Benjamin Franklin Guttery was born 27 May 1834 in Old Coffeeville, Yallabusha County, Mississippi. He was the son of Mary Willis and Johnson Guttery, born 12 March 1806 in Georgia, and married 24 November 1824. Johnson Guttery was the son of William Guttery, born in 1775 in South Carolina, and Hannah Johnson. Johnson Guttery died 23 May 1876 and is buried in Townley, Boshell Graveyard, Walker County, Alabama. He was a Primitive Baptist Minister. William Guttery died 7 July 1825.
In November 1857, Benjamin married Elizabeth Nesmith, born 27 March 1836 , in Lynn, Winston County, Alabama. She died 8 April 1934 in Tennessee. Their children were: Martha Ann, born September 1858 in Alabama; Malinda Maniza, born 1863 in Alabama; Mary Elizabeth, born 1865 in Alabama; William Johnson, born 1 October 1866 in Alabama and died 21 October 1899; John Newton, born 20 Jan 1868 in Alabama and died 7 April 1950 in Leoma, Lawrence County, Tennessee; Ariminta, born 1870 in Alabama; Benjamin Franklin, born 1872 in Alabama; Robert Martin, born 3 April 1875 in Alabama and died 6 July 1905. Benjamin, Sr. died 10 December 1920 in Five Points, Lawrence County, Tennessee and is buried in Second Creek Cemetery.
On 25 September, 1863, Benjamin was enrolled as a Private of Company "L", 1st Regiment Alabama Cavalry Volunteers for one year, in Fayette County, Alabama. He was discharged at Rome, Georgia on 28 September 1864 by reason of expiration of term of service and paid in full by Maj. Holt, Nashville, Tennessee.
On 30 July 1920, Benjamin filed a Declaration for Pension in Lawrence County, Tennessee. He was 86 years old. His personal description was: Height: 5' 8"; Complexion: Fair; Eyes: Blue; Hair: Light; Occupation: Farmer. Records state that he requires the regular personal aid and attendance of another person on account of the following disabilities: "Old age and his mind is no good, can't take care of himself and has to be watched all the time".
AFFIDAVIT TO ORIGIN OF DISABILITY:
"Andrew D. Mitchell of Thorn Hill, County of Marion, State of Alabama, age 41, Sgt. in Co. L, 1st Regiment Alabama Cavalry Volunteers, states the following:
"On or about 15 or 20th day(s) of June, 1864, while in the line of duty, and without fault or improper conduct on his part, at or near Kingston, State of Georgia said soldier was taken with chronic diarrhea and was sent back to Chattanooga, Tennessee to convalescent camps and I was sent with him and he was verry weak and I was also weak with the same complaint and when we got there we found it was on the bank of the river in a low nasty sickly looking place and we left there just as quick as we could get away and went back to the front for we thoat we would get worse or perhaps dye if we staide there. I never new B.F. Guttery untill we jainde the Army he was sound boddied so far as nowed."
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSION
"11 January, 1889, respectfully returned to the Surgeon General USA for a further search of the records showing the nature of the disabilities for which the within named soldier was treated in General Hospital and convalescent camp at Chattanooga, Tennessee from April to August 1864."
Benjamin Guttery's Death Certificate states he died from "infirmities of old age".
Service records compiled by Glenda Todd and used with her permission. This and other information about the history of the First and the men who fought with the unit
can be found in her book, First Alabama Cavalry, USA: Homage to Patriotism.