Ref: Southern Claims Commission (1871-1880),
Alabama Claims, Allowed - JAMES
McAbee,
Cherokee Co. Ala
(Images of this claim can be found online at Ancestry)
Short synopsis of this 26 page claim: In 1871, James
McAbee stated he was 75 years old and that he was born in Spartanburg SC. He stated that he was a supporter of the Union before and after the Civil War. That he had two sons, Thomas of
Pontotoc Co. Ms and James R., who were forced into the
Rebel Army in 1862. That he resides on 80 acres of land owned by his son
Barnette McAbee. He further stated that in October 1864 Genl. Sherman's troops were on the move toward Atlanta and passed through the area where he lived (near Howell's Crossroads,
Cherokee Co. AL) and that they took his only horse, his four hogs and 10 bushels of corn.
The narrative continues as to the nature of his losses, efforts to regain his only horse, etc. Several of his neighbors testified to his character and his support of the Union. His son, James R. McAbee, also testified, as did his daughter Elizabeth
Dobbins.
The writing in the document is often hard to read but makes for interesting reading and offers proof that James
McAbee was the father of several
Cherokee Co. AL McAbees.
I am tracing
Barnette Gaines McAbee, the son James mentions in his claim. He moved from
Cherokee Co. AL to northeastern
Texas. James
Riley McAbee and Barnettte
Gaines McAbee also filed claims with the Southern Claims Commission but their claims were disallowed. There is an involved process in getting disallowed claims but I hope to pursue that avenue.
I hope this information helps those folks working on Thomas
McAbee of
Pontotoc Co. MS. I would love to have any additional information on him.