Lauderdale County, AL Early Records

1870 Florence, Township 3, Lauderdale Co., AL Census

979/927
Goins , Jas - 36 - m - m - barber - AL
Goins , Jane - 33 - f - m - keeps house - AL
Goins, Missie - 13 - f - m - AL
Goins, James - 10 - m - m - AL
Goins , Bert - 4 - m - m - AL

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Transcribed by Cindy Young
Original documents can be viewed at Footnote.
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Rept. #7 Office 51 Goin, J.
(First page is a copy of a file folder with this information on the tab)

3126 June27/?
No. -------------------
Petition of
James Goin col’d
Lauderdale Co Ala
For
Hay, hogs, corn,
horses & mules taken
in said county by
U.S. army
Amount $665.00
Submitted 30th day of Jan 1875.
T.C.F.
Clerk
Lewis & Fullerton,
Solicitors,
Washington, D.C.

ADDITIONAL RULES

1. The oath of loyalty required by the published rules of the Commission need not be wholly in writing, but may be made upon a printed form, if desired.

4. All papers pertaining to a claim which have been used before any Department or office of the Government, and returned to the claimant, shall accompany the petition addressed to the Commissioners of Claims, or be filed with it before the case is taken up for consideration. Any other papers in possession of officers of the Government will be called for by the Commissioners upon receipt of a descriptive application from the claimant or attorney to that effect.

5. The account of property taken or furnished should, in each petition, be stated by items, the several items being numbered in succession, and the total value of the several items being stated at the foot of the list.

6. In each case, all testimony offered in support of the claim, whether relating to the loyalty of the claimant or the alleged facts, shall, if practicable, be given before the Commissioners at Washington, but whenever, in consequence of the smallness of the claim, the poverty of the claimant, the remoteness of the witnesses, or their inability, from any cause, to attend before the Commissioners, or for any other good reason, it is desired that the testimony of the claimant or witnesses be taken at or near their places of residence, a written application must be filed with the clerk of the Commissioners. In this application the name and place of abode of each witness, the material facts to be established by such witness, and the particular cause of the inability of the claimant to produce the witnesses before the Commissioners must be clearly stated. The application should also designate the places most convenient for taking of the desired testimony. All testimony taken by commission will be taken at the cost of the claimant.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know all Men by these Presents, that James Goins,--Florence County of Lauderdale in the State of Alabama, have made, constituted and appointed, and by these present do make, constitute and appoint (David P. is crosses out) Lewis & Fullerton of Washington, D.C., my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name, place and stead, hereby annulling and revoking all former Power of Attorney or authorizations whatever in the premises, to prosecute my claim before the Comm of claims, and to from time to time, furnish any further evidence necessary or that may be demanded, giving and granting to my said Attorney full power and authority to do and perform al and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do, if personally present at the doing thereof. with full power of substitution and revocation, and to receipt and sign all vouchers, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his substitute may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this 3rd day of June, eighteen hundred and seventy-one.

James Goin (seal)

Two Witnesses:
N.H. Rice
A.D.Hine

State of Alabama
County of Lauderdale

BE IT KNOWN, That on this 3 day of June, in the year eighteen hundred and seventy-one, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the peace in and for said County and State, personally appeared James Goin to me well known to be the identical person who executed the foregoing Letter of Attorney, and the same having first been read over to him and the contents thereof explained; acknowledged the same to be act and deed, and that I have no interest present or prospective in the claim.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, the day and year last above written.

Neander H. Rice, J.P.
Attach Certificate of Clerk of Court.


(top of page is missing)
1863

1. Nov. 1=1. 2000 # Hay @ 1.25 per 100 $ 25.00

2. 2. 16 Head Hogs 9/15 ea 7/5 ea $170.00

3. 3. 1 Cow $ 20.00

1864

4. Febry 4. 2 Mares (very fine) 150 ea $300.00

5. 5. 1 Mule very fine $150.00

----------

$665.00

(appears this page was torn)
Witnesses: Wm Baugh (colored) 50, plasterer, Florence
James W. Stewart a physician, Florence
James Amonette-(colored) 38, laborer, Florence, Ala
Eliza H. Tenge, 52, Lauderdale, les, Ala

Atty:
Tho C. Fullerton
Washington D.C.

James Goin vs. The United States
At the City of Washington, D.C.

TO THE HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS OF CLAIMS,
(Under the Act of Congress March 3d, 1871)
Washington, D.C.

The petition of James Goin a colored citizen of the State of Alabama, residing at Florence, in the county of Lauderdale, and State of Alabama, respectfully represents that, at the time the claim herewith presented accrued, he was a citizen of the State of Alabama, residing at Florence, as aforesaid, that he was the original owner of said claim; that ne other person or persons have any interest in or right or title to said claim or any part thereof; that he is a citizen of the United States and remained a loyal adherent to the cause and the Government of the United States during the war of the rebellion; that he was so loyal before and at the time of the taking of the property for which this claim is now made; and that said claim has never been presented to any Officer, Agent, or Department of the Government nor to Congress, or to any committee thereof, of his own knowledge your petitioner avers and states the fact to be ---*

1st. That on or about the first day of November 1863, at your petitioners residence in said county and state officers and soldiers belonging to the army of the United States took from your petitioner two thousand pounds of hay valued at one dollar twenty five cents per hundred pounds, nine hogs valued at fifteen dollars each –seven hogs valued at

five dollars each and one cow valued at twenty dollars.

Your petitioner was informed and believes and so states that said officers and soldiers were on the march to Chattanooga Tennessee-that Maj. Genl W. T. Sherman was in command of the forces- and that said property was __? with said commands but your petitioner is unable to give the names and rank of said officers-nor can he state the company or regiment to which the of said soldiers belonged.

2. That on or about the (blank) day of February 1864- at said residence, officers and soldiers of the 9th Regiment of Illinois Mounted Infantry-commanded by Col. J.J. Phillips took from your petitioner, as he was informed and believes-two mares valued at one hundred and fifty dollars each-and one mule valued at one hundred dollars-your petitioner was informed and believes and so states that said Regiment was stationed at Athens Alabama-that said property was ___? to said station and that Brig. Genl G.M. Dodge was in command of the forces in the district in which said property was so taken-And your petitioner avers that the aforesaid articles were his property. That the same, as he believes were taken and supplied for the use of the Army of the United States; and that no voucher, receipt, or other writing was given therefor, except as is shown in this petition. The premises considered, your petitioner therefore prays that he may be allowed the sum of six hundred & sixty five dollars as compensation for said property taken, as aforesaid for the use and benefit of the United States.

James Goin
Petitioner
Lewis & Fullerton
Solicitors

State of Alabama
County of Lauderdale

I James Goin being duly sworn deposes, and says that he is the petitioner named in the foregoing petition, and who signed the same; that the matters herein stated are true of deponent’s own knowledge, except as to those matters which are stated on information and belief, and, as to those matters, he believes them to be true.

And deponent further says, that he did not voluntarily serve in the Confederate army or navy, either as on officer, soldier, or sailor, and in any other capacity, at any time during the late rebellion; that he never voluntarily furnished any stores, supplies or other material aid to said Confederate army or navy, or to the Confederate Government, or to any officer, department, or adherent of the same, in support thereof, and that he never voluntarily accepted or exercised the functions of any office whatsoever under, or yielded voluntary support to the said Confederate Government.

James Goin
Petitioner

Sworn to and subscribed before me at Florence Alabama this 3rd day of June, 1871.
Neander H. Rice
Justice of the Peace

WITNESSES;

To prove my loyalty I rely upon:
N.H. Rice residing at Florence, Alabama
Thos T. Allington residing at Florence, Alabama
C.W. Wesson residing at Florence, Alabama
Eliza Tenge residing at Florence, Alabama

The other matters I rely upon:
James W. Stewart residing at Florence, Alabama
Joe Portis residing at Florence, Alabama
William Baugh residing at Florence, Alabama
Jane Goin residing at Florence, Alabama
William Robinson residing at Florence, Alabama

My Post Office is Florence, Alabama
My Counsel are Messrs. Lewis & Fullerton, whose post office address is Washington, D.C.

Note-Accompany each petition with a Power of Attorney and an application to take testimony.
NH Rice

No. 3126 James Goin (col) sub. 30 July 1878

I consider this case beyond any question. It should be considered in connection with the case of Geo & Eliza Peifer No. 8263.

No. 8263 Geo & Eliza Peifer, Adm. of est of Chas. A. Tenge.

This is a good case-I had an interview with Mrs. Peifer (formerly wife of Tenge) when in Florence last summer, and I became satisfied what she to me is just. (sic) I have some letters written to her by Miss Maggie Mitchell the s_? which indicate strongly that the family were loyal & trustworthy. I have advertised for Miss Mitchell but can’t learn her whereabouts.

3126.
James Goin
Lauderdale Co. Ala.

Florence Ala.
January 12, 1875
No. 3126 James Goin vs. United States
Pending before the Southern Claim Commissioners

This is to certify that James Goin, Claimant in the above case has paid to me his fees in full for the taking of depositions in the above case.

John H. Price
Ex. Commissioner

3126
James Goin
Lauderdale Co. Ala

No. 3126 James Goin (colored)
Florence, Lauderdale Co. Ala
2000 lbs Hay $ 25.-
16 Hd Hogs 170.-
1 Cow 20.-
2 Mares 300.-
1 Mul 150.-
taken in Nov. 1863.

Testimony taken before Comr. John H. Price at Florence at October 1873.

Claimant is 39 years old, a barber, and resided from April 1st 1861 to June 1st 1875 in Florence, Ala. He secreted himself six week to keep from being conscripted was not threatened on account of his Union sentiments. Rendered secret service for the U.S. Furnished a mule and conducted a Union spy names Miss Maggie Mitchell to the Union lines. Gave information to Genl. Rosseau & Thomas regarding the movements of Genl. Hood and also information concerning other parties of Rebels. Had a brother conscripted in the rebel army but he ran away. Claims Union sympathies. (over)

No. 3126 unfavorable
James Goin (colored)
Lauderdale Co. Ala
Statement of Claimant pages 1 to 8
Report by Spl agent 9
Respectfully forwarded from Blount Springs, Ala, June 19th, 1877
R.B. Avery, Spl Agent
June 25th .77 Atty notified
Ala
T.C. Fullerton

(envelope)

Hon. Comr’s of Claims
Washington, D.C.

Testimony of James Goin, colored, claimant, taken under oath at Florence, Lauderdale County, Ala. June 7th, 1877.

Q. Were you a free man before the war?

A. Yes sir. I was born free.

Q. What were you doing when the war commenced?

A. I was keeping barberships when the war commenced. Prior to that, for three years I had been traveling for Jackson and Cheatham. I was attending to the horses and waiting on Jackson. He had nice horses.

Q. Now, what did you do during the war? Commence from the first breaking out of hostilities, and tell me how all you time was employed, near as you can.

A. When the war broke out, in May 1861, Wat Foster hired me to go and cook for his mess in the 4th Alabama Confederate regiment. I staid (sic) about three months. I went to Bailey’s Spring and kept a shop there the balance of that summer. I think I went to farming on Mr. Coffee’s? land the next year. The latter part of that year I kept a Feed stable, until Sherman’s army came through and broke __? up. It may have been in 1863 I went to farming, and kept Feed Stable the last of the summer.

Q. Was you not out with Col. Jackson?

A. Yes, for a little while. Jackson was in the 4th Ala Regiment when I was out in Virginia I went to Shaslville (must be Shawsville) in 1864. I went to report Hood’s movement to Gen. Rousseau. I got in possession of the news from Mr. Walker. He was member of the Confederate Congress, and came home with Gen. O’Neal, and I got it from their talk. They had it here on the street publicly. They were bragging what moves Hood was making. Jim Raper? and I went up in a wagon to Columbia, and I went on from there in a stage. I came back from Nashville. I bought some goods back with me. I came back in my own wagon. The same one I went in. I intended to get goods when I started from home. I got some sugar, coffee, shoes and clothing. I got only women’s and children’s shoes, and one pair of boots I got for myself. I got calico and domestic. I got one hat for an old colored man. I bought some moonshine for Mr. Simpson a lawyer here. I got one vial. I got nothing else. I came back here on Saturday, and was to go back to Nashville the next week. Hoods army commenced crossing Sunday evening. After Hood’s army came over, Jim Raper, Rush Patton and myself got outside the lines, and started back to Nashville. We got within half a mile of Shoal Creek and heard some cavalry, and we went into the bushes, and didn’t go any further. We didn’t see them, and don’t know what they were-whether Federals or Confederates. Then we came back. I came to Mrs. Jackson’s that night. Rush Patton went to Mrs. Armstrongs and Jim Raper went to Buck? Keys. During the time I was at Mrs. Jackson’s one of the men came to town to tell to tell my wife where I was. About this time a squad of Confederate Cavalry came to my house to conscript me, and send me down in South Ala. On the public works. My wife sent me word not to come home, and I staid (sic) there about three weeks, I did nothing, but just staid upstairs there. In the meantime Col. Jackson then Colonel of the 35th regiment, came home and he told me to stay there, and he would protect me from the Confederates while he was there. When Hood’s army left for Nashville he was three of four days in the rear of the army, and I went up to Columbia with him. As far as Geo. Polks, six miles this side of Columbia, he and I staid there until the Nashville fight came off. Then I came back home. I never saw anything of the army while I was with Col. Jackson. This time, I came along as a companion of his. I went off with him to keep away from the conscript fellows.

Q. You positively swear you never brought from the Federals lines any clothing, boots or shoes, or medicine, for anybody in the Confederate lines during the war?

A. Except the morphine I bought for Mr. Simpson.

Q. What were you doing during 1861 while you were out with the Confederates?

A. I was cooking for a mess. They paid me $40 per month. They were in the battle of Bull Run. I was there, I went out to see the fight. I didn’t take any arms. Yes sir, I saw wounded Federal soldiers. I saw dead Federal soldiers next morning. I saw no-one that day, I fell back til that evening, and after the rebels ranted? there I went back where they had been fighting. I never put my hand upon but one man, and he had been shot through the head, and was blind, I put him by a tree. He was the only Federal soldier, living or dead, I touched. I put him under a tree, and gave him some water from my canteen. There were a good many dead and wounded Federal soldiers lying around-Lots of them. I helped put the Confederate soldiers in a wagon what were killed out of our company.

Q. Did you join in the rejoicing over that victory?

A. I didn’t have much to do with it. There was plenty of rejoicing. I left next morning for Culpepper, to wait on Wat Foster, who had been wounded. He came home and I came with him. We got home in August, I think about the third.

Q. There was no compulsion about your going with Wat Foster into the Confederate

army?

A. No, sir-I went on my own accord.

Q. Did you at any time, during the war, have anything more to do with the Confederates? Give them any information?

A. No, sir. I never was with them, only the time I told you about going to Columbia. I never bought a hat during the war for anybody but myself and the old colored man.

Q. I can’t understand how a man with Union sympathies, and a free man, could, of his own accord, go down with the rebels into Virginia?

A. Why I went for money. They paid me forty dollars a month. I didn’t do any fighting. I wasn’t caring which whipped myself. I didn’t go after that because I got enough of it.

Q. Explain about your property.

A. I had two mares, a mule, some hogs, a cow and some hay taken. Col. Phillips took the mares and about ten days after come back and got the mule. The mares were taken from the wagon. I had protections from Gen. Ewing for the two mares. Some of his men had broken the stable open, and taken them before that and I got them back, and with them a protection paper.

Hay—I think I had three thousand pounds in the stable up town. It was the same stable Powers has now. I rented from Mrs. Campbell. I paid her small rent maybe eight or ten dollars a month. It was used by the Confederates while I had it. I think I kept it two or three months. The Confederates would frequently put their stock up, and have it fed there. I kept it until Gen. Sherman took possession. His provost marshall took it in possession. He wanted to use it.-

Hogs—How many hogs did you have?

I think I had nine, some were in the pen, and some stock hogs. I disremember how many. I think the men who took them were in Thomas division. Those in the pen were killed there, and the others in the stable lot at the home, I don’t know how many was killed, but I saw all killed that were. I wouldn’t say positively now, for it’s been a good while ago.

Cow Q. Who killed the cow?

A. Thomas’ men, or division rather. She was __? at the time. She would have weighed from 300 to 350 lbs. The corn I had taken was taken from the field, and I got paid for that. They got 120 to 140 bushels, Rousseau command took it, and I got paid for it in Nashville. I don’t remember how much a bushel, but somewhere about 60 or 70 cents a bushel.

James Goin

R.B. Avery
Spl Comm

Claim of James Goin, Col’d
Lauderdale County, Ala
No. 3126

The claimant in this case is a colored man, four-fifths to seven-eights white, who was born free, generally speaking persons with colored blood in their veins stick closely, in interest and action, by the colored race. The claimant is an exception. According to his own statement he voluntarily went to Virginia with the Confederates, and” wasn’t caring which whipped.” There were cases where persons were compelled to do something disloyal. Claimant says he did it upto his “own accord” and that though on the battlefield, where the Federals were losers, and many of them wounded and prisoners, where a person friendly to them or there cause, would have had opportunities to serve them, forced upon him, the claimant touched but one, “living or dead.”

Jud T.T. Allington, who was at Florence during the war and since says it is generally believed that claimant was carrying news and supplies from the Federal lines to the Confederates all the time, after he put on a show of loyalty; and that he had heard persons declaring that they got shoes, clothing, and anything they wanted through the help of Goins. He did not name the person’s and claimant denies the charges, but his own declaration, and the tone and manner accompanying it, with the fact that he was free to do as he chose, convinces me that claimant was and is disloyal to the Government of the United States.

Very Respectfully,

R.B. Avery
Spl Agent
Hon Comr’s of Claims
Washington, D.C.

No. 3126
James Goin
Lauderdale Co. Ala
Submitted.
Thos C. Fullerton

No. 3126
$665.
James Goin
Lauderdale Co. Ala

Mr. Avery, special agent, is convinced from claimants “declaration and tone used, manner accompanying it,” that “claimant was and is disloyal to the Government of the United States”-

If the claimant is still disloyal he must have been a bad case during the war. It is hard to conceive upon what he fears as disloyal heart at this late day.

It appears incidently in the record by a man that one W.R. Chisholm reports the man disloyal-and writes from the Custom House Mobile, Mr. Chisholm was one of the chief political fuglemen of Lauderdale and his ideas of the claimants loyalty may, and probably does, have reference to some political campaign, and claimants conduct therein, Judge Allington also indulges in insinuations, but the agent seems not to have gotten the names of persons who could prove that claimant was engaged in carrying news or contraband goods. I don’t suppose anyone had anything to fear from claimant by disclosing the names of persons who could testify against him. And the absence of such information or any willingness to furnish a clue to it, sure acts very strongly of some secret prejudice not exactly pertinent to the issues in the case.

We shall not introduce any further testimony for the reason that there has not been brought against the claimant any fact which we would dispute. Of course we here make no reference to Mr. Avery’s conclusions.

In 1871 when the petition was formed Judge Allington was designated as one of claimants witnesses on loyalty, but when the examination of witnesses was had he was not examined. The Greedy campaign intervended-and perhaps claimant as not loyal at that time.

That letter from the “Mobil custom House” is an ominous document.

Thos C. Fullerton
Atty.
5 July 1877

3126
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CLAIMS
Washington, D.C. Sept. 15, 18, 1873.

MEMORANDUM:

Jim Goins (Col’d)
Lauderdale Co. Ala
“Reported Disloyal”
by
W.R. Chisholm
U.S. Custom House
Mobile, Alabama

No. 3126
CLAIM OF
James Goins (Col’d)
OF
Lauderdale County,
State of Alabama
$665.00

TESTIMONY OF
James Goins (col’d) Page 1
William Baugh (col’d) Page 8
James W. Stewart Page 10
James Amonett Page 11
Mrs. Eliza H. Tenge Page 13

TAKEN BEFORE
John H. Price
Special Commissioner.
Thos C. Fullerton
of Washington
Attorneys.

No. 3126

James Goin
Vs.
THE UNITED STATES

Application to take Testimony of
N.H. Rice
Thos. T. Allington
C.W. Wesson
Eliza Tenge
Jas W. Stewart
Joe Portis
Wm Baugh
Jim Goin
Wm Robinson
Lauderdale Co. Ala

LEWIS & FULLERTON
SOLICITORS,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
$665.

The United States
1863
To James Goin col.
Nov. 1. 9 Head Hogs @ 15 $135.00
2. 7 Head Hogs @ 5 35.00
3. 1 Fine Cow 20.00
1864 4. 2000 # Hay @ 25.00
Feby 5. 2 Fine Mares 300.00
6. 1 Fine Mule 150.00
-----------
$665.00

James Goin vs. THE UNITED STATES
BEFORE THE COMMISSIONERS OF CLAIMS
Under the Act of Congress of March 3d, 1871.

Comes your petitioner in the above case, by his Solicitors, LEWIS & FULLERTON, and shows that the amount involved in the claim aforesaid is too small to justify the expense of procuring the personal attendance of witnesses, and that petitioner is too poor to meet the expense incident to the same; that the residence, age, sex, &c., of the said witnesses, and the facts to which they will testify, on their own knowledge are correctly set forth

hereunder, that is to say:

Your petitioner expects to prove by his own testimony that he about thirty seven years of age-is of african descent, that he was always loyal to the Government of the United States-that he was not allowed the privilege of franchise until after the war which has ever been used for the Govmt of the United States-that he rendered efficient service to in assisting Miss Maggie Mitchell who was a federal female Spy sent out in this Country by the United States Government-that he rendered efficient service to Genl Thomas just before the Rebel Genl Hood made his advance upon Nashville Tennessee which was in October or November 1864-that he was made a confidant by Genl Steadman & Rousseau to convey valuable information, which he did and to the interest and advancement of the armies of the United States-

N.H. Rice residing in Florence Alabama and aged about fifty years will testify that he has resided in Florence upwards of forty years-that he has known petitioner for fourteen years. Will testify that he has been loyal, to the Government and was so regarded by all who knew him in their community.

Thomas T. Allington residing in Florence Alabama-aged about sixty years will testify that he has resided in the county upwards of forty years he had known the petitioner fourteen years and knows the fact that he was always loyal to the Government and so looked upon and regarded by all in this community.

James W. Stewart residing in Florence Alabama aged about sixty years-will testify that he has resided in this County for thirty-five years & has known petitioner for fourteen years-That the officers and Soldiers of the 9th Illinois Calvary under the Command of Col. J.J. Philips took from your petitioner in the month of February 1864 two fine mares worth three hundred dollars, & one fine mule worth one hundred & fifty dollars, that said mares and mules were taken to Athens Alabama to the army of Gen’l Dodge whose head quarters were at Athens and of which Col. Philip command was a portion.

Jane Goin residing in Florence Alabama, and aged about thirty years will testify that she has resided at Florence since since (sic) 1857 & has known petitioner for twenty-five years, and knows the fact that the officers and soldiers of Genl Shermans U.S. troops command took from petitioner in the month of November 1863 while passing through this place, sixteen head of hogs nine of which was worth at that time fifteen dollars each and seven were worth five dollars each and one fine cow worth twenty dollars.

William Robinson residing in Florence Alabama aged about twenty five years will testify that he resided with your petitioner in November 1863 and has known him petitioner all his life, that he was present at petitioners house in November 1863 & saw the officers and soldiers of Genl W.T. Shermans U.S. troops command while passing through Florence take from petitioner two thousand pounds of hay worth twenty five dollars & nine head of hogs worth fifteen dollars each & seven head worth five dollars each & one cow worth twenty dollars.

William Baugh residing in Florence Alabama aged about thirty seven years will testify that he has resided here for twenty years that he has known petitioner for fourteen years. That he saw in the command and in the possession of the officers & soldiers of Col. J.J. Philips Command 9th regiment Illinois mounted Infantry U.S. Troops the two mares and mule the property of your petitioner and that the mares were worth three hundred dollar, & the mule one hundred & fifty dollars.

Eliza Tenge residing in Florence Alabama aged about fifty years will testify that she has resided in Florence for twenty years has known the petitioner fourteen years, that he was regarded as a loyal man by all who knew him, that at one time petitioner conveyed Miss Maggie Mitchell a federal female spy out of Florence in the night time to evade being captured by the Rebels, the petitioner did twice, that petitioner was kind in attending to and waiting upon a federal soldier that was shot by the rebels & left at her house who died from the wound his name was Cunningham & was a Lieutenant.

Petitioner: James Goin

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 17th day of June 1871.
Neander H. Rice, J.P.



Florence Lauderdale Co. Ala. is suggested as the best place for taking the within testimony.

No. 3126
Claim of James Goin
of Florence, Lauderdale County, Ala
$665.00

APPLICATION
TO HAVE TESTIMONY TAKEN
BY SPECIAL COMMISSIONER
John H. Price
FILED BY
LEWIS & FULLERTON
Attorneys-at-Law
WASHINGTON, D.C.

DIRECTIONS.

(1)-Insert number of claim, when known.

(2)-“Taken” or “furnished.”

(3)-Describe the military organization by name as fully and particularly as possible.

(4)-State as well as can be done the place to which the property was conveyed for the use of the army.

(5)-State as fully and minutely as is possible the particular persons or commands using the property, and to what particular use it was applied.

(6)-The claimant’s name should be signed here in person or by attorney.

No. (blank) (1)

BEFORE THE COMMISSIONERS
Under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871.

In the matter of the claim of James Goin of Florence in the County of Lauderdale and State of Alabama.

Comes now the Claimant before John H. Price, Esq., Special Commissioner for the State of Alabama, and represents that he has heretofore filed with the above-named Commissioners a Petition for the allowance of a claim for property (2) taken for the use of the army of the United States, which claim, as stated below, does not exceed the sum of five thousand dollars.

That the said claim, stated by items, and excluding therefrom all such items as refer to the DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION and LOSS, and not the USE, of property; to unauthorized or unnecessary DEPREDATIONS of troops and other persons upon the property, or to RENT or compensation for the occupation of buildings, grounds or other real estate is as follows:

No. Quantities and Articles Dollars. Cts.
1863
Nov. 1 1. 9 Head Hogs @ 15 $135.00
2. 7 Head Hogs @ 5 35.00
3. 1 Fine Cow 20.00
1864 4. 2000 # Hay @ 25.00
Feby 5. 2 Fine Mares 300.00
6. 1 Fine Mule 150.00
-----------
$665.00

That as stated in the Petition referred to, the property in question was (2) taken or furnished by (blank), of (blank), in the state of (blank), for the use of a portion of the Army of the United States, known as (3) (blank) and that the person’s who took or received the property, or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the following:

(blank)

That the property was removed to (4) (blank) and used for by (5) (blank); all this on or about the (blank), in the year (blank), as appears by the petition presented to the Commissioners. That, by the following named persons, the claimant expects to prove that, from the beginning of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, his sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States, that he never, of his 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 successes, and that he was 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 his means and power and the circumstances of the case permitted:

N.H. Rice of Florence
Thos t. Allington of Florence

That, by the following named persons, the Claimant expects to prove the taking or furnishing of the property for the use of the army of the United States:

James W. Stewart of Florence Ala.
Jane Goin of Florence Ala.
William Robinson of Florence Ala.
William Baugh of Florence Ala.
Eliza Tenge of Florence Ala.
Joe Portis of Florence Ala.

The claimant now prays that the testimony of the witnesses just designated to be taken and recorded, at such place and at such time as the Special Commissioner may designate at the proper cost of the said Claimant; and that due notice of the time and place of the taking thereof be given to the Claimant, through his council.

Submitted of this (blank) day of (blank), 187(blank)

(6) James Goin
Claimant.

Thos C. Fullerton
Attorney.
P.O. Address of Attorney (blank)

Front Page

Before the Commissioners of Claims
Act of Congress, March 3, 1871
Case of James Goin
No. 3126

It is hereby certified, that on the 15th day of October, 1873, at Florence, in the County of Lauderdale, and State of Alabama, personally came before me the following person, viz:

James Goin Claimant, Neander H. Rice, Counsel or Attorney (not the attorney-this is just a list of witnesses) and William Buagh (col’d) Jas W. Stewart, James Amonette (col’d), and Mrs Eliza H. Tenge, Claimant’s Witnesses, all for the purpose of a hearing in the above entitled cause.

Each and every deponent, previous to his or her examination, was properly and duly sworn or affirmed by me to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, concerning the matters under examination; and the testimony of each deponent was written out by me, or in my presence, and as given before me, and subsequently read over to said deponent, by whom it was also subscribed in my presence.

Witness my and seal this 15th day of October 1878.

John H. Price
Special Commissioner of the Commissioners of Claims

Deposition of James Goin (col’d) Claimant

In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:

My name is James Goin, my age 39 years, my residence Florence, in the State of Alabama, and my occupation a Barber;

I am ___ related to the claimant, and have___ beneficial interest in the claim. (entire sentence marked out)

[Note: The Claimant should always be first examined when present, in which case the words “related to” as printed immediately above, should be stricken out.]

Int. 2. I resided at my home in Florence Lauderdale County, Alabama from 1st April 1861 to the 1st June 1865. On my own land I owned an acre lot in Florence, but rented land near Florence and farmed during the war. I did not change my residence or business during the war.

3. I did not.

4. I did not.

5. I did not take the Amnesty Oath, or had anything to be pardoned for.

6. I was not in the civil services of the Confederate states.

7. No

8. No

9. I did not.

10. I was not.

11. I was not.

12. I was not.

13. I was not conscripted. But run off and concealed myself for six weeks to keep from being conscripted.

14. I did not.

15. To all of which I answer no.

16. To all of which I answer no.

17. To all of which I answer no.

18. I was not or ever furnished any aid to the Confederate Gov’t.

19. I was not.

20. To all of which I answer no.

21. I was not. I did not.

22. I did not.

23. I did not.

24. I never was arrested by any officer or soldier or other person claiming to belong to the ­­­___? __? States. I was arrested one evening about three miles from my home, by United States soldiers and detained until the next morning. By Col. Hamilton’s men 9th Ohio Reg’t. I had been or started to see Gen’l Dodge to get protection for my team.

25. There was. I had two mules taken about the later part of 1863 or the first of 1864. They were taken by Capt. Heath’s comm. and were taken for the use of the army as I saw them being used afterwards. For which I never rec’d any pay for.

26. I know of one threat-being made on account of my Union sentiments.

27. I was never molested.

28. I never gave any money or property to aid the United States, but rendered secret services.

29. I did. There was a Union Lady arrested in Tuscumbia as a Union Spy. By the name of Miss Maggie Mitchell, she was kept in custody two weeks before I saw her. Her mule was taken from her and she put on the North Side of the Tennessee River at Florence. There was a Union Lady friend of hers who came to me. (After she arrived at Mrs Tenge’s her friend.) and got me to take her to the Federals lines. Her mule was taken from her at Tuscumbia and furnished one and took her. Again she was here during the same year, at the time that Gen’l Forrest captured Athens, Ala. She became alarmed when Gen’l Forrest captured Athens and I conveyed her during the night to Pulaski Tennessee. I was also made a confidant of by Gen’l Rousseau and Gen’l Stedman. I was to give information at the posts of Pulaski or Nashville, of any movements of the Rebel troops in the vicinity of Florence, and in the approach of Gen’l Hood to the Tennessee River I went immediately to Nashville and apprised Gen’ls Roussau & Thomas of the fact. (over)

Treasury of the United States
Washington, January 16, 1875

Dear Sir:

Your letter, of the 15th intrust, has been received.

The name of Maggie Mitchell was never on the rolls of this office.

The following facts were, however, obtained, in the appointment division of the department, viz: Miss Maggie Mitchell, appointed, December 20, 1865.

Transferred to office of the Register, February 29, 1868. Changed her name to Maggie M. Bettis, May, 1868. Discharged with leave of absence for one month, Nov. 30, 1868.

There is no other record, but, I doubt not, you could find something about her whereabouts from her old associates in the office of the Register.-

Respectfully, F.E. Spinner
Treas of the U.S.

(above letter was sent to:)
TC. Fullerton, Esq.
311 D Street
Washington, D.C.

I have made in effected attempt to find this woman-I can’t find her or any of her late associates-but I shall continue the search & if I find her in this city will have her examined.

T.C.F. (T.C. Fullerton)

30. I had a brother conscripted to go to Montgomery. Ala to the Military works. But he ran off from them before arriving there. Had no other relative in any way connected with the Confederate army.

31. To all of which I answer no.

32. No.

33. No.

34. Never was.

35. I never assisted in such acts.

36. No.

37. To all of which I answer no.

38. To all of which I answer no.

39. I was not. Have not and took no oath.

40. I sympathize with the Union cause. My feelings were always on that side and my language the same. I had no vote.

41. In conclusion I solemnly declare that from the beginning of the hostilities against the United States to the end thereof that my sympathies were always with the Union cause, and I never did anything to retard its successes and was always willing when called upon to aid and assist as far as was in my power and the circumstances of the cause admitted.

43. I was free. Born free. And no one has any interest in this claim but myself.

James Goin

Deposition of James Goin Claimant
As to the taking of the property

My name is James Goin, my age is 40 years, my residence is Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama, my occupation is a farmer.

I was present when all the property specified was taken. I saw nine hogs item 1 seven hogs item 2. One cow item 3 two thousand pounds Hay item 4. Two mares item 5. and one mule item 6. I was present when items 1, 2 & 3 were taken. They were taken from my residence in Florence Lauderdale County Alabama. They were taken I think in the fall of 1863. They were taken by Union soldiers belonging to Gen’l Thomas command. They were I think present some six to twelve soldiers at different times of taking. I think the above property was taken in about one week. I think Mrs Robison one of my witnesses was present, more than my Family at the time. There were officers present at times and at other times I cannot say there were. They said they has no supplies with them and bound to have it. It was taken off on horses and some packed off by the men, as they were encamped all around my house. It was taken for the use of the soldiers. I saw them cooking and eating it. I made complaint to the officers about the taking of my property. They said they were bound to have it. I asked for no voucher or receipt and got none. The property was taken during the day time at different times. They commenced taking the property as soon as they came, and remained I think about a week. There had been no battle or skirmish at the time. I knew none of the officers as before stated. The nine hogs item 1 were fattening hogs in the pen. They would average one hundred and fifty pounds each, were in good order and worth at least fifteen dollars apiece I have never received any pay for the above. The seven hogs item 2 were stock hogs. They were running in the lots, were in good order, one of them was a large sow the balance were shoats, would weigh 50 or 75 pounds each, and were worth five dollars each. The cow item 3. was a good large cow, was fat and would weigh three fifty or four hundred pounds, and was worth twenty dollars. None of which I have received pay for. The two thousand pounds of hay item 4, I will just say that I had a Livery Stable in Florence at that time. The soldiers of Gen’l Sherman’s command took possession of my stable by order of Col. Brown who was then Proust Marshall, he belonging to Gen’l Ewings division, and fed the above mentioned two thousand pounds of hay to their horses. I made no complaint, asked for no voucher or receipt. The army was encamped at that time in Florence. Gen’l Ewings division remained here about one week, there was no battle or skirmish here at that time. The Hay, I hauled myself and put in the loft, am I am certain that there was two thousand pounds or more, was good hay and was worth one dollar & twenty-five or fifty cents per 100 #’s. I have never received pay for the above. The two mares item 5, were taken out of my wagon, on the streets of Florence, in February 1864. They were taken by order of Col Phillipps of the 9th Illinois. I had protection for the mares from Gen’l Ewing and showed it, but he said that he was then in command and needed the mares, and took them. There was about half of the Regiment present, Col Phillipps Regt Mounted Infantry United Stated Army, I think that James Amonette and Joe Portis. They were taken to Athens Alabama. I followed the property part of the way and afterwards I saw mares in Athens and also in Florence in possession of Col Phillipps command. As before stated I made complaint showing my protection, I asked for a voucher or receipt of Col Phillips, but he refused to give it. They were taken about 11 o’clock a.m.. There was no troops encamped at the time nearer than Athens Ala about forty miles from Florence. The troops had been encamped at Athens several months. There had been no battle or skirmish near at the time. The mares were very fine and a good match, one six and one seven years old and were worth at least one hundred and fifty-dollars each. For which I have received no pay. One mule item 6 was taken from me on the street in Florence about the middle of March, by the above stated command of Col. Phillipps. The whole Regiment was present at the taking, there was present William Baugh one of my witnesses. The mule was ordered taken by the Col. in command. The mule was taken to Athens Ala, I followed them Athens Ala and saw the mule pulling in an army wagon, and being used for and by the army and at that time I saw the two mares before alluded to, I made complaint to Col. Phillipps and told him that he had already taken two mares from me and that he ought to let me keep the mule, but he answered he was not giving any property up. I then asked for a voucher, but he refused to give it to me. The mule was taken about 9 o’clock a.m.. As before stated they were encamped at Athens Ala, there had been no battle or skirmish at the time. The mule was a large mare about 9 years old in fine condition and worth at least one hundred and fifty dollars. I have never received any pay for any of the foregoing articles.

James Goin

Deposition of William Baugh (col’d) as to the taking of property of claimant James Goin (col’d)

My name is William Baugh, my age 50 years, my residence Florence Lauderdale County Alabama my occupation a plasterer, I am not relation to the claimant.

I was present when a part of the property set forth in claimant’s petition were taken, I saw items 5 & 6 taken but did not see items 1, 2, 3, & 4 taken, they were taken on the Street in Florence Lauderdale County Alabama, were taken sometime in February 1864, by Union soldiers belonging to the 9th Illinois Regiment of Cavalry commanded by Col. Phillipps. There were present the whole command, don’t know how many assisted. The officers rode up and ordered the soldiers to take the horses. They were hitched to the claimants wagon and he was driving, the soldiers dismounted and unhitched the mares from the wagon and took them off. I saw them leading claimants mule from the direction of his stable, and hitched it to one of the army waggons (sic), they belonged to the same command, I think it was the same day that they got the mares, I did not know any of the officers, but there were officers present and ordered them taken, as they said they would bound to have them for the use of the army. The property were taken off in the direction of Athens Alabama, I did not follow that trip, I know that it was for the use of the Union army, as I saw the soldiers riding the mares and saw the mule working in a waggon belonging to Col. Phillipps Regt., the same command came back to Florence afterwards and took some of my stock, and the claimant and myself, followed them up to Blue Water Creek in this County, some 16 miles east of Florence, there was also Dr. Stewart & others with us , after getting to their camps where they had stopped for dinner, I saw the claimants –Mares and Mules again-that was about two weeks after they were taken. I heard Claimant ask Col Phillipps to give him his stock back, as they were all he had to make a living with, the Colonel told him he was bound to have them as he was short of stock. That he would be back to Florence soon and would give him a receipt for them, he did not however come back, and the Claimant got no receipt for them the property was taken in the day time. The army was not encamped near at the time, had been before Florence on a raid were returning to Athens Ala. to their HQrs. (headquarters) There had been no battle or skirmish. The two mares item 5 were medium sized mares, young, good condition, and were worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars each. The mule item 6 was a good sized mule I recon about 7 or 8 years old in good condition and worth one hundred and fifty dollars. Claimant has never received any pay for the above property that I know of.

William ( his x mark) Baugh

Witness
James R. Price
D C O Steen?

Deposition of Dr James W. Stewart as to the taking of property of claimant James Goin.

My name is James W. Stewart my age 60 years my residence Florence Lauderdale County Alabama, my occupation is a Physician, I am not related to the Claimant.

I was not present when __? of the property in Claimants petition was taken but followed the command in company of the claimant, overtaking the command on the road 13 miles east of Florence in this Lauderdale County Alabama. And saw the two mares item 5 and the mule item 6, in the possession of 9th Illinois Regt Col Phillipps in command and heard the claimant ask Colonel Phillipps for the property, he the Col, telling him they should be returned to him. The property was never returned to Claimant, and he never got a Receipt Voucher or pay for it, that I know of. The mares item 5 were medium sized and good condition, and were worth one hundred & twenty-five dollars each, the mule item 6 was a good ordinary mule & was worth at least one hundred dollars.

Jas W. Stewart.

Deposition of James Amonett (Col’d) as to the taking of Property of Claimant James Goin.

My name is James Amonett, my age is 38 years, my residence Florence Lauderdale County Ala, my occupation is a day Laborer, I am not related to the Claimant.

I was present when all of the property in the petition of Claimant was taken, the 9 head of hogs item 1. The 7 head of hogs item 2, and the cow item 3 were taken by Union soldiers belonging to the command of Gen’l Thomas about the first latter part of the Fall of 1863. They were taken from his residence in Florence. These were present at the time of taking, about from 10 to 20 soldiers perhaps more at times. Then about two days engaged in the taking as well as I remember. These were present at the Claimants Family, myself, Wash Farris, who is now dead, and I think Joe Portis. There were officers present, knew them by their marks. They were taking the property when I came up. I heard the men say they were bound to take them for provisions. The Hogs were killed on the place, the cow was driven off. The army was encamped in the town and around in the suburbs. (sic) The hogs were some of them taken off on horses after being killed at Claimants House. Some of the soldiers was camped very near the claimants house, I did not follow, or see any of it used. Don’t remember exactly how long they staid (sic) but think several days. The hogs item 1 were in the pen, fattening hogs, were in good condition & would weigh from 150 to 175 #’s each. The hogs item 2 were his Stock hogs in good condition and would weigh about 125 #’s each. The cow item 3 was a very large fine Milk cow, in good order, and I think was worth about 25$. The items 4, 5 & 6 were taken at and near his Livery Stable in Florence, about sometime in Feby 1864 by Union soldiers belonging to Col Phillipps 9th Illinois Regiment of Cavalry. The Regiment was present and in town, were passing through stopped and rested and fed, and they left. The Hay was fed in and around the stable by the soldiers. The mares were taken from his waggon in the street near, and the mule was taken out of the stable, they took the stock off with them, I heard them say nothing about the taking but supposed they were for the use of the army, by them taking them. The Hay item 4 was in the loft of the stable. I think from the bulk that there was more than 2000 pounds, don’t know the price of Hay. The Mares item 5 were good sized Mares, in good order, and I think they were worth 175$ each. The Mule, item 6, was a good mule, in good condition, was not old, and was worth 150$. I do not know of the Claimant ever getting any pay for the above property.

James (his x mark) Amonett

Witness
James R. Price
D C O Steen?

Deposition of Mrs. Eliza H. Tenge, as to the Loyalty of Claimant James Goin.

My name is Eliza H. Tenge, my age 52 years my residence Florence Lauderdale County Alabama. I am not related to the claimant.

I have been acquainted with the Claimant some 15 to 20 years. Was intimately acquainted with him during the war, he has lived here in the same town ever since I knew him, I saw him often, and conversed with him about the war its causes and progress, he was strictly in favor of the Union cause. I was an adherent to the Union and the Claimant so regarded as He of course was regarded as a Union man, as he was a Free Coloured (sic) man. I do not know that he ever gave money or property to aid the Union cause. He nursed the sick and wounded Union soldiers that were left at my house, and helped to bury them. There was a Union Spy taken prisoner at Tuscumbia and sent over to Florence, as the Tennessee River at that time was considered the line. She was a woman named Maggie Mitchell-The Claimant started with her to Athens, the nearest Union post at that time-But met the 9th Tenn Cavalry U S A, Com’d by Maj Kirwic?, he the Col gave her a mule, and sent her on to Athens-thereby relieving the Claimant. Also in the fall of 1864, when Gen’l Forrest captured Athens, Miss Mitchell was at my house and became alarmed, and the Claimant again when called upon took her into the Union lines. The Claimant was always ready and did give aid when ever in his power to the Union Army. And I think that he has saved a many Union Soldier from being captured and shot, and if the Confederate Government had been established I am confident that he would not have been permitted to remain in it. I am informed that this same Miss Maggie Mitchell is engaged as clerk in the Treasury department at Washington D.C.

Eliza H. (her x mark) Tenge

Witness
Jas R. Price
D C O Steen?

(Last Page)

REMARKS BY THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER

I have known the Claimant for 15 years he is a man of good ___?- Considered truthful:

The witnesses testifying in behalf of the claimant are also men of good standing. The witness Mrs. Eliza H. Tenge-is a lady of good standing, considered reliable and truthful. The witnesses were all examined apart from each other.

Claimant-Counsel was present only a portion of the time while the testimony was being

pen__?

John H. Price
Special Commissioner.

COMMISSIONER OF CLAIMS,
ACT MARCH 3D, 1871.
No. 3126
Claim of James Goin
Of Lauderdale County
State of Alabama
Summary Report
Amount Allowed, $------ (line drawn)
Submitted to Congress
187---

No. 3126

The Claim of James Goin

No. of Nature of Claim Amount Claimed Amount Allowed Amount Disallowed

Item Dollars Cents Dollars Cents Dollars Cents

Hay, Hogs,Cow, 665.00 -------- 665.00

Mares, Mule

REMARKS

The claimant is a free born colored man, nearly white-by occupation a barber. His residence is Florence Lauderdale Co. Alabama. When the war broke out he went as a cook for a mess in the 4th Ala Confederate regiment, was at the first Bull Run battle-was hired-went voluntarily for money and says he did not care which side whipped.

He was then disloyal to the United States and the claim is disallowed.

A.O. Aldes
J.B. Honett
J. Ferris
Commissioners of Claims

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