My Pollard Family
Early
Research and Genealogy
List Of Boats Built At McKeesport & Elizabeth PA.
A Journal of daily activities at the Elizabeth Marine Ways 1898 to 1925
Historic Sternwheel Preservation Society
On This Page ! 1:Daniel's Steamboat Line
2:Descendants of V. F. Wilson
3:The Demise of the V. F. Wilson Steamer
4:List of Boats Built at McKeesport PA. Before 1860
5: Daniel's Will , 1869 .
" Daniel's Steamboat Line "
Our Family's Oral History States That Our G.G. Grandfather ran a Steamship Line on the Monongahela & Ohio Rivers. Like a lot of Oral Histories This is not exactly as it was , or was it ? .Below Are the facts We have been able to uncover.
**From : Way's Steam Towboat Directory Page 226
T2501 V. F. Wilson
Stw tb wh 1860-1873 b. McKeesport , PA. 285.71 tons. Engines 17's-6 ft. stroke. Three Boilers. Owned by V. F. Wilson with Capt. Daniel Pollard , master. Messers. Pollard , Dunshee , And Hammitt operated her towing coal along with the IKE HAMMITT . Taken over by the USQMD for Civil War service, she was General Grant's Dispatch boat at Vicksburg and was sent north with the news of the fall of that City. Continued towing Coal after the war and was lost on Feb. 18 , 1873 during high water at Pittsburgh . While moored in the Monongahela River below the Smithfield Street bridge, a free-astray loaded coal barge struck and sank her. The OIL VALLEY NO.2 also was struck and sunk but was latter recovered . In the account of this accident in the "Pittsburgh Commercial " of Feb. 18,1873 it is stated that she was named for Victor F. Wilson whose identity I know not.
**For more info on the Wilson , The Ike Hammitt , The Dan Pollard and many other Civil war Era boats .
http://library5.library.cornell.edu/moa
The Ike Hammett from: Way's Towboat Directory.
Stw tb wh 1860 - 1886 ? b. McKeesport PA. , 142 x 24 x 5
Engines 17 1/2's-6ft. stroke . Three boilers . Owned by
Pollard , Dunshee , and Hammett of Pittsburgh who also ran the V. F. Wilson . Towed coal south from Pittsburgh for the Union gunboats and transports during the Civil war and is known to have been up Red River with the Porter expedition in 1864 . After the War , she continued towing coal . Although a dispatch from Cairo , ILL. stated on July 5 , 1875 that she had been sold to Capt. Ben F. Goodwin . Her pilots on the Ohio River in 1877 where George Clark and Harrison Murray . Dismantled in 1880 and the machinery went to the SALAS P. COE .
Note : According to " Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 26: Naval Forces on Western Waters (March 1, 1864 - December 31, 1864)" In a Dispatch dated May 2nd 1864 , from LC. Bresse to the Captain of the Ike Hammitt , listed as Captain Boyd . The Hammitt then at the mouth of the Red River , LA. is Ordered to proceed with a barge of cotton and empty barges to Cairo ILL. and upon arrival to report directly to Captain. A. M. Pennock .
The Plowboy ( later Ploughman )
The Ploughman { From the Register of U.S. Merchant ships } Built at Brownsville PA. 1834 / 33 ton's First home port Pittsburgh PA. Abandoned 1843 { See Kate's Obit. Below }
The Dan Pollard From: Way's Steam Packet boat directory /Stw p wh b. McKeesport PA. 1857 77 tons. First home port , Wheeling , Snagged and lost at Cairo ILL. 3 Aug.1864 {We at this time know little of this boat ,or if Daniel was owner}The Accounts in " Official Record of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion , Naval Forces on Western Waters Series 1 volumes 23 ", Say's that the Dan Pollard , Broke down near Cairo Illinois off Island 21 . Also listed is an account dated Dec.23 , 1862 stating " The Steamer V. F. Wilson has gone to St. Louis to tow down provisions and ice ...[ And further in the same letter ] .. Mr. Boggs is negotiating for the steamer Pollard and if successful , will send her down with more coal . Another entry shows how the lucky Capt. and crew got to spend Christmas . ,dated Dec. 25 1862 " The Pollard leaves this morning with 25,000 bushels of coal " So at this point it is clear that both the Dan Pollard & the V. F. Wilson Were serving at the same time .And that Daniel was not the Captain of the Dan Pollard .
As for the owner of these boats , it was clearly a partnership. " The History of Allegheny Co. Pennsylvania "States that Capt. William Dunshee built the V. F. Wilson and the Ike Hammitt , Clearly a friendly author giving more credit than was due . The Official Record of the Union and Confederate Navies , Says that the Wilson Belonged to the Mississippi Coal Co. All other sources state that the Twin Boats , the Coal Mine and the Marine Way's Where held in a Partnership , with Pollard , Dunshee , And Hammitt being the principles .
The Daily gazette Feb.18/1873 in an article titled the Flood states that the V. F. Wilson was owned by Mr. Dunshee and Mr. N. Pollard. This would be Norval Pollard, son of Daniel, as Daniel had passed on in 1869.
I have also learned since the discovery of this information that the Wilson Was not the only Dispatch boat at Vicksburg, another was the TIGRESS which was Beached there after being holed by canon fire and Abandoned. I include this to illustrate that being a dispatch Runner is a Dangerous job during a battle . The V. F. Wilson and the IKE Hammitt were built as Sister boats alike in every way for the propose of towing a large tow together. This did not prove to be successful so they worked separately . The Ike Hammitt was Involved in a collision with The Gunboat "NEW ERA" When Being escorted by the same , though neither where severely damaged . Both she and the V. F. Wilson were for the most part employed towing coal and mortar barges in the Vicksburg and Red River Campaign .The U.S.Q.D. Record States the Mississippi Coal Co. was paid , $175.00 a day for the charter of the V. F. Wilson .
Family Connection
Daniel's oldest daughter Martha Pollard married a Richard Wilson. Daniel's Youngest Daughter Mary Pollard married W.W.O'Neil Jr. of O'Neil Coal CO. Daniel's Brother in-law's boat yard built the Wilson & many other fast boats of the day. I would say, This was a family enterprise and displayed the unity of this Family .To my knowledge they All Lived In Or Near McKeesport PA. Dates Range from 1819 to 1937 when the last of this group Mary "Molly" O'Neil died. Emma died in the home of her sister Mary, & the funeral was at the home of her aunt Hannah Hammitt. Her Obituary says, " Her Father was a well known River man, and during the war served under General Grant.{NOTE} More accurately under Commander and Fleet Captain A. M. Pennock and Acting Rear Admiral D. D. Porter . Kate's Obituary say's more about Daniel's life than his did. There also may be a connection to the Col. John Neel mentioned in the account of William Dunshee and Daniel Pollard's operating the coal mine near McKeesport PA. Just a guess, but there are also two Neel Women living with Daniel, in the 1850 Census. These Women have been found and are not related .But where in the home as domestics caring for Daniel's two children as his wife had died the previous year . Daniel Pollard 1819- 1869 My G. G. Grandfather
Daniel died Sept.10, 1869 of a heart attack. He was 50 years old. We are for the time being unable to find out who his parent's were or where he was from. Although In the 1870 census and the A. S. I. Mortality listing Gives PA. as place of Origin
Nancy Pangburn 1822-1849 [ Daniel's first wife ]
{ Nancy was Mother of Norval & Martha }
Nancy was born in Lincoln TWP 1822 , Allegheny Co. PA
The Pangburn's are of an old and distinguished family , William Pangburn served in the Revolutionary war , as did the Father of his wife Capt. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph , Nancy's father John Pangburn was from Amboy NJ. Her mother Jane Young was from Elizabeth, PA.
Rachel Catherine "Kate" Cox 1829-1903[ Daniel's 2 ND. wife ]
[ Kate was the mother of Ella & Mary ]
Kate's Obituary from the Pittsburgh Gazette April 11'& 12 , 1903
Mrs. Rachel K. Pollard
Mrs. Rachel K. Pollard , 74 years old , died suddenly yesterday afternoon at the home of her son in-law Capt. W. W. O'Neil , Jr. , in Monitor avenue , Ben Avon . Mrs. Pollard was born at Limetown , near Mononahela City , and had resided in this section all her life . She was a daughter of Capt. Enoch Cox , a Pioneer coal operator on the local rivers . Mrs. Pollard was the Widow of Capt. Daniel Pollard , who was captain of General Grant's flagship before Vicksburg . Capt. Pollard was well known as a river Captain between Pittsburgh and New Orleans , and it was while south that his service and that of his steamer , the V. F. Wilson , were pressed into the service of the Federal government . Shortly after the close of the Civil War Capt. Pollard died . Two of his steamers the Ploughman and the Gravelrooter , were among the best known boats on the upper and lower Rivers before the War . Mrs. Pollard was one of 13 children , three of whom still survive . They are : Mrs. Emaline Swanger , 85 years old , and Mrs. William Trax , 70 years old' both of Uniontown , and a sister living in Ottawa, ILL. Mrs. Pollard is survived by two children , Mrs. W. W. O'Neil Jr. with whom she has made her home for the past 12 years in Ben Avon, and Norval Pollard , a resident of McKeesport ,and four grandchildren . Mrs. Pollard was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Norval Pollard b. 15 Oct.1847 d.3 Jan.1925 Also A Capt. in early life, listed as half owner of the Wilson 1873 . He inherited 1/3 of all Daniel's Coal & steamboat interests , but is said by living family members to have gambled & drank it away .No doubt exaggerated claims .
Ella M. Pollard 1861-1899 Never Married. Died at Mary's Home 19 Dec.1899
Mary Pollard O'Neil 1866-1937Mary & W.W. O'Neil Jr. seem to have had one child that died at one year old. I do not know if they had any more .
W.W. O'Neil JR. 1881-1903
Also a Steamboat Captain , Died the same year as Kate .Grand son of John and Mary {Robinson} O'Neil, Son Of William Woods O'Neil , Who With his brother John Nixon O'Neil Were Coal Mine owners from Elizabeth, PA. Much is written about them in the early history of Pittsburgh , and can be accessed at that university's Historic Pittsburgh Site http://bigfoot.library.pitt.edu/pittsburgh/search.html#simple
The O’Neils had a far larger operation than did the Pollard's and Dunshee's. Some of the boats, belonging to them were:
*"The FRED WILSON" 523 tons ,174 long , 30 w. 5' D.
* The FRED WILSON # 2 , 301.55 tons.
*The W. W. O'NEIL 778 tons , 201 ft. L. ,46 W. ,8 D. Walter Lowery , Her Captain of record She was a Giant even for her day . There where several other boats owned by the O'Neil's far too many to mention here . Today there is an O'Neil Blvd. in McKeesport PA. Photo Below Courtesy of The Elizabeth PA , Historical Society !
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Click here for |
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Photo Of W. W. O'Neil Sr. |
Photo of Steamboat |
Historic Sternwheel Preservation Society
William Dunshee: 1820-1905 A Coal Merchant and Business man of some stature is undoubtedly the Dunshee refereed to in the V.F. Wilson listing . He is said to have with Daniel operated the first coal Mine on the Monongahela River Across from McKeesport . He is Credited with the first incline road and the first flange wheeled cars in this area as well . Also he is known to have Relieved Daniel as Captain of the V.F. Wilson for a short period during the Red River Expedition. [ Civil War ] Mr. William Dunshee and Daniel where also partners in the Marine Way's on the Monongahela River across from McKeesport PA. Ironically their graves lie within 30 feet of each other .William is also credited with the ownership of the following boats: The Lake Erie , The Foreman , and the Robinson . I have at this time been unable to find confirmation of these boats except at the Historic Pittsburgh site listed above .
A connection however has been found to a boat named The Hercules a boat that was lost during the Civil war .
Isaac Hammitt: Was Married to the sister of Daniel's 2nd wife Rachel Catherine " Kate " Cox, her name was Hannah {Cox} Hammitt .b July 15,1824 /. Ike, as we believe he was called, was the son of Isaac Hammitt and Mary [Augustine] Hammitt. Isaac Sr. was a shipwright who had served an 11 year apprenticeship at Philadelphia , before moving to Allegheny CO. Isaac Jr., was part owner in the boat building yard , with Hammitt , Milliken & Chrissinger . Purchased from Capt. Benjamin Coursin in McKeesport where the , Dan Pollard , The V. F. Wilson , and the Ike Hammitt , where built . It is stated in the , History of Allegheny CO. "That Many of the fastest Steamers on the western waters where built there. The ALVIN ADAMS said to be the fastest steamboat that ever left New Orleans , was lunched from this yard". It appears That Isaac held an interest in the Twin Boats with Daniel & Mr. Dunshee . Ike Hammitt represented the second generation of three generations of boat builders in PA.
Victor F. Wilson : Born In Ireland between 1813 and 1816 .
He married a girl from Pennsylvania , her first name was Jane but I have been unable to find what her last name was , she is listed as being from PA., Perhaps she was a Pollard , a Pangburn or a Cox , which would explain the family connection ? the 1850 census for Vicksburg Mississippi lists Victor and Jane , with two children an Ann Wilson born in 1848 LA. and a June Wilson born 1850 in Mississippi .There seems to be some confusion regarding this census as several listings point to a Victor Wilson including one with a foot note saying Mississippi Coal . These names are however confirmed in the 1860 census for Warren Co. MS. and list 3 more children , Ellen Wilson b. 1853 , Victor Wilson Jr. b. 1856 and Emma Wilson b. 1859 all in Mississippi . Again in the City Directory of Vicksburg in 1866 shows Mrs. Victor Wilson but does not list Victor Wilson . Victor bought an old Packet boat The Venango , a small, light draft stern wheel steamer of 120 tons . Built in California PA. in 1858 . Victor purchased the Venango on Feb. 17 1864 . This boat wile owned by Victor was burned at Plicher Point LA. on Dec. 31 1864 a short 10 months after being acquired by Victor. The Venango had previously been used on the Allegheny River in the Oil trade there . I suspect that the Venango was purchased to replace the Dan Pollard , that had been lost off Island 21 , Aug. of 1864 . More On the Wilson's Below
Note: Also listed in the 1860 census in the home of Victor Wilson
Sarah C. Wilson age 37 From MA. or MS. Occupation blank
Catherine Wilson age 3 from Ms.
Richard Wilson Married " Matilda [ Martha ] Pollard b.1845 / She died 11/13/1868 Cause of Death TB. / First burried it the (th St. Cemetery then moved to the McKeesport Cemetery.
There seems at this point to be no connection between this Wilson and the namesake of Daniel's boat Victor Wilson but this is a conclusion drawn from a lack of information rather than from information stating that as fact . I have learned of a daughter of Richard and Martha Wilson's, one Nannie Wilson who was mentioned in Daniel's Will as the Recipient of $ 100.00 to be given her in her 21st. year.
A Listing for a Nannie Wilson at The McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery shows one WILSON, NANNIE B. Died 04/28/1950 / If this is here it would indicate that she never married ?
" The Above By Richard Pollard & Cathy Schille "
* " All the above where borne in the PA. except the last listed
and as noted in individual listing "
Descendants of Victor F. Wilson
Generation No. 1
1. VICTOR F.1 WILSON was born Bet. 1815 - 1818 in Northern Ireland, and died July 22, 1865 in Vicksburg , Mississippi. He married JANE 1847. She was born 1827 in Pennsulvania, and died 1878 in Vicksburg , Mississippi.
Children of VICTOR WILSON and JANE are:
1..ANN2 WILSON, b. 1848, Louisiana; d. Bef. February 1880.
2.JANE PATCHELL WILSON AKA JEANIE, b. 1845, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
3.ELLEN T. WILSON, b. 1853, Vicksburg, Mississippi; m. E.C. CARROLL, April 1875; b. 1838, Mississippi.
4.Victor F. Wilson Jr./ 1856, b.Vicksburg, Mississippi; d. February 1867, Pittsburgh.
5. Catherine / b. 1857, b.Vicksburg, Mississippi;
6. Robert Wilson
Also in the 1860 census is a Sara C. relationship not stated, age given as 37
SLAVES: In the 1850 census Victor is listed as owner of 5 slaves adults by 1860 this number is increased to 20 , over half being under 10 years old.
Notes for E.C. CARROLL:
1880 Census 4th Ward, Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi
E. C. CARROLL Self M Male W 42 MS Superintendant MO MO
Millie W. CARROLL Wife M Female W 27 MS MO MO
E. C. CARROLL Son S Male W 3 MS MO MO
Millie W. CARROLL Other S Female W 12 MS MO MO
Wilsen F. CARROLL Son S Male W 4M MS MO MO
Anna ... FLOWERN Niece S Female W 7 MS MS MS
iv.VICTOR WILSON JR., b. 1856, Vicksburg, Mississippi; d. February 1867, Pittsburgh.
Notes for VICTOR WILSON JR.:
Book 3 Fisher Funeral Home Records, Vicksburg MS, 1864-1867:
Wilson, Victor F. Junior, 18 Feb 1867; Remains of Victor F. Wilson, Junior Removed from Pittsburgh; Grave, Use of Ambulance & Services; Mrs. Wilson Dr [debtor] - $10.00
Unsure if the reference to Pittsburgh is the City in PA. or Pittsburgh Landing that I saw many references to in the Official Records of the Rebellion at the MOA web site , Cornell University
More About VICTOR WILSON JR.:
Burial: Vicksburg, Mississippi
v.EMMA WILSON, b. 1859, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
4.vi.KATE WILSON, b. 1857, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
vii.ROBERT L. WILSON (? Relationship ? )
Generation No. 2
2. ANN2 WILSON (VICTOR F.1) was born 1848 in Louisiana, and died Bef. February 1880. She married DANIEL WALTON FLOWERREE December 19, 1865, son of DANIEL FLOWERREE and NANCY RECTOR. He was born 1838 in Fauquier,Virginia, and died Bef. February 1880.
Notes for ANN WILSON:
Anna married D. W. Flowerree 12/19/1865 and had children Victor, Daniel Walton, and Annie C. Apparently both Anna and DW died before Feb 1880 because a guardian was appointed for the minor children in Feb 1880 to represent them in the final settlement of Victor F. Wilson's probate.
Notes for DANIEL WALTON FLOWERREE:
Maj. D. W. FLOWERREE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, General Maury's Division
RECOLLECTIONS OF A VIRGINIAN
IN THE MEXICAN, INDIAN, AND CIVIL WARS
Maury, Dabney Herndon, 1822-1900 (Makes many mentions of Colonel Flowerree )
Some time after the war, while I was the guest of Major Flowerree in Vicksburg, Dr. Lord was invited to dine with me. The night before I had been to see Ben de Bar play Falstaff - the best Falstaff I have ever seen. Dr. Lord took up the subject, and made the most interesting discussion of Shakespeare's greatest character I had ever listened to. He plainly proved that Falstaff was ...........................
Children of ANN WILSON and DANIEL FLOWERREE are:
i.VICTOR3 FLOWERREE.
ii.DANIEL WALTON FLOWERREE.
iii.ANNIE C. FLOWERREE.
3. JANE PATCHELL WILSON AKA2 JEANIE (VICTOR F.1 WILSON) was born 1845 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She married CHARLES C. FLOWERREE January 03, 1867, son of DANIEL FLOWERREE and NANCY RECTOR. He was born 1842 in Fauquier,Virginia, and died September 16, 1929 in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Notes for JANE PATCHELL WILSON AKA JEANIE:
JUNE (JEANIE ) WILSON
Jennie married C.C. Flowerree 1/3/1867 and was guardian of Emma Wilson at the time of the final settlement of probate
Notes for CHARLES C. FLOWERREE:
Seventh Virginia Regiment of Infantry
Colonel: Charles C. Flowerree
RECOLLECTIONS OF A VIRGINIAN
IN THE MEXICAN, INDIAN, AND CIVIL WARS
Maury, Dabney Herndon, 1822-1900 Makes many mentions of Colonel Flowerree
Some time after the war, while I was the guest of Major Flowerree in Vicksburg, Dr. Lord was invited to dine with me. The night before I had been to see Ben de Bar play Falstaff - the best Falstaff I have ever seen. Dr. Lord took up the subject, and made the most interesting discussion of Shakespeare's greatest character I had ever listened to. He plainly proved that Falstaff was
Served at Gettysburg With Kemper's Brigade
1880 Census Waren Co. Mississippi , Vicksburg
Chas. C. FLOWERREE Self M Male W 37 VA Merchant Ice VA VA
Jennie W. FLOWERREE Wife M Female W 29 MS IRL PA
Victor FLOWERREE Son S Male W 13 MS VA MS
Janie FLOWERREE Dau S Female W 12 MS VA MS
Walton FLOWERREE Nephew S Male W 10 MS VA MS
Robert FLOWERREE Son S Male W 3 MS VA MS
Ellen FLOWERREE Dau S Female W 1 MS VA MS
Emma WILSON SisterL S Female W 19 MS IRE PA
Sarah E. WILSON Aunt S Female W 59 IRE IRE IRE
Betsy GIBBS Other M Female B 45 VA Servant VA VA
Walace GIBBS Other M Male B 55 VA Servant VA VA
Susan GIBBS Other M Female B 25 MS Servant VA VA
Edward GIBBS Other M Male B 30 MS Servant MS MS
Children of JANE JEANIE and CHARLES FLOWERREE are:
i.ROBERT E.3 FLOWERREE.
ii.JEANNE FLOWERREE.
iii.ELLEN FLOWERREE.
iv.HENRY FLOWERREE.
v.WAYNE FLOWERREE.
4. KATE2 WILSON (VICTOR F.1) was born 1857 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She married MURRAY FORBES SMITH April 1874. He was born 1850 in North Carolina.
Notes for MURRAY FORBES SMITH:
1880 Census ,3rd Ward, Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi
Murray SMITH Self M Male W 30 NC Atty At Law NC NC
Katie W. SMITH Wife M Female W 24 MS MS MS
Victor C. SMITH Son S Male W 5 MS NC MS
Murray F. SMITH Son S Male W 6M MS NC MS
Robert L. WILSON Other S Male W 15 MS NC NC
Children of KATE WILSON and MURRAY SMITH are:
i.VICTOR C.3 SMITH, b. 1875, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
ii.MURRAY F. SMITH, b. 1880, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Notes for MURRAY F. SMITH:
6Months old at the takeing of the 1880 census , he was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
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Victor F. Wilson died July 22, 1865. He left no will. He left a wife, Jane and 6 children, Annie, Jennie, Ellen, Kate, Emma, and (Robert L.?) He had a steamboat named "Baker" and 2 ice barges that were sold soon after his death
A steamboat we found to be owned by Victor Was the Venango. Victor purchased the Venango on Feb. 17 1864 . This boat wile owned by Victor was burned at Plicher Point LA. on Dec. 31 1864 a short 10 months after being acquired by Victor. The Venango had previously been used on the Allegheny River in the Oil trade there . I suspect that the Venango was purchased to replace the Dan Pollard , that had been lost off Island 21 , Aug. of 1864 . The Venango was used to transport Union Troops as well after Vicksburg fell .
1850 Census
Shows two listings for Victor Wilson . One Shows his home with wife Jane and Daughter as Anna L. Wilson age 2 . Victors age is Given as 32 years . This census enumerated on the 25th day of August 1850 . Another from Washington CO. Mississippi , shows what looks like Victor Wilson as 30 Years old with a
note under occupation that reads" Mississippi Coal " . This is however from Family Tree Maker online , Genealogy Library and points to the same page for a
Victor J. Wilson , Thomas W. Wilson and William T. Wilson. The census is hard to read .
Census: 1860, Vicksburg , Mississippi . age given as 45
Location: 1850, on census in Vicksburg age given as 32
Namesake: 1860, Steamer V. F. Wilson built
The names for Victors Children are confirmed in the 1860 census and as they all match this would seem to confirm the Identity of the 1850 census listing for Victor .
From Legal Precedent
Victor Wilson, brought suit , in the form of his solisitor as he was decesed , to recover property confiscated by the United States during the Civil War
"We review briefly the now-familiar facts of Klein. Klein, the administrator of the estate of Confederate sympathizer, V.F. Wilson, filed a petition pursuant to the Abandoned and Captured Property Act of 1863 to secure the proceeds of cotton that had been abandoned to federal treasury agents. To obtain reimbursement, petitioners were required to prove loyalty during the war. Wilson had taken an oath in 1864 pursuant to President Lincoln's proclamation granting full pardon to those who took an oath of allegiance to the United States. Prior Supreme Court precedent held that those who took such an oath satisfied the loyalty provision of the 1863 act. In 1870, while Klein's case was pending, however, Congress passed legislation stating that a presidential pardon was proof of disloyalty and directing the dismissal for lack of jurisdiction any pending recovery action brought on behalf of a pardon recipient. The Supreme Court invalidated the statute, holding that Congress violates the separation of powers doctrine when a statute "prescribes a rule for the decision of a cause in a particular way." See Klein, 80 U.S. at 146 .
The Court of Claims ruled in his favor because Wilson had received a pardon .
The Court of Claims, on the 26th May, 1869, decided that Wilson had been entitled to receive the proceeds of his cotton, and decreed $125,300 to Klein, the administrator of his estate. An appeal was taken by the United States June 3d, following, and filed in this court on the 11th December, of the same year.
This case however went all the way to the supreme court , and final payment was no dispersed to Victor's estate until about 1880 .
The Truth about Victor Wilson was that as he lived in the South he was indeed a Southern sympathizer, his family and friends were also Southerners . However he had lost one steamboat in the service of the Union with no compensation ( The Dan Pollard ?) and probably a second ( The Venango ) because according to the official record of the Union and Confederate Army , was engaged in troop transport of Union Troops after the fall of Vicksburg .
Note : The Legal Decision states"Under this proclamation, V. F. Wilson, who during the rebellion had voluntarily become the surety on the official bonds of certain officers of the rebel confederacy, and so given aid and comfort, to it, took, February 15th, 1864, this oath of allegiance, and had kept the same inviolate.He himself having died in 1865.
Washington, June 2d, 1866.
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The entry below Found in the:
"Senate Executive Journal --THURSDAY, June 28, 1866."
To the Senate of the United States:
A commission having been granted during the recess of the Senate to John A. Klein as collector of the customs for the district of Vicksburg, in the State of Mississippi, vice Victor F. Wilson, deceased, I now nominate him to the same.
This note seems to indicate that before his death Victor was a collector of Customs for the district of Vicksburg.
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More About VICTOR F. WILSON:
Census: 1860, Vicksburg , Mississippi . age given as 45
Location: 1848, oldest daughter born in LA. 1848
Namesake: 1860, Steamer V. F. Wilson built
Notes for JANE:
Census: 1860, Age given as 33 , enumerated on June 24 , 1860 For Warren CO. Mississippi ( Note: Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878 lists as a victim several Wilson's one just named as Mrs. Wilson but I belive this is her as even the 1866 Vicksburg directory simply lists her as Ms. Wilson ?? )
Children of VICTOR WILSON and JANE are:
.i.ANN2 WILSON, b. 1848, LA.; d. Bef. February 1880.
ii.JUNE (JEANIE ) WILSON, b. 1850, Mississippi; m. C.C. FLOWERREE, January 03, 1867.
Notes for JUNE (JEANIE ) WILSON:
Jennie married C.C. Flowerree 1/3/1867 and was guardian of Emma Wilson at the time of the final settlement of probate
iii.ELLEN WILSON, b. 1853, Mississippi; m. E.C. CARROLL, April 18, 1875.
iv.VICTOR WILSON JR., b. 1856, Mississippi; d. Bet. 1865 - 1867, Pittsburgh.
Notes for VICTOR WILSON JR.:
Book 3 Fisher Funeral Home Records, Vicksburg MS, 1864-1867:
Wilson, Victor F. Junior, 18 Feb 1867; Remains of Victor F. Wilson, Junior Removed from Pittsburgh; Grave, Use of Ambulance & Services; Mrs. Wilson Dr [debtor] - $10.00
Unsure if the reference to Pittsburgh is the City in PA. or Pittsburgh Landing that I saw many references to in the Official Records of the Rebellion at the MOA web site , Cornell University .
More About VICTOR WILSON JR.:
Burial: re-burried in Vicksburg
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1. VICTOR F.1 WILSON was born Bet. 1815 - 1818 in Ireland, and died July 22, 1865 in Vicksburg , Mississippi. He married JANE 1847. She was born 1827 in Pennsulvania, and died 1878 in Vicksburg , Mississippi.
Notes for VICTOR F. WILSON:
Victor F. Wilson died July 22, 1865. He left no will. He left a wife, Jane and 6 children, Annie, Jennie, Ellen, Kate, Emma, and Robert L. He had a steamboat named "Baker" and 2 ice barges that were sold soon after his death
A steamboat we found to be owned by Victor Was the Venango. Victor purchased the Venango on Feb. 17 1864 . This boat wile owned by Victor was burned at Plicher Point LA. on Dec. 31 1864 a short 10 months after being acquired by Victor. The Venango had previously been used on the Allegheny River in the Oil trade there . I suspect that the Venango was purchased to replace the Dan Pollard , that had been lost off Island 21 , Aug. of 1864 . The Venango was used to transport Union Troops as well after Vicksburg fell .
1850 Census
Shows two listings for Victor Wilson . One Shows his home with wife Jane and Daughter as Anna L. Wilson age 2 . Victors age is Given as 32 years . This census enumerated on the 25th day of August 1850 . Another from Washington CO. Mississippi , shows what looks like Victor Wilson as 30 Years old with a
note under occupation that reads" Mississippi Coal " . This is however from Family Tree Maker online , Genealogy Library and points to the same page for a
Victor J. Wilson , Thomas W. Wilson and William T. Wilson. The census is hard to read .
Census: 1860, Vicksburg , Mississippi . age given as 45
Location: 1850, on census in Vicksburg age given as 32
Namesake: 1860, Steamer V. F. Wilson built
The names for Victors Children are confirmed in the 1860 census and as they all match this would seem to confirm the Identity of the 1850 census listing for Victor .
From Legal Precedent
Victor Wilson, brought suit , in the form of his solisitor as he was decesed , to recover property confiscated by the United States during the Civil War
"We review briefly the now-familiar facts of Klein. Klein, the administrator of the estate of Confederate sympathizer, V.F. Wilson, filed a petition pursuant to the Abandoned and Captured Property Act of 1863 to secure the proceeds of cotton that had been abandoned to federal treasury agents. To obtain reimbursement, petitioners were required to prove loyalty during the war. Wilson had taken an oath in 1864 pursuant to President Lincoln's proclamation granting full pardon to those who took an oath of allegiance to the United States. Prior Supreme Court precedent held that those who took such an oath satisfied the loyalty provision of the 1863 act. In 1870, while Klein's case was pending, however, Congress passed legislation stating that a presidential pardon was proof of disloyalty and directing the dismissal for lack of jurisdiction any pending recovery action brought on behalf of a pardon recipient. The Supreme Court invalidated the statute, holding that Congress violates the separation of powers doctrine when a statute "prescribes a rule for the decision of a cause in a particular way." See Klein, 80 U.S. at 146 .
The Court of Claims ruled in his favor because Wilson had received a pardon .
The Court of Claims, on the 26th May, 1869, decided that Wilson had been entitled to receive the proceeds of his cotton, and decreed $125,300 to Klein, the administrator of his estate. An appeal was taken by the United States June 3d, following, and filed in this court on the 11th December, of the same year.
This case however went all the way to the supreme court , and final payment was no dispersed to Victor's estate until about 1880 .
The Truth about Victor Wilson was that as he lived in the South he was indeed a Southern sympathizer, his family and friends were also Southerners . However he had lost one steamboat in the service of the Union with no compensation ( The Dan Pollard) and probably a second ( The Venango ) because according to the official record of the Union and Confederate Army , was engaged in troop transport of Union Troops after the fall of Vicksburg .
Note : The Legal Decision states"Under this proclamation, V. F. Wilson, who during the rebellion had voluntarily become the surety on the official bonds of certain officers of the rebel confederacy, and so given aid and comfort, to it, took, February 15th, 1864, this oath of allegiance, and had kept the same inviolate.He himself having died in 1865.
Washington, June 2d, 1866.
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The entry below Found in the:
"Senate Executive Journal --THURSDAY, June 28, 1866."
To the Senate of the United States:
A commission having been granted during the recess of the Senate to John A. Klein as collector of the customs for the district of Vicksburg, in the State of Mississippi, vice Victor F. Wilson, deceased, I now nominate him to the same.
This note seems to indicate that before his death Victor was a collector of Customs for the district of Vicksburg.
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More About VICTOR F. WILSON:
Census: 1860, Vicksburg , Mississippi . age given as 45
Location: 1848, oldest daughter born in LA. 1848
Namesake: 1860, Steamer V. F. Wilson built
Notes for JANE:
Census: 1860, Age given as 33 , enumerated on June 24 , 1860 For Warren CO. Mississippi ( Note: Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878 lists as a victim several Wilson's one just named as Mrs. Wilson but I belive this is her as even the 1866 Vicksburg directory simply lists her as Ms. Wilson ?? )
Children of VICTOR WILSON and JANE are:
.i.ANN2 WILSON, b. 1848, LA.; d. Bef. February 1880.
ii.JUNE (JEANIE ) WILSON, b. 1850, Mississippi; m. C.C. FLOWERREE, January 03, 1867.
Notes for JUNE (JEANIE ) WILSON:
Jennie married C.C. Flowerree 1/3/1867 and was guardian of Emma Wilson at the time of the final settlement of probate
iii.ELLEN WILSON, b. 1853, Mississippi; m. E.C. CARROLL, April 18, 1875.
iv.VICTOR WILSON JR., b. 1856, Mississippi; d. Bet. 1865 - 1867, Pittsburgh.
Notes for VICTOR WILSON JR.:
Book 3 Fisher Funeral Home Records, Vicksburg MS, 1864-1867:
Wilson, Victor F. Junior, 18 Feb 1867; Remains of Victor F. Wilson, Junior Removed from Pittsburgh; Grave, Use of Ambulance & Services; Mrs. Wilson Dr [debtor] - $10.00
Unsure if the reference to Pittsburgh is the City in PA. or Pittsburgh Landing that I saw many references to in the Official Records of the Rebellion at the MOA web site , Cornell University .
More About VICTOR WILSON JR.:
Burial: re-burried in Vicksburg
v.EMMA WILSON, b. 1859, Mississippi.
vi.KATE WILSON, b. 1857, Mississippi; m. MURRAY F. SMITH, April 13, 1874.
Notes for KATE WILSON:
Kate married Murray F. Smith 4/13/1874 and was guardian to Robert Wilson at the time of the final settlement of probate. ( Victor F. Wilson estate
1850 census ( Victor J. instead of F. but it's the correct Family )
16 435 452 Wilson Victor J 32 M Ice & Coal Merchant 7,000 Ireland
17 435 452 Wilson Jane 24 F Penn
18 435 452 Wilson Anna C 2 F La
Note : Also Found a Robert Wilson from County Down Ireland who died July 1st , age 20 , at New Orleans , His Mother was Margaret Wilson she never left Ireland but erected a headstone in memory of him( She died Oct. 1st , 1889 at 78 years ) .Her Husband ( Hard to read ) , James Wilson , Mariner ., died June 11 , 1880??, age 60 ?? . I am presently exploring for a possible connection .
A Photo of The Wilson Home
Now called Anchuca Mansion & Inn
Vicksburg Mississippi
Below is a Photo of the
John A. Klein House, 2200 Oak Street, Vicksburg, Warren County, MS
The Lawyer who sued the U.S. Government on behalf of Victors Estate.
From The Daily Gazette Feb. 18 / 1873
The Rivers
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A Flood in The Monongahela
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GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
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Two steamboats Sunk and
Two Lives Lost
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Large Number of Loaded
Coal Barges Sunk
About three o'clock yesterday morning a very sudden and unexpected rise in the Monongahela River commenced , and continued with a rapidity seldom before known , and soon assumed the proportions and irresistible force of a terrible flood , proving the most disastrous casualty that has occurred on this part of the river for many a day . When the sudden rise was first noticed , it seemed as if an ice gorge had suddenly given way letting down an immense flood without a moment's warning . The water could be plainly seen crawling up the shore and for a time the rise progressed at the almost unprecedented rate of one foot per hour . The flood was entirely unlooked for , and coming upon the fleet at that hour found the boats and barges totally unprepared for the emergency , and the result was a general sweeping of everything movable which offered the slightest resistance to the current .
- Loss of Life -
Great confusion prevailed on board the numerous steamboats lying at the Warf , and some time ensued before anything definite was known as to the loss . Frightful rumors prevailed to the effect that twelve or fourteen men had been drowned ; but when the truth was known the number was reduced to two . One , named Joseph King , was drowned at McKeesport ; the other a man named Henry Smith , who lived at Neville Island , was drowned on board the steamer V. F. Wilson .
- Coal Boats Lost -
The first pray to the flood was a fleet of 30 loaded barges , attached to the Smithfield street suspension bridge , and as the current struck them their cables parted like thread , and the boats were floated off . Several of the barges lodged below , while others were captured by the tugs and landed without loss . Many of them , however , sunk and will be a total loss . Five of the barges , owned by Samuel Cable were among the barges of this lot , and witch were lost .
-Boats Recovered-
The tugs were active in their efforts to save the coal barges , and were successful to a certain extent . The tow boats Abe McDonald , Fair Play and Three Lights caught and landed [ unreadable word] the following boats and barges . Two barges No's 1 and 5 owned by Connell & McGowan , the No's 9 and 10 owned by Briggs & Keer ; one at Duffy's bar , No. 2; one No. 2 J. Manges; one No. 12 , Bonner ; one new barge no name ; one flat , Lysle & Son ; one barge , John McCluskey ; three barges , Stella ; one barge was struck on Deadman , one on head of Whites Ripple , and two opposite Glendale . Out of thirty four barges which are known to have floated off , twenty were saved .
- Steamboats Sunk -
The barges which broke loose from the Suspension bridge struck some of the boats lying at the Wharf , sinking the steamers V. F. Wilson and Oil Valley , and damaging the Coal Valley considerably . The steamer V. F. Wilson , was valued at $ 15,000.00 . She was insured for $ 10,000.00 having $ 5,000.00 each in the Eureka and Citizens Insurance Companies . The Wilson was built in 1860 , and was owned by Capt. William Dunshee and Captain N. Pollard , both residents of McKeesport . She sank in about two minutes after being struck . A seen of the wildest excitement took place , some of the crew being compelled to leave the boats in their night clothes . The deck of the Wilson now lies between the towboats leopard and Hercules .
The Oil Valley was owned by D. A. and J. S. McDonald , of this city , and was valued at $ 16,000.00 . She was insured for $ 10,000.00 : $ 2,500.00 each in the Pittsburgh and Peoples Companies of this city , and in the Peabody and another company name unknown , of Wheeling . She was two years old last summer , and was heavily coaled for her trip South . The steamer " Coal City " which lay near the " Oil Valley " had her starboard guard mashes by the collision of the "Oil Valley" . The guard is mashes about amidships , and one half the wheel on that side is torn off . It is thought the damage will soon be repaired .
- From Up The River -
Telegrams from up the river reported the river rising at a rate of six inches an hour until about five o'clock when at Lock No. 4 , it had been reduced to two inches per hour and at that time there was nineteen and three fourths feet of water at this point . About eleven o'clock a large fleet of coal boats hove in sight of the city adrift with no one aboard . Some thirty packages were in the fleet . It seemed certain that the fleet floating abreast of the channel would sweep the landing and cause immense destruction to the crafts moored there ; but fortunately the fears were dispelled when it became evident that the fleet could not pass the railroad bridge without striking one or moor of the piers . The people lined the bridges and shores in great numbers, and when the crash came it caused a shudder among them to see the property so melt away in the angry waters . The entire fleet sunk , with the exception of one loaded coal boat , which floated past and slightly rubbed one of the piers of the Smithfield street bridge , and passed into the Ohio river in a sinking condition .
At Augustine's Landing , near Six Mile Ferry , five coal boats tore loose and came down the river . One belonging to Henry H. Collins , sunk at the mouth of Ferry street , and one belonging John H. McCloskey , was sunk at the railroad bridge . At Stone Brother's Coal Works , opposite McKeesport , a new barge broke loose and floated away .
At about noon the dock of Messrs. Horner & Sons , at McClung's Landing , broke loose and floated away , with a coal bottom attached .
The dock came over the dam and swept broadside against the piers of the upper Birmingham bridge . O'Neil's coal fleet was moored to this pier , and was in eminent danger from the dock. The formidable object , however , broke in two and the separated halves floated down one on each side of the pier , barely missing the fleet . One coal boat , belonging to the Grand Lake Coal Company , moored near the Point , was struck by a flat and sunk . At Elizabeth this morning a number of coal boats and barges , and a large quantity of lumber and log rafts , principally belonging to Capt. Joe Walton , were swept away . It being estimated that the loss will reach $20,000.00 .
- At Brownstown -
About twelve o'clock , a mass of lumber , empty coal boats , boat bottoms , etc. were swept away from the landing of Phillips & Mittenzwel , at Brownstown , and was carried rapidly down by the current . The floating mass struck two flats of coal belonging to , McKnigkt ,Duncan & CO. , of the Birmingham Iron Works , moored on the same side of the river , sinking both of them . Passing over the dam , a loaded coal boat belonging to Wm. Clark was struck and sunk ; the mass passed by the piers of the Birmingham bridge and the railroad bridge , but part of it struck the Smithfield street bridge and was sunk . The remaining portion passed under the bridge , and carried with it two empty barges and one empty flat boat belonging to Walton & Co. These in turn were carried down with the current , and struck the head of a tow coal of barges in tow of the Lion , and sinking two barges and one flat , and breaking the cam and damaging the wheel of the steamer . A barge in tow of the Niagara , belonging to Walton & Co. , was also injured by the same mass of wrecked matter .
- The Losses -
It is impossible at present to estimate closely the total loss by the flood . The item of coal alone will amount to perhaps sixty thousand dollars , and it is thought that the total loss on the Monongahela will not fall short of three hundred thousand dollars .
- At Midnight -
Last night at twelve o'clock the river stood 19 feet 10 inches , and was about on a stand . It is thought that the climax is reached , or that it will not rise above 20 feet . No further losses could be ascertained , and no more are anticipated .
List of Steam Boats Built at McKeesport PA. before 1865
Note I am trying to expand on this list in a page See " Steamboats Of McKeesport & Elizabeth PA.
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Last Will & Testament of Daniel Pollard
In the name of God, Amen, I, Daniel Pollard of the Borough of McKeesport, County of Allegheny and state of Pennsylvania, in view of bodily infirmity and the uncertainty of life, and being of sound of mind and memory do make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament.
And First, I will and direct that my Executors here in after named, shall pay my funeral expenses and all my just debts out of any means of any estate most available, as soon as practicable after my decease.
Second, For my beloved wife Catherine Pollard, I give and devise my house and lot on 5th Street in McKeesport, where we now live, with all it’s appurtenances, and also all my household goods and furniture, for a home for herself and the children during her natural lifetime.
Third; To my beloved and dutiful son Norval Pollard I give and bequeath the one third part of all my Steam Boat Stock, and also the one third part of all my barges and coal and my coal interests whatsoever. Also to him I give and bequeath the one third part of all my right title and interest in the lot of ground and the marine ways thereon erected on the Monongahela River. And the fixtures and appurtenances thereunto belonging.
Fourth, I will and direct that the remaining two thirds of my Steam Boat Stock, and my barges and coal, and coal interests whatsoever be disposed of by my said Executors for the best price that can be gotten for the same and the proceeds thereof applied to the maintenance of my widow, and the maintenance and education of my two children, Ella Moraldi Pollard and Mary Cox Pollard, and I also order and direct that the other two thirds of my right and interest in the lot of ground and marine ways thereon and fixtures and appurtenances thereof, I leave in the hands of my said Executors to be managed, conducted or sold by them as they shall deem best for the interest and benefit of my widow and two children Ella Moraldi and Mary Cox.
Fifth, After the death of my said beloved wife Catherine, I will and direct that all my estate of whatever kind real, personal ormixed their remaining, shall be disposed of so that it or the value of it shall be equally divided among all my children after paying these out the sum of one hundred dollars to my grand child Nannie Wilson to be paid to her on the day she shall arrive at the age of twenty one years.
Sixth, And finally I do nominate and appoint my beloved son Norval Pollard, and my esteemed friend Wm E. Harrison to be Executors of this my last will and testament.
In Witness whereof I the said testator, Daniel Pollard have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this ninth day of September A.D., one thousand eight hundred and Sixty nine.
Daniel Pollard
X
(his mark)
So What Became oF Wm. E. Harrison?
Addvice : Don't name a friend as Executor of your estate!