Garren's Civil War research

[terrell garren]

I am Terrell Garren and I am searching for documents, photographs and other information pertaining to Confederate soldiers known as Junior Reserves. In the last year of the American Civil War seventeen year olds were drafted and sent to the Confederate Army. Many were captured before being officially assigned to regiments. Those not captured became part of what was known as the First Regiment North Carolina Junior Reserves. There were at least two hundred such boys from our area.

I am also searching for letters, military records, old newspaper accounts or any other information on Confederate soldiers from WNC who were in Union prisons during the Civil War.

Finally, I am seeking names and information on Union soldiers from WNC. Most of these men were in the Confederate Army first. Most went over to the Union Army very late in the War. There names may appear in both Union and Confederate records. Photographs of these men are rare and important if you happen to have one.

The state of North Carolina is also researching these same groups. Any important information I collect will also be sent to the North Carolina Office of Archives and History in Raleigh.

Thank you,
Terrell T. Garren

[Jennie Jones Giles]

I am not writing to discuss the issue of Dick Drake. From my personal viewpoint, my personal opinion only, I wish other examples of pension fraud had been used. My great-grandfather would have been just fine. He committed Confederate pension fraud.

There were white men who committed Union fraud, with excellent documentation, in Terrell's book. My personal opinion only is that examples of one Union guy and one Confederate guy committing fraud would have served the point better. The point being, yes, there was fraud on both sides.

I am writing in regards to the other black folks mentioned in this discussion. I have conducted years of research and so far have not found any blacks who were born in Henderson County, N.C., or lived in Henderson County at the time of the war who joined the Union (except for the recent research conducted by Troy Drake concerning Dick Drake who joined after the war had ended).

These men were mentioned in the discussion and, if anyone knows more about each of them, I would like additional information and documentation.

Here is what I have gathered so far on each of them. More information would be greatly appreciated. As is apparent by census reports, death certificates and military records, many former slaves did not know precisely when they were born, as to exact month or year. And, in the vast majority of cases, they did not have last names so they made up last names or took the last names of their former owners. As we all must know, slavery meant they were property, not people. In many instances, they did not know who both parents were, and at the time of their birth their parents did not have last names.

1. Jackson Holback was mentioned by both Troy Drake and Karen Rogers. Holback's death certificate states that he was born in South Carolina. On the 1910 census he states that he was born in South Carolina. All the Holbacks that I found in research had plantations on the coast of South Carolina. I have found none that had summer homes in Flat Rock. In the 1880 census report and when he joined Co. K in Tennessee he stated that he was born in Henderson County, but I have serious doubts. On his tombstone it states that he was born in April of 1833. Charlestonians did not come to Henderson County, N.C., as early as April. Several Charlestonians had slaves here in the county with them during the war (families lived here for the first time year-round for safety reasons). If he or his parents were "house" slaves (and owned  by someone other than a Holback) he could have left from here to join Co. K. As far as I know (please let me know if I am incorrect), he has no descendants here. Holback helped organize, in 1867, the black Mud Creek Baptist Church located today in East Flat Rock and he is buried at the church cemetery. Most local folks tell me that he came here after the war.

2. Alexander "Alex" Maxwell was referenced by Karen Rogers. He was born in 1836 in South Carolina. He died in 1920 in Henderson County. His death certificate states that he was born in Charleston, S.C., as were both of his parents. It states that he was buried at Shaw's Creek (black A.M.E. Zion church). He was one of the three of the first trustees of the church (after the war). He is also the person that DAR put up a wrong marker at the wrong cemetery. Barry Hollingsworth corrected this in the cemetery book. On census reports, birth dates range from 1836 to 1845, but all state born in South Carolina. Found where his wife filed a pension application after his death and he filed a pension application in 1890. When he joined the military it states that he was born in Georgetown, S.C., about 1847. He definitely came to Henderson County after the war.

3. Lewis McLean or McLain was referenced by both Drake and Rogers. Contrary to a statement made on this post, I cannot find any census report showing him in Henderson County, N.C. He states on 1880 census that he was born about 1836 in North Carolina. At the time he lived on Morristown, Tenn. In 1900 census he is still in Tennessee, states born in North Carolina. On Civil War record states that he was born in 1841 in Henderson, N.C. In 1904 he was in the U.S. National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Johnson City, Tenn. In 1920 he is living at U.S. National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Johnson City, Tenn. He died Oct. 9, 1923, and is buried at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City (plot H, 15, 2). Name is spelled Lewis McLain. On his death record, it states that he was born in North Carolina, no county or town stated. John McLean and Caroline McClain did own slaves here in the county in 1860. But, what proof is there that this black soldier was one of their slaves? How do we know since there are no descendants living here and he never lived here after the war? How do we know whether Henderson on the military record meant county or town?

4. James Newton. Contrary to statements made on this post, I can't find a James Newton in the Henderson County census reports after the war. I cannot find a James Newton who served in the 40th, Co. K, either in the National Soldiers and Sailors records or in 40th roster in any place that I have researched. Where is this documentation? Who is this person?

Ms. Rogers wrote this statement: "Frankly, how would Dick Drake know that the war was going to be over soon, as he signed up for three years as did his other friends that joined the 40th, Co. K on the same day, 29 Apr 1865."

Of course they knew the war was over. Everyone knew the war was over by this date. Union troops had already taken almost every town in the South and the vast majority of Confederate soldiers were on their way home.

Ms. Rogers then lists these men, in addition to Holback, McLain and Maxwell: Virgil Burton, Israel Chisholm and Isom Fox. She states that they all mustered out the same day and all received Union pensions.

Then she asks the question: "How come you didn’t question Virgil Burton’s alias?  Why single out Henry Harrison, “Alias Dick Drake”?"

Why would a book on Henderson County, N.C., mention Virgil Burton. He never lived in Henderson County.

1. Virgil Burton in Co. K states on his military record that he was born in 1847 in Idell, N.C. There is no place named Idell. It is possible this means Iredell County. He filed for his pension in Arkansas, stating his alias was Virgil Hoyle or Hoyal. His widow filed for widow's pension in 1923 in Arkansas. In 1870 he is living in Mississippi under name Virgil Hoyle. He states born about 1847 in North Carolina. By 1880 he is in Arkansas. What connection does this person have to Henderson County, N.C.?

2. Israel Chisholm states, when he joined Co. K, that he was born about 1845 in Sabine, S.C. He died in 1927 and is buried with Union headstone at Spring Wood Cemetery in Eutaw, Berkeley, South Carolina. Pension applications were from South Carolina. What connection does he have to Henderson County, N.C.?

3. Isom Fox states when he joined Co. K that he was born in 1844 in Norfolk, Tenn. 1870 census states that he was a mulatto living in Linville in Burke County, N.C., and born in Tennessee. On 1910 census it says he was born in N.C. He was still living in Burke County. He filed a pension application while living in Burke County. So far, have not located any information on his death or where he is buried. What connection does he have to Henderson County?

Thanks for any help in further research on these men.

Jennie Jones Giles

 

[terrell garren]

Dear Ms. Rogers,

As you probably read, I posted my review of the Dick Drake case. I decided to take it down because I'm uncomfortable discussing such a complicated subject in a public forum. Even the slightest possibility of error deserves serious consideration.

I also want to correct a misquote. In an earlier posting I am quoted as having written "60,000 copies," in reference to my book Measured In Blood. This is some sort of mistake. What I wrote was "60,000 indiviual calculations." This comment was in referernce to the rosters and point system I used in the book, not copies printed. MIB is a single county, history/reference book. There were only a few hundred copies printed.

I think Troy had it right, we should just "agree to disagree."

Thank you for your consideration.

Terrell

[terrell garren]

To the Reader:

I took down my posted Review of the Dick Drake case because I thought it really more appropriate for professional and serious part time historians. Some of this indepth study requires some experience with the records in order to gain a proper perspective.

Thank you.

TG

[terrell garren]

To readers: I'll be off line until Monday.

 

Thank you.

TG

[Cindy Camp-fisher]

Hello Mr. Garren, I am branch manager at the Fletcher library.  We recently won a Civil War grant and I need to schedule a couple of programs/speakers about the subject.  Could you contact me via email at [e-mail] or call [phone] to talk about if you would be available to be a speaker for us?  Thank you, Cindy Camp-Fisher

[Karen R. Rogers]

Terrell, thank you for your honesty.  I will be looking forward to reading your addenda to "Measured in Blood" this coming year.

[terrell garren]

Dear Ms. Rogers,

RE: One troubling point

I seem to be the only one saying "I could be wrong."

Your confidence is disconcerting because it seems ureasonable to me that anyone could feel very certain about this case. I don't understand your confidence becasue of a multitude of reasons. We are discussing something that happened one hundred to one hundred seventy ago. It involves a quest for federal money. There are hundreds of side inssues or supporting points which can all be credibly disputed either way. The person who apparently made these claims was an illiterate former slave who used at least three names. We have affidavits signed by other illiterate former slaves. We probably have former slave owners involved handling the post war paper work for the former slaves. The former slaves were probably economically dependent upon their former masters. The federal funds may have been sought in order to pay unfair expenses to the former slave owners who may have filled out the papers and submitted the documents. I don't see how we can be confident that the X's on the documents were actually the mark of the former slaves.

We only have one document that is not involved in the convoluted post war mess. It is the original military record. It is probably accurate. When considering the military record it appears that the man who filed for the pension was not the same man who served in the 40th.

Is it possible that you could be wrong? I can't help but wonder if others should consider reading the John C. Maxwell quote?

If nothing else, all this makes for an interesting discussion and demonstrates to the reader how difficult sorting out history can be.

Thank you,

TG

[terrell garren]

Dear Ms. Rogers,

Your good comments are very similar to previous comments here. I've explained it as well as I can. I'm still very convinced that my evaluation is correct but your's and Troy's concern worries me greatly. What I regret is that I did not state more directly that I do not think Dick Drake was responsible for what went on. I suspect, but of course can't prove, that others were responsible for the whole thing.

Just like those other previous comments on the subject, you raise valid points. I will continue to consider this. I thank you for mentioning the addenda for my book. I will defintely address this issue when I print the addenda. Whether I change my mind or not, I will print your point of view. Your breakdown is very good and at least offers some crdible argument as to why his descriptions might be so different. But you must know that post war affidavits, whether they be Union or Confederate, are not usually very credible. People were so angry over the war they felt justifed in saying anything and I don't blame them.

You're so right about admitting mistakes. You seem to know a lot about my work so you know I've been willing to publicly confess to mistakes in the the past. I will do so again if I can convince myself that I'm doing the right thing. If I find out something I've said or written is wrong, I tell it, I correct it and unlike some, I try to get the word out.

I expect to publish the addenda sometime in 2014, probably the second half of the year. I think you'll be pleased at how I represent your point of view, but right now I can't say that I'll change my opinion. What I will say, that I've stated so often in the past, I could be wrong.

I thank you for your posting. It is well done and deserves my attention. You have it.

Thank you,

Terrell Garren

 

[Karen R. Rogers]

Terrell I have been a researcher and former librarian since 1991.  A good share of my family came from Hendersonville, North Carolina in the late 1800s and early 1900s to Gallatin County, Montana where I still live today.  My main genealogy research has been in Henderson County.  I have researched for myself, for others, and with others and have transcribed documents, wills, deeds and so forth.

I have read and own all of your books, “Secret of War”, “The Fifth Skull”,  “Mountain Myth” and “Measured in Blood”.  I have admired your books, until reading “Measured in Blood” and find your conclusion a very big disappoint that Dick Drake alias Henry Harrison was a fraud.

 I am a member of “The Read” on WNC and have followed all the postings shown about Dick Drake.

In my opinion, Troy Drake, has shown you enough evidence that Dick Drake is not a fraud and deserves to rest in peace as an honorable Civil War Veteran. Reviewing your post,

Quote, “But the most important point I want to make is that the history of these men does not belong to one man or one family. Dick Drake or Mr. Harris or Henry Harrison are all historical figures now. They and their history belong to the people of the United States. Since these men were held as slaves that makes this point even more important. I have every right to express my opinion regarding them and their history.”_Unquote.

If you genuinely believe what you said here, why did you single out Dick Drake as a fraud nearly ninety years after his death?  Let him rest in peace!

At one point, I noticed a post made by you; I will show it in part,

Quote, “A former slave entering the Union Army that late in the war (April 1865) would have had no reason to use an alias. The war was practically over. I also acknowledge that there are cases where record keeping at the time could be erroneous or intentionally falsified, but that seems very unlikely in this case.”_Unquote.

Frankly, how would Dick Drake know that the war was going to be over soon, as he signed up for three years as did his other friends that joined the 40^th, Co. K on the same day, 29 Apr 1865.  These men were Jackson Holback, Virgil Burton, Israel Chisholm, Isom Fox, Alexander Maxwell, and Lewis McLain/Mclean.  All of these six men and Dick Drake mustered out the same day, 23 Apr 1866. 

All of these same six men received Civil War pensions:  Jackson Holback by 28 Oct 1891; Lewis McLain/McLean by 4 Aug 1890; Virgil Burton “Alias Virgil Hoyal” by 6 Aug 1890; Isom Fox by 3 Sep 1888 and Alexander Maxwell by 2 Aug 1890. And lastly the seventh man who was Henry Harrison “Alias Dick Drake” by 11 May 1883.

And yes, I did mention Virgil Burton “Alias Virgil Hoyal”.  How come you didn’t question Virgil Burton’s alias?  Why single out Henry Harrison, “Alias Dick Drake”?

Looking further into postings, another comes to mind,

Quote, “on February 7, 2013

DICK DRAKE GRAVESTONE

I was asked about Dick Drake's gravestone? Dick Drake drew a Union pension, therefore he is entitled to a Union gravestone, period. The questions I raise regarding his pension don't change that one bit. I think those questions, along with questions regarding about 40 or so Confederate gravestones make our history all the more interesting. TG “_Unquote

Here we are again, if I am correct, you are commenting that Dick Drake drew a Union pension, therefore, he is entitled to a Union gravestone, period.  So, regarding this comment Dick Drake does not deserve to be reputed as a fraud, period.

Another posting you made, regarding 60,000 copies on December 18, 2012,

Quote ”Copies of the book have been sent to appropriate educational institutions and qualified historians for consideration. I expect some critisism, I'm just hoping it won't be too bad. I plan to publish an addendum to the book which will address any corrections. If there is some sort of major opinion or statement released I will comment here.”_Unquote

Terrell, with great respect for you as a writer and researcher please consider changing in your book addendum to justify this injustice brought to a former slave and Civil War Veteran as a fraudulent claimant. Admit Quote, “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them. - John C. Maxwell

Dick Drake’s height was the same in every Civil War Card featured on Ancestry.com in the U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934.  Perhaps, his height varied in his Civil War File, but how did he know what they were writing down?  Dick Drake couldn’t read, write or see, he was blind in later years and had health issues.  He gave his original discharge papers to prosecute his claim to Attorney Thomas J. Rickman in Henderson County, North Carolina.  The attorney claimed that he misplaced them.  After a long wait, he asked Attorney Rickman and others to write affavidits on his behalf for support of his claim.  Therefore, possibly the height issue happened when they tried to reconstruct his claim.

This brings to mind, these last two years at my doctor’s office; I have been measured differently in height three times.  If someone examines my medical record ninety years from now they will think three different people took my place at the doctor’s office so I will be considered a fraud.  I certainly hope not, I think I will talk to the nurse about this.

Famous Quotes:

Man passes away; his name perishes from record and recollection; his history is as a tale that is told, and his very monument becomes a ruin. – Washington Irving

[Troy Drake]

This will be my final post on this blog.  I am not surprised that you won't change your story.  We agree to disagree.  A professional historian does not wear blinders and performs adequate investigation before publication of comments claiming that someone committed fraud.  I've already explained the relationship of the names.  I have thoroughly investigated Granville County records.  You looked at Dick Drake's military records and make broad assumptions without proof.  I have asked many questions in my post that have gone unanswered.  Unlike you, I make no moral judgments about this man.  You have no proof that he committed fraud.  Why would you make unsubstantiated claims that this man was mulatto, illegitimate and fathered by a white man if not to sensationalize your story.  There is no basis for this claim or others about Dick Drake.   As a former fraud auditor who worked fraud cases for 30 years it is not an unfamiliar topic for me.  This is my last post here...