BARNHART-L Archives

From: Dow Graham <>
Subject: Library Research (Was Excerpts; John S. Barnhart's Pension Application--AS PROMISED)
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 17:31:48 -0400
References: <JzOVORLOGEeRBz4TJqYiQ1ctubv4@4ax.com>

This seems to clear up things a bit. According to Compendium Of The
Confederate Armies - Florida and Arkansas by Stewart Sifakis, "One
specialized type of unit was organized for the Army: the Reserves,
created by the Confederate Congress on Feb. 17, 1864 when it
expanded conscription to include all white males between 17 and 50
years of age. Those under 18 and those over 45 were to be organized
in the Reserves, troops that did not have to serve beyond the
boundaries of the State. In general, the units that remained within
the States boundaries were generally independent companies and
battalions serving in small detachments...They were organized into
regiments only when they were about to be sent to the fronts..."
So, that all fits with John.
In, The Roster of Confederate Soldiers 1861-1865 VolXVI edited by
Janet B. Hewett I found "Watson, W.B. FL Sp.Cav. 1st Bn CAPT." so
that seems to match but it sure is a 6 on the pension form.
Back to the Compendium; "The Florida 1st Special Cavalry Battalion,
nicknamed the Cattle Guards was a special commissary battalion
organized Dec 23, 1864." The field officer was listed as MAJ.
William Footman. Again, not an exact match but it looks good.

Respectfully
Dow

Previously I wrote:

> Much to my surprise the file came today. Within two weeks of
> me writing the check! The information filled a few holes and
> raised several questions. Going to the library this weekend
> was not on my list. haha
> Here are some bullets:
> --Application made October 4, 1907
> --Full name and residence: John Sidney Barnhart, Sanford
> Florida
> --Date and place of birth: July 27th, 1845 Green County,
> Georgia
> --He enlisted July 1864 in Orange County, in Capt. W. B.
> Watson's Company who was his Captain at the time of enlistment
> and discharge. To the question who his battalion or
> regimental commander was a the time of his enlistment and
> discharge he responded, Col. Dickinson. {Note: Three
> different spellings for Dickinson used in the file}
> --W. B. Watson supplied the affidavit of a Commissioned
> Officer responding that he was "a Commissioned Officer Captain
> in the 6th FLA Cav., CSA" {Note: Very clear handwriting.
> 6th Cav?}
> Application was approved February 8, 1908 with pay from
> November 8, 1907 at the rate of $100.00 per annum
> --Renewal Application made July 22, 1909
> --Declared he was 64 years old, was born July 27, 1845 in
> Green County, Georgia; that he resided in Florida continuously
> since December 15, 1851.
> --That he is the identical person who enlisted at Barnhart(?)
> Bridge, FLA...July 1864 in Company C Foote's afterward
> Dickenson's Regiment.
> --He was Honorably Discharged at Marion Co(unty) Florida May,
> 1865
> --On October 28, 1909 the pension renewal was disapproved
> stating; "in your former claim you applied as of Watson's
> Comany and in the renewal you applied as of Dickison's
> command."
> --On November 6, 1909 John Sidney Barnhart and Algernon S,
> Spear filed an affidavit attesting that Watson's Company was
> part of Dickerson's Command accounting for the apparent
> discrepancy.
>
> Hope this helps someone.
> Respectfully
> Dow Graham

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