Heathcock Genealogy Database - Person Sheet
Heathcock Genealogy Database - Person Sheet
NameJames Thomas Chambers 
Birth6 Oct 1848, Bibb Co Alabama
Death30 Jun 1939, Maplesville, Chilton Co AL Age: 90
Burial2 Jul 1939, Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery, near Adams Station, Chilton Co AL off Hwy 82, Co Rd. 16
Spouses
Birth9 Mar 1852, Pinetucky, Perry Co Alabama
Death18 Jan 1946, Maplesville, Chilton Co AL Age: 93
Burial20 Jan 1946, Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery, near Adams Station, Chilton Co AL off Hwy 82, Co Rd. 16
FatherJohn Johnson McFarland (1823-1884)
MotherMalinda Griffin (1826-1907)
Marriage3 Sep 1868, Marion, Perry Co Alabama
ChildrenEtta Deara Or Dearea (1878-1965)
Notes for James Thomas Chambers
1850 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, E C River, Pg 43B.
James T Chambers, 2 [1848], M, AL.
Enumerated on Nov 11, 1850 by R(obert) McIlvain.
========================================================================
1860 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, East Side of Cahaba River, Maplesville PO., Pg 807.
James Chambers, 11 [1849], M, AL, - / -.
Enumerated on Aug 4, 1860 by W Shettlesworth.
========================================================================
1870 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Township 21 Range 9, Pinetuckey PO., Pg 459B.
137/137
Chamber James22 [1848]M WFarmerALCan't readmale 21 or older
Elizabeth18 [1852]F WAt homeAL
Emma 1 [1869]F WAL
Living next door to his parents, Isreal and Mary Chambers.
Enumerated on Aug 23, 1870 by Charles Wardwell.
========================================================================
1880 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Beat 9, Pg 400A.
99/99
Chambers James T?W M29 [1851]MFarmingAL AL AL
BettieW F27 [1853]WifeMKeeping houseAL AL AL
EmmaW F10 [1860]DaughterSKeeping house / - -AL AL AL
MamieW F 8 [1872]DaughterSKeeping house / - +AL AL AL
FannieW F 7 [1873]DaughterSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
OliverW M 5 [1875]SonSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
EttieW F 3 [1877]DaughterSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
Dovie W F 2/12 [May1880] DaughterSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
JohnW M19 [1861]BrotherMFarming - / /AL AL AL
FaytieW F18 [1862]Sis N law MKeeping house - / /AL AL AL
Enumerated on June 16, 1880 by Robert J Jones
In the 1880 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Uniontown Beat E, Part 2, Pg 264A is:
Chambers, S T or S L, 37 [1843] AL GA SC
Nanie or Nance 35 [1845]wifeAL AL AL
Andrew 12 [1868]sonAL AL AL
May or Mary L11 [1869]dauAL AL AL
Willie 7 [1873]sonAL AL AL
Annie 4 [1876]dauAL AL AL
Janie 2 [1878]dauAL AL AL
Coma? 1/12 [1879]dauAL AL AL
Martha Hudson, B, 10 [1870]AL AL AL
========================================================================
1900 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precint No. 8, Stanton Village, Pg 151B.
337/354 (should have been 355)
Chambers, James THead W M Oct 1849 50 M 32 [1868] AL AL AL Farmer 0mo. yyy OMF153
Betsie J Wife W F Mar 1852 48 M 32 [1868] Children: 12/10AL AL ALyyy
Dovie M Dau W F Mar 1880 20 SAL AL ALFarm laborer 0mo.yyy
Ella C Dau W F Apr 1882 18 SAL AL ALFarm laborer0mo.yyy
Zella C Dau W F Oct 1884 15 SAL AL AL At school- 3mo.yyy
Noah D Son W M May 1888 12 SAL AL ALAt school- 3mo.yyy
Mattie J Dau W F Oct 1890 9 SAL AL AL
Enumerated on June 15, 1900 by W J A Melton.
========================================================================
1910 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Dixie Clanton Road, Pg 234B.
182/183
Chambers James T Head M W 59 [1851] M1 41 [1869] AL AL AL Eng Farmer Gen Frm Emp yy- RF156
Betsie J Wife F W 57 [1853] M1 41 [1869] Child: 12/9 AL AL AL Eng none yy-
Noah D Son M W 21 [1889] M1 6/12 [Dec 1909] AL AL AL Eng Fm lbr Homefrm W no0 yy-
Ida Dau in law F W 19 [1891] M1 6/12 [Dec 1909] AL AL AL Eng none yy-
Enumerated on May 2, 1910 by W T Herrod.
========================================================================
1920 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, Precinct Beat 10 Blocton Part of, Marion Road, Part 2, Pg 128B.
534/542
Chambers J T, Head, R, M W, 70 [1850], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, Farmer, Farm, OA, 000.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, F W, 68 [1852], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, none.
Enumerated on Jan 30 & 31, 1920 by Clyde W Lowrey.
========================================================================
1930 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Maplesville Clanton Road, Part 1, Pg 251B.
251/252
Chambers, James T Head R ? ? MW 81 [1849] M 19 [1868] ny AL AL AL W - None n
Betsey J Wife-H - x FW 78 [1852] M 16 [1868] ny AL AL AL W y None
Enumerated on Apr 21, 1930 by Richard W Kendrick.
========================================================================
Buried at Sardis Baptist Cemetery, near Maplesville, Chilton Co., AL
========================================================================
Could it be that James Thomas Chambers was listed in the army rolls as Thomas J Chambers?
Chambers, Thomas J.Thomas J. Chambers - {CHAMBERS}
Company: A
Rank In: Private
Rank Out: Private
Roll-Box: 000374
Roll-Exct: 0008
Roll-Rec: 00003245
Allegiance: Confederate
Misc:
Unit: 6 Alabama Infantry.
Chambers, Thomas J.Thomas J. Chambers - {CHAMBERS}
Company: A
Rank In: Private
Rank Out: Private
Roll-Box: 000374
Roll-Exct: 0008
Roll-Rec: 00003246
Allegiance: Confederate
Misc:
Unit: 14 Alabama Infantry.
Chambers, Thomas J.Thomas J. Chambers - {CHAMBERS}
Company:
Rank In: Ge & Vol A.D.C.
Rank Out:
Roll-Box: 000818
Roll-Exct: 0005
Roll-Rec: 00002009
Allegiance: Confederate
Misc:
Unit:
========================================================================
James Thomas Chambers applied as early as March 1931 for a Conferate Soldier's pension.
He said that he enlisted about January 30, 1863 as a Private and served for 18 months. He said that he was assigned to the Quartermaster Department as a teamster to drive a wagon to haul supplies, groceries, etc, to supply the wives, widows, and orphans of the soldiers. He also stated that he took care of the sick and wounded soldiers who were home on furlough. He served the entire time under Captain Rotenberry. He was captured enroute to the attacking Army at Selma and was told to go home and stay there. He did not receive any pay for his service and he did not receive a discharge or parole or take the Oath of Allegiance.
In an affidavit to the Alabama Pension Commission dated Mar 14, 1931, Melford G Cleveland Notary Public states:
"This is to certify that I, Eugen McGee, was reared within three quarters of a mile of James Thomas Chambers about four miles West of Maplesville, Alabama, which is now in Chilton County, but at that time this particular part of the State was in what was called Baker County. I also certify that James Thomas Chambers received notice from Officials of the Confederacy to report at Maplesville, Alabama, at given dates and upon reporting was assigned to deliver groceries and supplies to wives, widows and orphans of soldiers who were at the front in service of the Confederate Army. This arrangement begun about the middle of the third year of the war and lasted until the Surrender. I made a number of trips with James Thomas Chambers on his wagon when he was delivering the above mentioned supplies. To the best of my knowledge and belief, Mr. Chambers did not receive any pay for this service."
In a letter to the Adjutant General of the War Department from the Alabama Pension Commission, dated
July 24, 1931, the Commission requested the record of service, capture or parole of J T Chambers. One of the items was "Witnes to certificate, W. R. White, who served in Co., G, 1st Alabama Cavalry". On Jan 31, 1931, in a reply to the above request, the Adjutant General of the War Department, C.H. Bridges states that "There are no muster rolls on file in this office of Company G, 1st Regiment Alabama Cavalry,
Conferate States Army, and no record has been found of the service of a man named J. T. Chambers as a member of that organization. Captain Rotenberry's Company has not been identified. One W. R. White served as private of 2nd Company B, 1st Regiment Alabama Cavalry, which company was formed by the consolidation of 1st Company G and 1st Company I, of this regiment. The records show that one John T Chambers, private, Company G, 3rd Regiment Alabama Cavalry, Conferate States Army, enlisted July 1, 1862, at Bridgeport, Alabama. Muster roll for October 30, to December 31, 1863, last roll on file, shows him absent, "At home on detached duty by order of General Martin." No later record has been found."
A letter dated July 25, 1931 from Mrs. Marie B Owen, director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History to Mr. John D Elliott, Pension Clerk, Alabama State Capitol states " Circumstantial evidence would indicate that Captain Rotenberry's Company (If such exists) was a Home Guard organization or was in the Quartermaster Department detailed for the collection of Tax-in-Kind material in Bibb County, or the present Chilton, and probably had no military activities."
A notorized document of Nov 21, 1931, Omar L Reynolds notary public, J T Chambes states:
"In 1864, there was a [Cotton] Factory on Welch Hill between Maplesville and Selma in Dallas County and Captain Rotenberry, whose further name I do not remember, was in charge of this Factory and Captain Rotenberry called about fifty men in and around this community and most of the men of this call were sent to fight, but I was detailed as a teamster and did hall supplies to the soldiers and their families until the end of the war in the year of 1865. Later this Factory was destroyed by the Yankees and I do not have in my possession any other papers or information except as stated above. I never received any pay for these services."
In an affidavit to the Alabama Pension Commission dated Mar 28, 1934, Eugene McGee swore " I, Eugene McGee, hereby certify that I came to Maplesville with J T Chambers, on the day that he was called out to go to the Civil War".
In a handwritten letter to Alabama Governor Bibb Graves (date unknown) J T Chambers wrote:
" The following partes enlisted where I did at Maplesville, Ala.
Henry Scroggins(artil)Maplesville, Ala
Daniel Scroggins(44) " "
Buck Bolen(8 Cav) " "
Carulton Hall " "
Gus Wilson " "
Enzo Leopard " "
Lafayette Ingram(2nd Cav) " "
John Bolender(44 Ala) " "
The letter went on to say "My time was filled up Rain or Shine - Cold or Hot. Waiting on the sick and wounded Soldiers who came back from the war. I had to meet them at Station when notified and carry them home. Then get the doctor for them under orders of my Captain and Doctors order. - The Dr was Dr. Dunlap of Randolph, Ala. I waited on the following wounded soldiers:
Wounded:
Danl Joiner - [ok]
Wyley Scroggins; [check mark]
Rosen Ingram: [?]
Sick soldiers
Lewis Barnett
Bolis Barnett
Robert Hall
Tom McCormick
Cub Jones - and lots of others
I worked 2 days on the Breastwork in Selma. Could not get back any more as my time was filled up. No one else could take my team as the had U.C.of A. harness on them. But when [when - second when crossed out] the Yankees came along they took my good team & took my horse and gave me a scrub team that could hardly pull wagon home. And they told me to go home stay there."
James Thomas Chambers filled out a "Soldier's or Sailor's Application For Conderate Pension" form (APC-Blank No.1) on July 12, 1933. In it he stated that he enlisted about Jan 30, 1863 and that he served 18 months until "I was released when Yankees took my team & told me to go home". When aske if he was paroled he answered "no". The next question on the form asked "When (paroled)" and he answered "at surrender 1864". When asked "Where" and "Why" he replied "Close to Selma" and "War was ended". In answer to the question "If you were not paroled, when and where, and under what circumstances did you leave the services of the Confederacy?" he answered "Because war was ended". When asked "Did you take the oath of allegiance to any other government than the Confederate States before April 9th, 1865?" he answered "No". On this form he indicated that he was married his 81 year old wife on Sept 3, 1868 and that he was living with J.O. Chambers.
In a handwritten letter to Alabama Governor Bibb Graves dated May 3, 1935 J. T. Chambers writes:
"Gov. Bibb Graves Montgomery, Ala. Dear Sir: I want to ask a favor of you. Please look on the file, and see why it is, that I cant be treated as other veterans. I will answer any question that you want to ask me. I would love to know, before I pass away. I will appreciate your kindness, and promp reply. Yours Truly J. T. Chambers Maplesville Route #2 Ala." Encluded with this letter is the following on two aditional pages:
W. F. Chambers was called in First Call [;] I. C. Chambers the Second Call [;] J. T. Chambers the Third Call. [;] all Called out alike. W. F. Chambers was my brother and I. C. was my Father. All Enlisted at same
place. Maplesville, Ala. There was never but 3 Companys made up in Chilton County. I enlisted in last one made up. and served until the surrender. [Next page] If this is not military service please advise me what is - I served under the same Captain all the time.
In another "Soldier's or Sailor's Application for Conferderate Pension" form (APC-Blank No.1) dated August 19, 1935 there is an affidavit section which states " We Posey Adams and Thomas Deason our post office address being Maplesville, Ala. Rt#2 (for both) respectively, do solemnly swear that we have known Ja,es Thomas Chambers whose name is signed to the forgoing application 50 years and 50 years, respectively, that we consider him to be a faithful and reliable person and do not believe that he would make a false statement for the purpose of securing a pension." Another section of the application is signed by the Chilton County Tax Assessor, Akins I Collins who stated that the value of James Thomas Chambers' property was "$None". In this application James Thomas Chambers said that he enlisted on Feb 1, 1863. Also in this application James Thomas Chambers lists his children that are living at that time. The catagagories are Name Age Occupation:
Emma Chambers Duke65None
J. O. Chambers63Farmer
Fanny Chambers Askins61Farmer housewife
Clemmie Chambers Strickland59Farmer housewife
Etta Chambers Turner57Farmer housewife
N. D. Chambers55Farmer
On October 21, 1935 T. J. Teel signed an affidavit stating "That he is around ninety years of age; that he is a citizen of Chilton County, Alabama; that he has known Mr. James Thomas Chambers for about fifty years, and believes him to be a Confederate Veteran; that it has never occured to him to doubt that he is a regular Confederate Veteran, and was honorably discharged; that to the best of his knowledge and to his belief said Mr. James Thomas Chambers is entitled to be listed on the Pension Roll of said Chilton County, in above mentioned State, and is due to receive a quarterly Pension Warrant, just the same as any other Confederate Veteran who was honorably discharged. J C Potello Clerk Circuit Court, Chilton County"
In a letter dated October 22, 1935 to Mrs. Marie B Owen, Director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, from Peter A Brannon, Curator in charge of Military Records, states "Referring to the request to make an examination of the statement of Mr. Chambers of the fact that he served with certain men in the C. S. A., I have examined the Military Rosters and find that while he says that certain men enlisted at the same time that he did in Maplesville, this statement is not borne out by the records. Henry Scroggins served in the Artillery, Daniel Scroggins served in the Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry, Buck Bolling (listed by him as Bolen) was a member of the Eight Alabama Cavalry. LaFayette Ingram served in the Second Alabama Cavalry, John Bolander was in the Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry and in Virginia, never served in the West. The six soldiers named by Mr. Chambers as being among those waited on by him, namely; Louis Barnett, Bolis Barnett, Robert Hall and Tom McCormick, can not be identified by me. I do find that Cubb Jones was in the Army and was once sick. Daniel Joiner was in the Army and was once sick. The statement by Mr. Chambers that he enlisated in 1864 under Captain Rotenberry is not possible of authentication as he, Captain Rotenberry, can not be identified either in the County Militia files or otherwise. Mr. Chambers' name is not on any Home Guard organization. It is proper to advise, however, that if Mr. Chambers served in any Quartermaster's detail or with a Tax-in-kind Collector we would not necessarily have this record. At the same time in-as-much as an application has been made to the U. W. Adjutant General and a reply was received under date of July 13, 1931 they, the officials in the adjutant General's office would doubtless have referred to the service of this man. Certainly this would be the case if he was ever paroled. Again, in the Summer of 1865 all men in the Confederacy were required to take the Oath of Allegiance and these Oaths are on file in Washington and it would seem that an Oath would be found for him. In conclusion, in so far as the Military Records here go, his name is not on the record."
In an affidavit dated November 5, 1935 stated "Before me B S Hicks, a Justice of the Peace of Bibb County, Alabama, personally appeared before me W R K Stanford, who after being duly sworn deposes and says as follows: that he is a citizen of Bibb County and was in the service of the Confederate States
during the Civil War; that he had known James Thomas Chambers for a number of years; that he knows it to be a fact that James Thomas Chambers was enlisted in the service of the Confederate States during the Civil War; that he was enlisted in the army of said Confederate States as a private and was honorably discharged therefrom."
On December 23, 1935 a letter reguarding the application for hearing on pettion of James Thomas Chambers before the Alabama Pension Commission was signed by A A Carmichael Attorney General, Marie B Owens Director Archives & History Dept. and Charles W Lee State Comptroller. It stated "This matter was heard at a meeting of the Alabama Pension Commission, consisting of the Attorney General, Director, Archives and History Department, and the State Comptroller, held on the 23rd day of December, 1935, at the Capitol, according to law. Upon due consideration by the Board of the pettion and other evidence before said Board (in addition to that presented on the original hearing of the petition on the 23rd day of October, 1935) it was, therefore, ordered, adjudged, and decreed by the said Board that the petitioner, James Thomas Chambers, of Maplesville, Alabama, be placed on the Pension Roll of Alabama as of Janurary 1, 1936, under the provision of Section 2937 of the Code of Alabama, 1923. This rehearing was granted due to the fact that additional evidence was presented which, in the opionion of the Board, allowed that the pettioner actually served as a soldier in the Army of the Confederate States of America during the War Between the States. This order is in lieu of the one entered on the 23rd day of October, 1935. Done at the Capitol, this 23rd day of December, 1935.
A letter dated January 7th, 1936 to Judge J. Lee Smith Judge of Probate, Chilton County, Alabama from Julia Douglas, Secretary, states: " Dear Judge Smith: Attached hereto is pension warrant #2725 for $150.00 in favor of James Thomas Chambers, Confederate Soldier. Mr. Chambers has just been passed uponby the Alabama Pension Commission and ordered placed on the Pension Roll. In the future his warrant will be sent to Chilton County each quarter for delivery. Kindly sign and return the enclosed receipt to this office. Rspectfully yours, Julia Douglas, Secretary."
========================================================================
[Br¯derbund Family Archive #255, Ed. 1, Land Records: AL, AR, FL, LA, MI, MN, OH, WI 1790-1907, Date of Import: Apr 3, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.255.1.10865.23]
Patentee Name: Chambers, James T.
Accession Number: AL4470__.172
State: Alabama
Volume: 4470
Page: 172
Document Number: 15413
Land Office: Montgomery
Aliquot Part Reference: SESE
Section Number: 24
Township: 21 North
Range: 9 East
Meridian/Survey Area: St. Stephens Meridian
Act/Treaty Authorizing Sale: Sale-Cash Entries
Date Signed: Jun 12, 1871
Acreage: 38.23
Signed: Yes, the document on file at the BLM contains a signature.
========================================================================
Buried next to James and Betsy Jane Chambers, Gladys Graham March 9, 1923-June 24, 1968 ("In our hearts, she still lives.")
========================================================================
James T Chambers, 2 [1848], M, AL.
Enumerated on Nov 11, 1850 by R(obert) McIlvain.
========================================================================
1860 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, East Side of Cahaba River, Maplesville PO., Pg 807.
James Chambers, 11 [1849], M, AL, - / -.
Enumerated on Aug 4, 1860 by W Shettlesworth.
========================================================================
1870 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Township 21 Range 9, Pinetuckey PO., Pg 459B.
137/137
Chamber James22 [1848]M WFarmerALCan't readmale 21 or older
Elizabeth18 [1852]F WAt homeAL
Emma 1 [1869]F WAL
Living next door to his parents, Isreal and Mary Chambers.
Enumerated on Aug 23, 1870 by Charles Wardwell.
========================================================================
1880 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Beat 9, Pg 400A.
99/99
Chambers James T?W M29 [1851]MFarmingAL AL AL
BettieW F27 [1853]WifeMKeeping houseAL AL AL
EmmaW F10 [1860]DaughterSKeeping house / - -AL AL AL
MamieW F 8 [1872]DaughterSKeeping house / - +AL AL AL
FannieW F 7 [1873]DaughterSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
OliverW M 5 [1875]SonSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
EttieW F 3 [1877]DaughterSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
Dovie W F 2/12 [May1880] DaughterSKeeping house -++AL AL AL
JohnW M19 [1861]BrotherMFarming - / /AL AL AL
FaytieW F18 [1862]Sis N law MKeeping house - / /AL AL AL
Enumerated on June 16, 1880 by Robert J Jones
In the 1880 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Uniontown Beat E, Part 2, Pg 264A is:
Chambers, S T or S L, 37 [1843] AL GA SC
Nanie or Nance 35 [1845]wifeAL AL AL
Andrew 12 [1868]sonAL AL AL
May or Mary L11 [1869]dauAL AL AL
Willie 7 [1873]sonAL AL AL
Annie 4 [1876]dauAL AL AL
Janie 2 [1878]dauAL AL AL
Coma? 1/12 [1879]dauAL AL AL
Martha Hudson, B, 10 [1870]AL AL AL
========================================================================
1900 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precint No. 8, Stanton Village, Pg 151B.
337/354 (should have been 355)
Chambers, James THead W M Oct 1849 50 M 32 [1868] AL AL AL Farmer 0mo. yyy OMF153
Betsie J Wife W F Mar 1852 48 M 32 [1868] Children: 12/10AL AL ALyyy
Dovie M Dau W F Mar 1880 20 SAL AL ALFarm laborer 0mo.yyy
Ella C Dau W F Apr 1882 18 SAL AL ALFarm laborer0mo.yyy
Zella C Dau W F Oct 1884 15 SAL AL AL At school- 3mo.yyy
Noah D Son W M May 1888 12 SAL AL ALAt school- 3mo.yyy
Mattie J Dau W F Oct 1890 9 SAL AL AL
Enumerated on June 15, 1900 by W J A Melton.
========================================================================
1910 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Dixie Clanton Road, Pg 234B.
182/183
Chambers James T Head M W 59 [1851] M1 41 [1869] AL AL AL Eng Farmer Gen Frm Emp yy- RF156
Betsie J Wife F W 57 [1853] M1 41 [1869] Child: 12/9 AL AL AL Eng none yy-
Noah D Son M W 21 [1889] M1 6/12 [Dec 1909] AL AL AL Eng Fm lbr Homefrm W no0 yy-
Ida Dau in law F W 19 [1891] M1 6/12 [Dec 1909] AL AL AL Eng none yy-
Enumerated on May 2, 1910 by W T Herrod.
========================================================================
1920 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, Precinct Beat 10 Blocton Part of, Marion Road, Part 2, Pg 128B.
534/542
Chambers J T, Head, R, M W, 70 [1850], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, Farmer, Farm, OA, 000.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, F W, 68 [1852], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, none.
Enumerated on Jan 30 & 31, 1920 by Clyde W Lowrey.
========================================================================
1930 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Maplesville Clanton Road, Part 1, Pg 251B.
251/252
Chambers, James T Head R ? ? MW 81 [1849] M 19 [1868] ny AL AL AL W - None n
Betsey J Wife-H - x FW 78 [1852] M 16 [1868] ny AL AL AL W y None
Enumerated on Apr 21, 1930 by Richard W Kendrick.
========================================================================
Buried at Sardis Baptist Cemetery, near Maplesville, Chilton Co., AL
========================================================================
Could it be that James Thomas Chambers was listed in the army rolls as Thomas J Chambers?
Chambers, Thomas J.Thomas J. Chambers - {CHAMBERS}
Company: A
Rank In: Private
Rank Out: Private
Roll-Box: 000374
Roll-Exct: 0008
Roll-Rec: 00003245
Allegiance: Confederate
Misc:
Unit: 6 Alabama Infantry.
Chambers, Thomas J.Thomas J. Chambers - {CHAMBERS}
Company: A
Rank In: Private
Rank Out: Private
Roll-Box: 000374
Roll-Exct: 0008
Roll-Rec: 00003246
Allegiance: Confederate
Misc:
Unit: 14 Alabama Infantry.
Chambers, Thomas J.Thomas J. Chambers - {CHAMBERS}
Company:
Rank In: Ge & Vol A.D.C.
Rank Out:
Roll-Box: 000818
Roll-Exct: 0005
Roll-Rec: 00002009
Allegiance: Confederate
Misc:
Unit:
========================================================================
James Thomas Chambers applied as early as March 1931 for a Conferate Soldier's pension.
He said that he enlisted about January 30, 1863 as a Private and served for 18 months. He said that he was assigned to the Quartermaster Department as a teamster to drive a wagon to haul supplies, groceries, etc, to supply the wives, widows, and orphans of the soldiers. He also stated that he took care of the sick and wounded soldiers who were home on furlough. He served the entire time under Captain Rotenberry. He was captured enroute to the attacking Army at Selma and was told to go home and stay there. He did not receive any pay for his service and he did not receive a discharge or parole or take the Oath of Allegiance.
In an affidavit to the Alabama Pension Commission dated Mar 14, 1931, Melford G Cleveland Notary Public states:
"This is to certify that I, Eugen McGee, was reared within three quarters of a mile of James Thomas Chambers about four miles West of Maplesville, Alabama, which is now in Chilton County, but at that time this particular part of the State was in what was called Baker County. I also certify that James Thomas Chambers received notice from Officials of the Confederacy to report at Maplesville, Alabama, at given dates and upon reporting was assigned to deliver groceries and supplies to wives, widows and orphans of soldiers who were at the front in service of the Confederate Army. This arrangement begun about the middle of the third year of the war and lasted until the Surrender. I made a number of trips with James Thomas Chambers on his wagon when he was delivering the above mentioned supplies. To the best of my knowledge and belief, Mr. Chambers did not receive any pay for this service."
In a letter to the Adjutant General of the War Department from the Alabama Pension Commission, dated
July 24, 1931, the Commission requested the record of service, capture or parole of J T Chambers. One of the items was "Witnes to certificate, W. R. White, who served in Co., G, 1st Alabama Cavalry". On Jan 31, 1931, in a reply to the above request, the Adjutant General of the War Department, C.H. Bridges states that "There are no muster rolls on file in this office of Company G, 1st Regiment Alabama Cavalry,
Conferate States Army, and no record has been found of the service of a man named J. T. Chambers as a member of that organization. Captain Rotenberry's Company has not been identified. One W. R. White served as private of 2nd Company B, 1st Regiment Alabama Cavalry, which company was formed by the consolidation of 1st Company G and 1st Company I, of this regiment. The records show that one John T Chambers, private, Company G, 3rd Regiment Alabama Cavalry, Conferate States Army, enlisted July 1, 1862, at Bridgeport, Alabama. Muster roll for October 30, to December 31, 1863, last roll on file, shows him absent, "At home on detached duty by order of General Martin." No later record has been found."
A letter dated July 25, 1931 from Mrs. Marie B Owen, director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History to Mr. John D Elliott, Pension Clerk, Alabama State Capitol states " Circumstantial evidence would indicate that Captain Rotenberry's Company (If such exists) was a Home Guard organization or was in the Quartermaster Department detailed for the collection of Tax-in-Kind material in Bibb County, or the present Chilton, and probably had no military activities."
A notorized document of Nov 21, 1931, Omar L Reynolds notary public, J T Chambes states:
"In 1864, there was a [Cotton] Factory on Welch Hill between Maplesville and Selma in Dallas County and Captain Rotenberry, whose further name I do not remember, was in charge of this Factory and Captain Rotenberry called about fifty men in and around this community and most of the men of this call were sent to fight, but I was detailed as a teamster and did hall supplies to the soldiers and their families until the end of the war in the year of 1865. Later this Factory was destroyed by the Yankees and I do not have in my possession any other papers or information except as stated above. I never received any pay for these services."
In an affidavit to the Alabama Pension Commission dated Mar 28, 1934, Eugene McGee swore " I, Eugene McGee, hereby certify that I came to Maplesville with J T Chambers, on the day that he was called out to go to the Civil War".
In a handwritten letter to Alabama Governor Bibb Graves (date unknown) J T Chambers wrote:
" The following partes enlisted where I did at Maplesville, Ala.
Henry Scroggins(artil)Maplesville, Ala
Daniel Scroggins(44) " "
Buck Bolen(8 Cav) " "
Carulton Hall " "
Gus Wilson " "
Enzo Leopard " "
Lafayette Ingram(2nd Cav) " "
John Bolender(44 Ala) " "
The letter went on to say "My time was filled up Rain or Shine - Cold or Hot. Waiting on the sick and wounded Soldiers who came back from the war. I had to meet them at Station when notified and carry them home. Then get the doctor for them under orders of my Captain and Doctors order. - The Dr was Dr. Dunlap of Randolph, Ala. I waited on the following wounded soldiers:
Wounded:
Danl Joiner - [ok]
Wyley Scroggins; [check mark]
Rosen Ingram: [?]
Sick soldiers
Lewis Barnett
Bolis Barnett
Robert Hall
Tom McCormick
Cub Jones - and lots of others
I worked 2 days on the Breastwork in Selma. Could not get back any more as my time was filled up. No one else could take my team as the had U.C.of A. harness on them. But when [when - second when crossed out] the Yankees came along they took my good team & took my horse and gave me a scrub team that could hardly pull wagon home. And they told me to go home stay there."
James Thomas Chambers filled out a "Soldier's or Sailor's Application For Conderate Pension" form (APC-Blank No.1) on July 12, 1933. In it he stated that he enlisted about Jan 30, 1863 and that he served 18 months until "I was released when Yankees took my team & told me to go home". When aske if he was paroled he answered "no". The next question on the form asked "When (paroled)" and he answered "at surrender 1864". When asked "Where" and "Why" he replied "Close to Selma" and "War was ended". In answer to the question "If you were not paroled, when and where, and under what circumstances did you leave the services of the Confederacy?" he answered "Because war was ended". When asked "Did you take the oath of allegiance to any other government than the Confederate States before April 9th, 1865?" he answered "No". On this form he indicated that he was married his 81 year old wife on Sept 3, 1868 and that he was living with J.O. Chambers.
In a handwritten letter to Alabama Governor Bibb Graves dated May 3, 1935 J. T. Chambers writes:
"Gov. Bibb Graves Montgomery, Ala. Dear Sir: I want to ask a favor of you. Please look on the file, and see why it is, that I cant be treated as other veterans. I will answer any question that you want to ask me. I would love to know, before I pass away. I will appreciate your kindness, and promp reply. Yours Truly J. T. Chambers Maplesville Route #2 Ala." Encluded with this letter is the following on two aditional pages:
W. F. Chambers was called in First Call [;] I. C. Chambers the Second Call [;] J. T. Chambers the Third Call. [;] all Called out alike. W. F. Chambers was my brother and I. C. was my Father. All Enlisted at same
place. Maplesville, Ala. There was never but 3 Companys made up in Chilton County. I enlisted in last one made up. and served until the surrender. [Next page] If this is not military service please advise me what is - I served under the same Captain all the time.
In another "Soldier's or Sailor's Application for Conferderate Pension" form (APC-Blank No.1) dated August 19, 1935 there is an affidavit section which states " We Posey Adams and Thomas Deason our post office address being Maplesville, Ala. Rt#2 (for both) respectively, do solemnly swear that we have known Ja,es Thomas Chambers whose name is signed to the forgoing application 50 years and 50 years, respectively, that we consider him to be a faithful and reliable person and do not believe that he would make a false statement for the purpose of securing a pension." Another section of the application is signed by the Chilton County Tax Assessor, Akins I Collins who stated that the value of James Thomas Chambers' property was "$None". In this application James Thomas Chambers said that he enlisted on Feb 1, 1863. Also in this application James Thomas Chambers lists his children that are living at that time. The catagagories are Name Age Occupation:
Emma Chambers Duke65None
J. O. Chambers63Farmer
Fanny Chambers Askins61Farmer housewife
Clemmie Chambers Strickland59Farmer housewife
Etta Chambers Turner57Farmer housewife
N. D. Chambers55Farmer
On October 21, 1935 T. J. Teel signed an affidavit stating "That he is around ninety years of age; that he is a citizen of Chilton County, Alabama; that he has known Mr. James Thomas Chambers for about fifty years, and believes him to be a Confederate Veteran; that it has never occured to him to doubt that he is a regular Confederate Veteran, and was honorably discharged; that to the best of his knowledge and to his belief said Mr. James Thomas Chambers is entitled to be listed on the Pension Roll of said Chilton County, in above mentioned State, and is due to receive a quarterly Pension Warrant, just the same as any other Confederate Veteran who was honorably discharged. J C Potello Clerk Circuit Court, Chilton County"
In a letter dated October 22, 1935 to Mrs. Marie B Owen, Director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, from Peter A Brannon, Curator in charge of Military Records, states "Referring to the request to make an examination of the statement of Mr. Chambers of the fact that he served with certain men in the C. S. A., I have examined the Military Rosters and find that while he says that certain men enlisted at the same time that he did in Maplesville, this statement is not borne out by the records. Henry Scroggins served in the Artillery, Daniel Scroggins served in the Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry, Buck Bolling (listed by him as Bolen) was a member of the Eight Alabama Cavalry. LaFayette Ingram served in the Second Alabama Cavalry, John Bolander was in the Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry and in Virginia, never served in the West. The six soldiers named by Mr. Chambers as being among those waited on by him, namely; Louis Barnett, Bolis Barnett, Robert Hall and Tom McCormick, can not be identified by me. I do find that Cubb Jones was in the Army and was once sick. Daniel Joiner was in the Army and was once sick. The statement by Mr. Chambers that he enlisated in 1864 under Captain Rotenberry is not possible of authentication as he, Captain Rotenberry, can not be identified either in the County Militia files or otherwise. Mr. Chambers' name is not on any Home Guard organization. It is proper to advise, however, that if Mr. Chambers served in any Quartermaster's detail or with a Tax-in-kind Collector we would not necessarily have this record. At the same time in-as-much as an application has been made to the U. W. Adjutant General and a reply was received under date of July 13, 1931 they, the officials in the adjutant General's office would doubtless have referred to the service of this man. Certainly this would be the case if he was ever paroled. Again, in the Summer of 1865 all men in the Confederacy were required to take the Oath of Allegiance and these Oaths are on file in Washington and it would seem that an Oath would be found for him. In conclusion, in so far as the Military Records here go, his name is not on the record."
In an affidavit dated November 5, 1935 stated "Before me B S Hicks, a Justice of the Peace of Bibb County, Alabama, personally appeared before me W R K Stanford, who after being duly sworn deposes and says as follows: that he is a citizen of Bibb County and was in the service of the Confederate States
during the Civil War; that he had known James Thomas Chambers for a number of years; that he knows it to be a fact that James Thomas Chambers was enlisted in the service of the Confederate States during the Civil War; that he was enlisted in the army of said Confederate States as a private and was honorably discharged therefrom."
On December 23, 1935 a letter reguarding the application for hearing on pettion of James Thomas Chambers before the Alabama Pension Commission was signed by A A Carmichael Attorney General, Marie B Owens Director Archives & History Dept. and Charles W Lee State Comptroller. It stated "This matter was heard at a meeting of the Alabama Pension Commission, consisting of the Attorney General, Director, Archives and History Department, and the State Comptroller, held on the 23rd day of December, 1935, at the Capitol, according to law. Upon due consideration by the Board of the pettion and other evidence before said Board (in addition to that presented on the original hearing of the petition on the 23rd day of October, 1935) it was, therefore, ordered, adjudged, and decreed by the said Board that the petitioner, James Thomas Chambers, of Maplesville, Alabama, be placed on the Pension Roll of Alabama as of Janurary 1, 1936, under the provision of Section 2937 of the Code of Alabama, 1923. This rehearing was granted due to the fact that additional evidence was presented which, in the opionion of the Board, allowed that the pettioner actually served as a soldier in the Army of the Confederate States of America during the War Between the States. This order is in lieu of the one entered on the 23rd day of October, 1935. Done at the Capitol, this 23rd day of December, 1935.
A letter dated January 7th, 1936 to Judge J. Lee Smith Judge of Probate, Chilton County, Alabama from Julia Douglas, Secretary, states: " Dear Judge Smith: Attached hereto is pension warrant #2725 for $150.00 in favor of James Thomas Chambers, Confederate Soldier. Mr. Chambers has just been passed uponby the Alabama Pension Commission and ordered placed on the Pension Roll. In the future his warrant will be sent to Chilton County each quarter for delivery. Kindly sign and return the enclosed receipt to this office. Rspectfully yours, Julia Douglas, Secretary."
========================================================================
[Br¯derbund Family Archive #255, Ed. 1, Land Records: AL, AR, FL, LA, MI, MN, OH, WI 1790-1907, Date of Import: Apr 3, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.255.1.10865.23]
Patentee Name: Chambers, James T.
Accession Number: AL4470__.172
State: Alabama
Volume: 4470
Page: 172
Document Number: 15413
Land Office: Montgomery
Aliquot Part Reference: SESE
Section Number: 24
Township: 21 North
Range: 9 East
Meridian/Survey Area: St. Stephens Meridian
Act/Treaty Authorizing Sale: Sale-Cash Entries
Date Signed: Jun 12, 1871
Acreage: 38.23
Signed: Yes, the document on file at the BLM contains a signature.
========================================================================
Buried next to James and Betsy Jane Chambers, Gladys Graham March 9, 1923-June 24, 1968 ("In our hearts, she still lives.")
========================================================================
Notes for Elizabeth Jane "Betsy Jane" (Spouse 1)
1860 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Pinetucky Beat, Pinetucky & Oakmulgee PO., Pg 649.
Elizabeth J McFarland, 8 [1852], F, AL.
Enumerated Jun 15, 1860 by T S Smith.
If Betsy Jane McFarland Chambers' real name was Elizabeth Jane, then this is proof that her parents were John and Melinda McFarland and not Jim and Sudie Smith McFarland, as Betsy's son J O (James Oliver) Chambers, the informant in her death certificate, stated.
========================================================================
1870 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Township 21 Range 9, Pinetuckey PO., Pg 459B.
Elizabeth Chamber, 18 [1852], F W, At home, AL.
Enumerated Aug 23, 1870 by Charles Wardwell.
========================================================================
1880 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Beat 9, Pg 400A.
Bettie Chambers, W F, 27 [1883], Wife, M, Keeping house, AL AL AL.
Enumerated on June 16, 1880 by Robert J Jones
========================================================================
1900 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precint No. 8, Stanton Village, Pg 151B.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, W F, Nov 1852, 48, M 32 [1868], Children: 12/10, AL AL AL, yyy.
Enumerated on June 15, 1900 by W J A Melton.
========================================================================
1910 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Dixie Clanton Road, Pg 234B.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, F W, 57 [1853], M1 41 [1869], Children: 12/9, AL AL AL, English, none, yy -.
Enumerated on May 2, 1910 by W T Herrod.
========================================================================
1920 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, Precinct Beat 10 Blocton Part of, Marion Road, Part 2, Pg 128B.
534/542
Chambers J T, Head, R, M W, 70 [1850], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, Farmer, Farm, OA, 000.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, F W, 68 [1852], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, none.
Enumerated on Jan 30 & 31, 1920 by Clyde W Lowrey.
========================================================================
1930 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Maplesville Clanton Road, Part 1, Pg 251B.
Betsey J Chambers, Wife-H, -, x, F W, 78 [1852], M, 16 [1868], n, y, AL AL AL, W, y, None.
Enumerated on Apr 21, 1930 by Richard W Kendrick.
========================================================================
There is a marriage index listing for a James McFarland and Rosanah Smith, but I don't know if Sudie is a nickname or that Rosanah went by Sudie or not.
Marriage Index: Alabama, 1800-1900
Smith, RosanahSpouse : McFarland, James
Marriage date : Oct 24, 1842
County : Perry
Gender : Female
Source : County Court Records
Microfilm Number : 1290271 - 1290272 & 1290341 - 1290342
From http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wadair1/G-LM20-76.htm
McFarland, James Smith, Rosannah 24-Oct-1842 29-Oct-1842 1839-1851 1396
========================================================================
Elizabeth J McFarland, 8 [1852], F, AL.
Enumerated Jun 15, 1860 by T S Smith.
If Betsy Jane McFarland Chambers' real name was Elizabeth Jane, then this is proof that her parents were John and Melinda McFarland and not Jim and Sudie Smith McFarland, as Betsy's son J O (James Oliver) Chambers, the informant in her death certificate, stated.
========================================================================
1870 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Township 21 Range 9, Pinetuckey PO., Pg 459B.
Elizabeth Chamber, 18 [1852], F W, At home, AL.
Enumerated Aug 23, 1870 by Charles Wardwell.
========================================================================
1880 Census Perry Co., Alabama, Beat 9, Pg 400A.
Bettie Chambers, W F, 27 [1883], Wife, M, Keeping house, AL AL AL.
Enumerated on June 16, 1880 by Robert J Jones
========================================================================
1900 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precint No. 8, Stanton Village, Pg 151B.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, W F, Nov 1852, 48, M 32 [1868], Children: 12/10, AL AL AL, yyy.
Enumerated on June 15, 1900 by W J A Melton.
========================================================================
1910 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Dixie Clanton Road, Pg 234B.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, F W, 57 [1853], M1 41 [1869], Children: 12/9, AL AL AL, English, none, yy -.
Enumerated on May 2, 1910 by W T Herrod.
========================================================================
1920 Census Bibb Co., Alabama, Precinct Beat 10 Blocton Part of, Marion Road, Part 2, Pg 128B.
534/542
Chambers J T, Head, R, M W, 70 [1850], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, Farmer, Farm, OA, 000.
Betsie J Chambers, Wife, F W, 68 [1852], M, yy, AL AL AL, y, none.
Enumerated on Jan 30 & 31, 1920 by Clyde W Lowrey.
========================================================================
1930 Census Chilton Co., Alabama, Precinct 15, Maplesville Clanton Road, Part 1, Pg 251B.
Betsey J Chambers, Wife-H, -, x, F W, 78 [1852], M, 16 [1868], n, y, AL AL AL, W, y, None.
Enumerated on Apr 21, 1930 by Richard W Kendrick.
========================================================================
There is a marriage index listing for a James McFarland and Rosanah Smith, but I don't know if Sudie is a nickname or that Rosanah went by Sudie or not.
Marriage Index: Alabama, 1800-1900
Smith, RosanahSpouse : McFarland, James
Marriage date : Oct 24, 1842
County : Perry
Gender : Female
Source : County Court Records
Microfilm Number : 1290271 - 1290272 & 1290341 - 1290342
From http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wadair1/G-LM20-76.htm
McFarland, James Smith, Rosannah 24-Oct-1842 29-Oct-1842 1839-1851 1396
========================================================================
Notes for James Thomas & Elizabeth Jane "Betsy Jane" (Family)
Marriage License:
The State of Alabama---Perry County. To any Licensed Minister of the Gospel, Judge of the Supreme or Circuit Court of the State, or Justice of the Peace for said County -- Greeting: You are hereby authorized to solemnize the Rites of Marriage between James Thomas Chambers and Betsy Jane McFarland and join them together in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony; and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under my hand this 3rd day of September 1868 B.S.Williams Judge of Probate. I hereby certify that the Rites of Marriage between the above named parties were solemnized by me on the 3rd day of September 1868 F M Ford JP Returned, Recorded and Filed, this 22nd day of October 1868 Stamped with five cents Ist(?) Rev B.S.Williams Judge of Probate
The State of Alabama---Perry County. To any Licensed Minister of the Gospel, Judge of the Supreme or Circuit Court of the State, or Justice of the Peace for said County -- Greeting: You are hereby authorized to solemnize the Rites of Marriage between James Thomas Chambers and Betsy Jane McFarland and join them together in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony; and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under my hand this 3rd day of September 1868 B.S.Williams Judge of Probate. I hereby certify that the Rites of Marriage between the above named parties were solemnized by me on the 3rd day of September 1868 F M Ford JP Returned, Recorded and Filed, this 22nd day of October 1868 Stamped with five cents Ist(?) Rev B.S.Williams Judge of Probate