Johnson County Tenn.

[Mountain Rebel]

The generally accepted version of history says that Johnson county was solidly union in sentiment. A modern website proudly proclaims that Johnson has the distinction of being the only county in TN that did not raise a single unit for the Confederacy. Both of these claims are false.

When the war ended, the victorious Unionists returned and celebrated their victory over the hated Rebels. Those of the Southern persuasion quickly learned to keep their mouth shut and their head down. Many moved away within a year or two of the cessation of hostilities. Almost immediately Daniel Ellis began writing his highly partisan, grossly exaggerated version of history and the die was cast. Per Ellis ALL who supported the South were evil, murderous monsters who deserved to die. Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry. Although the rhetoric was toned down, they still portrayed all the unionists as poor, innocent victims of Rebel oppression. These books quickly became the accepted version of the story while the Confederates side has never been told or was outright suppressed. Many of the southern people never told their story. Over time memories faded, private papers were lost and family history was forgotten.

While researching my family who lived in Shady Valley and operated an iron forge I ran across a familiar name. Someone Ellis hated and despised. As I dug a little deeper I discovered that my family was related to a bunch of folks Ellis loved to hate. I've found that some of what he claims is pure fabrication which makes me doubt much of what he says about the southern people of Johnson county.

I'm looking for any personal stories, family histories or records of the southern people from Johnson county; in particular any original source material on the home guard. Also, looking for stories on atrocities committed against the people by the unionists, deserters etc.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

The generally accepted version of history says that Johnson county was solidly union in sentiment. A modern website proudly proclaims that Johnson has the distinction of being the only county in TN that did not raise a single unit for the Confederacy. Both of these claims are false.

When the war ended, the victorious Unionists returned and celebrated their victory over the hated Rebels. Those of the Southern persuasion quickly learned to keep their mouth shut and their head down. Many moved away within a year or two of the cessation of hostilities. Almost immediately Daniel Ellis began writing his highly partisan, grossly exaggerated version of history and the die was cast. Per Ellis ALL who supported the South were evil, murderous monsters who deserved to die. Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry. Although the rhetoric was toned down, they still portrayed all the unionists as poor, innocent victims of Rebel oppression. These books quickly became the accepted version of the story while the Confederates side has never been told or was outright suppressed. Many of the southern people never told their story. Over time memories faded, private papers were lost and family history was forgotten.

While researching my family who lived in Shady Valley and operated an iron forge I ran across a familiar name. Someone Ellis hated and despised. As I dug a little deeper I discovered that my family was related to a bunch of folks Ellis loved to hate. I've found that some of what he claims is pure fabrication which makes me doubt much of what he says about the southern people of Johnson county.

I'm looking for any personal stories, family histories or records of the southern people from Johnson county; in particular any original source material on the home guard. Also, looking for stories on atrocities committed against the people by the unionists, deserters etc.

Johnson County, Tennessee’s one Confederate Company

Johnson County is tucked far up into the corner of east Tennessee, boarded by North Carolina to the east and Virginia to the north. In 1860...

michaelchardy.blogspot.com

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

Johnson County, Tennessee’s one Confederate Company

Johnson County is tucked far up into the corner of east Tennessee, boarded by North Carolina to the east and Virginia to the north. In 1860...

michaelchardy.blogspot.com

I do remember reading in the book "Bushwhackers" by William Trotter that many of the members of Thomas's Legion of Indians and Highlanders were from Tennessee - not just from North Carolina. Thomas' Legion has often been confused with the 69th NC but was in fact distinctly different.

 

[JonnyReb_In_MI]

Johnson County, Tennessee’s one Confederate Company

Johnson County is tucked far up into the corner of east Tennessee, boarded by North Carolina to the east and Virginia to the north. In 1860...

michaelchardy.blogspot.com

That's the company one of my ggg-grandfather's served in! Always nice to see them get a little notice on here

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

The generally accepted version of history says that Johnson county was solidly union in sentiment. A modern website proudly proclaims that Johnson has the distinction of being the only county in TN that did not raise a single unit for the Confederacy. Both of these claims are false.

When the war ended, the victorious Unionists returned and celebrated their victory over the hated Rebels. Those of the Southern persuasion quickly learned to keep their mouth shut and their head down. Many moved away within a year or two of the cessation of hostilities. Almost immediately Daniel Ellis began writing his highly partisan, grossly exaggerated version of history and the die was cast. Per Ellis ALL who supported the South were evil, murderous monsters who deserved to die. Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry. Although the rhetoric was toned down, they still portrayed all the unionists as poor, innocent victims of Rebel oppression. These books quickly became the accepted version of the story while the Confederates side has never been told or was outright suppressed. Many of the southern people never told their story. Over time memories faded, private papers were lost and family history was forgotten.

While researching my family who lived in Shady Valley and operated an iron forge I ran across a familiar name. Someone Ellis hated and despised. As I dug a little deeper I discovered that my family was related to a bunch of folks Ellis loved to hate. I've found that some of what he claims is pure fabrication which makes me doubt much of what he says about the southern people of Johnson county.

I'm looking for any personal stories, family histories or records of the southern people from Johnson county; in particular any original source material on the home guard. Also, looking for stories on atrocities committed against the people by the unionists, deserters etc.

The 6th NC Cavalry and 7th Cavalry Battalion were consolidated to form the 65th NC. Company A under Roby Brown was the only Confederate Company raised in Johnson County. There were over 100 Confederate Veterans who filed for pensions from Johnson County. A number served in North Carolina Regiments. In the history I posted, Roby Brown is one of two narrators. (page 476 "East Tennessee").

Histories of the several regiments and battalions from North Carolina, in the great war 1861-'65 : Clark, Walter, 1846-1924, ed : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

5 v. 24 cm

archive.org

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

The generally accepted version of history says that Johnson county was solidly union in sentiment. A modern website proudly proclaims that Johnson has the distinction of being the only county in TN that did not raise a single unit for the Confederacy. Both of these claims are false.

When the war ended, the victorious Unionists returned and celebrated their victory over the hated Rebels. Those of the Southern persuasion quickly learned to keep their mouth shut and their head down. Many moved away within a year or two of the cessation of hostilities. Almost immediately Daniel Ellis began writing his highly partisan, grossly exaggerated version of history and the die was cast. Per Ellis ALL who supported the South were evil, murderous monsters who deserved to die. Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry. Although the rhetoric was toned down, they still portrayed all the unionists as poor, innocent victims of Rebel oppression. These books quickly became the accepted version of the story while the Confederates side has never been told or was outright suppressed. Many of the southern people never told their story. Over time memories faded, private papers were lost and family history was forgotten.

While researching my family who lived in Shady Valley and operated an iron forge I ran across a familiar name. Someone Ellis hated and despised. As I dug a little deeper I discovered that my family

The generally accepted version of history says that Johnson county was solidly union in sentiment. A modern website proudly proclaims that Johnson has the distinction of being the only county in TN that did not raise a single unit for the Confederacy. Both of these claims are false.

When the war ended, the victorious Unionists returned and celebrated their victory over the hated Rebels. Those of the Southern persuasion quickly learned to keep their mouth shut and their head down. Many moved away within a year or two of the cessation of hostilities. Almost immediately Daniel Ellis began writing his highly partisan, grossly exaggerated version of history and the die was cast. Per Ellis ALL who supported the South were evil, murderous monsters who deserved to die. Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry. Although the rhetoric was toned down, they still portrayed all the unionists as poor, innocent victims of Rebel oppression. These books quickly became the accepted version of the story while the Confederates side has never been told or was outright suppressed. Many of the southern people never told their story. Over time memories faded, private papers were lost and family history was forgotten.

While researching my family who lived in Shady Valley and operated an iron forge I ran across a familiar name. Someone Ellis hated and despised. As I dug a little deeper I discovered that my family was related to a bunch of folks Ellis loved to hate. I've found that some of what he claims is pure fabrication which makes me doubt much of what he says about the southern people of Johnson county.

I'm looking for any personal stories, family histories or records of the southern people from Johnson county; in particular any original source material on the home guard. Also, looking for stories on atrocities committed against the people by the unionists, deserters etc.

was related to a bunch of folks Ellis loved to hate. I've found that some of what he claims is pure fabrication which makes me doubt much of what he says about the southern people of Johnson county.

I'm looking for any personal stories, family histories or records of the southern people from Johnson county; in particular any original source material on the home guard. Also, looking for stories on atrocities committed against the people by the unionists, deserters etc.

National Archives NextGen Catalog

The online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records.

catalog.archives.gov

National Archives NextGen Catalog

The online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records.

catalog.archives.gov

Camp Near Taylorsville Johnson County Tennessee Nov 23rd 1862 - Letter 2 | Blind Pig and The Acorn

Chattanooga – Federal camp by the Tennessee River (Library of Congress) —————— Camp Near Taylorsville Johnson County Tennessee Nov...

blindpigandtheacorn.com

 

[Mountain Rebel]

In 1860 the nation was bitterly divided. Neither side was willing to compromise. When Lincoln won the election seven southern states voted to withdraw from the union. East Tenn. unionists began to wage a political campaign to prevent Tenn from joining them. Brownlow's Knoxville newspaper railed against the South. Meetings were held and fiery speeches given. Tempers flared and old friends became estranged. Most tennesseans held out hope that the crisis could be averted and hoped to remain in the union. But, when Lincoln called for 75000 troops to suppress the rebellion many people changed their mind. They refused to participate in the invasion of their sister states but were willing to defend their own.

Gov. Harris called for a vote on the question to be held on June 8, 1861. In Johnson county unionists threatened violence against anyone voting for secession. One man said the southern people were outnumbered 9 to 1. Johnson county had a population of 5018 and when the vote was cast 111 people voted for secession and 787 against. Although East Tenn voted overwhelmingly to stay within the union, the rest of the state wanted out and Tenn joined the Confederacy.

East Tenn unionists were in shock. The refused to believe they had lost and refused to accept the outcome of the vote. They held a convention in Greeneville where they declared the vote "fraudulent" and secession "illegal". They even wanted to secceed from the rest of the state and form their own. They were determined to resist by any means possible.

 

[Mountain Rebel]

Glen you beat me to it. About to post something on Roby Brown.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

The generally accepted version of history says that Johnson county was solidly union in sentiment. A modern website proudly proclaims that Johnson has the distinction of being the only county in TN that did not raise a single unit for the Confederacy. Both of these claims are false.

When the war ended, the victorious Unionists returned and celebrated their victory over the hated Rebels. Those of the Southern persuasion quickly learned to keep their mouth shut and their head down. Many moved away within a year or two of the cessation of hostilities. Almost immediately Daniel Ellis began writing his highly partisan, grossly exaggerated version of history and the die was cast. Per Ellis ALL who supported the South were evil, murderous monsters who deserved to die. Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry. Although the rhetoric was toned down, they still portrayed all the unionists as poor, innocent victims of Rebel oppression. These books quickly became the accepted version of the story while the Confederates side has never been told or was outright suppressed. Many of the southern people never told their story. Over time memories faded, private papers were lost and family history was forgotten.

While researching my family who lived in Shady Valley and operated an iron forge I ran across a familiar name. Someone Ellis hated and despised. As I dug a little deeper I discovered that my family was related to a bunch of folks Ellis loved to hate. I've found that some of what he claims is pure fabrication which makes me doubt much of what he says about the southern people of Johnson county.

I'm looking for any personal stories, family histories or records of the southern people from Johnson county; in particular any original source material on the home guard. Also, looking for stories on atrocities committed against the people by the unionists, deserters etc.

Reluctant Rebs & "Homegrown Yanks": East Tennesseans in the Civil War | Regimental Histories

Last post- the ancestor who changed his mind: Benjamin Crabtree, Co. I, 17th TN Inf. Captured at the Battle of Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga) and sent to Rock Island POW camp. Volunteered as a Union scout against the Plains Indians.

civilwartalk.com

 

[Mountain Rebel]

The summer of 1861 the unionists were openly defiant of confederate authority. Some of the unionist leaders went to Washington to request aid from the federal government. They wanted federal troops to secure East Tenn for the union. Meanwhile back home the unionists began to arm themselves and refused to muster in the State militia. They began forming unionist home guard units to "aid" the federal army they expected was on it's way to save them. There were frequent clashes with the troops who tried to enforce the militia law.

The Confederate authorities were greatly alarmed and sent 2 regiments of troops under Gen. Zollicoffer into East Tenn to secure the railroad and keep the peace. "At first those in Johnson and Carter counties who favored the South were so greatly in the minority they had little to say at home but kept the authorities fully posted regarding every act and movement of the unionists." Bitter feelings developed quickly.

In August, unionists murdered 2 Johnson county secessionists and wounded several others. They threatened the County Clerk until he resigned and fled the county in fear of his life. Numerous other Confederate supporters were forced to leave as well.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

In 1860 the nation was bitterly divided. Neither side was willing to compromise. When Lincoln won the election seven southern states voted to withdraw from the union. East Tenn. unionists began to wage a political campaign to prevent Tenn from joining them. Brownlow's Knoxville newspaper railed against the South. Meetings were held and fiery speeches given. Tempers flared and old friends became estranged. Most tennesseans held out hope that the crisis could be averted and hoped to remain in the union. But, when Lincoln called for 75000 troops to suppress the rebellion many people changed their mind. They refused to participate in the invasion of their sister states but were willing to defend their own.

Gov. Harris called for a vote on the question to be held on June 8, 1861. In Johnson county unionists threatened violence against anyone voting for secession. One man said the southern people were outnumbered 9 to 1. Johnson county had a population of 5018 and when the vote was cast 111 people voted for secession and 787 against. Although East Tenn voted overwhelmingly to stay within the union, the rest of the state wanted out and Tenn joined the Confederacy.

East Tenn unionists were in shock. The refused to believe they had lost and refused to accept the outcome of the vote. They held a convention in Greeneville where they declared the vote "fraudulent" and secession "illegal". They even wanted to secceed from the rest of the state and form their own. They were determined to resist by any means possible.

The people of East Tennessee were always different, going back to the time after the Revolutionary War when they proposed to create a state of TIPTON or a state of FRANKLIN.

 

[DixieRifles]

Later, Scott and Angel wrote the history of the 13th TN. union cavalry.

Which 13th Cavalry?
The official 13th Tennessee Cavalry (Union) or the 14th Tennessee Cavalry (Union) that was commonly referred to a Bradford's 13th Tennessee Cavalry Battalion?

 

[Mountain Rebel]

Since Glen mentioned it I thought I'd go ahead and insert this now.

Ellis falsely claimed that Roby Brown was a leader of the home guard who delighted in murdering innocent unionists. In fact he was the Captain of a company of Johnson county men in Folks NC Cavalry Battalion.

"First called Folk's Battalion NC Cavalry until the line number 7 was assigned in September of 1862, when it became designated as the 7th NC Battalion-Cavalry. Originally, there were only five (5) companies since Capt. Folk could not convince Capt. Alfred H. Baird to join under him because Capt. Baird was also in the process of establishing his own battalion, which became the 5th NC Battalion-Cavalry.

Lt. Col. George N. Folk organized the 7th NC Battalion-Cavalry at Asheville, NC as he mustered the various companies into service in July of 1862. On September 26, 1862, he was ordered to proceeed with three (3) companies to Johnson County, TN to capture or disperse a group of "disloyals" who were believed to be gathering at Stone Mountain. On October 13, 1862, he was ordered to proceed with four (4) companies to Johnson County and Carter County to break up a band of Union sympathizers and "bushwhackers." On December 25, 1862, a detachment of the 7th NC Battalion-Cavalry was attacked by a band of bushwhackers at Dugger's Ferry on the Watauga River in East Tennessee, with one soldier killed and several wounded. In late December of 1862, the battalion was in Carter County and took part in the move against Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter and his raiding party, and they ultimately forced Brig. Gen. Carter to retire.

The battalion was at Jonesborough, TN on February 20, 1863. On March 19, 1863, it was reported in Brig. Gen. Alfred E. Jackson's (TN) Brigade, with detachments sent to Bristol, Greeneville, Haynesville, and Watauga Bridge. Company A was sent to Cumberland Gap on March 24th, and Company G was at Blountsville. The remainder were at Zollicoffer in Sullivan County, TN in April of 1863.


IN EAST TENNESSEE.

The 5th NC Battalion-Cavalry and 7th NC Battalion-Cavalry before, and after this consolidation into the 65th NC Regiment (6th Cavalry), performed duty under the military commander of the Department of East Tennessee. The troops were required to assist local authorities in. the enforcement of the conscription acts of the Confederate Congress; and also to prevent and quell insurrections among the disaffected and turbulent elements in that department. It was a sore and thankless task; and in its discharge were begotten feuds and animosities not yet entirely effaced from the minds and memories of the families of those who fell victims on either side there. In February of 1863, the two battalions were at Big Creek Gap and Greeneville, TN. In April of 1863, they were on outpost duty in Kentucky in the brigade commanded by Col. John S. Scott (LA), and on July 31, 1863, at Bell's Bridge under Brig. Gen. John W. Frazer (TN).

No troops ever had more bitter and disagreeable duties than were at times imposod upon the men and officers of this command in East Tennessee. One of the first fatal conflicts after the organization of the 7th NC Battalion-Cavalry came on Christmas Day of 1862, at a point on the Watauga River, near Dugger's Ferry, in Carter County, TN. A few days before, some citizens of North Carolina had been waylaid and robbed nearby, by a marauding band who informed their victims that the troops of the regiment were to be secretly attacked soon by the same band. The attack came from men concealed in ambush on the bluffs above the river bank while the column was on its march. A sharp fight ensued which resulted in the killing of one soldier from the regiment and the wounding of others. A number of bushwhackers were killed outright and several captured. Two of the latter were tried and condemned to death by a court martial. They were hanged promptly to the most convenient tree near the spot where they were captured. For the execution of these men, some five or six (5-6) of the officers, later of the 65th NC Regiment (6th Cavalry) were, after the surrender of the Confederate armies, indicted in the State courts of Tennessee on the charge of murder; and for several years afterward, these gentlemen had to fight not only the criminal prosecutions, but other suits were filed against them for damages claimed by the families of the bushwhackers executed.

There were numerous other conflicts with the disaffected East Tennesseeans during the Winter of 1862 and Spring months of 1863, while the two (2) battalions remained on duty in that country; but none of such a serious character as the one just referred to."

 

[Mountain Rebel]

The people of East Tennessee were always different, going back to the time after the Revolutionary War when they proposed to create a state of TIPTON or a state of FRANKLIN.

I had family involved in the State of Franklin movement. Franklin missed becoming a state by one vote in congress.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

I had family involved in the State of Franklin movement. Franklin missed becoming a state by one vote in congress.

My wife's family, especially Col. John Tipton and Major Jonathan Tipton III, were advocating for the State of Tipton (of course), and were enemies of Col. John Sevier.

 

[limestone1863]

I had family involved in the State of Franklin movement. Franklin missed becoming a state by one vote in congress.

As things go, should been a State.

 

[uaskme]

As things go, should been a State.

Well, I don't think so. Didn't work out too well for West VA. Lincoln would of taken it if he hadn't ran out of time.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

From my County of Sullivan, these men claimed service in Duvall's Scouts in their Pension Applications

James V. Bouton, Adam Shipley, Jr., John S. Richards, J.A. Carrier, J.H. Carrier, and Elkanah Carr.

 

[Mountain Rebel]

April 1861;
David Kitzmiller, a Baptist minister and outspoken secessionist from Johnson county wrote Gov. Harris on behalf of his county's secessionists. He told the Gov. "the conduct of the Union party is too intolerable to be borne". Unionists were 'threatening the lives of secessionists" for no reason. Kitzmiller estimated that the Unionists outnumbered the Southern men 9-1 and pleaded with Harris for protection, stating "secessionistts will have to leave here or submit, you have no idea what we have to endure". He said that Unionists were in direct communication with Pres. Lincoln and were making plans to fight for the Union if the state seceded. In his opinion congressman Roderick Butler was the chief agitator in Johnson county constantly urging Tennesseeans to vote against secession and he worried that unless something changed there would be "a civil war amongst us here". His words proved prophetic.

Kitzmiller was so afraid of his unionist neighbors that he left the county to mail his letter.

April 18, 1861
The stagecoach from Abington Va. arrived in Taylorsville. Two men got off and went to the hotel owned by Samuel Northington. That evening they created a commotion when they went out into the street shouting and waving a Confederate flag in celebration of the recent secession of Virginia. Northington, a Unionist warned them that many of the townspeople didn't support the Southern Confederacy. The two Virginians took offense and said they had a right to celebrate and they didn't care what unionists thought. That night Northington, his son Hector and Joseph Wagner decided they would take the flag by force if the men displayed it again. The next morning the men left their room and went to mount their horses with the intent of riding through the town waving the flag. They were met by the three Unionists who were armed with shotguns and demanded they turn over their flag. One of they men dared old man Northington to try and take it. He filled their flag full of holes and they quickly rode out of town.

April 27, 1861
The people of Johnson county met at the courthouse where a resolution was issued affirming their "attachment to the Union and the Constitution of our Fathers". They declared "there was no just cause for the disruption of this government". The resolutions stated that the people of Johnson county wanted to live in peace and were "willing to be passive spectators".

As noted in an earlier post...the Unionists were exceedingly bitter about the outcome of the vote on June 8. Some decided that they would not live under Confederate rule and began to leave the area. Others quietly slipped off to Kentucky to join the Federal forces gathering there. But still more decided to stay and fight for their home. They began planning acts of sabotage and some decided to raise their own militia and wage guerilla warfare. Joseph Wagner, who had helped Samuel Northington disarm the secessionists in Johnson County, began recruiting men. He was elected Colonel of the county militia and enrolled nearly 250 men. Later he would become a Major in the 13th Tenn. Volunteer Cavalry and would take those men with him.

 

[JLPoff]

Very interesting that you should bring up Ellis's book--I am reading it right now and I just finished reading The Dreaded Thirteenth Tennesse Union Cavalry: Marauding Mountain Men by Melanie Storie. I have nine relatives who were in the 13th, but they were all originally from Ashe County, NC. I was reading Ellis's book to discover what it was like to travel through the mountains to get to Union lines.

Ellis, I suspect, was looking more for book sales than honesty and to justify his own actions in the war. People on both sides wrote highly prejudicial memoirs to appeal to an audiences that all wanted to hear how awful and depraved the other side was. If you have ever seen Dr. Gary W. Gallagher's lecture series The American Civil War put out by The Teaching Company, he mentions this phenomenon, particularly with regards to Civil War prison memoirs.

Many of my Ashe County relatives moved to Johnson or Sullivan County, TN after the war. I also have Ashe County relatives who were in the 5th NC Battalion-Cavalry that you mentioned--The Graybeals of Ashe Co. had members in both that regiment and the 13th TN Union Cavalry.

I do have 5 relatives who served on BOTH sides: 2 were galvanized Yankees, the other three deserted the Confederate Army, then went to Union lines and enlisted in the Union Army. 4 of these men were from Ashe County.

I must admit I was very surprised when I started researching the Southern part of my family: I had assumed most would be Confederates, but about 50% of my relatives from NC fought on the Union side and all but 1 of my KY relatives fought on the Union side. They were all from Appalachia, which I now have found out did have quite a bit of Union support.

A fun bit of family legend (I can't verify this): Phoebe Graybeal Eastridge of Ashe Co., NC did not want her son Andrew to be drafted by the Confederates. As soon as he turned 18, she dressed him in a hoop skirt to evade Confederate authorities and sent him to Tennessee, where he enlisted in the 13th TN Cavalry.

Next on my reading list is the official history of the 13th by Angel and Scott.