Richard,
The genealogy librarian at the Jasper Public Library sent me a copy of the bios of Esom and Wilson Kelley and the Company K, Fourth Alabama Cavalry article from "History of Alabama and Her People, Volume II." The date of your grandfather Ben's interview was 17 Sep 1925.

Do you have Col. Thomas Claiborne's first official report after he assumed command of the 6th (later renamed the 1st) Confederate Cavalry? Claiborne's 7 Apr 1862 report did not speak well of Hubbard's or Houston's companies. There is no way that Hubbard or Houston fought at Shiloh with Thomas Claiborne. Claiborne states in his report that he was unable to find Hubbard's and Houston's companies. Hubbard and Houston left their outposts between Henderson and Lexington, TN on 4 Apr 1862 for Purdy and Bethel Station, TN to escort Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Cheatham's Division to the battlefield. Both Hubbard and Houston's companies fought at Shiloh but Thomas Claiborne and his new regiment did not make the battle.

I have serious doubts that Capt. David C. Hubbard, Capt. William Houston, Capt. Esom D. Kelley or Capt. John E. Newsom ever fought under Col. Thomas Claiborne.

I would like to call you and compare research.

G. Andrew Dill
Cell: 810-287-0423
Home: 810-714-9421
andrewdill@charter.net