Claimant swear to Union sentiments - that he voted against separation and refuse separation and that he had three sons in the Union army.
Witnesses testify to client's loyal conversations and reputation and associations.
The horse was turned over to the TN Union by claimant's son and branded "U. S.". His son died soon after in the service and the horse was never paid for. This was in August 1862 abt which time the Dr. Mir's (sp) prices for horses was $120.
Signed by John Davis, Sen.
Witnessed by Wm. Christian and John Davis, Jun.
Signed by Wm. Blackburn, J.P.
Then John Davis Sen. says I reply upon the following witnesses, and others to prove my loyalty:
and also expect to prove the other facts alleged in the foregoing petition by:
My post office address is Liberty, DeKalb Co., Tenn. My counsel is Joseph Clark, Esq, whose post office address is Liberty, Tennessee.
Signed by John Davis, sen.
It is hereby certified that on the 19th day of February and from day to day , 1878 at Smithville in the County of DeKalb and State of Tennessee came personally before me, for the purpose of a hearing in the above-entitled cause, the following persons, namely,
Each and every deponent, previous to his or her examination, was properly and duly sworn or affirmed to tell the truth concerning the matter under examination; the claimant's witnesses were examined separately and apart from each other; the testimony of each deponent was written out by me in presence of such deponent, who signed the same in my presence after having the deposition read aloud to each deponent, and the signature of such deponent was by me attested at the time it was affixed to the disposition.
Witness my hand and official seal this 1st day of March 1878.
Jno B. Robinson, Special Commissioner
The one listed as John Davis Sr. is s/o John Davis and Abigail Duncan. He was married to Elizabeth Laurance. Later on, a witness signs as John Davis Jr, who is actually John D. Davis, the s/o John Davis, the claimant. William Davis is the s/o John Davis and Elizabeth Laurance and the brother of Doctor Albert Davis whose horse we are talking about. At this time, I do NOT know anything about John J. White and would love to hear from anyone who can tell me his parents, his wife, children, etc. Reuben P. Davis is the nephew of John Davis, the claimant, and the s/o Solomon Davis and Anna Kelley. Reuben was married to Elizabeth Griffith. S. P. W. Maxwell is Samuel Pinkney William 'Sam' Maxwell who in reality is the father of Amanda E. ' Mandy' Maxwell, the widow of Doctor Albert Davis.
My name is John Davis Sr. My age is 64 years. My residence is DeKalb County, Tennessee & has been all my life. My occupation is that of a farmer.My name is William Davis. I am 36 years old. I live in DeKalb County Tennessee and has been all my life. I am by occupation a farmer.
My name is R. P. Davis. I will be 42 years old in July 1878. I reside in DeKalb County, Tennessee where I have lived all my life. I am a farmer by Occupation. (My Note: When sworn in, he is called Reubin Davis. Reubin Davis is actually nephew of John Davis and the s/o Solomon Davis and Anna Kelley.
My name is S. P. W. Maxwell. My age is 60 years. I live in Smithville DeKalb County, Tennessee and have for the last eight years. I lived in said County twenty add years. I am a blacksmith by trade.
My name is John J. White. I live in DeKalb County, Tennessee, Liberty, & have all my life. I am a miller.
I am claimant of claim No: 6405 before the Commissaries of Claims.I am not the claimant in this case. I am the claimants son. have no other interest in the claim.
The claimant John Davis, is my uncle. I am in no way interested in the success of the claim.
I am not the claimant and am in no way related to him not in any way interested in the success of the claim. (MY NOTE: Samuel Pinkney William 'Sam' Maxwell was the father of Amanda E. ' Mandy' Maxwell - the wife/widow of Doctor Albert Davis, son of John Davis.
I am not the claimant, not am I related to the claimant, or not in any way interested in the success of the claim.
DeKalb County State of Tennessee
I was residing in DeKalb County Tennessee. My business was farming & resided at the same place & my business was farming from the beginning to the end of the war. No changes of residence or business during the war.
on the side of the Union & was from the beginning to the end of the rebellion
I never did or said anything against the Union cause
I was
I did, I advised two of my sons to go into the Union Army in 1862 to wit: Thomas Davis & William Davis. They joined the 5th Regt., Tenn Cav for the Union Soldiers without compensation. Gave information to the friends of that Government at all times which my power to do so. I harboured & fed the Union boys that were trying to get to the Federal army. This was in 1863. To wit: Tobe Woods & William Trustee and others. Boys did join the Union army the 5th Regt, Tenn Cavalry. They were not related to me by blood.
I had three sons, to wit - Doctor A. Davis, William Davis & Thomas Davis. They all belonged to the 5th Regt Tenn Cav. I also had six nephews in the Union Army - George, Reuben & Joseph (Note by Ann: These are sons of Solomon Davis - my direct ancestor.) belonged to the 5th Regt Tenn Cavalry, joined the first com - made up and served three years. The other three nephews belonged to __Illinois Regt, can't state numbers, not to what company they belonged. They were all honourably discharged except my son Doctor A who died in that service and his widow is now getting a Pension. I have produced discharges of my two living sons, to wit - William Davis & T. J. Davis & said William's Discharge shows he was a Corporal _________ 5th Regt. Tenn Cav. vol enrolled on 1st Dec 1863 to serve 3 years ordinary that was, & dated 14th Aug 1865 at Pulaski, Tenn by reason of special order No 18 C.S. Mil Div; said T. J. Dais discharge ___he was private of ____Wingate T. Robinson Co., (K) 5th Regt Tenn Cav Vol enrolled 18th May 1863 for 3 years of duty the way, discharged the 14th day 1865 at Pulaski, Tenn by reason of said order above shown.
I was not
I can't say that I contributed any thing further then herein before expressed
I took the Union side & voted for he Union twice, once in February 1861 & once in June 1861. I also spoke any sentiment freely to my neighbours in condemnation of disiniors (sp) & secession
I adhered to the Union cause all the time. I went with my state on secession no further than the force of circumstance compelled me to
My feelings condemning Bull Run was that of sorrow, gloom & I was rejoiced at the captured of New Orleans and the fall of Vicksburg & My joy at the final surrender of the Rebel forces is inexpressible
I cannot say that any special favorism granted me by the Union side, so far as I was known by the army, I was recognized as loyal man & treated as such by officers & privates
I do not think I have taken the so called iron clad oath since the war
Alexander Robinson who is dead. W. B. Stokes, Capt. E. N. Bass, John Close, W. L. Hathaway who is dead. Edward Robinson who is dead. Joseph H. Blackburn, William Blackburn & ____others some of them will prove my loyalty. All would that are alive if called on, will not be called because not necessary to have so many
I was told by one of neighbours W. C. Self that Brekenridge's man said if I went to Liberty again they would kill me. I did not go there while they were there any more. this threat was made because they had been informed that I rejoiced at the destruction of some wagons that belonged to the Rebel army
I was not
Breckenriges & Morgan's men took my bacon and cows and wheat. Col Smith of Morgan's command sent me $350 in Confederate money for a field of corn they took, I never presented any accounts to rebel officers or the confederate government
I suppose not
I did nothing voluntarily. They took my bacon, grain, stack, - but not by my consent
The overbearing & strong rebel sentiment that bore down nearly everything before it
I was not
I was not
Never took any oath, was never in south service or employment
never did
was not
was not
did not
did not
did not
was not
never did
never did
I did not that I know of
I have not been under said disabilities
have not
took none
I never was such prisoner, gave no bonds, not on parole
never was
were not
it was not
I was old enough to vote in 1860. I voted against separation twice in 1861. I voted for no candidate favouring secession. I voted against ratification of the ordinance of cession. I voted against separation of my state
I did not
I was not
I was not
I was not
I was not
I was not
I never was
in favour of claimant John Davis senI suppose the claimant - John Davis sr.
The claimant - John Davis Sr
I have known him interestedly (sp) all my lifeI have known him interminately about seventeen years
I have known claimant twenty years or more, have known him intimately about fifteen years
I lived in about two miles of him during the warI lived in about four and over half or five miles from him during the war
I lived about two and a half miles from him during the war
I did not meet him very often during the war from the fact I was in the war myself & not at home a great deal. I saw claimant several times during the war, but cannot state with any certainty that number of times I saw him.I met him often sometimes once & sometimes twice a week.
I met claimant frequently during the war, but cannot tell the number of times
I conversed with claimant about the war. I cannot fix the time definitely but I met claimant several time during the war and the war was generally the main topic of conversation , claiming would inquire how we were getting along & would wish us good luck also, but I am not able at this time to detail any conversation I had with him.I conversed with him about the war its causes, its progress & its results. I remember having a conversation with claimant in the latter part of August 1862 at my house. It was about the time his son Dr. A. Davis joined the Union army and that was what gave vise to the conversation. He said if Dr. had to fight - he wanted him to fight for his country & not against it that he hoped the government would succeed inputting down the rebellion. I have conversed with him after and never heard him utter a word in favour of the rebellion in my life.
I did converse with claimant about the war, its causes, progress & results. In the winter of 1863 I saw claimant at his own house, James White, John A. Bass, William Davis & various others were there at the same time. I can't tell what caused the conversation, claimant said in substance that he would be glad the war as at an end & that he wanted the cause of the Union to prevail
I do, he was always an outspoken Union man and done all he could so far as I know in support of the Union cause. He fed the Federal Soldiers and would sent them anything he had to help them along He gave his boys that horse in the army when they went home from Murfreesboro on a scout I think that was in 1864.I do. I knew him in 1864 and 1864 to feed at his house the union soldiers who had been cut-off from their commands. In 1864 & l864 I knew him to assist Union men in getting through the lines to Kentucky to keep out of the rebel army
I do, I have seen the U. S. soldiers at his house. He always _________ glad to see them & always spoke his sentiments freely in favour of the government. This was at his house in 1863. I saw him at Liberty, he would ____them to see the soldiers when they were there he always appeared anxious that the Union cause succeed.
I do notIf he ever did anything against the union or said anything I never heard of it
I do not know of anything done at any time by Claimant against the Union cause
I heard his own sons say who advice army but I can't fix the time that their father was always glad to hear how will we were getting along. I have no doubt heard others speak of him but cannot now recall the times & PlacesI have heard of speaking in favour of the union cause but never heard of him speaking against it. I heard T. J. Williams say that claimants had told him he had voted against separation twice in 1861 and that he was still against separation. I have heard others tell what he said but cannot remember what they said well enough to tell it.
I have heard always that claimant was a Union man & nothing else & can't state any particulars on this question
He had the reputation of a genuine loyal man all the time. I profess to know his public suportative. I know from having heard his neighbours speak of him & having conversed with him myself. I cannot say now who all I have heard speak of him but I have no doubt I have heard many. Solomon Davis, E. W. Bass, Samuel Simpson, T. J. Williams and various others too _____to mention will testify to complainants loyalty during the war, in fact, there is names in his neighbourhood but what will testify.He is public character from the whole community regardless of political was that he was an Unlaundeteanal (sp) outspoken union man.
He had the reputation of a loyal man. I know his reputation from what his neighbours said about him. I lived in the same neighbourhood heard him spoken of by his neighbours and they call called him a loyal man. I give many names of his neighbour's that will testify to his loyalty. I suppose every one of them will I will name Capt. E. W. Bass, John A. Bass, T. J. Williams, Thomas Bass, W. T. Robinson, W. T. Haskins, Carroll Lawrence, W. B. Stokes. I could name various others if necessary.
The ones spoken of in my answer to last question above were known Union men and various others could be named.There was Benjamin Anderson, Solomon Davis, W. T. Robinson, Andrew Caplinger, Benjamin Thomas, T. J. Williams, Harvey Close, Samuel Simpson, John White, W. H. and A. H. Robinson, E. W. Bass and various others that were known Union men that will testify to claimant's loyalty
Those I have named in the last question above and others to wit - Samuel Simpson, W. F. Robinson, A. H. Robinson, ____Williams, Wilbury Lourence & various other too ____to mention that will testify to complement loyalty.
I was, and claimant knew me to be such from the fact he lived near me, heard me talk, saw me vote and saw me in the Union ArmyI was and claimant knew me to be such from talking with me on the subject frequently during the war.
I was, and claimant knew me to be such from the fact I was a soldier in the U. S. army, spoke numerous loyal sentiments and that I done nothing to aid or encourage the Rebellion in any way
I do not any further threat the southern army took his corn like they did everybody elseIn 1863 in fall of the year, the rebels were camped near claimant's house. I had lose a horse and went to that camp to look for my horse and while there I heard the rebel soldiers cursing claimant and those adhering to take his com in going home I went to claimants and where there the rebel soldiers were gathering claimants corn from his field and hauling it to their camps. This was the only threat I ever heard against him or family or property.
I do not
I do He voted against cession every time & he was outspoken for the Union all the timeI do. I have heard him say that he hoped all the Yankees might whip the rebels out. I have known him to assist union men in keeping out of the way of rebel conscription, in fact, he done nothing that I know of or ever heard but what was in favour of the government
I do, he always voted against the confederacy & always talked against. he was an old man & took no part in the war
I don't know that I can state any additional factsI do. I know he had three sons in the Union army and two of these were there by the advise of claimants. He had no sons in the rebel army. His sons were in the 5th Regt Tenn Cav Vol, all enlisted for three years or during the war to my recollection & had the reputation of being good soldiers. One of them died and the others got home and further this ______________-south war.
I can state he had three sons in the Union army & none in the rebel army. They all belonged to the 5th Regt - Tennessee Cavalry volunteers. Enlisted for three years or during the war. One of them to wit - Dr. A. Davis died in the service and his widow is drawing a Pension from the Government. The other two to wit - William & Thomas server to the end of the war & were honourably discharged from the service.
I was. I paid Edward Robinson's administrator for the horse
It was not taken from the farm
He has not
I was notI was not present when the property that subject of the claim was taken, did not see it taken
I was not present & did not see the property taken
It was not taken in night time or secretly. I did know of it at the timeI do not know whether the property was taken in the daytime or at night as I did not see it taken
I did not see the property taken, do not know whether it was taken in the night time or not or whether it was taken secretly or not
No complaint was madeThere was no complaint made that I know
I do not know of any complaint having been made to any officer
was not asked for or givenNone that I know of. I mean vouchers & receipts
I do not know anything about that
Has not, all the questions in this interrogatory answered in the negativeNo payments has been made for the property charge in the claim that I know of. No other property taken at same time that I know of. No payment has been made to same claimant for any property taken during the war that I know for his this property or any part of it been included in any claim hintofore presented to congress or any court department or officer of the United States, or any board of suing military commissions, state commission or officers or any other authority that I have any knowledge of.
I do not know of any payment having been made for the property charged for in this claim. I do not know that any property was taken from claimants at same time as property charged for in this claim. I do not know whether claimants has been paid for any property taken from him during the war or . . .
It was not taken by troops encamped in the vicinity, not by troops on a march not on a raid. There had not been a recent battle or skirmish
Signed John Davis
Subscribed and sworn to before me February 19, 1878 Jno B. Robinson, U. S. CourtI do not know of by the property was taken as I did not see it taken
It was an Iran gray horse, about five or six years old, about 16 hands high a good looking horse and in good condition. I saw the horse in Nashville, Tennessee in December 1862 & January 1863. He was in the possession of Dr. A. Davis, a private soldier in Co (A) 5th Regt. Tenn Cav Vol, said Doctor A. Davis was riding said horse in the service of the U. S. at the time I saw him in United States many at least one hundred & fifty dollars, if not more, Joseph H. Blackburn was captain of Co (A) 5th Regt Tenn Cav Vol to which company Dr. A. Davis belonged at the time I saw the horse in his possession. All the reason I have for supposing the taking was authorized by the proper officers is that said Doctor A. Davis who belonged to the army had and the way horses were selling at that time he was worth in United States currency one hundred & fifty dollars. W. B. Stokes was in command of the Regiment that had said horse.
Signed William Davis
Subscribed & sworn to before me February 23rd 1878 Jno B. Robinson, U.S. CourtI saw the horse mentioned in the claim the first time at Nashville, Tennessee in the possession of Dr. A. Davis who was at the time a soldier in Company (A) 5th Regt Tenn Cavalry Volunteers, said Davis was using said horse in the U. S. service and continued to use till his (the soldiers) death which was about sixteen months after I first saw him with the horse. After the death of Doctor A. Davis, I think the said horse was turned over to Sergeant Floyd of the same company who had him when I left the Regt.. This was the last I knew of the horse, said horse was an Iran gray, was I suppose 16 hands high was a good looking horse and the way horses were selling at this time he was worth in United States Currency one hundred & fifty-dollars. W. B. Stokes was in command of the Regiment that had said horse.
Signed R. P. Davis
Subscribed & sworn to before me this February 28, 1878 Jno B. Robinson, U. S. CourtSigned S. P. W. Maxwell
Subscribed & sworn to before me February 28, 1878 Jno B. Robinson, U. S. CourtI have listened to the ____read to me & here repeat that I did not see the property taken, but will here explain what I know about the property charged for in claimant's claim. I saw the horse charged for in camps at Nashville Tennessee in the latter part of 1862 and horse was in the possession of one Dr. A. Davis who was a private in Com (A) 5th Regt Tenn, Vol., said horse was by said Dr. A. Davis turned over to the Quarter Master of the Regiment and the horse was branded U. S. and given back to said Dr. A. Davis died about sixteen months after he joined the army. Our Colonel W. B. Stokes told all the soldiers who had horses to turn them over to the government and they would get pay for them under this order said. Horse was turned over and branded as above stated, but was not paid for, or at least I got no pry for one. I turned over soon after this was turned over, said horse was an Iran gray, about sixteen hands high was a good looking horse, and was worth at that time in United States currency one hundred and fifty dollars, in fact - he was cheap at that price at that time. I am satisfied said horse was never paid for by the government and further this department said it not.
Signed Jno J. White
Subscribed & sworn to before me March 1st 1878 Jno B. Robinson, U. S. Court
I will here state that I personally acquainted with all the witnesses who participated to this claim and know them all to be credible men and men of undoubted loyalty all of them except S. P. W. Maxwell were federal soldiers. I know the men referred to by the witnesses that men that will testify to claimant's loyalty and I know them all to have been loyal men ____the one named numerous others can be found that will testify to the same.
I will state this in reference to the horse. I have learned since 1 horse been taking proof in the case that claimant's title ___as follows, about Aug 1862 the pressure from the Rebels became so heavy that Union men did not consider themselves safe at home & claimants son Dr. A. Davis concluded he would join the Federal army when he started to Nashville to join the army he bought the horse the subject of this claim and executed his note for him with claimant security and the note, Dr. A. Davis turned the horse over to the Government but got no pay for him. Dr. A. Davis died & claimant's after the war was over had the horse to pay for as his son's security on the horse.
Jno B. Robinson