Georgia (13) and their son Isaac (10). Andrew was listed as a farmer, but also as being sick with pneumonia. He and Charlotte were living near their son, Solomon Stacy, and his wife Phillis and their son Andrew, 4 months old. They were also living near Peter and Venus Stevens, Jacob and Chloe Quarterman, Shelman and Dianah Cassels, and Simon and Phillis Cassels.
In the 1880s, Stacy bought several pieces of land. He was not seen to have sold any land except to his son, in 1889.
In 1880, he bought 8 ½ acres from George Gould, a fellow formerly enslaved man, for $25. The land was bounded north by land owned by the St. James Society, southeast by land owned by Harry Stevens, and northwest by land already owned by Andrew Stacy. The land deed was witnessed by Floyd Snelson and Leonard Brown. George Gould signed by mark, and Floyd Snelson probated his signature before Probate Judge Joseph Ashmore.
In 1882, he bought 53 acres from William C. Stevens, who was acting as agent for his wife Julia V. Stevens, for $159.60. The purchase was witnessed by William M. Stevens, Thomas Mallard, and Sumner W. Allen.
In 1883, he bought five acres in the “Midway settlement” on Midway road for $20 from William C. Stevens, who was acting as agent for his wife Julia V. Stevens.
In 1885, he bought a 42-acre lot of land for $150 from John Bacon, Stephen Bacon, Toney Elliott, Philis Cassels, Crawford C. Cassels, Murray R. Cassels, Harry Stevens, Peter R. Stevens, Xerxes Stevens, Margaret Stevens, George Gould, Jacob Quarterman, and Samuel Wright. The land was near the old Midway Church and was bounded North East by lands of Harry Stevens, South East by lands of C. Houston, South West by land of Cash Conley & North West by land of Peter, Xerxes and Margaret Stevens. [This is the piece of land he referred to owning in his 1873 testimony and that may have been purchased as part of a collective.]
In 1889, Andrew Stacy sold to Solomon L. Stacy, presumably his son, the 53 acres, now bounded north by Scipio King and John Lambert, east by J.C. Monroe, south by the estate of Thomas Mallard, and west by James Stacy. Solomon Stacy paid him $120 for it.
During this time, Stacy regularly mortgaged his land to a Savannah firm called John Flannery & Co as security for cash ranging from $20-$70 and to make sure he kept his commitment to market his cotton through them. He appears to have always paid off the loan.
There was no 1890 census, and by the 1900 census, Charlotte Stacy was living on her own as a head of household. She was listed as married, not widowed, but this may have been a mistake, because she was also listed as having had only one child in her lifetime, yet previous census records show her with at least three (though it is possible that Isaac and Georgia were listed as their children but had some other relationship to them). Charlotte Stacy was living next to her son Solomon, who was listed as having been married for 22 years to Phillis, who had had two children: Andrew, 20, and Maggie, 14, who were living with them.
Although no death date was found for Andrew Stacy, it seems possible that his sale of land to his son in 1889 might indicate failing health.
Solomon Stacy died on February 5, 1928, of acute nephritis, leaving behind his wife Phillis, who was the informant for the death certificate. She identified his mother’s maiden name as Charlotte Bacon. Solomon Stacy was living in Dorchester, and was to be buried in Midway. Alfred Monroe, Joe Stevens, Charles Galloway and C.C. Cassels were appointed to appraise his estate to determine his wife’s support benefit while the estate was being settled. The inventory showed that he still owned the 42-acre tract, now listed as being in the 1359th District, bounded north by the Sunbury Road, east by Steven Monroe, west by land belonging to the heirs of W.H. [last name illegible], and south by Peter J. Lambert. It was valued at $800.
Before Freedom Came
Andrew Stacy had been held in slavery by John Elijah Baker (1833-1906), who had moved to Thomasville in Thomas County, Georgia, either during or after the Civil War. Stacy’s wife, Charlotte Bacon, was said to have belonged to W.W. Winn, also named in the testimony as William Winn. Witness Plenty Porter belonged to Major Porter, but his wife lived at Baker’s plantation, near Stacy.
Note that none of the formerly enslaved individuals listed in this claim adopted the surname of their last enslaver after they became free.
Since John Baker died after the Civil War, there were no probate records that would have named Andrew to give an idea of his life before the Civil War. John Baker’s wife, father and mother all also survived the Civil War. However, John Baker’s wife, his cousin Margaret Baker, could possibly have inherited Andrew from her father, Thomas Baker, Jr, who died in 1837. Andrew Stacy is believed to have been born in 1837 or 1838. There was no Andrew in the initial 1837 estate inventory, but in the 1843 estate inventory there was an Andrew valued at $125, about the usual value for a child. If this is correct, it is possible that at least one of Andrew Stacy’s parents is listed in the 1837 or 1843 Thomas Baker Jr estate inventory.
Let’s talk about how easy it is to make a mistake in identifying the enslavers of an individual. The land deeds show that Andrew Stacy bought land that previously belonged to Washington Winn, deceased. Washington Winn’s 1864 estate inventory shows an Andrew, valued at $3000, about the usual amount for a young man, as Andrew would have been then. If we hadn’t seen the Southern Claims Commission file that provides multiple pieces of documentation that Andrew Stacy belonged to John E. Baker during the Civil War, it would be easy to conclude that this Andrew was him.
Charlotte Bacon Stacy was owned by W.W. Winn, also identified in the testimony as William Winn, who is likely William Wilson Winn (1818-1887). Because Winn survived the Civil War, there are no probate records for him that would name enslaved people. However, an 1859 record was found in which Rufus A. Varnedoe used a Charlotte and a Solomon as collateral on a promissory note to W.W. Winn. It is tempting to conclude that this must be Andrew Stacy’s wife Charlotte and his son Solomon, who was born around 1858, and to decide that either Varnedoe defaulted on the debt or sold them to Winn.
However, in 1854, this Charlotte, valued at $200, and Solomon, valued at $850, were in Nathaniel Varnedoe’s estate inventory and were drawn by Rufus A. Varnedoe, so are presumably the same individuals Rufus used as collateral. Solomon was almost certainly not born by then, and would not have been valued at $850 as an infant if he was, and the value of $200 does not make sense for a woman in her teens, as Charlotte would have been at that time.
However, there is a definite Varnedoe connection with W.W. Winn. He married Nathaniel Varnedoe’s daughter Claudia in 1858, and had previously been married to her sister Louisa, who died in 1857. Nathaniel Varnedoe’s 1854 estate inventory also listed two other Charlottes, one valued at $400 and drawn by the minor Mary Ellen Varnedoe, and the other valued at $500 and drawn by Miss Matilda Varndoe. W.W. Winn inherited people named in this estate inventory in the name of his then current wife Louisa and through Claudia Varnedoe, who later became his wife. It seems very possible that the Charlotte and Solomon owned by Rufus A. Varnedoe, although not Andrew Stacy’s family, were relatives of Charlotte Bacon, and that she is one of the other two Charlottes named in the estate inventory, who came to be owned by W.W. Winn through his Varnedoe connection. If that Solomon were her relative, it would make sense that she would name her son Solomon after him.
Charlotte was also likely a member of the Midway Congregational Church. In November 1860, an enslaved woman named Charlotte belonging to William Winn was admitted to membership in the Church.
Sources:
Census records for Andrew Stacy
1870 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Subdivision 181, p. 23, dwelling #218, family #218, enumerated on November 17, 1870, by W.S. Norman, Andrew and Charlotte Stacy, digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 7/22/2021).
1880 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, District 15, enumeration district 67, p. 83, dwelling #890, family #897, Andrew and Charlotte Stacy; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 7/22/2021).
1900 U.S. Census, Liberty County, Georgia, population schedule, Militia District 1359, enumeration district 86, sheet #4, line number 48, digital image, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com: accessed 7/22/2021).
Deed Records involving Andrew Stacy in Liberty County Superior Court
Book S, page 670: (11/1/1880, Gould to Stacy, land sale) https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-RSKH-S?i=378&cat=292358
Book T, page 332-4 (5/18/1883, Stacy to Flannery & Co, mortgage)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9C2-J?i=176&cat=292358
Book T, page 334 (5/1/1882, Stacy from William C. Stevens & Julia V. Stevens, land purchase)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9XQ-B?i=302&cat=292358
Book U, page 215-6 (1884, Stacy to Flannery & Co, mortgage)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9XZ-9?i=387&cat=292358
Book U, page 414-5 (11/1/1885, Solomon S. Stacy to Solomon Cohen, mortgage)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9XH-1?i=487&cat=292358
Book U, page 471-3 (3/10/1885, Stacy to Flannery & Co, mortgage)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9CB-D?i=516&cat=292358
Book U, page 473-4 (3/27/1885, Stacy from John Bacon et al, land purchase)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9Z3-N?i=517&cat=292358
Book U, page 511-2 (10/15/1883, Stacy from William C. Stevens & Julia V. Stevens, land purchase)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-R9ZH-3?i=537&cat=292358
Book Z, page 302 (1/31/1889, Stacy to Solomon L. Stacy, land sale)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-59MH-4?i=485&cat=292358
Charlotte Stacy’s’s admittance to Midway Church
Midway Congregational Church Records, digital images, FamilySearch.org (accessed 5/14/2020); Charlotte belonging to W.W. Winn admitted, in the quarterly session records. Records abstracted at https://theyhadnames.net/midway-church-records/.
Enslaver Probate Records
Rufus A. Varnedoe 1859 promissory note to W.W. Winn
Source: Family Search.org. Liberty County Superior Court “Deeds and mortgages, 1777-1920; general index to deeds and mortgages, 1777-1958,” Film: Deeds & Mortgages, v. O-P 1854-1870,” Record Book O, p 527-8. Image #313-4. (Link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QP-RSYK-M?i=312&cat=292358) (see abstract at https://theyhadnames.net/2019/06/05/used-as-collateral-varnedoe-winn-3/)
Thomas Baker Jr’s 1843 estate inventory naming an Andrew:
Find the digitized original at: “Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G93L-GCSD?cc=1999178&wc=9SYT-PT5%3A267679901%2C268032901 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Wills, appraisements and bonds 1790-1850 vol B > image 612 of 689) (see abstract at Find the digitized original at: “Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G93L-GCSD?cc=1999178&wc=9SYT-PT5%3A267679901%2C268032901 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Wills, appraisements and bonds 1790-1850 vol B > image 612 of 689)
Nathaniel Varnedoe’s 1854 estate inventory:
Find the digitized original at:”Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893T-XTP3?cc=1999178&wc=9SB7-6T5%3A267679901%2C268014801 : 20 May 2014), Liberty > Miscellaneous probate records 1850-1863 vol C and L > image 161 of 703 (abstract at https://theyhadnames.net/2019/10/21/liberty-county-estate-inventory-division-nathaniel-varnedoe/)
About the Southern Claims Commission
The Southern Claims Commmission was set up by Congress in 1871 to adjudicate claims for property taken by U.S. federal troops during the Civil War. More than 140 Liberty County residents — both black and white — filed claims, mostly for property taken during December 1864 when a unit of Sherman’s Army commanded by General Kilpatrick camped at Midway Church and conducted foraging raids throughout Liberty County. Horses, cows, hogs, poultry, corn and rice were the most common items of property taken. In Liberty County, many slaveowners allowed their enslaved people to work on their own time and own small amounts of property, most of which was taken by the U.S. troops for use by the Army.
The claims files, which are held at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), have been digitized and are available at Ancestry.com or Fold3.com. For more information on these files, click here. A set of standard questions were used to take the testimony of claimants and witnesses. This set of questions was amended twice, in 1872 and 1874. The questions are not usually part of the digitized file, but we have included them to help make sense of the answers. The questions we used were provided online courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Special Collections, as taken from National Archives Microfilm Publication M87, Roll 1, Frames 104–105, Records of the Commissioners of Claims (Southern Claims Commission, 1871-1880), and can be found here.
About This Transcription
What you are seeing: The Southern Claims Commission files for each claimant included all forms filed for the claimant, including cover pages, standard forms with filled in information, a special agent’s report about the claim, remarks made by the Special Commissioner summarizing the case, testimony from the claimant and his or her witnesses based on a standard set of questions, and copies of other paperwork involved. Much of the information contained in the forms is repetitive. We have summarized that information into one block, and transcribed all testimony, the Special Commissioner’s remarks, the special agent’s report, and any other relevant text.
Methodology: The testimony of the claimant and the witnesses has been transcribed exactly as seen. Some of the files are faded and/or difficult to read. Any words that cannot be read are indicated by “[word]”, or, in the case of entire sections, “[section illegible]”. Alternative spellings of names are also indicated with brackets.
The Claim: Summary & Transcription
Find the digitized original of this claim file at this Ancestry.com link.
Summary
Claimant’s Name (Last Name, First Name): Stacy, Andrew
Listed as “Colored”? (Y/N): Y
Amount of Claim: $415
Total Amount Allowed: $20
Nature of Claim: Army Supplies
Claimant living in: Medway on W.W. Winn Place
Incident occurred in: Riceboro on place John E. Baker
Claim #: 21442
Secondary Claim #: 43699
Date Claim Submitted [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1873-01-21
Date Testimony taken [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1873-08-08
Claimant’s Attorney: Raymond Cay Jr, Savannah, Ga; Powell, Ginck & Co 632 F St., Washington, DC
Special Commissioner: Virgil Hillyer
Property Removed to: Midway Church
Date property removed: 1864-12-20
Army unit involved: Howard Corps commanded by Generals Howard & Kilpatrick
Date Submitted to Congress [YYYY-MM-DD]: 1876-12
Post Office of Claimant: Riceboro, Georgia
Items Claimed
Remarks: The claimant was a slave and lived in Liberty County Georgia – was freed by the war. His loyalty is proved. The claim was investigated by one of our agents and his report herewith filed cast great doubt on the merit of the claim excepting to a very limited extent. We recommend the payment of twenty dollars ($20).
A.O. Aldia
O. Ferris
J.B. Howell } Commrs of Claims
[Transcriber’s Comments: Written on one of the pages was “Mr. L.J. Mallard and Dr. E.J. Delegal don’t give claimant a good character.”]
Transcription
Testimony of Claimant
In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:
My name is Andrew Stacy, my age 36 years, my residence Liberty County, in the state of Georgia, and my occupation a farmer; I am the claimant and have a beneficial interest in the claim.
1. What is your name, age, residence, and occupation?
My name is Andrew Stacy. I was born in Liberty Co a slave. I became free after the raid came through. I am about 36 years old. I live at John Baker’s plantation. I am the claimant in this case.
2. Where did you reside from the 1st of April, 1861, to the 1st of June, 1865? If on your own land, what is the size of your farm? How much of your farm was cultivated, and how much was woodland? Where is it situated? What was your occupation during that time? Did you change your residence or business during that time? if so, where was your new residence, and what [was] your new business?
I lived on the same place where I was born from the 1st of April 1861 to the 1st of June 1865. I was a farmer. I did not change my business or residence all this time.
3 & 4 Irrelevant
5. Have you ever taken any amnesty oath? If so, when, where, and under what condition? Have you been pardoned by the President? If so, when and where, and upon what conditions?
The only oath I took was when I went to Riceboro to register to vote.
6 to 28 inclusive to each & every question the claimant answers No!
29. Did you ever do anything for the United States Government or its army, or for the Union cause, during the war? If so, state fully what you did.
I had no opportunity to do anything till the Yankee army came here. I used to beat and grind for them and anything they called on me to do and would go with them.
30. Had you any near relatives—any husband, son, brother, or nephew—in the Confederate army? If yea, state his name, whether he is now living, and where he resides. Did you furnish him with any military equipments, any clothing, or any money? Did you contribute in any way to aid or support him while in the rebel service?
I had no relations in the Confederate Army.
31 to 39 inclusive to each & every question the claimant answers No!
40. At the beginning of the rebellion did you sympathize with the Union cause, or with the rebellion? What were your feelings and what your language on the subject? On which side did you exert your influence and cast your vote? What did you do, and how did you vote? How did you vote on ratifying the ordinance of secession? After the ordinance of secession was adopted in your State did you adhere to the Union cause, or did you “go with the State?”
I was all the time on the United States side during the war and hope to die so.
41. [Original Question 34.] In conclusion, do you solemnly declare that, from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, your sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States; that you never, of your own free will and accord, did anything, or offered, or sought, or attempted to do anything, by word or deed, to injure said cause or retard its success, and that you were at all times ready and willing, when called upon, or if called upon, to aid and assist the cause of the Union, or its supporters, so far as you means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted?
In conclusion I solemnly declare that from the beginning of the war against the United States to the end my feelings were with the United States. I never did anything to injure or retard that cause. I was at all times willing to assist the cause of the Union so far as my means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted.
[Question 42 only asked of women]
If the claimant be a colored person, ask the following questions:
43. Were you a slave or free at the beginning of the war? When did you become free? What was your business after you became free? How and when did you come to own the property named in your petition? How did you get the means to pay for it? Who was your former master? Are you now in his employment? Do you live on his land? Do you live on land purchased of him? Are you indebted to your former master for land or property, and how much? Has anybody any interest in this claim besides yourself? State fully all the facts in your answers to these questions.
I was a slave at the beginning of the war. I became free after the raid came through. My business was Farming. I went over into Bryan Co [County] and staid [sic] there one year farming. I returned and bought a place of my former owner I mean [words] working for him till I got the means to buy it. I bought 42 acres. I paid $167.50 for the 42 acres. The land is none of the best. I raise corn and cotton. I manage to make a living. It is 3 times better than being a slave. My Father died and left me one cow and a yearling and I raised from that. My Father died when I was about 14. I was his only boy and he left me this corn and calf. This gave me a start and when I begun to be grown I raised chickens and take [word] of the money till I got a start. I raised cattle to sell. My master’s name was John Baker. I bought my place of my wife’s old master name was Wm [William] Winn. I do not owe my master or my wife’s master anything. No one has any interest in this claim besides myself and wife.
2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner
1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was present when the articles of property mentioned in my account were taken.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw this property taken. I saw them take the horse, the cattle, the beehives, the corn, the hogs, potatoes and saddle.
3. Begin with the first article (Item No. —) which you have specified that you saw taken, and give a full account of all you saw and heard in connection with the taking of that article? [The special commissioner should require the witness to state all the circumstances; for it is only by a knowledge of all of them that the commissioners of claims can judge whether the taking was such a one as the Government is bound to pay for. The common phrase, “I saw the property taken by United States soldiers,” is not enough, for there was much lawless taking. The witness should be required to detail the facts as to each item, when the items were taken at different times; but if all, or more than one, were taken at the same time, that fact should appear, and then a repetition of the circumstances is needless. The special commissioner must be careful to elicit all the facts, as well those against as for the claim, especially as to those articles of property which were the special objects of pillage and theft, such as horses, mules, cattle, hogs, &c. Claimants must bear in mind that a neglect to observe these directions works to the prejudice of the claimant, and may defeat the claim.]
These things were not all taken at once. They said to me where are all the white folks, they had all gone. They tell me we were free. This was the first I know of our freedom. I did not run because I was glad when the Yankees came. My master was bitterly against the Yankees. I did not go with my master because someone told me when the Yankees came we would be free and I thought if there was a chance for me, better be here to get it. They did not say anything particular to me but just plunged right in and take it.
4. Where were the articles taken? When were they taken? Give the day, month and year, if you can? By whom were they taken? Did you see more than one soldier engaged in the taking? How many soldiers were present? State the number as near as you can? How many helped take the property? How long were they engaged in taking the property?
This property was taken at my house on Mr Baker’s plantation. It was taken in the first part of Dec [December] the year the Army came through. It was taken by cavalry I know because they rode horses I saw some walking and those I thought were infantry. It was called Kilpatricks Army. There were so many soldiers there I was not able to tell. I never saw so much men in my life. It was about 3 days off and on they were taking it.
5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?
There were present, Jack Bacon,Scipio King, and myself. These were all that were right in the house.
6. Was any United States officer, either commissioned or non-commissioned, present at the taking? If so, state his name, rank, regiment, and the command to which he belonged. Did he order the property to be taken? Did he say anything about the taking?
There were sometimes officers there when they come to get the property some were there. I knew they were officers by their stripes. I did not hear them give any orders to take the things, but they [word] rode round there & did not take any themselves but looked on to see things taken.
7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.
They caught the horse and fling a saddle on him. They drove off the cattle from the field right round the house. They smash the hives up & take buckets & every thing they could find to put the honey in. They shot the hogs and cut [word] & fling them across the saddle. They catch the poultry and shot and knock them & carry them. They threw the saddle on the horse.
8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.
They moved this property on wagons and on horses and in sacks. They rode the horse off.
9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?
They took the property to camp. I did not follow but they went towards camp. I supposed they went there.
10. Do you know the use for which the property was taken? What was the use, and how do you know it? Did you see the property so taken used by the United States army? Did you see any part of the property so used? State fully all you know as to the property or any of it having been used by the army; and distinguish between what you saw and know, and what you may have heard from others, or may think, or suppose, or infer to be true.
I think they took it for their own benefit and use. I saw them feed their horses right there and saw them kill cattle at the camp. I saw them use my horse to load up & [go] to camp with him.
11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.
I made no complaint to any officer because I thought the order came from them to take it.
12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.
I did not ask for any voucher or receipt for the property.
13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?
The property was taken in the day time from just day good till evening. It was all taken openly.
14. When the property was taken, was any part of the army encamped in that vicinity? If so, state how far from the place where the property was taken, and what was the company, regiment, or brigade there encamped? How long had it been encamped there? How long did it stay there, and when did it leave? Had there been any battle or skirmish near there, just before the property was taken? Did you know the quartermasters, or any of them, or any other officers of the army for whose use the property is supposed to have been taken?
The Army was encamped at Midway Church when this property was taken. Kilpatrick’s Cavalry was encamped there. It was about 3 miles from my place where the camp was at Midway Church. There had been no battles or skirmishes there just before the property was taken. I did not know the quartermasters or other officers.
15. Describe clearly the condition of the property when taken, and all that tends to show its value at the time and place of taking? Thus, if corn, was it green or ripe? Had it been harvested? Was it in the shock, or husked, or shelled? Where was it? If grain, was it standing; had it been cut; was it in shocks, or in the barn or in stacks; had it been threshed? If horses, mules, or cattle, state when they were taken, how taken, and fully their condition, age, and value. Have you talked with claimant about their value?
All the property was in pretty good order when taken.
16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.
Item No 1. This was a Bay horse about 5 years old. I raised it from the mare that died which I owned. I bought the mare sometime before the war commenced selling cattle and hogs. I begun to raise soon after my father’s death and kept raising and selling cattle and hogs till I got enough to pay for the mare. I bought the mare sometime before the war commenced. I think the mare had the colt the 1st or 2nd year of the war. This was a pretty large horse fat, and a good healthy horse. They caught my horse and put my saddle in her and rode her off with a sack of corn on her back.
Item No 2. 4 head of grown cattle and 3 yearlings. They were large milch cows think they would weight from 300 to 400 dressed. The yearlings about 150 lbs [pounds] dressed. I got these cattle by my Father dying and leave me a cow and calf and I raised stock from her & kept raising and selling.
Item No 3. 25 Bee hives. I bought one hive & the 25 were the increase. I used to sell bees.
Item No 4. I had 30 bus[hels] of corn. I did not measure it. I had about 2 acres planted in corn. The corn was in the ear. They break open the hives, and take baskets and pails and take it away and the corn they took in wagons and sacks.
Item No 5. 10 Head of hogs. They would weigh from 200 lbs down to 50 lbs. One would weigh 200 & 4 would weigh 100 lbs a piece 2 about 60 lbs & the rest 50 to 60 lbs. They shot them down & put them on the horses & some in the wagon.
Item No 6. I had ?0 bus[hels] of potatoes. They were measured when put up in the bank & I had one bank. They [word] & wagoned them off.
Item No. 7. I had 25 head of poultry. 15 hens & the rest young poultry well grown big enough to eat. They shot some & eat some & knock them over & put them [word] the saddles on the horses.
Item No 8. One saddle. One old leather saddle. It had been [1-2 words] 5 years. It was in good condition. They took the saddle & put [it on the] horse & rode off with a sack of corn on it.
17 & 18 passed.
19. They did not pay me for this property but they told me I would get pay one of these days. This is the only claim I have ever made against the government. This property all belonged to me. I bought & raised it by my own labor. Myself and [faded] are the only persons interested in this claim. I was living with my master when the raid passed through. He is now living but in the South Western part of the state where I can’t get him as a witness. He could testify to those things if he were here.
his
Andrew Stacy
mark
Witness
E. E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (Scipio King)
My name is Scipio King I was born in Liberty County a slave and became free when the Yankee raid came through. I belonged to Lawrence Winn I am 47 years old. I live on Lawrence Winns place. I was a farmer I know the claimant I have no interest in his claim against the U. S. I have known him since he was a boy he was always of the [word] kind of Union Men & was a hard working [word] man.
2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner
1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was present when the property specified in Claimants account was taken.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw the articles of property all taken
3. Begin with the first article (Item No. —) which you have specified that you saw taken, and give a full account of all you saw and heard in connection with the taking of that article? [The special commissioner should require the witness to state all the circumstances; for it is only by a knowledge of all of them that the commissioners of claims can judge whether the taking was such a one as the Government is bound to pay for. The common phrase, “I saw the property taken by United States soldiers,” is not enough, for there was much lawless taking. The witness should be required to detail the facts as to each item, when the items were taken at different times; but if all, or more than one, were taken at the same time, that fact should appear, and then a repetition of the circumstances is needless. The special commissioner must be careful to elicit all the facts, as well those against as for the claim, especially as to those articles of property which were the special objects of pillage and theft, such as horses, mules, cattle, hogs, &c. Claimants must bear in mind that a neglect to observe these directions works to the prejudice of the claimant, and may defeat the claim.]
I did not hear them ask any questions except to know if there were any Johnnies about and when [or where?] the Hogs cows and horses [word] they went in then and took everything they could get hold of
4. Where were the articles taken? When were they taken? Give the day, month and year, if you can? By whom were they taken? Did you see more than one soldier engaged in the taking? How many soldiers were present? State the number as near as you can? How many helped take the property? How long were they engaged in taking the property?
The property was taken at Claimants house on John Baker’s place. When the Yankee [word] came through I do not know the month or the year I think it was in the [word] before Christmas. It was taken by soldiers belonging to Kilpatrick & Sherman Army there was so many flocking in from all sides I could not begin to count them. I think they were coming and going for 2 or 3 days to get the property it was not all taken at one time. One squad would come and then another.
5. Who were present other than soldiers when you saw them taken? Give the names of all you know?
I was there Jack Bacon, Plenty Porter & [word] Stacy.
6. Was any United States officer, either commissioned or non-commissioned, present at the taking? If so, state his name, rank, regiment, and the command to which he belonged. Did he order the property to be taken? Did he say anything about the taking?
I did not know officer from soldier then I did not see any one there giving orders they were all [word]
7. Describe how the property was taken, and give a full account of all you saw done, or heard said, upon the occasion of the taking.
They catched the horse and saddled and rode him off. The cattle they took on the [word] and drove them off and so they went on till they got everything away.
8. How was the property removed—by soldiers or in wagons, or in what manner? State fully as to each article taken and removed.
They removed the property in wagons in sacks and on horses. Saw them ride drive off some off and was fed on the ground [2 words]
9. To what place was it removed? Did you follow it to such place, or see it, or any portion of it, at any such place, or on its way to such place? How do you know the place to which it was removed?
The property was carried to the camp I did not follow it I saw them go towards the camp and suppose they went there I don’t know were else they could go with it.
10. Do you know the use for which the property was taken? What was the use, and how do you know it? Did you see the property so taken used by the United States army? Did you see any part of the property so used? State fully all you know as to the property or any of it having been used by the army; and distinguish between what you saw and know, and what you may have heard from others, or may think, or suppose, or infer to be true.
I know the use for which they took the articles it was for the use of the Army I knew it because they said they wanted it for that purpose and I saw them using some of it I saw them feeding corn
11. Was any complaint made to any officer on account of such taking? If so, state the name, rank, and regiment of the officer. What did he say about it? State fully all that he said.
I did not hear him Claimant make any complaint. I saw him help load the [faded] and say he did not care so he got his freedom.
12. Was any voucher or receipt for the property asked for? If so, of whom asked? State name, rank, and regiment. Was any receipt or paper given? If so, produce it, or state where it is, and why it is not produced. If no voucher or receipt was given, state why none was given, and if refused, why it was refused; state all that was said about it. State fully all the conversation between any officer or other person taking the property, and the claimant, or any one acting for him.
I did not hear any voucher or receipt asked for.
13. Was the property, or any of it, taken in the night-time? At what hour of the day (as near as you can tell) was it taken? Was any of the property taken secretly, or so that you did not know of it when taken?
This property was taken in the day time & from morning to evening I did not see any of it taken secretly.
14. When the property was taken, was any part of the army encamped in that vicinity? If so, state how far from the place where the property was taken, and what was the company, regiment, or brigade there encamped? How long had it been encamped there? How long did it stay there, and when did it leave? Had there been any battle or skirmish near there, just before the property was taken? Did you know the quartermasters, or any of them, or any other officers of the army for whose use the property is supposed to have been taken?
When the property was taken theArmy was encamped in the neighborhood at Midway Church about one mile and a half in my judgment they staid [sic] there about one month there had not been any battles or skirmishes either before or after the property was taken I did not know the quartermaster or any of the officer I was so much “cuffed” down I did not know or care for anything or any body. I was so glad to get my freedom.
15. Describe clearly the condition of the property when taken, and all that tends to show its value at the time and place of taking? Thus, if corn, was it green or ripe? Had it been harvested? Was it in the shock, or husked, or shelled? Where was it? If grain, was it standing; had it been cut; was it in shocks, or in the barn or in stacks; had it been threshed? If horses, mules, or cattle, state when they were taken, how taken, and fully their condition, age, and value. Have you talked with claimant about their value?
The property was all in pretty good condition I should call it.
16. What means have you of knowing the quantity taken? State particularly how you estimate the quantity? Did you count or weigh the articles? Give us all your data. How much did you see taken and removed? What quantity was taken in your presence? As to quantity, distinguish carefully as to what you saw and know, and what you may think or believe from what you have heard from others.
Item No 1 The horse was a bay large size well “grown” I do not know his age I saw a soldier put a saddle on to him and ride off he jumped off his old broken down mule put the saddle on to Claimants and rode off pretty soon another came along and jumped on to the old broken down mule and rode him off the horse belonged to the Claimant he had had him for a long time and always claimed him and I never heard his title to the horse disputed
Item No 2 He had 7 or 8 head of cattle I do not know exactly I think there were 4 Cows and the rest yearlings His cow would weigh I should think about 350 the other 50 to 100 I am not a judge I saw the cattle all taken off by the Cavalry men.
Item No 3 I think he had 25 beehives I counted them he did not tell me I counted for myself I knew when he had but one swarm he was a great hand for bees always had a plenty to sell and made money that way I saw them smash the hives open and take the honey away in pails and anything they could get
Item No 4 I think he had 30 Bus[hels] of corn I did not see it measured I guessed at the corn from the pile it was in the ear – They fed some there and hauled some in a big Army wagon he had from 3 to 4 acres of corn I should think from the look of the place they did not leave an ear
Item No 5 He had 10 head of hogs some in the pasture and some in the pen I think he had 3 or 4 [word] in his pen the rest were running out I think they would weigh 150 I mean the 4 largest the others – about 50 to 60 that is my judgement on them they killed the hogs cut off their heads took the insides put them on horse and [word] in wagon and went off with them
Item No 6 He had one bank of potatoes I should judge from the size of the bank he had 25 bushels they put them into sacks and wagons till they got them all off they was more delighted to get the potatoes than anything else they did not leave a “tator”
Item No 7 I saw them take 20 head of Poultry from him – I counted them right there at the time – I counted them for my own amusement had nothing else to do just at the time –
Item No 8 The saddle was made of leather I don’t know how long he had had it some time but it had been kept very nice and it was in good order I saw them take the saddle and put it on to his horse and ride off –
17, 18 and 19 passed
I know the property all belonged to the Claimant and I saw it all taken by the Union soldiers and I believe I knew the quantity as well as Mr Stacy did His master allowed him to own and sell such property as he had and he was one of the kind that always had aplenty
his
Scipio King
mark
Witness
E. E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (John Bacon)
My name is John Bacon Jun[ior] I was born in Liberty Co a slave, became free when the Yankes came through here. I am 26 years old. I live at Lawrence Winn’s place. I was a Farmer. I am not related to the Claimant at all. I have no interest in his claim. I have known him from my childhood. He was a perfect friend to the yankees. He was friendly to them all through the war.
2nd set of interrogatories by Special Commissioner
1. Were you present when any of the articles of property specified in the claimant’s petition were taken?
I was right there at Mr Stacy’s house when the soldiers took his property.
2. Did you see any of them taken? If so, specify the articles you saw taken.
I saw the soldiers take this property from him.
3. Begin with the first article (Item No. —) which you have specified that you saw taken, and give a full account of all you saw and heard in connection with the taking of that article? [The special commissioner should require the witness to state all the circumstances; for it is only by a knowledge of all of them that the commissioners of claims can judge whether the taking was such a one as the Government is bound to pay for. The common phrase, “I saw the property taken by United States soldiers,” is not enough, for there was much lawless taking. The witness should be required to detail the facts as to each item, when the items were taken at different times; but if all, or more than one, were taken at the same time, that fact should appear, and then a repetition of the circumstances is needless. The special commissioner must be careful to elicit all the facts, as well those against as for the claim, especially as to those articles of property which were the special objects of pillage and theft, such as horses, mules, cattle, hogs, &c. Claimants must bear in mind that a neglect to observe these directions works to the prejudice of the claimant, and may defeat the claim.]
I saw them take a horse from him. It was a large Bay horse. I saw them take 7 head of cattle from him 4 grown cows and 3 yearlings. I think the cows would weigh from 300 to 400 lbs [pounds]. The yearlings were pretty much grown. I don’t know what they would weigh they drove the cattle away. There were 25 Bee Hives. They just broke them open and takes the honey. He had 30 bus[hels] of corn. I judged it to be 30 bus[hels] he called me in to look at it and we both judge it to be 30 bus[hels]. He wanted to see how much we had made we do it every year to see who makes most gets a bully crop. He had 10 head of hogs different size. He had about 5 or 6 bigger than the others. I counted these hogs. I saw the soldiers kill these hogs and take them away. I saw him have one bank of potatoes. I judged there were 20 bus[hels]. I was there when he banked them and saw the pile. They carry some in wagons and take some in sacks and on horseback just take them away. He had poultry. 20 head. I counted it. They killed the poultry and took it away. I saw him have a saddle there. They put the saddle onto his one horse and ride him away. These things read over to me in this account all belonged to Mr Stacy. I saw the soldiers take them all away. They belonged to Kilpatrick’s Army. They take some to eat and some for their own use. I think they took the cattle to eat. I saw them feed the corn to the horses but the cow & so they carry to the camp. When the property was taken the Army were encamped at Midway Church about 3 miles from Stacy’s place where he lived. They staid [sic] there encamped about a month. This property was in good condition when taken.
his
John Bacon Jun[ior]
mark
Witness
E. E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia
Testimony of Witness (Plenty Porter)
My name is Plenty Porter. I was born in Liberty Co a slave; became free when the raid came through. My master was Major Porter. I am 65 years old. I live at James Winn’s place in Liberty County. I am a Farmer. I farm with the hoe. I am not related to the Claimant. I have no interest in his claim. I have known him from a boy. I know him to have been a good friend to the Union Cause during the war. I was at Claimants house when they took this property. I saw them take from him one Bay horse. I saw them take 4 head of grown cattle and 3 young ones. I saw them take Bee Hives. I think he had near 30 Hives, he had a good lot. I saw them take corn in the ear from him. He had a good chance and they took what he had couldn’t tell rightly how much. He had 10 head of hogs. I saw them take them from him. They were pretty much all large. Some would weigh 100 and some 150 lbs [pounds]. The smaller ones would weigh between 60 and 70 lbs [pounds]. I think he had about 30 bus[hels] they were in one bank. I saw the soldiers take the potatoes and the corn. And the hogs. He had 20 head of fowls. The soldiers took the poultry away. I saw him have a saddle there a leather one about half worn. I saw them just go and take the saddle and put it on Andrew Stacy’s horse, and jump on [word] and ride right off. This property all belonged to Mr Stacy. His Father died and left him when he was a small boy. I think his Father left him one cow and she was a heifer and he had the increase from that. & [when] he had raised hogs & cattle enough & sold them he bought a horse. I know the Claimant’s master. His masters name was John Baker. He allowed Claimant to own property. He allowed him to buy and sell just what he wanted to. I had nothing else to do when the Army came so I just went neighbor like to the Claimant’s house and saw this property taken as before stated. My wife lived at Mr Baker’s plantation not far from Stacy’s house, a little [word]. I was there at the plantation to see my wife. After the raid came I staid [sic] there all the time with my wife and quit my plantation. When the property was taken the Army was encamped at Midway Church about 4 miles from the Claimant’s house. I think it was Kilpatrick’s brigade. They staid [sic] at camp about a month.
his
Plenty Porter
mark
Witness
E. E. Adlington
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Virgil Hillyer
Special Commissioner State of Georgia
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State of Georgia, Liberty County } In person came Raymond Cay Sen’r and
1 Raymond Cay, aged 72 years, Walthourville, Liberty County Georgia: – has lived in Liberty County since 1832. Occupation a farmer.
2 Is not related in any manner to Claimant Andrew Stacy, and not interested in the success of this claim – Witness is the father of Raymond Cay Jr [Junior] Attorney for Claimant. – Witness knows claimant, Andrew Stacy, who is a negro. – Witness knows that the claimant owned some cattle; claimant’s cattle pastured on Witness’ lands. The cattle were in the mark of Claimant: – Witness cannot say how many head of cattle Andrew Stacy had: – Does not know about Claimant’s owning a horse: – Does not know about Claimant’s owning any other property except the cattle; Claimant may have owned other property. – Witness has seen Claimant riding a horse, during the war. – Claimant owned the cattle during the war. – Andrew Stacy was a jobbing carpenter, and his master allowed him to work out, and allowed him to live his time, that is work for himself, and pay his master so much a month. – His master John E. Baker, is now living in Thomasville Georgia.
Witness knows nothing about the taking of the property of claimant by the United States troops:
R. Cay
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of July 1876
W. W. Paine
Special Agent
Savannah Ga
August 12th 1876
Hon [orable] Commissioners of Claims
Washington City D. C.
I have the honor to report in the matter of the claim of Andrew Stacey [Stacy] (#21442) of Liberty County, Georgia, that I have obtained the following facts, and testimony:
The sworn statement of Mr Raymond Cay Senr [Senior], a gentleman of high standing in the County of Liberty, proves that the Claimant Andrew Stacey [Stacy], owned some cattle; that claimant pastured his cattle on witness’ land, and that the cattle were in the mark of claimant; witness does not state, how many cattle the claimant had. – Witness does not know of claimant owning a horse, nor any other property – Witness has seen claimant riding a horse, during the war – Witness says that claimant was a jobbing carpenter, and that his master allowed him to work out, and allowed him to live his time, and to pay his master, so much a month. – His master was John E. Baker of Thomasville Ga. –
Witness is the father of the attorney for claimant. – Witness knows nothing of the taking [of] the property from claimant by troops of the U. S. Government.
I wrote to Mr John E. Baker, of Thomasville Ga. in relation to the owning by claimant of certain property as set forth in the application of claimant, and in answer received a letter, which I attach to this report. – Mr Baker was the former master of claimant – Mr Baker states, that as well as he can remember, claimant had a couple of cows, on his Baker’s place, which were worth about $10 per head, and also a few beehives: – Witness states that the cows of claimant were taken by the Union Army, along with witnesses, and he thinks his beehives shared the same fate.
Mr Baker is a gentleman of very high standing, he is the Principal of a large female institution in Thomasville –
I wrote to Mr W. W. Winn, at the suggestion of Mr Baker, in relation to the property as set forth in Claimant’s application; and received in answer a postal card, which I attach to this report –
Mr Baker and several other gentlemen give Claimant a good character; Messrs L. J. Mallard and E. J. DeLegal, do not give claimant a good character –
Very respectfully
W. W. Paine
Special Agent
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Claim No. 43699
Sett No. 3587
Andrew Stacy of Ga
$20.00
Due him
Out of the appropriation for
“Claims of Loyal Citizens for Supplies
Furnished during the rebellion”
For amount allowed him
By the Southern Claims Commission
Reported: April 19, 1877
Returned:April 20, 1877
Requisition No. 4042 , dated April 25, 1877
, transmitted for warrant April 27, 1877
Warrant .
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The United States
To Andrew Stacy, Ga
For the amount allowed him by Act of Congress, Private No. 10
Approved March 3, 1871, entitled “An act making appropriations for the payment of claims reported allowed by the Commissioners of Claims under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871.”
The sum of Twenty dollards $20.00
Payable in care of [Raymond Cay Jr Atty crossed out] James Atkins Collector of Customs Savannah Ga
Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller’s Office
April 20, 1877
Treasury Department
Third Auditor’s Office
March 19, 1877
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[Attachment appeared to be the postcard mentioned in the Special Agent’s report. Dated at Thomasville, Ga, on Aug 4th ‘79. Unfortunately, it was so faded as to be almost illegible, but appeared to refer the Agent to W.W. Winn of Flemington, and may have said that Andrew Stacy had a wife on Winn’s place where he kept his [possibly effects]. ]