1844 Letter of Samuel Sergent to his Brother Jesse

The following letter appears in the September 9, 1927 issue of the Lebanon News. According to the article the letter was written by Samuel Sergent, living in Bloomfield, Indiana to his brother Jesse Sergent, living in Lebanon.


Greene County, Ind.
November 8th, 1844.

Dear Brothers and Sisters and inquiring friends, I once more take my pen in hand to write to you to let you know that we are all well at present hoping these few lines may find you in the same state of health. I can inform you that my old father and family got to my house on the 29th of September well and hearty, and after would return his sincere thanks to God for his kind mercies toward him. He seemed perfectly satisfied with the country, and sold his wagon and one mare for winter provisions, and David Cowan, myself and William began to prepare a house for them to live in. I took them all in my house to live with me until his house was built.

They all seemed well pleased and especially father and the negroes, as they were now free in spite of all their enemies. But alas his stay with me was short; on the 31st day of October he died having but nine days sickness and made but very little complaint of anything being the matter with him only that he had accomplished all the work the Lord had left for him to do; that he had lived long enough for all the good he had done, and he told us not to grieve for him but to prepare to meet him for he was going to rest. We had the house nearly bout finished for him, and when Soo told him the house was almost ready he told hir that hir and William and Esther and the children could live in it, that he never should go to it. He appeared in his perfect senses the most of his time. He was extremely hearty until nine days before he died, and often stated that he felt stouter than he had for several years, that the Almightly had preserved and blessed him in his undertaking, and he had accomplished his ends, in spite of all their threatnings, but he said if the Lord would forgive them he would, and that he wanted them all to try to meet him in Heaven.

A few nights after he took sick after all the family was gon to bed except Soo and myself I went to the bed and asked my father how he felt. He said he felt no particular misery but that he was not long for this life that he had been studying about his will and that it was not to his notion. He then told me how it was and how he wished it to be. I told him I would fix it for him, and immediately put out for two of my neighbors and David Cowan and when I had brought them to my house I then told him I was ready to write his will, and told him to tell these men how he wanted it written. He then told them that he wanted all his personal property after his death to be for William and that the three black children should be bound to William until they were twenty-one years of age, and provided he should die, that they would be left under my control until they were free, and that Soo and Esther should live with them until death, although they are at liberty to do as they please. I do not feel the least doubt but they will do according to his will. They are now living in their own house and seems well satisfied. Esther and hir mother is getting the offers of more work than they can do, and they are daily employed in doing all they can. As you have heard so many different tails about their freedom, I will tell you I made inquiry of one of our smartest lawyers concerning the matter and he told me if they were brought here with the intention of freedom that they were free as soon as they came into the state, but that there was a limited time for slaveholders to take their slaves through the state. He also told me that the children would have to be bound to some one until they were of age. Mr. Lasting and his wife is living about 1 mile from us. Esther and Sosanah wishes to be remembered to all inquiring friends. Tell Ferdenen am well and hope he will not grieve after me. I shall add no more but hope that if we never shall be permitted to see each others faces here on earth that we shall meet around the dazzling throne of God, where sighing and trouble, pain and distress and parting will be no more.

Yours
SAMUEL SERGENT

New Obituaries Added to Index

New Obituaries Added to Index

Over on my Russell County History site, I've added over 800 new obituary and death notices to the Master Obituary Index. These additions to the index come from several Bristol papers that have recently been made available online. I've also identified 70 new obituaries for my Civil War website. I will resume updating both sites in the near future to get these additional resources available.

The new obituaries and death notices can be located by searching the Master index for the following papers: Bristol Herald, Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Evening News, and the Bristol News Bulletin.

If you are interested in a particular obituary, let me know, I can usually get a copy of the full obituary or death notice.

New Website

Apologies for not updating this blog in a few months, I've been working on another Civil War Project, The Civil War in Howard County, Maryland, which is my home county. I will get back to regular updates in the near future.

Joel R. Campbell to William Elbert Campbell, April 27, 1906

The following letter was written by Civil War veteran Joel R. Campbell to his son William Elbert Campbell in 1906. Mentioned in the letter are Joel's other sons Marcellus and George W. Campbell.


4 - 27 - 6

Dear Elbert

I have with held writing to you, thinking I would get to go to your house have no spare horse now they are harrowing & commenced planting this morning. Bird has a colt & it came very near getting drowned. Just found it in time to save it.

I saw Marcell Sunday he had sold as he thought the Balance of the goods took invoice of goods $23.00 & something out side of Stone fixtures $2.60 when it come to Paing & fixing note he only wanted to pay $4 00 down & the remainder about $1 00 a month I didn't think that would be agreeable with you and Harve (it is not with me). Am looking for a letter today from W. M. C. don't know whether I will get it or not. Am going to your House as soon as I can and want to stay a few days when I go if I can.

Will have to close as it is mail time.

J. R. C.

George has sold his mare for $1.10 to Billy Alexander.

1866 Letter of Elizabeth C. Carter to Former Slave

1866_9_10 

Home. 

Lebanon, Russell Co., Virginia 

September 10^th 1866 

My Dear “Dark”[1]former female slave of Dale Carter. Dale Carter owned dozens of slaves...

I wrote to you for Clara[2]Former slave of Dale Carter, gave birth to child Rachel on May 10, 1853. A Clara Carter, age 50, appears in the 1870 Census for Carroll County, KY. Henry L. Giltner (see below) was living in Carroll County. several months

ago but we have heard nothing from you since. I know

you are anxious to hear all the news we have in Russell

and I will not wait longer to write. Charlie & Mary

Fulton[3]Charlie and Mary Fulton - Lizzie Carter's brother, Charles Dale Carter married Mary Taylor Fulton daughter of Creed and Mary (Taylor) Fulton. were married in June. We gave a big Party

here a few days after the wedding. I wrote to you

to come out to it and was sorry you were not here.

The house was full for two nights & a day. We did

not ask any body about here but Kate Wagoner[4]Kate Wagoner - Rachael Catherine Wagoner, daughter of William D. and Nancy (Munsey) Wagoner. Born ca. 1844. Married Harvey Sawyers on 12/12/1870. See Lizzie Wagoner below.. She

was here the night of the Party and looked mighty nice.

We have had a door cut in the little room, over the old

dining room leading into the passage in the min.[?] stairs.

We had a carpet made for it and the bride & groom

stayed in it when they were over. Aunt Nance &

Ib were here helping in the kitchen. Sallie[5]Sarah Preston Carter, daughter of Dale Carter, sister to Lizzie Carter. Born Jan 21 1843, died Jan 1 1910. Sally Carter, age 26, RC 1870 Census, HH 110 (household of Charles A. Smith, John T. and Margaret Lampkin also living there.) & I went

over to the wedding and I waited on them. Every

Young lady & gentleman in Abingdon came home

with us to the “Infair”. Soon after the Party here

sister Marge[6]Margaret Crockett Carter Lampkin. Daughter of Dale Carter (see below.) Born 8/27/1839. Sister of Elizabeth C. Carter. Married to John T. Lampkin. went home and had a son. She was dread-

ful sick and her baby was dead born. It was a fine

large boy. We thought for a long time Sister Marge

would die. Sallie, Mother & myself were all there

while she was sick. Cousin John & Mag[7]John T. Lampkin and Margaret C. Carter. See above. are both very

Page 2 of original letter

much distressed at the loss of their baby. It would have

been named “William A Stuart” if it had lived.

Miss Pug Leece[8]Margaret Leece, (b. ca. 1837), daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Thompson) Leece, married George Sandoe (b. ca. 1838), son of George & Rebecca Sandoe, on August 29, 1866 in Russell County. married Mr Sando[9]George Sandoe, see above.. See above. from Abingdon

she was married one morning soon at Sam Leece’s[10]b. ca. 1801, RC Census, 1860, HH 296, age 59 with daughter Margaret (Pug), age 23 and son Samuel, age 24. See https://russellvets.org/soldiers/l/Leece_Samuel.html &

went to Abingdon that day. People think she has done

very well. She did not have any wedding.

Alice Dotson[11]Martha T. Aston, daughter of Samuel W. and Louisa Aston, married George W. H. Gray, son of Napoleon Bonaparte and Rebecca Gray, 9/5/1866 in Russell County. [Writer apparently confused Alice with her sister Mattie, see below.] married one of Bone Gray’s sons[12]George W. H. Gray, see above. See also: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/g/Gray_George_William_James.html last

week. Mattie Aston[13]Mary Alice Aston, daughter of Samuel W. and Louisa Aston, married Thomas McCleary Vermillion, son of Issac and Martha (Boyd) Vermillion. See https://russellvets.org/soldiers/v/Vermillion_Thomas_McCleary.html & Ike Vermillion’s son ran

away and married about six weeks ago. Hopkins &

his wife[14]unknown came up to see us not long ago and stayed

all night. They are living out in Wise. Israel[14]unknown & his

wife live with them. Israel has a child named Eliza.

Lizzy Wagoner[15]Mary Elizabeth Wagoner, daughter of William D. and Nancy (Munsey) Wagoner. Born ca. 1842. Married Benjamin Frank Bickley, 9/12/1865. Bickley was the son of Sebastian and Fannie (Haburn) Bickley. & Frank Bickley are living up above

town. They are doing well, but from all accounts will

have to look around for a cradle soon.

Holden Davis'[16]Holden Davis (b. 5/22/1792 in Wilkes Co., NC.) Married Rachel Harmon ca. 1817. Moved to Russell County between 1840 and 1850. Married (#2) Delpha Martin (b. ca. 1842) on 8/3/1864. She is listed as the daughter of Sarah Minick (1850 Tazewell census has Delpha Martin, daughter of Sarah Martin.) Holden died around 1866. wife has a nigro child and old Davis

gave lb & Dave Leece[17]free African Americans, Dave Leece (b. ca. 1820) and Ibby (b. ca. 1818), 1870 RC Census, HH 54, living with Mary (age 3) and Maggie (age 3). Ibby was formerly a slave of Dale Carter. Gave birth to child Ellen, March 23, 1861 as slave of Dale Carter. a cow & calf to take &

raise it as their own. Aunt Margaret Lampkins[18]Margaret B. (Smith) Lampkin, married to John Lampkin 11/6/1839. Mary Elizabeth Lampkin (b. 1853), daughter of John and Margaret.

& Mary Lizz came out from Lynchburg and

stayed several weeks. They were here about a week

Aunt Margaret fell one day while she was at Uncle

Henry’s[19]probably Henry Smith Lampkin. See: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/l/Lampkin_Henry_Smith.html & broke her arm. It did not get well before

she went home. Miss Lucy Dennis[20]unknown and a lady from

Richmond came down and spent a week with us

not long ago. They are nice ladies. Martha Jessee[21]Jefferson Jessee had three female slaves in 1850, ages 16, 15, and 11. In the 1860 census, he had one female aged 23, and five male slaves.

that used to belong to Jeff Jessee is our cook. Ive

have a white girl to do the house work and get

along very well. I get my clothes done up tol-

Page 3 of original letter

erably well, but always wish for some of your

washing when I get on a big dike.

Mrs. Giltner[22]Martha Griffith Young Giltner. Married to Henry L. Giltner, see below. writes to us some times. She is at

home. The baby[23]of above. Emma M. Giltner (b. 1865), died 6/22/1866. Buried in Carroll County, KY. that was born soon after she left

here died not long ago with whooping cough. They

were much distressed at its death. In Mrs. Giltner's

last letter she said Giddy[24]Gideon Giltner (b. 1862), son of Henry L. and Martha Giltner (see elsewhere.) got on the arm of the

rocking chair every day and took a ride to see

“Dark” & Grandpa Carter[25]letter recipient, probably a former slave of Dale Carter. Grandpa Carter is Dale Carter.. I know you would

be as glad to see him. Adjt Freeman[26]Terah Major Freeman - "Adjutant Terah Major Freeman (HLS, 1860, LLB), was born Apr. 5, 1839 in KY. He studied law at UVA, 1858-59...and giving his home as Frankfort, KY...On July 5, 1861, he enrolled for the war, as pvt. in...2nd KY Mtd. Inf....During fall 1862, he transferred ot the staff of Col. Henry Liter Giltner, 4th KY Cav...He was appt. lt., adj. on Giltner's staff, Jan. 3, 1863..." - Crimson Confederates: Harvard Men who Fought for the South By Helen P. Trimpi has

married his cousin. The Giltners are all sin-

gle and still at home. Major Nounnan[27]James H. Nounnan "Nounnan was born about 1834 in Virginia. He enlisted as a private in Company H of the 22nd Virginia Infantry on May 8, 1861. In Augusts of 1861 Nounnan was transferred to Capt. James Corns' Cavalry Company, attached to a temporary organization known as the 2nd Kanawha Regiment. This company was known as the Fairview Rifle Guards and eventually became Company K of the 8th Virginia Cavalry. He probably served in this unit until October of 1862, when he left to form his company of cavalry in Ferguson's Battalion. Nounnan rose to the rank of major in the 16th Virginia Cavalry and led part of the regiment at various times. Nounnan was one of the officers who remained with Gen. John McCausland and rode through the Union lines instead of surrendering at Appomattox. In May, 1865, McCausland, Ferguson, Nounnan and 13 others marched to Charleston, West Virginia, and were paroled. Nounnan died at the Lee Camp Soldiers' Home at Richmond on October 1, 1900." - 16th Virginia Cavalry, Jack L. Dickenson is liv-

ing in Texas. He writes to us right often. Dave

Bowls[28]unknown married soon after he went home but died

not very long ago. Poor fellow! I wonder if he will ever

get forgiveness for all the big tales he has

told in his life. Aunt Nance is still living

with George. She does not look well now, but I

think the cause of it is, she don’t get as much coffee

as she wants to drink. She had a letter from Charles

not long ago. He is well and is still anxious to come

out to Russell. I am sorry to tell you Georges Fleck[?][29]unknown, possibly "George's Fleck", Fleck, the son of George?

died with the flux about two months ago. He

suffered a great deal but talked a great deal about

dying. He was such a fine sensible little boy.

Hannah & Jord[30]unknown have a boy. I suppose you have

heard old Uncle Jordan[31]unknown is dead, and old Uncle Job[31]possibly unknown father of Job Wadron, 1870 RC, age 23. A Samuel Wadron is living with Ibby and Dave Leece (see above.) too.

Old Jeff Jessee[32]Jefferson Jessee, b. 1802, married Nancy J. Counts, ca. 1824. Died May 6, 1866. is dead, also Antony Puckett[32]b. ca. 1805, Halifax County, VA. Married 1/17/1833 to Hannah Holt in Patrick County, VA. Father of Dosh (below)..

Page 4 of original letter

Dosh Puckett[33]Theodocia Puckett, b. ca. 1843, daughter of Anthony (above) and Hannah Puckett. Married Joseph Ashby, 3/6/1866. married one of the Ashbys[34]Joseph Ashby, son of John and Valey (Hackney) Ashby, b. 2/5/1847, married Dosh (above). Died 2/8/1936. See: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/a/Ashby_Joseph_Cummins.html. Jim

Puckett[35]James M. Puckett, b. ca. 1841, son of Anthony (above) and Hannah Puckett. Married Nancy Stamper, 8/9/1866. See: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/p/Puckett_James_M1.html is married too to some girl over on the

river. Ann Barton[36]Angeline Barton, Age 3, 1860 RC Census, HH 294 (William and Metilida Smith). Age 13, 1870 RC Census, HH 229 (living with William and Margaret Barton.) Mother: is here. She is a smart girl and

Mother has taken her to raise. Mrs Barton[37]Ruth Barton, age 37, 1860 RC Census, HH 294 (William and Metilida Smith). Wife of John Barton, 1850 RC Census, HH 371. lives

about at different places. We went to Camp

Meeting last week. It is going on yet. Jim Gib-

son[38]Possibly James Gibson, 1870 RC Census, Copper Creek, HH 127, age 39. and several others professed religion.

Henry, Dale & Johnny[39]Possibly brothers of Eliza Carter (unknown, John Taylor Carter, Charles Dale Carter.) John Taylor Carter went by "Jack". Alternately, Henry was a slave of Dale Carter. have been staying

over here a great deal. They are all fine boys

and Dale talked a great deal about “Dark”

I wish you could see them again.

You must try to come out to see us. I

would be glad to see you and I know every

body else out here would be as well as my-

self. Mother and Sallie are well and look

about like they did when you left.

The old house yard is grown up with weeds

three feet high and the doors & windows gone

out of the old kitchen. Our servants live in Aunt

Nance’s old house. I have not been down there

since you all left. It is the saddest looking

place you ever saw and I know you would

cry over it sometimes if you could see it.

Sallie sends her love and says tell you when

she marries she is going to send for you to

do up her wedding clothes.

The yard is full of pretty roses now but the frost

and snow will soon scatter their leaves.

You must let me hear from you soon. Let me know.

If you have many troubles these days.

Written at the top of the first page above the greeting

We never hear

from Andy[40]probably former slave of Dale Carter. these

days. I reckon

he is dead.

Ike[41]probably former slave of Dale Carter. is still

living at

John Lampkins.

Clara and all

are well up

there. Rach[42]probably former slave of Dale Carter, daughter of Clara (see above). has

gotten to be a

great big woman.

I reckon it will

not be long be-

fore she thinks

about marrying.

I forgot to tell

you Charlie & Mary

are living at old

Cousin Mary Fulton’s

I must close

Yours affectionately

Lizzie C. Carter

Lebanon

Russell Co

Virginia

World War I Letters of Russell County, January 24, 1919

The following letter appears in the December 20th issue of the Lebanon News:

"LAUDATORY OF FALLEN RUSSELL COUNTY HERO

Headquarters, Co. M, 317th Inf.
American Expeditionary Forces,
December 9th, 1918

Mrs. Sam Bartee,
St. Paul, Va.,

My Dear Madam,

I am in receipt of your letter stating that you have been officially notified of your son's death.

John Williams was one of the old men of my company, having been with it from its organization. From the first day he came to Camp Lee he was always willing and enthusiastic to do his full duty and was in every way a fine soldier. When my company went into the drive north of Verdun on Sept. 25th, he was a Platoon Runner, one of the most important positions in a platoon organization. A runner must be strong, reliable and willing to go any where at any time that duty calls him, thus your son was. From the 29th to October 1st when we came out for a short rest John Williams cheerfully did valuable work for his platoon.

While in reserve on the night of October 3rd, my company was under rather severe artillery fire. One shell struck near where he was sleeping, wounding him in the head and two of his comrades who were sleeping near by. I saw him shortly afterward and he seemed to be suffering no great pain. I remained with him while his wounds was dressed and saw him put in an ambulance about twenty minutes later. It was with the deepest regret that a few days later I learned that he had died Oct. 5th.

I can assure you that your son was liked and admired by all his officers and fellowmen, and that it was with the greatest sorrow that they heard of his death.

Your son was one of those noble American soldiers who gave his life for his country in the greatest of all wars.

I remain sincerely yours
THOS. C. BARTON,
Captain 317 Infantry."

Chloe Fraley Lee Osborne Civil War Letter

Chloe Fraley was born in Russell County 1809, the daughter of William and Nancy Smith Fraley. On June 23, 1830 she married James Lee. They had at least 8 children before James Lee died in 1851. Including among her children were James M., Alexander M., David Fletcher,  Tivis P., and William E. Lee, who all served in the Civil War (see Alexander M. Lee Tries to Get a Substitute and Five Civil War Veterans Who Survived the War Only To Be Murdered).

After James Lee's death, Chloe married Samuel Osborne on May 18, 1852. Chloe had one known child with Samuel, a daughter Frances S. Osborne.

Chloe's son James M. Lee was stabbed to death while on leave in Russell County on December 26, 1862. Incensed, Chloe placed the following advertisement in the Abingdon Virginian:

$200 REWARD.
I WILL pay the above reward for the apprehension of SQUIRE OSBORNE, who wilfully murdered James M. Lee, in Castles Woods, on Friday, the 26th of December, 1862. Said Osborne is about 36 years of age, about six feet high, blue eyes, dark hair, round or stoop shouldered, has one little finger cut off, (hand not recollected.) He also has fresh wounds on his left arm, is quick spoken, and has a small round face, with a scar below one eye.
CHLOE OSBORNE

The above advertisement ran for several months, but it does not appear that Squire Osborne was ever tried for the murder of James M. Lee. Squire Osborne served in the Civil War and died in 1907 in Wise County.

In 1863 Chloe wrote the following letter to one of her sons. The letter was probably written to her son David F., as James M. was dead, Tivis and Alek (Alex) are mentioned in the letter, and the letter mentions "Mary" who was David's wife. David would eventually divorce his wife Mary in 1868.

Rusel Co virgina
August the 18th 1863

Dear Son I now take my pen in hand to writt to you to let you Know we are in
tolerable health Frances still keeps poorly and eats nothing hardly, I hope
when these lines comes to hand they may find you in good health, I received
a letter from you last Saturday and was truly glad you had come out of your
battle without being hurt I have bad news to write to you Mary lost 140
dollars stole out of her pocket Book and dont Know how it was taken and no
wonder she carried it about with her from place to place and lete other
people count it She has brought the rest of it here Six hundred Dollars
I am taking care of it for you
I am halling in your wheat to day though it is half destroyed I got a
letter from Tives the other day he writes he is very poorly he has been sick
a week or two little Bill was well and seting over a fine pot of chicken
helping himself I have a letter from Tives. I am going to send to you
he writes that he is out of clothing and I am going to send him some by Alek
Alek wants you to get a furlow and go with him I am mighty glad he is such
a brave Soldier tell him the next horse he captures I want him to bring to
me. nomore at present but remain your true mother until Death

Cloey Osborne.


Tivis P. Lee died at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864.

Alexander M. Lee died in 1894.

Chloe died in 1898.

David F. Lee died in 1926.