Friday, October 29, 2010

James G. Oliver, Turkey Creek Kansas.

James G. Oliver, was born October 3, 1838, and would die on March 9, 1893. His burial is at Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. James was known to have lived in Turkey Creek Kansas, now there are two towns by that name, one is in Bourbon county and the other was in McPherson county Kansas. It’s not known which county he was from. No one knows when he came to Kansas but it was after the war. In 1861, he was in LaPorte, Indiana, and on August 27, of that year he enlisted in the 9th. Indiana infantry company I., as a private. He was discharged on August 19, 1865, there was a note to his record which stated; Captured at Battle of Chicamauga, GA., September 19, 1863. Release February 1865. Corporal. Reduced to ranks March 4, 1863.

After his captured he was sent to Andersonville prison. The National Park Service has most of the prison records but you will not find him on them for what ever reason I don’t know. But he was there in 1869, Congress put out a report called: ( TREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR, BY THE REBEL AUTHORITIES,) On September 15, 1867, he give a statement on his life at Andersonville prison. The following is that statement.

Statement of James G. Oliver, of Turkey Creek, Kansas.

I was a private in the Ninth Indiana volunteers; was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Chicamauga, September 19, 1833; was taken to Richmond, after being robbed of part of my private property, and on arrival at Richmond, we were thoroughly robbed. We suffered much from cold and hunger until December 9, when we were sent to Danville, Virginia. Cold and hungry, as at Richmond, and had the small-pox among us. The dead bodies were allowed to remain in the building with us for two and three days. We were very much crowded, so much so that I have often been compelled to lie down at night beside a dead body. We were vaccinated with impure matter. Many of the prisoners lost their lives from the effects of it. I saw a great many with the flesh on their arms badly rotted. My- own arm was sore for nine months.

April 23, 1864, we were taken to Andersonville, a place of horrors indescribable. A small stream of water ran through the stockade. The rebels wore camped above us on the stream, and the filth of their camp made it very dirty, yet we had to use the water. In June it rained twenty-two days, and we without shelter of any kind. I had no clothing bnt a pair of drawers. On the 1st, 2d, and 3d of July we were entirely without rations, on account of an attempt being made to tunnel out.

There was roll call every day. Every man, sick or well, had to be present. I have known of several dying at roll-call. If one was absent from a squad they were all deprived of rations until the absent one was accounted for. I saw Wirz shoot several prisoners. I saw the guard shoot men for no offense whatever. They once fired into a crowd lying and sitting on the ground, killing two and wounding three. Saw men badly wounded brought in on litters and left on the ground to die without having their wounds dressed. I saw men who had attempted to escape brought back all torn and mangled by dogs.

Bloodhounds were kept to chase clown prisoners escaping. Most of those thus brought back died. I saw men chained in gangs until some of them died. Men were often put into the stocks, with their heads, arms, and legs confined, for two or three days in the hot sun. Many of them were taken out of the stocks dead. The dead were taken out in the same wagons in which our corn meal was brought to us. They refused to give us our letters if we did not have money to pay the postage in the rebel lines. It they contained money the money was taken out.

September 10 about five thousand of us were taken to Charleston, and kept under fn of our guns until about the 9th of October, when we were taken to Florence, South Carolina another Andersonville under command of Lieutenant Colonel Iverson, of the Fifth Georgia regiment. Lieutenant Barrett was in command inside of the prison. I saw him once beat a prisoner with an iron ramrod until he killed him. Saw a guard shoot a man for asking him for a chew of tobacco. Saw another shot for shaking his blanket near the dead line. Were kept three days without food on account of a tunnel being dug. We had dug wells with our case knives and half canteens, but were forced to fill them up to prevent us from tunneling. On the 15th February we were taken to Wilmington, thence to Goldsboro, thence to Danville. While at Danville two of our sick froze to death. I have not yet regained my health.

JAMES G. OLIVER, Late Private Ninth Indiana Volunteers.
TURKEY CREEK, Kansas, September 15, 1867.

The Kansas Drownings.

Drowning is always a possible when one is not careful around water. The dangers of drowning is the same today as it was in the olden days. Kids swimming unattended, people trying to cross swollen creeks and rivers at high waters and your ever day accidents.
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1. 1859 Charles Dewy. Drowned in the Missouri, at White Cloud, June 13.

2. 1859 John Kinison. Drowned in the Missouri, near White Cloud, May 27.

3. 1865 Frank Whipple. Drowned in Independence Creek, August 5.

4. 1867 Mullenix. Son of Charles Mullenix was drowned near Mauck's mill, July 24.

5. 1868 James Coates. Drowned in the Missouri, at Lafayette, in Doniphan County, July 28.

6. 1875 Anna Pengra. Drowned (?) in the Missouri, north of Troy, June 2.

7. 1875. Elsworth Monroe. Drowned in pond near Troy, September 5.

8. 1883 Neal Gillen. Drowned in Union Township, June 16.

9. 1887 William S. Myers. Drowned near Troy, June 17.

10. 1893 Lewis Schletzbaum. Drowned in Doniphan Lake, August 6.

11. 1898 Wendell Braun. Nine year old son of Wendell Braun. drowned in cistern near Doniphan, November 6.

12. 1899 Henry Smith. Drowned in the Missouri, July 23.

13. 1900 Mrs. James Galloway. Drowned in the river near Wathena, in August.

14. 1900 Perry Round. Drowned in the Missouri river at Elwood, August 10.

15. John Maloney, of Strong City, Drowned Age 11 years 2 months, Jun 08 1892.

16. Harold Martin, of Cottonwood Falls, Drowned Age 12 years, 1898.

17. Joseph Martin, Strong City, Age 22 years drowned, Jun 13 1896.

On August 31, 1868, C. A. Kelso and Augustus Melvin, while crossing the Neosho in a skiff above the mill dam at Oswego, ran into drift which carried them over the dam; Mr. Kelso succeeded in getting to shore, but Mr. Melvin was drowned.

In the summer of 1871, old Mr. Hart with his little daughter were attempting to cross Pumpkin Creek, at Duncan's ford; the creek was very high, but so strong was Hart's belief that he would not die until the second coming of Christ that he drove in, and he and his daughter, as well as the team, were drowned.

On December 12, 1881, while W. P. Wilson and his son Thomas J. were crossing Pumpkin Creek, the water in which was then very high, their wagon capsized and young Mr. Wilson was drowned.

During the high water of June and July, 1885, travel over the Labette bottom above Parsons had to be by boat. On July 2d Master Mechanic W. E. Phillips, having Chester Jones and T. Fox in the boat with him, was drawn into a current, and all were drowned.

Gridley Star
July 7, 1905.

TWO SISTERS DROWNED.
Jeffersonian.
Misses Etta and Ida Twyman, daughters of Wm. Twyman living south of town, were drowned Sunday afternoon while attempting to cross Big creek at the Caven ford about six miles south of town. The sisters were not found until Tuesday. Walt Morrow found Miss Ett's body one-fourth of a mile below the ford about five o'clock in the afternoon and the body of Miss Ida was found Tuesday night at 11:30 by George Crotty about one-half mile below the ford. The horse which was drowned was nearly a mile below the ford and the buggy was found about half way between the bodies of the two girls.

The funeral was held from the home Wednesday morning at nine o'clock and the interment was in the Big Creek cemetery. Rev. Mr. Laughlin of Gridley made a very touching funeral sermon and the entire neighborhoon with their presence showed the sorrow they felt at the sudden death of the girls.

Miss Ida had been working for the family of Abe Cokeley and her sister Miss Etta was intending to take her place. The girls started Sunday afternoon to go to Cokeley's and Miss intended to stay over night and return home Monday. When she did not return Monday, Mr. Twyman thought she had decided to stay over that day and no alarm was given. Tuesday morning when she did not return home, Mr. Twyman went to the Cokeley home to learn of her continued stay. When he found that the girls had not been there an alarm was given and the men of the neighborhood started the search for them.

The Caven ford across Big creek is rather a bad one which the water is high and the continued rains the past week made the creek dangerous to ford. The water in the ford was about seven feet deep and very swift. The supposition is that the horse and buggy was swept away as soon as the current struck them.

The Misses Twyman were young ladies 17 and 19 years old. They had won the respect of the entire community by their faithfulness and pleasant and accomodating manner. Their mother died when they were young and for the past few years they have had charge of the home and given their time to their younger brother and sister.

They were good examples of fine womanhood and their sudden death is a very sad affair. The father one sister and three brothers are left to mourn their loss and they have the sympathy of all.
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BURKE, JAMES WILLIAM.
South Kansas Tribune, Wednesday, May 27, 1903, Pg. 5:

DROWNING OF J. W. BURKE

On the morning of Thursday, May 20th, word was brought to us that J. W. Burke had been drowned in Sycamore creek at the ford on his farm, between 8 and 9 o’clock the night previous. On going there we learned that on Wednesday Mr. Burke and wife spent the day with their daughter Mrs. David Hawkins. It rained hard the most of the day and those who claim to know say that at least four inches of water fell, and there was a rise in the creeks. Mr. & Mrs. Burke started home as soon as the rain slackened, but on going to the creek found they could not cross, and drove down to near the Krone school house intending to cross on the bridge west of the school house, but found too much water there. Then they drove back to their own ford but still it was too deep, so they drove to R. M. Pasley’s and had supper, then hitched onto Pasley’s wagon, tied the wagon box down and drove back to their own ford. Mr. Pasley did not want “Uncle Will” as we called him to try it. But Mr. Burke insisted, said he had often crossed when the water was higher; and both of them were anxious to get home to their daughter Fannie, who was there with Mr. Johnson, their hired man, and the water had been doing some damage.

Mr. Burke drove in while Mr. Pasley and his hand Mr. Brown, stood on the bank and watched. The water scarcely touched the bed of the wagon, but it was very swift at the ford and when the team reached the west bank, the wagon had drifted down so it struck a little bank that the team could not pull up; then it swung around down stream and the horses swung out into the stream and re-crossed the creek to the east side, but hit the bank below the ford about fifty yards, where it was steep. Just there an old field roller had drifted in and lodged the team and wagon struck it, the wagon tipped and threw Mrs. Burke out between the roller and wagon. “Uncle Will” got out on the roller frame and called to Pasley to “get Becca out” and “he would look after the team.” By the time Pasley and Brown had got Mrs. Burke out she was nearly drowned and somewhat hurt by the wagon and roller, so they had to restore her and get her out of further danger. While taking care of Mrs. Burke the team swung off from the roller and loose from Mr. Burke. He jumped from the roller into the creek where it was about waist deep and a little down stream from the roller. The team lodged 400 yards below, on the old Watkin’s place, and Johnson and Ed Scott succeeded in getting out one of the horses—the other drowned. But while they were at this they supposed that “Uncle Will” was helping take care of his wife—so neither party missed him for some time---each supposing him to be with the other, and when it was discovered that he was not at either place a search began. No one knows what happened after he was last seen as stated above, standing in the water. The search was kept up by hundreds all the rest of the week, and until 3 p.m. Sunday when his body was found in two feet of water by Carl Perkins. There had been two raises in the creek in the mean time and it is supposed that the body had drifted some that day. He was found on the Watkin’s farm 500 yards below where he was last seen. The body was left in the creek till the Ulmer Furniture Co.’s undertaker arrived at 2 a.m. Monday, when it was taken out and prepared for burial. The funeral was held Monday at 10 a.m., at the Sycamore Valley M. E. church, conducted by Rev. A. A. Horner, who read the 90th Psalm, and First Corinthians 15, 50, 58, his text the last verse. The hymns were “Nearer My God to Thee” and “The Great Physician.”

The interment was at the Krone cemetery, where the Masons, from Independence had charge of the service.

J. W. Burke was born in Macon county, Illinois, on Nov. 4, 1837. In 1858 he was married to Miss Rebecca Lay who, with five children survive him. They are A. L. Burke of Rice county, Thomas M. Burke of Sycamore, James H. Burke of Whistler, Ok., Miss Fannie Burke and Mrs. David Hawkins of Sycamore. He came to Kansas in the fall of 1870 and bought of J. T. Stewart, as a “claim” the farm upon which he had since lived. During the war of the rebellion Mr. Burke enlisted in Co. E. 41st Illinois Infantry and served till discharged for disability. D. C. and D. H. Krone served in the same company. He was a Methodist for fifty years and will be missed by his church, for he made things go. He was a man of positive opinions and was prominent in all the affairs of this community—and was as well known as any man of the community and respected by all. His family have the heartfelt sympathy of all. His children were all present at the funeral. It was the largest funeral we have ever attended in the valley.
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THE TILLER AND TOILER, 16 May 1929.
Obituary of WILLIAM P. COOPER.
Drowned Near Burdett Tuesday.

William P. Copper, 27, Victim
Of Flood Tuesday Evening
While Attempting to Cross Swollen
Stream on Horseback, the Animal Floundered

Bulletin – The body of Wm. P. Cooper was found yesterday afternoon about three o’clock in the Pawnee, about 200 yards below the point where he was drowned. The body was found by using an improvised grappling hook, attached to ½ inch gas pipe. Tuesday night after the drowning about seventy-five persons worked till 2:30 o’clock yesterday morning searching for the body. The work was resumed yesterday morning at five o’clock and at three o’clock yesterday afternoon the body was found.


William P. Cooper, 27 years old, was drowned in the swollen Pawnee Tuesday evening about 6:30 o’clock on the Crockett place, 2 miles east and a mile north of Burdett.
Mr. Cooper’s body has not yet been recovered.

The tragic accident occurred when Mr. Cooper attempted to cross the Pawnee on horseback after the cows, which were on the other side of the stream. The stream was about fifty or sixty feet wide at the point where Mr. Cooper attempted to swim the horse across it, due to the high water which has prevailed here for the last week. Mrs. Cooper witnessed the accident, as she was standing on the bank of the stream when it occurred.
Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had gone to the banks of the creek to see about repairing some fence, which had been washed out by the flood. Mrs. Cooper urged her husband not to attempt to cross the stream, as she felt it was too dangerous. The water was about twelve feet deep at the point where the tragedy occurred. Mrs. Cooper saw the horse flounder in the water, and her husband, struggling to save himself, apparently caught hold of the bridle or an ear of the animal, which he was riding bareback, the horse rolling over in the water.

It is believed the horse must have struck Mr. Cooper as the animal struggled in the water, as Mr. Cooper was able to swim, and he never came to the surface after he sank. The accident occurred on the “Bob” Crockett farm. Mr. Cooper was a brother-in-law of Mr. Crockett, having married a sister of Mr. Crockett last fall. Mr. Cooper came here from Missouri about two years ago to work in the harvest and remained here. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had been living on the Crockett farm, looking after the stock. Mr. Cooper’s parents live in Missouri.

Mrs. Cooper gave the alarm as soon as her husband sank, and within a short time a large crowd had gathered, and made every effort to recover the body. Rakes and grappling hooks were used, and also a hay rake, which was pulled back and forth across by men on either bank, but the body could not be located. Harvey Kreiger, of Larned, county coroner, was called to Burdett about seven o’clock. When he arrived there about one hundred persons were engaged in an effort to recover the body.

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cooper, from near Joplin, Missouri, father and mother of the dead man, are expected here today in a car. Funeral services probably will be held tomorrow afternoon and burial will be at Burdett.
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From the Saline Valley Register, a newspaper published at Lincoln Center, Kansas, Wednesday 7-31-78: Mr. Joshua Simmons, one of our good citizens, living about five miles up the river, was drowned Saturday afternoon last in attempting to cross the Saline, on his way home from Ellsworth. As we understand it, he was riding one horse and leading another, when getting into deep water he became entangled in the rope in some way and himself and the animal he was riding were drowned. Thorough search was made for the body on Sunday but it was not recovered until Monday morning some two miles downstream. Mr. Simmons was a quiet, peacable, industrious man. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his death….
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Myrtle B. (Smith) Johnson, born 1879, died 8/27/1907, Aged 29y 3m 29d Drowned (Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. J. Smith, wife of William A. Johnson)

Dolly F. (Dottie ), Johnson, born 1905, died 8/27/1907, Aged 2y 5m 15d Her Children Drowned.

James M. Johnson, born 1806,died 8/27/1907, Aged 9m 24d Her Children Drowned.

Gooch, Infant - Jan. 14, 1904 to Jan. 20, 1905. "The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Gooch, who resided on the old Newman farm south of town, met death in a peculiar and distressing manner last Friday. The child was drowned in a common candy bucket which contained only about 4 inches of water. It seems the mother had left the kitchen in which there were 3 small children and after an absence of only a few minutes returned, and on missing the baby, asked the other children where the baby had gone. They were frightened, but pointed to the bucket where the little one's feet were protruding. She at once rescued the baby and attempted to bring it back to life but to no avail. The child, a baby only a few months of age had evidently toppled over into the bucket and helpless to cry or extricate himself had drowned in this seemingly incredible manner. The funeral was held at the family home Saturday and the body was buried at Hillside."
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MAX GROSSMAN.
The Evening Herald, Thursday, Dec. 26, 1901, Pg. 3
Died: Dec. 25, 1901.

M. Grossman, proprietor of the Grossman ice cream parlor and confectionery on North Main street, was found dead in the pool below the river dam yesterday a little after four o’clock. Grossman had been fishing. The first and most natural supposition is that he slipped into the water and drowned. Other circumstances have given rise to somewhat different theories, but in every case the death is concluded to have been either the result of an accident or from a sudden attack of illness.
Author note: There is more to this story if your interested.
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The Medicine Lodge Cresset, weekly newspaper, 1889.

Died: "Charley McAlister Drowned" - Master Charley, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. McAlister, was drowned in the pond on the bottom between Spring and Elm creeks, Wednesday morning, July 10, 1889. Charlie [sic] McAlister and Willie Dem were in the water together. Charley said he could swim and was warned by Willie where the deep places were, Willie being able to swim but little. Charles had got out in the deep water when Willie noticed he was struggling. Willie was badly excited, but quickly slipping on his shirt, he ran to Al. Snodderly's house. Mrs. Snodderly was unable to do anything and told him to run to town and tell the men. The boy got his clothes, ran to town and soon men were at the pond. Among the first there were Dan Kidd, Ace Campbell, Hillory Weidner, Luke Chapin and Henry Kelley.

After a few minutes search in the water, they found the body. Doctors Moore, Karr, Gould and Burney were soon there and with others did everything possible, even to the application of a powerful electric battery, to resurrect life, but their efforts proved fruitless. Mrs. McAlister early heard of the terrible accident and would listen to nothing, but almost compelled Frank Strong to drive her to the pond. There her heart-rending cries and tearless terrible grief was such that strong men could not bear the sight and with averted faces trembled with emotion.

Mr. McAlister was at his farm south of town. He was at once notified and came as fast as a swift horse would carry him. The parents are prostrated with their grief. Mr. and Mrs. McAlister arrived here a few days since from Lakin and were visiting with friends and stopping at the Grand Hotel. Master Charley was about twelve years old, was born at this place, and was bright, loving and venturesome. He had considerable sickness when small and his mother and father had always been very careful with him and loved him as only parents can an only child. The remains were taken to the Updegraff residence. The funeral will occur at ten o'clock today. The distressing accident has cast a gloom over the entire community and the bereaved parents have the sympathy of all.
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THE WESTERN STAR, 28 May 1898 Obituary of GEORGE CURRAN BAD ACCIDENT.

George Curran Drowned Last Saturday.

George Curran aged 21 years, and oldest child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Curran, of this city, was drowned while fishing at the railroad bridge one mile southwest of town last Saturday, May 21.
Author note: There is more to this story if your interested.
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Myra King, born Sep 22 1908, of Matfield Green, Age 18 years, drowned, occupation-teacher
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Frances Heinrichs, 11 years old, and Raymond Heinrichs, 9 years old, the daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Heinrichs, of 509 West Shawnee, Paola, Kansas, were drowned in Bull Creek, near "Ben's Hole," on the Theodore Broadman land, Wednesday afternoon about 4:00 o'clock.
Author note: There is more to this story if your interested.
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Jacobs, Mrs Benjamin

On Jacbos Creek, Mrs. Benj. Jacobs, child and a span of mules were drowned by the breaking of a water spout.

It appears that on Thursday afternoon Mr. Benj.; Jacobs, residing on Jacobs creek, noticed that the creek was rising very rapidly and beginning to overflow its banis and floood the lowland. Being alarmed for the safety of his family, he hitched a mule team to a large wagon and taking his wife, a brother and his two children, one six months old, and the other, a boy by his first wife, seven years oldl began driving toward the high ground At this time the water was several inches deep on the fields and still rising. He had taken a short cut through a cornfield and was approaching a hill when a hugh wave struck and overturned the wagon and swept those inside down the creek.

Mr. Jacobs managed to save himself by holding on to a limb of a tree. His brother, William, saved himself in a like manner and at the same time held on to the seven-year old boy and succeeded in keeping his position till the rush of water abated, about an hour after. Mrs Jacobs was swept into the middloe of the current with her baby, floated down the creek and both were drowned. Their bodies were found and buried Sunday.
Chase County Courant, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, May 13, 1886.
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Martin, Harold Eugene

Harold Eugene Martin Drowned

Master Eugene Martin, the ten year old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E,. Martin of this city was drowned in the Cottonwood river near Elmdale Monday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Martin* and daughter, Cecil, and Mr. A. E. Martin and son, Eugene, left town in a covered wagon monday morning for a weeks outing. They had camped in the Starkey grove Just north the Elmdale bridge and' were fishing. Mr. Martin was fishing in the riffle above the deep water about three hundred yards north of the bridge, and Eugene was wading. Mr. Martin pulled up and broke his line and his cork went bobbing down the riffle, Eugene started to run after it when, all at once. he stepped off into deep water and disappeared. He never rose to the top again. There seems to be an eddy or whirl-pool just below the, riffle and this probably drew the boy down.

The alarm was gven and searchers worked over three hour before the boys body was. recovered about fifty yards below where he went down.

The little fellows body was brought to his home in this city and the funeral was held at the home this afternoon.

Only those who have lost the little ones can realize the great sorrow that has come to this family. it will be weeks before they can bring themselves to realize that he is gone and many times they will catch themselves calling him to fill the vacant chair.
Chase County Leader News, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, 1900.
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Daniel Brown
June 20, 1889.

Daniel Brown, aged about 26 years, last Saturday went in bathing in an artificial pond, on a farm belonging to Wm. Rallston, who lives in the northwest corner of Hanover township. Mr. Brown resided just over the line in Russell county, and the pond in which he was drowned is also in Russell county. He was accompanied by his three brothers-in-law, Chard by name. This about 11:30 a.m. After they had been in the water a few moments Mr. Brown was taken suddenly with cramp, and went to the bottom like lead, in eight feet of water. Jas. Chard attempted to help him and came very near being drowned himself. Daniel Brown had been married about a year and a half, to a daughter of Jas. Chard Sr. of Hanover township. He had lived in Lincoln county about eight years, and was an industrious, energetic fellow of excellent character and very popular. The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Sunday, and the interment was made in the Delhi cemetery.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Kansas Sharpshooter.

Here is a short list of Kansas men who were either sharpshooters or were being shoot at by the sharpshooter.

Edgar Poe Trego.

Edgar Poe Trego. He was a native of Pennsylvania & enlisted in Illinois in 1861. He was a Captain of Company H., Which was attached to the 8th Kansas Voluntary Infantry. Captain Trego was killed on September 19, 1863, in the battle of Chickamauga. He was struck by a Confederate sharpshooter while stooping over a wounded soldier which he was removing from the battlefield. While gallantly trying to help some of the wounded boys he was hit & killed.
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N. Z. Barnes, Private, Co. B., 2nd., MI, sharpshooter, address, Aurora, Township, Nelson.
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George W. Teasley.

In 1884 George W. Teasley visited Georgia and returning brought his mother to live in his home where she died March 5, 1892. Mr. Teasley received a limited education in his youth for when he should have been in school the civil war was at its height, and what he gained was for the greater part acquired at home, but the roaring of shot and shell from cannon and musketry, detracted the scholars' attention, and not knowing what moment they might be "picked off" by some daring sharpshooter.
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A. W. Stearns.

When the Civil war broke out. He was then only sixteen years of age, but was among the first to respond to the President's call for defenders of the Union. Although a mere boy, he enlisted in Company G, Eleventh Illinois cavalry, under Col. Robert G. Ingersoll. Mr. Stearns was with his regiment at the battle of Shiloh and served through the Vickshurg campaign. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and participated in the siege of Atlanta and took part in many hard fought battles and a countless number of skirmishes and minor engagements. He was lightly wounded by a sharpshooter at Columbia, S. C., the ball grazing his neck and making quite an ugly and disagreeable flesh wound. After Lee's surrender, Mr. Stearns's command marched north through the Carolinas and on to Washington, where they participated in the grand review. He was mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky., in August, 1865
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George W. Dickinson.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventy-second Regiment of Illinois Infantry, and remained with the army fighting in many of the important battles of the South until the close of the war. He was discharged three years, fourteen days after his enlistment. He was twice struck by bullets, and altogether was under fire for 145 days. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg, being in the trenches as a sharpshooter for forty-seven days and nights. Among other important battles in which he was a participant were those of Black River and Champion Hill during the Vicksburg campaign, Columbus, Tennessee, Franklin and Nashville and Natchez, Mississippi.
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John H. Sturdivan

John H. Sturdivan was born in Illinois, Jan. 22, 1842 and with his parents he moved to Kansas at the age of 13. They located at a place called “Hickory Point” near Lawrence, Kansas. On the account of the border ruffian war they moved back to Illinois in 1857. They returned to Kansas and located in Anderson county near Garnett, where they lived until 1860. When they returned to Illinois. Here he enlisted in Co. E, 14th regiment of the Missouri Volunteers as a sharpshooter July 10, 1862. He was captured by Gen. Price, and was honorably discharged Oct. 1, 1862.
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G. A. R. Kansas.
Memorial Roll 1914.

George D. Freeman, born 1842, post 27., Sharpshooter, 27th., Mich., death Oct. 27, 1913.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Sharpshooter Alonzo Ballard.

Alonzo Ballard.
1843-1911.

1st Regiment, US Sharpshooters (Regular Army)
Rank Private & corporal, Company C.
In civilian life was a merchant.

When the Civil war broke out. Alonzo Ballard answered the first call for volunteers, enlisting in Company C, First United States sharp shooters. This regiment was known as Burdan's Sharpshooters and was made up of companies from various States. It is well known fact that the mission of the sharpshooter keeps him constantly on the danger zone of military operations, and the First United States was no exception to this rule. The first real battle in which the regiment participated was at Yorktown and later Williamsburg. From here they went to White House Landing, where Mr. Ballard was stricken with fever and sent to the hospital at Yorktown and later Portsmouth, R. I.

He returned to his regiment just after the second battle of Bull Run and joined it at Alexandria, Va. He was at the battles of Antietam, Blackman's Ford, Manassas Gap and Fredericksburg. They shortly afterwards went into winter quarters at Brandy Station, and in the following spring participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, which was one of the hardest fought battles of the war. Lee then made his famous invasion of Pennsylvania and the First United States was one of the hundreds of regiments that met the flower of the Confederacy at Gettysburg, and the world knows what happened. During this battle Mr. Ballard was with his regiment in the peach orchard fight; also at Little Round Top, where he was under the cover of the Union guns and watched the great charge of Pickett as his columns swept across the field to destruction.

He participated in the skirmishing with Lee's retreating army and was at the engagements at Wappin Heights, Auburn, Kelley's Ford, Locust Grove and Mill Run. They then went into winter quarters near Culpeper, Va., remaining here until spring, when General Grant took command, and during the campaigns of that season he was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Ann and Cold Harbor. The Union army then made a flank movement across the peninsula and here fought Lee's army in front of Petersburg for thirty or forty days in an effort to capture the Weldon railroad and thus cut off Lee's supplies. They also took part in the fight at Deep Bottom on the James river. His regiment was in other skirmishes too numerous to mention, and on August 20, 1864, he was honorably discharged from the United States service.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Mixture Of Kansas Soldiers.

Here is a short list of men that lived and died in Kansas but fought for other states.
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Robert D. Watts.

Birth: July 2, 1817, Hancock County, Maine.
Death: April. 1, 1888, Osage County, Kansas.
Burial: Valley Brook Cemetery, Michigan Valley, Osage County Kansas.

He came to Kansas in 1858, settled in Valley Brook, Junction Township, where he owned 700 acres, good improvements. Commencing from the raw prairie he has made a beautiful farm.

In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Second Regiment, Kansas Cavalry, and participated in all the engagements in which that regiment took part, and was discharged at the close of the war.

Service: Private, enlisted August 25, 1862, mustered in same day, home Ottawa, remarks: Assigned to new Co. C, March 18, 1865. Promoted 2d Lieutenant Co. B, April 21, 1865. Mustered out June 22, 1865, at Fort Gibson, C. N.
----------------

Sinclair Watts.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Dodge, Dodge City, Ford County Kansas.

Service: Private, Company K Unit 50th., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence VICTORY, DAVIS CO, MO., Age 22, Height 5' 9, Hair DARK, Eyes BLUE, Complexion LIGHT, Marital Status N/A, Occupation FARMER, Nativity BUREAU CO, ILL., Joined When NOV 1, 1861, Joined Where ST JOSEPH, MO., Period 3, years, Muster In SEP 12, 1861, Muster In Where DECATUR JUNCTION, AL., Remarks: REENLISTED AS A VETERAN, Muster Out JUL 13, 1865.
--------------

Thomas Browning.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, Saline County, Kansas.

Service: Private, Company I., Unit 22nd., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence SPARTA, RANDOLPH CO, ILL., Age 26, Height 6' 2, Hair LIGHT, Eyes BLUE, Complexion LIGHT, Marital Status N/A, Occupation WEAVER, Nativity GALSGOW, LANARK, SCOTLAND, Joined When JUN 25, 1861, Joined Where CASEYVILLE, ILL., Period 3, years, Muster In JUN 25, 1861, Muster In Where CASEYVILLE, ILL., Muster Out JUL 7, 1864, Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, ILL.
---------------

Samuel G. Wall.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas.

Service: Enlisted September 13, 1861, at Kokomo, Indiana at the age of 42., was of the 39th., regiment, company E., Cavalry/ Battery Unit: 8th Cavalry, was discharge June 8, 1865. Remarks: Recruit. Mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Andrew B. Anderson.

Birth: Mar. 29, 1828
Death: Feb. 20, 1903
Burial: Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Service: Enlisted July 26, 1862, in Company B., 67th Regiment Indiana Infantry, at Monroe County, Indiana, age 35., discharged July 1, 1863. Remarks; Discharged Vicksburg, MS. Disability. Rank Corporal.
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Andrew J. Anderson.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Dodge, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas.

Service: Rank Private Company D., Unit 63rd., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence BLOOMINGTON, MCLEAN CO, ILL., Age 19, Joined When DEC 1, 1861, Joined Where MCLEAN CO, ILL., Period 3 years, Muster In APR 10, 1862, Muster In Where JONESBORO, ILL. Remarks: REENLISTED AS A VETERAN.

Rank Private Company D., Unit 63rd., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence PANA, CHRISTIAN CO, ILL., Age 21, Height 5' 10, Hair DARK, Eyes BLUE, Complexion DARK, Marital Status N/A, Occupation SOLDIER, Nativity PIKE CO, ILL., Joined When JAN 1, 1864, Joined Where HUNTSVILLE, AL., Period 3 years, Muster In FEB 10, 1864, Muster In Where HUNTSVILLE, AL., Muster Out JUL 13, 1865, Muster Out Where LOUISVILLE, KY. Remarks: VETERAN MUSTERED OUT AS SERGEANT.
----------------

Caleb Baker.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Cedarvale Cemetery, Neosho Falls, Woodson County, Kansas.

Service: Enlisted as a private on March 16, 1865, in the 155th., Indiana infantry Co. F., enlisted at Kendallville, Indiana, at the age of 28, was discharged on August 4, 1865. Remarks: Mustered out Dover Del. Wagon Maker.
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Joseph C Stratton.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Burial: Cedarvale Cemetery, Neosho Falls, Woodson County, Kansas.

Service: Rank CPL Company E., Unit 5th., ILL., U. S. Cavalry, Residence COLES CO, ILL., Age 25, Height 5' 8 ½, Hair LIGHT, Eyes BLUE, Complexion FAIR, Marital Status MARRIED, Occupation CARPENTER, Nativity N. J., Joined When SEP 25, 1861, Joined Where MATTOON, ILL., Period 3 years, Muster In OCT 22, 1861, Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, ILL., Muster Out OCT 13, 1864, Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, ILL.
--------------

William Beck.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown:
Burial: High Prairie Cemetery, Altoona, Wilson County, Kansas.

Service: Private, Company B., Unit 116th., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence HARRISTOWN, MACON CO, ILL., Age 24, Height 5' 6, Hair BROWN, Eyes GRAY, Complexion DARK, Marital Status SINGLE, Occupation FARMER, Nativity FRANKLIN CO, OH., Joined When AUG 15, 1862, Joined Where DECATUR, ILL., Period 3 years, Muster In SEP 6, 1862, Muster In Where DECATUR, ILL., Muster Out JUN 7, 1865, Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, D. C. Remarks: ABSENT SICK AT CAMP BUTLER ILL.
--------------

Richard V. Butterfield.

Birth: Nov. 7, 1836.
Death: Jan. 8, 1912.
Burial: High Prairie Cemetery, Altoona, Wilson County, Kansas.

Service: Private, Company B., Unit 83rd., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence SPRING GROVE, WARREN CO, ILL., Age 25, Height 5' 5, Hair BLACK, Eyes BROWN, Complexion DARK, Marital Status SINGLE, Occupation FARMER, Nativity ALLEGANY CO, N. Y., Joined When AUG 6, 1862, Joined Where SUMNER, ILL., Period 3 years, Muster In AUG 21, 1862, Muster In Where MONMOUTH, ILL., Muster Out JUN 26, 1865, Muster Out Where NASHVILLE, TN.
--------------

Thomas Patton.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown:
Burial: High Prairie Cemetery, Altoona, Wilson County, Kansas.

Service: Private, Company K., Unit 10th., ILL., U. S. Cavalry, Residence VERSAILLES, BROWN CO, ILL., Age 31, Height 5' 9, Hair LIGHT, Eyes BLUE, Complexion LIGHT, Marital Status N/A, Occupation CARPENTER, Nativity Ohio, Joined When FEB 5, 1862, Joined Where CAMP WOOD, ILL., Period 3 years. Remarks: DISCHARGED MAR 1862 FOR DISABILITY.
--------------

James Goldsmith.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Peru Cemetery, Peru, Chautauqua County, Kansas.

Service: Enlisted in the 80th., Indiana Infantry Co. D., as a private on August 12, 1862, his enlistment was at Alfordsville, Indiana, his age 24. Remarks: Discharged 1863. Disabled.
----------------

Andrew J. Jones.

Birth: 1835.
Death: 1916.
Burial: Peru Cemetery, Peru, Chautauqua County, Kansas.

Service: Private, Company A., Unit 3rd., ILL., U. S. Cavalry, Residence SPRINGFIELD, SANGAMON CO, ILL., Age 26, Height 5' 9, Hair BLACK, Eyes GRAY, Complexion DARK, Marital Status SINGLE, Occupation BLACKSMITH, Nativity SPRINGFIELD, SANGAMON CO, ILL., Joined When AUG 27, 1861, Joined Where CAMP BUTLER, ILL., Period 3 years, Muster In AUG 21, 1861, Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, ILL., Muster Out SEP 5, 1864, Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, ILL.
-------------------------

Enoch Todd.

Birth: Oct. 18, 1844.
Death: Jan. 4, 1929.
Burial: Peru Cemetery, Peru, Chautauqua County, Kansas.

Service: Private, Company F., Unit 116th., ILL., U. S. Infantry, Residence PAXTON, FORD CO, ILL., Age 18, Height 5' 9 ½, Hair LIGHT, Eyes BLUE ,Complexion FAIR, Marital Status SINGLE, Occupation FARMER, Joined When SEP 19, 1862, Joined Where CAMP MACON, ILL., Period 3 years, Muster In SEP 30, 1862, Muster In Where CAMP MACON, ILL., Muster Out MAY 18, 1865, Muster Out Where DAVIS ISLAND, N. Y. H. Remarks: ACCIDENTALLY WOUNDED BY HIS OWN MUSKET NEAR SAVANNAH GA.

Friday, October 8, 2010

More Soldiers Of Kansas.

Here are more soldiers that lived in Kansas but some have fought for other states. But these men are Kansans at heart as they picked Kansas as their home.
-----------------------------

Ambrose L. Bell.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka, Greenwood County, Kansas.

He enlisted as a private on December 6, 1861, at Bainbridge, Indiana, at the age of 40, his regiment was the Indiana 40th., infantry, company C. He was discharged May ?, 64, his discharge was for wounds received at Mission Ridge.
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Calvin T Bell.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: National Cemetery, Mound City, Linn County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 15th, Kansas Cavalry, Company M., on September 21, 1863, mustered in October 17, 1863, was promoted to First Sergeant, died of Typhoid.
-----------------------

Felix F. Small.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial Union Cemetery, Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.

He enlisted in the 57th., Indiana Infantry, company H., on December 4, 1861, at Boxley, Indiana, age 21, was discharged on July 23, 1862, remarks; Sergt. Discharged because of disability.
----------------------

Henry Wills.

Birth: May 6, 1842
Death: Oct. 25, 1917
Burial:
Park Cemetery, Sunnydale, Sedgwick County, Kansas.

He enlisted in the 5th. Missouri State Militia , Cavalry, company M., as a private on March 13, 1863, at Cape Cirardeau Mo., mustered in March 26, 862, at Ironton Mo. Mustered out on March 25, 1865.
---------------------

George D. Armstrong.

Birth: Unknown.
Death unknown.
Burial: Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas

Rank Private Company F Unit 59th., ILL. US Infantry, Residence LONG POINT, CUMBERLAND CO, ILL., Age 21, Height 5' 10, Hair LIGHT, Eyes GRAY, Complexion FAIR, Marital Status SINGLE, Occupation FARMER, Nativity SHELBY CO, OH., remarks; DISCHARGED NOV 28, 1862, ON SURG CERT OF DISABILITY.

Reenlisted.

Rank 1SGT Company B., Unit 97th., IL US Infantry, Residence CUMBERLAND CO, IL Age 22., Joined When JUL 18, 1862, Joined Where CUMBERLAND CO, ILL., Period 3 YRS, Muster In SEP 8, 1862 Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, ILL.

Rank 1LT Company B., Unit 97th., IL US Infantry, Residence CUMBERLAND CO, IL Age 22., Joined When FEB. 16, 1864, Joined Where NEW ORLEANS, LA., Period 3 YRS, Muster In FEB 16, 1864 Muster In Where NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Rank 2LT Company B., Unit 97th., IL US Infantry, Age 22.

Rank Captain, Company B., Unit 97th., ILL., US Infantry, Residence CUMBERLAND CO, IL Age 23, Joined When MAR 21, 1865, Joined Where PENSACOLA, FL, Period 3 YRS, Muster In MAR 21, 1865, Muster In Where BLAKELY, AL., Muster Out JUL 29, 1865, Muster Out Where GALVESTON, TX.
------------------------

Dennison Herrick.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: July 2, 1882.
Burial: Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansa.

Rank Private Company G., Unit 9th., ILL, US Cavalry, Residence MARENGO, MCHENRY CO, ILL., Age 25, Height 5' 9 ¾, Hair BLACK, Eyes BLACK, Complexion FAIR, Occupation LABORER, Nativity N. Y., Joined When FEB 1, 1865, Joined Where MARENGO, ILL., Period 1 YR, Muster In FEB 2, 1865, Muster In Where MARENGO, ILL., Muster Out OCT 31, 1865, Muster Out Where SELMA, AL.
-----------------------

David Comeford.

Birth: 1845.
Death: 1922.
Burial: Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansa.

He enlisted in the Indiana 90th., Company F., on August 18, 1862, at Greenwood, Indiana, age 18, Cavalry/ Battery Unit: 5th Cavalry Company F., discharged June 15, 1865.
--------------------------

Chancey A. F. Crawford.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansa.

Rank Private, Company E., Unit 141 St., ILL., US Infantry, Residence CHERRY VALLEY, WINNEBAGO CO, ILL., Age 18, Height 5' 3, Hair DARK, Eyes DARK, Complexion DARK, Marital Status SINGLE, Occupation SOLDIER, Joined When MAY 17, 1864, Joined Where ELGIN, ILL., Period 100 DAY, Muster In JUN 16, 1864, Muster In Where CAMP KANE, ILL., Muster Out OCT 10, 1864, CHICAGO, ILL.
---------------------------

Alexander N. Devin.

Birth: Aug. 11, 1844, Gibson County, Indiana.
Death: Oct. 27, 1912, Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma.
Burial: Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas.

He enlisted in the 80th., Indiana infantry, company A., on August 11, 1862, at Princeton, Indiana, his age was 18. Pvt. Promoted to Q.M.S. (Quarter Master Sergt) March 5, 1865, Field & Staff. No discharge/muster out info Listed.
----------------------

Thomas S. Fisher.

Birth: May 10, 1834, Posey County, Indiana.
Death: Mar. 22, 1892, Virgil, Greenwood County, Kansas.
Burial: Virgil Cemetery, Virgil, Greenwood County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 24th., Indiana infantry, on July 31, 1861, at Vincennes, Indiana, age 24., Discharged at Baton Rouge, LA., on July 30, 1864.
------------------------

George Long.

Birth: 1834, County Donegal, Ireland.
Death: Nov. 1, 1899, Greenwood County, Kansas.
Burial: Virgil Cemetery, Virgil, Greenwood County, Kansas.

Home Greenwood Co. enlisted in the 9th., Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, on July 1, 1863, mustered in August 21, 1863. Promoted Farrier, August 21, 1863. Ranks: Farrier and Blacksmith; Mustered out July 17, 1865, DeVall's Bluff, Ark.
-------------------------

John R. Hoggatt.

Birth: 1841.
Death: 1920.
Burial: Quincy Cemetery, Quincy, Greenwood County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 24th., Indiana regiment , company B., on July 9, 1861, at Paoli, Indiana, age 22., discharged on July 30, 1864.
--------------------------

Stephen C. Hoag.

Birth: 1840.
Death: 1918.
Burial: Ogden Cemetery, Ogden, Riley County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 1st Regiment Artillery Volunteers, Company A., as a Sergeant on January 2, 1864, at Algiers La., mustered in on January 22, 1864, at New Orleans La., was a Veteran. Mustered out August 23, 1865, at B. Barracks No.
--------------------------

Obadiah B. Slusser.

Birth: 1844.
Death: 1918.
Burial: Farrar Cemetery, Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas.

He enlisted in the 48th., Indiana on November 31, 1861, at South Bend, Indiana, age 18., Was discharged on January ?, 1864, at Savannah, GA.
---------------------------

William Catt.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: July. 8, 1904.
Burial: Farrar Cemetery, Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 11th., Kansas, Volunteer Cavalry, Company I, on Sept. 2, 1862, mustered in Sept. 15, 1862, Home Grasshopper, Kansas. Remarks; Disc. Mar. 17, '64 per S.O. No. 41 W.D., A.G.O.
--------------------------

Alfred E. Catt.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Oct. 14, 1865.
Burial: Farrar Cemetery, Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 11th., Kansas, Volunteer Cavalry, Company M., on March 21, 1864, mustered in same day. Home Grasshopper, Kansas. Remarks; Mustered out with company Sept. 26, 1865.
----------------------------

William T. Eckles.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 8th., Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Company L., on June 1, 1864, at Springfield Mo., as a First Lieutenant, mustered in same day and place, mustered out May 20, 1865.
---------------------------

Elno E. Burdick.

Birth: unknown.
Death: Unknown.
Burial: Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, Jefferson County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 46th., Pennsylvania Infantry, Co. H., mustered in September 13, 1861, as a Sergeant. Remarks; Promoted to Corporal, April 5, 1864; to Sergeant, July 6, 1865; mustered out with Company I, July 16, 1865; Vet.
--------------------------

William B. Lucas.

Birth: 1838.
Death: 1905.
Burial: Stanton Cemetery, Stanton, Miami County Kansas.

Enlisted in the Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Co. M., on March 2, 1862, at Macon Mo., mustered in November 1, 1862, at Palmyra, Mo. Mustered out February 25, 1865.
----------------------------

William M. Hickox.

Birth: Unknown
Death: Unknown
Burial: LeRoy Cemetery, LeRoy, Coffey County, Kansas.

Enlisted in the 2nd., Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Company C., on December 9, 1861, mustered in same day, rank of a private. Remarks; Must. out May 12, '65, at Leav. Kan.; was prisoner of war, captured near Ft. Smith, Ark., Oct. 28, '63

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Carmi William Babcock.

Carmi William Babcock.

Birth: Apr. 21, 1830, Franklin County, Vermont.
Death: Oct. 22, 1889, Saint Louis, St. Louis city Missouri.
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas.

Word was received here yesterday morning, from Saint Louis, announcing the death of Gen. Babcock. He had been under medical treatment accompanied by his faithful wife. He survived a difficult operation but died later. General Babcock was born Franklin County , Vermont April 21, 1830. He was educated At Bakersfield Academy, and was engaged in teaching.

In 1850, he moved to Minnesota and read Law in the office of Babcock and Wilson. He moved to Lawrence, Kansas in September 1854. He practiced law for a couple of years and went into the real estate business, as he owned large interests in the town (Babcock Addition). Mr. Babcock was the first postmaster appointed in Lawrence and was the first mayor and served on the council several times.

He was a member of the Free State Legislature in 1856 and in 1869 was appointed surveyor general and reappointed in 1878. He contracted the east wing of the Kansas State House.