James J Harper

 

In the book I have studied*, among many men, James J Harper is mentioned.

James was a resident of Polk County, TX. He enlisted into the CA on 14 May 1862. The man was a Private (1), he served with Company F, the 22nd Regiment Texas Infantry (Hubbard’s Regiment). In November 1862, he was reported sick at Camp Nelson in Arkansas. James did not recover. He passed on 17th November of the same year and was buried at Camp Nelson Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas.

The note mentions James’ wife Susannah who received $80.42 from the CA Treasure Department after the man’s passing. It was the soldier’s earnings.

According to James’ military record, he was born in 1833 (2). I tried to find out more about James J. Harper and his family. Here are the results of my research.

I did not know where James was born so I looked for him in various states. It appeared the name James Harper was quite common as I found quite a few men by that name, who were born in 1833 in Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama, among others..

However, 3 things needed to add up: James’ estimated year of birth, the name of his wife, and the place of residence in 1862 – Polk County, TX.

The only more clear record was the birth of Nancy Ann E Harper, the daughter of James J Harper and Susanna O’Neal. Nancy was born on 12 August 1862, in Polk County, TX (3, 4).

It led me to James J Harper born in Alabama.

He was the son of Benjamin Hale Harper and Nancy Jane Standley. James’ mother died early and his father remarried. In 1850, the family of Mr. Benjamin Harper, a farmer, lived in Henry, Alabama (5). The family was – wife Elizabeth (age 38, born in NC), Sarah Jane (age 18), James (age 15) + children from the second marriage Benjamin Hale (age 13), Wilson (age 11), Malinda (age 9), Eliza (age 7), Washington (age 7), Joseph (age 3), and William (age 2).

James started his own family in 1859, on 21 March. He married 18-year-old Miss Susannah O’Neal (6), who was born on 19 April 1840, in South Carolina and was the daughter of James Henry O’Neal and Sarah Jane Hill. 

As you can see, the record mentions James S Harper - not James J (?)

James and Susannah’s marriage took place in Henry County, Alabama.  Susanna was the bride’s middle name. Her first name was Charlotte.

Sometime after the marriage, the couple came to Texas. I tried to find him in the 1860 records. However, he might have come to Texas later, possibly in 1861.

James never saw his daughter Nancy, who was born a few months after he was enrolled in the CA.

Sources:

* "There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987. 

1. Soldiers and sailors

2. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZ4L-K77 : Thu Feb 13 18:52:41 UTC 2025), Entry for James J Harper, 1862.

3. Findagrave

4. "Texas, Deaths, 1890-1977", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBN-P82 : Tue Jun 10 00:01:01 UTC 2025), Entry for Nancy Ann Jackson and James J Harper, 20 March 1937.

5. "United States, Census, 1850", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH5M-LRQ : Thu Jan 16 23:55:33 UTC 2025), Entry for Benjamin Harper and Elizabeth Watts Harper, 1850.

6. "Alabama County Marriages, 1711-1992", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKZS-FG6K : Tue Mar 05 05:08:42 UTC 2024), Entry for James S. Harper and Susannah O Neal, 21 Mar 1859.

John Hobdy Adams and Family

Another man who (at some point of his life) moved to Texas was John Hobdy Adams. 

 

John Hobdy Adams was born on 13 December 1827 in Macon, Alabama. His parents were Samuel Good (Goodwyn?) Brooks Adams (born 22 January 1797 in Tar River, Granville, NC) and Margaret Hobdy (born 27 April 1807 in Guilford, NC). 

John had a two-year-older sister Siddy Ann (born 13 May 1825 in Pike, Alabama). Later, two more girls were born to the family: Nancy (on 11 January 1830, in Pike, AL) and Cynthia Ann (born on 15 September 1832).

♦ 24 November 1834 - John's mother, Margaret, passed.

⚭ Siddy Ann married young, around 1840. Her spouse was 7-year-older Angus McBryde (born 23 December 1814, Robeson, NC).

⚭ 16-year-old Nancy married Nelson A Johnson in Macon, Alabama, on 29 December 1846 (1). The couple had one son Nelson Hodby (born ab. 1848).

What happened to the youngest sister of John's, whether she survive or died, I do not know.

 👉 October 1850 Census - 22-year-old John lived with his father Samuel in District 21, Macon County, Alabama. They both were registered as farmers (2).

⚭ 4 July 1854 - Nancy Ann married again (in Macon, AL). Her second spouse was Robert Usher (3).

Four years later, on ⚭  4 February 1858, John married Miss. Martha E Warmack (born 11 September 1840, Alabama), the daughter of  William M Womack and Catherine Elisabeth Adams.  The marriage took place in Macon County, Alabama as well (4). 

👉 In 1859, the couple moved, together with other members of the Adams family, to Polk County, Texas. Around the same time, John's sister, Nancy, her husband, and children moved to Polk County, too.

🔹 In the same year, on 21 April, John and Martha's first son, William Edwin, was born in Moscow.

 

♦ 6 March 1860 - Jihn's father, Samuel, died in Macon, Alabama.

🏡 19 July 1860 - Census - John Hobdy (age 33), Martha E (age 20), and baby William lived in Precinct #6, Halifax, Polk County, TX. John farmed there (5).

⚭  21 October 1861, John Hodby Jr. arrived to the family/this world. 

→ 30 March 1862 - John Hobdy enlisted as Private into the CA, Company E, 20th Infantry, Elmore's Regiment (6).

→ 2 June 1862 - the man was elected 3rd Lieutenant (replaced N T White, who resigned).

🔹 22 August 1862, daughter Catherine Elisabeth was born in Woods, Panola, Texas.

→ From January to June 1863, John H Adams was on sick leave, at home in Polk County, TX.

→ January 1864 - the man was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Next month, he served on recruiting duty.
→ March 1864 - John Hobdy was stationed at Bolivar Point.
→ In April of the same year, he was at Fort Green in Galveston and Fort Magruder in July.
→ John H Adams was recorded as sick and stayed in his quarters in August 1864.
→ 31 August 1864, 2 Lt. John H Adams was detailed to procure palmetto for the Company hats.

🔹 1 March 1865, daughter Margaret Frances was born. In the same month, John came home to see his newly-born girl. He was on leave then.

→ 7 May 1865 - 2nd Lt. John H Adams was in Fort Kyle, Harris County.
→ Surrendered by E Kirby Smith 2 June 1865, Galveston, TX.

🔹 16 January 1867 - another son was born to Jon Hodby and Martha E Adams. They called him Samuel Womack.
🔹 Martha Jane was born in about 1870.

👉 18 July 1870 - Sub Division No. 20, Polk County, TX. John was a Country merchant, his real estate was worth $1000, and his personal estate value was given as $5000 (7).

More children were born to John and Martha:

🔹 21 March 1871 - Liddie Ann - died 7 May 1872,
🔹 12 April 1873 Jessie Lee Adams
🔹 29 August 1875 - Annie Laurie
🔹 25 December 1877 - Robert Swepton.

♦ 6 September 1878 - grief in the Family. Daughter Maggie Frances died. She lived 13 years 5 months and 5 days.

🏡 1 June 1880 - John H Adams (age 53 - dry goods merchant), Martha E (age 40), and children lived in Moscow, Polk, TX (8).

⚭ 3 November 1880 - 18-year-old daughter, Catherine Elisabeth married Mr. Samuel Parham Legett (9), born on 1 June 1859. S P Legett was a grocer. He was the son of John Wesley and Dorcas McGee Legett.

⚭ 15 December 1880 - 21-year-old William Edwin married Clisby Clementine Jones (10), born in June 1860, in Polk, TX. She was the daughter of Samuel Bethel Jones and Mary Ann Watts.

🔹 16 November 1881 - John and Martha's youngest son, Sidney Fox, was born.
The couple had one more baby who died in infancy. When it happened - I did not find any dates, regarding that (11).

⚭ 26 March 1884 - Martha Jane (Jennie) Adams married Joseph Cicero Jones in Nacogdoches, TX (12). Joe was her brother-in-law. he was born on 27 December 1865.

♦ 3 November 1884 - John's sister, Siddy Ann McBryde (who lived in macon County, Alabama), passed at the age of 59.

⚭ 11 January 1893 - 19-year-old Jessie Lee Adams married about 11-year older Donnies Ludville Jones (13) who was her brother-in-law. He was born on 18 August 1862, in Moscow, Polk,TX.

♦ 1 Nov 1893 - Mr. John Hobdy Adams died.

⚭ 10 May 1896 - 29-year-old Sam Womack married Dora C Rhodes (14), born on 6 March 1877, in Woodville, Tyler, TX. She was the daughter of Rev. Arnold Rhodes and Ruth Virginia McAlister.

👉 1900 - Mrs. Martha E Adams (age 53) lived with her two children Annie L (age 23, a dress maker) and Sidney F (age 18, a student) in Moscow, Precinct #3, Polk County, TX (15). 

⚭ 4 April 1906 - at the age of 24, Sidney F married Ms. Flavilla Hetherwick, born on 4 January 1882 (16). Flavilla passed at the age of 40, on 4 January 1922, giving birth to Sidney F. Jr.. In about 1925, Sid married Flavilla's sister, 46-year-old Theresa, born on 13 August 1878. 

👉 27 April - Martha E Womack Adams, John Hobdy's wife lived with her daughter Martha jane, her husband Joseph, and their seven children in Precinct#3, Polk County, TX (17).

♦ A few months later, on 20 December, Mrs. Martha E, Womack Adams, died (18).

Clipping source: West, W. L. The Polk County Enterprise (Livingston, Tex.), Vol. 8, No. 16, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 4, 1912, newspaper, January 4, 1912; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth660563/: accessed July 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Livingston Municipal Library.

Robert S Adams got married at the age of 45, in about 1923. His spouse was Maude M Herring Atkinson (19, 20).

John Hobdy's siter, Nancy Adams Usher, died near Legett, Polk County, TX, on ♦ 1 January 1924. The lady lived 94 years.

 

Sources:

"There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987. 

findagrave.com,

familysearch.org

1. "Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2DQ-BZ8B : Mon Mar 04 23:47:17 UTC 2024), Entry for Nelson A Johnson and Nancy Adams, 29 Dec 1846.
2. "United States Census, 1850", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH5S-1FT : Fri Mar 08 07:45:39 UTC 2024), Entry for Samuel G B Adams and John Adams, 1850.
3. "Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2DQ-B6YP : Tue Mar 05 07:05:26 UTC 2024), Entry for Robert Usher and Nancy Johnson, 04 Jul 1854.
4."Alabama Marriages, 1816-1957", , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FQK4-82T : 13 February 2020), John H. Adams, 1858.
5. "United States Census, 1860", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFG-KX5 : Mon Jul 08 23:23:00 UTC 2024), Entry for John W Adams and Martha E Adams, 1860.
6. https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=BAB2C879-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A
7. "United States Census, 1870", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG4-ZLH : Tue Mar 05 12:41:30 UTC 2024), Entry for John H Adams and Martha E Adams, 1870.
8. "United States Census, 1880", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJ4-9LZ : Sat Mar 09 02:11:15 UTC 2024), Entry for J.h. Adams and Martha E. Adams, 1880.
9. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-ZYZN : Wed Jul 24 07:41:05 UTC 2024), Entry for Samuel P. Leggett and E. C. Adams, 03 Nov 1880.
10. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MD-GSV : 22 January 2020), W. E. Adams, 1880.
11. findagrave.com
12. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZY-TX8S : 22 July 2021), Joe C Jones and Jennie Adams, 26 Mar 1884; citing Marriage, citing Nacogdoches Land District, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 25,312.
13. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-Z1GZ : Fri Mar 08 04:56:27 UTC 2024), Entry for D.l. Jones and Jessie Adams, 11 Jan 1893.
14. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZB-9QPP : 28 November 2018), Sam W Adams and Dora C Rhodes, 10 May 1896; citing Marriage, citing Tyler, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 1,006,071.
15. "United States Census, 1900", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M35M-ZXJ : Wed Jul 17 16:41:02 UTC 2024), Entry for Martha E Adams and Annie L Adams, 1900.
16. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXMT-6YH : Wed Mar 20 10:49:40 UTC 2024), Entry for Sid T. Adams and Flavilla Hetherwick, 04 Apr 1906.
17. "United States Census, 1900", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M35M-ZXJ : Wed Jul 17 16:41:02 UTC 2024), Entry for Martha E Adams and Annie L Adams, 1900.
18. "Find a Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKH-8NL9 : 10 September 2021), Martha Elizabeth Womack Adams, ; Burial, Moscow, Polk, Texas, United States of America, Moscow Cemetery; citing record ID 35614936, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
19. "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HN21-XW2 : Sat Mar 09 06:58:12 UTC 2024), Entry for Robert S Adams and Maud M Adams, 1930.
20. Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-ZNKT : Thu Jul 18 02:47:09 UTC 2024), Entry for R. E. Atkinson and Maud Herring, 18 May 1904.

Photos: 12,14 August 2020

James A Gill

There was a man by the name of James A. Gill, who was born in Virginia in 1826. Who his parents were and when the man came to Texas, is not known. Well, at least I have no clue.

James settled in Polk County, TX. In July 1860, he lived and worked in Justice Precinct #6, Polk County, Post Office: Halifax (1).

A few months later, in November, James A Gill went to Moscow, TX, and enlisted in the CA as 3rd Sergeant with Moscow Cavalry Company, Texas State Troops. The company was drilled and was to be ready when needed in service. On 9 September 1861, James A Gill was reenlisted in Livingston, TX. He then was a private (2) with Company F of the 4th (Reiley's) Regiment, Texas Cavalry (4th Mounted Volunteers). Shortly after that, on 25 September, James was mustered in (at San Antonio). The estimated value of his horse was $150.

Private James A Gill died on 26 April 1862, in New Mexico, during the regiment's march from Santa Fe to Texas. Cause of death: illness.

More about the 4th Regiment, Texas Cavalry:
1. Texas Handbook Online
2. https://www.nps.gov

More about James Reily: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/reily-james

Nothing more have I found out about James A Gill.

Source:
1. "United States Census, 1860", familysearch.org
2. National Park Service, Soldiers, and Sailors Database

"There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.
 

Dunnam Men - Part 2

Not long ago, I wrote about Rev. Samuel B B Dunnam and his sons, who lived in Polk County. Today, the second part, dedicated to the Dunnam men, related to Samuel's brothers and nephews who served in the CA.

Samuel's brothers

Charles Fletcher, born on 12 May 1822 in SC, was a farmer in Colita, Polk, TX.

• 41-year-old Charles was enlisted on 7 August 1863, in Liberty, TX. He was a private in Company D, 1st Regiment Infantry, Texas State Troops.
• August 1863 - the man was staying at Camp Wood, Liberty Texas.
• February 1864 - assignment to Jones' Battery in Beaumont, TX.
• 17 September 1864, Charles provided a substitute in the person of T J Roe and thus was discharged from the service.

---
More about
First Texas Infantry: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/first-texas-infantry
Camp Wood: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/camp-wood-tx
Confederate Heavy Artillery: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../confederate-heavy-artillery
---
Charles's first wife was ⚭ Eliza Jane Carnes (born on 24 February 1825 in Saint Landry, Louisiana). The two got married in about 1844. In 1850, they lived with their two children 

♦ Martha Frances (born on 3 August 1845) and 
♦ Eugene Harp (born on 19 April 1848, LA) in Rapides, Rapides, Louisiana (1).

Two years later, on 12 July, another son was born to the couple. His name was ♦ Augustus Arthur.
♦ Eliza Jane passed on 7 August 1858 in Polk County, TX.

⚭ 8 March 1859 - Charles married Miss Martha Morris, born in 1828 in SC (2). Some of their children were

♦ Mary Eliza - born on 8 February 1860/died 22 July 1861,
♦ Eunice Agnes Ada - born on 6 September 1862,
♦ Lillah Pauline - born on 29 November 1864,
♦ Frank E - born on 30 August 1867,
♦ Julia Inez - born on 2 October 1870 in Harris, Hunt, TX.

 

1870 - Charles, Martha, and the children lived in Harrisburg, Harris Texas. The children listed in the census were

♦ Augustus,  Charles (born in 1853), 
♦ Sarah (born in abt 1869), 
♦ Dora (born in abt 1851), and 
♦ Lila (3).

♦ Martha, the second wife passed in about 1874. Charles's third wife was ⚭ Frances Elizabeth Patillo (born on 3 June 1835 in Georgia). They were married on 4 May 1875 in Harris, TX (3). Charles and Frances' daughter Eunice Eugenia was born on 24 January 1876.

1880 - Justice Precinct #4, Harris, TX - the family of Charles, Fannie, and 5 children EA (Eunice Agnes), LP (Lillah Pauline), AA (Augustus Arthur), JI (Julia Inez), and EE (Eunice Eugenia) were recorded during the census (4).

 ♦ 14 September 1893 - Charles F Dunnam passed in Harris, TX.
 

Jacob William (Washington) was born on 14 March 1818, in SC.

• At the beginning of the war, Jacob was a precinct captain of the Polk County Militia.
• 30 March 1862 - he was enlisted and was a private in Company E, 20th Texas Infantry (Elmore's Brigade).
• 16 December 1862 - the man was promoted to Corporal.
• February 1863 - sick in General Hospital, Houston, TX.
• 1863 - he was discharged and on 25 September in the same year was enlisted again (as a private) into Company D, 1st Regiment Infantry, Texas State Troops. For some time, the man was stationed in Beaumont.  Later, in December 1863, Jacob was assigned to C W Bickley's Artillery, in Sabine Pass, TX.
• Due to his Militia Service, despite his lower rank in the CA, he was always called "captain".

---
More about
20th Texas Infantry: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../twentieth-texas-infantry
---
Jacob was married to ⚭ Mary Ann Foreman (born on 26 December 1827 in LA). They had a daughter ♦ Mary Ida, born on 13 October 1851. The girl married Edwin Bryan Adams on 13 October 1869 in Polk, Texas (5).
♦ Jacob W Dunnam passed on 23 July 1891, in Harris, TX.

Clipping source: The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 50, No. 128, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 30, 1891, newspaper, July 30, 1891; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth467087/: accessed June 20, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium. 

Samuel's nephews, sons of Thomas Wilberforce Dunnam and Elizabeth Ann Carnes

John Joseph b 1844 LA/died on 22 09 1902.

• He was a single man when on 15 May 1862 - enlisted in Liberty, TX. A private with Company B, Infantry (T N Waul's Texas Legion).
• August 1862 - on sick leave.
• 4 July 1863, captured at Vicksburg, MS
• Five days later, on 9 July, paroled after taking an oath of allegiance.
• In March 1864, he joined Company D, Timmon's Infantry Regiment, in Galveston, TX.
• July 1864 to August 1864 - on furlough/sick leave.
• 2 June 1865, surrendered by E Kirby Smith in Galveston, TX.

---
More about
Waul's Texas Legion: https://www.tshaonline.org/han.../entries/wauls-texas-legion
B Timmons: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/timmons-barnard
E Kirby Smith: https://www.tshaonline.org/han.../entries/smith-edmund-kirby
Vicksburg, battle/campaign facts: https://www.battlefields.org/.../civil-war/battles/vicksburg
---

1870 - John Joseph lived with his father and siblings in Subdivision #21, Post Office Livingston, Polk, Texas (6).
1880 - John Dunnam (a farmer, age 36) lived with his wife Sallie (age 35) in Subdivision #188/189, Trinity, TX (7).

 

Thomas Blackwell was born on 7 Dec 1839 in LA. He was a physician.

• 6 November 1861 - enlisted in Galveston. He was a private with Company B, Infantry, T N Waul's Texas Legion.
• 6 October 1832, promoted to 2nd Sergeant,
• February 1863, promoted to 3rd Sgt.
• 4 July 1863, captured at Vicksburg, MS
• 9 July 1863, paroled after an oath of allegiance
• 24 November 1863 - was sick in the Liberty hospital
• January 1865 - on furlough
• 2 June 1865, surrendered by E Kirby Smith in Galveston, TX.

--- 

♦ 22 May 1870 - Thomas' mother Elizabeth died.

 

15 July 1870 - 30-year-old Thomas (merchant) lived with his brother 21-year-old William J who was a merchant clerk (8).
About that time, Thomas married ⚭ Mary Rebecca Rowe (born 7 June 1849 in TX). They had 11 children:

♦ Thomas Sylvan (born 1871), 
♦ Donna (born 1873), 
♦ Frances Henretta (born 1874), 
♦ Francis/Frank (born 1876), 
♦ Mary Olive (born 1877), 
♦ Elizabeth Annie (born 1879), 
♦ William James (b. 1881), 
♦ Thomas S (b. 1883), 
♦ Pleasant Evander (b. 1884), 
♦ Samuel Austin (b. 1884), 
♦ Clarence Blackwell (b. 1886).

1880 - the family lived in 69th Subdistrict, Polk, TX (9).
Three years later, on ♦ 2 February, Thomas' father Thomas Wilberforce Dunnam passed.
♦ Thomas B Dunnam died on 4 November 1894 in Moscow, Polk, TX.

Photos from our walk 31 July 2020.

 
Sources:
1. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCJD-R38 : 22 December 2020), Charles Dunham, Rapides, Rapides, Louisiana, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
2. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-ZP12 : 22 December 2016), Charles F. Dunnam and Martha Morris, 08 Mar 1859; citing , Polk, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,006,875.
"Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXQ3-X9V : 22 January 2020), C. F. Dunnam, 1875.
"United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLY-PWY : 29 May 2021), C F Dunnam, 1870.
4. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFNJ-QH7 : 15 January 2022), C. F. Dunnam, Justice Precinct 5, Harris, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 80, sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
5. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-ZR9F : 10 March 2021), E. B. Adams and Ida M. Dunnam, 13 Oct 1869; citing Polk, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,006,875.
6. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG4-BBK : 18 October 2021), John J Dunnam in entry for Thomas W Dunnam, 1870.
7. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJF-NVT : 15 January 2022), Jno. Dunnam, Trinity, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
8. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG4-NJ2 : 18 October 2021), Thomas B Dunnam, 1870.
9. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJW-BQ2 : 15 January 2022), Thomas B. Dunnam, Justice Precinct 2, Polk, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm.
- "There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.
- familysearch.org
- findagrave.com

William M Zelluff

William M Zelluff was born in New York in 1835. 

In 1850, William, his parents, and 7 siblings lived in Carrollton, Cattaraugus, New York. William's father, Peter, was a farmer, and the boy's mother's name was recorded as Mamlus (1). 

Five years later, another census record was made. It tells that Peter Zelluff was born in Pennsylvania, and his wife's name appears as Marvelous. Her birthplace was stated as "Anondaga". Was she of the Onondaga Nation (2)? 

 

On 4 July, 25 William Zelluff (Zeliff) lived in Polk County, Post Office Smithfield, TX, at the household of 30-year-old Mr. Albion Drew, fruiterer. The latter was also born in New York. William was recorded as a fruiterer (fruit grower) as well (3). 

When the Civil War started, William was enlisted into the CA on 29 April 1861. Private Zelluff was assigned to Company B, the 1st Texas Infantry (4). In August of the same year, William was discharged as he got sick. Sadly, the man did not manage to come home. 

William Zelluff died of typhoid fever about a month later on 19 September, in the Confederate Hospital, Culpeper, Virginia. 

The hospitals in Culpeper, Orange County were organized in churches, commercial buildings, and private homes as well. 

 

After William's passing, his body was buried at the local Confederate Cemetery. 20 years later, Private Zelluff's remains were moved to the Fairview Cemetery and placed in a common grave. The soldier's name was listed on the monument plate there (misspelled) as "Telluff" (5). 

 Sources: 

1. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCTV-T6N : 23 December 2020), William Zeluff in household of Peter Zehift, Carrollton, Cattaraugus, New York, United States; citing family, NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

2. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCTV-T6N : 23 December 2020), William Zeluff in household of Peter Zehift, Carrollton, Cattaraugus, New York, United States; citing family, NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

3. "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXFG-LVV : 18 February 2021), Wm Zeliff in entry for Franklin Monroe, 1860. 

4. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZWY-72X : 5 December 2014), William M Zeluff, 1861; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit First Infantry (Second Infantry), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 257. 

5. "There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.

Dunnam Men - Part 1

Initially, I was planning to write about Sidney H. (Dunham) Dunnam only. However, my research expanded to other men in his family, brothers, father, uncles, and cousins.

The first part of the note dedicated to the Dunnam men, who at some point lived in Polk County, TX, is about Sidney, his brothers, and their father Samuel.

 

🔷 Sidney (Dunham) Dunnan was born in 1832 in Mississippi.

 

The 1850 census found him in Rapides, Rapides, Louisiana. 18-year-old Sidney H lived there with his father Samuel B B (age 45, born in SC), mother Sarah A (age 43, born in SC), and siblings, John McRae (age 22, born in MS), James Alexader Chovin (age 21, born in MS), Montilvan (age 17, born in LA), Czartorensky (age 12, born in LA), Frances Eugenia P (age 10, born in LA), Alexis (age 6, born in LA), Sarah A (age 4, born in LA). Samuel Blackwell Bell Dunham, the father of the family, was a farmer (1, 2).

 

In 1854, Mr. Samuel B B Dunham was ordained Methodist minister, and the family relocated to Texas (3). They lived in Colita, Polk County.

 

The Civil War started, Sidney, his brothers, and other relations joined the CA.

Sidney H, a farmer, was enlisted in the month of April 1861. The man served as a private with Company B, 1st Texas Infantry, Hood's Brigade.

• Private Sidney H Dunnam's arrival in Richmond, VA was recorded on 16 May 1861. In the same month, he was admitted to the hospital in Lynchburg, VA, where he stayed also in June.
• August 1862 - the man was left in the hospital on the march Richmond - Manassas.
• From September to October and in December 1862 - Sidney was on furlough.
• 20 September 1863 - Private S H Dunnam was promoted to 1st Sergeant. Later, he was with Company F, 4th Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Reiley's Regiment), Trans-Mississippi Department.
• During the battle of Mansfield (Louisiana), Sidney was wounded. 

The soldier died on the following day, ⌛ 9 April 1864. He was buried in Trinity County, Texas.

 

More about

Hood's Brigade: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/hoods-texas-brigade

4th Texas Cavalry: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../entries/fourth-texas-cavalry

Battle of Mansfield, LA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mansfield

 

Sidney's brothers

 

🔷 Alexis J, born in 1844 in Louisiana,

 

was enlisted on 10 March 1862 in Livingston, TX, and served as 4th Sergeant with Company F, 22nd Texas Infantry (Hubbard's Regiment). Soon after the enlistment, in April, Alexis got sick and spent some time in the General Hospital in Houston.

• February 1864, he was degraded in rank to private (circumstances unknown). 
• Two months later, on ⌛ 9 April 1864, Alexis J. Dunnam was killed during the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana.

 

More about

22nd Texas Infantry: https://www.tshaonline.org/.../twenty-second-texas-infantry

Battle of Pleasant Hill: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Pleasant_Hill

 

 

🔷 Alexis J C (Alexander James Chovin) was born on 3 May 1829, in Mississippi.

 

He was enlisted on 15 November 1862 in Livingston, TX. Alexis was a private in Company F, 4th Texas Cavalry (Reiley's Regiment). Sometime later, the man was promoted to Sergeant. On 2 February 1864, at Virginia Point, TX, he was discharged because of physical disability.

 

A J C Dunnam was a bookkeeper. His first wife was ⚭ Miss Martha Ellen Meekins (born in about 1850 in Marlboro, SC).

 

Their children:

🔹 Emmett Blackwell - born on 26 March 1857, Polk County, TX,

🔹 P.L. - born in about 1858/died in about 1860,

🔹 Gertrude - born in about 1859,

🔹 Lytton (born in 1865)

🔹 Lucy Ellen was born on 14 April 1869/died on 3 December 1870.

 

After the death of Mary Ellen (on 26 April 1869), Alex J C remarried. His second wife was Belle Bingham. The two were married on ⚭ 10 March 1870 (4).

 

Their children:

🔹 Marcus (born in about 1872),

🔹 Nellie (born in 1874). Possibly, Belle died after giving birth to Nellie.

 

In ⚭ 1875, Virginia Evans Lykes (20 years junior to her spouse) became Alex J C's wife. 

 

Their children

🔹 Laura B - born on 13 December 1878,

🔹 William Lykes - was born on 8 October 1879 in Polk, TX,

🔹 Alexander James - born on 29 October 1883, Texarkana, Bowie, TX,

🔹 Norman B was born in abt 1886, in Polk, TX.

 

In 1880, the census found him and his family in Justice Precinct #4, Houston, TX. Alex J C Dunnam's profession was then listed by a census clerk as "farmer/miller". His wife Virginia (Jennie) was 31 then.

Children mentioned in the record: Emmett, Lytton, Marcus, Nellie, Laura, Lykes, Minnie Caverhill (born 1871, TN). The latter was Virginia's daughter from her prior marriage to Mr. Thomas J Caverhill (5).

20 years later, both Alexander J C and his wife Virginia, lived with the family of his son Norman B, in Texarkana, Miller, Arkansas. In the census record, 80-year-old Alex was listed as a "Lumber Dealer" (6).

 

Mr. Alexander James Chovin passed on ⌛ 17 January 1912 in Texarkana, Bowie, TX. The man died of apoplexy (7).

 

🔷 Montalvan Adolphus born on 10 March 1834 in LA.

 

He was enlisted in the CA, in Polk County, TX in April 1861 (8). The man was a private in Company B, 1st Texas Infantry (Hood's Brigade).

 

From February to April 1862, the man was detached to recruit soldiers in Texas.

• 27 June 1862 - Montalvan was wounded at Gaines Mill, Virginia.
• 14 July 1862 - he was given 40 days of furlough,
• 30 August 1862, wounded again during the second battle of Manassas,
• September 1862, Private M A Dunnam was transferred to Company M,
• 17 September 1862, Sharpsburg (Antietam), Maryland, was wounded during the battle. Later, he was detailed to stay at Sharpsburg with the wounded (as a nurse). Montalvan was there captured and afterward, exchanged. The soldier was promoted to 2nd Sergeant.
• 15 September 1863 - he was appointed Regimental Ordnance Sergeant.

 

More about

Battle of Gaines Mill: https://www.battlefields.org/.../civi.../battles/gaines-mill

Second Battle of Manassas: https://www.battlefields.org/.../battles/second-manassas

Battle of Antietam: https://www.battlefields.org/.../civil-war/battles/antietam

After the war, Montalvan served as Sheriff in Polk County, TX. He married ⚭ Miss Letitia Ann Whittington (born on 6 November 1848, in Liberty, Liberty, TX), the daughter of George Washington Whittington and Letitia Ann Menning.

 

Montalvan and Letitia had at least two children:

(9) 🔸 Samuel Whittington (born on 26 June 1872 in TX),

(10) 🔸 Lee Keats, born on 18 November 1875 in Livingston, TX.

In 1880, the family lived in Livingston, Polk, TX. Samuel B B, Montalvan's father, lived with Montalvan, his wife, and their two children (11).

 

Montalvan Adolphus Dunnam passed on ⌛ 26 September 1905 (12).

Montalvan (de Montalvan) is a noble family surname that originates in Europe (France, Italy, Spain). Possibly there was a family connection in M A Dunnam's mother's/father's line. Some of their ancestors were French (13).

 

🔷 C R Dunnam, born in 1839 in LA, appears in the records also as Czartarensky and Czartavensky Radzowill. It makes me think of the surnames Czartoryski and Radziwiłł, two Polish noble families of a position and means, related to each other. Again, the connection through the French/Spanish line in Dunnam's family tree could be possible. If it was not the case, why was the boy given such difficult names?

 

Czar Rensky (Ikey) was enlisted in Polk County, TX in April 1861 (144). The man served as a private with Company B 1st Texas Cavalry (Hood's Brigade). Before the war, he was a bookkeeper.

Private C R Dunnam came to Richmond, Virginia on 16 May 1861. Sometime after that, he was promoted to 3rd Corporal.

• September 1862 - was Color Bearer for his company.
• 17 September 1862, C R was captured (Sharpsburg, MD), and paroled later.
• Next, he was promoted to 2nd Corporal.
• November/December 1862 - recorded as sick.
• February 1863 - on furlough.
• November 1863/July 1864 - CR Dunnam served as Division Guard.
• January 1865 - he was discharged.

A year later, on ⚭ 5 January 1866, C R married Miss Margaret R Whittington, who was his sister-in-law (15).

 

 

🔷 Samuel Bell Blackwell, the father of the men mentioned above, 

 

was born on 20 September 1803 in SC. The man married ⚭ Miss Sarah Amanda McRae in 1825. The lady died in ⌛ September 1861.

 

Samuel B B Dunnam was not enlisted in the CA because of his age. However, he joined it voluntarily as a chaplain to spiritually assist his sons and other relations of Colita, Polk, TX who were enlisted.

Samuel B B Dunnam served with Company B, 1st Texas Infantry (Hood's Brigade). He was in all the battles, including the Red River Campaign in LA. At some point, the chaplain (and his two sons) was assigned to Company F, 4th Texas Cavalry (Railey's Brigade). He finished his army service at the rank of lieutenant.

 

More about

Red River Campaign https://www.battlefields.org/.../articles/red-river-campaign

 

After the war, in 1870, 65-year-old Samuel lived in the household of Houston Churchill in Livingston, TX (16). Later, as mentioned above, the man lived with the family of his son, Montalvan.

At the end of his life, in 1900, he was staying in the home (Polk County, TX) of his daughter Frances (born in 1841) and her husband James Ewing Hill (17). 

 

Samuel Bell Blackwell died at the age of 100 on ⌛ 9 December 1903 in Livingston, TX. The details regarding his age given on the death certificate are incorrect (18).

 

Newspaper clipping: Newspaper clipping included below: The Austin Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 33, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 13, 1903, newspaper, December 13, 1903; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1454785/: accessed April 12, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .
 

Sources:

     "There never were such men before: the Civil War soldiers and veterans of Polk County, Texas, 1861-1865". Ruth Peebles, Livingston, TX, Polk County Historical Commission, 1987.

1."United States Census, 1850", database with images, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:MCJD-RS3 : Mon Mar 13 19:33:17 UTC 2023), Entry for Sarah A Dunham and Montilvan Dunham, 1850.
2. family tree familysearch.org
3. Newspaper clipping: The Austin Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 33, Ed. 1 Sunday, December 13, 1903, newspaper, December 13, 1903; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1454785/: accessed April 12, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .
4."Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6B4-WZK : 10 March 2021), A. J. C. Dunnam and Belle Bigham, 10 Mar 1870; citing Polk, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,006,875. 5. National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/civilwar
5."United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFNL-C78 : 15 January 2022), A.j.c. Dunnam, Justice Precinct 4, Houston, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .
6. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKVX-9QV : accessed 7 April 2023), Artha J C Dunnam in household of Norman B Dunnam, Texarkana Ward 3, Miller, Arkansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 70, sheet 17B, family 367, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 57; FHL microfilm 1,374,070.
7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WG-JWD: 6 April 2023), A J C Dunnam, 1912.
8. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZWL-BQG : 5 December 2014), M A Dunnam, 1861; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit First Infantry (Second Infantry), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 248.
9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K38P-9L6 : 5 April 2023), Montalvan Adolphus Dunnam in entry for Samuel Whittington Dunnam, 1975.
10. "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K4S-HTCM: 11 February 2023), Montalvin A Dunnam in entry for Lee Keats Dunnam.
11. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJW-VRQ: 15 January 2022), Montalvan Dunnam, Livingston, Polk, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm.
12. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKN-3WNJ : 16 December 2021), M.A., ; Burial, Corpus Christi, Nueces, Texas, United States of America, New Bayview Cemetery; citing record ID 40458027, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
13. familysearch.org
14. "Texas, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZWL-B3B : 5 December 2014), C R Dunnam, 1861; from "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit First Infantry (Second Infantry), NARA microfilm publication M323 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll 248.
15. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8B-ZRRS : 22 December 2016), C. R. Dunnam and M. R. Whittington, 05 Jan 1866; citing , Polk, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,006,875.
16. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGH-4SW : 18 October 2021), Samuel B Dunnam in entry for Houston Churchill, 1870.
17. "United States Census, 1900", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3P1-2Y4 : 30 November 2021), S B Dunnam in entry for J E Hill, 1900.
18. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WJ-L4G: 5 April 2023), S B B Dunnam, 1903.
- findagrave.com