I have come across an extraction of a Mexican War pension application for a Joseph C
Cavin, stating he was the son of Ananias and Margaret Hamtpon. According to the
application, Joseph (also known as J.C.) was born in Jackson Co, AL, the son of Ananias
Cavin and Margaret Hampton (Hamilton?). Joseph died 11 Sept 1870 in Rusk Co, TX; two
wives are mentioned, Mary Jane Lyles who married Joseph after his first wife Margaret Jane
Gordon died in 1868. A Bible record has been submitted with the pension with the death
records of two children of Joseph and Margaret, Joseph Price (d. July 2, 1866) and Martha
E (d Oct 19, 1870).
A Margaret McCrary is a witness to the pension and stated she lived near Joseph and his
father in Jackson Co, AL and that Joseph and his father moved from AL to Arkansas, then to
TX. A G.W. and a C. W. Cavin are also mentioned but not identified.
I'm not finished with the microfiche yet, but this intrigues me as I haven't seen
any discussion of this Joseph -- and I believe it is possible he could be a brother of my
Robert John Cavin, b. abt 1839 in Jackson Co, AL. Interestingly enough, there is quite a
gap in Robert and Martha's children that could be explained by Robert having fought in
the War with Mexico as well: Luvinia Emeline b abt 1840, Malinda Jane abt 1843 -- then a
gap until the twins Henry and William were born in 1850. Could this explain why Robert
and Martha were in TX by 1850 -- could Robert have gotten a military land grant for Texas
land for his service in the war?
Lots of supposes!!! Would love to hear other thoughts on this . . .