Smyth County, Virginia, Military Records: A HUMBLE 1893 COLUMBIAN COVER? A Story of the Smyth County Blues Contributed for use in USGenWeb by Fred Mara (FMaraJr@aol.com) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A HUMBLE 1893 COLUMBIAN COVER? Our first commemorative stamp series, the 1893 Columbian Exposition Issue, was authorized by the United States Post Office Department and printed by the American Bank Note Company. As part of this sixteen stamp group ranging from one cent to five dollar denominations, the two cent Scott #231, immediately became the workhorse for the 1890's mail stream. With almost 1.5 billion printed, the stamp has not generated the investment speculation elicited by its less numerous higher value brothers or sisters. However, appreciation for the stamp's inherent attractiveness and variations cause this Columbian to defy the term "humble." My philatelic focus on #231 Columbian covers proves exceptionally challenging when a first glance raises some questions about the stamp, the letter carried, or the letter's author. Curiosity prevails especially when an enclosure creates a link between the stamp collecting community and the United States history. While usually rather mundane, occasionally the contents tend to pique one's inquisitiveness and further investigation is suggested. Such was the case involving Albert Staley's May 16th, 1893 letter from Schell City, Missouri to his older brother, Walter Staley, in Marion, Virginia. A transcription of Albert Staley's letter follows: Schell City Mo May 16th 1893 Walter Your card and also Picture of the Blues to hand. Many thanks for the Picture. I am truly glad to get it as I have not seen the boys for many years. I left Va just about 18 years ago. This has been a long time, all the boys have grown gray since than. It is a sad picture for me to look at. Once we were young but now growing old. Going down on the ____ side of the hill and we travel faster after we get a little over the top. Its down grade all the way. Soon we will be at the bottom. How I wish I could have been with them in December & have met them once more on earth. Think I would have been the happiest fellow in the lot. I would not have recognized any of them had I met one of them. They have changed so much gray & bald & changed so in looks. I might have known Jack Wygal or Charley Sexton & might have known J A Buchanan by his monument ears and big hands. We use to tease him about his feet, hands, & ears. John was fond of jokes and a jolly good fellow with a heart in him as big as a mule. God bless him. I will ever remember him & poor John Palmer. Buck ought to make a fine lawyer. That big fist struck at a juror ought to turn him John's way. Byars[?] & Dempsey don't look natural nor Capt Pendleton. In fact none look natural to me & I don't think I would to them though I could have told the Boys some good fresh yarns they would have enjoyed. Walter is in Sedalia Mo is in a grocery house. He is very tall almost 6 ft weighs 150 lbs. He is a good boy has many friends is 19 years old. Mamie is 12 goes to private school since public school is out. Willie is 5 and a big fat Boy and full of life. Jennie is not well & has not been well for two years. Jennie has Ovarian troubles & I guess will never get over it. Can hardly get about at times was almost her last at one time for six months. I have sold out my little stock of notions. Could not make it pay. Doctor bills & expense eat me with dull[?] times together. I am not doing anything now and don't know what I shall do times are so dull nothing doing money scarce. Farmers have no money and it looks like times get worse. Would move to Sedalia if I could sell my property. Sedalia is a good town a R R center & does lots of business. Our Town is going back in place of forward. It may take a turn for better some day but I shall not wait for that if I can sell. All join in much love to you and regards to our friends. Albert Who or what ere the "Blues?" Who was Walter Staley? Who was Albert Staley? Who were these aging men that Albert Staley wished to encounter "once more on earth?" What is the story behind this letter, written by an average 19th Century American with his message conveyed by a common, perhaps not so humble, two cent stamp? Lineage of Albert and Walter Staley: [11] Francis P. Staley m. Jane M. Aker-5/16/1833 [Internet] Jane M. Aker-b. 4/19/1810 d. 3/10/1885 buried Round Top Cemetery, Marion, VA-stones broken and overturned. Francis Preston Staley-b. 12/7/1806 at Old Mt. Airy, Wythe County, VA, the son of Valentine and Susannah [Buster] Staley. Francis made his home in Marion, VA where he was a merchant and had other business interests. He died 10/18/1898-buried Round Top Cemetery. Children of Francis and Jane Staley: Emily F.-b. 1834 Walter Scott-b. 2/15/1836 Charles R.-b. 3/29/1838 d. 9/12/1878 Deputy clerk in Wythe County 1860 Albert J.-b. 1840 Nancy Elizabeth-b. 1843 m. John Snavely Copenhaver 12/19/1866 Francis P.-b. 1846 William Spiller-b. ? WALTER: Walter S. Staley was 57 years of age when the 1893 letter arrived. Cameron Book [11] Walter-b. 2/15/1836 d. ? Buried Round Top Cemetery m. Pauline A. Hull-b. 3/27/1838 d. 9/12/1878. Walter lived for sometime in Memphis, TN. Children: Walter-d. infancy Henry Boyd-b. 7/9/1871 d/ 12/27/1948 Buried Round Top Cemetery-m. Margaret Preston Rhea. Thomas F. [Dr.] Pauline Hull ? Nellie ? David Denton-b. 2/11/1876 d. 6/22/1951-m. Nannie ? Frazer-Buried Round Top Cemetery Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850 [1]-Walter was a 14 year old student living with his parents, Francis [Frank] P. Staley, 43, and Jane M. [Aker], 39, in addition to 5 siblings; Emily F., 16, Charles, 12, Nancy E., 7, and Frank, 4. Albert, the letter writer, was a 10 year old student. The father was listed as a merchant with real estate valued at $500. Both parents were born in Virginia. Joseph McCrockett, a 26 year old merchant was residing with the family. 1860 [2]-Walter not listed, nor was Albert, as living with parents who reside in Marion, Virginia with their remaining family; Nancy E., 17, William S., 14, and Frank P., 9. 1880 [3]-Walter listed as living in Marion, Virginia, occupation-miller, age 44; wife, Paulina A., age 38, and children, Henry P. [B.?], 8; Thomas T., 4; and Laura Wolfe, a single 20 year old servant. This enumeration also noted Frank P. Staley, 74, a merchant, and his wife, Jane M., 70, as Marion residents. Smyth County, Virginia Marriages 1851-1891 [4]-Walter and Albert's youngest brother, Frank P. Staley, 28, b. Marion, VA and living in Richmond, VA married Mary A. Surber, 25, on January 7, 1880. Their sister, Emily F. Staley, 20, married Joseph E. Pepper, 28, b. Montgomery Co., VA on October 12, 1854. Information provided by Brenda Gwyn [5]-Smyth County Historical Society-acquired from Wilson and Presgraves reference literature-W. S. Staley enlisted in Memphis, TN as a member of Company G, 154th Tennessee Regiment; 4 years service, wounded at Franklin, discarged in North Carolina, Walter Staley operated a store, owned by his father at Seven Mile Ford. He was also the postmaster. Walter bought a Mr. Taylor's interest in a brick mill in partnership with Captain Hull. This later became Staley's Mill. W. S. Staley was the father of Henry Boyd Staley who later operated Staley's Mill and in whose Marion house is currently located the Smyth County Historical and Museum Society, Inc. headquarters. Blues: Albert Staley's term identified Company "D," the Smyth County Blues, mustered for Confederate Army service at Marion, Virginia on April 18, 1861. The unit was assigned to the 4th Infantry Regiment, 1st Virginia Brigade. At muster the company was composed of 3 officers and 71 enlisted men. Eventually, 145 soldiers would serve as members of the Blues during the 1861-1865 Civil War duration. Of the original 74 men on company rolls, 9 were killed in action, 10 died of wounds or disease, 3 died as prisoners, 18 were wounded, 13 were captured and survived imprisonment. When war ended with surrender at Appamatox on April 9, 1865, 3 Blues were present for duty. [6] [9] One of these soldiers, Charley Sexton, was mentioned in Staley's letter. Company "D," the Blues, of the 4th Infantry Regiment, along with the 2nd, 5th, 27th, and 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiments withstood repeated Union Army assaults at 1st Manassas, "holding like a stone wall," and henceforth became legendary as the Stonewall Jackson Brigade. [7] According to Company"D" casualty reports, in addition to this engagement, the unit marched on to see battle at Kernstown, the Seven Days Campaign, 2nd Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Petersburg. The Blues high attrition rate was reflected in the 4th Regiment's status at Appamattox. Of 1,487 soldiers who served in the regiment, only 46 men were available when hostilities ceased, thereby allowing them an opportunity to return home and live with their memories as did Albert Staley. Jack Wygal: Andrew Jackson Wygal was a 23 year old farmer at muster. From July-December, 1861, he was sick in various hospitals but returned to duty until October 1864, when he was hospitalized again. Further active military service information is lacking, since many Confederate records were destroyed by fire when Richmond was evacuated in 1865. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-no listing. 1860-no listing, but other Wygal families noted. 1880-An Andrew J. Wygal, 22, perhaps Jack's son is listed. Smyth County, Virginia Marriages 1851-1891-An Andrew J. Wygal, 31, b. Pulaski Co., VA married Sophia Grosclose, 24, on November 3, 1869. Charley Sexton: Charles McDonald Sexton was born March 22, 1839, the son of John G. and Sarah [Sally?] B. [McDonald] Sexton. At muster he was a 22 year old farmer who served with Company "D" until detailed in June 1863 to the Confederate Commissary Department. He was one of the three Blues present at the Appamattox surrender. Sexton died in 1915 and was buried in Chatham Hill Cemetery, Smyth County. In 1869, Sexton was appointed Registrar and conducted a successful mercantile business as well as being postmaster at Valley View, Smyth County, Virginia.-B. Gwyn. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-Charles Sexton shown as an 11 year old student living with his parents, John G. Sexton, 42, and Sally, 38, and 5 siblings. Father listed as a farmer with real estate valued at $4,000. Both parents were listed as being born in Virginia. 1860-Charles listed as a 21 year old student. His father, John G., 52, a farmer and Sally B., 49, owned $8,000 in real estate and $2,000 in personal property. Also in residence were Helen V., 23; Thomas C., 16; student; Susan J., 14; Edward L., 10; Laura M., 9; Nancy E., 7; and Emma G., 4. A 25 year old laborer, Thadeus W. Rolen [Rowland] also present. 1880-Charles M. Sexton, 41, shows as a dry goods merchant. Also present, Emma B., 38, his wife, Albert C., 9; Virginia L., 8; and Mabel J., 7. Charles' mother, now a widow, and some of his brothers and sisters are enumerated. Smyth County, Virginia Marriages 1851-1891-shows Charles M. Sexton, 30, s/o Jno. G. Sexton and Sarah as marrying Emma B. Campbell, 17? On April 14, 1869-marriage confirmed by B. Gwyn. Many other Sextons marry during this period. Charles McDonald Sexton b. 3/22/1839 m. Emma Campbell 4/4/1869. Emma died 12/4/1886. Charles m. Betty Snaders-no date-no children. Children of Charles McDonald Sexton and Emma Campbell Sexton: Albert Campbell Sexton b. 7/12/1870 Louisa Virginia Sexton b. 3/13/1873 Louisa Josephine Sexton b. 1/1/1876 Sarah Rebecca Sexton b. 3/1/1883 Above information-Margaret Gordon-Reed-Sexton relative [10]. Death Certificate [12]: b. 3/22/1839 Smyth County d. 3/11/1815 age-75 yrs. 11mos. 28 days, widower, occupation-merchant, father-John G. Sexton, mother Sarah McDonald, both born Smyth County, informant-Jennie Sexton [check on] cause of death-chronic bystitis? With hypertrophy of prostate, buried Chapel Hill Cemetery 3/12/1915. Letter to Family in Washington Court House, OH Written by Charles from Chatham Hill, VA 4/13/1891 [13]: Records economics of his region, family background, current activities. He wrote: "We were all in the Rebel army & several of the Sextons were killed and died in the Army Perhaps that May not sound very well to you all as you all no doubt were opposed [sic] to us & our views But we thot [sic] we were right & Justifiable in our course While perhaps you thot different It is a thing of the Past & let by gones & forgotten We should all try to be as one common people & not let prejudice take the place of brotherly love & Kind feelings towards each other. We believed that Slavery was right therefore we thot it right & Just to Maintain it at that time But now & since the War we have & are convinced that Slavery was a Curse & Should be abolished & would not now under any consideration whatever tolerate Slavery We are much better off without them now thn if we had to Keep them as we did Whilest they the Negros are the Sufferers as a whole as to their own prosperities pleasures and adversities. They are here among us & we have to Make Citizens out of them by assisting Them to a parial Education & while they are generally very good workers we employ them at the same wages as The Whites where they are competent to do what what is required of them But the South never will submit to Social Equality with the Negros They have Their Schools & Churches & gatherings all Separate from the Whites in every particular socially Enough of this I hope you will not become offended at my Thus informing you of our modes operandies [sic] with the Colord folks as we call them here" J. A. Buchanan: Prior to joining the Blues on July 30, 1861, John Alexander Buchanan [John, Buck] was an 18 year old student. From April-October, 1862, he was detailed as a hiopital nurse and as a teamster during May-June, 1863. At Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, Buchanan was wounded in the arm and captured. Taken prisoner, he was confined at Port Lookout, MD, until exchanged in February 1865. He died in 1921 and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, Glade Spring, VA. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-John Buchanan, a 12 year old student, was living with his parents, David Buchanan, 38, and Nancy, 38, along with 5 siblings; Eliza Ann, 14, Joseph, 10, David D., 7, Mary R., 5, and Solomon, 3. Father was listed as a farmer with real estate valued at #1,000. Parents were Virginia born. 1860-John Buchanan was listed as a 22 year old laborer. His father, David, 47, a farmer, and Catherine, 26, Joseph, 20, laborer, David D., 16, laborer, May L., 14, Nancy E., 8, Sarah C., 5, Martha C., 1, and Philip, 8 months, were also in residence. 1880-John Buchanan, 42, and Emeline, 44, listed along with John's daughter, Mary J., 12. Also in residence were Johnathan W., 20, James H., 18, and William T. Rice, all stepsons. Smyth County Marriages 1851-1891-shows John Buchanan, 29, s/o David and Nancy as marrying Anna C. Faris [Farris], 29, on March 21, 1867. John, at age 41, noted as marrying again to Emeline Rice, 42, on May 21, 1879. John Alexander Buchanan was identified as a lawyer and judge with the firm of John A. and B. F. Buchanan-B. Gwyn. B. F. Buchanan was listed as a 22 year old law student on the 1880 Census. B. F. Buchanan, 27, lawyer, married Eleanor Sheffey, 20, on March 2, 1887. John Palmer: Mustered in July, 1861, John T. Palmer was wounded and captured August 28, 1862 at Groveton, VA. He was paroled at Aldie in October 1862 and served as a nurse until December 1862 when he returned to his regiment. Palmer was promoted to Sergeant in January 1864 and subsequently was captured May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania. He was confined at Elmira Prison, NY until exchanged February 2, 1865. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-John Palmer was a 7 year old student living with his parents, Dvid F. Palmer, 40, mother, Martha, 27, and 2 siblings. Father, identified as a Presbyterian minister, born in New Hampshire, with real estate valued at #3,000. Mother was Virginia native. 1860-John T. Palmer listed as a 17 year old student living with his father David R., 50, a Presbyterian minister and his mother, Martha, 38. Two younger brothers, James S., 14, and William G., 11, are in the home. Family real estate was valued at $4,000. 1880-no record Byars[?]: Possibly Samuel A. Byars, was a 22 year old brickman who joined the original Blues on April 18, 1861. He was captured on March 23, 1862 at Kernstown and later exchanged August 5, 1862. Returning to his unit, he was shot in the left foot May 3, 1863 at Chancellorsville. Byars was reported as AWOL from November 1863 through at least April 1864. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-Listed as a 12 year old student living with his mother, Susan Byars, 45, and 7 siblings. They live on a farm and all are Virginia born. 1860-Samuel A. Byars, 21, a brickmason, was listed as living with a Jacob A. Wolf, 38, also a brickman. 1880-no record Smyth County Marriages 1851-1891-Samuel A. Byars, 31, a widower, was noted as marrying Almeda A. Cole, 26, on August 18, 1874. Dempsey: Presently no military service information located for Dempsey last name. However, if "Dempsey" was actually W. Dempsey Wilmore, as suggested by Brenda Gwyn, there was contemporary census and marriage data. W. D. "Dempsey"? Wilmore was an original Blue and near neighbor to the Staley family. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-no record 1860-no record 1880-A Lewis Dempsey, 40, laborer, and his wife, Peggy J., 36, were listed as living with their 6 children. ??? Smyth County Marriages 1851-1891-no records Capt. Pendleton: When the Blues left Marion Albert Gallatin Pendleton was their commanding officer. A 25 year old lawyer, he apparently led the company until promoted to Major in January 1862. Because of physical disabilities, he applied in January 1863 for a position in the Quartermaster's Department. He died in 1901 and was buried in Marion. From Robertson's 4th Virginia Infantry: Page 9: "The 4th Virginia established camp 4 ½ miles north of Winchester. Shortly after its arrival, Capt. Albert Pendleton of the Smyth Blues received a large bottle of whiskey from home. Pendleton dared not display the spirits when Jackson was nearby, for the general viewed alcohol as Satan in liquid form. However, at lunch one day Pendleton secretly passed the bottle among his compatriots; and according to one source, the officers left for afternoon drill in a haze of joyous anticipation." 1861 Page 10: "On January 20th, Col. Preston died at his Montgomery County home…..Captain Pendleton of the Smyth Blues was promoted to major, and for a time it appeared that he might be named to lead the 4th Virginia. Yet he had made a number of enemies in the regiment. Speculation ended when Capt. Charles A. Roland of the Montgomery Highlanders received promotion to lieutenant colonel and assignment to command the 4th Virginia." 1862 Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-Albert Gallatin Pendleton was a 16 year old student living with his parents, James F., 45, and Narcissus T., 35, both Virginia natives. His father's occupation listed as a clerk whose real estate was valued at $10,000. Albert's siblings were: Samuel, 17, John S., 12, James F., 7, and William C., 4. Two deputy clerks, William B. Morgan, 30, and George R. Champion, 45, born in England, lived with the family. 1860-A. G. Pendleton, a 23 year old attorney, listed as living with many others in a Marion hotel, or rooming house, operated by Archibald B. Springle, 49. 1880-A. G. Pendleton, a 44 year old lawyer suffering from "sciatica" was living with his wife M. F., 34, and children, Kate O., 13, James I. or J., 6, and Narcissa C., 6 months. A black servant, Mary Henderson, is also present. Albert's brother, W. C. Pendleton, a 33 year old editor, was also listed as living with his family in Marion. Smyth County Marriages 1851-1891-A. G. Pendleton, shown as a 36 year old widower [may have been previously married to Olive, mother of Kate O.] married Lizzy M. Sheffey, 30, on October 24, 1872. Lizzy subsequently died at age 31 of consumption on May 10, 1875 in Marion. At age 43, A. G. Pendleton married Missouri Freelove Thomas, a 33 year old widow on February 26, 1879. A. G.'s daughter, Kate O., 21, married Franklin W. Craig, 29, on October 25, 1887. B. Gwyn-A. G. Pendleton became County Superintendent of schools in 1875. He was buried in Round Hill Cemetery, Marion. Vaughan: Robert C. Vaughan, a 24 tanner was appointed 2nd Lt. August 29, 1862 and promoted to 1st Lt. April 8, 1863. He was captured at Gettysburg and sent to Johnson's Island Prison, OH. He was paroled June 10, 1865. Records describe him as 5' 10", gray eyes, brown hair, ruddy complexion. Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-no record 1860-no record 1880-no record Smyth County Marriages 1851-1891-no record Henry Sawyers: Check further for clarification-A John H. Sawyers joined Company D on July 30, 1861. He was captured in April, 1862; paroled December 13, 1862; captured at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; died November 14, 1863, at Point Lookout Prison, MD. An unknown man assumed his name and was exchanged February 24, 1865. ??? Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-no record 1860-A John H. Sayers, 20, laborer was noted. 1880-A John H. Sawyers, 40, born in North Carolina, was listed as living with his wife Nancy J., 39. Smyth County Marriages 1851-1880-no record Albert: Albert James Staley, the letter's author was a 20 year old painter at Company "D" formation. In April of 1862 he was appointed 4th Sergeant. From November-December 1862, he was assigned the task of pursuing deserters. Captured at Gettysburg, Staley was sent to Fort Delaware Prison on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River where he remained until exchanged February 18, 1865. See information gathered about prisoner life at Fort Delaware Prison. [8] Smyth County, Virginia U.S. Census: 1850-see previous Staley data. 1860-no record. 1880-no record Smyth County Marriages 1851-1891-no record Cameron book [11]: A son, Walter E. was born about 1875-Harrisburg, MO. Albert S. Staley was 53 years old when he wrote from Schell City, MO, to his brother, Walter. As mentioned in his letter, Albert and his family moved from Virginia to Missouri around 1874. As was customary in the 19th Century, the eldest son, Walter, tended to inherit the family business and the younger male, Albert, was possibly encouraged to seek his fortune wherever possible. Time and miles apart may have caused Albert's thoughts to return "home" to Marion and the exploits of his youth. If there was a reunion of Confederate veterans photographed in 1892, memories must have been rekindled for Albert about his war experiences. Aproposed philatelic periodical article may concentrate on the brothers relationship and follow their families into the 20th Century. Questons: 1. Staley's in MO? 2. Staley's remaining in Marion-Walter's family-Henry Boyd-Staley house and business-pictures of individuals-Staley House-Cemeteries--? 3. Offspring of other families cited in letter living in Marion? 4. Further information on "Blues"? 5. Picture of Albert as Confederate soldier? Sources: [1] 1850 U.S. Census Smyth County, Virginia, Dr. John F. Schunk, Editor, S-K Publications, P.O. Box 8173, Wichita, KS 67208-0173 [2] Smyth County, Virginia 1860 Census, Thomas Jack Hockett and Sheila Steele Hunt, Kingsport, TN, 1999. [3] 1880 Smyth County, Virginia Census, Jack Hockett and Sheila Steele Hunt, Kingsport, TN, 1998. [4] Smyth County, Virginia Marriages 1851-1891, Thomas Jack Hockett and Sheila Steele Hunt, Kingsport, TN, 1999. [5] Brenda Gwyn, Smyth County Historical and Museum Society, 2000. [6] 4th Virginia Infantry, Dr. James J. Robertson, 2nd Edition, H. E. Howard, Inc., Lynchburg, VA, 1982. [7] Stonewall Jackson, The Man, the Soldier, The Legend, James J. Robertson, Jr., Macmillan Publishing, NY, 1997. [8] Fort Delaware Society, Delaware City, DE, 19706, 2000. [9] Muster Roll Company D, Fourth Virginia Infantry, Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 4, 1905-Letter to the Editor by Jno. S. Apperson, Marion, VA, 1902. [10] Margaret Gordon-Reed-Sexton relative-e-mail correspondence. [11] Cameron Book-get title etc. from Margaret [12] Commonwealth of Virginia Death Certificate-Charles McDonald Sexton [13] 4/13/1891 Letter Written by Charles Sexton to Relatives Dated: 11/14/2004