Allen Bain (1799 - abt. 1886)

Born 1799 in North Carolina, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Unknown) Taylor — married 4 Jul 1854 in Marshall County, Alabama

Descendants

Died about 8 Jan 1886 at about age 87 in Wakefield, Marshall County, Alabama

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Biography

Allen Bain was part of a Southern Pioneer Family.

Allen Bain was born in Carrabus County, North Carolina in 1800. He moved to the Alabama territory by the 1830's, along with other members of his family.

He was married two or three times, based on the distinct age cohorts of his children. The first marriage took place in North Carolina, since the eldest son was born there. The second marriage (if it occurred) was around 1832 and lasted until perhaps 1849.

During this time period all throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, the removal of the Indians and seizure or forced sale of their lands created decades of hostility. The uneasy peace was peppered with periods of conflict.

Allen Bain felt it his duty to join the call for volunteers when the Second Seminole War broke out. This occurred between 1835-1842. Over thirty thousand soldiers were mustered in and saw service during this period. Allen Bain volunteered in Captain Witt's Company of Caulfield's Battalion. Major Caulfield's Battalion of Mounted Volunteers served between 1836-1837. The unit ranged deep into middle Florida.^[1]

The Second Seminole War also has the distinction of being the largest slave insurrection in the history of the country. As will be described, there was a significant black presence in the fighting. These were not only free black maroons, but runaway slaves. ^[2]

The following reports are representative of this often forgotten chapter in our history, and sheds some light on part of Private Bain's military life, which otherwise suffers from a dearth of records. It is included in full for this reason.

In a report filed by General Jesup, he noted that on 23 January, 1837 Caulfield's mounted volunteers, along with other forces under Jesup's command, engaged Chief Osuchee in a swamp along the borders of Lake Apopka. This expedition pushed seventy miles into the interior of Seminole held lands.

Head-Quarters, Army of the South, Fort Armstrong, Feb. 7th, 1837.

“SIR—I have the honor to report for the information of the secretary of war, and the general-in-chief, that the main body of the army under my command was put in motion on the 22d ult, to attack the Indians and negroes, in the strong-holds which they were said to occupy on the head-waters of the Ocklawaha.

“On the 23d, Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield was attached with his battalion of mounted Alabama volunteers, Captain Harris's company of marines, and Major Morris's Indian warriors, accompanied by my aid, Lieutentant Chambers, to attack Osuchee (Cooper), a chief of some note, who was reported to have a large Indian force under his command in a swamp on the borders of Ahpopka lake. The chief was surprised, himself and three warriors killed, and nine Indians (women and children) and eight negroes captured. One of our Indian warriors was mortally wounded, and died on the 26th. “It was ascertained from the prisoners, that the principal Indian and negro force had retired from the Ocklawaha, in a southeasterly direction, towards the head of the Coloosahatchee. Pursuit was immediately commenced, with no other guide than the track of their ponies and cattle. “The Thlau-hatkee (or White Mountain), an elevated range of hills, not mentioned by any geographer, nor described in any account of Florida which I have seen, was passed on the 24th. The ascent, in many places, was so difficult as to render drag-ropes and heavy i. of men necessary, to take the bag gage-wagons over the heights.

“On approaching the Thla-pac-hatchee on the morning of the 27th, the herds of cattle feeding on the prairies, and the nu merous recent trails in various directions, indicated the presence of the enemy. The army was halted, and scouts sent out on dif. ferent trails to obtain information. Colonel Henderson, with Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield's battalion, Captain Harris's mounted marines, and Major Morris's Indian warriors, accompanied by my aid, Lieutenant Chambers, was detached to make a reconnoissance of the country in advance, with orders to attack the enemy, if he should find them, and deem his command sufficient, and report by express their force and position. “The enemy was found on the Hatchee-Lustee, in and near the “Great Cypress Swamp,” and promptly and gallantly at tacked. Lieutenant Chambers, with Price's company of Alabama volunteers, by a rapid charge, succeeded in capturing the horses and baggage of the enemy, with twenty-five Indians and negroes, y, principally women and ºil. the men having mostly fled into the swamp.^[3]

A detailed report of this day's efforts was provided by Colonel Henderson:

Head-Quarters, Army of the South, Hatch-ee-lus-kee, Jan. 28th, 1837.

“GENERAL–Under your directions, I left the main army on the morning of the 27th, with the mounted Alabama volunteers under Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield, and the company of mounted marines under Captain Harris, and proceeded, accompanied by your aid, Lieutenant Chambers, on a southerly trail. Orders were left for Major Morris, with his command, to follow as rapidly as possible. “Soon after we left your position, a large number of cattle were collected, and sent in under charge of portions of two companies of the Alabama volunteers. You were present, however, when this detachment was made. “The troops under my command then pursued the trail for about a mile, when we came to two diverging trails, one taking a southeasterly course, and the other more to the eastward. On these two trails the signs were the most recent; and Lieutenant Chambers, with a few men, proceeded to trace out one of them, while the rest of the troops, joined here by Major Morris's, pursued the other.

We had proceeded but a short distance, when a volunteer, sent by Lieutenant Chambers, brought information that fresh signs of women's and children's tracks were discovered, and requested a company to be sent to him. Captain Price's company of volunteers was ordered accordingly. “About a mile in advance a negro man was captured at a fire. He informed us that a large number of negroes were in advance, and from forty to fifty Indians, with Abraham ^[4] , were in our rear. He stated that he had left the latter body since sunrise in the morning.

“The determination was promptly made to retrace our steps, and attack the Indians. Just as we were about to march, one of the volunteers came up and gave information that Lieutenant Chambers had overtaken a considerable force of Indians and negroes. An order was given to proceed to his support, and a rapid movement made for that purpose. When we came up with him he was in possession of two Indian women and three chil dren, besides a body of negroes taken by the volunteers in the adjoining pine woods. He had also in his possession over a hundred ponies, with a large quantity of plunder packed on them as well as several stand of arms.

“The main body of the enemy escaped in the swamp, and Major Morris was ordered, with # command, to pursue and ...; them in. He entered the swamp in accordance with the “The remaining troops were then ordered to form, and pursue the Indian force in our rear, and were ready to march, when a firing commenced in the swamp. “Lieutenant Searle reached us here, under your orders, to obtain information of our position and movements. When the firing commenced, and the order given to move in support of Major Morris, he sent a messenger to you, and bravely joined the troops in entering the swamp.

“About half past eleven, the marines, preceded by the officers entered the swamp, and were immediately followed by the Alabama volunteers. Four or five hundred yards after entering the swamp, we arrived at a deep stream, from twenty to twenty-five yards wide, and found Major Morris's battalion engaged with the enemy across it. A tree had been felled from each side and formed the only way of passing it. “The troops, as they came up, were ordered to extend to the right and left, and by a cross fire to dislodge the enemy. Their fire soon slackened, and an order was given to cross the stream, when Captain Morris (major of the first Indian battalion) gallantly advanced on the log, followed by Lieutenant Chambers, Lieutenant Searle, Captain Harris, Lieutenant Lee (captain of the Indian battalion) swam the stream at this time, and joined the officers on the other side.

I attempted to cross in this way, but had to return to the log, and crossed there. At this stream, private Wright, of the marines, was killed, and Sergeant Cunning ham, and privates Sullivan and Foley, wounded, but not dangerously. Just as I was crossing, an officer was sent from Lieutenant Colonel Caulfield, on our right, for orders. He was directed to cross as rapidly as he could with his men, after the regulars and Indians had crossed over. “We were then promptly joined by the marines, Morris's artillery, and some friendly Indians, and pursued the enemy as rapidly as the deep swamp and their mode of warfare admitted.

“Another fire was received from them further in advance, and their trail from the swamp was followed through an open pine woods, and traced till it again entered the swamp, three quarters of a mile from the place it came out. We were joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield and his men, who had been delayed in crossing the stream. The swamp was again entered, deeper, and more difficult to pass, than it had been. The friendly Indians were directed to enter on each flank, while the regulars and volunteers advanced in the centre. The regulars were ordered to lead the march.

“After advancing about half a mile, the enemy again fired on us, but retreated on the advance of the troops. At this place,private Peterson, of the marines, was killed, and Corporal Stevens severely but not dangerously wounded. On a further advance into the swamp, a few more guns were fired by the enemy, who retreated as the troops followed them. Soon after this last fire, a negro man and woman with a child, were taken, and an order was given for a return of the troops after four o'clock. The wife and child of the negro man were kept, and he was sent to the enemy to induce them to come in, as they had lost all their clothing, blankets, and other property.

“The troops then returned to the position occupied by Major Whiting, and remained there till joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield, who had remained in the open woods for one of his companies, which had not come out of the swamp. He joined some time after dark, with another negro prisoner, taken by his company. The troops then took up the line of march, and reached the camp of the main army at ten o'clock at night. “Captain Howle, acting assistant adjutant-general, was re ported by the surgeon too unwell to accompany the troops on this expedition, and was not informed of my intention to take command. He and Captain Crossman, however, entered the swamp with an expectation of taking part in the operations, but were not fortunate enough to join until the attacks were over. Such an effort is sufficient evidence of what their conduct would have been, had they succeeded in reaching us sooner.

“The loss of the enemy in these several attacks could not be ascertained, as the troops made no halt in the pursuit, and returned after dark. One Indian, however, and two negroes, were seen by the troops, dead. “The result of this day's operations, was the capture of two Indian women and three children, and twenty-three negroes, young and old—over a hundred ponies, with packs on about fifty of them. All their clothes, blankets, and other baggage, were abandoned by the enemy, and either taken or destroyed by us. “In concluding this report, it gives me pleasure to state, that Lieutenant-Colonel Caulfield's command executed every duty assigned it with great promptitude and firmness. “A portion of the friendly Indians, that came under my eye, also conducted themselves with great bravery. “The regular troops, both artillery and marines, displayed great bravery, and the most untiring and determined perseverance. The marines, however, I cannot refrain from mentioning in a particular manner. The killed and wounded show where they were, and render any further comment from me unnecessary.

“Lieutenant Whitney, of Captain Harris's company, and Lieutenant Brent, of Captain Morris's, were with their companies, and shared in the dangers and fatigue of the day, in such a manner as to reflect credit on them. “I would recommend to the particular notice of yourself and the government, the five officers who first crossed the stream, and who, in the pursuit, constantly led the van. It would be as gra tifying to me, as it would be just to them, that some marks of distinction be bestowed where such gallantry has been displayed. I remain, general, with great respect, Your obedient servant, Arch. Henderson Col. Com. 2nd Brigade, Army of the South..^[5]

After he mustered out of service, Allen returned to his family in Alabama. He continued to farm as he had before. It looks like his second wife passed away before 1849, as Allen is enumerated only with his children in the 1850 federal census.^[6]

Allen applied for and received 160 acres of bounty land in 1852 for his service in the Florida War. As was common, Allen sold his bounty and assigned it to the buyer, Lorenzo Russell. ^[7]

Warrant # 2456

His final marriage to Elizabeth Taylor is documented in 1854. Elizabeth was a widow with a couple of children. ^[8]

For the next twenty years Allen lives and works his farm. He is in a tightknit community with many Bain relations nearby. ^[9] During the upheaval of the Civil War, Allen lost several sons. Sometime after 1870 he buries his third wife, as she is no longer listed in the record.^[10] Allen is once again enumerated with only adult children and grandchildren in the 1880 census.^[11]

Allen Bain's death at age was noted in The Democrat newspaper.^[12]

Sources

1. ↑ Index of Compiled Service Records, Alabama Units, Florida War Achee, 1971 page 2 https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE87290
2. ↑ Black Seminoles http://www.johnhorse.com/black-seminoles/faq-black-seminoles.htm
3. ↑ The Origin, Progress, and Conclusion of the Florida War Sprague, 1848 pp 171-173 https://books.google.com/books?id=nUliAAAAcAAJ&dq=caulfield+battalion+florida+war&source=gbs_navlinks_s
4. ↑ http://www.johnhorse.com/trail/01/c/12.htm
5. ↑ The Origin, Progress, and Conclusion of the Florida War Sprague, 1848 pp 174-177 https://books.google.com/books?id=nUliAAAAcAAJ&dq=caulfield+battalion+florida+war&source=gbs_navlinks_s
6. ↑ United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH5M-5J2 : 9 November 2014), Allen Bain, Jackson county, Jackson, Alabama, United States; citing family 16, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
7. ↑ US General Land Office Warrant #5990 September 1, 1852
8. ↑ "Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:29NF-VLJ : 16 July 2015), Allen Bain and Elizabeth Taylor, 1854.
9. ↑ "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHDL-4GW : 30 December 2015), Allen Bain, 1860.
10. ↑ United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHKL-68C : 17 October 2014), Allen Bain, Alabama, United States; citing p. 113, family 864, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 545,528.
11. ↑ United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4VS-QVG : 11 August 2016), Allen Bain, Wakefield, Marshall, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district ED 250, sheet 149B, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0023; FHL microfilm 1,254,023.
12. ↑ The Democrat Newspaper, October 1880-Dece mber 1889; Marshall Co. Ala., Bain, Allen, d. January 8, 18 87 at Meltonsville age 86

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