An Incident Most Unpleasant - New Year's Eve 1863 in Louisa

Throughout the Civil War, Louisa, the county seat of Lawrence County, Kentucky, remained a Union strong-hold and served as base of operations for the military in the Big Sandy Valley. In November of 1862, the town was designated as Headquarters of the District of Eastern Kentucky which comprised the counties of Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, Lawrence, Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, and Pike. The military had taken possession of public buildings to house headquarters, provost marshal's office, commissary, hospital, guardhouse, stables &c. 

Louisa, ca. 1906

In 1860, Louisa was a small town with a population of 258. With the influx of the military, the town was also occupied by many civilians, mostly family members of the soldiers, which caused the population to increase to more than twice its normal number. In some instances, mostly officers, boarded with civilians. It was tight quarters in Louisa but over time the citizens had adjusted to the nearly constant presence of soldiers in their midst. The relationship between military and civil society remained in general peaceful but was not without challenges from time to time. 

On December 31, 1863, the following troops, under command of Col. George W. Gallup, 14th Kentucky Infantry, were stationed at Louisa:

- 14th Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. Orlando Brown, Jr.

- 39th Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. David A. Mims.

It was New Year's Eve and much to the delight of the troops, Major Cook, the paymaster, had made his appearance. A paycheck meant that the soldiers were able to provide for their families, settle their accounts and have some extra pocket change when needed. New recruits also received their bounty (one month's pay in advance, normally paid at muster) and premium due to them. With their pockets full of money, the men celebrated the New Year and, at least temporarily, forgot about the hardships they had endured as of late. The winter of 1863/1864 was especially harsh. The mercury had dropped to zero degrees and the Big Sandy was frozen solid. There were instances of merriment that went overboard and the men, "loved too well to look upon the wine when it is red, and giveth its color in the cup."  A few cases of drunkenness were recorded and the offending parties arrested and punished.

Some of the soldiers were mulling about town when 20 year old Mary Rebecca Layne encountered three of them on Main Cross Street, opposite from the courthouse. As the group was approaching her, she looked at one of them, who then smacked his lips and said "he would like to have a kiss or words to that affect." By 1860s standards, such forward behavior toward a woman in public was frowned upon as vulgar and insulting and certainly considered unbecoming of a soldier and a gentleman. 

Undoubtedly, Mary R. Layne was shocked by the gesture but continued on her way, undeterred, a short distance until she reached the post office. While passing the three soldiers, she quickly slipped inside. Upon entering, she noticed that the soldiers had stopped in front of the building. As luck would have it, an acquaintance, Charley Duncan, a private in the 14th Kentucky Infantry, happened to be in the post office. Mary called on him to ascertain the name of the soldier who had insulted her. Meanwhile, the three soldiers had entered the post office but left rather quickly when they noticed Mary R. Layne talking to Duncan and walked toward the (I.B.) Hutchinson & Carter store nearby. She later testified that, "Charley followed them and Charley told me afterward that the name of the soldier who had insulted me, was George Martin or that was the name of the man I had pointed out whose name I requested him to obtain."

Mary Rebecca Layne was the daughter of Floyd P. "Dock" Shannon and Elizabeth O'Rourk. Her husband was James Calvin (or better known as JC) Layne, son of Judge Lindsey Layne and Adeline "Edy" Meade. His father and brother Moses Layne famously cast the only two votes for Lincoln in Floyd County in the 1860 presidential elections. 

James Calvin Layne

At the time of the incident, Mary Rebecca and JC were still considered newly-weds. The couple was married on February 5, 1863, at Dock Shannon's house in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The ceremony was performed by I. B. Hutchinson, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisa. Incidentally, he was also part owner of the store Hutchinson & Carter in 1863. 

Mary R. Layne was not going to let the matter rest. On January 4, 1864, she went to see Provost Marshal Lieutenant Joseph D. Powers (Co. K, 39th Kentucky Infantry) at his office in Louisa and filed a formal complaint against Martin. An arrest most likely followed. 

Mary R. Layne's testimony

"Provost Marshal's Office

Louisa, Ky. Jan. 4 1864

This day Mary R. Layne personally appeared before me and made the following statement on oath in case of George Martin, charged with insulting the said Mary R. Layne on the street at Louisa Ky.

On Thursday evening last Dec 31st I was going down street and met three soldiers not far from the Post Office. I looked at one of them, and he smacked his lips and said he would like to have a kiss or words to that affect. I went on a few steps, and turned about and went in to the P. O. passing the said three soldiers as I went into the house, they stopped and I called to to Charley Duncan and the three soldiers came in. I told Charley Duncan to ascertain who the soldier was, that had insulted me. the soldiers left and went toward J. B. Hutchinsons store. Charley followed them and Charley told me afterward that the name of the soldier who had insulted me, was George Martin or that was the name of the man I had pointed out whose name I requested him to obtain. and I saw Charly talking to the same soldier who had insulted me, and whom I had pointed out to Charly.

Given under my hand the day above written

Mary R Layne 

I certify that the above Statement was made before me upon oath at Louisa Ky. on the day above written

J. D. Powers Lt.

& Prov Mar D E Ky"

George Martin was a private in Co. F, 39th Kentucky Infantry. He was one of the regiment's new recruits who had enlisted on August 8, 1863 and mustered in August 30, 1863. Before enlisting in the Union Army, Martin had seen previous military service in the Confederate Army.  He was mustered in as private in Captain Adam Martin's Company (later Co. F), Benjamin Caudill's 13th Kentucky Cavalry, on October 14, 1862. By April 30, 1863, George Martin was absent without leave and never came back. As it turned out, Martin also had a wife, Cynthia Caroline Frasure, and four children. The couple had been married since 1855. 

39th Kentucky Infantry (US)
Service Record

13th Kentucky Cavalry (CSA)
Service Record 

Charles "Charley" Duncan who came to Mary R. Layne's rescue was 20 years old and a native of Covington, Kentucky. An engineer in civilian life, he served as a private in Company E, 14th Kentucky Infantry.

14th Kentucky Infantry (US)
Service Record

The matter was referred to Department Commander Colonel George W. Gallup who ordered George Martin to be reprimanded and then returned to duty. 

Martin continued to serve with the 39th Kentucky Infantry but was absent without leave from October 1864 to January 19, 1865. He was finally mustered out with the regiment on September 15, 1865, at Louisville.

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, November 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Union Burials in Eastern Kentucky - Lawrence County

This is the second post in a series dealing with Union burials in Eastern Kentucky. It focuses on burials in Lawrence County.

Throughout the years I have received numerous inquiries regarding the burial sites of Union soldiers who died in Eastern Kentucky during the Civil War. Contrary to popular (or logical) assumption the majority of these men are not resting in Kentucky soil but were taken to Indiana to be re-interred in the New Albany National Cemetery. For a detailed explanation, please read my introduction here.

Legend
NANC = New Albany National Cemetery
Sec. = Section
# ABC/XYZ = old/new site number in New Albany National Cemetery

Note: Burial numbers without any additional information indicate unknown soldiers.

Gordon Burgess Farm

Buried in Citizens Graveyard on Gordon Burges farm, 3 miles below Peach Orchard opposite George's Creek on a ridge 1/3 mile north of Big Sandy River. Died on George's Creek but taken to opposite side of River for burial. 350 yards north East of Mr. Burges House and 60 yds North of Sycamore tree ~ Head lying west.
Two brothers, belonged to the same Regiment and Company and died the same month. Were identified by Mr. Burges who was present at burial.

# 2369 James White, Private, Co. I, 39th KY, d. January 1, 1863. ~ NANC, Sec. B, # 992/1245

# 2370 P. White, Private, Co. I, 39th KY, d. January 6, 1863. ~ NANC, Sec. B, # 993/1246

John Borders Farm

(no map)

In citizens Graveyard on Squire John Border's land 2 Miles from Peach Orchard up the river. 1/3 mile from Big Sandy River. 140 paces East of road leading from Peach Orchard to Rock Castle Creek, on side Hill, 19 1/2 paces south of Dead white oak tree and 26 paces North of Beech tree.

# 2366 Joseph Adkins, Private, Co. E, 39th KY, d. April 5, 1863. Died at John Borders' house April 5, 1863 ~ information received from Mr. Borders. ~ NANC Sec. B, # 989/1242

J. W. Hawes Farm

Buried 2 Miles west of Louisa on J. W. Hawes' farm in an old field among some citizens graves, his child is buried on right side facing west, graves marked "C" in plat are Citizens. Apple tree 15 yards N. E. of grave.

# 2457 George Willis, Private, Co. F, 39th KY Inf., d. January 12, 1865. Was murdered at his house by some robbers ~ 1 mile North West from where he was buried. His family has since moved to Ohio ~ was identified by citizens who helped to bury him. ~ His child was buried on the right side of Willis' grave, facing west.
According to his service records, he was "Killed by Rebels."  Lieutenant Augustus Kendrick, Co. F, 39th Kentucky Infantry, stated that the command was just returning from a raid on Saltville, Virginia, and that while on the march, Willis was furloughed to come by his home. He was killed by "Gurillas" on the night of January 12, 1865. Colonel George W. Gallup (14th Kentucky Infantry) who, at the time, was commander of the Military District of Eastern Kentucky, stated that George Willis was killed in the line of duty. His house was approximately 1/2 mile from camp but still within the vidette line. Gallup, with a detachment of cavalry, went in pursuit of the guilty parties who were subsequently captured. ~ NANC Sec. A, # 16/16.

Peach Orchard

Peach Orchard, Lawrence Co. Ky. 20 miles above Louisa on East side of river ~ 900 feet North East of Peach Orchard, 12 feet South of Oak tree.

# 2367 Wm. Cavens, Private, Co. C, 14th Ky Inf. Head stone marked "W. C." was identified by Citizen who was present at funeral ~ NANC Sec. B, # 990/1243

86 feet South of above ~
# 2368 Recorded as John S. Sipples, Corporal, 39th KY Inf., d. Feb. 7, 1863. Head stone marked "E. J. S." ~ was identified by a Citizen who took care of him until death and was present at funeral. (According to regimental records, this was Florentine John Sipples, Corporal, 39th KY Inf., d. Feb. 7, 1863, Peach Orchard)  ~ NANC Sec. B, # 991/1244



Helpful Sources and Links

Union Burials in Eastern Kentucky - Louisa

Roll of honor; names of soldiers who died in defense of the American union, interred in the national [and other] cemeteries. 27 volumes. (Available on Hathi Trust Digital Library)

Burial Ledgers. The National Cemetery Administration, Washington, D.C. (Original records transferred to NARA: Burial Registers, compiled 1867-2006, documenting the period 1831-2006. ARC ID: 5928352. Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773–2007, Record Group 15. National Archives at Washington, D.C. (Available on Ancestry.com) 

Nationwide Gravesite Locator
National Cemetery Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs

New Albany National Cemetery
New Albany, Indiana


Article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, February 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication without express written notice by the author is strictly prohibited. 

Marlitta H. Perkins © 2018. All Rights Reserved

Confederate General John B. Floyd and the Warfield Saltworks

John B. Floyd
Image from the Brady-Handy Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)

Warfield was established in the early 1850's as a coal, salt and lumber community by George Rogers Clark Floyd and John Warfield of Va. It is located on the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. Products such as salt, which was an essential preservative for farmers and for traders of salt pork, were shipped by river boats to Cattlettsburg. In 1870, Warfield became the first county seat of the newly created Martin County, KY.

George Rogers Clark Floyd was a son of Governor John Floyd of Virginia and had served as Secretary of State for the Territory of Wisconsin under Polk from 1845 to 1848. On March 3, 1857, George Rogers Clark Floyd deeded all the Warfield property to his brother John B. Floyd. Thus began a short but interesting chapter in Lawrence County history.

John B. Floyd, son of VA governor John Floyd, was born in Smithfield, Montgomery County on June 1, 1806. He graduated from Columbia College in South Carolina in 1829 and lived three years in Arkansas before returning to Virginia to practice law in Washington County.

He served in the VA state legislature from 1847 until 1849 and as governor of Virginia from 1849 to 1852. He supported James Buchanan during his campaign for US president and upon his election Floyd was appointed sceretary of war. Floyd held this post from 1857 to December 1860, which he resigned, being a Southerner in his convictions and beliefs, after Major Robert Anderson’s occupation of Fort Sumner, SC.

On May 23, 1861, Floyd was commissioned brigadier-general in the Confederate Army. He saw his first service at Carnifex Ferry, Va., Sept. 10, 1861, where he was wounded. He was the senior commander at Fort Donelson in February 1862, when Grant advanced from Cairo upon the fort. Floyd refused to surrender, withdrew with a large part of his brigade, and reached Nashville in safety. He subsequently had command of the "Virginia State Line," which operated mainly in western and southwestern Virginia.

Warfield
At the beginning of hostilities production had ceased at Warfield and the coal mines were used throughout the Civil War as hiding place against marauding by enemy. On Aug. 16, 1862, according to Damian Beach, Confederate cavalry repulsed and defeated a unit of Kentucky Home Guards near Warfield."

Warfield Skirmish, Historical Marker
Gen. John B. Floyd's vast Warfield property of 15,000 acres came under a sheriff's sale January 21, 1862 and was sold to Colonel Laban T. Moore and wife Sarah, Col. George W. Gallup and wife Rebecca, and Joseph Tromstine and wife Bertha.
[Lawrence Co. Deed Book F, pp. 555-559/559-566, recorded September 11, 1862]

Health reasons forced Floyd to return home to Abingdon where he died on 26 August 1863 at the age of 57, at the home of his adoptive daughter, Mrs. Eliza Johnston Hughes, a niece of Confederate Maj. General Joseph E. Johnston. Her husband Robert W. Hughes was a US district judge from Norfolk, Virginia. Just eight days prior to his death, on Aug. 18, 1863, John B. Floyd had bequeathed all his estate to his wife Sallie B. Floyd.
[John B. Floyd Will, Martin Co. Will Book]

On Sept. 14, 1866, after the close of the Civil War, the Moores, Gallups and Tromstines sold the Warfield property to Robert W. Hughes for $ 3500, relinquishing all rights and title to the said property under the former sheriff's sale in Lawrence Co.
[Lawrence Co. Deed Book H, p. 522]

On July 2, 1867, the Warfield Coal and Salt Co. was deeded to Sallie B. Floyd, conveying all of Warfield, under general warranty to her.
[Lawrence Co. Deed Book I, pp. 245-247 ? /285-287]. On the same day, Robert W. Hughes was appointed her Executor and Trustee
[Lawrence Co. Deed Book I, p. 284-285]

Warfield Map, 1879
For larger image, click on map
In December 1881, a correspondent of the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that "After a series of years of failure, mismanagement and disappointments, the [Warfield] estate fell into the hands of James A. Barrett of Martin Co., KY, a colonel in the Confederate army and a gentleman of rare intelligence. Knowing the value of associating capital in joint stock companies, Mr. Barrett has capitalized his estate and formed a company that develop its vast resources and bring untold wealth to its members."

Written and researched by Marlitta H. Perkins, 2002 - 2010.