Dekalb County AlArchives Biographies.....Copeland, James March 12, 1817 - October 31, 1893 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Henry Coker hcker@mitchellgrocery.com August 15, 2018, 3:02 pm Source: Myself and other family members Author: Henry Coker Jr SOUTHERN CLAIMS COMMISSION No. 14463 (43,833) Claim of James Copeland of DeKalb Co Ala Summary Report Amount Allowed $610.00 Submitted to Congress December 4, 1876, by the Commissioners of Claims under Act March 3d, 1871 R.W. Walker, Washington, D.C. No. 14463 The Claim of James Copeland of Dekalb Co in the State of Ala 2 Horses & 2 Mules (Amount Claimed:) 900.00 (Amount Allowed:) 560.00 (Amount Disallowed:) 340.00 30 b[ushels] Corn set of Harness (Amount Claimed:) 65.00 (Amount Allowed:) 50.00 (Amount Disallowed:) 15.00 Total (Amount Claimed:) 965.00 (Amount Allowed:) 610.00 (Amount Disallowed): 355.00 The Claimant swears to loyal sympathies, and that he advised and aided Union men to cross the lines and enlist in the Union Army -- That he gave information to Union soldiers and adhered ot the Union -- That two of his sons were conscripted into the Rebel Army but soon came home and he kept them out - - He dont seem to have been complicated [?] with the Rebels in any way -- Two neighbors one of whom was a Union soldier and was accustomed to come home occasionally during the war and the Claimant [ILLEGIBLE] and testify to his loyal conversations and reputation. The supplies were taken by Gen Blair's Command on the march to Rome Georgia in the summer of 1864, as certified to by Claimant and his Son and Hugh W Carden. We find Claimant loyal, and allow the sum of $610.00 AO Aldis JB Howell } Comms of Claims O Ferriss 14463 June 12/[18]72 Act of 3rd March 1871 Petition of James Copeland of Collinsville, Ala. Two Horses, Corn &c Valued at $985.60 Filed by R.W. Walker, Washington, D.C. June 10/[18]72 PETITION TO THE HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS OF CLAIMS, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871, Washington, D.C.: The Petition of James Copeland respectfully represents: That he is a citizen of the United States and reside at present near Collinsville DeKalb County Alabama and that his age is 54 years. That he has a claim against the United States for Hourses, Mules, Corn & Harness taken by offers and soldiers of Gen. Blairs Corps incamped near Collinsville Ala which said Corps was marching en route for Rome Ga as follows: The United States to James Copeland 1864 June 34rd One pair fine 5 year old match stallions worth 500.00 1 pair five 3 year old match mules worth 400.00 30 bus[h[els Corn worth $1.50 a bushel 45.00 1 Set Harness worth 20.00 Total value of Property [985.60 crossed out] $965 That all the items in the above schedule were of the full value therein set forth and were taken from teh premises of your petition for ht euse of and were used by the United States Army. That no vouchers, receipt or other writing was given therefor. That your petitioner resided at the tiem his siad claim accrued near Collinsville DeKalb County Alabama. That your petitioner was the original owner of said claim, and that he has never sold transfired or assigned said claim or any interist therein to any person or persons and that he is the present owner of the same and that no part of the same has ever been paid nor other property received in lieu thereof. That your petitioner remained loyal adherent to the cause and the Government of the United States during the war, and was so loyal before and at the time of the taking of the property for which this claim is made. That said claim has never before been presented to any officer agent or department of the Government of the United States nor to Congress or any commite[e] thereof. That RW Walker of Washington DC is hereby authorized and empowered to act as my 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. James Copeland Witnesses: H W Carden Jas H Sainger (?) State of Alabama} County of DeKalb} James Copeland being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is James Copeland 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 maters 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 vluntarily 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 other material aid to said Confeerate 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 Copeland Witnesses: H W Carden Jas H Sainger (?) Sworn and subscribed in my presence, the 1st day of April 1871 A B Tidmore J.P. Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove loyalty: Matthew Small residing near Collinsville Ala. Henry Briant " " " " Ellison Gilbreath " " " " Joseph Fletcher " " " " Pruitt Black " " " " Names and residences of witnesses who will be relied upon to prove the other facts alleged in the foregoing petitoin: Hugh W. Carden residing near Collinsville Ala James Copeland " " " " William Copeland " " " " Sarah Cook " " " " Mary Grayham " " " " Post Office address of claimant is Collnsville Alabama State of Alabama DeKalb County I AJ Horton Judge of the Probate Court, and Clerk ex officio of said Court and for said ocunty, do hereby certify that AB Tidmore whose signature appears to the foregoing jurat, is genuine, and was at the time of signing said jurat, and still is a regular commissioned and legally authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorized to administer oaths. I am not interested in this claim or its prosecutions. Given under my hand and seal of office, this 1st day of August 1871. AJ Horton Judge of Probate BEFORE THE COMMISSIONERS OF CLAMS WASHINGTON, D.C. Claim of James Copeland of the County of Cherokee [sic] and state of Alabama numbered 14463. It is hereby certified that on the 22nd of day of March, 1875, at John Wallace's house in the County of Dekalb and State of Alabama came personnaly before me, for the purpose of a hearing in teh above-entitled cause, teh following persons, namely: James Copeland, Claimant None present, Counsel James Copeland, Allen Smith, John Walalce and William Copeland } Witnesses Each and every deponent, previous to his or her examination, was properly and duly sworn or affirmed to tell the truth, the whole truth, and noting but the truth concerning the matters under examination; the claimant's witnesses were examined separately and apart from each other; the testimony of each deponent was written out by me in presence of such deponent, who signed the same in my presence after having the deposition read aloud to each deponent, and the signature of such deponent was by me attested at the time it was affixed to the deposition. Witness my hand and private seal this 22 day of March 1875. John W. Ramsey (Seal) Special Commissioner STANDING INTERROGATORIES. The following questions will be put to every person who gives testimony: [Transcriber's note: The questions were printed on several sheets of paper. The answers were handwritten in subsequent papers. Here, I have paired the question with the answers.] 1. What is your name, your age, your residence and how long has it been such, and your occupation? Deposition of James Copeland who in answer to the questions deposes and says, my name is Jas Copeland my age 57 years, resides Dekalb County Alabama. I am a farmer, am the claimant, & solely interested in the claim. 2. If you are not the claimant, in what manner, if any, are you related to the claimant, or interested in the success of the claim? The following questions will be put to every claimant, except claimants who were slaves at the beginning of the war: (NOTE - If the original claimant be dead, these questions are to be answered by each of the heirs or legatees who was not less than sixteen years of age when the war closed.) 3. Where were you born? If not born in the United States, when and where were you naturalized? Produce your naturalization papers if you can. I was born in Georgia [with? crossed out] but have lived in this county thirty four years. 4. Where were you residing and what was your business for six months before the outbreak of the rebellion, and where did you reside and what was your business from the beginning to the end of the war? And if you changed your residence or business, state how many times, and why such changes were made. My business was farming. 5. On which side were your sympathies during the war, and were they on the same side from beginning to end? My sympathies was from the start for the Union at the beginning of the war and this continued for it to the last. 6. Did you ever do anything or say anything against the Union cause; and if so, what did you do or say, and why? I never did anything to aid or comfort the rebel cause - but opposed secession every way I could. 7. Were you at all times during the war willing and ready to do whatever you could in aid of the Union cause? I was ready and willing at all times to do what I could to aid the Union cause. I had two sons in the conscript age and I kept them out of the Confederate army just as long as I could until the were forced off to their service. 8. Did you ever do anything for the Union cause, or its advocates or defenders? If so, state what you did, giving times, places, names of persons aided, and particulars. Were the persons aided your relations? I conseled and advised Union men to go to the Union lines - I advised Allen Smith to go to the federals, and I aided his wife and family while he was gone & gave him all the information I could to aid the Union cause when he shipped back through the lines to see his family. I carried some things to Union men to the Tennessee river. Samuel Rains and James Brock had gone to the federal lines and I hauled their property to them to the Tennessee River. I started in the night. At one time I carried a dispatch from Capt. Gilberaths Union company that was at this time on this side of the river to Captain Hamlins company that was on the other side - I did this at great risk. I aided the families of a number of Union men who were not related to me - I aided them for the sake of the cause their husbands [words crossed out] having gone through to the Union lines. 9. Had you any near relatives in the Union army or navy? If so, in what company and regiment, or on what vessel, when and where did each one enter service, and when and how did he leave service? If he was a son, produce his discharge paper, in order that its contents may be noted in this deposition, or state why it cannot be produced. I recollect having one nephew George Peyton [sic, Paden] and perhaps two or three of the Nicholsons that were in the federal army. 10. Were you in the service or employment of the United States Government at any time during the war? If so, in what service, when, where, for how long, under what officers, and when and how did you leave such service or employment? I was not in any service further than aiding Union men. 11. Did you ever voluntarily contribute money, property, or services to the Union cause; and if so, when, where, to whom, and what did you contribute? I never contributed directly to the Union army but only Union men and their families as to Brock's Fielder's [?] & Smith's families and various others. 12. Which side did you take while the insurgent States were seceding from the Union in 1860 and 1861, and what did you do to show on which side you stood? I took the Union side. 13. Did you adhere to the Union cause after the States had passed into rebellion, or did you go with your State? I did. 14. What were your feelings concerning the battle of Bull Run or Manassas, the capture of New Orleans, the fall of Vicksburg, and the final surrender of the Confederate forces? I did not lose faith in the Union cause because the rebels vained victories but I was always glad to hear of Union successes. 15. What favors, privileges, or protections were ever granted you in recognition of your loyalty during the war, and when and by whom granted? I was always treated kindly & regarded as loyal, and a friend by all the Union soldiers that knew me - When Blairs army passed it went so quick I hardly got acquainted [with] anybody. 16. Have you ever taken the so-called "iron-clad oath" since the war, and when and on what occasions? I have taken the Iron clad oath. I have carried the mail since the war. 17. Who were the leading and best known Unionists of your vicinity during the war? Are any of them called to testify to your loyalty; and if not, why not? John Wallace, Alfred Collins, Jackson Lynn, Wm Griffin & John Wesson were Union men of my neighborhood and I think any of them will testify as to my loyalty. 18. Were you ever threatened with damage or injury to your person, family, or property on account of your Union sentiments, or were you actually molested or injured on account of your Union sentiments? If so, when, where, by whom, and in what particular way were you injured or threatened with injury? I dont now recollect any particular threats against myself or property. I was [ILLEGIBLE] in conversation. I heard of general threats against Union men but dont recollect anything in particular against myself. 19. Were you ever arrested by any Confederate officer, soldier, sailor, or other person professing to act for the Confederate government, or for any State in rebellion? If so, when, where, by whom, for what cause; how long were you kept under arrest; how did you obtain your release; did you take any oath or give any bond to effect your release; and if so, what was the nature of the oath or the bond? 20 Was any of your property taken by Confederate officers or soldiers, or any rebel authority? If so, what property, when, where, by whom, were you ever paid therefor, and did you ever present an account therefor to the Confederate government, or any rebel officer? None of consequence. 21. Was any of your property ever confiscated by rebel authority, on the ground that you were an enemy to the rebel cause? If so, give all the particulars, and state if the property was subsequently released or compensation made therefor. None. 22. Did you ever do anything for the Confederate cause, or render any aid or comfort to the rebellion? If so, give the times, places, persons, and other particulars connected with each transaction. I did not. 23. What force, compulsion, or influence, was used to make you do anything against the Union cause? If any, give all the particulars demanded in the last question. I fed some of their soldiers but it was because I could not help it. 24. Were you in any service, business, or employment, for the Confederacy, or for any rebel authority? If so, give the same particulars as before required. No. 25. Were you in the civil, military, or naval service of the Confederacy, or any rebel State, in any capacity whatsoever? If so, state fully in respect to each occasion and service. No. 26. Did you ever take any oath to the so-called Confederate States while in any rebel service or employment? No. 27. Did you ever have charge of any stores, or other property, for the Confederacy; or did you ever sell or furnish any supplies to the so-called Confederate States, or any State in rebellion; or did you have any share or interest in contracts or manufactures in aid of the rebellion? No. 28. Were you engaged in blockade running, or running through the lines, or interested in the risks or profits of such ventures? No. 29. Were you in any way interested in any vessel navigating the waters of the Confederacy, or entering or leaving any Confederate port? If so, what vessel, when and where employed, in what business, and had any rebel authority any direct or indirect interest in vessel or cargo? No. 30. Did you ever subscribe to any loan of the so-called Confederate States, or of any rebel State; or own Confederate bonds or securities, or the bonds or securities of any rebel State issued between 1861 and 1865? Did you sell, or agree to sell, cotton or produce to the Confederate Government, or to any rebel State, or to any rebel officer or agent, and if so, did you receive or agree to receive Confederate or State bonds or securities in payment; and if so, to what amount, and for what kind and amount of property? No. 31. Did you contribute to the raising, equipment or support of troops, or the building of gunboats in aid of the rebellion; or to military hospitals or invalids, or to relief funds or subscription for the families of persons serving agianst the United States? No. 32. Did you ever give information to any person in aid of military or naval operations against the United States? No. 33. Were you at any time a member of any society or organization for equipping volunteers or conscripts, or for aiding the rebellion in any other manner? No. 34. Did you ever take an oath of allegiance to the so-called Confederate States? If so, state how often, when, where, for what purpose, and the nature of the oath or affirmation. No. 35. Did you ever receive a pass from rebel authority? If so, state when, where, for what purpose, on what conditions, and how the pass was used. No. 36. Had you any near relatives in the Confederate army, or in any military or naval service hostile to the United States? If so, give names, ages on entering service, present residence, if living, what influence you exerted, if any, against their entering the service, and in what way you contributed to their outfit and support. My two sons that was forced into the Confederate service - John & Sam - soon got home and I kept them out nearly all of the time. I advised them to get to the Union lines the first chance and through my efforts they never did any service for the rebels. Both of them live in this county. 37. Have you been under the disabilities imposed by the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution? Have your disabilities been removed by Congress? No. 38. Have you been specially pardoned by the President for participation in the rebellion? No. 39. Did you take any amnesty oath during the war, or after its close? If so, when, where, and why did you take it? I took the amnesty oath at the close of the war. 40. Were you ever a prisoner to the United States authorities, or on parole, or under bonds to do nothing against the Union cause? If so, state all the particulars. 41. Were you ever arrested by the authorities of the United States during the war? If so, when, where, by whom, on what grounds, and when and how did you obtain your release? No. 42. Were any fines or assessments levied upon you by the authorities of the United States because of your supposed sympathy for the rebellion? If so, state all the facts. No. 43. Was any of your property taken into possession or sold by the United States under the laws relating to confiscation, or to captured and abandoned property? No - except at the time Blairs men took my horses they took my son to Head Quarters and then let us go back home. 44. After the Presidential election of 1860, if of age, did you vote for any candidates, or on any questions, during the war, and how did you vote? Did you vote for or against candidates favoring secession? Did you vote for or against the ratification of the ordinance of secession, or for or against separation in your State? I was opposed to secession from 1st to last and voted for the Union men. 45. Did you belong to any vigilance committee, or committee of safety, homeguard, or any other form of organization or combination designed to suppress Union sentiment in your vicinity? I never belonged ot any of their vigilance committees or associations. 46. Were you in the Confederate army, State militia, or any military or naval organization hostile to the United States? If so, state when, where, in what organizations, how and why you entered, how long you remained each time, and when and how you left. If you claim you were conscripted, when and where was it, how did you receive notice, and from whom, and what was the precise manner in which the conscription was enforced against you? If you were never in the rebel army or other hostile organizaiton, explain how you escaped service. If you furnished a substitute, when and why did you furnish one, and what is his name, and his present address, if living? No. 47. Were you in any way connected with or employed in the Confederate quartermaster, commissary, ordnance, engineer, or medical department, or any other department, or employed on any railroad transporting troops or supplies for the Confederacy, or otherwise engaged in transportation of men and supplies for the Confederacy? If so, state how employed, when, where, for how long, under whose direction, and why such employment was not giving "aid and comfort" to the rebellion. No. 48. Did you at any time have charge of trains, teams, wagons, vessels, boats, or military supplies or property of any kind for the Confederate government? If so, give all the facts as in previous questions. No. 49. Were you employed in saltpetre works, in tanning or milling for the Confederate government, or making clothing, boots, shoes, saddles, harness, arms, ammunition, accoutrements, or any other kind of munitions of war for the Confederacy? If so, give all the particulars of time, place and nature of service or supplies. No. 50. Were you ever engaged in holding in custody, directly or indirectly, any persons taken by the rebel government as prisoners of war, or any persons imprisoned or confined by the Confederate government, or the authorities of any rebel state, for political causes? If so, when, where, under what circumstances, in what capacity were you engaged, and what was the name and rank of your principal? No. 51. Were you ever in the Union army or navy, or in any service connected therewith? If so, when, where, in what capacity, under whose command or authority, for what period of time, and when and how did you leave service? Produce your discharge papers, so that their contents may be noted herein. No. [TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Questions 52-65 are for witnesses.] 66. Who was the owner of the property charged in this claim when it was taken, and how did such person become owner? The whole of the property in this claim was my own. 67. If any of the property was taken from a farm or plantation, where was such farm or plantation situated, what was its size, how much was cultivated, how much was woodland, and how much was waste land? My farm consisted of three hundred acres and about one hundred and twenty was cleared. I have never taken the benefit of the bankrupt law. [TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Question 68 is for female claimants and 70-71 for colored claimants/witnesses.] 72. Were you present when any of the property charged in this claim was taken? Did you actually see any taken? If so, specify what you saw taken. I was present at home when General Blairs army came through Wills Valley - about the first of June 1864 on its march to Rome - myself and son were riding my two Roan horses over to Vanburen when a body of officers & cavalry came along and took us on a mile or two to their camp when they took my two horses but let me and my son return home - after making some inquiry about us. One of the officers whose name I have forgotten told me that mine were fine horses and they must have them for the men of the army. The horses were matches about five years old large and first class horses - worth $250 each - they were as good harness and saddle horses as could well be found. The next day a party of troops came to my house and took my two fine young mare mules - these mules were also matches just turned of three years, of fine size and form and broken to work - just as good young mules as the country could afford. Matched as they were they were worth two hundred dollars each. At the time they took the mules they also took a six horse wagon load of corn in the shuck and several sack fulls besides and carried it off. They took at least thirty bushels - they also took a set of Double Buggy harness - worth at least twenty dollars. The corn was worth a dollar and a quarter a bushel and hard to get at that. [TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Questions 73-74 not deemed relevant.] 75. Were any vouchers or receipts asked for or given? I did not know anything of army matters or regulations and did not ask for receipts and those that took my property did not offer me any. I never saw the horses or mules after the day the army resumed its march towards Rome. I was at their camp near Vanburen and saw them start with my horses & mules. I have never rec'd any pay for any of this property. And further this claimant saith not. James Copeland John W Ramsey Spc. Comr. Deposition of Allen Smith who in answer to the questions deposes and says my name is Allen Smith my age about thirty five years. I reside in Dekalb Co. Ala. am a farmer and not related to the claimant and have no interest in his claim. I am called to prove loyalty. I have known claimant 20 years and intimately - I lived during the war about four iles from him and saw him often, and often talked iwth him about the war its causes and progress - and always found him always firm for the Union. I was an adherent of the Union cause and he knew it and trusted me and talked freely to me at all times. I went to the Union lines and enlisted in Capt. Rufus Jordan's Company of the 1st Regiment of Ala. Vidett Cavalry - and served till honorably discharged. I saw him from the beginning to the end of the war at times & found him always truly loyal. While I was through the lines I know that the claimant let my wife have salt I had advised with him about going to the federal army and I shipped back home several times when the lines got near home. I always managed to get to see the claimant and he gave me all the informatoin possible anout the rebels and their movements - and how I could avoid them. I always could trus thim for I knew he was true and I knew he was aiding Union men's families as far as he was able. I never heard of his doing anything to aid the rebel cause, and am certain he did not of his own will. John Wallace, the Graves's and John Wesson & others were Union men that knew him and and I suppose any of them will testify for him. I dont now recollect any threats against him. He could not have proved himself loyal to the Confederacy. And further deponent saith not. Allen (his X mark) Smith John W Ramsey Spc. Comr. Deposition of John Wallace who in answer to the questions deposes and says my name is John Wallace my age 65 years residence Dekalb Co Alabama. I am a farmer. I am not related to the claimant and have no interest in his claim. I am called to prove loyalty. I have known the claimant James Copeland from his boyhood and during the war I lived about four miles from him and was on intimate terms with him. I saw him often and often talked with him about the war its causes and progress. I don't recollect the various times and occasions that we talked about the war. But I recollect that his conduct and talk was always in favor of the Union cause. I was an adherent of the Union cause and the claimant knew it and trusted me and talked freely to me. I knew his public reputation and it was that he was a Union man and all his Union neighbors knew it - & trusted him. Wm Griffin, Jack Tyner, John Wesson, and Allen Smith are Union men of his neighborhood. I don't recollect any acts of claimant showing his loyalty further then report - except his conversations. I don't know of his ever having anything against the Union cause. I have perhaps heard threats against the claimant on account of his Union sentiments but I do not now recollect them. I am satisfied that claimant could not have proved himself loyal to the Confederacy if it had succeeded. And further deponent saith not. John (his X mark) Wallace John W Ramsey Special Comr. Deposition of Wm Copeland who in answer to the questions deposes and says my name is Wm Copeland my age 20 years. I reside in Dekalb County Alabama. I am a farmer. Am a son of the claimant but have no beneficial interest in his claim. I lived with the claimant in Wills Valley about a mile and a half from Vanburen in the year 1864 when General Blairs army marched through this part of the county on its way to Rome Georgia about the first of June. Myself and the claimant were on the pair of match horses riding to Vanburen when the soldiers came up with us and took the horses and ourselves on to their camp near Vanburen - they kept the horses but finding that father was a Union man they let us return home. On the next day a party of troops came and took father's two three year old mules and took a wagon load - a six horse wagon load of corn in the shuck - they not only took the wagon full they took some sacks full of corn besides - and one set of two horse buggy harness. I was present and saw it all taken. The two horses were both Strawberry Roans about five years old stallions, fine horses and in splendid condition. They were fine saddle horeses and were worth two hundred dollars each. The mules were both black mare mules upwards of three years old and of fine size and broken to work. They were worth about two hundred dollars each. I never saw any of these horses or mules after the days they were taken. The corn was worth a dollar and a quarter a bushel. The harness was about as good as new and was worth at least twenty dollars. I heard nothing said about receipts or vouchers and never saw anyting of the sort given father. And further this deponent saith not. William Copeland John W. Ramsey Special Comr. Submitted April 12/76 by R.W. Walker, Attorney. No. 14463 Claim of James Copeland of Cherokee County, Sate of Alabama $985.00 TESTIMONY OF Page James Copeland 1-9 Allen Smith 10-11 John Wallace 12-13 Wm Copeland 18-19 Remarks20 TAKEN BY John W. Ramsey, Special Commissioner Actual Fees and Costs, $8 AGENTS OR ATTORNEYS AT WASHINGTON: R.W. Walker Apr 28, 1875 "LAST PAGE." Note--On this page the special commssioner may enter any explanation, statement, note or comment of his own which may be of service in the examination and decision of the claim at Washington. If there be anything noticeable in the appearance, conduct, or condition of a witness, the fact should be noted on this page. If the special commsssioner knows or hears anything, apart from what appears in the depositions, that either confirms or impugns the credibility of the testimony or the merit of the claim, he should state what he knows or has heard, with his means of knowledge, or the names of his informants, as the case may be, in order that formal inquiry may be made, or further evidence demanded, if necessary. It would be serviceable to both sides if the special commissioner were to ascertain and set down the names of the men, still living, who, by general reputation, were leading Unionists of the war period in the vicinity of the claimant. Comment or opinion based merely on testimony taken is not desired. The claimant James Copeland is regarded by the people that know him as an honest straight-forward man - a member of the Presbyterian church. I am acquainted with his witness John Wallace and know him to be one of the most loyal of men & a man of sterling honesty. I am not acquainted with Smith. His son William is a young man of intelligence. I have never in this part of the county heard the claimants loyalty questioned and I have made considerable inquiry. His praises are high. John W Ramsey Special Comr. No. 14,463 Additional Testimony James Copeland DeKalb County Alabama Testimony of Hugh W. Carden Taken by John W. Ramsey Special Comr. RW Walker Atty Washington D.C. Apr. 8, 1876 Deposition of Hugh W. Carden who in answer to the questions deposes and says, my name is Hugh W. Carden aged 27 years. Residence Lebanon Dekalb Co. Ala. I am a lawyer. I am not related to the claimant Copeland, and have no interest in his claim. I have known the claimant from my boyhood and during the war lived within half a mile of him and was on very intimate terms with him and often talked to him and heard him talk about the war - he was a strong Union man and was recognized as such by the Union men of the neighborhood. I was at home at my fahters in May or about the first of June 1864 when Genl Blairs army marched through that neighborhood towards Rome Ga. I knew that claimant had the two mules before, and just before the army came and that the mules were gone when the army left. I also know that he had the match horses. The two match horses were taken from the claimant and his son in my presence at fathers house in twenty yards of our door - Copeland & his son had rode them down there, the soldiers at once had them to dismount and took their horses and carreid them off. I saw it all and knew the horses were the claimants and they were excellent horses, worth about two hundred each - I never saw the horses after that day. I never saw the mules after the army left. They were good young mules well worth one hundred and twenty five dollars each - I saw no receipts or payments and further this deponent saith not. Hugh W. Carden Taken at Lebanon March 22 [18]76 John W Ramsey Special Comr. In James Copelands case No. 14,463 Dekalb County Alabama while at Dekalb court at his request I took the additional testimony of Hugh W. Carden on the 22nd of March 1876. Previous to his examination he was duly sworn to speak the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth concerning the matter under examination. The claimant was not present. The deposition was written out by me and signed by witness and attested at the time after he had read it over. Witness my hand and private seal this March 29th 1876. John W Ramsey (seal) Special Comr. A.J. Claim No. 43,833 Sett. No. 3199 James Copeland Ala. $610.00 Due him Out of the Appropriation for "Claims of Loyal Citizens for supplies furnished during the rebellion." For amount allowed him by the Southern Claims Commission R. Reported Mch 31st, 1877 Returned April 3d, 1877 Requisition No. 3655, dated April 6th, 1877, transmitted for Warrant April 11th, 1877 $610 The United States, To James Copeland Ala. Dr. For the amount allowed him by Act of Congress, Private No. 70 approved March 3rd, 1877, entitled "An Act making appropriations for the payment of claims reported allowed by the Commissioners of Claims under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871:" Six hundred and ten dollars $610.00 Payable in case of R. W. Walker Atty Wash DC TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Second Comptroller's Office April 3rd, 1877 H Spalding Clerk TREASURY DEPARMENT, Third Auditor's Office March 31st, 1877 T.F. Swayze Clerk Additional Comments: This is a copy of James Copelands petition for claims for property taken by the union army in 1864. Lots of people testified for him in this claim from the Collinsville, Sand Valley, Van Buren, Red Hill and Lebanon area. James had to answer 75 questions on this deposition which is almost a biography of his life. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/dekalb/bios/copeland42bs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/alfiles/ File size: 36.5 Kb