Colonel Jeffers Captures Dallas (Marble Hill)

The August 23, 1862 edition of the Perryville Weekly Union reports that Colonel Jeffers (of the 8th Missouri Cavalry, CSA ) entered Dallas with around sixty men and surrounded several homes in which members of the Union state militia were encamped. The paper also reported that all were released on oath except their commander CaptainContinue reading “Colonel Jeffers Captures Dallas (Marble Hill)”

Illinois Invades Bollinger County

One of the problems faced by Missourians who cast their lot with the South is the fact that they faced far more than German immigrants loyal to Lincoln. If that was their only foe they might have been more successful in defending the state from what they perceived as heavy handed tactics to keep MissouriContinue reading “Illinois Invades Bollinger County”

Carpenter’s Court Martial

The November 17, 1863 Daily Missouri Republican (St. Louis, Missouri) reported of court-martial proceedings against Captain John Carpenter, Company C, 2cd Arkansas Volunteers (Union). It appears that Captain Carpenter was briefly stationed in Bollinger County, Missouri and feared an attack by Confederate forces. In his haste the paper states that he burned “government bacon andContinue reading “Carpenter’s Court Martial”

Botched Attack in Bollinger County

The November 21, 1862 edition of the Perryville Weekly Union newspaper carried the story of a Captain Johnson, who resided in Bollinger County, Missouri and was attacked at his home by a Emanuel Grounds, who was accompanied by 14- 15 men. The attack went badly for Grounds and his men when Captain Johnson met themContinue reading “Botched Attack in Bollinger County”

Slavery & Stereotypes in Confederate Arkansas

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. I have had many irons in the fire but today some Facebook memories popped up in my notifications and I thought they were worth sharing. A result of some research I had been doing a few years back, the information dealt with the harsh treatment of slavesContinue reading “Slavery & Stereotypes in Confederate Arkansas”

Happy Missouri Secession Day!

After the Missouri State Guard secured victories at Wilson’s Creek (near Springfield, Missouri) in August, 1861 and Lexington, Missouri in September, 1861, the Missouri Legislature met at the Masonic Hall in Neosho, Missouri on October 28, 1861 to debate the subject of secession from the Union. With the attempt at maintaining a neutral stance inContinue reading “Happy Missouri Secession Day!”

Photo Essay: Pilgrimage to Pulliam’s

On Saturday October 23, 2021 I accompanied members of the Stoddard Rangers Camp #2290, Missouri Sons of Confederate Veterans and members of the John Crawford Smith Camp #2302, Arkansas Sons of Confederate Veterans, on a visit to Pulliam’s farm, site of the 1863 Christmas Massacre in Ripley County, Missouri. Researching this event inspired me toContinue reading “Photo Essay: Pilgrimage to Pulliam’s”

From the Foothills to the Delta: Spending a Day On the Rock Island

I had the opportunity to take part in a “speeder” run on the newly reborn Rock Island railroad from Swan Lake to Clarksdale, Mississippi recently. “Speeders” are track inspection vehicles from the days of old and running these pieces of history has become a niche hobby over the years. Before I get into the eventsContinue reading “From the Foothills to the Delta: Spending a Day On the Rock Island”

Battle of Round Pond & The Murder of John Chasteen

I found this article about the Battle of Round Pond, which occurred in southern Cape Girardeau County, Missouri August 1 , 1863. This article was previously posted on another website that I used to maintain so I though readers of my current website might enjoy. Official records indicate that the battle took place near theContinue reading “Battle of Round Pond & The Murder of John Chasteen”