Claim #:2957

Total Pages: 41

Nature of Claim: One Sorrel Horse

Amount Claimed: $200

Amount allowed: $0

Pages 5-13: Deposition of James M. Bynum (16 June 1873)

My name is James M. Bynum my age 40 years. My residence Sanber county in the State of Arkansas. and my occupation a Farmer.

From the first of April 1861 to the spring of 1864 - the 14th day of February - I resided on my farm in Jackson County Alabama in February 1864 I left my house and moved my family to the State of Illinois where I resided until after the close of the war. My farm consisted of 120 acres of land about sixty acres was cultivated - the remainder wood land and situated about 8 miles west of Billifaute, the county seat of Jackson county While I resided on my farm my occupation was farming with the exception of about Eight months I was conscripted and made to work in the Salt Petre works about 3 miles from my house - I was allowed to take my choice . Either to go into the army or work at the salt peter works and I chose the latter - I think this was during 1862 - While I resided in the State of Illinois I was occupied in farming.

went by Rail Road to Nashville and by steam boat from then to Shaneetown Ill. I was furnished with Government Transportation from Alabama to Shawneetown Ills. I left my home to go where it was more quiet and where I could support my family or get something for them to subsist upon - as the country where I was living was almost entirely destitute of subsistance and after the close of the war I moved my family to the state where I have resided since - I went to Alabama and sold my farm.

At the beginning of the rebellion I sympathized with the Union Cause

I don't now remember about voting for the ratification the ordinance of secation [?- separation] but if I voted at all I voted against it.

my brother in law - John C. Luiner who was a soldier in A Company 1st Alabama U.S.U. Cavalry - who was stationed at Lankinsville

Page 41: Final decision Remarks.

The claimant is about 43 years of age & a farmer. He resided in Jackson Co. Ala. until Feb. 1864 when he removed his family to Illinois where he remained until after the close of the -- says he was conscripted - thinks in 1862 and made to work eight months in the salt petre works about three miles from his home. The reason he gives for going to Illinois was it was more quiet & he could support his family, in the county where he was living was entering destitute of subsistence. There is not the slightest [? - one word] on his own past that he was ever personally molested or threatened on account of his [?- two words] He supposes the rebels took some property from him on that account - He says he sympathies with the Union cause from the beginning to the end & voted for union candidates to the convention. The first witness to loyalty J. M. Shelton testifies in genial terms to claimants loyalty & claims to have been a union man himself - He says he was forced into the confederate army in 1862 - At that time no conscript law had been passed & the ibkt force that could have operated was public opinion. - This witness says claimant went north for protection. Mr. Bynum gives no such reason. He & his witness seem to have been about alike as union men & neither of them could be regarded as adhering to the union cause - two other witness are called. G. D. Proctor was about 16 years of age when the war commenced. never conversed with claimant about the war & states no facts - The other witness Lewis Maver [?] was about 15 when the war commenced - His testimony is inconsistent with what the claimant says of himself. the claim is disallowed.

Bynum Documents