Alexander Richards

Notes:

Alexander Richards was a private in company c 59th Tennessee Mounted Infantry, CSA, 23 Dec 1861 and was discharged due to disability 15 Oct 1862.He took the oath of allegiance in Chattanooga 27 May 1865.The stone shown here is of his wife Martha.

The transcription of this cemetery was updated in 2014 by http://tngenweb.org/sullivan/ Although Alexander is not listed, his wife, Martha[Perry] Richards and his daughter, Hattie Stanfield [2 Jul] 1867-[2 Mar]1953 are.
ALEXANDER RICHARDS
COMPANY C, 59TH TENNESSEE MOUNTED INFANTRY

Alexander Richards was born in Sullivan County, TN on March 18, 1837 (1835 based on pension application) to Benjamin Alexander III and Nancy Glover Richards. The United States Federal Census of 1850 shows he is living in Division 1 of Sullivan County with his parents and five siblings. In 1860, he has married and is living in Division 1 of Carter County with his wife, Martha E. Perry Richards and their two children, Henderson (2) and Washington (9 months). Their marriage was in Carter County on December 16, 1856. In 1880, he and Martha are living in District 16 of Sullivan County with children: William (18), James (15), Alford (14), Harriet (11), Jones H. (9), Jinnie (7), Samuel (4) and Andrew (1). In 1900, he is still in District 16 of Sullivan County with Martha and children, Samuel (22), Andrew (20) and Daniel (15). In 1910 he is now 73 years old and Martha 72, and living in Bluff City with children Sam and Lillie.

Alexander and his brother Benjamin, enlisted in Company C of the 59th Tennessee Mounted Infantry in Elizabethton on December 23, 1861, the date of the formation of the company with Captain James Brooks as the commanding officer. Alexander's service was cut short due to a service disability. He was discharged in Morristown, TN on April 24, 1862 by Certificate of Disability for Discharge, signed by Captain James Brooks. On August 7, 1902, Alexander filed for a Tennessee Confederate pension (S4406) in Sullivan County, TN. He cited fistula as an ailment he contracted while in service. Signing his application as witnesses were Lt. J.R. Kuhn, a former officer in Company C, and D.N. Giles of Company C. One letter in his file dated April 10, 1903 is from Dr. H.T. Masengill of Bluff City citing, "Alexander Richards' condition equals that produced by the loss of a limb having this day made careful physical examination." Another letter, dated May 30, 1903 and in his file, was submitted by William Perry, who served in Company C with Alexander. In the letter, William Perry stated he knew of the service of Alexander and is aware of his disability. William Perry was also a brother of Alexander's wife. One deposition, dated December 15, 1903, was from Bristol attorney B.G. McDowell. He is recorded as being 5' 2" tall, dark complexion, black eyes and dark hair. His pension was awarded.

Alexander passed away on January 17, 1916 and might be interred in the Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery beside his wife, Martha. There is an unmarked grave beside of Martha which might be his.

Alexander married Martha Perry on 16 Dec 1856 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Martha (daughter of William Perry and Nancy Troxell) was born on 16 Jul 1839 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 17 May 1910 in Sullivan County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, , Sullivan County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Henderson Richards was born about 1858 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.
2. Washington Richards was born about 1859 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.
3. James Richards was born about 1860 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.
4. Alfred Richards was born about 1862 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.
5. Harriett "Hattie" Richards was born on 8 Jul 1867 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 2 Mar 1953 in Sullivan County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, , Sullivan County, Tennessee.
6. Jonas Keen Richards was born about 1868 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died about 1957 in Sullivan County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, , Sullivan County, Tennessee.
7. Jennie Richards was born about 1873 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.
8. Samuel J. Richards was born on 26 Jun 1876 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 15 Apr 1942 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, , Sullivan County, Tennessee.
9. Andrew Richards was born in Feb 1880 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.
10. Daniel Richards was born in Dec 1884 in Carter County, , , Tennessee.

Benjamin married Nancy (Richards) about 1835 in Sullivan County, , , Tennessee. Nancy was born about 1821 in Sullivan County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]