I38391: MAUD de ACTON (ABT 1295

Notes

"(3) Augustus "GUS' Levan Witherington, was the youngest son of William Witherington, Jr. He is, by far, the most interesting 'story' of all of the Witherington family! Born in Feliciana Parish, LA in 1819, he moved as a youngster with his family to Conecuh, AL. Then, about 1846-1847, he joined John Coleman King in the journey by horseback from Alabama to Champagnolle, Union County, AR. He married twice in Union County, AR; first to Martha K. Lovett and second to Mary Emma Finch. Gus, an ambitious sort, obtained over 360 acres of rich river land in Bradley County (just east and a bit south of Moro Bay State Park), became a plantation owner with a number of slaves, and operated a store and ferry crossing at Pidgeon Hill, across from Moro Bay on the Ouachita River in Union County.

Gus owned part interest in the steamboat, 'The Morgan Nelson', during the Civil War and ran supplies, munitions, foodstuffs and cotton for the Confederacy throughout the war. Gus was also known! by some to be a "scoundrel", getting Billy Goats drunk on moonshine, and helping personally in increasing the number of mulatto slaves on his plantation. Gus was murdered in 1869 (shot 3 times from close range from behind) at Moro Bay. His murderer, who escaped and was not captured for almost three years, was brought to trial in Bradley County (about 1872) and was found NOT GUILTY!! Gus is buried in the New London Cemetery, Union County, in the Finch Family Plot (his second wife's family)."

Some really good notes by Mark Parish: (somebody should write a book around GUS, the blockade runners in the Trans-Mississippi-Western Lincoln War)

"Family lore has it that Gus came to Union County, AR (about 1845-47) from Conecuh County, AL with the two King boys, who were sons of James King (son of Rev. War Captain George King) and Catherine Coleman King (dau of Rev. James Coleman, Primitive Baptist Minister in Darlington, SC & Conecuh, AL).

According to a letter dated 8 Jan. 1992 from Wm C. Finch of Crossett, AR, Gus met Mary Emma in New Orleans while there on business. Mary Emma was teaching piano for a wealthy New Orleans(Brevard) family at the time. Spencer's Union CO Marriages shows A.L. Witherington (35) marriage to Miss Mary E. Finch (21) on 13 Jan. 1859 @ the residence of Dr. Nance. The 1860 Union County Census, Pigeon Hill, AR. has family living there.

During the Civil War, Gus and two of his bro-in-laws, Wm S.Finch and Robert L. Withers, purchased a steamboat for moving freight and passangers on the Ouachita River. They lived on the West shore of the river near Pigeon Hill in Union County.

Wm S.Finch was married to Rebeca Rogers Terrell. Amelia Finch met and married Robert L. Withers in New Orleans, better known as'Captain Bob' of the steamboat 'Morgan Nelson'.

Gus is said to have organized a company for the Confederate Army of men from New London, Pigeon Hill and Longview in Union and Ashley counties. Gus was elected Captain, and Finch and Bob Withers were Lt.'s. By 1862 the three, Gus, Finch & 'Captain Bob' had acquired all of the shares of the 'Morgan Nelson' as partners. They loaded their company of men on the steamboat and headed off to New Orleans to enlist.

Being 6 foot 6 inches tall,the General in N.O. agreed to accept the company but told Gus that he could not be accepted, as he would be the first to be killed because of his height. The resourceful General (possibly General Lovell, who was in New Orleans until 1862 when N.O. fell to the Union troops) then persuaded Gus, Finch and Withers (according to family lore) to use the steamboat to run suppliesand munitions for the Confederacy, making them all three Captains* of the Confederate Army (*unproven). The boat carriedflags of both the CSA and the USA, and the men on board had bothConfederate and Union uniforms to aid them in running the blockades on the rivers.

From May 1862 until June 1865 they operated the steamboat for Major Latimer's Quartermasters Corps,Camden Hqs. They operated the boat on the Ouachita, Mississippi,Red, Black and Saline Rivers, and were permitted to carry cotton, other products and passangers on their south bound voyages and to keep those earnings for themselves. All three ended up 'rich', each with a chest full of Confederate bills,which were worthless at the end of the war.

They took the'Morgan Nelson' to New Orleans and sold it in December 1865. Captain Bob Withers soon after bought another steamboat, the'Carrie Poole', which he operated for a number of years on the Saline River near Longview at Cavaness Landing where he also operated a ferry.

Gus Witherington was murdered at Moro Bay (Bradley County) in 1869, only a few years after the war ended, and was buried at the cemetery in New London, Union County. According to newspaper reports, he was shot three times from behind, once in the head. His killer, James A. Davis, had held a grudge against Gus for an earlier beating given him by Gus sometime earlier and had laid in wait for Gus on the day of the killing. He escaped capture,but surrendered to authorities in Calhoun County in February 1872, almost three years after shooting Gus. According tonewspaper reports, Davis was found "not guilty" of the murder. The decision of the jury was no doubt influenced greatly by witnesses who testified of the terrible beating that Gus had inflicted on Davis and the threats made by Gus to kill Davis.

Witherington, Augustus "Gus" Levan Submitted by: William King1/21/2001

AUGUSTUS LEVAN WITHERINGTON FILE The Life Of AUGUSTUS LEVAN WITHERINGTON of Union & Bradley Counties, Arkansas "UNCLE GUS" Born 31 December 1818; Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Killed 27 March 1869; Moro Bay, Bradley CO, Arkansas Buried New London Cemetery, Union County Information Developed by WILLIAM R. KING,JR. Houston, Texas 3rd Gr GrandNephew of 'Gus'Witherington and the 3rd Great Grandson of John Witherington (an Older Brother of'Gus')

AUGUSTUS LEVAN WITHERINGTON, as copied from Goodspeeds 1890 History of Southern Arkansas (p. 825): "A.L. Worthington (sic) was a founder of Champagnolle Lodge #68, A.F. & A.M., located at Union Church, Franklin Township. It was organized at an early day (about 1850) by William C. Langford (later a Civil War Officer and Union County Judge), A.L. Worthington (sic) and others. D.D. Pumphry is at present Worshipful Master (1890).

GUS WITHERINGTON OF UNION COUNTY, ARKANSAS and THE CONFEDERATE STEAMBOAT - 'MORGAN NELSON' Note: The following is an exact transcription of a letter dated 8 Jan. 1992 from W. C. Finch (former Mayor of Crossett, Ark.) to Bill Witherington (researcher of Witherington Family of Southern Arkansas - now deceased). This letter was discovered in research materials of Bill Witherington, borrowed by Bill King (a John Witherington Descendant) from Janis Hopper of Hot Springs Village, AR (daughter of Bill Witherington). This letter has been transcribed by Bill King on July 15, 1998 (as it was written) as a matter of 'family' and Civil War interest of those doing research of the Witherington families and of Civil Wartimes in Calhoun & Union Counties, AR.

Transcription of letter provided by KING FAMILY ASSOCIATION by Bill King, Houston, TX Letter of W. C. Finch of Crossett, AR 407E 3rd Ave, Crossett, Ark. 71635 8 January 1992

"Dear Bill, Gus Witherington came to York, PA in 1858 on businessand met Mary Emma Finch and married her there. NOTE: They actually met in New Orleans, not York, PA, and were married in Union County, Arkansas/Source 1859 Union CountyS.

Finch, her sister Amelia Finch, and her father Joseph Henry Finch and her mother Emma Dean (nee Kress) Conkey Finch all to move to Arkansas with him. Mary Emma did not want to move without her family. They arrived at Gus' home at Pigeon Hill Arkansas in 1858 on the west bank of the Ouachita River. The 1860 census of Union CO shows them all in Gus' household. In 1862, Wm S. Finch married Rebecca Rogers Terrell at New London, Arkansas which is about a 1 1/2 miles south of Pigeon Hill. Also Joseph Henry Finch died in 1862 and was buried at the New London Cemetery, near the New London Baptist Church on Winchester Road. The Terrells were members of this church and possibly Gus Witherington was also. (The church secretary is checking the old records for me now). Amelia Finch met and married a steamboat captain named Robert L. Withers from Longview, Arkansas on the Saline River. They met when the whole family was making a trip to New Orleans. Capt.Bob owned an interest in this steamboat 'Morgan Nelson' at the time.

Gus Witherington organized a company for the Confederate Army of men from the New London, Pigeon Hill and Longview areas,Union and Ashley counties on the two rivers. Gus was the Captain, Wm S. Finch and Bob Withers were Lt.'s. In May 1863 the 3 brothers-in-law bought out all the shares of the 'Morgan Nelson' steamboat as partners. (All this sounds to me as if Gus was well fixed enough to outfit a Co. of soldiers and to buy a 1/3 interest in a steamboat, as well as to move all his in-laws from Pennsylvania to Arkansas.) They loaded the company on the steamboat and went to New Orleans to volunteer. The General told Gus he would accept his company with thanks but he would not accept Gus because he'd be the first one killed. Gus was 6' 6 1/2" tall. The General then said he could also use the steamboat, so they struck a deal. Gus, W.S. Finch and Capt Bob were given commissions each of Captain in the Confederate Army. The boat was to be operated by them to haul supplies up river for the CSA Army to various points on the Mississippi, Black, Red, Ouachita and Saline Rivers. They were allowed to haul cotton and other products south to New Orleans for civilians and could keep the money for non-military hauls. They also carried two flags, USA and CSA as well as uniforms for both sides to aid them in running the 'Yankee' blockades. (They could have been shot as spies if caught.) However, they were not caught and they operated the boat for the Confederacy, Major Latimer's Quartermaster's Corps, HDQ Camden, Arkansas, from May 1862 to June 1865 when they took the Oath of Allegiance to the USA. They all 3 ended up 'rich' with each a chest full of Confederate bills. Their only real assets left were their lands and the boat 'Morgan Nelson' which they sold in New Orleans. Captain Bob Withers used his share to buy another steamboat "Carrie Poole" which he operated for several years. He also operated a ferry on the Saline River near Longview at Cavaness Landing.

Wm S. Finch went into partnership with his other brother-in-law William Simon Terrell. They built and operated a store at Pigeon Hill until 1882 when Rebecca, his wife, died. She is buried at New London Cemetery near her father-in-law, J.H. Finch (stone still readable). I have pictures of Rebecca and Gus' stones. They are in the middle of the cemetery. I believe J.H. Finch is between. I was told by an elderly lady at New London that this was correct, that J.H. Finch's stone was damaged in a storm and the pieces later scattered and lost. There is a goodly space between Gus and Rebecca, enough for J.H. plus space for each of their spouses. Possibly Gus' first wife is there next to him but I could not find a stone. I believe this was a Finch Row (planned) as the Terrells are in another part of the cemetery some distance west. Wm Simon Terrell stayed at New London with the store and died there (there is still a store at the ferry landing at Pigeon Hill, on the Union County side of the River).

Wm S. Finch married Sarah Jane Everett of New London. They moved to Warren...had 3 children and are both buried at Warren. Emma Dean Finch went to live with her daughter Amelia and Capt.Bob Withers at Longview. Emma Dean is buried at Prairie Chapel Cemetery next to her son-in-law Capt. Robert L. Withers in the Withers Plot. Amelia Finch Withers lived into the 1920's and is buried in a Withers Plot in the Hamburg Cemetery with several sons and daughters. Mary Emma Finch Witherington later married William D. Harrison and moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They had two girls, Versa and Pearl. In the 1940's Pearl lived in Portland, AR. Mary Emma is buried in Pine Bluff with 2nd husband, William D. Harrison. Hattie May Witherington Price lived in Hamburg and is buried in the Hamburg Cemetery. We visited 'Cousin Hattie' often when I was a child. Vera Welch wasa good friend, both in Fordyce & Little Rock of my mother's family (Calhoun) who were raised in Fordyce as well as Minnie Finch Koonce, daughter of Wm S. Finch who married Edgar Koonce. I have marked up a Gus Witherington sheet as we have it in our family records and tombstone pictures. I am searching for apicture of Gus Witherington and a picture of steamboat 'Morgan Nelson'. If I can give you any more information, please write or call.

Sincerely,
Wm C. Finch (Signature)"

Email from Ed Sanders, Arkansas Historical Society: Bill, the officer in New Orleans was right in rejecting Gus for military service. He WOULD have been the first one shot because a man that size cannot shrink and hide. I did the genealogy of a fellow in northwest several years ago for his great granddaughter, and pointed out to her that his recruiting officer had effectively murdered the man. He was 6' 5" tall and the recruiter put him in the CAVALRY!!! A man that size would have to have a tall horse to keep his feet from dragging the ground, so you've got an 8 foot tall target trying to slip through the woods, or charge across a field. Sure enough, the fellow was killed in his very first engagement! Thanks for aheck of a story! Best wishes, ëEdí ___________________________

Proven Data About Augustus Levan Witherington Augustus Levan was born December 31, 1818 in Feliciana Parish,Louisiana. 'Gus' was child # 12 of William Witherington, Jr. & Sarah 'Salley' Stanley. Gus' father, William Witherington, Jr., received a Commission as ENSIGN in the 17th Regiment, Mississippi Territory on 7 July 1813. The Commission was signed at Washington, MS by David Holmes, Governor of the Mississippi Territory. It is said by some that 'Ensign Witherington' was in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, but this has not been proven as fact.

Following the Civil War, Gus and Mary Emma (Finch) lived in Bradley County across the Ouachita River from Pigeon Hill, Union County. Gus had named his new Plantation in Bradley County 'Mount Vernon'. Gus was murdered March 27, 1869 at Moro Bay, Bradley County, Arkansas. Gus is buried in the New London Cemetery, Union County, AR in the Finch Family Plot. Martha Lovett (wife #1) died 1857 in Union County and is buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery located on Ark Hwy # 15 east of El Dorado. After Gus' murder in 1869, Mary Emma Finch (wife # 2) married William D. Harrison. Mary Emma Finch and Wm D. Harrison are both buried at Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

1858-59-60 Tax Records - Bradley County, Arkansas A. L.Witherington ENSW Sec. 25 Twn. 16 Range 12 84 Acres ENE 33 16 1280 Acres SNW 34 16 12 80 Acres SWSW 27 16 12 29.83 Acres SESW 2816 12 39.89 Acres NWNW 34 16 12 40 Acres Total 364.16 Acres Bill King's Note: The above land would have been located immediately north and east of the Ouachita River, and lying SE of the community of Moro Bay and east across the river from the Pigeon Hill landing. The Ouachita River makes a large loop to the north (toward Moro Bay) just a bit west of the above landowned by Gus. This is likely the land referred to in family stories as the 'Mount Vernon Plantation' of Gus Witherington.

Arkansas Census Records Union County - 1850 - Franklin Township
A. L. Witherington 30 m Farmer LA
Martha 21 f AL <1st wife - Martha Lovett, b. 1827>
Mary E. 2 f AL
Sarah 4 mos. female AL

Union County - 1860 - Pigeon Hill Township 3 Aug. 1860
A. L.Witherington 37 r/e $10k/ per $25k LA
Mary 22 Canada <2nd wife -Mary Emma Finch, b. 1838-Canada>
Joseph Finch 55 N.Y.
Emma Finch 50 N.Y.
W. S. Finch 26 N.Y.
Amelia Finch 19 Mich.
Mary Witherington 11 AL
Sarah Witherington 9 ARK
Chayler (sp?) Witherington 5 male ARK
Orlena Witherington 7 f ARK
Willie Witherington 3 male ARK
Henry Witherington 3 mos. ARK

Notes: Family moved from AL to ARK before 1850, as child-Sarah (4 mos) was shown born in AL on 1850 census. First wife, Martha K. Lovett, died 1857 (their son-Willie was born about 1857,could she have died in childbirth??). Gus was married to Mary E.Finch on 13 January 1859 in El Dorado, Union County.

Letters of Administration -Estate of Augustus L. Witherington Value of Estate - about $1500.
ELIAS D. KING, here applying for Letters of Administration on the Estate of AUGUSTUS L.WITHERINGTON late of said County, being that AUGUSTUS L.WITHERINGTON departed this life in Bradley County on or about the 27th day of March 1869.
Heirs: Henry S. Witherington, E.Evalyon Witherington, Madaline A. Witherington, Hattie May Witherington of Bradley County, Ark. Mrs. Mary E. Smith, Union County, Ark. Sallie K. Witherington and Orlina M. Witherington of Texas. Bond: Dated: May 28, 1869, $3000 - Elias D. King, Mary E. Witherington, B.C. Weir and James H. Avery t (Avant)

NEW LONDON CEMETERY * Union County, Arkansas CEMETERY GRAVESTONE AUGUSTUS L. WITHERINGTON Born January 1,1819 Died March 27, 1869 Age: 50 Years, 2 Months, 26 Days *Cemetery established about 1810

GUS WITHERINGTON,Union County Pigeon Hill, Arkansas Assets. Inventory of Store June 4, 1869 53 Pairs of Shoes 15 Pocket Knives 3 Whet Rocks 20 Hand Saw Files 4 Sets of knives & forks 1 Gross of Coffee Shoe Brushes, Slates, Boots, Shoes, Spurs, Trunk, Tin Pans, Lamps, Pitchers, Bowls, Stone Dishes Cups & Saucers, Plates, Tumblers, Goblets, Tin Buckets, Horse Collars 1 Bolts of Alpaca, Prints, Cotton, Worsted, Flannel 15 Goats, 2 Milk Cows Inventory Total:$ 1016.16 Documents of Administration Package (continued) RECEIPT Received of Elias D. King, Administrator of the Estate of Augustus L. Witherington, Deceased, Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Dollars and 54 cents, As a part of my Dower Interest in the proceeds of sale of the personal property belonging to the Estate of the said Augustus L. Witherington, Deceased. Dated:February 1st, 1870

Signed: M. E. Witherington (Widow of A. L.Witherington, Deceased) _____________________________________ Pigeon Hill, Arkansas February 11, 1862 J. F. H. HARMON In Account With Augustus L. Witherington $1250.56 Cr.

Bill King Question: Could J. F. H. Harmon have been serving as a 'merchant-banker' in Union County and in possession of funds belonging to the credit of Augustus Levan Witherington?

Final Accounting Current Elias D. King, Administrator Estate of Augustus L. Witherington, Deceased July Term 1883 Confirmed and Ordered of Record July Term 1884 A. A. Turner, Judge Filed: July 10,1883

The following is a transcription of letter dated Feb. 26, 1981 from Gordon L. Harrison, Jr. of Houston to Virginia M. Witherington, Arkadelphia, AR HARRISON CONVEYOR CO. 4010 Bluebonnet # 115 Houston, Texas 77025 (713) 661-3405 February 26, 1981

"Dear Virginia, Your information on the Finch's strikes a warm part of my soul. We are now discussing our great-grandfather, Augustus Levan Witherington, amost colorful and interesting free spirit. To digress a moment; I am not a family buff. Leonard Green's wife, Bettye, is the person who has traced the staid Harrison family at the Clayton Library in Houston. Mildred White O'Quin also is a family nut. She has an "Ensign Certificate" of William Witherington, member of the MISSISSIPPI DRAGOONS, dated 1813.

Ibelieve this William Witherington is the father of A.L. (this is now a confirmed fact). My father was a pet of his mother. I suspect they were conspirators in meanness to your mother. My father has many family stories he got from Evelyn Emma Witherington Harrison. My father exaggerates, and imagines events that never happened, so take my further comments with this aberration of Gordon's in mind. William and James Witherington appear in 1830 census, Conecuh County, Alabama; A.L. Witherington is not shown. A. L. first appears in Union County, Arkansas marriages 1829-1870, by Spencer: A. L. Witherington 21 to Martha K. Lovett 18, February 1848. Also recorded: A. L. Witherington 35 to Miss M. E. Finch 21, at Dr. Nance's on 13th Jan 1859.

According to Gordon, Mary Emma Finch left Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to take a position as a music teacher at Madeline Brevard's School for Young Ladies in New Orleans. A. L. evidently met our great-grandmother in New Orleans, and married her in Arkansas. Mary Emma got her brother William S. Finch, Sister Amelia, and mother Emma Dean Finch to live in Arkansas with her. Amelia married Robert Withers. William S. married Rebecca Terrell, sister to Simon Terrell. Both of these men were business associates of A.L. A.L. was very good to the Finch Family. A.L. was evidently a prosperous businessman, got "Billy-Goats"drunk on Sunday, had many fist fights, and took an active part in the breeding of his female slaves. He was smart enough to be in the Quarter Master Corp in Texas, nearly caught by the Yankees when he was visiting Mary Emma in 1864 at Champonolle. As a boy in Warren, I was shown a Warren newspaper dated 1869 headlined: 'MR. DAVIS SHOOTS 'BULLY' GUS WITHERINGTON IN SELF-DEFENSE'. According to Gordon, A.L. whipped Davis before 1861 (?), and Davis carried a grudge against A.L. Gordon claims A.L. and his son, Henry Stuart, got off of A.L.'s steamboat at Moro Bay, Davis was lying in the bushes and rifle-shot A.L. in the back of the head.

(Bill King Note: Newspaper story reported he was killed with a shot gun.) Now for another 'juicy' scandal: The Widow Mary Emma married William D. Harrison, son of William Kennon Harrison, brother of Edmund Reid Harrison. Will and our grandfather, Edmund Pendleton Harrison were first cousins, one married to the mother, the other to the daughter. The Widow Mary Emma must have acquired aloving disposition from A.L. Will D. (Harrison) and Mary Emma had Versa Burton (Aunt Burt) and Pearl Eugenia (Aunt Lolly). They lived in Pine Bluff when E.P. and Evelyn Emma were first married.

August Levan Witherington is my favorite relative. He was the main-stay of the Finch's when they first came to Arkansas. When he died, Mary Emma did not know too much about his business affairs. Gordon claims the poor widow was cheated out of her property. Remember that William S. Finch, Robert Withers and Simon Terrell were his associates and probably advised her about A.L.'s property. William D. Harrison was a traveling "Daguerreotype" picture-taker. E. P. supposedly held him incontempt. I imagine Will D. (Harrison) helped the Widow Mary Emma dispose of her property. Best Regards, Don Gordon L Harrison, Jr.

NOTE The above letter was found in family research papers of Virginia M. Witherington of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and was transcribed by Bill King of Houston on August 1, 1999.

AUGUSTUS LEVAN WITHERINGTON (The Murder) The below excerpts were taken from articles appearing in Arkansas Gazette and were provided Jan 10, 1999 by Jann Woodard of the Bradley County Historical Society - 12008 Ginger Lane,Benton, AR 72015 Ark. Gazette April 3, 1869 (page 2, col. 5)

Killed: We are informed that Mr. Gus Witherington, late of Champagnolle, was,on Friday 26th ult., at Moro Bay killed by a Mr. James Davis. He was shot three times. We have not heard the particulars of the difficulty.

(From the Camden News) April 6, 1869 (page 3 col. 2) A.L. Witherington, formerly of Champagnolle, but more lately of Mt. Vernon, Bradley county, was brutally murdered on the 27th of March, at Moro, Calhoun county,by a man named James A. Davis. He was in conversation at the store door of Bratton & Co., with Mr. Schaer of Little Rock, when Davis approaching from behind shot him without warning. The first shot passed through his head, the second through his body, when falling upon the floor he was shot a third time in the left shoulder. Mr. Witherington was conveyed to Pigeon Hill, where he died on the night of the 19th. Pigeon Hill Masonic Lodge No. 98,buried Mr. Witherington with the usual ceremonies. We will publish their resolutions next week. Mr. Witherington was an old and respected citizen of Union County.

AR Gaz. Oct. 26, 1869 (page 4 col 2) The governor has offered a reward of $200 for the arrest and conviction of James Davis, charged with the murder of A.L. Witherington, at Moro Landing, Calhoun County.

AR Gaz. Feb. 6 1872 (page 1 col 2) The Warren Eagle says Jas. A.Davis, who shot and killed A.L. Wortherington (sic), a highly respected citizen of Bradley county, about three years ago, and made his escape, created quite a sensation the other day by reappearing and surrendering himself to the officers of the law with a view of standing trial.

The Bradley County Eagle Warren, Arkansas, Sat. Jan. 27th, 1872 The Murderer Now In Jail In This City Last Tuesday night our town was thrown into a fever of excitement by the arrival at the Warren House of Mr. James A. Davis. Charged with murder and under an escort of armed men. It appears that about four years ago a difficulty occurred in the village of Mount Vernon, in this county, between two residents, named A.L. Wortherington (sic) and James A. Davis; the former being the aggressor. Davis was beaten in a most shocking manner, his face being battered in a terrible way; his eyes nearly put out; his jaw broken, and his spine injured beyond recovery. While being thus outraged and unable to defend himself he said: "Wortherington (sic), you had better kill me now, while you have a chance, for if I ever recover, I will kill you!" At last the difficulty ceased and the parties separated. Time rolled on and about a year elapsed, when they met again, in the village of Moro Bay, on the Ouachita River, about the 28th of March 1869. When Davis saw Wortherington (sic), he said to a bystander: "Is that Wortherington (sic)?" And upon receiving an affirmative reply,walked off, got a shotgun, and deliberately shot his victim dead. Fearing mob law, James A. Davis took up his abode in Calhoun County where he remained until the time of his arrest. In the meantime it appeared the Grand Jury of this county found a true bill against him for murder in the first degree for which he was arrested. When the officers presented the warrant, he surrendered cheerfully, and is now closely confined in the county jail. He seems quite indifferent to his situation and thinks the law will justify his deed; and from what we learn, public sympathy is with him, for Wortherington (sic) is represented as being very turbulent and quarrelsome disposition,even to maltreat any person for the least imaginary cause and threatened the life of Davis several times carrying guns to execute his threats. These are represented by the facts in the case and we give them to the public without comment.
Above article provided to Bill King by Jann Woodard of BradleyCounty Gen. Society 1-20-99 ___________________________________

'GUS' WITHERINGTON INFORMATION Provided by Bryan Howerton1/23/99 Researcher with Gerdes Civil War Pages E-Mail:[email protected]

WITHERS, Robert James Born 15 Jun 1820 in South Carolina, Died 18 Jun 1901 in Arkansas Buried in Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Drew County, Arkansas Widow - Amelia Finch Withers filed Arkansas pension application #22346 from Bradley County, August 9, 1915. Listed in Ashley County 1860 Census, occupation carpenter C.S.Marine Service, commander, Steamer Morgan Nelson.

WITHERINGTON, Augustus L Listed in Union County 1860, age 27,born in Louisiana, occupation merchant. No Arkansas service or pension record found.

FINCH, William Stuart Born 11 Sep 1830 at Clarence, New York,Died 19 Jul 1907 at Warren, Arkansas. Buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Bradley County, Arkansas Married Rebecca Rogers Terrell, 10 Jan 1861, Union county, Arkansas Listed in Union County 1860 census.
Married Sarah Jane Everett, 30 Sep 1883,Union county,
Arkansas Widow Sallie J. Finch filed Arkansas pension application #15144 from Bradley County, 6 Aug 1913.Cited service in Quartermaster's Dept., Maj. Latimer's Ark. Div.

If these three men served in the Confederate navy or marine service, their records would not be filed in Arkansas. The C.S.Navy and Marine Corps (and I assume Marine Service) have their own Compiled Service Records microfilm series, completely separate from the various State volunteers. Likewise, if they served for example as a quartermaster, working directly for adepartment or army, their CSRs would be filed with the regular Confederate Army microfilms (again, a separate microfilmseries).

Hope this helps. Bryan Howerton
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The Following Message From Chuck Jackson - St. Louis, dated February 1999 'Morgan Nelson, CSA Marine Service' Bill - found mentioned in a letter to General Buckner from General E. Kirby Smith. Will "snail mail" the letter to you but will transcribe verbatim below. I think this letter answers the question as to the role of the Morgan Stanley in the Civil War and why I could not find Withers, Witherington, nor Finch in the Civil Warbooks.

Headquarters Trans-Mississippi Department. Chuck Shreveport, February 27, 1865 To: Lieut. Gen. S. B. Buckner Commanding District of West Louisiana

GENERAL: Major Buckner's communication from Monroe of 21st February with your endorsement is just received. The steamer Barkman was burned in the Bartholomew. The Fletcher and Morgan Nelson have by telegraph to Camden been ordered to Monroe, where they will be at the disposition of Major Buckner for the purpose of procuring corn. The Ouachita country above the Louisiana line is absolutely stripped of forage. To maintain that line the garrison at Camden is compelled to supply itself from the lower Ouachita and its tributaries. It is of vital importance for the protection of Northern Louisiana, as well as the planting interests in the Red River Valley, in the District of Arkansas, that Camden should be held by us. General Magruder estimates that 30,000 bushels of corn will meet his necessities and enable him to maintain the line of the Ouachita until the coming crop can be gathered. The boats will at the disposal of your officers, and I wish you would instruct them to use dispatch and energy in securing and removing the corn from the Boeuf. What is not needed for the District of Arkansas and your cavalry on the Ouachita can be transported up Little River to within sixteen miles of Alexandria, and be made available for the troops in the lower portion of your district. As the wants of the garrison at Camden are pressing, I wish the first load of the Fletcher sent to that point. You can afterward, as your necessities will allow, increase the amount of corn sent to Camden to 30,000 or even 50,000 bushels. The boats will remain under your control,and General Magruder instructed that he can depend upon your officers forwarding to Camden the corn necessary for the support of that garrison. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. KirbySmith, Commanding General, CSA

Bill, The set of books I researched looking for any sign that Withers,Witherington, and/or Finch were in the Confederate Navy were: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Published under the direction of: The Hon.Curtis D. Wilbur, Secretary of the Navy, by Dudley W. Knox,Captain, U. S. Navy, Retired Officer in Charge, Office of Naval Records and Library by authority of an Act of Congress approvedJuly 31, 1894. United States Government Printing Office Washington û 1927 Above From: Chuck Jackson, St. Louis
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E-Mail to & from Robert Owens EMail: [email protected] Riverboat Researcher Date: Sunday, February 14, 1999 Robert, many thanks for the info on the Morgan Nelson and also for the info below. Believe that this was very likely my relative, A.L. Witherington (not A.J.). His name was AUGUSTUS LEVAN WITHERINGTON. 'Gus' was said to have been a partner with Captain Robert Withers and William Finch as owners of the 'Morgan Nelson'. However, no proof has surfaced on this fact, and is only found in Witherington & Finch family tales handed down through the years. Again, I will greatly appreciate all info on any of the above. Bill King, Houston

The Paddle Wheelers:

Morgan Nelson: Sternwheel, packet, wooden hull, built at Middletown, Pa. 1859. 109 tons. 120' x 21'.8" x 4'.4". She appeared at New Orleans Jan. 24, 1861, owned by Josiah and James Dillon of Wheeling, Va., with Capt. Joseph Richardson, also of Wheeling, in charge. She had seven changes of ownership at New Orleans 1861-1868, when dismantled.

Carrie Poole: Sternwheel, packet, wooden hull, built at Evansville, Ind., 1865. 118'.7" x 21' x 3'.7". Advertised August 1866 running New Orleans-Red River, Capt. J.F. Muse, "draws only 12 inches light." Had four or five owners including Red River Packet Co., and Capt. Noah Scovell. When she burned at Algiers,La., was owned by James M. Kane, New Orleans, with Capt. W.H.King, master. This on July 27, 1870.

Dr. Buffington: Sidewheel packet, wooden hull, built at Cincinnati, Oh. 1857. 157'x32'x5'. Ran New Orleans-Grand Encore (Camden), owned by A.J. Buffington, New Orleans. Capt. L.T.Moore was master in 1858. In 1861 owned by A.L. Witherington, Carrollton (New Orleans), who also was master. Made trips up White River, and was lost there, December 1862.

These steamboats were mentioned in a paper called The County Explorer. It says: Captain Robert J. Withers, a well- known and respected leader of the community, operated two of several boats that plied the Marie Saline. The Carrie Poole and the Morgan Nelson. This at Longview, Saline River, Arkansas. The otherinformation was obtained from Way's Packet Directory.

Robert Owens From the Web Pages: (1) "Riverboats" and (2) "Riverboat Captains" 1. Name: DR. BUFFINGTON Type: Sidewheeler, Wooden hull packetSize: 175 X 32 X 5 Launched: 1857, Cincinnati, Oh. Destroyed:1862, Dec. lost on White R. (See ** below)
Area: 1857-61, New Orleans - Grand Ecore; 1861, N. O. - White R. Owner: 1857,Buffington, A. J. *1860, Avant, Nathan T. of Union, Ark. *1860,Dec. 4, Buffington, Capt. A.J. 1861. Witherington, A.L. of Carrollton, La. Captain: 1858, Moore, L.T. *1860, March 28 -1861 Avant, Nathan T. *1861, Witherington, A.L.

The following was copied from the pages ofthe Journals of the House of Representatives, 2nd Congress of the Confederate States of America. Volume 7, page 13 of the Journals of the Confederate Congress, 1861-1865. Web Page: page 13 (in part) Date: Second Day, Tuesday, May 3, 1864 Mr. A. H. Garland (Augustus H. Garland, Representative of the State of Arkansas) introduced: A bill "to provide for the redemption of the old issue of Treasury notes held by certain Indian tribes;" which was read a first and second time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Also, a bill "for the relief of A. L.WITHERINGTON, of Union County, in the State of Arkansas;" which was read a first and second time and referred to the Committeeon Claims.
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Family Interview with James Sidney King, about 1936, copy provided by Betty Sue Griffin Mitcham of
ElDorado, AR. James Sidney King was the son of John Coleman King. He was the Grandson of James King, Sr. & Catherine Coleman King (Catherine is buried at Wesley Cemetery in Union County, AR). From the family records of Betty Sue Griffin Mitcham of ElDorado; daughter of Abbie Coral King Griffin and great granddaughter of John Coleman King of Union County. James Sidney King of Union County, son of John Coleman King, in a 1936 family history interview, told a story of his father and Gus Witherington crossing the Mississippi River on rafts and riding horseback when they came to Arkansas. They passed several plantations in the rich Mississippi Valley where the ownerís house, known as the 'big house', was set far back from the road and a big gate and a lawn were out in front of the 'big house'. King and Witherington made their headquarters at Norris Springs in Union County and went out each day with a spade looking for rich land, but decided to go to Texas where Dallas now is. They later decided to come back to Union County where the transportation on the Ouachita River was good and they could get their cotton to market at New Orleans and where the land was rich."

Early Alabama (Conecuh County) Land Records for Augustus L. Witherington Aug. 18, 1837 40 Acres SW/SW, Sec. 15, Township 7 N, Range 11 E.(Located near Lyeffion, NE of Witherington Family Cemetery) July 1, 1845 39.375 A. NE/SW, Sec. 1, Township 6 N, Range 10 E. (Located near China and the Witherington Family Cemetery) Early Arkansas (Union County) Land Records for Augustus L. Witherington Sept 1, 1856 40 Acres SW/NE, Sec 29, Township 17 S, Range 14 W. (Located South of Hwy 15, near Wesley Cemetery) July 1, 1859 80 Acres SE/NE, Sec 7 Township 17 S, Range12 W. (Part) NW/SW, Sec8, Township 17 S, Range 12 W. (Located So. of Pigeon Hill and South of the Ouachita River)

Researcher's Notes: This information on the life of AUGUSTUS LEVAN WITHERINGTON has been developed over the past three years with the help of many researchers ..........far too many to list here. It is being provided in hopes that some of the information provided of "Uncle Gus" and his life and death will be of interest to Union, Calhoun & Bradley County historians and genealogists.

I visited the New London Cemetery grave of Gus Witherington on June 13, 1999 following the annual Witherington Family Reunion, and I felt very pleased "to have finally found Uncle Gus".
Gus Witherington was my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.
William Witherington, Jr. (the father of Gus, John & James Witherington) was my 4th Great Grandpa.
All three sons came to Southern Arkansas from Conecuh County, AL about 1845-1846.
John Witherington was my 3rd Great Grandfather. I descend from John Witherington (the older brother of Gus & James), who was born 1801 in Darlington District, SC and who died 1855 in Calhoun County, Arkansas.

Material Compiled and Submitted by WILLIAM R.(Bill)KING, JR14106 Carolcrest Circle, Houston, TX 77079 (281) 493-6767E-Mail: [email protected] 21 January 2001 Source:Union County Census, Land, Probate and Marriage Records. Bradley County Land Records. Census and Land records of Conecuh County,AL. Way's Steamship Packet Directory; Goodspeeds 1890 History ofSouthern Arkansas; Journals of the House of Representatives, 2nd Congress of the Confederate States of America; Volume 7, page 13 of the Journals of the Confederate Congress, 1861-1865. Warren,Ark.

Newspaper articles provided by Jann Woodard of the Bradley County Gen Society. Research works of: Virginia Witherington (deceased) of Arkadelphia, AR; Mayor Bill Finch of Crossett, AR; Gordon Harrison, Jr. of Houston, TX; Gerdes Arkansas Civil War Researchers; Ed Sanders of the Arkansas Historical Society; and on-line research by Bill King of Houston, TX. "Genealogy Exchange & Surname Registry"TM Contact the GenExchange Please...do not send in personal queries...post them on the site for best results,or join one of our many Mailing Lists. Copyright © 1996-2000 by Joanne & Anthony Abby.
All rights reserved. This page may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without consent.*The words "GenExchange", "Genealogy Exchange & SurnameRegistry", and terms including "GenExchange" are Trademarks owned entirely by Joanne and Anthony Abby and may not be used in any other manner except in conjunction with the existing website, and only by active members of the GenExchange Project.

Marriage:
Married 13 Jan 1859 at Dr. Nances home: A.L. Witherington (35)
and M.E. Finch (21) by J.C.S. Aiken, M.G., Methodist Episcopal Church South"

Children: 1st wife: Martha K. LOVETT 1827 - 1857
3 Mary E. WITHERINGTON 1848 - Unknown +T. J. SMITH Unknown - 3 Sarah (Sallie) King WITHERINGTON 1849 - Unknown +Lucius A. TURNER
3 Dick WITHERINGTON 1852 - 1857
3 Arlina M. WITHERINGTON 1853 - Unknown
3 Charlie WITHERINGTON 1855 -
3 W.B. 'Willie' WITHERINGTON 1857 - Unknown
2nd Wife of [6] Augustus Levan WITHERINGTON: +Mary Emma FINCH 1838 - 1886
3 Henry Stuart WITHERINGTON 1860 - Unknown
3 Emma Evalyon WITHERINGTON 1863 - 1931 +Edmund Pendelton HARRISON, Sr. 1855 - Unknown
3 Madeleine Augusta WITHERINGTON 1865 - 1941 +(#1 Unknown) SHARP
2nd Husband of Madeleine Augusta WITHERINGTON: +Dr. Thomas Clemens HART
3 Hattie May WITHERINGTON 1867 - Unknown +Frank G. PRICE

^[S1025] ^[S3396] ^[S1025]

My Southern Family

MAUD de ACTON

ABT 1295 - ____

ID Number: I38391

Notes

Sources

Granville C. ALVIS

28 Dec 1876 - ____

ID Number: I76199

Sources

Sarah F. BECK

1835 - AFT 1880

ID Number: I69850

Notes

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Nicholas CANTRELL

Eliza D. COLEMAN OR FEASTER?

ABT 1811 - ____

ID Number: I36021

Notes

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James Edward GAINES

13 Oct 1810 - ABT 1846

ID Number: I63595

Sources

BRIDGET GREEN

ABT 1574 - ____

ID Number: I2631

Notes

Sources

Martha HIGGINBOTHAM

1843 - ____

ID Number: I84000

Notes

Sources

Charles Christian LACY

1804 - BEF 1849

ID Number: I61225

Notes

Sources

Sarah E. PALMER

____ - ____

ID Number: I86370

Sources

Charles Lewis PENDLETON

1803 - 1835

ID Number: I59679

Notes

Sources

Lydia Beck RALLS

ABT 1740 - ____

ID Number: I22529

Sources

John WALLER III

ABT 1701 - 6 Feb 1776

ID Number: I32700

Notes

Sources

Augustus "Gus" Levan WITHERINGTON C.S.A.

31 Dec 1818 - 27 Mar 1868

ID Number: I50991

Notes

Sources

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