Scott County Arkansas
Southern Claims Commission File
THOMAS S. ROGERS
By his widow, MARY E. (TATE) ROGERS
Contributed by Sandy Conant
Southern Claim No. 18.797 Submitted Jan 2/73
Petition of Mary E. Rogers to the Commissioners of Claims,
Residence of Claimant Olio, Scott County Ark
Nature of Claim 100 bushels of corn 500 bind of fodder 25 bushels of
wheat & 6 beeves
Amount claimed, $277.50
Filed by Hosmer & Co for W.L. Taylor
PETITION
To the Honorable Commissioners of Claims, Under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1871, Washington D.C.
To the Petition of Mary E. Rogers, widow of Thomas S. Rogers, deceased,
respectfully represents: That she is a citizen of the United States,
and resides at present at or near Olio, Scott County, Arkansas and
that she resided when this claim accrued at or near same as above.
That she has a claim against the United States for property taken for
the use of the army of the United States during the late rebellion at
(or near) Waldron, in the county of Scott, and State of Arksansas.
That the said claim, stated by items, and excluding any and all items
of damage, destruction, and loss, (and not use,) of property: of
unauthorized or unnecessary depredations by troops and other persons
upon property, or of rent or compensation for the use or occupation of
buildings, grounds, or other real estate, is as follows:
1-100 bushels of corn $1.00...................................$100.
2-250 binds of fodder $2.00 per hundred..........................5.
Taken by Captain Stovers Company
stationed at Waldron Scott Co. Ark
2nd Kansas Cav Vol, USA January 1864
3-215 bushels of wheat $1.50 @ taken by.......................37.50
Lieut. Jenks
Same command as above in January 1864
4-400 lbs of pork 10 cts per lb. Same as 1&2.....................40.
5-250 binds of fodder $2.00 per hundred...........................5.
by Capt. Vanpool's company 1st Ark Infty Feb 1864
6-six beeves $15.00 per head taken by............................90.
Capt Wishard's Co. 3rd Arkansas Cav Vol
stationed at Lewis-burg Ark in July 1864.
Wm. M. Boles a Lieut. was in command and
did the taking or ordered the taking
Total.........................................................277.50
That the property in question was taken or furnished for the use of
a portion of the army of the United States, known as before
designated and commanded by Col. Bassett, Capts Vandepool and Wishard
and that the persons who took or received the property, or who
authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the
following;
NAME................RANK........CO.........REGIMENT, CORPS OR STATION
Stover..............Capt........2nd Kansas Cav Vol USA
Jenks...............Lieut..........................................
Vanderpool..........Capt.......1st Ark Infty Vol
Wm. M. Boles........Lieut......3rd Ark Cav Vol USA
That the property was removed to Waldron, Lewisburg and elsewhere
and used for or by the commands aforesaid all this on or about the
different days aforesaid, in the year of 1864.
That there is no voucher, receipt, or other writing, was given for
the property. That your petitioner verily believe that the property
described was taken under the following circumstances, or one or
more of such circumstances, viz:
1. For the actual use of the army, and not for the mere gratification
of individual officers or soldiers already provided by the Government
with such articles as were necessary or proper for them to have.
2. In consequence of the failure of the troops of the United States
to receive from the Government in the customary manner, or to have
in their possession at the time, the articles and supplies necessary
for them, or which they were entitled to receive and have.
3. In consequence of some necessity for the articles taken, or similar
articles; which necessity justified the officers or soldiers taking
them.
4. For some purpose so necessary, useful, beneficial, or justifiable
as to warrant or require the Government to pay for it.
5. Under the order or authority of some officer, or other person
connected with the army, whose rank, situation, duties, or other
circumstances at the time authorized, empowered, or justified him
taking or receiving it, or ordering it to be taken or received.
That your petitioner and her late husband were the original owner
of said claim, and that she is the present owner of the same and
became such by the death of her husband.
That your petitioner remained loyally adherent to the cause and
the Government of the United Sates during the war, and was so loyal
before and at the time of the taking of the property for which this
claim is made, and she solemnly declares that, from the beginning
of hostilities against the United States to the end thereof, her
sympathies were constantly with the cause of the United States; that
she never, of her 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 she 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 her means and
power, and the circumstances of the case, permitted.
That said claim has not before been presented to any officer, agent
or department of government or to congress or to any committee thereof
for allowance and payment.
That William L. Taylor, of Van Buren Crawford Co., Ark is hereby
authorized and empowered to act as Attorney for the prosecution of
this claim.
Wherefore your petitioner pray for such action of your Honorable
Commission in the premises as may be deemed just and proper.
(Signed) Mary E. Rogers, State of Arkansas, County of Scott
Mary E. Rogers being duly sworn deposes and says that she the
petitioner named in the foregoing petition and who signed the same;
that the matters therein stated are true, of the deponent's own
knowledge, except as to those matters which are stated on information
and belief, 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 an officer, soldier, or in any
other capacity, at any time during the late rebellion; that he never
voluntarily furnished any stores, supplies, or any 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.
Witness: Wm L. Taylor.......................(signed) Mary E. Rogers
Sworn and subscribed in my presence, the 9th day of January 1873,
W. A. Harris, US Spec Commis for Arkansas.
Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove
loyalty: Thomas J. Tate, Olio, Scott County, Arkansas, Dr. Elijah
Lemming, Waldron, Scott County, Arkansas.
Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove
the other facts alleged in the foregoing petition: Thomas J. Tate,
Olio, Scott County, Arkansas, Jeremiah J. Tate, (ditto), Jacob P.
Tate, (ditto), Charles L. Hutchinson, (ditto).
Post office address of claimant: Olio, Scott County, Arkansas
Post office address of attorney: Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
No. 18.797 Claim of Mary E. Rogers of Scott County
Arkansas.............................$277.50
Application to have Testimony Taken by the Special Commissioner,
W.A. Harris, Filed January 10th, 1873, W.A. Harris Feb 25/73 filed
by William L Taylor, Atty Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
No. 18.797 Before the Commissioner of Claims, Under the Act of
Congress of March 3, 1871.
In the matter of the Claim of Mary E. Rogers of Olio post office,
in the County of Scott and the State of Arkansas.
Comes now the claimant, before W.A. Harris, Esq., Special
Commissioner for the State of Arkansas, and represents that he
has heretofore filed with the above-named Commissioners a Petition
for the allowance of a claim for property taken for the use of the
army of the United States, which claim, as stated below, does not
exceed the sum of three 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. of item.......Quantities and Articles..................Value
1...............100 bushels of corn $1.00 @...............100.00
2...............250 binds of fodder $2.00 per hundred.......5.00
4...............400 lbs of Pork 10 cts per lb..............40.00
Taken by Capt Stover of the 2nd Kansas Cav. Vol U.S.A. stationed
at Waldron Scott Co Ark January 1864
3...............25 bushels of wheat $1.50 @................37.50
Taken by Lieut. Jenks same command as above January 1864
5...............250 binds of fodder $2.00 per hundred........5.00
Taken by Capt Vanderpool 1st Ark Mounted Infantry Vol U.S.A.
February 1864
6...............Six beeves $15.00 per head...................90.00
Taken by Lieut. Wm. M. Boles of 3rd Arkansas Cav Vol U.S.A. stationed
at Lewisburg in July 1864
........................................................Total $277.50
That, as stated in the Petition referred to, the property in question
was taken from or furnished by Mary E. Rogers & her late husband of
Olio, Scott Co., in the State of Arkansas, for the use of a portion
of the army of the United State known as----------, and commanded
by------------ and that the persons who took or received the property,
or who authorized or directed it to be taken or furnished, were the
following:--------
That the property was removed to---------and used for or by----------;
all this on or about the -----------day of -----------, in the year
186---, as appears by the petition presented to the Commisioners.
(The previous two paragraphs have written diagonally across them
"before mentioned")
That the Claimant is unable to produce the witnesses hereafter to
be named before the Commissioners at that city of Washington for
and because of the following reason, to wit: great distance, and
the amount of this claim not exceeding $5000.00
That 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, by work or deed, to injure said cause or retard its success,
and that he was at all times ready and willing, when call 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.
Thomas J. Tate of Olio, Scott Co., Ark, Dr. Elijah Lemming of
Waldron, Scott Co., Ark.
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.
Thomas J. Tate of Olio, Scott Co. Arkansas, Jeremiah J. Tate (do),
Jacob P. Tate (do), Charles L. Hutchinson (do).
The claimant now prays that the testimony of the witnesses just
designated be taken and recorded, at such place and at such time as
the Special Commissioner may designate, at the reasonable cost of
said claimant; and that due notice of the time and place of the
taking thereof be given to the Claimant, or to his counsel.
Submitted on this tenth day of January, 1873
(signed) Mary E. Rogers, Claimant by Wm L. Taylor, Attorney,
P.O. Address of Attorney, Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
Before the Commissioners of Claims, Act of Congress, March 3, 1871
Case of Mary E. Rogers, No. 18.797
It is hereby certified, that on the 10th day of January 1873, at
Waldron, in the county of Scott and State of Arkansas, personally
came before me the following persons, viz: Mary E. Rogers, Claimant,
W. L. Taylor Counsel, or Attorney, and Thomas J. Tate-Jeremiah J.
Tate-Elijah Leming-C. L. Hutcheson, Claimant's Witnesses, 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 hand and seal this 11th day of January 1873 W.A. Harris
Special Commissioners of Claims
Deposition of Mary E. Rogers
In answer to the First General Interrogatory, the Deponent says:
My name is Mary E. Rogers my age is 45 years, my residence Scott
County, in the State of Arkansas, and my occupation a farming,
I am the claimant, and have a beneficial interest in the claim.
2-I resided on my farm in Scott County Ark from the 1st of April
1861 to the 1st of June 1865. My farm consisted of 24 acres of land
some 18 or 20 acres under cultivation, the remainder woodland
situated 21 miles east of Waldron in Scott County Ark. My occupation
during the time was farming.
3-23 No
24-No. I never was arrested by the U.S. Gov.
25-I had taken by the rebels the following property, 3 horses, 2 cows
& calves-100 bushels of corn-several hogs, and some fodder besides
robbing my house of nearly everything in it-the property was taken
for the use of the rebel soldiers-I never received any pay for any
of the property so taken. It was all taken along during the fall of
1864.
26-I was frequently threatened with injury to my person, family, and
property on account of my Union sentiments.
27-I was frequently molested and had my property taken and house
robbed of nearly everything on account of my Union sentiments. It
was mostly done by JayHawkers. I also had 1800# of seed cotton
burned by the rebels.
28-Only in the way of feeding Union people and Union soldiers
29-I frequently gave the troops notice of the movements of the rebel
troops. I at one time went from Lewisburg, Ark. some 75 miles to the
Ouachita River to ascertain the whereabouts of the rebel troops. I
was sent by Col Ryan of the 3rd Ark U.S.V. Cav. I returned and reported
to him.
30-None but those who were conscripted and all deserted and afterwards
joined the Federal army. While they were in the rebel conscript service
I furnished them with no military equipment-clothing or money.
31-39-No
40-At the beginning of the rebellion I sympathized with the Union cause
and was opposed to the rebellion. My feelings were in sympathy with and
my language in favor of the gov. of the United States. I exerted my
influence on the side of the Union and after the ordinance of succession
was adopted I still adhered to the cause of the Union and did not go
with the States.
41-Yes in full
42-I am a widow. My husband was killed on the 3rd day of April 1864 by
the rebels on account of his being a Union man. They killed two of my
brothers and a brother-in-law at the same time. My husband was loyal to
the cause and government of the U.S. throughout the war or so long as
he lived. He never was in the confederate army and was not in the civil
service of the confederacy. He left six children, five now living. The
oldest Nancy Jane, aged 26-Margaret (now dead), Martha M. aged 20 yrs,
Lurilla C., 17 yrs, Jacob W. 15 yrs & Mary F. E.-12 yrs old-they are
not directly interested in this claim, there never was any administration
in the Estate and I have raised and supported them. My title to this
property came by the death of my husband, the property belonged to him
at the time of his death.
Part 2-Claimant being further questioned regarding property taken
states as follows. I was present when all the property as specified
in the several items of my claim were taken and saw all the articles
taken. I saw 100 bushels of corn-250 binds of fodder-25 bushels of
wheat-400# of pork-250 binds of fodder-and 6 head of beef cattle taken.
Items No 1-2 & 4 were all taken at the same time by the same command,
about the middle of January 1864, by U.S. troops then stationed at
the post of Waldron, Scott County, Ark. There came to my house a
federal forage train of 12 U.S. army wagons, guarded by about 100 U.S.
soldiers-of the 2nd Kansas Cavalry, commanded by a Captain Stover of
that regiment-from the direction of Waldron. They came in the evening
about an hour by sun camping about 100 yards from my house until the
following day about two hours by sun when they went off in the direction
of Waldron Ark. While the command was so encamped that evening and the
following morning they took from my corn crib which stood in the lot
about 25 or 30 yards from the house-100 bushels of corn in the shuck.
They drove two U.S. army wagons to the crib loading them with corn and
hauled it to their camp. This was hauled out in the evening soon after
they encamped. They carried off to their camp in their arms and sacks
quite a quantity of corn. They were engaged in so carrying it away all
the evening and for some time in the morning. I think the most of the
corn so taken was fed to their animals while they so encamped and what
they did not feed they hauled away in their wagons. The corn so taken
was in good order and worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per bushel.
I estimate the quantity taken by the amount of corn in the crib when
they came there. The crib held the rise of 100 bushels and was full.
They took it all with the exception of 4 or 5 bushels. There was 12-six
mule teams-and about 100 cavalry horses all of which were fed from said
crib while so encamped. Item No 2-the 250 binds of fodder was taken
from a stack near the corn crib, they took the whole stack. The
soldiers went in to the lot and carried it off to their camps in
their arms. The fodder was in good order and worth at the time of
the taking $2.00 per 100 binds. I estimate the quantity of fodder
taken by the No. of binds in the stack. I had helped to stack the
fodder and knew the No. of binds it contained. Item No.4 the 400#
of pork was taken in the evening soon after they went into camp.
They killed four large fat hogs that would average 100# each when
dressed, which was used by the soldiers while they encamped or hauled
away the following morning. Pork at the time of the taking was worth
10 cents per pound. There was present other than soldiers at the time
of the taking of items No 1-2 & 4- the following-Thos J. Tate-
W.P. George, now dead-and my children. I asked Captain Stover why
he took my property-he said he had orders to do so or to take such
property wherever he could find it, that they were short of
subsistence and forage and were compelled to take it for the use
of the army. For me to go to the Post of Waldron and Colonel Bassett
would give me a receipt for the property they had taken. Some 3 or 4
days following the time of the taking I was taken sick and was confined
to my room for about 3 months during which time the troops vacated the
Post of Waldron. Item No. 3, the 25 bushels of wheat was taken about
two days after the taking of items No1-2 & 4, by a detachment from
the same command under the command of Lieut Jenks, they had 8 wagons-and
about 75 soldiers. They had been down below my place and were on their
way to Waldron and had not succeeded in loading all their wagons. They
stopped at my house, loading one U.S. army wagon. They drove a wagon
in the yard to the granary close to my house and took from the granary
25 bushels of wheat. The wheat was measured at the time in a half
bushel and was 25 bushels by actual measurement. The wheat was first
rate and worth at the time of the taking from $1.50 to $2.00 per bushel.
There was present at the time of the taking-Thos J. Tate and my
children is all I now recollect of. Lieut Jenks told me had orders
to take wheat and for me to come to Waldron and get a receipt for it,
but I was taken sick and did not go. Item No. 5 was taken about the
first of February 1864 by the 1st Ark U.S. V. Infty, Captain
Vanderpool's company, commanded by himself, at that time mounted
infantry. There was about 80 men in the command. They came to my
house in the evening about two hours by sun, camping around and in
my house over night, leaving in the morning about 9 o'clock. Soon
after they came in the evening, they took from my lot about 25 or
30 yards from the house a stack of fodder carrying and feeding it
to their horses. They feed out the whole stack. Said fodder was in
good order and worth at the time $2.00 per 100 binds. Captain
Vanderpool told me that he had been out on a scout and would be
compelled to feed the fodder to his horses. The Captain (V) told
me he thought there was about 260 binds in the stack, for me to come
to Waldron and I could get a receipt for it, but I was sick at the
time and did not go. Item No. 6-the 6 head of beef cattle were taken
some time during the month of July 1864 by Captain Wishards Co., of
the 3rd Arkansas U.S.V.Cavalry or a part of two companies commanded
by Lieut Bill Boles. They came from Lewisburg Ark. up to Scott County
for the purpose of moving out refugees. They camped some 4 or 5 days
from 100 yards to half a mile of my house and while so encamped killed
4 of my cows and used them to subsist the soldiers. The cows so taken
were in good order for beef and worth at the time of the taking $15.00
per head. Lieut. Boles told me he was obliged to have the beef for his
men and that if I would come down to Lewisburg I would be paid for
them. It was 75 miles from my house to Lewisburg and on account of
the great distance I never went after the pay. The other 2 cattle of
Item No. 6 were taken or killed about a week after the first four
were killed by the same command and under the same circumstances.
The two head, one was a large steer, 5 years old in good order, the
other was a barren(?) cow in good order and worth at the time of the
taking from $20.00 to $25.00 for the steer and $20.00 for the cow.
There was present at the time of the first taking of Item No. 6-other
than soldiers, Thos. J. Tate, two of my sisters and my children, there
might have been others. I never received any pay of any kind either
receipt, voucher, or pay of any kind for any of the property charged
for in this claim. I never made any claim for any of the articles
herein charged before this, and I am satisfied that all the articles
charged for was used for the benefit of the U.S. Army.
(signed) Mary E. Rogers.........Sworn and subscribed to before me this
10th day of January A.D. 1873, W.A. Harris, Spl Commis.
Deposition Of Thomas J. Tate who being duly sworn to tell the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth testifies as follows-My age
is 31 years my residence Scott County Arkansas and my occupation a
farmer. Claimant is my cousin. I have no beneficial interest in this
claim. I was present when all the items of claimants petition were
taken and saw all the property taken except two head of cattle charged
in item No. 6-I saw corn-fodder-wheat-pork and cattle taken. Items
No. 1-2 & 4 were all taken at the same time by the same command. I was
living at claimants house at the time. Some time during the month of
January 1864 there came from the post of Waldron Ark. a federal
forager train of 12 U.S.A. wagons guarded by about 100 federal
soldiers of the 2nd Kansas Cav. U.S.V. commanded by Captain Stover
of that regt. They came in the evening about two hours by sun and
camped over night about 100 yards from claimants house leaving the
following morning about 9 o'clock and while so encamped they drove
two wagons into claimants lot to a corn crib about 30 yds from the
house and loaded them both with corn from the crib and hauled it out
to the camp. That evening and the following morning the soldiers
went to the crib and carried away in there arms and sacks quite a
quantity of corn. The corn was in good order and worth at the time
of the taking $1.00 per bushel. I estimate the quantity of corn
taken by the bulk of corn in the crib. I know the crib would hold
the rise of one hundred bushels. It was full and they took it all
out but about 4 to 6 bushels. They had in the command about 175
animals which were fed on the corn that night and in the morning and
what they did not feed out the hauled away. I am satisfied that
they took at least 100 bushels of corn from said crib.
Items No. 2. The fodder was taken from a stack in the lot near
the corn crib. The stack contained about 250 binds of fodder.
It was taken in the evening and morning by the soldiers and carried
to their camp in their arms. The fodder was in good order and was
worth at the time of the taking $2.00 per 100 binds. I estimate
the quantity taken by the number of animals they had to feed and
by the size of the stack and am satisfied that there was at least
250 binds so taken and used by the command.
Item No. 4. the 400# of pork was taken in the evening soon after
they encamped. They killed 4 hogs that would average 100# each
dressed. The pork was used by the soldiers for subsistence while
they encamped. Pork at the time of the taking was worth 10 cents
per pound. Captain Stover told claimant in my presence that they
were short of forage and subsistence at Waldron and that he was sent
out with orders to take such property wherever they could find it
and for her to come to Waldron and Col. Bassett the commander of
the Post would receipt her for the property so taken. A short
time following the taking claimant was taken sick and did not go
for receipts for same. There were present other than other soldiers
at the time of this taking, claimant and her family-also Wm. P.
George, now dead, is all I now think of.
Item No. 3. the 25 bushels of wheat was taken about 2 or 3 days
after the taking of items No.1-2- & 4 by a detachment of the 2nd
Kansas U.S.V. Cav commanded by Lieut. Jenks also stationed at the
Post of Waldron-they came with a train of 8 U.S. Army wagons
guarded by about 75 soldiers. They drew 2 wagons into the yard
near a granary that stood close to the house and measured from
the granary 25 bushels of wheat loading it on the two wagons and
hauling it off in the direction of Waldron. The wheat was in good
order and worth at the time of the taking from $1.50 to $2.00 per
bushel. I told Lieut. Jenks at the time of the taking that I did
not think it was right for him to take all claimants wheat that
she needed for it for her family. He replied that they were
compelled to have it for the use of the army, that if claimant
would come to Waldron she would get a receipt and the government
would pay her for it. Very soon after the taking claimant was
taken sick and was not able to come here until after the troops
had left. There was present other than soldiers at the time of
the taking claimant and her family.
Item No. 5. the 250 binds of fodder was taken some time during
the month of February about the 1st, 1864 by a detachment of the
1st Ark U.S.V. Infty Mounted of about 80 men commanded by Captain
Vanderpool. They came to claimants house in the evening about
two hours by sun and left the following morning about 2 hours by
sun, camping over night around and in the the house, and, while
they took from the lot some 25 or 30 yds from the house, a stack
of fodder containing about 250 binds. The men carried in their
arms that night and in the morning and fed it all out to their
horses. The fodder was in good order and worth at the time of
the taking 2.00 per 100 binds. Captain Vanderpool told claimant
that his men and horses were tired and he would be compelled to
take the fodder for his horses and for her to come to Waldron and
she would get pay for the forage without fail. Claimant was sick
at the time and did not go for the receipt.
Item No. 6 was taken or that portion that I saw, some time during
the month of July 1864 by a detachment of the 3rd Ark U.S.V.
Cavalry of some 75 or 100 men commanded by Lieutenant Wm. Boles.
The detachment came from Lewisburg Ark. up to Scott County for
the purpose of taking out refugees. They were camped within half
a mile of claimants house some 4 or 5 days and at one time within
100 yards of claimants house, and while so encamped they killed
four of claimants cows that were in good condition, for beef and
used, the same to subsist the command. The cows were worth at the
time of the taking $15.00 per head. I heard Lieut. Boles tell
claimant that he was compelled to take the cattle to subsist his
command-and that if she would come to Lewisburg she would get pay
for the cattle taken, but to my knowledge claimant never went for
any receipt or pay for same. There was present at the time of the
taking of the four cows claimant & her children, Sally Hutchinson
and Martha Pruit is all that I now remember. I did not see the
other two head of cattle of Item No. 6 at the time they were killed,
but saw the beef and the hides after they were killed. I had been
away from home, the cattle were killed when I was gone, upon my
return claimant told me about their killing 2 head of cattle. I
went out and saw the hides and saw the beef in the camp. I knew
the two head of cattle, one was a 5 year old steer, the other a
barren cow both in good killing order and worth at the time of
the taking from $20.00 to $25.00 for the steer and $20.00 for the
cow. I am satisfied that claimant never received any pay of any
kind, either voucher, receipt, or otherwise for any of the articles
specified in the several items of this claim. I was living with
claimant at the time of the taking of all the property and have
lived at house ever since that time, have often conversed with
claimant about the taking of said property and had she received
any pay I would have certainly know it and I am satisfied that
all the property charged for in the claim was taken by and used
for the benefit of the United States Army.
(signed)Thomas J. Tate
Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 10th day of January A.D.
1873 W.A. Harris Spl. Commis.
Deposition of Thomas J. Tate who being duly sworn to tell the truth
the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows-my
age is 31 years, my residence Scott County, Arkansas and my
occupation a farmer, my acquaintance with claimant began about
17 years ago and was intimate throughout. I am now and was at the
beginning crippled from the effects of a white swelling, that I was
unable for service in the army and made my home at claimants house
from the beginning until the close of the war and saw her often. I
conversed often with claimant about the war. I was an adherent of
the Union cause and so regarded by claimant, in my conversations
with claimant and her husband. I always found them both in sympathy
with and in favor of the Union cause and government of the United
States. I know the sympathies and opinions of claimant as to
loyalty by our frequent conversations which were both by ourselves
and in the presence of others who were known to be Union persons.
I know the public reputation of claimant and her husband as to
loyalty, it was that of a loyal man and was always so regarded by
his loyal neighbors. I know that claimant often contributed to the
Union cause and army in the way of feeding Union people and soldiers,
and often gave information to officers and soldiers of the Union
army in aid of their movements and cause. On one occasion when
claimant and myself were at Lewisburg, Ark, claimant was sent out
by Col. Ryan of the 3rd Ark. U.S.V. Cav to the Washita river some
75 miles distant for the purpose of ascertaining the whereabouts
and force of the rebels. She returned and reported to Col. Ryan.
I know that claimant was molested and threatened with injury to
herself, her family and property on account of her Union sentiments.
Her husband Thos. S. Rogers-two brothers and a brother-in-law were
all killed at one time by the rebels on account of their Union
sentiments. I know that claimant or her husband never contributed
anything in anyway to aid the confederate government or it officers
or soldiers or ever owned any confederate bonds, or did anything
to sustain the credit of the Confederate States. I know that
claimants acts and language were such as would have prevented
her from establishing her loyalty to the confederacy if it has
been maintained as a separate government from the fact that she
was always considered a loyal person, and her husband was killed
on account of his Union sentiments.
( signed) Thomas J. Tate
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 10th day of January A.D. 1873
W.A. Harris Spl Commis
Deposition of Jeremiah J. Tate who being duly sworn to tell the
truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as
follows-my age is 33 years, my residence Scott County Arkansas-and
my occupation, a farmer. Claimant is my sister. I have no
beneficial interest in this claim. I was present when all the
articles as specified in items No. 1-2-3-4 & 5 of claimants
petition were taken and saw all the property taken. I saw 100
bushels of corn-250 binds of fodder-25 bushels of wheat- 400# of
pork and 250 binds of fodder taken. Items No. 1-2 & 4 were all
taken at the same time by the same command some time during the
month of January 1864. A federal forage train of some ten or 12
U.S. Army wagons and an escort of about 100 U.S. soldiers under
the command of Captain Stover, 2nd Kansas U.S.V. Cav. then stationed
at the Post of Waldron, Scott County, Ark came to claimants house,
about 21 miles east of Waldron and camped near by overnight. They
came when the sun was about 2 hours high, and left next morning
about 8 or 9 o'clock. They drove 2 wagons into the lot, to the crib
and filled them with corn in the shuck from the crib. I think these
wagons would hold about 20-bushels each. They filled them full.
They camped in about 100 yards to the crib-the soldiers carried
off corn from the crib in sacks and in their arms and fed their
stock night and morning. I think there were at least 145 animals
fed from said crib night & morning. I estimate the quantity of
corn taken by the size of the crib and the bulk of corn. This
crib was made of rails or split logs, about 8 feet square, about
6 feet high. The crib was about full. They left in the crib some
5 or 6 bushels. I have hauled and cribbed a great deal of corn
and am a tolerable good judge of corn in bulk-I also estimate by
the 2 wagons and the number of animals fed night and morning. They
took the 2 wagons off the next morning loaded full. I am confident
they did not feed night and morning from the wagons, for I saw
them carrying corn night and morning from said crib-and feeding
their stock. Corn was worth at the time of the taking $1.00 per
bushel. They took a small stack of fodder that I suppose contained
some 250 or 260 binds and fed their stock. I have no means of
estimating the amount taken except by the stack. Fodder was worth
at the times of the taking $2.00 per 100 binds-They also killed 4
head of claimants hogs that would average about 100# each. They
used this meat in camp and hauled the remainder off the next morning.
Pork at the time of the taking was worth 10 cents per pound.
Captain Stover ordered all this property taken. He told claimant
that he was sent out foraging and was bound to have this property
and for her to come to Waldron and she should have pay. Some 2 or
3 days after this taking Lieutenant Jenks with about 8 army wagons
and escort of 50 to 75 U.S. soldiers came to claimants house from
the Post of Waldron (I think Capt Stover met Lieutenant Jenks coming
down from Waldron before he got back to Waldron) and drove up 2
wagons to the granary at the end of the house and mea(sured) out
25 bushels of wheat. The wheat was measured in a half bushel and
poured into the wagons from the measure. They put this wheat into
2 wagons on thin sheets. Wheat was worth at the time of the taking
from $1.50 to $2.00 per bushel. Some time in February 1864 Captain
Vanderpools Company of Mounted Infty 1st Ark U.S.A. then stationed
at the Post of Waldron-came to claimants house and camped over
night-I think there was about 100 cavalrymen in the company-I do
not think claimant had any corn at that time-and the soldiers fed
their horses on fodder-they took one small stack that would contain
about 250 binds. At the time of the taking fodder was worth $2.00
per 100 binds. There was no receipt-voucher or pay of any kind
given for any of the property.
When the articles charged in items No. 1-2-3 & 4 were taken the
officers in charge told claimant to come to Waldron and get receipts.
She was taken sick immediately after the taking of said property
and remained sick until after the command left Waldron. Claimant
was sick at the time of the taking of Item No. 5. Captain Vanderpool
came into the house and told claimant that he had taken about 250 or
260 binds of fodder and that when she got well to come to Waldron
and get receipts for it-I belonged to "A" Company, 4th Ark U.S.V.
Inftry and was at that time at home on account of the sickness in
my family-my wife had just died-and my little child was very sick-I
lived about 300 yards from claimant and was at her house daily and
when these troops came I went over to their camps.
Jeremiah J. Tate (his mark)
Sworn and subscribed to before men this 11th day of January A.D.
1873 W.A. Harris Spl Commis.
Deposition of Elijah Leming who being duly sworn to tell the truth
the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows-my
age is 52 years, my residence Waldron, Scott county Ark and my
occupation a physician, my aquaintance with claimant began about
A.D. 1859 or 1860 and was intimate throughout the war. I lived 21
miles form claimant and saw her as often as 4 or 5 times a year.
I was their family physician for years and was well acquainted with
the family. I often conversed with claimant about the war, it's
causes and progress. I was an adherent of the Union cause and so
regarded by claimant. In my conversations with claimant and her
husband, I always found them in sympathy with and in favor of the
government of the United States and the Union cause. I knew the
sympathies and opinions of claimant by our frequent conversations
which were both by ourselves and in the presence of others and
those only who were known to be Union men. I know the public
reputation of claimant as to loyalty. It was that of a loyal
person and was always so regarded by her loyal neighbors. I know
that claimant often gave information to officers and soldiers of
the Union army in aid of their movements and cause, and am satisfied
done everything in her power to aid the Union cause, both herself
and husband. I know that claimant was molested and threatened
with injury to herself, her family, and property on account of
her Union sentiments. Claimants husband and two brothers were
killed by the rebels on account of their Union sentiments. I don't
think claimant ever contributed anything in any way to aid the
Confederate government or it's officers or soldiers, or ever
owned any confederate bonds or did anything to sustain the credit
of the Confederate States. I know that claimants acts and language
were such as would have prevented her from establishing her loyalty
to the confederacy if it had been maintained as a separate government.
Claimant was a Tate before she was married which was as loyal a
family as there was in the State of Arkansas, a good many of them
being killed by the rebels on account of their Union sentiments.
(signed) Elijah Leming
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 11th day of January A.D. 1872
W.A. Harris, Spl Commis
Deposition of C.L. Hutcheson, who being duly sworn to tell the
truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth testifies as follows-
My age is 46 years, my residence, Scott county, Ark. and my occupation,
a farmer. I was not present at the time of the taking of any of the
articles as charged in the several items of claimants petition and
did not see any of the property taken at the time of the taking, but
of the last taking, of item No. 6, the two head of cattle, one large
steer and one barren cow, I was present soon after the taking and saw
the hides and offal. They killed the cattle in the evening and I was
at claimants house the following morning. They were killed by a
federal command from Lewisburg, Ark. under command of Lieutenant
Wm. Boles-they had come up from Lewisburg Ark to Scott County Ark.
for the purpose of taking out refugees. As well as I can remember,
the command was encamped in the neighborhood not far from claimants
house, some four or five days. I lived at the time about 300 yards
from claimants house and was well acquainted with her stock, and
knew there was no one else in the neighborhood that would have
been apt to have taken said cattle. And I am just as well satisfied
said command got or killed said cattle as a person could be and not
be present and see it at the time-the cattle were in good killing
order and worth at the time of the taking $25.00 for the steer and
$20.00 for the cow.
(signed) C.L. Hutcheson
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 11th day of January A.D. 1873
W.A. Harris, Spl Commis
No. 18797 The Claim of Mary E. Rogers of Scott County, in the
State of Arkansas
Remarks.
It is in evidence that claimant is a widow 45 years old-and that
her husband and two brothers were killed by the rebels on account
of their Union sentiments in 1864-It is also in evidence that
claimant was ardently in favor of the Union and often gave Union
officers information of the movements of the rebels; and that on
one occasion she was employed by a Union officer to go 75 miles
to ascertain the position and numbers of the enemy. All the
evidence and the circumstances tend to satisfy that claimant
and her husband were loyal-
The taking of the various articles of supplies by different
commands on several occasions is satisfactorily established
by the testimony of claimant and her witnesses, as set forth
in her petition-They were all taken by the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Ark
Regts in the winter and summer of 1864.
We allow full amount of claim Two Hundred and Seventy Seven
Dollars and Fifty Cents.
Paid March 1875.
Return to Scott County Civil War Records