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considered him an intruder, he has no authority from me to be there.

Gooch sr. was to keep things until I returned  The negros belonged to Gooch sr. I owned one the negroes are with me now and dependant upon me. Farm always in rebel lines, the negroes help me now all they choose.
Gooch sr. sent off 2 negroes. Never told people I was in favor of Confederacy - was always a Union man. A man would have been hung if he had declared his sentiments. The men arrested for refusing to go over to fight Genl Grants gun boats and compelled to go to Decatur Was at home for 1 year after that

Gooch brother-in-law of J. J. Giers states that crop was made by hands of his father Gooch sr. My mother, the deft. has been using the corn ever since it was made. Dont know how much was ruined. about 30 bbls there now There are about 23 in family now at Mr. Giers place My family there
Giers had some stock - 30 bbls would not suffice to support the family there now for 12 mos. Never saw the deft working. Saw Giers last year in town. he was driven out from home he was a refugee

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