Four brothers from Southampton County, Virginia — all freeborn — enlisted in cavalry units: Henry Charity, Company E, 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry; Joshua Charity, Company A, 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry; Thomas Charity, E, 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry; and Friday Charity alias Friday Whipple, Company I, 2nd U.S. Colored Cavalry.
Joshua’s application for pension benefits has little information about his family but a neighbor’s affidavit suggests he moved from Southampton County. Further research is required.
Invalid – 1,056, 143 / 890,992
General Affidavit, Thomas Blizzard [sp?], 13 April 1893
54 years old; residence, Burrusville, Prince George County, Virginia
“I have known the applicant all my life. Having lived in half mile of him before & since his discharge … I see him daily.”
Questionnaire (Form 3-402), Joshua Charity, 4 June 1898
[married] no
[previously married] yes, Susan, Johns, Charity, died May 1, 1880
[living children] none
[Note: Three commas appear in the wife’s name. Was “Johns” her maiden name? — Leslie]
1st U.S. Colored Cavalry 
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