News Carried Fast by Relay Plan, published 10-30-1931

More tidbits from:

THE CIVIL WAR IN CARTER AND SHANNON COUNTY MISSOURI, BY J.J. CHILTON, EUNICE PENNINGTON, DAVID LEWIS, ESAU HUETT & OTHERS.

Within this book are many stories and the majority are reprints of articles written for The Current Local Newspaper-Van Buren, Carter Co., Missouri, under the byline:

TRUE OZARK TALES FROM BYGONE DAYS  By: John Jay Chilton 

News Carried Fast by Relay Plan

10-30-1931

Following the evacuation of Van Buren by the soldiers, mentioned in a former issue, conditions, so far as the citizens were concerned, grew worse.  Hatred between the two factions became intensified.  Jayhawking or robbing, increased, the mischief being done by gangs of both parties.  There were raids and counter raids, with the citizens getting the worst of it all.

The raiding grounds extended from north Arkansas to Pilot Knob and even further, both ways.  The writer, though a child at that time, knew the faces of many of them.  There were Rance Copeland[1], with a bunch from Salem in Dent County; William Monks[2] of Rolla in Phelps County; William Leeper[3] of Wayne County; Job Haley[4] of Iron County; Alexander Chilton[5] of Shannon County; Joseph Huddleston[6], with seven sons of Shannon County; John Cox[7] from Wayne County; Jake Huddleston[8] and sons, together with Devil “Dick” Beaux[9]; and Jim Sipes[10] and Joe Quigley[11] from Oregon County. (All of these gentlemen will be discussed at a later time)

The first four named, Wm. Leeper, Wm. Monks, Rance Copeland and Job Haley, were of the Federal faith; all the others were Rebels.  Each led a bunch, taking good horses and other property if it suited them, and killing men when they wished to.

The mischief was done somewhat like playing the old time prisoner’s base.  The Rebels would go through the county doing mischief of many kinds and as near to Pilot Knob as they could safely go, then turn back, and would frequently stop at a house and order dinner or a night’s lodging for the bunch.  The safe thing was to furnish it without grumbling, but the danger was not over by any means.  For instance, if they stopped at Sam Jones and John Doe, his next neighbor, was of the Federal faith, he would tell the Federals when they came in pursuit of the Rebels, that “Sam Jones is harboring the Rebels; he fed and lodged the ones you are pursuing.”  So, then if the Federals got Sam Jones it was sure death for him.  The same game was played by both parties until the close of the war.

Another thing that caused bitterness was a relay system of sending messages to the Federals at Pilot Knob.  It originated on Webb’s Creek in southwest Reynolds County.  There were several young men who were afraid to stay at home but would come home to visit their folks once in a while; and, the Federals would know it in from twenty-four to thirty-six hours.  An investigation revealed that someone of the Rebel boys  (I believe that this should be someone of the Federal boys)  would start at night and ride fifteen or twenty miles with a message that someone of the Rebels boys was in the neighborhood and deliver the message to another messenger who would carry it to another.  In this way it was relayed in a short time to Pilot Knob and a bunch of soldiers would start on a hunt for the Rebel boys.

On one drive, the Federals got a close start on Math Akins[12] and William Dixon[13].  Dixon ran the road a while and then took a path up a hill, and Akins kept the road.  The Federal captain caught up with him and ordered him to stop.  Akins checked long enough to shoot the captain, killing him instantly, and when his men came up to him they abandoned pursuit at once.

An old man by the name of Bowers[14]  was charged with formulating the relay plan and causing the trouble and after the episode above related, Math Akins went to the house of Mr. Bowers in the night and called him out.  Mr. Bowers recognized him and started to run but tangled in some grapevines; and, Akins shot him so that he died a few days later.

Andrew Chitwood[15] living in the vicinity of Ruble[16], was called out of his house in the night[17]. The visitors asked him if he had a gun.  He said no, but that Wesley Lay and Joel Dixon[18] were staying overnight with him and they had guns, so, he turned towards the house and called to the men to bring their guns out to him, and the visitors shot him, killing him instantly.  Please Boyer, Gid Boyer[19], Henry Tucker[20] and William Anthony, were charged with this.  Anthony paid the death penalty for it later; and, it is said that he was the one that shot Mr. Chitwood.  He was a single man and made his home with Andrew Latty[21] in Latty Valley, a tributary to Carter Creek, four miles southeast of Van Buren.  On one hunt for Mr. Anthony, Smith Cotton, brother-in-law to Mr. Chitwood, and Baley Smith, a nephew of Mr. Chitwood, came to the Zimri Carter home to stay overnight.  Mr. Carter, surmising their intention, sent his son Alex to Mr. Latty’s to borrow some coffee for breakfast and, incidentally, to warn Mr. Anthony to get away; so, they failed to find him that time.  A little later, however, a party of his pursuers learned that he would be at Mr. Blackwell’s[22] home on the farm now occupied by Charles Buchanan, on upper Carter Creek, on Sunday, so, they laid for him.  When he came into the yard Mrs. Blackwell[23] asked him to shoot a chicken, thus emptying his gun and making his capture an easy task.  His captors took him away in a southeasterly direction and, so far as the writer knows, no one ever saw him again.  Afterwards, his name was found cut deep in the bark of a pine tree several miles from the Blackwell home in the direction that they went, but no trace of the remains of the man was ever found.

---

[1] Corp. Ransom Copeland, 9^th/10^th MO Cav., attached to the 13^th Illinois Vol. Cav. Lived in Dent County, Missouri.

[2] William (Billy) Monks. If you don’t know who this is then you need to read his book! "A History of Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas" The editors said, “Monks was a staunch Unionist, a refugee, a federal scout, and anti-guerilla fighter, a county official, a state representative, and an officer in both Missouri and Arkansas post-war militias.”

[3] W T Leeper served as a magistrate, school teacher and occasional preacher. He was born and raised in Maury County, TN. He is found on the 1860 census in Wayne County, Missouri. He was also elected Wayne County surveyor in 1860. During the war Leeper served first as a private in the Haw Eater Scouts (Wayne County Cavalry Six Month Militia ).

When the Missouri State Militia was formed he served as captain in Co. B, 12th MSM Cav. which was later redesignated Co. L, 3rd MSM Cav. on 4 Feb. 1863. He was accused of stealing horses from the US Army. He was drummed out of the MSM in April 1864 for incompetence.

A colleague was said to have stated "'notwithstanding Capt. Leeper's shortcomings and all of that, I have to say of him, and for him, that his firm stand early in '61 for the Union done great things for the cause of the Union in Wayne and adjoining counties.' The same source referred to Leeper as being 'a little shaky in his boots' and as having 'showed the white feather' to often during the "shock of battle."

After he was drummed out of the MSM, he had to enroll in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. While serving as a private in the 68th EMM,he also did scout duty for the 7th Kansas Cav. In 1864-1865 Leeper was considered for promotion to brigadier general but settled for an appointment as colonel (as a private in the 68th EMM, Leeper continued to be referred to as 'captain').

Based upon his late-war promotion, Leeper was often referred to as colonel after the war was over.

Based on my research and History-sites message board posts written by Kirby Ross

[4] Job Haley, I am not sure I have located the correct person, if I have then Chilton was misinformed. Jobe Haley, Reynolds County, Missouri, White’s Regiment, Coleman’s Regiment.

[5] Alexander Chilton, 1842-1879. Son of Shadrach Chilton and Patsy Harvison. One of the men that would be captured in August of 1862 with his uncle Joshua Chilton. Some of the official records list him as Alec Shelton.

[6] Joseph Huddleston, I have struck out here. 

[7] John Cox, 1850 Federal Census lists: John Cox 20 Katharine Cox 22 Nancy Adams 19

[8] Jake Huddleston, The main problem with researching this family is not there is no information. There is too much information for one from outside the family to sort through. 

[9] Devil “Dick” Beaux, Devil Dick Boze was killed by a patrol of the 7th Ks. Cavalry from Pilot Knob, June 15, 1865 at the ripe old age of 27.  Devil Dick and Aleck Chilton were pards and did raise cane  with union people. Devil Dick led his own bunch of partisans from 1862 through the war.

[10] Jim Sipes:  We’ll let the union records tell you what we know of James Sipes.

Office Asst Provost marshal

Pilot Knob Mo June 20^th 1865

Statement of Sergeant J. C. Hewitt  Co D 7^th Ks Vol Cav

I went out on a scout on Tuesday the 13^th of June 1865 to Eleven Point River to search for Guerillas   Thursday the 15^th of June in morning I surprised (6) six men at Peg Huddleston’s.  these men were reported to me as Guerillas    The names of these men were: Richard Boze  Riley Huddleston Robert Roberts and George Meyers   Richared Bows was the noted Devil Dick Bows  All the men had their arms with them and were at a dancing party  As soon as I came to the house they run away from the house  I followed them with my (10) ten men and Richard Bows was then shot by George Mowry  I then took the other men prisoners.  I searched the house and found 12 saddles and also captured 12 horses.  When I arrested the men I took their arms  I remained in a camp near Huddlestons house and sent a detail of (3) three men to William Younger’s house and they took prisoners William Younger and Waid de Parks both armed with revolvers  They brought the prisoners to my camp  I then started with two guides: Robert Ships and William Adkins to Younger’s House where I found several articles of clothing belonging to Robert Ships, stolen from him around the 8^th day of June 1865.  I turned the clothing over to Ships.  I went from Younger’s House to widow Glascock’s House on the Spring Creek, about (4) four miles from Younger’s House.  Mrs. Glascock’s House was reported to me to be the headquarters and Boarding House of Guerillas.  James Sypes the brother of Mrs. Glascock gave me this information.  I examined the prisoners and obtained the following information.  All the prisoners except William Younger confessed that they belonged to the Band of Richard Bows.  William Younger told me that he had stolen (2) two Horses and that he would show them to me.  I went with him to where the Horses were and took possession of them and turned them over to the owners Ship and Adkins, citizens who were with me.  I then took the prisoners, 5 men, to Centreville and from there to Pilot Knob Mo on Monday, 19^th day of June 1865

Sergt J. C. Hewitt

Sworn to and Subscribed

Before me at Pilot Knob

This 20^th day of June 1865

Lt. & Asst. Pro. Mar

[11] Joe Quigley: This is the extent of my knowledge of Joe Quigley and his brother John Quigley.

Voluntary Statement of Edmond Faulkenberry in relation to the murder of Jacob Woolford and the part he took in it.

On Saturday, about the 24 of August 1861, James Stout and myself started from Stouts house for the “three forks of Black River.”  We had gone about a mile and a half when we meet John Busby, who told us that John Quigley and Tolbert Hunt had sent word to meet them at the “shut in”, after we had been there a few minutes, Wm H. Copeland, came then and told us to go out in the ridge to a deer “lick” about a mile and a half from where we then were.

Copeland, Stout, and myself started for the lick, when we got there we found John Quigley, Wm Wilson and EG. Clay.  Clay said that he wanted us to help him to take Jacob Woolford so that he could take him to the Southern Army; he also told us he wanted us to meet him at the “lick” on Monday and go to the mill with him to take Woolford.

We then separated with the understanding that we should meet there on Monday.  On Monday James Stout, and I again went to the “lick” upon our arrival we found Wm. H. Copeland there, we waited a short time, none of the others came, who had promised to meet us, we then got on our horses rode about a mile towards home, when we met Joseph Quigley, and Thomas Faulkenberry my brother.

One of them asked us where we were going; we replied that we were going home.  Joseph Quigley or my brother which I do not collect, told us to come back.  We then turned around and all rode back.  When we got back to the “lick” I do not recollect whether three was any one there or not except those I have mentioned.  Soon after E.G. Clay, William Wilson, John Quigley and Tolbert Hunt came.  My Brother, Thomas Faulkenberry, asked them what they intended to do.   Some one of the party replied that they intended to take Jacob Woolford and give him to the “Southern Army”.

E.G. Clay, John Quigley, Tolbert Hunt, Wm Wilson and James A. McClurg were the principal talkers and leaders at that time.  Hunt or McClurg told my brother that he must have a gun.  My brother replied that he had no use for one.  Mcclurg then told him that he could have his gun, as he McClurge, had a pistol.  My brother still insisted that he had no use for one.  We then started and traveled one and half or two miles.  Stopped and held a Consultation.  Hunt and McClurg then told my brother that he must have a gun.

Hunt made my brother take his old gun, telling him at the same time that it might not “go off” That if he did not want to use it made no difference but that he must have a gun—My brother still insisted that he had no use for a gun.  Tolbert Hunt then said, that we must have a Capt. And named John Quigley as the Captain of the party.  Tolbert Hunt was then put in the ? as a rear guard.  We then rode along the ridge to where we turned down in the head of a hollow about a half mile above the “Strauther” old field where there were some old peach trees.  When we went to the back of a field to the “Crop Woods” hitched our horses—Clay and William Wilson were left to guard them.

John Quigley told us we would go through the corn field to the hill.  We then started, went through one small field to the “Crop Woods” crossed the road and then found a man cutting wood.  This man we took prisoner, and went on through another cornfield in front of the hill.  Hunt and the two Quigley’s went into the Mill –A man jumped out of the door.  Mcclurg shot the first shot that was shot at him.  I did not know Jacob Woolford.  As well as I can tell there were four or five shots fired at him.  I do not know whether they killed Jacob Woolford or not-I only know what “Burt” Wilson told me, he said he shot and killed him that he saw him fall dead.

After they killed Woolford, they took two Union Soldiers prisoners that were in the mill at the time.  We went back pretty much  the same way we had come till we turned off to go to the house of Benj. McNail, Clay, McClurg, and one or two more went to “Bill” Wilson’s” cabin with the two prisoners, got there s? and then came back to the house of McNail.  An half an hour or so, we all started with the two soldiers for the purpose of taking them to Hardees Camp near Greenville—We had not gone far when we halted and it was agreed upon that Clay, McClurg, Stout, and myself should take the prisoners to Hardee’s Camp next morning.

The most of the party then started for the house, ? (Clay, McClurg, Stout and myself) took the two prisoners on the James Stout’s and stayed till next morning—then proceeded on with them to Hardees Camp.  I went with them about two miles beyond Centerville when I turned and came home.  The prisoners rode on horses furnished them by William Wilson and Stout. 

I went to Arkansas about the middle of January 1862 and came home near the 20^th of March.  I went to my father in laws and stayed with him awhile.  I again went to Ark. Was for the purpose of keeping out of the Militia.  I have not been enrolled.  I never desired being with the party that killed Woolford.  When “Burt Wilson” told me that he had shot Woolford. I was some distance from the Mill—he said that he shot Mr. Woolford in the heart as he came towards him.  I only saw McClurg shoot but I heard four or five reports of guns.  “Burt Wilson” had a double barrel shot gun, W.H. Copeland had a rifle, Tolbert Hunt had McClurge’s rifle and Thomas Faulkenberry had Hunts old rifle.  E.G. Clay had a shot gun, James Stout had a rifle, I had a rifle, these are all that had a hand in the killing of Mr. Woolford.

? John Quigley and “Burt Wilson” had blacked themselves with powder or something else that disguised their natural appearance.  I do not recollect that any others were black.

William Wilson was with us all day except the time he was left with Clay to guard the horses.  When the rest were gone to the Mill, and was at the horses with Clay when we got back there.

Edmund Faulkenberry

The above statement was taken by me this 5 day of December 1862.

A?

Lt Provost Marshal

Post of Pilot Knob, MO

[12] Lieut. William Mathew Akins, 1838-1877, Company C, Clardy’s Battalion.

[13] Lieut. William Douglas Dickson, 1837-1916, Company C, Clardy’s Battalion, previously served in the 3rd MO Cav. CSA, Wounded at Hartsville 11 Jan 1863. William’s brother, Hiram Dickson, served the union.

[14] Calvin Sidney Bowers, 1811-1864, lived on upper Webb Creek.

[15] Andrew Chitwood, 1817-1865, Participated as a guard on the Trail of Tears. Although, related to partisan rangers, was a not a soldier or a bushwhacker himself. Uncle to Henderson and Jonathan Chitwood, uncle to William Chitwood who was wounded at Pulliam's Farm in Ripley County and died in St. Louis from wounds. Brother-in-law to Smith W. Cotton.

[16] Ruble did not exist at the time of the civil war. It later became a train station on Webb Creek in Reynolds County, Missouri.

[17] 10 Jul 1865, date from headstone, Helvey Cemetery on Webb Creek in Reynolds County, Missouri. 

[18] Joel C Dickson, brother of William Douglas Dickson, previously had been recruited by Col. Boone, subsequently served in company H of the 4^th Cav., captured at Fredericktown in 1863, was a Pvt. in Clardy’s Battalion. 

[19] Brothers, sons of John Creed Boyer and Sarah Jane Sipe, both lived in Carter County, Missouri and Gid was a son-in-law of Daniel Huett a near neighbor of Uncle Andrew’s.

[20] Also of Carter County, married to Mary Ann Condray.

[21] A James Lattie is on the 1860 census living near Zimri Carter.

[22] Mr. Blackwell is Jesse R Blackwell after the war the Blackwell moved to Wisconsin. 

[23] Mrs. Blackwell was Selina Eleanore Latta daughter of James Andrew Latta.

A LITTLE HUMOR MIXED WITH WARS GRIM TALES -12-31-1931

More tidbits from:

THE CIVIL WAR IN CARTER AND SHANNON COUNTY MISSOURI, BY J.J. CHILTON, EUNICE PENNINGTON, DAVID LEWIS, ESAU HUETT & OTHERS.

Within this book are many stories and the majority are reprints of articles written for The Current Local Newspaper-Van Buren, Carter Co., Missouri, under the byline:

TRUE OZARK TALES FROM BYGONE DAYS  By: John Jay Chilton

One of the reasons I found this story so intriguing is what John J. Chilton tells us about Captains Farris and Carter.  Finding this passage in the book was an unexpected bonus. I had purchased the book for what it contained relative to Peter Hanger and the circumstances surrounding his death.
I already knew the identity of these gentlemen. Lucien Nester Farris and Benjamin Franklin Carter were from Reynolds County. Lucien had a farm at the mouth of Sinking Creek and Frank Carter belonged to the Carter Clan who owned and operated the large milling operation at the junction of Logan Creek and Black River.  I had already researched these gentlemen and was aware of their affiliation with each other as Captains of companies belonging to Clardy’s Battalion.
I had first learned of Clardy’s Battalion when I dug up the military records of my ancestor Jonathan Lafayette Chitwood and his brother Henderson Chitwood. They were sons of Hugh Chitwood. They lived nearby, Henderson in Reynolds and Jonathan in Shannon County. Earlier they had served with the Missouri State Guard, then in White’s Regiment, also known as the 12th Regiment Missouri Infantry, and subsequently served under Martin Clardy.




A LITTLE HUMOR MIXED WITH WARS GRIM TALES -12-31-1931

An old farmer in Wayne County in the early days of the Civil War, not caring to be bothered with useless questions, played the ignoramus on some Federal soldiers.  He was planting corn and they called him from his work and asked him several questions.  One was “Are there any Rebels about here?”  He said, “Not on this creek, but over on Rung’s Creek they have plenty of it, and when I get my corn planted I will go over and get a jug full.”  They passed him up as hopeless.

Daniel Moss, living near the present site of Piedmont in Wayne County, was of the Rebel faith.  He was too old to go to the war but he stayed in the woods much of the time as a matter of safety.  One day, a band of Federals went into the woods where they thought he might be and called, “Oh, Uncle Daniel,” several times.  He answered, “Whoopee,” and came to them.  After enjoying a good laugh at his expense they released him.

Captain Lucien Farris, and a large band of the Rebel faith, paid us a visit in November or early December 1964.  They came to Mark Moore’s home in search of a suitable campsite.  Mr. Moore and a neighbor, Robert Bolton, had fallen out a short time before this, so Mr. Moore piloted them up to the Bolton Place, but they found it not suitable; so, they came back past Mr. Moore’s place and on down to our home and pitched camp by a twelve acre field of yellow corn and yellow pumpkins.  They used the pumpkins, cut in halves, for bread trays, and the corn to feed their animals.  There was a herd of cattle feeding nearby and they selected two fat heifers belonging to Robert Taylor, and butchered them.  They stayed three days and, as there were 400 of them and 400 horses to feed, you can imagine our corn crop minus many bushels at gathering time, but it was a friendly visit, you know.  However, we had to explain to Lieutenant McHenry afterwards, as we will relate in another article. (Lieut. Henry, 7th Kansas Vol. Cav.)

On the fourth morning Captain Farris and his four companies of men mounted and rode away westward, in an opposite direction from the seat of war, and we never saw him again.

Later on that same fall, Captain Frank Carter visited us and stayed over night in a hollow where Dad had a pen of corn and some pork hogs.  Captain Carter was a Rebel friend and had a hundred men mounted, and the pen of corn showed it had been visited.  They had some port to eat, but I do not know where they got it, as they did not bother the pen of hogs.  They left in the morning going westward, away from the seat of war.  Mr. Carter was the only one that I ever recognized after the war was over.

What both confused me and excited my curiosity was that here was Capt. Farris with 400 men stopping on Current River for a few days and then when leaving “in an opposite direction from the seat of war”. This was just after the battle at Pilot Knob and the leisurely retreat of Price’s Army.  Why wasn’t Farris and his men with Price and when did he ever have 400 men.

At this point in time only 117 men had been identified as having belonged to this battalion. And part of the 117 had been counted twice. I spent a lot of time with this list of names. Many of the names were very familiar. A lot of the names matched people who had been discussed around many a campfire in hunting camps and out on the ridge-tops late at night while we were waiting for the fox hounds to come back into hearing. Most puzzling were the names that were missing. Men who had been neighbors, friends and kin of those on the list, where were they?  The stories I had been told included them, but the list didn’t.





            Little is written about Martin Clardy in the official records. The following is the only reference of which I am aware.

Title: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 48 (Part I) Page 564

MEMPHIS, TENN.,
January 17, 1865.
Col. J. H. BAKER,
Provost-Marshal- General:

COLONEL: I have been in Crittenden County, Ark., today and learn that Dick Berryman with a small part of his old command has started for Missouri. In a recent election a young man from Farmington, Mo., by name of Clardy, has been elected to Berryman’s position, and Berryman really has no command at present. I think he is going to recruit if he finds it possible to do so. I learn from the rebels that Colonel Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, has occupied Augusta, on White River, and preparations are being made to drive him out. The rebels claim they have 10,000 men scattered through this part of Arkansas, which they will endeavor to concentrate. I do not think they really have half that number effective.

Truly,
S. H. MELCHER.

           

Clardy’s Battalion was organized under General J.O. Shelby’s command in September of 1864 at the same time as the Price Raid into Missouri. Richard Webb in a deposition given during the 1867 civil trial known as Lindsey v. Price, stated that he was present when Shelby’s men came to Lucien Farris’ farm and conscripted him and about 150 other men who were assembled there for that purpose. It is my opinion, based on circumstantial evidence that the 12th Infantry disbanded prior to this event. I believe most of Dick Berryman’s command was turned over to Timothy Reeves and became part of the 15th Cav., with a small portion becoming the nucleus of Clardy’s Battalion. Richard Webb further stated that there had been a meeting held in Caledonia, after Shelby’s men had finished with burning the bridges and tearing up the rails on the Iron Mountain Railway, with orders issued to Farris to take a portion of the men back to Reynolds County and continue recruiting. Farris wasn’t alone in his recruiting mission in Reynolds County. Col. F.M. Pollock formerly of Shaler’s Arkansas Regiment was acting in conjunction with Farris and a Col. Douglas (as yet unidentified). The following statement of James Fears is rather enlightening.

Fears, James R. Deposition

Statement of James Fears of Reynolds Reb


Fears, James
Prisoner
Office Asst. Prov. Marshall
Pilot Knob, MO

Statement of James Fears:

I live in Reynolds County, Mo on about the 1st of Oct. 1864, Col. Pollock of the Rebel service and three men came to my house.  Pollock swore me into the Rebel service and ordered me to report on the next Wednesday at Charlton’s. (a family named Charlton lived nearby) Well, I did not go there.  Pollock and H. (Henderson Chitwood) and J. (Jonathan Chitwood)* Chitwood, Bill Black, and John Robinson came to my house.  Pollock ordered me to report at Centerville, I did not go.  Pollock came to my house again and ordered me to report at Henry’s on Logan Creek, I did not go.  They sent 3 men after me and compelled me to go.  They took me to Henry.  From Henry, I started in the direction of Carter’s Mill for the purpose of joining some more of the recruits for Brawley and Buford’s company.  I never reached Carters Mill.  The Federal soldiers having attacked the recruits and scattered them.  I marched with Brawley and Buford’s conscripts from a point about a mile from Carters mill through the woods until they joined Berryman’s band which, I was told, numbered some 50 or 60 men.  Brawley and Buford were the captains of the two companies recruiting for the Rebel service.  These companies numbered about 50 after they joined Berryman, their united forces were about 100 men after joining Berryman.  I marched with them down into Arkansas, they camped on the eleven point river I stayed with them four days, half of the men are unarmed.  I left them on the fourth night after they reached Eleven Point and came home.  It was about the 30th day of October when I was first taken by them. I left them on the fifth day of November of 1864 and remained at home and in the neighborhood until the 17th Day of December 1864 when I came to Pilot Knob.

James Fears

*We know from the military service record cards that Henderson and Jonathan Chitwood were members of Clardy’s Battalion.

And the following reports from the official records:
No. 61.

Report of Lieut. Samuel R. Kelley, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry.
IRONTON, Mo., October 22, 1864.

SIR: I, in command of a detachment of forty men of the Third and Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry, left Pilot Knob, Mo., on the 17th instant. Moved in the direction of Lesterville; killed several guerrillas on the way there. Crossed Black River to Logan’s Creek; moved down it to Carters Mill; then came up to Colonel Pollock, who was in command of some fifty rebels. They fired heavy for some minutes, then broke to run. We pursued them for some two miles, shooting one down every now and then. They fled in all directions, with a loss of 9 killed on the ground. I returned to Ironton, Mo. on the evening of the 21st instant, having killed 16. Turned over to the quartermaster six horses. No loss on our part.
Major, I am, your obedient servant,
SAML. R. KELLEY, First Lieut. Company L, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry.

Major MONTGOMERY, Commanding Post, Pilot Knob, Mo.
*********************************

                                                                                          Pilot Knob, MO., October 22, 1864.

Brigadier-General Ewing:

            Captain Leeper left here with ten men on Wednesday and went to Lesterville; there joined Lieutenant Kelly with thirty men of the Second and Third Missouri State Militia. On Thursday went down Black River to the mouth of Sinking Creek; thence across to Logan’s Creek. At Logan’s Creek came up behind Colonel Pollock with fifty men; followed him four miles; came up with him, charged and killed 10 men and scattered the balance. Pollock was headed south. The Scout then went down Black River fourteen miles south of Patterson. Heard of several small squads of rebels, and killed 4 more; thence returned to Pilot Knob by way of Patterson. Berryman is said to be at Ponder’s Mill, on Little Black River, on direct road from here to Pocahontas, eighty miles from this place. Three hundred rebels said to be there. Colonel Pollock is recruiting a regiment and Ponder’s Mill is his rendezvous. Thirty or forty rebels at Poplar Bluff, county seat of Butler County. Telegraph poles all up between here and Patterson. Wire down considerable. Captain Leeper picked up twenty-three men of Forty-seventh Regiment. I will send their names tomorrow.

H.H. Williams,
Major and Aide-de-Camp


Evidently Berryman and his old friends, Major Sam Hildebrand and John Highley were given similar orders to do the same in Madison County and points east.[vi]

Hugh (Hughy) Johnson lived in Madison County. He had been captured July 4th, 1863 at Vicksburg and somehow avoided going to the camp for the parolees that were waiting to be exchanged. Little is known about how he spent his time from then to August of 1864 when he joined Clardy's Battalion as a Lieut. under Martin Clardy.

Office of Provost Marshal, Fredericktown, MO, Jan 21st 1865

Statement of Thomas S Frizzel

I live in Madison County, MO about the 23rd September, 1864 five rebels came to my house they told me I must go with them., I told them I was not old enough for service, they said it made no difference that I must go anyhow. I came on to Fredericktown with them. I was sworn into Clardy’s Company. Hugh Johnson was third Lieutenant of Clardy’s Company, said Johnson is the son of Uriah Johnson who lives about 6 miles west of Fredericktown. I remained with Clardy’s Co about 3 weeks. Hugh Johnson was a Lieut. Of the Company all the time I was with them.

Thomas S. Frizzel

Sworn and Subscribed
Before at Fredericktown
This 21st day of January 1865
W C Shattuch
Lt. & Asst Pro Mar


Office of Provost Marshal, Fredericktown, MO, Jan 21st 1865

Statement of John Graham

I live in Madison County, MO. On the 17th day of Oct. 1864 I was conscripted by the rebels and placed in Capt. Clardy’s Co. Clardy’s Company was a rebel company recruited in Fredericktown and vicinity. The officers of the company were as follows, Captain Martin Clardy, 1st Lieut. William Bumbuagh, 2nd Lieut. William DeGuire, 3rd Lieut. Hugh Johnson. Hugh Johnson acted as 3rd Lieut. Of the company from the time I was conscripted until about the 16th of November when he left it, he (Johnson) told me that he had a furlough for 10 days I remained with the company nearly two months after Johnson left, I never saw him after he left the company on furlough. I heard Lt. Bumbaugh say that Hugh Johnson was a deserter.

John Graham

Sworn and Subscribed
Before at Fredericktown
This 21st day of January 1865
W C Shattuch
Lt. & Asst Pro Mar

Office of Provost Marshal, Fredericktown, MO, Feb 15th 1865

Statement of Caswell Sullivan

I live in Madison County, MO. I was sworn into a company of rebels recruited by Captain Martin L. Clardy in Fredericktown and vicinity for the rebel service. Hugh Johnson was 3rd Lieut. Of Clardy’s Company. I was sworn into the company the 25th day of September 1864

Caswell Sullivan

Witness
J H Churchman
 
Sworn and Subscribed
Before at Fredericktown
This 15th day of February1865
W C Shattuch
Lt. & Asst Pro Mar


Office of Provost Marshal, Fredericktown, MO, Feb 15th 1865

Statement of Elijah Graham  

I live in Madison County, MO. On the 11th day of Oct. 1864 I was conscripted by the rebels the next day,  Oct. 12th I was sworn into Capt. Claridy’s Company.  Claridy’s Company was a reb Co. recruited in Fredericktown and vicinity for the rebel service, the officers of the company were as follows. Captain Martin L Claridy, 1st Lieut. William Bumbuagh, 2nd Lieut. William DeGuire, 3rd Lieut. Hugh Johnson. Hugh Johnson acted as 3rd Lieut. Of the Co. until sometime in November when he left it I understood that he left on furlough. Johnson took an active part in in recruiting for the company before they left Madison County. He was instrumental in having me forced into the service.

Elijah Graham

Witness
John H. Churchman

Sworn and Subscribed
Before at Fredericktown
This 15th day of February1865
W C Shattuch
Lt. & Asst Pro Mar



An Excerpt From Sam Hildebrand’s autobiography,

Hildebrand’s  
CHAPTER 30
[Commanded the advance guard in PRICE’s raid. - The Federals burn Doniphan. - Routed them completely. - Captured some at Patterson. - Killed ALBRIGHT at Farmington. - Left PRICE’s army. - Killed four Federals. - Maj. MONTGOMERY storms Big River Mills. - Narrow escape from capture.]
  
It is not my purpose to give a history of PRICE’s raid into Missouri further than to narrate a few facts connected with my own operations.
            In September, 1864, by request, I took charge of the advance guard after all arrangements were made for the grand campaign. The dispatch that came to me, having stated that General PRICE designed taking Missouri and holding it, I felt that a great honor was conferred upon me, and was pleased beyond measure with the prospect of being once more enabled to triumph over my enemies and to peaceably establish myself at the home of my childhood, among the blissful scenes of my earlier years.
            While these day-dreams were passing through my excited imagination, I repaired to the designated point and found that my command consisted of a party of ragged Missourians, about forty in number, some of whom I knew. Keeping pace with the main body of the army, we traveled not more than fifteen miles each day. Nothing of importance occurred until we reached the town of Doniphan in Ripley County, Missouri; when, on approaching the place, we discovered large volumes of smoke arising from the town. We put spurs to our horses and hastened into the place as soon as possible; finding that the Federals in evacuating the place, had set fire to every house but one, and that belonged to a Federal officer, we concluded that it had better burn also. We arrived in time to save the mill which seemed to have burned very slowly. It appears that McNEAL’s and LEEPER’s men were on their way to burn up our Green County Confederacy, but ascertaining that PRICE was on his march for Missouri, they set fire to the town and decamped. We pursued and overtook them before they got to Greenville, had a little skirmish, lost two men killed and four wounded, captured sixteen Federals and shot them, rushed on to the town of Patterson, captured eleven negroes and seven white men in Federal uniform and shot them. While the main army advanced slowly I scouted in front of it with my command; but Federals and Union men were very scarce; I still held the advance however, passing through Greenville, Bloomfield, Fredericktown and Farmington; all of which were evacuated before our arrival, and through which I passed with my force without molesting any one with one exception. On reaching Farmington no resistance was offered; the people were somewhat alarmed, but all surrendered quietly except a German, named ALBRIGHT, who ran when we approached, refused to halt, and was shot of course.
            Finally, reaching the Iron Mountain Railroad at Mineral Point, we tore up the road, burned several bridges, and tore down the telegraph; but finding no one to kill, I left the command, according to previous agreement, and hastened to the neighborhood of my personal enemies. Finding none of them there to kill I employed myself in recruiting for the Southern army, and succeeded in the short space of six days in getting a full company, who were sworn in, and under Capt. (Robert Blackwell) HOLMES (Capt. of Co B Clardy's Battalion) went into the Southern service. While laboring for the cause of the South I was at the residence of Maj. Dick BERRYMAN at the stone house in Bogy’s Lead Mines, near Big River, with a portion of Capt. HOLMES’ men, when four Federals who had escaped from the fort at Ironton during the siege, came along the road; with but little difficulty we effected their capture, shot them and threw their bodies into a mineral hole.
The main army did not remain long in our section of the country; Gen. PRICE indeed was a great military chieftain, but his present campaign through Missouri seemed to lack design; from the time he entered the State until he left it, he garrisoned no post in the rear. Pilot Knob, the terminus of the railroad from St. Louis and the depot for supplies for all Southeast Missouri was taken, and then abandoned on the next day; he made his way to Missouri River and then up that stream in the direction of Kansas for several hundred miles without molestation whatever, leaving St. Louis, the great commercial key of the West, almost "spoiling to be taken." The great Missouri chieftain left St. Louis to his right, while the heavy force at that place were quietly taking possession of the abandoned posts in his rear. If he had joined the "Independent Bushwhacking Department of the Confederate States of America with all his men, in less than thirty days there would not have been a Federal soldier west of the Mississippi. While Maj. BERRYMAN and a few other officers stayed in St. Francois County recruiting, the main army gained the Missouri River and was quietly making a blind march in the direction of Idaho.
            The Federal forces took possession of the Iron Mountain railroad, and on one pleasant afternoon in October, our new recruits armed with their shot guns and squirrel rifles were run into by Maj. MONTGOMERY of the Sixty Missouri Cavalry and completely routed, in which their loss was seven killed and all the balance missing. MONTGOMERY also killed several citizens, whose names were FITE, VANDOVER, and Judge HAILE, the father of Irvine M. HAILE, who was previously murdered by MILK’s men.
            On the day before Maj. MONTOGMERY routed the new recruits at Big River Mills, I went with some men to Cadet on the railroad and took from the store of Mr. KELLERMAN a wagon load of goods which I delivered up to Maj. BERRYMAN, who distributed them among his men. Maj. MONTGOMERY, with two companies of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, struck our trail and followed us nearly into camp; but when he ran into the pickets they obeyed the orders I had previously given, and ran in a different direction from the camp, thereby leading the Federal away from our squad of raw recruits, and giving them time to escape. I was not at Big River Mills when MONTGOMERY stormed the place, but was at St. Joseph Lead Mines, when he passed. I was sitting on my horse talking to a lady, when the first thing that I saw of them they were within a few yards of me; I assumed an air of unconcern and continued the conversation; on discovering that they were eyeing me very closely, I turned my horse and rode within a few feet of the column in the direction they were going, talking back to the lady until I was too far off to continue the conversation. I then found myself near a lieutenant whom I addressed as captain, asking him in a very awkward manner if he was going to Big River Mills to drive the Rebels off, which he answered in the affirmative. I told him that I would like to help if I had a gun, but he told me very curtly that he wanted no men who were not drilled. My horse seemed to be a little lame and I gradually fell back, talking all the time to the man opposite me until the last one had passed. I kicked and "cussed" my horse to try to keep up but I could not do it. On getting about one hundred yards behind I availed myself of an opportunity at a turn in the road and took to the woods; the lameness of my horse was very much improved, but I could not beat them into the town; however, I knew that the pickets would lead them off some other way. They did so but were overtaken and killed at the ford above the mill pond.
            The new recruits were within hearing of the guns and "broke for tall timber." The short sojourn of the Confederate forces in Missouri was indeed a severe blow to the course I had marked out for myself. In my excited imagination I had raised the veil and looked down the vista of time, beheld the Southern arms triumphant, our country again restored to peace and prosperity, and my little family and my aged mother leaning upon my arm for support at the old homestead, surrounded by all the endearments of our once happy days. But I was awakened from my dream by the unhappy termination of PRICE’s raid; it impressed my mind very forcibly with the fact that the people of Missouri were tired of the war and would sacrifice but little more at the shrine of their political convictions. In fact a large majority of them were compelled by circumstance beyond their control to remain at home and take their chances. The atrocities committed in their midst by men professing Union sentiments finally failed to elicit from them a casual remark.
            When the war began, the American people were untutored in regard to the cruelties of war; in fact, I am inclined to the opinion that there was not a nation upon earth which had formed the most remote conception of the cruelties of the American people, with all their boasted moral and religious training. Even the words of political bias expressed in times of peace, many years before the war commenced, while yet almost the whole nation was of the same opinion, were treasured up and resurrected against certain citizens, for which their lives were taken.
            From a contemplation of this unwelcome subject I turned my mind, and through my native woods I traveled alone to my home in Arkansas, with my fond hopes crushed, and my spirits below zero.





Title: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 41 (Part I) Page 456


HDQRS, SECOND BATTLN SIXTH CAV. Missouri VOLS
De Soto, Mo., October 8, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I left camp at this place at 5 p. m. on the 6th instant, with 200 Men, for Potosi. After proceeding about ten miles learned there was a party of rebels between Lawson and Cadet Stations. I changed my course and marched for Cadet Station, which had not been burned as reported to me, but the stores were robbed and Mr. Marr carried off a conscript. I took their trail from that place and followed them to Tyler’s Mills, on Big River, where I found a camp of 300 under Dick Berryman and the notorious Sam. Hildebrand. Attacked their camp, scattering them in confusion in all directions, killing 21; number of wounded unknown; took 1 prisoner, belonging to Marmaduke’s Division and recaptured Mr. Marr who is a brother of Capt. James Marr of the First Missouri Artillery. My loss, 1 man severely wounded through the breast. A portion of the party were the same that were driven from Richwood’s on the morning of the 4th instant by Captain Russell. They had with them eleven who were wounded at that place. There was a large number of the citizens of that neighborhood present who were on very intimate and friendly terms with the rebels, still they were loud in their professions of loyalty upon our arrival. Prominent among them was a Mr. Simms, who has been buying horses for the Government for the past year; also Judge Ransom. I followed them to within eight miles of Farmington, when they became so scattered I could pursue them no farther. I learned there was no force at either Farmington or Pilot Knob, except hospital attendants at the latter place.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. MONTGOMERY, Major, Comdg. Second Battalion, Sixth Cav. Missouri Vols.



The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 41 (Part I) Page 883

OCTOBER 9, 1864.--Scout in Saint Francois County, Mo., with skirmishes.

Report of Brig. Gen. Madison Miller, Enrolled Missouri Militia.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD SUB-DISTRICT, In Field, October 9, 1864, 9.50 a.m.

COLONEL: A scout under Major Montgomery returned last evening to De Soto from a scout in Saint Francois County, broke up a rebel camp of 300 under the guerrilla chiefs Dick Berryman and Sam______ and killing 21, capturing 1. Can you send me a map of my district? I want one very much.

MADISON MILLER,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.

Col. J. V. DU Bois,
Chief of Staff.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Statement of William Bone Citizen of Iron Co MO

            I was on my way to Illinois when near Mineral Point, Washington Co, MO, I ran into a lot of Shelby’s men and was taken prisoner by them to Potosi and from there went to Union City. I was placed under charge of Martin Clardy of Fredericktown, Madison County MO. He then joined Dick Berryman and took me with them to Big River, where the federal troops overtook us and whipped us and killed 13 of our number and dispersing us. I went off from there on a march with Berryman and Clardy. From there we went to Farmington St. François County, stopped there three days from there went to Fredericktown. Stopped there 2 or 3 days and from there went to Ponders Mill on the Little Black River. Stayed there 2 or 3 days and from there went to Current River and strayed there one week. And from there to the Eleven Point; Stopped there about one week. Then I was transferred to Parson Pratt’s Company of Confederate Soldiers I stayed with Pratt about one month. I had arms part of the time we had no pickets out. I was not under guard since Berryman left us about one month before I deserted them. I was taken prisoner the 28th day of September 1864. I was sworn into the service when I was taken prisoner on the 28th of September 1864. When I deserted I brought my arms back with me, a single barrel pistol and an Austrian rifle.

(Signed)
William Bone


Statement of John B. Wadlow a citizen of Reynolds Co. MO.

           I was taken from home about the last of Sept. 1864 by the Rebel Col. Douglas’s then to the house Jim Smith about a half mile from my house.  The Rebs swore me into the service.  And ordered to report to Lesterville the next day (4 miles).  I reported and Col. D. told me to come again in 2 or three days which I did.  I went off with Col. Pollack south.  It was five or six days from when I was first taken or conscripted until I left with Col. Pollack.  When we left with Pollack, we went to Current River and from there went down to Eleven Point River and struck the Mississippi River at Malones*, nine miles above Memphis on the Arkansas side.  We stopped at Malones about six weeks and left there on account of the soldiers at Memphis who ran us off.  We then went 15 miles below Memphis where I left them on the 18th of January, and got home about the 1st of February 1865 and came into Pilot Knob and gave ourselves up on the 11th to the Pro. Mar.
                                               John B. Wadlow
                                               Charles C. Wadlow

Subscribed before me this 19th day of March, 1865 at Pilot Knob, MO.



*Crittenden County, Arkansas. See S. H. MELCHER Report on page 6.

Statement of Charles C. Wadlow a citizen of Reynolds Co., MO

           Col. Pollack, of the Rebel Army and two others (Rebels) came to Mr. Wilson’s house in Reynolds Co. and as I was passing the house they met me in the road and swore me in and ordered me to report in Centerville in two days.  That is six miles from where I was conscripted.  I reported there and we organized and then I was furloughed six days.  And met again at Centerville and marched for Current River where I met with my brother John B. Wadlow.  The rest of my statement is like his, as we were together the rest of the time.

                                               Charles C. Wadlow


Subscribed before me this 10th  day of March, 1865 at Pilot Knob, MO.
P. F. Lonergan
Capt. Asst. Pro. Mar.


SOS, PM, 2 or more citizens, Roll 1621, file #11819

Paschal Boyer’s Sworn Statement
Paschal Boyer Citizen of Ste. Genevieve County Missouri, living near Punjaub Post Office, Mo about 20 miles from... the City of Ste. Genevieve Mo – being duly sworn, states, on the 30th day of September, 1864, I was at the store at Punjaub – Sam. Hildebrant, Bob Highly, Bob Grady, Theodore Tonsvin (Theodule L Rousin) And other rebel guerillas, came to said store, robbed said store belonging to J. B. Robbins a loyal man, and they pressed me in the rebel service. I tried to get away from them, but they guarded me and I could not get away. They took me along with them, through the settlements stealing horses and pressing men, until we got to the store house of Charles Lawrence on the Potosi Road about seven miles from Ste. Genevieve MO – (this was about? the next day, Oct. 1st, 1864. They took corn out of the fields & fed their horses – when we got to Charles Lawrence’s store, we numbered (the word ‘about’ crossed out) between 40 and 50 men – guerillas & pressed men – the guerillas numbered about 8 men, and the balance was all pressed men, conscription volunteers. Near said storehouse, at the blacksmith shop, Bob Grady ordered the men to form a line to organize a company – an election of officers took place, Bob Grady, guerilla, ran for Captain against J. B. Benham Capt – of Ste. Genevieve County, EMM (Enrolled Missouri Militia) Benham was elected. I voted for Benham, - Theodore Aubuchon was elected 1st Lieut., and Theodule L Rousin, Rebel guerilla, & Peter Aubuchon new (Other records have it spelled Oubuchon) Elected Lieutenant, but I don’t know (word crossed out) who was 2nd or 3rd Lieutenant. I voted for the other officers of the company) – after the election was over, Hildebrant, Bob Grady, Bob Highly, and three or four of their gang left, and Capt. Benham marched the company to the farm of Old Gremminger? A German, subsistence was pressed for the men and forage for the horses. I heard that horses were taken from said Gremminger, and from other citizens on the road. Part of the men went to old man Weisen’s? and also pressed supper for themselves & feed for the horses, from then/their? ____t in to the Establishment Creek and that night I went home – a good many staid there all night (word crossed out) with Captain Benham commanding and Theodore Rousin Rebel Guerilla as 2nd Lieutenant –
This is the County of Ste. Genevieve Mo, the 1st day of October 1864. –
Sworn and Subscribed to this 24th day of Oct, 1864,
Paschal ( x his mark) Boyer
Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 24th day of October 1864 G. St. Gem Capt. & Asst. Pro. Marshall? 8th? L___ District of St Louis District

---

ADDED INFORMAION, 23 July 2011

HEADQUARTERS THIRD SUB DISTRICT,

                                                            Pilot Knob, November 19, 1864

       Brig, Gen. Thomas Ewing, Jr.,

       Commanding Saint Louis District:

                GENERAL : I have the honor to transmit a report of the strength and condition of the enemy in area about the Third Sub-District of Saint Louis. I have reliable information that Dick Berryman is encamped on Eleven Points River with about 200 men, badly armed, and have but little ammunition. Deserters are coming: in rapidly from Prices army, and report that about 2000 conscripts are on their way back to different parts of Missouri, The expedition sent from (Cape Girardeau  and this place 1 think will effectually disperse the rebel band of Dick Berryman  and other small squads in Southeast Missouri. Most of the deserters in my opinion abandoned Price as soon as they found he would not be able to hold the State. A guerrilla chief by the name of Charles Polk infests the southern part of  Madison County.  This force is reported to be about sixty strong. I have no very reliable information concerning his whereabouts, but have instructed tie commanding officer at Fredericktown to look after him.

         I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                                           A. W. MAUPIN

                                                                          Lieut. Col 47th Mo. Infty. Vols.. Comdg. 3d

                                                                          Sub-Dist. of St. Louis.

        P. S.— I have just received pretty reliable information that the different bands of guerrillas and bushwhackers in the southeast portion of the State and the northern part of Arkansas are preparing to go to Texas, probably to join Price, who is said to be moving in the direction of Red River. Dick Berryman is also reported to be on his way thither.

Pilot Knob,

                                                                            January 8, 1865

                 Col. H. M. Hiller

                 (Care of headquarters Saint Louis District.)

                 Captain Lonergan has pretty reliable information that Parson Pratt and Lieutenant Chitwood with about forty rebels are rendezvousing and conscripting at the forks of Logan's Creek, in Reynolds County. We have not hardly men enough here to look after these brigands.

                                                              G. D. O.  KELLERMAN,

                                                              Acting Adjutant Assistant-General121