|
a.
|
Note: Source:
(1) LDS Genealogical Data Base Ref #2 Census; Searcy County, AR; 1840, 1850 & 1860, Hickman County, TN: 1820 & 1830
To AR in 1837, 12 children, 1836 tax records = 7 Acres, Hickman Cty. TN
D.A.R.-A. Johnson, Letter: N. Jenkens
Early settler on Bear Creek, Searcy, AR ; Baptist Preacher
Hickman Pioneer (Newspaper) 13 May 1887
ONE OF HICKMAN'S PIONEERS
A few days ago the Hickman Pioneer office was visited by Mr. John Parks, a former conspicious character in Hickman county. Mr. Parks was deputy sheriff of our county under Jack Huddleston for about six years and filled this then important position with much credit. He bears the distinction of having been the only Whig county officer in our county, old Hickman being always a very strong Democratic county. The same election at which Mr. Jack Huddleston was elected Sheriff by so close a vote, Mr. Parks was elected magistrate of his district and his neighbors wer exceedingly sorry to give him up, even to see him accept a county office.
Mr. Parks was born 20 Jan. 1808 in Bedford county. His father, Theopolis (or Thopolis), known as Opie, Parks moved from Bedford to our country, settling on Cane creek when John Parks was only ten years old, his father being a Georgian by birth. At that day and time the hardy pioneers, like Mr. Parks, lived in camps and there were few of them when he settled on Cane creek. Jan 1, 1828, the subject of our sketch married Miss. Mary Ann Hollabaugh, a Wayne county lady and a sister to Jacob Hollabaugh of Buffalo, and the two started to housekeeping on the knoll of Sinking Creek in what was then Wayne, but what is now a portion of Perry county, renting land from Joe Lee. Fourteen children blessed this happy union, five of whom are still living. His wife died 18 June 1883. In the year 1837, the father of Mr. Parks went to Arkansas to live, and was followed by his son in 1853, who settled in Johnson county where he still lives, his post office being Prarie Grove.
Last fall learning the whereabouts of his two sisters -- the three being the last survivors of a family of twelve children -- he made a visit to their home in St. Joe, Arkansas. The two living sisters are the youngest and he is the oldest in the family. Their names are Mrs. Mary, Known as Pop, Turney, and mrs Marinda Dudley, the latter being the younger and a widow, living at the time of his visit with Mrs. Turney. Arriving at his destination about supper time, he obtained leave to stay over night and went in, ate supper and by and by retired for the night, carefully concealing his identity. Said he wanted to get a good nights rest and wanted them to, and he knew this would have been impossible had they known him, for one of them had not seen him for over forty years and the other for over twenty. At the supper table they questioned him and said they had a brother in his county whom they had not seen for many years and one of them remarked that if he brothers should come to see themshe did not think she could behave herself her joy would be so great. On the following morning after breakfast, he revealed himself to the family and great indeed was their joy.
...He made his first money by selling chestnuts at what is now Mt. Pleasant, Maury county, but what was then Hurricane Store, a trading post.
25 Jan 1991
Ann Sugg, P. O. Box 1244, Fayetteville, AR, 72702 (501) 521-2020
John P. A. Parks Homesteaded on the old Wire Road, south of Hogeye ( S. W. of
Fayetteville ), Washington co., AR. Served as the Butterfield Stage route way
station for several years before the Civil War
DEPOSITION Ex "A'
Case of Charles Pemberton, No. 520,093
On this 19th day of May, 1888 at
Near Lick Mountain, County of Conway
State of Arkansas, before me, T. A. Stockslagan, a
Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared Charles
Pemberton (Chuk), who, being by me first duly sworn to answer
truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of
aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says: I am 46 years old, Farming Occupation,
My Post Office is Lick Mountain, Conway Co. Ark. I am the
identical Charles Pemberton who enlisted on the 17th day
of January in Co. I, 3rd Ark Cavalry and was M.O. (Mustered out) with
Reg. June 30/65. My service in aforsaid Co. and Regiment,
constitutes my only military service. I am also the identical
Charles Pemberton who filed an application for Pension
on or about 1884, in either July or August. I claim
Pension on account of Gunshot wound of left hand
and left foot, both of which were received on or about
the 3rd day of Feb 1864 at about 4 miles South East of
Yellville, Marion Co. Ark. I could not state with absolute
certainty that I was wounded on the 3rd day of Feby.
/64. The facts connected with my wounds and the circumstances
surrounding me at the time as near as I can relate them
are these. Our Regiment was stationed at Little Rock
and I had been in the Co. a few days only when Co. I under
command of Capt. A.D. Napier started on a scout. We
started some time in Janry 1864 and the entire Co. proceeded
N.W. to Searcy Co. Ark. When on or near Long Creek
Searcy Co. a squad was detailed from the Co. and placed
under Sergt. Dink Parks of our Co. The detail as
well as I remember was our Commander Sergt. Dink
Parks, comrades William Duncan, Peter Brimage
James Harrington, John Parks and myself.
Sergt. Dink Parks' family resided on Bear Creek Searcy Co.
and we stayed two nights at his house. Our mission
was to scour the country in search of enemies
concealed in the mountains and brush. And my understanding
at the time was that we were to scour certain territory and upon
a day fixed by Capt. Napier were to report at Burlville [Burrowsville] - now
Marshall - Searcy Co and then rejoin our Co. which would
reach Burlville [Burrowsville] at the time appointed to meet us there.
We had reached Bear Creek and hearing that a Federal force
consisting in part of the 2nd Ark. Cav. and the 8th Mo. S.M.
Vols. were in camp about 2 miles up the creek. We moved
up to their camp and found it had been abandoned by
the Federals and was at the time we reached it occupied by
Confederates. We had a short running fight with them,
and they retreated towards Burlville [Burrowsville]. Sergt. Parks then
determined that it was unsafe to attempt to reach Burlville [Burrowsville]
and said to the few men with him if we attempt to make Burlville [Burrowsville]
we will be ambushed and murdered. He then started to
overtake the 2nd Ark. Cav. and the 8th Mo. S.M. Cav. I remember
that we felt and believed we were cut off from our other
men and that we all thought it best to report to the officers
of any Federal Command we could reach. We started in
pursuit of the Federals and overtook them same day and
camped with them that night. Sergt. Parks reported to the
Officer in command of the scout and the next day we
proceeded with them to Yellville where there was a
Federal Military Post. I don't know who was in
Command of the post at Yellville. My recollection is that
the highest ranking officer was a Major, and I think
there were present a Maj. from both the 2nd Ark. Cav. and
the 8th Mo. S.M. Cav. The men stationed at Yellville were
scouting nearly all the time and I think the Post
was commanded by different officers. After reporting
we were told to remain there and consider ourselves
under orders. We were soon sent
out reconnoitring. We were not placed in charge of a
Commissioned Officer and on the day I was wounded
Sergt. Parks was not with us. On this occasion I
had charge of the squad. It was not uncommon to search
with only one companion. And we were out on scouting
expeditions almost every day we were at Yellville. On the day
and at the time I was wounded, we were near Adams
Mill 4 miles from Yellville. John Parks (Decd.) , Peter
Brimage, James Harrington and William Duncan
also a Reffuge citizen by the name of Asa Watts were present
at the time I was wounded. We were riding along the
public road and saw a woman at a house motioning
with her hand which we conceived to be a signal
to Bush whackers on the opposite side of the
house. We instantly put spurs to our horses and
gave chase. My horse was the swiftest and I passed
the house first. After passing the house I discovered
two men running afoot. I took after them and
called upon them to Halt and surrender. They stopped
and I thought intended to surrender without
resistance but upon coming near in they fired
upon me. One of them shot at me with a rifle and
hit me in the left foot. I then fired and shot the man
with the rifle. The other man then fired upon
me with a shot gun which I suppose was charged
with buck-shot. I received a wound in my left
hand also a slight flesh wound in my right hand.
The wound in my right hand was slight and did not
disable me any. Consequently I ask nothing for it in
my application. I had shot the man with the shot gun before
he fired upon me. And had wounded him mortally. The
man who had the rifle made his escape. My comrades seemed
to have halted near the house. Whither from fear of being
overpowered or not I do not know. I called to them and they all
came up. The man who shot me through the foot was a man
by the name of Reed who lived in sight of where the shooting
occurred. Don't know who the man killed was but I learned
he was a Missourian and that his name was Houston.
Reed's Widow lived on the same place some years back.
She was there 9 years ago. Reed was a citizen and
Bushwhacker. I understand and understood that
the man killed had been a regular Confederate
Soldier but he was then a Bushwhacker.
After being wounded, I got sick and we went a short distance
and stopped at a house occupied by a widow woman and
got some material and bandaged my hand. Our entire
party then went to camp. When I got to camp at Yellville
the boys hunted up a Doctor and my recollection is that the
Doctor that dressed my wounds Dr. Green a
Surgeon in the 8th Mo. S.M. Cav. The ball injuring my
left hand entered back of hand between index and
middle finger and ranged towards the joints of finger
coming out at middle joint of index finger fracturing
bone of finger and rendering middle joint stiff
and causing said finger to be stationary at right
angles. The ball that entered my foot entered from
top just back of toe next to small toe and ranged
towards heel coming out at outside of foot near
bottom. No bones were broken
in my foot but my foot was permanently injured
and gives out when I walk on it much. I think Maj. Hart
of the 8th Mo. S.M. Cav. was in command of the Post at Yellville
when I was wounded. I was not in a Regimental Hospital
at Yellville. Was quartered with a private family. I
was quartered with the family of David Parks. David
Parks was a brother to Sergt. Dink Parks. David and
Dink Parks both resided in Hickory Co. Mo. the last I
knew of them. I have been to their house once since peace
was made. I was there in 1867, and they lived on a little
creek which I think was called Meango. David Parks
had a water mill on this creek. They did not reside
far from the county seat of Hickory Co., but I have forgotten
the name of the town. I had no direct information from
either of the Parks since 1867. David Parks at the
time I was lying wounded in his house had two
boys at home about grown and two or three grown
daughters but I cannot tell you their names.
I remained at Yellville about 10 days after I was
wounded when Peter Brimage of our Co. and
a scout from Yellville went to Springfield Mo. Comrade
Brimage and I had a pass from Maj. Hart
of the 8th Mo. S.M.Cav. This pass was really a furlough
as it was our authority to pass anywhere in the Federal
lines until I was able to reach my command.
Comrade Brimage was given a similar paper
in order to help to take care of me. Upon reaching
Springfield I went to the Post Surg. and ask him to dress
my wounds. He told me to report to the Hospital and
that I would be cared for and my wounds dressed.
I went to the Hospital but did not get my wounds dressed.
The surgeons ordered me to turn over my horse and enter
the Hospital and I did not want to go in the Hospital
and would not do it. I don't know (who) was Post Surgeon
or who was the Surgeons at the Hospital at Springfield Mo.
I reported to Gen. Sanborn Commander of the Post
and he countersigned our passes. Comrade Brimage
and I then proceeded to Fayetteville, Ark. From Fayetteville
we went to Clarksville, Ark. We joined a scouting party at
Fayetteville which I think was made up entirely of Co. M,
2nd Ark. Cavalry. From Clarksville we went to Lewisburg Ark.
where we rejoined our Co. We got to Lewisburg about the last of
March 1864. My record as furnished by the Adjt. Gen. is not
correct. It doubtless is correct so far as the information in
the A. Ge. Office shows. After we had over stayed the time at
which we were to rejoin our Co. and Burlville [Burrowsville], Searcy Co.,
Ark. as explained early in the statement and considerable
time had elapsed since we had been heard from we were
erroneously accounted for. Our Company Commander did
not wish to carry us as deserters because he did not
believe we had deserted. He cause quietly reported
comrades Duncan, Brimage, myself and others of our
party as on certain duties when in fact he did not at
the time know where we were or whither we were living
or dead. The fact is that Wm. Z. Duncan nor myself were
never on recruiting service in Pope Co., Ark. I personally
was never sent on recruiting service while I was
a soldier, and do not think comrade Duncan
was. I am not mistaken
as to the comrades who comprised our squad at
the time I was wounded and when the records
contradict, me in this particular, I can only say
the records were intentionally falsified from the truth
by Capt. A.D. Napier and that such practice was
not uncommon in our Regiment. Wm. M. Williams
was our 1st Lieut. Lieut. Williams is dead. I think now
that W. M. Williams was our 2nd Lieut. at the time and that
Lieut. Rittin was our 1st Lieut. and act(in)g Augt. Wm. L.
Conley was our 1st Sergt. After reaching my command
about the last of March of 1864 my wounds though
not well were nearly healed. I showed them
1st Dr. Asst. Thomas our Regimental Surgeon. I don't
remember what Dr. Thomas did suggest. I know he did
not treat my wounds as they were in no condition
requiring treatment. Unless it was straightening
my finger. Do not think I conversed with Dr.
Mathson about it at all. The two Parks who
were with me at the time I was wounded never
returned to the Co. Sergt. Dink Parks was discharged
on account of disability and John Parks was
transferred to some Mo. Battery. Peter Brimage
was with me all the time I was absent. I don't
remember when comrades Boyd, Duncan & Harrington
did return to the Co. but not till some time
after my return. I have never aided or abetted
the rebellion. I have but few witnesses whose whereabouts
I know. I desire the testimony of comrades; David
Boyd and Wm. Z. Duncan of Wileys Cove, Searcy Co., Ark. ;
Peter Brimage, Dardanelle, Yell Co., Ark. ; James
Harrington, Greenbrier, Faulkner Co., Ark. ; Lieut. Wm.
L. Conley of this vicinity and Capt. of John W.Gill
of El Paso, Texas. I also desire the testimony of Dr.
Green of the 8th Mo. S.M. Cav. And Sergt. Dink Parks
and David Parks and members of his family if they
can be found. All as to Origin and line of duty.
I have fully understood your questions and my
answers have been correctly recorded. I had a shooting
affray with Capt. Napier and fired one shot at him. He did not
fire upon me at all. I was confined in Military Prison
about 2 mos on account of this affray. I was court-martialed
and acquitted. I caused his dismissal from the
service. The origin of the difficulty rested in a woman
he was keeping about camp, but at the time I shot
at him he refused to let me go out of camp when I
had a pass signed by him. The pass had been signed
by Sergt. Conley our 1st Sergt. Who was authorized
to sign our passes. He took the pass away from me
and said it was a forgery. Tore it up and struck and
kicked at me. I thereupon shot at him. He never
fired at me at all.
Charles Pemberton
Deponent
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of May
1888, and I certify that the contents were fully made known to deponent before
signing.
T. A. Stockslagan
Special Examiner.
|
