The Civil War & the Ellison Plunkett Family

Transcription

1 1 11/28/2015 The Civil War & the Ellison Plunkett Family Ellison Plunkett was born in North Carolina in 1805 but the identity of his parents is unknown to family researchers. In 1831, while living in Tennessee his first wife (whose name is unknown) gave birth to one child before her death; this son was William F. Plunkett. In 1834, Ellison married Jane Stringer in Hickman Tennessee. Their first three children were born in Tennessee near other relatives in the Stringer family. In 1840, the family moved to Pulaski County, Arkansas. In Arkansas the couple would be blessed with 8 more children. In 1856, Ellison paid cash for an 80 acre homestead Appendix A in Clark Township, Johnson County (now named Logan County) about 4 1/2 miles southwest of Scranton, Arkansas. Their twelve children would live on or near the Arkansas homestead, they would all struggle through the Civil War, and eventually Ellison s children would raise their own families nearby. In 1857 the first burial occurred in a plot of land Ellison dedicated from the homestead for a cemetery. Today, bordering gently rolling hills of prairie,123 graves of family and friends rest in the Plunkett Cemetery, more commonly known as Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Across the road (now Arkansas Highway 197) Ellison donated land for a Presbyterian Church, which is no longer standing. The Plunkett s farmhouse was about ¼ mile west of the church and cemetery. Here, in northwest Arkansas, bushwhackers and rebels would roam the countryside, murdering civilians and plundering. These events continued even after the Civil War ended. Ellison Plunkett s five oldest sons served as soldiers during the Civil War, enlisting in northwest Arkansas. Ellison and his sixth son, Sheridan Wesley Plunkett, were documented by a letter Appendix B as providing camp support for the Union Army in late Ellison s youngest son, Francis, was too young to leave home for the war effort. To provide a complete picture of the family dynamics, the military history of Ellison s sons-in-law are included later. Appendix C provides a published story, The Trials of Jane Plunkett, that provides what is known about life at home during the men s absence. References 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Early Confederate Enlistments of Sons: James Calvin Plunkett was the first son to enlist. He enlisted in the Confederate Army in October of In Feb 1862, John Riley Plunkett also joined the Confederate Army and was followed by brothers William F. and Ellison Jasper Plunkett in May Only William F. Plunkett remained with the Confederate Army until February 1864.

2 2 References 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Later Union Enlistments of Sons: The events that occurred before the fall of 1863, which caused many Plunkett family enlistments in the Union, are discussed in Mark Miller s book 5 (which is yet to be published). These events impacted the entire region and the surge of Union enlistments weren t limited to the Plunkett family and neighbors. Service records in 1863 for the Union Company B, Arkansas 4 th Cavalry show the recruitment of 18 year old Allen Newton Plunkett, along with his brothers John Riley and James Calvin (who have now switched alliance). A letter Appendix B shows that their father Ellison and younger brother Sheridan were working at the Union camp for the 4th Cavalry in January No service record has been found for the two; their involvement was likely limited to camp support due to their ages. (This letter Appendix B, written by John Riley Plunkett to their 14 year old sister Ginevra, mentions William at the camp; it s most likely this is William F. Plunkett who s service to the CSA ended in February 1864.) Descendants have documented the story of Sheridan being wounded 6, but this is the only record of the family s soldiers being wounded. After the War: All survived the war but the family home was burned by rebels on November 12, 1864, and was rebuilt after the war (The complete story of the rebels attack is included in Appendix C.) Only the grave of James Calvin Plunkett has a military marker 11 at his gravesite in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Logan County, Arkansas. This marker documents his Union Army service and a photo is posted on Find A Grave Memorial # Despite the apparent divide within the family during the Civil War, eleven of Ellison s twelve children are buried in the family cemetery, now known as Pleasant Grove Cemetery 12. His twelfth child, Ginevra Foster was buried in Paris Arkansas, just miles away, with her husband John William Foster. Ellison died in 1867 and Jane Plunkett lived at the rebuilt farmhouse with her son Francis, until her death in Each Son s Story 1. William F. Plunkett -- the eldest ( ) On May 31, 1862, in Clarksville Arkansas, William Plunkett enlisted in CSA Company A, 62 nd Arkansas Militia, with his brother Ellison Jasper. In 1863, William Plunkett s unit would change to Company D, 4 th (Gordon s) Arkansas Cavalry and he would serve the

3 3 CSA until February The letter mentioned earlier from Camp DeValls on January 17, 1865, Appendix B mentions William working in the Union Camp; it s likely referring to William F. Plunkett. From Mark Miller, who is documenting Johnson County AR Civil War Soldiers: PLUNKETT, WILLIAM F. : C. S. Company A, 62nd Arkansas Militia Cpl/Cpl. Company D, 1st (Carroll s) Arkansas Cavalry Regiment Pvt/Pvt. Enlisted 31 May 1862 at Clarksville, Johnson, Arkansas. Absent with leave 30 Apr Unit designation changed to Company D, 4th(Gordon s) Arkansas Cavalry Regiment 15 Dec Present through Feb Age listed as 19 on 1850 Johnson Co., Arkansas Census. 2. James Calvin Plunkett: ( ) P Pleasant Grove Cemetery Logan County, Arkansas On October 4, 1861, James Calvin Plunkett enlisted in the Confederate Army at Pekin, Johnson County Arkansas. On July 8, 1863 he was captured at Port Hudson in Louisiana and paroled on July 12, On November 2, 1863 in Dardanelle, three of the Plunkett brothers joined the Union Army; all enlisting in Company B, Arkansas 4th Calvary. James Calvin Plunkett (Corporal) has switched sides and joined with his brothers John Riley Plunkett (Quarter Master Sgt.) and Allen N Plunkett (Sergeant). James Union military records provide the following description: Corporal - Age 26, height 5 9, eyes gray, light hair light, fair complexion, farmer, born in Perry Co, TN. From Mark Miller, who is documenting Johnson County AR Civil War Soldiers: PLUNKETT, JAMES CALVIN: C. S. Company B, 16th Arkansas Infantry Regiment Sgt/Pvt. Enlisted 4 Oct 1861 at Pekin, Johnson, Arkansas as 4th Sergeant. Age at enlistment: 23. Mustered into service 26 Oct 1861 at

4 4 Fayetteville. Reduced to ranks 18 Jun Admitted to Post Hospital, Port Hudson, Louisiana with chronic diarrhea 9 Apr Transferred to Silliman Institute Hospital, Clinton, Louisiana 12 Apr Captured at Port Hudson, Louisiana 8 Jul Paroled at Port Hudson 12 Jul U. S. Company B, 4th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment (Union) Pvt/Cpl. Enlisted 23 Nov 1863 at Dardanelle, Yell, Arkansas. Age at enlistment: 26. Promoted Corporal 9 Jan On detached duty as scout from 25 Aug On detached duty as scout Apr Mustered out of service 8 Aug 1865 at Little Rock. Married Mary Ann Rhyne 7 Sep 1865 in Johnson County. Filed Pension Application (#1,063,010) 10 Oct Died 31 Dec 1902 at Clark, Logan, Arkansas Widow Mary A. Plunkett filed Pension Application (#779,763) 14 Mar 1903 from Arkansas IN MEMORY Obituary: (James C. Plunkett) 7 On the last day of 1902, James C Plunkett of Clark township passed from higher places of earth to higher realms of immortality, and the first day of the New Year saw him carried to his last resting place in Pleasant Grove cemetery. And while He plucked this withered flower it did please His allwise majesty ten days prior to this time to send the angel of death to visit his son, Omer G Plunkett. In the quiet of Mr. Plunkett's home death entered unannounced and the spirits of both drifted away on the bosom of that dark and shadowy river that flows with resistless sweep into the shore less sea and Mr. Plunkett passed from the busy scenes of this life to the sweep repose of the blessed. He bore open testimony of his reliance upon the teachings of Christianity for the advancement and happiness of relatives and friends and while now resting in the silent tomb after living to a ripe old age -- we know "He that giveth is able to take away." He lived during the last years of his life with a degree of purity and Christian excellency and while having met and overcome evil influences he died with heart decked with Christian graces ripe for a glorious immortality. "Who would not live such a life that he might die such a death?" With Respect, M. V. B. H. Note: The 17 year old Omer G. Plunkett (James son mentioned in the obituary) died during the amputation of his leg due to an infection or cancer, the operation occurred on the kitchen table at home. Reference page 3 of The Ellison Plunkett Family. 6.

5 5 3. John Riley Plunkett ( ) On Feb 26, 1862 in the Boston Mountains, John Riley Plunkett enlisted in the Confederate Army s Company B, 16 th Arkansas Infantry Regiment as a Private (later promoted to Sergeant).He was captured at Port Hudson, Louisiana 8 Jul 1863 and paroled at Port Hudson, 12 Jul (Along with his brother James Calvin Plunkett.) On November 2, 1863 in Dardanelle, three of the Plunkett brothers joined the Union Army; all enlisting in Company B, Arkansas 4th Calvary. The brothers were John Riley Plunkett (Quarter Master Sgt.), Allen N Plunkett (Sergeant) and James Calvin Plunkett (Corporal). John s military records provide the following description: Quarter Master Sergeant, Age 24, height 5 10, eyes blue, light hair, fair complexion, farmer, born in Perry Co, TN. The letter Appendix B dated "Camp 4th Ark Cav Vols, Devils Bluffs, Ark, 17 January, 1865" was written by John R Plunkett to his sister Ginevra Jane Plunkett. An excerpt of the letter published in "Wagon Wheels" Volume 16 Number 4 page 33: "...Father and al the boys is well. Sherod and William is hauling cord wood and is getting two dollars a day the rest of the boys has ben cutting cord wood and pappy is housekeeper. Appendix B contains the entire letter transcription, ending with a note about the identity of William. From Mark Miller, who is documenting Johnson County AR Civil War Soldiers: PLUNKETT, JOHN RILEY: C. S. Company B, 16 th Arkansas Infantry Regiment Pvt/Sgt. Enlisted 26 Feb 1862 in the Boston Mountains. Promoted 1 st Sergeant after Feb Captured at Port Hudson, Louisiana 8 Jul Paroled at Port Hudson, 12 Jul U. S. Company B, 4 th Arkansas Calvary Regiment (Union) Pvt/QM Sgt. Enlisted 23 Nov 1863 at Dardanelle Yell, Arkansas. Age at enlistment: 24. Promoted Quartermaster Sergeant 9 Jan Absent with leave Nov Detailed for duty at Cavalry Depot, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas through 22 Jan Mustered out of service 30 Jun 1865 at Little Rock.

6 6 4. Allen Newton Plunkett ( ) On November 2, 1863 in Dardanelle, three of the Plunkett brothers joined the Union Army; all enlisting in Company B, Arkansas 4th Calvary. The brothers were Allen N Plunkett (Sergeant) John Riley Plunkett (Quarter Master Sgt.), and James Calvin Plunkett (Corporal). Allen Newton s military records provide the following description: Sergeant - Age 18, height 5 9, eyes gray, light hair, fair complexion, farmer, born in Johnson Co, AR. From Mark Miller, who is documenting Johnson County AR Civil War Soldiers: PLUNKETT, ALLEN NEWTON: U. S. Company B, 4th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment (Union) Pvt/Sgt. Enlisted 23 Nov 1863 at Dardanelle, Yell, Arkansas. Age at enlistment: 18. Promoted Sergeant 9 Jan Absent with leave Nov Mustered out of service 30 Jun 1865 at Little Rock. Born 19 Nov 1845 in Johnson Co., Arkansas. Age listed as 4 on 1850 Johnson County Census. Married Isabella Graham 22 Dec 1867 in Johnson County. Died 30 Jan 1890 in Logan Co., Arkansas. Buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Scranton, Logan, Arkansas. Widow Isabella Plunkett filed Pension Application (#459,841) 1 Aug 1890 from Arkansas. Widow Isabella Blakely filed Pension Application (#730,841) on behalf of minor child 1 Dec 1900 from Indian Territory

7 7 5. Ellison Jasper Plunkett ( ) On May 31, 1862 in Clarksville Arkansas, Ellison Jasper Plunkett enlisted as "Jasper Plunkett" (AKA E.J. Plunkett) in the Confederate Army, with his brother William F. Plunkett. Jasper first served in Company A, 62 nd Arkansas Militia as a Sergeant. A widow s pension application shows that he also served in Company A, 4th Ark Cavalry (Gordon's). Jasper Plunkett went AWOL between Sept and Oct From Mark Miller, who is documenting Johnson County AR Civil War Soldiers: PLUNKETT, ELLISON JASPER: C. S. Company A, 62nd Arkansas Militia Sgt/Sgt. Company D, 1st (Carroll s) Arkansas Cavalry Regiment Pvt/Pvt. Enlisted 31 May 1862 in Clarksville, Johnson, Arkansas. Absent without leave 12 Sep 1863 to 31 Oct Born 17 Dec 1843 in Arkansas. Age listed as 7 on 1850 Johnson Co., Arkansas Census. Married (1) Mary E. Graham abt 1864 in Arkansas. Married (2) Mary Jane Bennett 7 Nov 1869 in Johnson County. Arkansas Census. Died 17 Aug 1886 in Logan Co., Arkansas. Widow Mary J. Plunkett filed Pension Application (#515,649) 19 May 1891 from Arkansas. Ellison Jasper Plunkett s widow Mary J. Plunkett received a widow's pension from the U.S. Government for Ellison J. Plunkett serving in Company A Arkansas Cavalry. 10 IN MEMORY Obituary (Ellison Jasper Plunkett) 7 Whereas, the afflicting hand of a kind Providence has been laid heavily upon us, we deeply deplore the death of our beloved brother, E. J. Plunkett, who departed this life 17 August, 1886; therefore, be it Resolved, that in the death of Bro. Plunkett, Pleasant Mound Lodge No. 234 has lost one of its best members, and society one of its brightest stars, and the country one of its best citizens.

8 8 Resolved, that the Lodge most sincerely sympathizes with the family in there bereavement. Resolved, that the Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning for the next thirty days, and that the W.M. appoint a committee to write out an obituary of Bro. Plunkett, and present to the widow one copy, and have one copy published in the Paris EXPRESS and one copy in the Magazine Serpent. Brother E. J. Plunkett was born in what is now Logan County, Ark., 18 December, 1843; wedded Mary J. Bennett 7 November, 1869.Professed religion in August and joined the C.P. Church 30 September, 1874, and lived a devoted Christian until death.he was an affectionate husband and father, and an industrious, energetic farmer.he was made a Master Mason in Pleasant Mound Lodge No March, 1870, and soon became a bright, good worker, and was elevated to the highest position in the Lodge, and faithful in all his house, and highly esteemed by all who knew him.he was Sr. W. at the time of his demise.he was buried with Masonic honors 18 August, 1886.He leaves a widow, nine children, and many relatives and friends to mourn his untimely death; but we trust his loss to them is eternal gain to him, and we hope that all may so live as to meet him on the bright, sunny shore. N. M. HOWARD, B. S.COUNCIL, J.L.LASATER, 6. Sheridan Wesley Plunkett ( ) No Civil War military record has been found for Sheridan (Sherod), however, family stories and letters have documented a few of his experiences. Wagon Wheel Published Stories 1) Source: Wagon Wheel, Logan County Arkansas Historical Society, Summer 1981, Volume 1 Number 4

9 9 Sheridan Wesley Plunkett, was only 14 years of age and not old enough for service in the Civil War. He had four older brothers (and possibly his father) who enlisted with the Union Army. However, Sheridan went to DeValls Bluff in Eastern Arkansas on the White River and cooked in a camp there. Rebel Bushwhackers began terrorizing northern Arkansas even more viciously after the Fall of The Federals had taken Fort Smith September 1, 1863 and Little Rock September 10, This seemed to have freed a band of Confederates who left the regular army and began looting and terrorizing the countryside in the Arkansas Valley. Jane Plunkett recorded in her Bible that her house was burned by the Rebels November 12, Sheridan was wounded during these treacherous times and his mother, Jane, nursed him back in health. When he was strong again she dressed him up like a woman and went with him back to his company. 2) Source: Letter in possession of Foster family and Wagon Wheels Vol 16, No 4 Winter 1996 page 33: From a letter Appendix B dated "Camp 4th Ark Cav Vols, Devals (probably DeValls) Bluffs Ark, January 17th 1865" from John R Plunkett to his sister Ginevra Jane Plunkett; found in the Bible of John William Foster (husband of Ginevra Jane Plunkett). Typed copy published in 'Wagon Wheels" vol. 16 no.4 Winter 1996, page 33: (spelling is original) "Sherod and William is hauling cordwood and is getting two dollars a day and the rest of the boys has ben cuting cordwood and papy is housekeeper." 3) Source: "Wagon Wheels" vol. 16 no. 4 Winter 1996, page 30 "Our grandfather, Sheridan, was a devout Presbyterian. He thought that dances were evil and did not allow his children to go to them." Wounded in the Civil War. Served in the Union Army. 7. Francis Marion Plunkett -- the youngest boy ( ) Frannie was only nine years old when the Civil War started. The duration of the war he lived at home. A published family story Appendix C describes the dangerous life many women and children in northwest Arkansas experienced during the war. This story describes the events of November 12 th 1864 when rebels burned the family home and They put Uncle Frannie on one of the horses and rode off with him. However, he was released a few miles from home and returned safely. Francis inherited the rebuilt family farmhouse when Ellison died in His mother Jane lived there too until her death in 1885.

10 10 Obituary: (Francis Marion Plunkett) 7 IN MEMORY Again on the 2nd the Angel of Death spread her snowy wings over the home of Mr. F.M. Plunkett of near Brown and claimed for her own a dear father and husband which was indeed a very sad surprise to this and immediate vicinities. The remains were laid to rest in Pleasant Grove cemetery. Mr. Plunkett was a true and honored citizen and loved by all who knew him because of kindness and gentleness. All was done during his short illness that loving hearts and willing hands could do to restore him to health again, but our blessed Master who doeth all things well plucked this withered flower out of this world of sin and sorrow and transplanted it in that beautiful Eden of peace and joy to live forevermore. Then let us not weep for our loved one that has gone on before for we have an assurance that he is a guarding angel over us now. If we are only faithful until the "last Trumpet shall sound" we will meet him in that beautiful place that is prepared for us. March 6 Each Daughter s Story: Ellison and Jane had five daughters; a minimum the three youngest girls were living at home during the Civil War, as was Francis. Appendix B and C give some insight into their lives during the war. Their husbands military records are included to show the similarity with the Plunkett sons military service. 1) Romanda Caroline Plunkett ( ) married John Carroll Farmer in The couple lived in the same Township as the Plunkett s homestead. (R.C. and John C. are buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Logan County.) From Mark Miller, who is documenting Logan County AR Civil War Soldiers: FARMER, JOHN CARROLL: U. S. Company A, 4 th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment (Union) Pvt/Pvt. Enlisted 26 Nov 1863 at Dardanelle, Yell, Arkansas. Age at enlistment: 30. Mustered into service 10 Dec 1863 at Benton, Saline, Arkansas. Absent with leave Feb Captured 17 May 1864 at Dardanelle. Absent without leave 31 Oct 1864 from Pulaski Co., Arkansas. Rejoined regiment 23 Dec 1864 at De Valls Bluff. Present in arrest 31 Dec Acquitted by court-martial and restored to duty without loss of pay (his future father-in-law, Sgt. Lovett Hibbs, was one of the

11 11 witnesses called at his court-martial). Mustered out of service 30 Jun 1865 at Little Rock. Born 17 Nov 1833 in Marion Co., Tennessee. Age listed as 28 on 1850 Johnson Co., Arkansas Census. Married (1) Romanda Caroline Plunkett Married (2) Mary Elizabeth Hibbs. Pension Application (#963,592) filed 4 Oct 1890 from Arkansas. Age listed as 66 on 1900 Logan Co., Arkansas Census. Buried in Prairie Grove Cemetery, Scranton, Logan, Arkansas. [His grave includes a military headstone, indicating service in Company H, 26 th Arkansas Infantry Regiment, which is in error. It properly belongs to John Calvin Farmer from the same county. The application for military headstone was by Mrs. Anne Johnston Bailey and lists as a source, the Confederate Pension Application (#6803) of John C. and Manisa Farmer.] Halfbrother of Benjamin F., Francis M., and George W. Ewing. Brotherin-law of Allen N., Ellison J., James C., John R., and William F. Plunkett. Son-in-law of Lovett S. Hibbs. Note: In 2015 researchers began an effort to replace the Confederate headstone. The goal is to provide a Union Military marker for John Carrol Farmer and transfer the Confederate marker to John Calvin Farmer s grave at Lee s Cemetery in Clarksville. Mary E.A. and son Jasper L. Lasater 2. Mary Elizabeth Ann Plunkett ( ) married David Jasper Lasater on September 12, David and Mary Elizabeth Ann lived next door to the family homestead. She died in the age of 28 and was buried at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Logan County Arkansas. (This researcher hasn t found the gravesite for David Jasper Lasater, it s possible he s an unmarked grave at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.) On October 4 th 1861 at Pekin, Johnson County Arkanasas, David enlisted in the same Confederate unit as Mary Elizabeth Ann s brothers James Calvin and John Riley; Company B, 16 th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. The private was 30 years old. He mustered into service 26 Oct 1861 at

12 12 Fayetteville. Detailed as a teamster Dec 1861 and was listed as present through Aug He died 1 Dec 1883 in Carroll County, Arkansas. 3. Ginevra Jane Nevie Plunkett ( ) married John William Foster 3 Oct She was living at home when bushwhackers attacked November 12, The entire story is in Appendix C. A letter to Nevie from Camp Devall s Bluff is in Appendix B. The couple is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Paris Arkansas, with a Union military marker placed at John William Foster s grave. John William Foster was from Logan County and served in the Civil War in the same units (first Confederate then Union) as James Calvin and John Riley Plunkett. He enlisted in Confederate Company B of the 16 th Arkansas Infantry Regiment at Shoal Creek on Oct 4, The 17 year old private left the regiment due to illness on March 30, He later enlisted in the Union Army, Company B Arkansas 4 th Cavalry Regiment on 10 Oct 1863 at Ft Smith, AR. Age 18, height 5 8, eyes gray, hair brown, dark complexion, farmer. He was a paroled prisoner, captured by Gen Shelby 20 May Phebe Angeline Plunkett ( ) died at the age of 17 and never married. 5. Martha Adaline Plunkett ( ) married William Watson Walker on October 24, William was born November 16, 1852 and was too young to serve in the Civil War.

13 13 Acknowledgments: Because of the work of Mattie Brown in 1969 and before, much family history has been retained. Mattie retired from Russellville High School as principal and was buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Please refer to her most extensive document, The Ellison Plunkett Family, for more detail than is provided here. Her work in maintaining Pleasant Grove Cemetery is acknowledged by a plaque on the cemetery gate. In addition, because of the passion Mark Miller exhibits for documenting Johnson County Civil War soldiers (using the Civil War era boundaries of Johnson County), many of our family s confusing Civil War military records were unraveled. Mark s very thorough in his research and is great at sharing. November 28, 2015 This document is a work in progress. If you have additional Civil War era information on this family please contact me through WikiTree.com (Member: McReynolds-216). Family Researcher, Peggy (McReynolds) Sneegas

14 14 Appendix A The Homestead 80 acres Patentee Name: Plunkett, Ellison Accession Number: AR State: Arkansas Land Office: Clarksville Logan County Volume: 342 Page: 2503 Document Number: 2503 Aliquot part Reference: W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 Section Number: 24 Township: 8 North Range: 25 West Meridian/Survey Area: Fifth Principal Meridian Act/Treaty Authorizing Sale: Sale-Cash Entries Date Signed: Sep 1, 1856 Signed" Yes, the document on file at the BLM contains a signature. The 80 acre homestead is delineated by the black boundary. It s about 4 ½ miles southwest of Scranton on Arkansas Hwy 197. By 1857 Ellison had dedicated a plot of land for a cemetery (marked by the red flag). Today, bordering gently rolling hills of prairie,123 graves of family and friends rest in the Plunkett Cemetery, more commonly known as Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Across the road (now Arkansas Highway 197) Ellison donated land for a Presbyterian Church, which is no longer standing. The Plunkett s farmhouse was about ¼ mile west of the church and cemetery.

15 15 Appendix B Transcription of Letter (above) near the end of the Civil War: Written by John R Plunkett to his sister Ginevra Jane Plunkett, from Camp DeValls Bluff near Little Rock Arkansas, about two months after bushwhackers tied up their mother in her home and set fire to it. Appendix C The original letter was last known to be in the possession of the John William Foster Family. Camp 4th Ark Cav vols Devals Bluff Ark January 17th 1865 Dear Little Sister, This leaves me well and I hope that it may find you the same. It has ben a long time since I have herd from you until Mrs. Green came down and I was glad to here from you all but was truly sorry to here of Mother getting so badly hurt but I hope that she will get well again soon. It is reported that General Sherman is doing great works in the east. I don t think that it will be long until we can al be at home in pease again although you have all ben robed of everything you have. I think that we will make that al right Page 2 again soon after we get home if you can just make out to live until this war is ended. I no that you have bad way of liveing there but I hope the time will soon come when you will have better times there: Give my best love to Mother and al the children and tell Caroline and Elizabeth to write to me for I have never received a letter from either of

16 16 them since I came down from Dardnell and I want you to write to me for I do love to get letters from youal. Father and all the Boys is well. Sherod and William is hauling cordwood and is geting two dollars a day and the rest of the Boys has ben cuting cordwood and Pappy is housekeeper Page 3 January 18th This leaves all well. I learn since writing yesterday that there has ben some fighting at Louisburg but have not heard the particulars. I want you to be shure and write to me the first chance you have for I am anexious to here from and to here how you are all getting along. I must come to a close by assigning myself your brother, John R Plunket to Ginevra Plunkett Note: On page two, John Riley Plunkett writes William is hauling cordwood and is getting two dollars a day. William F. Plunkett left the Confederate Army in Feb 1864 (serving for 1 year 8 months), this letter suggests he joined his brothers serving the Union cause. Another possibility: This William is John William Foster who married Ginevra after the war. John William Foster was an enlisted Union soldier known to be present at Camp Devall s Bluff but it s less likely he was receiving a daily wage for hauling firewood. In addition, John William Foster s descendants don t believe he was ever called William. Appendix C The Trials of Jane Stringer Plunkett (Wife of Ellison Plunkett) Wagon Wheels, Logan County Arkansas, Historical Society Quarterly Summer 1981, Volume 1, No. 4 Written by descendant Mattie Brown circa 1969, Prepared by June Carter Jane Plunkett was born in Kentucky in 1812, the daughter of Robert and Mary Stringer. She married Ellison J. Plunkett and they moved to Arkansas in 1840 from Tennessee and settled in the northern part of what is now Logan County, a few miles west of Prairie View near Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Their twelve children grew up, bought land and reared their families in the neighborhood. Eleven of the children and many of the grandchildren are buried in the family cemetery known as Pleasant Grove.

17 17 The story of our great grandparents is typical of many other families. When Ellison and Jane Stringer Plunkett came to Arkansas in 1840 they had four children who had been born in Tennessee. Some of her relatives came also, but we have not found a record of other Plunketts. They built a double log house, a kitchen near the main house, a smoke house and barns all of logs. Within a short time a Cumberland Presbyterian Church was built about ¼ mile from the house and an acre across the road was set aside for the cemetery. I am searching for data on this church now. The families seemed to prosper for the next twenty years until the Civil War broke out. By that time three of the children had married and lived on farms near the homestead. The little church served as a school. James and John both enlisted in the Federal Army. Our grandfather, Sheridan, was only 14 years of age and not old enough for service. However, he went to DeValls Bluff in Eastern Arkansas on the White River and cooked in a camp there. This left Jane and her small children at home alone. I have no proof of Ellison s enlistment but presumed that he had gone even though he was near 60 when the war started. During the Civil War, Sheridan Plunkett, one of the twelve children, joined the Union Army. In one of the battles he was wounded and his mother, Jane, nursed him back in health. When he was strong again she dressed him up like a woman and went with him back to his company. Bushwhackers were always around to give families of Union soldiers a hard time. Once when the Plunketts heard them coming, they took their hen, meat and provisions and dug a hole under the manure pile in the barn lot and buried the provisions til the men were all gone. Before the outlaws left, they took the feather beds, tied them to the backs of their horses, then ran down east, past the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, feathers flying everywhere. We have no record that Jane Plunkett (Ellison Plunkett s wife) and her young children were molested until the Fall of The Federals had taken Fort Smith September 1, 1863 and Little Rock September 10, This seemed to have freed a band of Confederates who left the regular army and began looting and terrorizing the countryside in the Arkansas Valley. Jane Plunkett recorded in her Bible that her house was burned by the Rebels November 12, My mother and grandmother have told me that they remember seeing scars on great grandmother Jane s shoulders and feet as a result of having been tied up and locked in their home while bushwhackers set the house on fire. One of her daughters, Nevie (who married John Foster) had hidden out somewhere near, came quickly. The children carried rails from a fence and battered the door down to release her after the men left. These men took her dishes and everything breakable, trampled the glass with their heavy boots, into wooden bins of wheat which had been garnered. They took her thirteen feather beds, ripped them open and rode up and down the road letting the feathers fly. The bushwhackers had also taken all their livestock. They put Uncle Frannie on one of the horses and rode off with him. However, he was released a few miles from home and returned safely. This same band hanged a cousin of my father s on the same night and burned his house to the ground. After this

18 18 catastrophe the family was left without food, winter was near, and the house was practically demolished. They managed to survive the winter and in the Spring, Jane and two or three other women left their children with relatives and walked to Ft. Smith, more than fifty miles, to get food. They got an occasional ride of a few miles from friendly people on the way, but most of the distance was covered on foot. Fort Smith s arsenal supplied Federal soldiers families the necessities after September The women constructed sleds and pulled the rations most of the way home. When Ellison and his sons returned after the war, they rebuilt the house but it was smaller than the original one. Walls of one log barn are still standing. The house has been covered with weather board and rooms added. Ellison died in 1867 and the homestead went to the youngest son, Francis. Jane lived with this son and his family until her death in This version by Mattie Brown published in Dear Cousins dated July The story of our great grandparents is typical of many other families. When Ellison and Jane Stringer Plunkett came to Arkansas in 1840 they had four children who had been born in Tennessee. Some of her relatives came also, but we have not found a record of other Plunketts. They built a double log house, a kitchen near the main house, a smoke house and barns all of logs. Within a short time a Cumberland Presbyterian Church was built about ¼ mile from the house and an acre across the road was set aside for the cemetery. I am searching for data on this church now. The families seemed to prosper for the next twenty years until the Civil War broke out. By that time three of the children had married and lived on farms near the homestead. The little church served as a school. James and John both enlisted in the Federal Army. Our grandfather, Sheridan, was only 14 years of age and not old enough for service. However, he went to DeValls Bluff in Eastern Arkansas on the White River and cooked in a camp there. This left Jane and her small children at home alone. I have no proof of Ellison s enlistment but presumed that he had gone even though he was near 60 when the war started. Appendix D Sources and References: 1) 2) 3) 4) (National Parks Service on Civil War) 5) Mark Miller; researcher for Johnson County Arkansas Civil War Soldiers provided additional military record details. (Note: In March 1871, Sarber County was carved out of Johnson County. In December1875, the newly formed Sarber

19 19 County was renamed Logan County.) Mark has plans to publish a book on this topic; hopefully in the near future. 6) "The Ellison Plunkett Family" written by Mattie Brown and Donna Mae Hinds September 9, 1969 in the Family Files at the Pope County Genealogy Library in Russellville, Arkansas. (Includes Obituaries, Stories, Burial Location, Birth Dates and Death Dates.) 7) Obituaries were published in "The Ellison Plunkett Family" 6 by Martha Delilah Brown and Donna Mae Hinds, 09 September, Reference: Obituary clippings found in the John William Foster Bible. Ginevra Jane Plunkett married John William Foster. 8) Ten Thousand Plunketts by Emma Plunkett Ivy published in ) Wagon Wheels, Logan County Arkansas Historical Society Quarterly: A. Summer 1981, Volume 1, No. 4 Article The Trials of Jane Stringer Plunkett Prepared by J Carter, Material from descendent Mattie Brown B. Winter 1996 "Wagon Wheels" Volume 16 No. 4 page 33; Transcribed Civil War Letter from Camp DeValls near Little Rock Arkansas; written by John Riley Plunkett to his sister Ginevra Plunkett. The letter was last known to be in the possession of descendants in the Foster family. C. Winter 1996 Wagon Wheels Volume 16 No. 4 page 30; Info on Sheridan Wesley Plunkett 10) National Archives and Records Administration; U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, Original data: General Index to Pension Files, Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. T288, 546 rolls. For Mary J. Plunkett Pension Application #515,649 on 19 May 1891 from Arkansas 11) Find A Grave Memorial in Pleasant Grove Cemetery (AKA Plunkett Cemetery) Logan County Arkansas. James C. Calvin s military marker & 12) Find A Grave Memorials are at all are linked to Ellison Plunkett s memorial at 03&