The Case Of Mrs. Acklin

Mrs. Adelicia Acklin

From the case of Mrs. Acklin, Nashville, Tenn.:

Source: Fold3

Testimony of James C. Terry, who was "living on Mrs. Acklin's place at the time the lines were formed on the place by the U.S. and rebels in December 1864." "I was living in the overseer's house...".  "It was the common report in town and country that Mrs. Acklin had equipped a Rebel company called the "Acklin Guards." [Source: Fold3]

Mrs. Acklin's Nashville House

"The U.S. line of works ran over where this house stood [Mrs. Acklin's house]."  I left the house some eight or ten days before the fight.  There were three other brick houses, one story, and two frame houses, all torn down and used in different ways, principally in building chimneys for tents...".

"Think the large brick house was worth about $2,500.  Think the other three brick houses worth about $2,000 each."

Thomas Bowstead, whose home adjoined Mrs. Acklin's farm, also gave testimony.  He knew nothing of the Acklin Rifles, except by hearsay. 

Testimony was given by William Acklin [an African-American], who had been in the employ of Mrs. Acklin for 19 years.

George W. Shields, merchant and agent for Mrs. Acklin, also gave testimony; he stated that U.S. Forces destroyed her property.  "Know Mr. Acklin, husband of Mrs. Acklin."  "Do not think he was worth any thing except what he was entitled to for the management of Mrs. Acklin's property in Louisiana."  "I rented to Mr. A.R. [or A.B.] Goodwin... ."  "He was to have possession January 1, 1865."  "...he did not take it."   

"Mrs. Acklin owned this property in her own right before marriage."  "I am Mrs. Acklin's brother-in-law."  "Mr. Acklin was not worth anything to the best of my knowledge."  "I know there was a company raised in Nashville for the rebel service in 1861 called the Acklin Rifles."  "Do not know of Mrs. Acklin equipping this or any other company."  "Mr. Acklin told me he had given the Capt. of this company one hundred dollars to use for the company benefit."  

William L. B. Lawrence, who lived adjoining Mrs. Acklin's place, also gave testimony in this case.  "The two large gates and posts situated on Granny White and Hillsboro Pikes were used for firewood by the teamsters of General Woods' Division train."  "Mrs. Acklin sold 40,000 bricks at $10.00 per thousand."  "...sold by Mrs. Acklin to Moses McCune and Leonard...".  "The articles...taken or destroyed was done by the 4th Army Corps, General Woods commanding, with Hdqtrs at Mrs. Acklin's house."  

Judge Nathaniel Baxter also testified as did William C. Rock, who was employed by Mrs. Acklin as a gardener. 

Because Mrs. Acklin was disloyal "and notoriously so," it was recommended that no part of the assessed damages be paid." 

J. C. Frankenberger

Lt. Col. 188th Ohio Infantry

U. J. Vail 

Major, 14th UJC

W. Storey

1st Lt., 78th

This file was also transcribed and online here.