Gilbert Elbethel Lafayette Falls (1835 - 1908)

Born 16 Dec 1835 in North Carolina, United States

Husband of Ruth Elender McCann (Hickey) Falls — married 3 Jul 1854 (to before 1882) in Gilmer, Georgia, United States

Husband of Alice Victoria (Green) Travis — married 7 Sep 1882 in Fannin, Georgia, United States

Descendants

Died 6 Oct 1908 at age 72 in Blue Ridge, Fannin, Georgia, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Clinton Slayton [send private message]

Biography (and family stories)

Gilbert E. L. Falls, born 1835 in North Carolina, is probably the teenager with parents Gilbert and Bathsheba Falls in 1850 Polk County, Tennessee. ^[1] Because his father was also named Gilbert, G.E.L. will refer to the man at this entry. His parents can be traced as above to Polk County, Tennessee, and further back 1840 Gilmer County, Georgia, where where G.E.L. was married in 1853, and further back to North Carolina census.

Although his medical qualifications are in question, most records refer to him as "Dr." or as "G.E.L.", which helps separate him from references to his father Gilbert, who eventually settled in the same county of Fannin in Georgia as his son.

Gilbert Falls married Miss (Ruth) Elendar Hickey 3 July 1853 in Gilmer County, Georgia. ^[2]

An article below under "Barker Papers" reports a wife named Elizabeth Tilley Hickey, from an unknown source, so whether G.E.L. Falls married sisters, or this name was simply made up, is unclear, but it should not be totally ignored in light of an article below from 1883 indicating three wives for him.

Land records show that Eleandor could not sign her name. ^[3]

G.E.L. Falls was a local "doctor" in Blue Ridge, Georgia, but it is unclear that he was trained in either homeopathic or allopathic medicine. A descendant displayed to Clinton Slayon his certificate from Macon Medical College, presumably in Georgia. In any case, the county licensed him to practice as physician and surgeon and druggist. ^[4] As a licensed druggist ^{[5] [6]} and country physician, ^{[7] [8]} he mainly delivered babies.

He was an all-in-one professional man in the area and acted as a "scribe" for the many of the illiterate who applied for pension relief. Documents state that his fees were steep and he was criticized at the time for them. He was also coroner^[9] and county clerk.^[10]

He had numerous real estate dealings in Georgia, one being the Falls Addition to the city of Blue Ridge in Fannin County. Many are notably to family members, including to his final wife, Alice, probably as a protective measure. Many of his land transactions feature surnames of marital connections: Weaver, Green, Hickey. Note: there are almost five pages of deeds for Gilbert E L Falls in the Fannin County Court House, this citation excerpts a few. ^[11]

A newspaper notice, seen below, suggests that he married three times, but his family bible mentions only Ruth and Alice. This suggests that he might have married between 1880 and 1900, when Ruthelander and Alice appear respectively in census. A family story mentions a child of his borne by Mary Orton "without benefit of marriage." (See Research Notes)

He married Alice Victoria Green in 1882, when he was aged about 46 and she was aged about 17. ^{[12] [13]}

He is probably the "Dr Gilbert...of Morganton" mentioned as visiting San Antonio, Texas, in January 1888. ^[14] Among his real estate dealings is a 1900 land purchase for land in Fannin from George W. Green of Goliad, Texas, about 90 miles from San Antonio, possibly a relative of his wife.

He died in 1908 and is buried in Blue Ridge, Fannin, Georgia. ^[15]

Which Gilbert?

A letter dated January 18, 1863 from Gilbert E. Falls to Gov. Joseph E. Brown is transcribed, in which Falls pled for the exemption of teachers from conscription by the Confederacy. Pointing out that the teachers were constrained from teaching for more than a few months because of the poverty of the mountain counties and the demands of farming, the retention of teachers would “to promote each child far enough in education to enable them to read the words of divine Truth.” ^{[citation needed]} It is not clear if this writer was the man at this profile, or his father Gilbert.

Family bible

Shows "Family Record of Gilbert E.L. Falls transcribed from orginal record": ^[13]
BIRTHS:
Gilbert Elbethel Lafayette Falls born December 16th 1835
Ruth Elender McCan Hickey was born July 30, 1833.
Gilbert Decalb Falls was born June 12th 1854
Margaret Arminda Falls was born September 2nd 1856
Martin Columbus Falls was born June 26th 1859
Evy(?) Elender Bathsheba Jane Falls was born April 30th 1861
Benjamin Elbethel Falls was born September 7th 1863
MARRIAGES:
Gilbert E.L. Falls was married to Ruth Elinder McCan Hickey July 3rd 1853 by Rev Martin Tree in Gilmer Co. Ga
Gilbert E.L. Falls was married to Alis Victory Green December 17 1882 by Rev Joseph Kincaid in Fannin Co. GA.
Alice V. Green was born March 24 1866 & married as above stated
Alice Falls was married to Mr. W. H. Travis May 15 1911.
Harry Hatfield born Nov. 19, 1890 was married to Annie Falls Dec 19--
Guy Donagan Born Aug 29 1892 were married to Texas Falls Apr. 7, 1912. (see Guy Eugene Dunagan)
OVERLEAF:
Gilbert Falls father of [illegible] G & (?) Elizabeth was borned June 9, 1794 and died July 14, 1880 Living 86 years 1 month 5 days old
Mary Juanita Donagan Borned Jan 23 1916 (see Mary Etta Juanita Dunagan))
Lillian Falls Borned Apr(?) 13, 1916
Katherine Donagan borned (see Katherine (Dunagan) Slayton}
WIllard Falls borned
[All overleaf notes might have been entered by Texicanah (Falls) McCulley, Patterson (1897-1972), but this is conjecture, as this consistently misspells Dunagan, her married name. Entry for Gilbert might have shown abbreviations of one or two children plus Elizabeth, but that is not clear]

Research Notes

The Falls given names have been a devilment to census takers, such as Ithil D Falls, 1860, ^[16] whose name sounds a lot like the Elbethel ascribed to the Gilbert E. Falls at this profile. ^[17]

Stories that G.E.L. Falls enriched himself with land and money in trade for medical and legal services, such as preparing pension applications for soldiers and widows, are difficult to verify, but came down to descendants and is reported in an article below: he might have exacted half of the first pension check of each soldier, widow or dependent. His name appears on many pension applications verifying that he authored them, and he made inquiries to such papers as the National Tribune, the organ of the Grand Army of the Republic, seeking details of Civil War campaigns.

Among several guardianships, he received estate funds for guardianship of Sarah (Tipton) Garland: [abstract] G E L Falls was appointed guardian of Sarah C. Tipton {minor child of Charles Tipton} and received 90.00 from her former guardian Thomas J.Bevins; Falls refused to give money to her husband John W. Garland, and Garland is sueing. The minor said she wanted the money made to her in installments at her direction, court said Falls didn't have to pay ... Oct. court 1880, page 426, petition dated 7 Aug. 1880, Gilbert EL Falls guardian of Sarah C. Tipton showeth he has fully executed guardianship of his ward and wants letters of dismissal. ^{[18] [19]}

It is not verified, but quite likely, that he delivered Alice Victoria Green, whom he was later to marry. ^{[13] [20]}

It is quite likely that he delivered Arkansas "Kansas" Falls, allegedly out of wedlock in 1882, by a Mary Orton "in between" marriages. G.E.L. Falls cannot be proven to be her father, but she carried the name Falls until her 1899 marriage to Jeff Davis Stratton in Georgia, ^[21], they divorced, and she is buried with married name Milsap.^[22]

Marriage Problem -
One of the "two divorced wives" mentioned below cannot be found in Fannin County records (so far). But an article below names a wife as "Elizabeth Tilley Hickey."

Atlanta Constitution, Friday,13 April, 1883 - "A many -wived husband - Chattanooga, April 12 -- Dr. Gilbert E.L. Falls, late clerk of Fannin county, GA., passed through the city to-day with thirteen emigrants. In the party were two of his divorced wives, and his present wife, a beautiful girl of seventeen."

Military problem -
Shortly before his death his pension application was rejected for his claim that he was a Union scout and spy. ^[23] Confusingly, Confederate Service Card Index shows this distinctive name as a Sergeant in CSA units (?).^[24]

During the Civil War he signed up for the Fannin County Rifles (CSA} but records say he failed to report.^[25] He might have been a Union sympathizer: "You are probably already aware of this but just in case......Dr. Falls was a very strong Union supporter during the Civil War, so much in fact that a detachment of troops were assigned to protect him for a short while during the occupation. I have run across his name a number of times where he was helping widows applying for U. S. pensions. Also there were 3 Union soldiers/partisans? executed by a firing squad in Lumpkin Co. and he helped the widow of one try to bring the members to trial after the war." ^[26]

See the "Barker Papers" below.

Census :
1860 Fannin County, Georgia census, page 1091, Stock Hill ^[27]
Gilbert E. Falls 24 NC school teacher,
Ellendor 24 NC,
Margaret 4 GA,
Martin 2 GA.

1870 Fannin County, Georgia census, page 397, Morgantown } ^[28]
Gilbert Falls 34 GA,
Ruth 37 NC,
Margaret 13 Tenn,
Martin 11 Tenn,
James 4 GA,
Ulysses 1 GA.
{next door to father, Gilbert Falls}

1880 Fannin County, Georgia census, ED 59, page 27, Morgantown ^[29]
Gilbert Falls 42 NC physician,
Ruth Elendor 43 NC,
Columbus 20 Tenn,
James W. 13 GA,
Augustus U. 11 GA,
Truman W. 8 GA.

1900 Fannin County, Georgia census, page 332, ED 28, sheet 15, Blue Ridge^[30]

Gilbert E.L. Falls 64 GA, Dec 1835 physician,
Alice 33 GA, Nov 1855 wife, (married 18 years, 5 children, 4 living},
George E. 15 GA, July 1884 son
John H. 12 GA, Aug 1874 son
Anbell 5 GA, Aug 1894 dau
Texicanah 3 GA, Jan 1897 dau

Additional Issue:
Census suggests these children, in addition to "Kansas" mentioned above and those in the bible record:
James William or Willard Falls - b 1866
Agustus Ulysses Falls - b 1868
Thomas Whitney Falls - b abt 1871
George Emory Falls - b 1884
John "Harry' Falls - b 1888
Annie Belle Falls - b 1894 (mar Hatfield)
Texicanah Falls - b 1897 (married Dunagan, Patterson)
Juanita Falls - b 1901 (married Mackey)

The spread of his family is attested by the number of 1930 and 1940 censuses for Falls in Fannin County. Both G.E.L. Falls and his father apparently married women as their third wives who were about half their age.

"Barker Papers"

The following opinionated posting calls into question the character of G.E.L. Falls, suggesting that he hedged his bets by claiming to serve both sides during the war, and connived to make money from preparing fraudulent pension applications for himself and others. It also calls into question his qualifications as a medical doctor. It also introduces a previously unfound name for a wife as Elizabeth Tilley Hickey, when he is known to have married "Ruth Eleandor McCan Hickey" in 1853. The article mentions Gilbert Falls the father and "Dr". Gilbert the son in census, but is in error in naming Dr. Falls' wife as "Ruthelman" where it is a combination of given names as "Ruthelendor."

G.E.L. Falls appears in many of the personal articles at this site, because, fraudulent or not, he filed claims for many of the soldiers or their widows and dependents mentioned in these papers. He cannot defend himself now against these attacks on his character, but his reputation as a sharp dealer was implied by his granddaughter Katherine (Dunagan) Slayton and her sister Mary Etta Juanita Dunagan Johnson)

from "Civil War Research From the Robert B. Barker Papers" ^[31]

The following collection was gleened [sic] from the microfilmed accounts of Robert B. Barker, a lawyer and avid Civil War historian whose special interest was the Western North Carolina and East Tennessee area. Barker donated his fourteen volumes and a section of loose papers to the McClung Historical Collection in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1972 which they microfilmed in order to make it available to area researchers and also to preserve the now fragile material. Mr. Barker passed away in December 1980 at his home in Andrews, North Carolina.
The collection contains information on both Union and Confederate soldiers who have a Polk County connection and we share some of it here. This transcription from roll #1, Union Army Volunteers, was by PCHGS president, Marian Bailey Presswood who apologizes for any errors.
We do advise caution when reading these entries, as there were at least three men and possibly more, who committed fraud in applying for some pensions. Names of soldiers, wives, and other information was sometimes completely fabricated. In the Boyd Fraud three men were indicted for filing fraudulent claims and one, Thomas G. Boyd, was sentenced to do time in the penitentiary - the other two were deceased by that time. At least 20 men were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States Government in the Goldman Bryson Fraud where the perpetrators obtained a stack of application claim forms and filled them out themselves, the 'claimants' never even saw 'their' applications. As far as we know, the information presented here is accurate and as stated since almost all were reviewed by an investigator and their findings reported. However, if you have and doubts about the information on your family it would be best to check other sources if at all possible.
Note: These files may be ordered from the NARA using the file numbers. SC=Soldiers Claim; WC=Widows Claim

Falls, Gilbert E. L., scout and spy, Union Army Volunteers, 1864-1865. Falls filed claim July 8, 1908 saying that he was employed by Lt. Col. Martin B. Ewing, 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery, Union Army at Charleston, TN from 1864 to the close of the war and that as a part of is services he captured Capt. Lu Harris, a notorious bushwhacker and in addition he captured 65 head of fat hogs, weighing about 200 lbs. each and turn both hogs and bushwhacker over to Lt. Col. Martin. The Army said that they were unable to find any record of service of Gilbert E. L. Falls in the Union Army and rejected the claim for pension. As shown by the records in many pension cases of Union Army volunteers, Falls was very active in the prosecution of claims while at Morganton, Georgia and later at Blue Ridge when the county seat was moved. 'Dr.' Falls served one term as Clerk of the Superior Court of Fannin County from 1874 to 1880. He was very active in the John Lafayette Hickey case on behalf of the legal widow, Elizabeth Tilley Hickey, and made a trip by horseback to Sweetwater to see Thomas G. Boyd, pension and claim agent, in 1871. Falls' numerous letters to the Auditor of the Treasurer and the Adjutant General of the Army set off the powder which blew up the 'Boyd Frauds' and resulted in Boyd going to the penitentiary for five years. Falls testified in U. S. Circuit Court that he was a member of Capt. Goldman Bryson's Company, which was immediately disputed by A. T. Payne, Lt. of Bryson's Company who took the stand and said that Falls was never in Bryson's Company. Benjamin Brannon also testified to the same. Falls' testimony of Union service was a bit incredible since he had two periods of service in the Confederate Army, apparently deserting from both enlistments. He enlisted as a volunteer on March 4, 1862 at Morganton, in Co. H, 52nd GA Inf. for three years. He enlisted Feb. 9, 1863 in Lumpkin Co., GA in Co. E. 25th Battalion, GA Inf. for 3 years. Falls was promoted to 4th Sgt. of Co. and Muster rolls for Feb 28, 1863 show Gilbert E. L. Falls present for duty. In a special sworn statement taken by A. B. Parkey, in the pension claim of former Union army officer, Lt. Nathan B. Long, Gilbert E. L. Falls admitted that he was in the Confederate Army with Long. L. B. Crawford, Morganton merchant and Postmaster also testified that he was in the Confederate Army with both Gilbert E. L. Falls and Lt. Nathan B. Long. Gilbert E. L. Falls was indicted at Atlanta at the March term 1873 charging that he had wrongfully and illegally withheld from Malinda Dover, widow of Michael Dover, one hundred and twenty dollars of pension money received by said Falls as local agent for Malinda Dover. An arrest warrant was issued for Falls on April 14, 1973 [sic - 1873] with bond of one thousand dollars which was posted by Falls. The case dragged on so long that it seems to have been worn out on the Docket and some five years after the original indictment was returned his attorney, L. J. Gartrell obtained a nol pros and on March 27, 1878, the case was dismissed. Malinda Dover had died by that time. Falls was also investigated for many other pension frauds, and was disbarred from practice before the Pensions Office, but he went right on collecting fees from the pensioners direct - he took one half of their first check! Special Agents in their reports of investigation seem to have regarded 'Dr.' Falls as a quack who, without medical training or license, took up the practice of medicine. Several of the agents said that his reputation was not good. Gilbert Falls, age 45 was on the 1850 Polk County, TN census with wife, Bathsheba, age 43, and sons, Gilbert, age 15 and Silas, 9. Gilbert, age 42 a physician, and wife Ruthelman [Ruthelander], age 43, are on the 1880 Fannin County, GA census with children, Columbus, 20, James W., 13, Augustine M., 11, and Thomas W., 8. (S. O. 1375492)

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Census, 1850", database with images, FamilySearch citing "Polk, Tennessee, United States records, Jul 2, 2022," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-64V4-5F?view=explore : Oct 8, 2023), image 132 of 147; United States. National Archives and Records Administration.), Entry for Gilbert Falls and Bathsheba Falls, Polk county, Tennessee
2. ↑ "Georgia, County Marriages, 1785-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-8BZ3-W7Z?cc=1927197 : 23 July 2019), > image 1 of 1; Georgia Department of Archives and History, Morrow.
3. ↑ "Fannin, Georgia, United States records, Aug 4, 2018," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-K92Y-4?view=explore : Oct 8, 2023), image 160 of 467; Georgia. Court of Ordinary (Fannin County).
4. ↑ "Fannin, Georgia, United States records, Aug 4, 2018," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-K92X-B?view=explore : Oct 8, 2023), image 195 of 467; Georgia. Court of Ordinary (Fannin County).
5. ↑ Photocopy of the business card of Dr. G.E.L. Falls, also of his Druggists Certificate for life, dated 1 April 1876, original of which is in possession of his granddaughter, Margaret Falls Smith, in 1996, McCalla, Alabama, also her Family History Book.
6. ↑ "Fannin, Georgia, United States records, Aug 4, 2018," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-K926-T?view=explore : Oct 8, 2023), image 218 of 467; Georgia. Court of Ordinary (Fannin County).
7. ↑ State of Georgia, Bibb County, Jan. term 1875, page 254, application of Gilbert E.L. Falls to American Board of Physicians for license to practice medicine and surgery in said state ... dated 2 March 1874, page 269 May term, renewal, dated 2 March 1875.
8. ↑ "Fannin, Georgia, United States records, Aug 4, 2018," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-K92D-R?view=explore : Oct 8, 2023), image 219 of 467; Georgia. Court of Ordinary (Fannin County).
9. ↑ Fannin Co GA page 107 August Term 1875, Gilbert E L Falls was on the 16th day of Jan 1875 duly and legally elected Coroner of said county, attested 19 Feb 1875
10. ↑ Fannin Co GA page 117 August Term 1875, Gilbert E L Falls was on the 16th day of July 1875 duly and legally elected Clerk of the Superior Court, attested 2 Aug 1875.
11. ↑ Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book K, page 703, dated 3 Dec 1889, James J.Cochran sold to Gilbert E L Falls ... 160 acres rec. 16 July 1890; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book K, page 703, 704, dated 3 Jan 1890, Gilbert EL Falls sold to Alice V. Falls for 25.00 of her own money and the natural love and affection he has toward her [the same] 160 acres , rec. 16 July 1890; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book Q, page 430, State of Texas, Goliad County, dated 18 June 1900, between George W. Green of Texas and Gilbert E.L. Falls of Fannin Co, Ga, (George sold Gilbert a half acre square except part cut off for a street), rec 22 June 1900; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book R, page 280, dated 22 Sept 1890, Gilbert E L Falls sold to Alice Falls... joining lot 30 and know as the Jno. B. Tipton lot in said town {Blue Ridge} rec. 19 July 1901; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book W, page 280, dated 21 March 1908, Gilbert E L Falls sells to D A Richie and W L Clement of Virginia ... lots 159 and 161 in 6th dist, 1st sect,each cont. 160 acres; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book W, page 292, dated 1 Feb 1908, Gilbert E L Falls sold to Joseph H. Freidman ... {lists several lots in Blue Ridge}; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book Y, page 47, dated 23 Sept. 1908, Gilbert E L Falls sold to J D Stratton and Emory Falls ... city of Blue Ridge, described by 3 deeds, first deeded by Jacob Weaver to Dr. G E L Falls 19 Oct 1891, then by Gilbert E L Falls to Nancy Falls 8 Aug 1896, then Nancy Falls to G E L Falls 6 Oct 1897, also land described in deed of Benj. Hickey to Gilbert E L Falls 10 Dec. 1894, also portion of lot fully described in deed of Jacob Weaver to Gilbert E L Falls 3 Jan 1892; wit. Wm. Butt, R.T. Stiles, rec. 16 Oct 1908; Fannin County, Georgia Deed Book Y, page 48, dated 23 Sept 1908, GEL Falls sold to Geo. E. Falls and J D Statton?/Stratton?... lot 278 {Falls addition to city of Blue Ridge} {listed are lot #'s in block 4, 10, 9, 8, part block 15, and all other town lots owned by G E L Falls within the city of Blue Ridge}, rec.16 Oct 1908; same page; deed dated 22 April 1908, G E L Falls sold to J D Statton?/Stratton? ...8th dist., 2nd sect., as lots 17,18,19 in Falls addition ... rec. 16 Oct.1908
12. ↑ "Georgia, County Marriages, 1785-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KXV9-T4R : 7 February 2020), Gilbert E.l. Falls and Alice V. Green, 17 Dec 1882; citing Marriage, Fannin, Georgia, United States, Georgia Department of Archives and History, Morrow, FHL microfilm 325,994.
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1 13.2} Family Bible of Dr. G.E.L. Falls, New York, American Bible Society, 1890, copies courtesy of Judy Jones Davis, Chelsea AL.
14. ↑ San Antonio Daily Light, January 17 1888, (https://chroniclingamerica.loc.govilccnisn86090439/1888-01-17/ed-1/seq-4/ )
15. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 17 September 2020), memorial page for Dr Gilbert Elbethel Lafayette Falls (16 Dec 1835–6 Oct 1908), Find a Grave Memorial no. 47989005, citing Harmony Baptist Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, USA ; Maintained by Judy Davis (contributor 47853651).
16. ↑ "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZML-NM1 : 18 March 2020), Ithil D Falls, 913rd District Georgia Militia, Fannin, Georgia, United States
17. ↑ "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch citing "Georgia, United States records, Aug 5, 2018," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9Y1H-9ZTP?view=explore : Oct 9, 2023), image 559 of 563; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZML-GD3 : 18 March 2020), Gilbert E Falls, 1027th District Georgia Militia, Fannin, Georgia, United States
18. ↑ Fannin County, Georgia, prob. Guardianship Book ?, page 321, Feb. 1877, Citation issued 10 Aug 1880, Oct term 1880, accounts and vouchers examined and Falls was dismissed, dated 4 Oct 1880, page 427.
19. ↑ "Fannin, Georgia, United States records, Aug 4, 2018," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-K92Y-F?view=explore : Oct 8, 2023), image 166 of 467; Georgia. Court of Ordinary (Fannin County).
20. ↑ "Georgia, County Marriages, 1785-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KXV9-T4R : 7 February 2020), Gilbert E.l. Falls and Alice V. Green, 17 Dec 1882; citing Marriage, Fannin, Georgia, United States, Georgia Department of Archives and History, Morrow, FHL microfilm 325,994.
21. ↑ Georgia, County Marriages, 1785-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KXV9-P8S : 7 February 2020), J.d. Stratten and Kansas Falls, 24 Apr 1899; citing Marriage, Fannin, Georgia, United States, Georgia Department of Archives and History, Morrow, FHL microfilm 325,994.
22. ↑ "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVS-53N4 : 20 May 2020), Kansas Victoria Falls Millsap, 1952; Burial, Golden Gate National, San Bruno, San ateo, California , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
23. ↑ Pension application of Gilbert E.L. Falls, #1375492, National Archives, pension rejected, claimed to be spy and scout, US vols. He was invalid and in failing health in 1908 when he applied [he died in the fall of the year]. Includes letter from J.M. Davis, MD as to his condition. Letter from Martin B. Ewing, late Lt. Col. 2nd Ohio Artil., Police Hd qts. City Hall, City of Cincinnati, on his behalf. Letters from Dr. Falls. {14 pages in all.} citing "United States General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KDYJ-6VQ : 20 February 2021), Gilbert E L Falls, 1908. requires Fold3.com subscription.
24. ↑ Microfilm of Confederate service cards; G.E.L. Falls, Co E, 25th Batt. Ga.Inf., provost guard, Sergeant; Gilbert E.L. Falls, Co. H, 52 Georgia Inf.
25. ↑ "Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia 1861-1865", Vol. 5, by Lillian Henderson, 1960, Longino & Porter, Inc, Hapeville, Georgia, page 507, 508, 509, Co. H, 57 Reg., Ga. Vol. Inf., Army of Tenn, CSA, Fannin Co, Ga, Fannin Rifles, Gilbert E.L. Falls- Priv. March. 4, 1862, original roll bears remark, "Volunteered on March 4, but failed to come."
26. ↑ Interpretation of Jimmy Anderson, Dahlonega, Georgia, e-mail to Judy Jones Davis, 1 Jan 2000:
27. ↑ "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZML-GD3 : 18 March 2020), Gilbert E Falls, 1027th District Georgia Militia, Fannin, Georgia, United States
28. ↑ "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCS1-RMM : 19 March 2020), Gilbert Falls, District 1029, Fannin, Georgia, United States
29. ↑ "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8LT-82B : 11 August 2017), Gilbert Falls, Morganton, Fannin, Georgia, United States; citing enumeration district ED 59, sheet 681A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,254,145.
30. ↑ "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3N2-B31 : accessed 17 September 2020), Gilbert E L Falls, Militia District 1265, Blue Ridge Blue Ridge town, Fannin, Georgia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 28, sheet 15B, family 280, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,195.
31. ↑ "Civil War Research From the Robert B. Barker Papers" (http://www.pchgs.com/archives/polk14.html)

Acknowedgements

Stories and records from Judy Jones Davis of Calera, Alabama (a major source of research and images) and the late Mary Dunagan Johnson and Katherine Lucille Slayton (sisters) , passed on to grandson of "Texie" Falls Clinton Slayton. Also, Lindsay Fiedorowicz for dogged diligence in the research of Arkansas "Kansas" Falls and Lynne Tipton for Sarah Tipton Garland and numerous references.