FRANCIS MARION GRAVITT-HISTORY
Little is known about the life of Francis Marion Gravitt except for his retaining a personal 4 month diary while serving in the Union Troops (Yankee) during the War Between The States in the years of 1864 and 1865. From his discharge we have the following:
Know Ye, That Francis M. Gravitt a private of Captain Marcus D. Bearden Company (D) 6th Regiment of East Tennessee Infantry Volunteers who was enrolled on the Eighteenth day of April one Thousand eight hundred and Sixty two to serve three years during the war, is hereby Discharged from the service of the United States this Twenty Seventh day of April 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee.
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We do know that he was born 15 Dec 1835, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn., and died 29 Sep 1907, he was buried in Knoxville, Tenn. After serving in the Military during the Civil War he returned to Knoxville, and on 8 Dec 1892, he married Evaline Kidd in Knoxville, Tenn.
He also owned farming property in Knoxville, Tennessee. This property was sold to him by J. D. Lones and was situated next to the John Kidd, Jr., property. Prior to his death, he wrote a letter indicating that he had sold his property in Knoxville to his wife Evaline (Kidd) Gravitt. She was the daughter of Leroy Anderson Kidd and Rebecca Adaline Lones.
At the time of their marriage her age would have been 43 yrs., and Francis Gravitt would have been 57 yrs. They had no children during this union of marriage.
It should be noted that many families split in differences as to the political climate, their thing was such that some joined the military (Union or Confederate) according to their own belief in circumstances. The following is taken from an article entitled:
THE DISLOYAL UNIONISTS
The people of East Tennessee fondly called their land the “Switzerland of America.” It was a mountainous region of cool climate and small valley farms in contrast to the nearby humid plantation flatlands East Tennessee lay in, but not entirely of, the South, along the dividing line between two great agricultural regions.
To the south were the tropical fruits and cotton fields where a feudal society grew rich but stagnated on the labor of men not dignified with surnames.
To the north were the fruits and cereals of the temperate zone where a new civilization grew strong from the power of machines and metals.
Gradually during the westward expansion of the young United States, East Tennessee became isolated from the rest of the nation.
At first a crossroads for the pioneers moving westward over the massive Appalachian range, the region was later bypassed for better routes that lay to the north and to the south.
In the first half of the nineteenth century, East Tennessee had given to public life a class of men with distinctive physical, intellectual, and moral qualities. They were tall, angular, rawboned; they were alert, positive, and often narrow-minded; they were honest and sincerely patriotic, but vindictive and unrelenting- the truest of friends, the most aggressive and dangerous of foes. Such men had long since subdued the redcoats and the redskins.
As the years passed, isolation and inbreeding forged the bonds of the family clans. Now the people found their pleasure and excitement in political stump-speakings, religious camp meetings, and homemade liquors.
Scotch-Irish by birth, they hated the plantation aristocracy of the coast, had little intercourse with their Indian neighbors, and were indifferent to the slaves.
Within the bounds of this geographical and cultural isolation there erupted the most violent passions of a bloody Civi War fought between families and friends while the nation was fighting the greater struggle of North against South. The plight of the loyal Unionists of East Tennessee during the Civil War was to find no parallel in the rest of the states.
Later, recounting their miseries in a petition to Congress in 1864, they recalled: Their arms and ammunition were seized, before they could organize, by the Rebel soldiers; and though the government, which owed them protection, did not protect them, yet their hearts clung to the government and they prayed for the Union.
Five thousand of their men seen the inside walls of Rebel prisons, and hundreds of them, covered with filth, devoured with vermin, famished with hunger, died martyrs to their country there.
Their property was seized, confiscated; their houses pillaged; their stock driven off; their grain consumed; their substance wasted; their fences burned; their fields laid waste; their farms destroyed by friends as well as foes.
The Rebels robbed them; the Federals devoured them; for they had short supplies; and their women broke their last biscuit and gave them the biggest half, out of the mouths of hungry children.
They gave up the last horse, mule, cow, sheep, hog, everything they had to the soldiers that needed them, because they were Union soldiers, or were plundered out of them by the enemy.
Their young men were hunted like wild beasts, by soldiers, by Indians, sometimes by bloodhounds, and when caught, tied two-and two to long ropes, and driven before cavalry-thin clad, barefooted and bleeding-over frozen roads and icy creeks and rivers.
Some were beaten with ropes, with straps, and with clubs. Some were even butchered, others shot down in their own homes or yards-in the highroad, or the fields, or in the forests; others were hung up by the neck to the limbs of trees, without judge or jury-there is no single neighborhood within the bounds of East Tennessee, whose green sod has not drunk the blood of citizens murdered.
Although separated from the Northern states except by way of Kentucky, which was bound to the Union against the will of many of its people, most East Tenneseans remained stead fastly loyal to the Union.
Paradoxically, in Knoxville, the much dominant commercial and manufacturing town of East Tennessee, many of the leading citizens were sympathetic to the South.
As early as 1857, they had promulgated sectional feeling by holding a meeting on one of the “Southern Commercial Conventions,” although the commercial vitality of Knoxville was at that time negligible among Southern cities. And in 1860, the great secessionist orator, William L. Yancey of Alabama, was invited to town to speak on “Southern Rights.”
The pro-Union loyalties of most East Tennesseans became evident, however, when Yancey started addressing, the crowd assembled outdoors.
Badgered with jibes from the audience, Yancey challenged his hecklers to join him on the platform for debate. He soon found himself confronted by such prominent community leaders as Judge Samuel Rodgers, Mr. Oliver P. Temple, Mr. John Fleming, Dr. William Rodgers, and the Rev. William G. Brownlow.
“Parson” Brownlow, the fiery editor of the Knoxville Whig and uncompromisingly Unionist (later Tennessee’s first post-Civil War governor), was a man of strong opinions who neither gave nor sought quarter in theological and political controversy. He was known as an orator all over the South long before the Civil War began. It is said that he was hated by Knoxvilliams who favored the Confederacy “the way Irish Catholics hated Cromwell.”
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If one were to enter the city of Knoxville, a very prominent street came into focus. Gay Street was located within the highly popular commercial area of downtown Knoxville, and in the year 1861, on each side of the street Military recruiting stations were prepared, for simultaneous recruiting for either the Union or the Confederate Armies.
IF THE READERS OF THIS HISTORY WERE TO FOLLOW ON THE MAP, THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THE MILITARY ROUTE TAKEN BY FRONCIS M. GRAVITT DURING THE YEAR 1864 AND 1865.
The cover leaf of his Diary has the following:
Francis M.. Gravitt
January the 13. 1865
Clifton.. Tennessee
Then directly below the above is written:
Francis M.. Gravitt
His. Book 1865
Also on the same leaf page of the Diary, is written in pencil:
G Knoxville
999 Tenn
To the side in pencil is written:
W Gravitt & William Gravitt
Thomas Gravitt
NOTE: The name Thomas Gravitt appears in pencil on many pages within the diary, it is always written on the side of the page. THE FOLLOWING DIARY IS TYPED AS HE WROTE IT.
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Decator (Tennessee)
1864
Oct 1– This day I lay in camps all day nothing worthey of note.
Oct 2– Went a forigen went about 15 mils returned back to camps at 8 oclock at night varey tyred.
Oct 3– To day about 12 oclock we got orders to march with half bagage so we packed up but after nere two hours ordered Put up tents agane & remain until morning.
Oct 4– Today we started about 7 oclock & marched until 11 oclock at night & lay down on the north side of Chatahoose river near the bridge.
Oct 5– Orderd to march by daylight but did not start until nere 9 oclock marched up the R Road to Marieta and haulted about 2 hours & started agane & campt a mile north of Kenasam about 9 oclock varey tired.
Oct 6– This morning awhile before day the rain comenst falling & continued untill after 12 oclock vary tired about 8 we started in the direction of lost mountain went about 6 mils & about faced & on to Altoona road near 1 mile & turnded back again & camped for the night about 5 mils from the starting Point.
Oct 7– This is a clear Bright morning & we air laying round drying our wet blankets & other accourtrumnets from yesterdays rain lay hear all day.
Oct 8– Last night the wind rose varey high from the north & continued all day cold & chilly about 3 oclock we marched off towards Altoona station on the R. Road where we arived at 8 oclock at night.
Oct 9– This morning is coald & windey drew one days ration of hard tack lay heare all day untill just before sundown when our Regt was ordered on towards the river about 3 mils to guard the Suply train that had Passed on awhile before night camped for the night at the old iron works which is nou a wreck
This is the sabbath day but Gambling, Trading, Swearing, and all manner of wickednes is the order of the day with the most of the soldiers afew exceptions Thank God to this Rule.
Oct 10- This morning is cold with considerable frost the wind has ceased & this is a beautiful day about 8 oclock we was orderd to role up and be ready to march about 11 oclock we started and marched at quick time to Cassville where we arrived awhile after dark very tired and camped for the night drew 3 days ratons.
Oct 11- This morning we started at 6 oclock and marched to Kingston on quit time went about 4 miles on the road to Rome & stacked arms & remaind until morning got 2 leters from home.
Oct 12- Started this morning at 6 oclock and marched to Rome & camped for the night with orders to draw three days rations and be ready to march next day at 5 oclock camping in front.
Oct 13- On the road this morning by sunup and marched through Rome which Resembels the anchient city from its discription as resting seven hills this is a nice toun & has been a place considerable busness from its apperance but was Blasts & withers every thing in its reach after pasing through toun we crossed the Cumrlnd a marshy river on a pontoon bridge & went nere a mile and stacked arms about nine oclock we started agane when skirmishs and canninading comenced in front when our Cavelry made a charg on the enemy & Captured thier artilrey with all its men drivers horses and all kiling & wouding sevrel after which we folowed up the retreat about 2 miles when word came back that we’de had capturd thier train with about 5 hundred prisners and scaterd the others so we faced about & marched back through Rome & camped on the same ground we ocupide the night before making a march of near fifteen mils our loss said to be 117 Killd & wonded the enemy including prisners something near on 1000.
Oct 14- Started towards Calhoon about 8 oclock marched until 8 oclock at night and camped in a large field To day we marched up a beautiful vally pasing a grate meny fine houses deserted by thier innhabts.
Oct 15- On the road today by sunup & marched at quick time all day passing through Calhoon about 12 oclock & stopt for diner we then marched to Vesaca heare we took the road for Snake Creak Gap and went about two miles and comped for the night not far from the place our core made the charge on the 14 of May this year.
Oct 16- Today is the Sabath but no rest for the soldiers as we air under marching orders and ounley waiting for the road to be Cleard of the stream of men wagons & artilrey that has bin crouding it nearley ever since midnight we started about 7 oclock & marched through Snake Creak Gap which had bin blasted by the rebbles which detained us some time so it was near 12 oclock before we got to sleep This night the wind came frome the north frieated with frost.
Oct 17- On the march up this morning at 4 oclock & redy to march at 6 oclock remained in campo all day & sent a leter home this day by looking to the northeast I coud once more behold the mountains of my native State O how refreshing.
Oct 18- This morning by daylight we turnd our backs upon our homes agane & marched a deu South Corse at quick time all day & camped for the night nere 20 mils from the starting point this morning we found the enamy in small force which soon gave way when we marched across the mountain in the next vally I went on picket last night today we marched down a beautiful vally of fine land & stately mansions at intearvals with Crowds of darkies swarming on the road side to get a sight of the yanks armey This vally was full of forage for boath man & beast and the officers had a hard time to keep the soaldiers from destroing the wholl country.
Oct 19- This morning we have orders to march at 6 Oclock this morning is so thick with fogg it is scary apperess we can hardley see a man 20 yards distance started about 7 Oclock & marched at quick time all day crosing on the Chattooga river & pasing through Sumerville about 12 oclock here we pased the 15th Calvry & camped for the night Some 20 milds from the starting point this vally abounded with Sweet potatoos & hogs which the troops appropiated to thair oun use.
Oct 20- To day we started by sun up & marched nearley at doubel quick beyond Gaiesville a distance of fifteen miles & went into camps 30 minuts after 11 oclock this day about 12 oclock we entered the state of Alabama & camped for the night in a large field in a beautiful valley.
Oct 21- This morning the fogg is so we had to lay still until it brakes away with orders to march as soon as we can see our way clear as the enamy is suposed to be near told that we wold remain here untill next morning as the 17th Army Cal Pltooin had to pass us this filed the road all day with one Continule Stream of men Artilrey & waggons this day was spent by our troop in a great measure robing & forigen frome the Sitazens at a rate that is Shameful for an American
I washt my close to day in the fore part of the day in the eavning I went out foraged some the men came in from evry direcion loaded down with all maner of articels a grate deal of which was taken amid the tear and Schreems of the helpless woman & children many saing it was all the houps they had to sustain life Still the hard harted Soldiers heeded not the Cry of distress but like a barburien sweept the last vistage of suport from theas unfurtunate Citasens what a rached condision we air in when will cruilty heve in when will the senseitive heart ceased to be fine with such inhuman & crual Sceanres.
Oct 22- To day I went out about 3 mils from camps & imagned myself fine I staid all day.
Oct 23- This morning is so foggy you can hardley see a man 20 steps to day I went out again a forigen for myself.
Oct 24- Up this morning by 5 Oclock our reigment went a forigen while we was gon orders came for our Diviscon to be redy to march we got back to our ould camps at night we got orders to be redy to march next morning at 8 oclock.
Oct 25- Started this morning about 10 Oclock & went about 2 miles & crosed the Chattooga river & marched about 3 miles & staked arms 1/2 mils frome Ceader bluff staid near 3 hours & marched through the litel vilage crosed the Coosey river on a pontoon bridge went a quarter of a mile staked arms & built a line of brest works & camped for the night in a beautiful corn field rite on the river side corn not geatherd.
At Ceader bluff
Oct 26- This morning orders to march at a minutes warning rould up & lay a round all day waiting for the orders to march in the eavning put up tents agane & camped for the night in the same place whare we camped the night before rote a leter but did not get to send it out recieved 2 leters frome home last night.
At Ceader bluff
Oct 27- Lay around al day in camps & sent a leter home men ware coming in al day with all sorts of forage that tha had taken frome the Sitazens going in to thare houses some of them teiring up thare cloathing & them Crying Oh what men dou to thes pore healpless women.
Oct 28- Up this morning by day went a foreigen come back orders came to roal up & be redcy to march about 12 oclock we lay around until night when orders come to put up tents agane & remain till morning to be ready to march promtly at 5 oclock.
Oct 29- This day orders come to draw what clothing that wold do for a 60 days campaign.
Oct 30- Up this morning 3 oclock & on the march by dalight marched about one mile staked arms & got diner started agane & marched on quick time all eavning untill after darke & camped for the night in a Courn filld.
WE NOW HAVE A LAPSE OF DAYS WITHIN HIS DIARY, IT STARTS AGAIN ON THE 3RD OF NOV. ON THE RAILROAD CARS.
Nov 3– On the cars & raining still on the train this morning to no sleep last night as we wus crouded so & the car so filthey we coud not lay down Started to Nashville about 10 oclock it is still a raining.
Nov 4– Still on the train we arived at Nashville about dey light this morning it rained all night last night & the wind blew varey could about 9 oclock we took the road leading frome Nashville to Decator we arived at Pilaski river about 3 oclock got off the train went about one mile frome the train & camped for the night this town is about 7 miles below Nashville on the rail road leading frome Nashville to Decator Alabama.
Nov 5– This morning is varey coald & chily we air standing around our fiers trying to warm I rote a leter home this morning about 10 oclock we got orders to roal up & be redy to get on the train agane to go back to Nashville we got on the train & lay all night at Pilaski had to sleep in the box vary bad sleeping.
Nov 6– This morning we started back to Nashville about 10 oclock got thair just at dusk it is the finest Coutrey I ever saw from Nashville to Pilaski I even saw large corn & cotton fields with staitley mansions & swarms of negrous.
Nov 7– Started last night on the north western Rail road went near 20 mils & stopt for the night.
Nov 8– Started agane on the train with orders to go to Johnsonville on the Tennessee river got thair about dark with orders to stay on the train untill morning distance 98 miles frome Nashville I got of the train & got my super at a house & staid all night.
Nov 9– Last night it rained varey hard & is still raining this morning This makes 7 days on the train got off the train this morning & went about a mile & camped we had to put up our tents in the rain as it raind untill 12 oclock this is a neu town comenced on the Tenn river this railroad has bin made since the war comenced from Nashville to Johnsonville this morning is a reinning agane & the wind is blowing varey hard it continude raining untill 12 oclock the wind bleu varey hard all day & coald.
Nov 10- This is a beautiful morning this is a clear day at Johnsonville & we air laing in camps I wrot a leter home to day.
Nov 11- This morning is coole with frost we lay around all day in camps to day the 14th Reg started home as thare time was out they was in our Brigade.
Nov 12- This morning I was detaild to worke on the forte as we air fortifying this place though I went on picket I excahaing with James Reid.
Nov 13- This is the Sabath day this is a beautiful day I was releived of picket this morning & returned to camps to day I lay in camp all day.
Nov 14- This morning I was detailed to worke on the forts the wind blows varey coole.
Nov 15- This morning it is a raining I lay in camp all day & rote a leter home.
Nov 16- This morning I went on picket This morning is Cloudy & showrey Continude raning all night.
AT JOHNSONVILLE
Nov 17- This morning it is still raining I was releived about 8 oclock & returned to camp it has bin raining neerley all day & still looks like it wold rain.
Nov 18- This morning still cloudy & raning I lay in camp all day & rote a letter home.
Nov 19- Still cloudy & raning to day lay in camp all day this is a mudy place where we are camped we expect to move out to a new camping ground in a few days.
Nov 20- This morning I am detaild to worke on the fourts to day is the Sabbath it is coald & windey to day I worked all day.
Nov 21- This morning is varey coald I lay in camp all day.
Nov 22- This morning I went on picket it is wintery coald this morning.
Nov 23- This morning I was releived of picket & returned to camp to day I lay doun & slep about 2 hours I feel varey sleepy & bad to day it was so coald that I coud not sleep last night it is still varey coald to day we are orderd to be redy to march in the morning at daylight
ON THE MARCH
Nov 24- Up this morning at 4 oclock started about 8 oclock Marched
up the R Road to Waverly here we turnd to the right went nere 3 mils & camped for the night some 15 miles from the starting point.
Nov 25- This morning we had orders to be redy to march at day light but did not start untill 11 oclock we marched untill about 3 oclock & went into camp for the night in a beautiful valey this valey was full of hogs, sheep, turnips, honey which the soldiers more than went for this day we had to waid a large creek which was varey coald.
Nov 26- Up this morning & on the march by sunup marched all day & untill 8 oclock at night when I stopt & staid all night in a coald cabin 2 mils from the reigment I was so tyred ther was 3 more of the boys that belong to my companey staid with me & some Mishagons & Indiana boys 16 of us in all I rested varey well for the night.
Nov 27- Up this morning by day & started to overtake our reigment it raind all day on yesterday & is still raning this morning we had to go about 3 mils before we over taken our reigment we left them boys thare a geting brekfast this day thar was ten ov them captured & kild by the girillers as tha was behind us all day This day we marched through a mountaineus contrey nearley all day which was full of bush wakers & robers.
Nov 28- Up this morning & on the march by sunup marched all day over large hills & through lone som holows which was full of robers which was firing on our men we camped about 6 oclock in a beautiful valey I was detaild to go on picket I was varey tyred had to go about a mile back.
Nov 29- This morning our reigment marched back about 2 mils & put up tents I was releived of picket at 4 oclock & returned to camp.
Nov 30- This is a beautiful morning I took my cloos to a house to get washd & while I was gon orders came to be redy to march at 12 oclock started & marched about 4 mils & haulted about 4 oclock & campd for the night Part of the brigade was about 15 mils behind had to wate for them to catch up.
DECEMBER ON THE MARCH
Dec 1– This is a beautiful morning I aint well this morning still wating heare this morning Started & marched untill 10 oclock & camped for the night.
Dec 2– This morning it is a raning Marched all day until after darke in 6 mils of Nashville when we sene the detel fier & found we was out of wood.
THE DIARY IS NOW MISSING SOME PAGES, WE START AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF DAY 10.
Dec 10- Wood to make a fire & the ground coverd with snow & the wind almost cuting afelow in tou this day we lay by our litel firs all day but coud not ceap warm an dry.
Dec 11- This is an auful coald morning & wood is varey hard to get we are almoust freezing by our litel firs & the ground is nothing but a sheet of ice so it is varey difficult to get about we lay in camp all day.
Dec 12- Up this morning & our Regt went with the waggon train acros the river after wood as this was our ounley chance for wood as the rebs were all around us on this side of the river.
STILL AT NASHVILLE
Dec 13- This morning is so coald we can hardley ceap from freezing it seams like as the wet ground is covred with snow we are seting around our litel firs a shivring this day it began to moderate a litel & the snow is begining to disapear the Rebs are still in sight we can see the arm of their breast works about 2 mils off our scurmishers & thairs ceep up firering all day as tha are close togeather.
Dec 14- This morning the snow is about gon as it raind last night we lay in camps all day at night we got orders to be ready to march at 4 oclock in the morning.
Dec 15- Started this morning about sunup marched out side of the breast works when canonading & scurmishing cornerd in frount haulted a while started agane marched around to the side whare our men had made a charge & captured 2 pieces of artylry & some prisners we pased them & went in frount then went about a quarter of a mile when the enemy oapend on us with thair artylry when our brigade made a charg & capturd thair artylry & some prizsners drove them about a mile & haulted & camped for the night worked all night on breast works this day we capturd 15 pieces of artylry & 12 hundred prisners.
Dec 16- This day we lay behind our brest works to suport the 16yh Corps that marched out in frount of us to atackt the enemy which was behind thair works a few hundred yards in frount of us thare wer hot skirmishing all day until about 4 oclock P M When our men made a charge shooting the enemy and Capturing their Artilary & a grate many prisners After which we followed up the retreat near two miles and camped for the night This day we captured 14 pieces of Artilary and about 5000 prisnors.
Dec 17- Up this morning & after the enemy as they are on the Retreat towards Franklin Marched slowly all day and camped for the night near a large creek in a beautiful bottom This day the rain pored down on us all day and the mud was shoe maush deep.
Dec 18- Again on the road. Marched all day and campt for the night in a feild where the mud was knee deap In about one mile of Franklin Tenn.
Dec 19- This morning the rain is streaming down again and our Blankets is very Wet & coald
About 12 we resumed our March and crossed Harpers River and marched through front Then went near a mile and camped for the night in a beautiful grass bottom made large fiers drien our wet Blankets & coald.
Dec 20- This morning is coald & freesing orders to be reday to march at day light but did not start until about 8 oclock marched out on the hills today to Columbia here we got with the supply train which we had to guard that day the rain commenced again in the evening and freeseing as it fell so it was tremindiues cold We got into camp after dark and the rain still poring down. So we could Hardly get a fire started as wood was very hard to get.
Dec 21- This morning a while before day it commenced snowing and the blowing auful coald We lay in camps until about 12 oclock & then we started again and the snow falling very fast we marched on quick time about 7 mils and Camps for the night in a beautiful peice of wood land about 6 miles from Columbia.
Dec 22- This morning is very chily & we are laying aroun our firs we lay in camp all day & I never suferd as much in my life with the sno hardly see at night in the evning we heard that 8000 rebs had surenderd.
Dec 23- This is a beautiful bright morning although the wind bloas coald about 8 oclock we got orders to role up & be ready to march at a minuts worning we lay around untill about 3 oclock when we got orders to put up tents agane & remain untill morning.
Dec 24- This is a plleasant morning we lay in camps all day in to the eavning.
Dec 25- This morning is cloudy with sum rain today I went out about 5 mils from camp & got a good diner had to wade the creak it was vary coald staid all day in camps after dark orders to be ready to march at 8 oclock in the morning.
Dec 26- Started this morning about 9 oclock marcht untill about 12 & went into camp near Duch river about 1 mils from Columbia.
Dec 27- This morning about 9 Oclock we rould up & started agaene marcht about a mile & went into camp 2 1/2 mils from Columbia.
Dec 28- This is a beautiful day this day we lay in camps all day & washed up our cloas as it was the first chance we have had for sevral days got a leter from home to day & sent one home.
Dec 29- I was detaild to go on picket to day it was a vary coald night.
Dec 30- This morning at 10 oclock I was releivd off of picket & returnd to camp.
Dec 31- This is a varey coald morning with the ground coverd with snow Lay around in camp all day & cleaned our gons ready for inspection tomorow.
JAN 1865 IN CAMP AT COLUMBIA
Jan 1– This is a vary coald morning we had inspection at 10 Oclock & I spent the balance of the day siting orders came this eavning to be ready to march tomarow at 8 Oclock.
Jan 2– Up this morning before day & started at 8 oclock marched throught Columbia & marched on this side about 4 mils & haulted about 1 hour & got diner & started agane & stopt & campt for the night in a beautiful peace of woods land varey tyred.
Jan 3– Up & on the road by daylight pasing through Mount Pleasant marched all day & camped near Heanreysvill in a cold fiel varey tyred.
Jan 4– Up & on the road by day marched untill 2 oclock & stopt & draud rasions & camped for the night in a Sage Field.
Jan 5– Up & started at dayligh marched all day & camped for the night in a culd field.
Jan 6– Up this morning before day I was detailed to go on camp guard put out a camp guard to ceap the boys from going a foregen
I had to stay on guard all day but sleap in my teant at night.
ON THE MARCH
Jan 7– I was releived this morning it was varey cold last night it snoad still heare to day no marching orders this eavning we got orders to be ready to march in the morning at 6 oclock.
Jan 8– Up & on the road this morning by sunup marcht thru Wainsborough & stopt about 4 oclock in a 3 mils of the Tenn river & put up tents & camped for the night.
Jan 9– This morning it is raning it raind last night no orders to march this morning to night orders come to be ready to march in the morning at 6 oclock.
AT CLIFTON
Jan 10- Up & on the road this morning before daylight & rain poring down on us & the mud half leag deap marched to Clifton near the river & put up tents & camped for the night the rain poring down on us it comenst snowing this eavning it is a varey disagreeagile time.
Jan 11- This morning is coald no orders to move lay in camps all day.
Jan 12- Still remain heare I washt my cloas this morning & orders come for us to cleen up our gons & be ready for inspection a 2 oclock we had inspection & put up ou teants in regular form.
Jan 13- This is a beautiful morning The 3rd Tenn is to go back to Nashville on the first boat that goas back to be musterd out of the survis This eavning we got orders to be ready to march at 2 oclock we marcht out about 1 mil & went into regular camps.
Jan 14- This is a beautiful bright morning I lay in camp all day.
FROM THE 14TH THROUGH THE 20TH OF THE MONTH THOSE PAGES ARE MISSING FROM THE DIARY, ALSO PART OF THE 21ST OF JANUARY 1865 WAS MISSING.
dark & fogy with still rain and all night last night marching neur 100 mils to day we past Manchester a nice litel town on the south side River full of ice.
ON THE BOAT
Jan 21- Arived at Cincinnati litel before dark the fogg & smoak was so dence we culd see but litel of the city warf so crouded with steamshps we had to cross over to Covington to day all night hear we went into town & found almost any thing that the appetite desired to eat or drink.
Jan 22- This morning still vary foggy with slite rain we are still living at Covington wharf up at 8 oclock with orders to be ready to disembark when the Boat moves to the Cincinnati side. This is the sabath day hear we tock the cars & started on the Columbis road pasing camp of Denison a nice place awhile before dark & raind all night.
ON TRAIN CARS
Jan 23- This morning we are at Columbis stopt one hour & stared agane snow on the ground 4 or 5 inchs deep & still faling rain all day & night.
Jan 24- This morning we changd cars crosing the Ohio river on a steam Boat at Bealvu & started on the Central & Ohio R.R. still snowing rain all day & night through mountains & Tunils in abundance.
Jan 25- This morning the snow is vary deep covring fences in places extreamly coald & hear we are in cars without fire & heat River frose over wild mountainous contrey snowing all day & night.
Jan 26- This morning the snow is not so deap having pased through the mountains of Northwest Tenn & Virgina arived at Martinsburg about 2 oclock went on to Harpers fery a litel before dark stopt about one hour & started agane & went on awhile
12 oclock at night when the tracks of the Box before us ocupiad by Co. C of our reig gave way & threw it off the track douing a grate deal of damage one man kild & 6 others badly wonded the frount tracks of our Box jumped off but as God wiled it done no damage to aney of us but disabeld the Box so we coud go no further in it so we had to pile out our Baggage & all in the snow & ice in a short time the two broken cars were remouvd & the train went on leaving two Co of us hear in the dark coald mountains.
Jan 27- Hear we are this morning in the mountains of Maryland on the Rail Road cooking & eating around soilgiers in regular camp still about 3 Oclock a train come by & stopt for us but evry car was full an crouded so we had to get on top of Boxes coverd with ice & snow set hear for about 20 mils & stopt at litel town & staid in a warm room untill 2 oclock when a train come up from Baltimore which we get on & arived at Washington about daylight next morning.
AT WASHINGTON
Jan 28- We then went to the soldiers home an got our breakfast then from thair to the Baracks as our Reigt was thair we hav a warm room to stay in.
Jan 29- This is the Sabbath we had preaching hear to day.
Jan 30- WE ARE UNABLE TO READ WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THE DIARY FOR THIS DAY, IT IS UNREADABLE, WE DO KNOW THAT THEY WERE LOCATED TO CAMP STOANMAN.
FEB 1865
Feb 1– Lay around all day rote a leter home.
Feb 2– This is a beautiful morning I lay around all day.
Feb 3– This is a cloudy morning about 2 oclock it comense snowing it was a vary coald night.
Feb 4– This is a clear morning the son shins warm I lay in camp all day.
Feb 5– This morning is vary coald & windy This is the Sabbath I rote a leter home this morning we had preaching this eavning at 3 oclock & at night the same man preached to us agane.
Feb 6– This is a vary coald morning it was mitey coald last night I lay in camp all day.
Feb 7– This morning the snow is a poring down it snoud all day.
Feg 8– This morning is vary coald about 12 oclock the sone shind vary warm & the snow melted some It was vary coald last night we had preaching last night.
Feb 9– This morning is coald and windey it was vary coald all day.
Feb 10- This morning is still coald about 2 oclock I was detailed to go out to chop wood.
Feb 11- This morning is coald and windey.
Feb 12- This morning orders come to be ready to march at 6 oclock started & marchd through the Citey & took the cars about 10 oclock it comenst snowing we had a vary coald time of it a riding on the cars Rode 6 mils to Alexandra & went into the Soldiers rest.
Feb 13- This is a varey coald morning I am not well to day I chiled last night we draud our money this eavning & at night I was sent to the hospital I suferd a gratte deal through the night with my head.
AT ALAXANDRA IN HOSPITAL
Feb 14- This is a pleasant morning over head I was perplexd al day & night with sevear pains.
Feb 15- This morning it is a raning I feal some beter this morning raind all day I rote a leter hoime to day.
Feb 16- This morning is coald & cloudy I am beter this morning.
Feb 17- This morning is cloudy about 2 oclock it comenst snowing & snoud nearley all night I felt varey bad all day as I hav set up half of the night for 3 nights as nite wach.
Feb 18- This morning is windy & coald I felt varey bad all day.
Feb 19- This is a beautiful morning the weather has moderated.
Feb 20- This is a beautiful morning I got a pass from the doctor & went to town to day.
Feb 21- This morning is coald & windy.
Feb 22- This morning is cloudy & warm.
Feb 23- It is a raning this morning raind all day.
Feb 24- This is a beautiful morning I am nearley well I feal firsrate this morning.
Feb 25- This morning it is cloudy & looks like it wold rain It comenst raning about 12 oclock & continud until about night I felt varey well all day.
Feb 26- To day is the Sabbath This is a beautiful morning The sone shins warm We had inspection this morming.
Feb 27- This is a beautiful day Sone shins warm.
Feb 28- This morning is cloudy & coald we mustered for pay this morning.
IN HOSPITAL
MARCH 1865
Mar 1– This morning is coald & cloudy it looks like it wold snow I am about well.
Mar 2– This morning it is raning it raind all day I feel vary well to day.
Mar 3– This morning it is a poring down rain It raind all night Last night about 12 oclock it stopt raining I rote a leter home to day.
Mar 4– It comenst raning agane about 1 oclock last night and is a poring down rain this morning The clouds is varey heavy & the wind blous about 12 oclock it stopt raning.
Mar 5– To day is the Sabbhath this is a bright morning it is vary cool we had inspection this morning.
Mar 6– This is a beautiful morning the sone shins warm I was ment to go to the Reigment today & the order was contermanded to not go until tomorrow I doant feel very well to day I have the headache.
Mar 7– This is a beautiful morning about 10 oclock I got orders to get ready to start about 12 oclock we started and went to the Soaldiers Rest I am not well to day I have the headache & my throat is sore I heard since I came hear my Regt had gone back.
Mar 8– This morning I feal some better This is a beautiful morning the sone shins warm no orders to move.
Mar 9– This morning it is a raning it raind all night I sufferd a grate deal with the tooth ake yesterday and last night my head aked varey bad I feel som beter this morning This evening they sent off a sqad of the 23 Core they said they wold no send us boys ther is 9 of us hear I suferd with my tooth this eavning tonight the rain comenst falling.
AT SOLDIERS REST
Mar 10- This morning is coald & windy & showry They say they will start us to camp Chase Ohio at 10 oclock today At 2 oclock we started & marched through town & got on the boat & started for Wilminton We was so crouded that I cold hardley get a place to sleep.
Mar 11- I feel varey well this morning this is a beautiful morning.
WE ARE UNABLE TO READ DAYS 12 AND 13, AND DAYS 14, 15, 16, 17, AND 18 ARE MISSING: PAGES HAVE BEEN TORN OUT OF THE DIARY.
ON THE BOAT
Mar 19- This is a beautiful morning this is the Sabbath we landed near Fort Fisher about 3 oclock had to anker out & wate for the tide.
Mar 20- This is a beautiful morning the sone shins warm to day about 12 oclock we lernd that the coar was at the distance 60 mils.
Mar 21- This is a beautiful morning we arive near Newborn about 8 oclock had been (UNABLE TO READ THE PENCIL WRITING IT IS SO OLD) landed at Morhead N. Carolina about 3 oclock & marched out in a culd field about 1 mil from town I went into camp It comenst raning before we got our tents put up I rested varey well for the night.
Mar 22- This is a beautiful morning though it is varey windy No orders to move yet this eavning we got orders to be ready to get on the cars tomorrow morning at 5 oclock.
Mar 23- Up this morning at 4 oclock though did not get on the cars until near 9 oclock and started for Newborn north distance 30 miles.
WE DO NOT HAVE THE FOLLOWING DAY’S 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, AND 30 AS THESE PAGES FROM THE DIARY ARE MISSING:
Mar 31- This morning we got orders to be ready to march at 10 oclock started & marcht to the depot Distance 4 mils & are living hear wating for the train We are to get on the cars in the morning at 4 oclock.
APRIL 1865
Apr 1– Up and ready to start at 6 oclock the cars did not com untill 8 oclock got on & started came to Rinston got off & sat all day with orders to be ready to start to night at 7 oclock the cars came through they was croded so we remained hear for the day.
AT RINSTON
Apr 2– Up this morning at 5 this is a beautiful morning we are wating for the train this is the Sabbath started at 9 oclock & went to Neuborn then to ……….. lay hear untill after dark & went abord of the Boat Ship I rested varey well for the night.
Apr 3– This is a beautiful morning we are to leav hear at 11 oclock started about 3 oclock.
Apr 4– This morning is cloudy & loocks like rain about 12 oclock it comenst raning & the wind a bloing which made the ship rock it made me verey sick.
ON THE SHIP
Apr 5– This morning is pleasant the sone shins warm arived at Fotress Montros.. about 8 oclock at night ankard out lay all night on the ship.
Apr 6– This morning we gon doun to Norfolk to get coal this is a fine toun started at 5 Oclock for Norfolk.
Apr 7– This is a beautiful morning still on the ship.
Apr 8– We arived at New York this morning at 6 oclock & marched up to the Barack.
AT NEW YORK
Apr 9– This is a beautiful morning to day is the Sabbath.
Apr 10- This morning it is a raning.
Apr 11- This morning is cloudy & looks like rain.
ON THE TRAIN CARS
Apr 12- This morning we got on the train & roald out on the New York & Central R. Road run all day.
Apr 13- This morning we are still runing about 1 oclock we arived at Bufalo N.Y. hear we chaing cars & started for Cleavland Ohio this day we run through a porsion of Pensylvanea.
Apr 14- This morning about 7 oclock we arived at Columbus Ohio & chang cars & started for Cincinati Ohio which place we arived at 3 oclock P M hear the city was crouded with citazens & Soldiers as if it was thanksgiven day we went into the barack & remaind for the night.
Apr 15- To day about 12 oclock we got abourd of the mail bout & started for Leusville We arived thair at Very laet at night.
Apr 16- This is the Sabbath we marcht through the towun & went into the Barack at 10 oclock we took the cars & started for Nashville We arive hear about 1 oclock at night.
AT NASHVILLE
Apr 17- Lay hear untill 10 oclock to day & started marcht through town & went into the Barack I reseived a leter from home this day & rote won home.
Apr 18- We spent to day in washing up our cloas.
Apr 19- Still in the Baracks to day this day is the day for our presidents funrel is to be preacht.
Apr 20- Still in the Barack.
Apr 21- This morning is varey coald lay around all day.
Apr 22- To day is cleur & coald still in the Tennessee Baracks.
Apr 23- To day is the Sabbath this is a beautiful day this eavning the neus came to me that Fielding was dead. ( FIELDING WAS HIS OLDER BROTHER)
Apr 24- To day is Cleur & Cool.
Apr 25- This is a beautiful day still in the baracks.
Apr 26- This is a beautiful day we got orders to be ready to be mustard out tomorou at 11 oclock.
Apr 27- This morning we turnd over every thing & was mustard out of the survis.
Apr 28- This morning it is a poring doun rain about 12 oclock it stopt raning to night we got our dischargs.
Apr 29- This morning it is spinklen rain about 10 oclock it clerd off.
Apr 30- This morning is Coald & Cloudy to day is the Sabbath still hear in the Baracks a wating to get our money.
MAY 1865
May 1– This morning is Coald.
May 2– Still in the Baracks it is varey cool to day.
May 3– This morning is Coald I washt my cloos to day.
May 4– To day is pleasant.
May 5– This is a beautiful morning.
May 6– To day is warm & pleasant.
May 7– To day is the Sabbath this is a pleasant day.
ON THE LAST PAGES OF HIS DIARY ARE SOME PERSONAL NOTES:
(1) April 11, 1868
Dear Sis. It is a grate plasure to me to rite to you (unable to read it further, written in pencil) However we know from this little note that Francis M. Gravitt had a sister.
(2) Mr. A F Miller McMinnville, Warren Co Tenn
We have been able to locate the deeds to his property in Knoxville, Tenn., also who his parents were, including brother & sisters.
Father: Thomas Gravitt, (Stonemason) b. 1810, Virginia
Mother: Mary Ann Ozborne, b. 1816, Kentucky
marr: 31 Dec 1832, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tennessee
CHILDREN OF THOMAS GRAVITT AND MARY ANN OZBORNE ARE:
(1) Fielding Gravitt, b. abt 1833, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn.
died: Apr 1865
bur:
marr:
(2) Francis M. Gravitt, b. 15 Dec 1835,Knoxville,Knox Co.Tenn.
died: 29 Sep 1907, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn.
bur: Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn.
marr: Eveline Kidd, 8 Dec 1892
(3) Susan E. Gravitt, b. abt 1837, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn.
died:
bur:
marr:
(4) Mary E. Gravitt, b. abt 1840, Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn.
died:
bur:
marr:
(5) Narcissa Gravitt, b. abt 1842,Knoxville,Knox Co., Tenn.
died:
bur:
marr:
(6) Cinthia Gravitt, b. abt 1845,Knoxville,Knox Co., Tenn.
died:
bur:
marr:
(7) Matilda Gravitt, b. abt 1847,Knoxville,Knox Co., Tenn.
died:
bur:
marr:
(8) Martha Gravitt, b. abt 1849,Knoxville,Knox Co., Tenn.
died:
bur:
marr:
In further research we find that Grav(i)tt is the English spelling, and that the Surname came from France being spelled Grav(e)tt, also Grav(ee)tt.
GRAVITT LAND INDENTURE
This Indenture, made this 22nd day of September A.D. 1904 between Mrs. C.C. Tolbert of Knox County in the State of Tennessee of the first part, and W.R. Lones of Knox County, Tennessee of the second part.
Witnesseth: That the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of One Thousand and twenty five dollars to her in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged have granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said party of the second part, the following described center of Kingston Pike, corner to Lot No.1 in the sub-divisions of lands made in Chancery Court at Knoxville, Tenn. as shown by map of record in said Court in Book W, page 146 said beginning point being in the line of R. Lones, thence with the line of said Lones N 2-3/4 feet East 2050 feet to a stone corner to said Lones and Kidds line, thence with line of Kidd N 74 feet E 20 feet six hundred and sixty eight feet to a stone corner to Lot No5 South 39 feet 35 feet EAst 2034 feet to a stone in the center of said Pike 880 feet to the beginning, containing 36 acres less six acres conveyed to Marion Gravitt by J.D. Lones, for fuller and more complete description see Book 123, Page 303 Registers Office of Knox County, Tennessee.
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This Indenture, made this 22 day of February A.D. 1907 between Francis Maron Gravitt and wife Eveline Gravitt of Knox County Rul Route No. 7 in the State of Tennessee of the first part, and Thomas B. Gravitt, William C. Gravitt of Knox County Rual Rout Bearden No.1 Tennessee.
Witnesseth: That the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of Seventy Six dollars cash to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Francis Maron Gravitt and wife Eveline Gravitt have bargained, sold, remised, released, and Quit Claimed, and does hareby bargain, sell, remise, realease and Quit Claim unto the said parties of the second part His 1/3 one third interest, or his share in or his part of his interest due him by Mary E. Gravitt in a piece of land lying in the 11 Civil district of Knox Co. Tennessee. Bounded by M.J. Wright, Henry Clemons and Gilsan’s heirs. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Francis Marion Gravitt, Eveline Gravitt.
Witness: G.S. Abbey, Notary Public_________________________