Charles Ballard Chumley

CHARLES BALLARD CHUMLEY was born about 1814 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He died on 11 Feb 1847 in Green Hill, Wilson County, Tennessee, on his way home from the Tex-Mexican War, at William Mastin’s home about 15 miles from Nashville, Tennessee. He married Delina Carroll (daughter of William Carroll) on 06 Feb 1836 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She was born in 1815 in North Carolina. She died on 25 Apr 1894 in Cumberland Gap, Claiborne County, Tennessee.

Charles filed a Deed of Trust on 11 May 1840 to John Chumley to secure a $47.00 debt due to John when John paid Charles debt to John Bruster. The deed names John Chumley, Lewis Chumley and David Cottrell as security by pledging “one grey mare, white and red cow and calf, 13 head of stock hogs, 2 feather beds, furniture one 10-gallon pot, 2 head of sheep, 1 white and red heifer yearling, 1 plow and hoe, -?- for farming, one table to have & to hold the said property ——etc. & said Ballard Chumley is to have the use of said property until called for—-not to sell or trade it & keep it in good condition.” [1]

During the 1820s and 1830s Tennesseans flocked to Texas to settle territory that was once Mexico. Famous Sons of Tennessee like Sam Houston and David Crockett were among the thousands bound for the new Promised Land and to escape economic hardship. At 4 cents an acre, it was a quick draw to settle in Texas. Relations quickly broke down between Mexico and the United States and the Mexican-American War broke out in 1846 over boundary dispute. American troop strength, however, was too low to even consider fielding a foreign occupation force. When the Secretary of War therefore issued a call for 2,800 Tennesseans to join the ranks, 30,000 responded! This cinched the nickname “Volunteer State” first earned during the War of 1812. [2]

Charles Ballard Chumley volunteered at Tazewell, Tennessee June 8, 1846. Mustered into service at Knoxville, Tennessee June 10, 1846 under Capt. Newton A. Evans. [3]

His original discharge paper is filed as follows; “Camp near Corpus Christi. I hereby certify that Ballard Chumeny 2nd., corporal in Capt Evans Company of the Tennessee regiment of Cav. is incapable of performing the duties of a soldier and therefore is the opinion of the undersigned the interest of the service requires that he should be discharged from the army for the following reason: He has an affliction of his lungs and has had for several years, and the fatigue and exposure of the campaign have imparied his health so much that he cannot be restored to health in the army. Given at Camp 10 South of Corpus Christi, 10-21-1846 signed G. M. Alsup. Surgeon T. R. Carl?” [6]

Transcribed letter to his wife, written by the soldier: Ballard Chumbly, 1846, Oct 17: My Dear Wife: I write to inform that I am well at present, though I have been sick for some time and had to stay behind the regiment and did not get to it until yesterday and as some of the men from Capt. Evans Company have been discharged and started home before I got with the Regiment. They will likely give some unfavorable account of me, and I hasten to inform you otherwise. I have not drawn any money but my clothing wages though I have plenty of money and plenty of clothes. General Taylor had a battle at Montery — it commenced on 23rd., Sept and ended the 25th. We had about 500 killed and wounded. Some reports say from 1000 to 1500 and about as many men because we had 6000 men and the Mexican 120000 – The two Generals entered into a muster for eight weeks, which will terminate about two next month. I am still going on in as good spirits as though peace was made, and I will return as soon as my term is out. None have died in the Claiborne Blues. Capt Evans and eight others took shipping at Port Lavaca for Camrgo. They are being unable to travel, we have started this morning to the same place 40 miles between water. Each man has a canteen or Mexican gourd in which they can carry water sufficient to supply themselves, consequently we will not suffer. Tell Wm Carroll to gather the crop and take good care of it and not sell it, and that he shall be well paid for attending to it. You must keep the children going to school, till I come home. Green B. Cadle is well, He came to this place by water from Little Rock. Give my respects to all inquiring friends. Write to me and put the following directions on the letter and I will get in 30 or 40 days. Ballard Chumbley A volunteer in Capt., Evans Company – Claiborne Blues, Tennessee Regiment, cavalry, Pint Isabella, By express mail. I remain your affectionate husband, to Delina Chumbly, signed Ballard Chumbley. Let me know whether you get the money I sent by N. T. Anderson. [7]

Corporal Ballard Chumbley’s life was short lived, as he was only 33 years old at the time of his death. He left behind a young wife and 7 children. His widow Delina had family to help support her. She had to petition for Charles’ pension with affidavits to attest that she was not a confederate sympathizer. The court records are dated 1865, she had applied in 1853. A truly amazing find was the following letter Delina received from her husband just months before he died.

Charles Ballard Chumley and Delina Carroll had the following children:
1. David H. Chumley was born in Nov 1837 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He died sometime after 1910 in Muhlenburg County, Kentucky. He married Elizabeth “Eliza” Condray (daughter of William Harold Condray, III and Sarah Elizabeth Welch) in 1860 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She was born in about 1844 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. Eliza was the younger sister of Thomas Harold Condray who married Sarah Chumley, the niece of Charles Ballard Chumley. David and Eliza had 10 children in 25 years.

2. Mary Jane Chumley was born on 19 Jan 1839 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She died on 07 Jan 1917 in Middlesboro, Bell County, Kentucky and is buried in Ely Cemetery in Cumberland Gap, Claiborne County, Tennessee. [8] Mary was a seamstress, and she never married.

3. Margaret “Mug” Chumley was born on 19 Jan 1840 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She married Thomas W Grubb, and they had one son together. She then married William H. “Bill” Chumley (we did not find any records on William and do not believe he was in our family line), and they had five children together. She died on January 18, 1924, in Anderson, Tennessee, at the age of 83, and was buried in Caryville, Tennessee.

4. Sarah Matilda Chumley was born in Mar 1843 in Cumberland Gap, Claiborne County, Tennessee. She died on 08 Sep 1911 in Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky. She married Nelson Henry Harp on 22 Sep 1872 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He was born on 26 Apr 1839 in Whitley County, Kentucky. He died in 1904 in Jellico, Campbell County, Tennessee.
Nelson’s first wife was Rhoda Day. They were married on 25 Nov 1858 in Claiborne County, Tennessee and they had 5 children together. After Rhoda died, he married Sarah and they had 3 children during their marriage; Henry, Charles “Tip” and Ulyssus Burnett “U.B.”

Ulyssus Burnett “U.B.” Harp was born on June 27, 1883, in Tazewell, Tennessee. His father, Nelson, was 44 and his mother, Sarah, was 40. He was married three times and had 19 children. He died on January 14, 1973, in Somerset, Kentucky, at the age of 89, and was buried there.

U.B.’s first wife was Sarah Petrey. They were married on 08 Oct 1900 in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was a double wedding with U.B.’s brother Tip and Sarah’s sister Nancy.

U.B. registered for the draft during WWI in Shopville, Kentucky on 12 Sep 1918. Occupation: Minister of rural churches. DOB 26 Jun 1882. Tall, medium build, grey eyes, and dark hair. Nearest Relative: Sarah Harp. [10]

U.B.’s 3rd wife was Nellie Ida Powers. A letter was shared by U.B.’s son Robert Harp. The following is a partial transcription Nellie wrote about her and U.B. – I was born Niellie Ida Powers born November 9, 1907. Back in the hills of Kentucky, almost on the Kentucky Tennessee state line. I don’t know what my parent’s post office was at the time, but I guess it was Lot, Kentucky. Your grandfather was very fun loving when he was in good health. He used to kid me unmercifully. I guess as a boy he couldn’t be topped as a mischief maker from the tales he told me. His niece Rhoda York Marlow recommended me to him as a nice girl and made the first date for him with me on May 13, 1934. Two years later on May 30th we were married. There was 25 years difference in our ages but that made no difference to me. We loved each other dearly. Our love for each other never faded. We had a family of 8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls. Jim, Robert, Windord, Charles, Howard, Edward, Doris and Glenna. My life was often lonely as his ministry took him from home nearly every weekend and at times for 2 or 3 weeks at a time. We did a little farming at my mother’s place in the hills of Kentucky, so I had the children and the livestock to care for while he was away. He always knew I would be at home when he came home. [11]

5. William Horace Chumley was born on 12 Aug 1844 in Tazewell, Claiborne County, Tennessee. He died on 23 Feb 1907 in Tazewell, Claiborne County, Tennessee. He married Emeline J. “Emily” Runions (daughter of George Washington Runions and Mary Elizabeth Eastridge) on 12 Sep 1869 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. [12] She was born in May 1849 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She died on 22 Mar 1923 in Louisville, Kentucky.
   
   William and Emily had 3 children together, Joseph Horace, Minnie Pearl, and Hailey. The 1880 Census lists the family living in Claiborne County, Tennessee. William is a farmer and all 3 children are listed. [13] We found no further records of Hailey. It is believed she died at an early age. Per Chumley Researcher, Bill Chumley, “I never heard Grand Dad speak of the dec’d one.” Other cns. records indicate that of 4 children bn. to Wm. H. & Emily (Runnions) Chumley, only 2 survived. [14]
   
   Their only son, Joseph Horace Chumley was born on August 25, 1870, in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He married Gussie Ethel Essary (daughter of Elbert and Martha (Hurst) Essary) [15] July 15, 1896. They had 2 children during their marriage. He died on May 15, 1955, in Tazewell, Tennessee, at the age of 84.

Joseph and Gussie’s son Kleber Doyle Chumley was born on December 17, 1900, in Tazewell, Tennessee. His father, Joseph, was 30 and his mother, Gussie, was 26. He married Margaret Anna Giffin (daughter of Samual and Margaret Giffin) on February 2, 1925. They had one child during their marriage. He died on April 15, 1968, in his hometown at the age of 67, and was buried there.

The home in Tazewell was a special place for the family and many friends and family shared wonderful memories about the family. Kleber and Margaret had one son, William Giffin “Bill” Chumley, who was born on born on January 2, 1926, in Tazewell, Tennessee. He married Margaret Erligne “Peggy” Payne on November 24, 1944. They had four children in 15 years. He died on May 20, 2018, in Titusville, Florida, at the age of 92, and was buried in his hometown of Tazewell, TN.

Bill Chumley was bigger than life and he could spin a tale just like other Chumley’s I have known. I first met Bill and his wife Peggy when they and a few other researchers attended my Chumley Family Reunion in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He brought with him several boxes of paper records for me to use in the writing of his book. His record keeping was meticulous. He had used the skills of recording documents from his time in the Army. Every document, every folder, every source record was documented so that you could easily find whatever you were looking for.

Not only were his records well organized, but he also had a massive amount of research, much he still had in Florida where he and Peggy lived. He told me that every time he took his family on a trip somewhere, he would visit court houses, libraries, historical societies and photocopy every record he could find on his ancestors. This was quite an undertaking since this was a time before digital files and most records were on microfiche, if you were lucky.

I could not continue this chapter without telling you readers about Bill. Like I said, he was bigger than life and his stories were even larger.

6. Elizabeth Chumley was born on 22 Apr 1846 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. She died on 19 Jan 1918 in Middlesboro, Bell County, Kentucky. She married:
   (a) James Powell on 12 Jul 1872 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. [17] He was born about 1844 in Ohio. He died before Jun 1880 in Claiborne County, Tennessee.
   (b) Richard Humphrey on 18 Jan 1883 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. [18] He was born about 1860 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He died sometime before 1900.
7. James Franklin Chumley was born on 05 Mar 1847 in Slate Creek, Claiborne County, Tennessee. He died on 01 Sep 1953 in Middlesboro, Bell County, Kentucky. He married Mary Jane Phillips (daughter of Solomon Phillips and Martha Matilda Watson) on 10 Oct 1869 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. [19] She was born on 31 Aug 1852 in Caldwell County, North Carolina. She died on 16 Oct 1931 in Cumberland Gap, Claiborne County, Tennessee.

Charles and Delina’s youngest child, James Franklin Chumley, lived to be 106 years old. James and his wife, Mary Phillips, were married in Claiborne County, Tennessee on October 10, 1869, by Elder John Freeman M.G. [19] The couple had 10 children together and lived in the Sandlick area of Claiborne County, Tennessee, just South of New Tazewell, Tennessee.
The following newspaper article was written in honor of his 103rd birthday:

Endnotes:
[1] SOURCE -11 MAY 1840 – Claiborne Co., Tn., Deed Bk. “O”, p14
& Deed Bk. “F” by Bill Chumley research.
[2] Tennessee State Library and Archives, The Volunteer State Goes to War: A Salute to Tennessee Veterans, Article: Mexican-American war. https://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/tsla/exhibits/veterans/mexica namerican.htm
[3] U.S., Compiled Military Service Records for American Volunteer Soldiers, Mexican War, 1845-1848. Name – Ballard Chumley. Enlistment Place – Tazewell. Service Date – 10 Jun 1846. Residence Place – Tennessee, USA. Rank – Corporal. Unit – First Mounted Infantry.
[4] SOURCE -(1853) WIDOWs PENSION) – APPLICATION FILE –
When the widow applied in 1853, she stated her husband died at William “Mastin’s”(*) 15 miles from Nashville Tenn. 2-11-1847 as she verily believes. – -states she was married to Ballard Chumbly in Claiborne Co., Tenn. 2-6-1836 by William McNew a Justice of the Peace, that her maiden name was Delina Carroll and that there are six children of theirs now living, whose names are as follows; David, Mary Jane, Margaret, Sarah, Will and Elizabeth, research provided by Bill Chumley.
[5] (IBID) -(1853 Affidavit) – ANDREW BROCK AFFIDAVIT IN
1853. Andrew Brock made affidavit in Claiborne County Tenn. 1853, states he was well acquainted with Ballard Chumbley, who was a volunteer in his company, that he volunteered at Tazewell, Tennessee 6-8-1846, and was mustered into service at Knoxville, Tenn. 6-10-1846, under Capt. Newton A. EVANS, and was taken sick and discharged at Corpus Christi, that he started back for home at that point and reached William “MASTIN’s” 15 miles from Nashville, Tenn. where he lay some length of time and finally died that he has himself stopped and stayed all night with Wm. (*MASTIN) and that (*MASTIN) told him that Ballard Chumbly had died at his house, and as to him being the identical Ballard Chumbly that was in my company, I verily believe him that the report is true.
[6] SOURCE – 21 OCT. 1846 – DISCHARGE OF “BALLARD
CHUMENY” research provided by Bill Chumley.
[7] Copies of this original letter provided by direct descendants Bill Chumley and Jim Harp, all research is supported by numerous records and collaboration between years of Chumley descendants.
[8] Web: Tennessee, Find A Grave Index, 1777-2012, Find a Grave Memorial ID: 87671796.
[9] Photos shared by Barbara Harp, wife of Robert Harp the son of U.B. and Sarah Matilda (Chumley) Harp.
[10] U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.
[11] SOURCE: Jim Harp (wife Barbara) – Letter from Nellie to her granddaughter Caroline dated December 19,1978.
[12] Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Rites of matrimony were solemnized by Elder John Freeman, Minister of the Gospel.
[13] Year: 1880; Census Place: District 6, Claiborne, Tennessee; Roll: 1247; Page: 157d; Enumeration District: 106. Description: Enumeration District: 106; Description: 6th and 7th Civil District.
[14] Rbt. Chambley, bnAbt 1600, Fam.file (10Sep98). FTW
[15] Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Description –
Year: 1868 Sep-1899 Aug: Marriages 4-6, page 423 on microfilm.
[16] All photos of Joseph, Gussie and their family used with the permission of Chumley Research Bill Chumley and his family.
[17] Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Year: 1868 Sep-1899 Aug: Marriages 4-6. Pg 73
[18] Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Year: 1868 Sep-1899 Aug: Marriages 4-6. Pg 267
[19] Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Description: Year: 1868 Sep-1899 Aug: Marriages 4-6, page 23 microfiche. Elder John Freeman M.G.
[20] Travis Chumley Facebook Post 10/9/2019.