Owen Lee.

Mr. Lee’s information is easily found on the internet, but after I read his story I know I had to have his story on my site. I tried to find his service record while he was in the 7th., and 8th., Missouri State Militia but was unable to do so. As for being in the 9th. Kansas cavalry, I found no record of him being in Co. G., in Co. M., there was a Owen Lee, but the dates did not match up. But non the less it’s a interesting story.
---------------------------------

OWEN LEE, real estate and loan agent, was born in Gasconade County, Mo., January 24, 1846; son of Drury and Matilda Lee. He lived in his native county until 1858, and then moved to Cedar County, Mo., where he remained until July, 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Missouri M. S. M. and did home guard service six months, then entered Company E, Seventh M. S. M. and was actively engaged about one year. Was in the engagements at Carthage and Wilson Creek. He was also engaged in skirmishing, part of the time served as a spy for Brig. Gen. Carr. He was taken prisoner while scouting by Gen. Price's command at Boston Mountain. Four days after the capture, he, in company with two companions, made their escape from the guards, and mounting rebel horses ran through Price's camp, and rode all night; two of the horses were run down and all three of the escaped prisoners mounted the horse on which Lee rode; but the horse soon gave out, one of Lee's companions was shot and killed, the other wounded and re-captured, while Mr. Lee was hunted down by bloodhounds and finally recaptured.

He and his companion were then tied with ropes for a few days, and for several weeks were fed on bran bread and water; about six weeks after the capture he again effected his escape and eluded his pursuers by jumping into a stream and taking refuge under a drift where he lay in the stream with only his head above water over twenty-four hours; when his pursuers had given up the search he proceeded on his way, and was three days and nights without food. On the evening of the second day he found in the road a $5 bill, and soon after an abandoned Government mule. He manufactured a bridle of bark, mounted the mule and rode all night, the mule gave out the next morning. He stopped for refreshments at a log hut occupied by a colored family.

He was here provided with shoes to protect his lacerated and bleeding feet. He then continued his journey on foot, taking only one meal per day and sleeping out nights until he finally completed the distance of over 250 miles and arrived at his home in Osceola, Mo. He then returned to his regiment and completed his term of service, which was one year. He then came to Kansas in March, 1863, and on June 1, 1863, was mustered into Company G, Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, was afterward transferred to Company M, same regiment. Was in the engagements at Newtonia, Prairie Grove, Cane Hill, Vanburen, Little Rock, Bull Bayou and many skirmishes; was finally mustered out August 15, 1865. He then returned to New Albany, Wilson County, where he clerked at an Indian trading post two and a half years. Then spent two years in Indian Territory trading with the Indians, after which he farmed in Wilson County, Kan., about two years.

He then went to Elk County and was there dealing in stock until he came to Fredonia in 1882. Since coming to Fredonia he has been engaged in the furniture, lumber and grain business three years, and in the harness business several years. On January 21, 1880 was burned out and suffered a loss of $3,200. He is at present engaged in the real estate and loan business and is serving as Constable. He was married at New Albany, May 13, 1868, to Salatha Law, by whom he had five children, two of whom are now living, viz.: Jonathan W. and Rosetta. His wife died in 1875. His second wife, Miranda Walden only lived five months after their wedding, and he was married to Miranda A. Libby, January 6, 1877, by whom he has one child, viz.: Dora Belle Lee. Mr. Lee is a worthy Mason, a member of the G. A. R. and is deputy grand dictator of the State for the Knights of Honor.

Joseph Lucas.

JOSEPH LUCAS, merchant, was born in Jersey County, Ill., February 8, 1835, and was the third child born to Napoleon B. and Lydia Lucas. His paternal grandfather was twice Governor of Ohio, and the first Governor of the Territory of Iowa. His father was a farmer, and Joseph remained at home until he was twenty-three years old, attending the public schools until he was well advanced toward his majority, after which all his time was devoted to farm work. In 1858 he started out for himself, going to Madison County, Ill., where he engaged in farming.

While thus engaged the war broke out, and he enlisted for three months in Company F, Seventh Illinois Infantry. At the end of his term of service he re-enlisted for three years in Company G, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry. His three-years' term of service expiring, he again re-enlisted, and served until September, 1865, when he was mustered out with his regiment at Paducah, Ky., after having served four years and six months. He was present at, and took part in, the following engagements: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Little Rock; was with the force that accompanied Gen. Sherman in his expedition into Alabama; also with Gen. Banks in his Red River expedition. He was engaged in the attack on Fort Darouche, the battles of Pleasant Hill, Tallahatchie, Franklin, Nashville, and several severe skirmishes. Upon his first re-enlistment he was appointed Third Sergeant; February 1, 1865, he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant; April 20, of the same year he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and in August, 1865, was appointed acting Adjutant of the regiment, which position he held when mustered out.

Leaving the army he returned to Jersey County, Ill., where he resumed farming, and in 1868 moved to Kansas, settling in Jefferson County, locating on the quarter-section of land he purchased of the railroad company. In 1877 he moved to Lawrence, Kan., where he became engaged in the hardware and implement business, in which he remained until April, 1878, when he sold out his business and became traveling agent for the McCormick Reaper Company. In December, 1879, he moved to Wakeeney, Trego County, where he is now engaged in the furniture business, and also that of boots and shoes. In October, 1881, he was appointed Sheriff of Trego County, to fill an unexpired term, and is now holding the position of Under Sheriff. In Jersey County, Ill., June 30, 1864, while at home on a veteran furlough, he was married to Miss Catherine Aulthouse, the issue of this marriage being Georgiana, born July 6, 1866, and died August 10, 1867; Elmer E., born May 19, 1868; William P., the survivor of twins, born February 3, 1870; Mary Alice, born January 3, 1872; Ross, born February 1, 1876, and died January 26, 1880; Albert M., born August 22, 1877, and Ethel May, born April 18, 1881.

Service Record.

Joseph Lucas, Private, Company F., 7th., Illinois Infantry, Age 26, Enlisted April 17, 1861, 3 Months, Enlisted at Bunker Hill Illinois, Mustered in April 25, 1861, Mustered in at Springfield Illinois, Mustered out July 25, 1861.

Joseph Lucas, Sergeant Company G., 49th., Illinois Infantry, Residence Jersey Co., Illinois, Age 26, Height 5' 11, Hair Light, Eyes Gray, Complexion Fair, Marital Status Married, Occupation Farmer, Nativity Jersey Co. Illinois, Joined When October 25, 1861 Joined Where Staunton Illinois, Period 3 Years, Muster In December 31, 1861 Muster In Where Camp Butler Illinois. Remarks; Reenlisted as a veteran.

He became a second at the age of 29, reenlisted and mustered in April 28, 1865, for 3 years at Paducah Kentucky, Mustered out September 9, 1865, at Paducah Kentucky.

ABRAHAM SMITH, SOLDIER & SHERIFF.

ABRAHAM SMITH, farmer, Sections 5, 8 and 9, P. O. Yates Center, came to Kansas in July, 1860. He located in Allen County on a farm, where he remained until 1870, when he came to his present location. He has served with credit for himself and with entire satisfaction to the people as Sheriff of Woodson County two successive terms. He enlisted in Company G, Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, in September, 1861, and was mustered in January, 1862. Served three years and four months, and was principally engaged in escorting trains, hunting guerrillas, fighting bushwhackers, scouting, skirmishing, and doing border service generally. He was mustered out in January, 1865. He had numerous hairbreadth escapes while in the army and while Sheriff. The first time Humboldt was sacked by the rebels he was taken prisoner and held for two days, but escaped by strategy. The second time he was captured he escaped while under fire of six guns, being chased over two miles and having thirty shots fired at him. While on advance guard in the Army in Arkansas in 1864, he and two others were fired at from the brush at close range, while crossing a creek bridge, there being about 200 shots fired without effect. While Sheriff, he was in two shooting affairs, but has never yet been touched by a ball. He was born in Morgan County, Ohio, July 7, 1819, son of Joseph and Hannah Smith. He lived in his native county ten years, McLean County, Ill., three years, Putnam County one year, Kendall County about seventeen years, and Bureau County ten years, and then came to Kansas in 1860. He was married in Kendall County, Ill., July 10, 1841, to Angeline Ackley, who is a native of Ohio, and daughter of Ezra and Elsie Ackley. They have nine children living--Ellen F., Phoebe Ann, Laura A. H., Francis M., Mary H., Elizabeth, Chester, Ada E. and Charles A. While a boy, George L. was killed while in the line of duty during the war of the rebellion. His oldest boy, Joseph Ezra, died when about six years old. Mr. Smith is one of the most extensive farmers in Woodson County, having a farm of 600 acres near Yates Center. He is one of our enterprising and most reliable business men, and in the discharge of his duties while Sheriff he knew no fear, and was a terror to evil-doers, making one of the most efficient officers of the law ever intrusted with that position in the county.

Service Record.

Abraham Smith, Private, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, Company G., Enlisted September 11, 1861, Mustered in January 16, 1861, Residence Humboldt Kansas, Promoted Farrier April 30, 1862; mustered out Jan. 16, 1865, DeVall's Bluff, Ark. Farrier and Blacksmith, reduced to ranks June 20, 1862.

GEORGE E. FALER

GEORGE E. FALER, editor and publisher of the Yates Center News, came to Kansas in the summer of 1861; located in Center Township and engaged in farming until 1876; then engaged in the loan and real estate business five years; then bought out the Yates Center News, and has been the editor and proprietor ever since. He has served three years as Township Trustee in Center Township, and in 1879 was clerk of the House Committee on Public Lands, Kansas State Legislature. He enlisted at Trenton, Mo., in Company B, Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was in the home guard service three months. He again enlisted in Company F, Ninth Kansas Cavalry; was mustered in January 16, 1862. He was in the battles of Newtonia, Cane Hill, Prairie Grove and other engagements, and was mustered out January 16, 1865.

He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 8, 1842; son of Christopher and Elizabeth Faler. At a very early age he moved with his parents to Wabash County, Ind.; lived there twelve years on a farm, and in 1857 moved to Missouri. Lived near Trenton four years, and was educated in Grand River College. Located at Edinburg, Grundy Co., Mo.; came direct from that county to Kansas. He was married in Humboldt, Kan., March 31, 1870, to Mrs. A. E. Winger, an estimable widow lady of Indiana, and daughter of John and Elizabeth Murray. They have two children--Rush G., born December 1, 1871, and Jesse Harrold Faler, born April 21, 1876. Mr. Faler is Master of Gilead Lodge, No. 144, A., F. & A. M., Yates Center, and a member of Humboldt Post, and Valley Chapter, No. 11, Royal Arch Masons, Humboldt.

Service record.

George E. Faler, Private, Ninth Kansas Infantry, Company F., Residence Nesho Falls, Enlisted Dec. 15, 1861, Mustered in Jan. 16, 1862. Promoted Corporal March 27, 1864.
Mustered out Jan. 16, 1865, DeVall's Bluff, Ark.

Although Mr. Faler, name is not stated in this field note. It’s important to know what he and his company was going through at this point and time in history.

Company F., 9th Kansas Cavalry Company Muster Roll September & October 1864 Camp near Duvall Bluff, Arkansas.

A detachment of the company with others of the regiment left camp at Little Rock October 7th. Marched south 45 miles encountering the enemy at 3 different points. Killing 10 capturing 7, wounding several. Returning to Camp October 12. Another detachment from the Regt., left camp Oct 19, moved south 85 miles, met the enemy 12 miles north of Princeton, drove him south through Princeton killing 2, capturing 12 and destroying 50 stand of arms. Returning was attacked by the enemy in force 16 miles south of Little Rock, when a general engagement ensued, in which the enemy was routed with a loss of 25 killed, 2 captured, wounded unknown, arrived in camp Oct 23rd. No loss was sustained by the Co. in any of the above engagements. The amount of scouting done by the Co., in Sept & Oct as appears by the roster is 552 days in the aggregate. The Co. left Little Rock in company with the regiment. Oct 23rd marched to Duvall's Bluff 60 miles, went into Camp Oct 24, 1864.
Signed George W. Davis.
----------------------

I would like to thank Wanda Gray, who is a professional historian, plus, a Commissioner, appointed by the Governor of the state of Arkansas on the Arkansas History Commission and State Archives, who helped me figure out some of the names and information from the field note.

Eighth Kansas Infantry Company E.

Here is a tintype of some of the men of the 8th Kansas Volunteer Infantry, Company E.
Date is 1862.
Photo is provided by the Kansas Historical Soc.

Note. This photo can be enlarged by pushing on it.

Standing.

1. Private, Elisha D. Rose, residence Indianola, enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, mustered in Sept. 16, 1861. Promoted Corporal September 16, 1861. Promoted Sergeant November 13, 1861. Promoted regt'l Q. M. Sergeant, July 14, 1862. Mustered out with regiment November 28, 1865.

2. James Hunter, was not found on the roster of the 8th., infantry.

3. Private, Volney N. Brown, residence Indianola, enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, mustered in Sept. 16, 1861. Promoted Corporal November 1, 1861. Died of disease, Nashville, Tennessee, June 7, 1863.

4. Private, Henry Davidson, residence Indianola, enlisted Oct. 24, 1861, mustered in Oct. 24, 1861, Deserted, Bowling Green, Kentucky., Aug. 16, 1862.

Kneeling.

1. Private, Lewis V. Bryan, residence Indianola, enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, mustered in Sept. 16, 1861. Promoted Corporal December 13, 1863. Re-enlisted Veteran. Discharged for disability April 19, 1865, Nashville, Tennessee.; Wounded in action Dec. 15, 1864, Nashville, Tennessee.

2. Private, Richard Russell, residence Indianola, enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, mustered in Sept. 16, 1861. Mustered out Sept. 16, 1864, Chattanooga, Tennessee.; Wounded in action Sept. 19, '63, Chicamauga, Ga.

3. Private, William L. Wendall, residence Indianola, enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, mustered in Sept. 16, 1861. Promoted Corporal September 16, 1861. Killed in action Sept. 19, 1863, Chicamauga, Ga.

4. Private, Cyrus Grant, residence Indianola, enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, mustered in Sept. 16, 1861. Promoted Corporal November 13, 1861. Died of disease, Chattanooga, Tennessee., Nov. 21, 1863.

Gen. William Larimer, Jr.

Gen William Larimer, Jr.

Birth: Oct. 14, 1809, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Death: May 16, 1875, Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas.
Burial: Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Leavenworth County Kansas.

Denver Founder. General Larimer's birthplace is within the battle-field of Gettysburg. He moved to Pittsburgh where he became a merchant, a banker, and president of a short line of railroad. Larimer was appointed to the rank of major- general of the western division of the Pennsylvania militia. Larimer came to Nebraska in 1854 and was a member of the House of Representatives of the second legislative assembly. Also, as president of the Larimer City Town Company, he filed a certificate of the claim of the site of the company, comprising about 320 acres adjacent to the present LaPlatte, Nebraska, on July 20, 1857. In 1858 he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, and in the fall of the same year he went to the Pike's Peak gold fields.

He founded the upstart Denver City by crossing cottonwood sticks at the center of a square mile town plat on November 22, 1858. Larimer chose the east side of Cherry Creek because it was higher ground and on the more accessible side of the Cherry Creek and South Platte River trails. Larimer named the newborn metropolis for James W. Denver, governor of Kansas Territory, to help ensure that it would be chosen as the county seat of what was then Arapaho County, Kansas Territory. A principal street of the city and a county bear his name in Colorado as well as an avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a county there.

In 1863, Larimer returned to Leavenworth where on August 12 became captain of Company A, Fourteenth Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry and served until the regiment was mustered out on June 25, 1865. Though his physique was stunning, he rose to no higher rank than captain. The regiment was actively engaged in frontier warfare. Captain Larimer returned to Leavenworth at the end of the war. He was a radical abolitionist before he left Pennsylvania, and he championed the cause of woman suffrage in Nebraska, for which he suffered ridicule by politicians in general and J. Sterling Morton in particular. He joined the Liberal Republican movement in 1872, and was a candidate for the office of presidential elector on the Greeley ticket. He was president of the board of trustees of the institution for the blind at Wyandotte and a member of the board of managers of the reform school at Leavenworth. (bio by: Fred Beisser)

The following information was sent to me by Wanda Gray, who is a well know historian from Arkansas.

Captain William Larimer, Jr. He was quite a 'mover and a shaker'. Came from Westmoreland County, PA, went to Nebraska, CO, and Kansas, was in all sorts of state military companies, in one held the rank of General. He raised the Third Regiment of Colorado Volunteers, and was its first Colonel. Resigned, and went back to Kansas, and after the massacre of Baxter Springs was commissioned Captain of Company A, 14th KS Cav. He was the age of about 54, when in Waldron Arkansas area in 1863.

There is a family history at www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland. I believe it is published on pages 652-657, in the History of Westmoreland County, Vol. I, Pennsylvania, by John N. Boucher, New York, 1906.

William Larimer, Jr., was born on 24 October 1808, Circleville, Westmoreland County, PA, and died, 16 May 1875, at Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas. His wife, was Rachel McMasters, married at Turtle Creek, Allegheny County, PA, on 16 Oct 1834, and had nine children.

Signed, Wanda Gray.