Notes:
Joab is not found on the 1st Alabama microfilm, but is listed as an alias in pension index cards for Pleasant Holley. It appears as if Joab served in the 1st Alabama for some time as a substitute for his father, Pleasant Holley.
Previously served in Co I, 11th Ill Cav.
The following was submitted by Doris Barfield Sanders
Joab Holley was a cousin to William S. Holley
and son of Pleasant Holley.
"letter dated 19 Jul 1911 to Ellen B. Holley 'Joab Holley belonged to
Co I of the 11th Ill. Vol Cavalry but served several months detached
service with Co. G. of the 1st Ala. Vol. Cav. of which I was 1st Lieut.
and was therefore well qualigied to remember him.' There was no signature
as the second page of the original was missing.
Also, notes say, on a letterhead from Holley & Pritghett Land Co.,
Rana, NM, W. W. Holley, Mgr., William wrote to Ellen B. Holley, "Cousin,
latter part of 1862 Blunt Harris organized independent Company. Harris
was Capt. Joab was Lieut. Early 1863 John H. Reed organized Vol. Company
for government. Capt. Harris and most of his men enlisted in Capt. John
H. Reed Co. Capt. John H. Reeds Co. G 1st Ala. Cav. ...We came to NM on
account of health. Youngest son, W. W. Holley and youngest daughter
both had consumption-both got well without medical treatment...
Letter from John H. Rowland, Anson, Texas 26 Jul ? to Ellen " I served
with Joab Holley from June 1863 to Nov 1863 in 1st Ala. Cav.
27 June 1913, Widow's Pension Application for Joab's service;
"Served in substiture for his father at Chevekkam TN-June 1864-Spring
1865. Also a gude for 18th Missouri Mounted Infantry. Also a recruiting
officer for his regiment securing 20 men from Bolivar, Tenn to
Chewalla.
†
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.