It was the 14th day of March 1857 when young David Ganus and Malinda M.
Davis married in Fayette, Georgia. He was 21 and
she was about 15, although it's difficult to know her exact age as it is different on every census and document on which she appears. Son of James Ganus and
Elizabeth McCluskey, David was born in 1836, probably in Fayette County, and was the fourth of ten children. His oldest brother was John Monroe Ganus, my
third great grandfather.
David provided for his family by farming, just as his father and
brothers did. Soon David and Melinda had
two little girls, Mary Jane born March
of 1858 and Nancy born about 1860.
Life in Fayetteville during those first few years of their marriage appears to be typical for a small farming community in Georgia, but that would soon change. A regiment made of men from several neighboring counties, including the county of Fayette, was formed in the spring of 1862. May 1, 1862 David enlisted in the confederate army, along with two brothers and 3 brothers-in-law. David became a Private with the Fayette Planters, Co C 53rd Regiment.
Life in Fayetteville during those first few years of their marriage appears to be typical for a small farming community in Georgia, but that would soon change. A regiment made of men from several neighboring counties, including the county of Fayette, was formed in the spring of 1862. May 1, 1862 David enlisted in the confederate army, along with two brothers and 3 brothers-in-law. David became a Private with the Fayette Planters, Co C 53rd Regiment.
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David Ganus Co C 53rd Infantry |
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Malinda Ganus's Claim Commission |
During the Civil War, many of those living in the Fayetteville area were victim to losses and much violence. On the 27th of September 1871, along with many of her neighbors, Malinda filed a claim for damages claiming 475 lbs beef, 25 bushels of corn and house furniture had been taken by General Wm. T. Sherman’s Army on August 30, 1864 .
Malinda consistently filed for her Widow’s Pension until the end of her life. Most of her later years , she lived in Whitfield, Georgia, close to her children. She appears on the 1900 census living with their son, Burton, and his family. Living a couple of doors away is daughter, Mary Jane (Ganus) Alexander. Burton was the child born after his father's death.
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Burton's application for mother's burial expense |
There are several possible reasons why Malinda never remarried, although many other Civil War widows that I have traced did. I recognize the possibility that she may have remarried but concealed it in order to obtain her pension, but I just have not found anything to substantiate that. I choose instead to believe that this is one of those true love stories and that no one could ever replace her David. It really makes me wish I knew more about them both.
What an emotional story. Keep up the excellent writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment and encouragement. I really appreciate it.
DeleteWonderful post! It's always sad when we discover those who died so young - especially from illnesses that are easily treatable now. Thanks for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Wendy.
ReplyDelete