Welcome to quantrillsguerrillas.com the most comprehensive resource for all things related to William Clarke Quantrill and the men who rode with him.

The history of guerrilla warfare is as old as civilization itself. When Caesar’s renowned Roman legions invaded Gaul they found that their best defensive option was utilizing guerrilla tactics. The utilization of guerrilla warfare is as American as "Apple Pie." During the American Revolution as British soldiers made their way in massed formations along the narrow dirt roads of New England, bands of citizen soldiers took a huge toll on their numbers demoralizing their morale by constantly harassing them.

This type of training carried down to the unorthodox method of fighting employed during the War of 1812 where the battle was won by the individual skill and courage of the citizen soldier. Despite the fact that the Mexican-American War is now perceived to be largely a conventional conflict that utilized established European style tactics, the Texas Rangers engaged the Mexican guerrillas “fighting fire with fire” as the American forces made their way into the heart of Mexico. Additionally General Taylor’s army of occupation in Northern Mexico encountered considerable opposition from a Mexican insurgency.

Quantrill’s guerrillas were born during the skirmishes and battles that were created during the conflict known as the Border Wars. Quantrill developed a fighting force of partisan rangers, which came to be known as Quantrill’s Guerrillas that are unrivaled in the world today. Their legacy included not only their fighting prowess but also their character and personal experiences that made them unique as combat soldiers.

Unfortunately the legacy of Quantrill and his command has been subjected to vicious campaign to misrepresent these brave and skillful warriors as barbarians and savages, who indiscrimatley enacted their deadly revenge upon hapless non-combatants and the saintly boys in blue alike. Today their greatest military achievement is routinely portrayed as an unprovoked act of terrorism against an non-military target. Quantrillsguerrillas.com was founded to help right this wrong.

Our mission as quantrillsguerrillas.com is to promote the study and understanding of Colonel William Clarke Quantrill and the men who rode with him, providing sound historical information and interpretation of the basis, events, people, and consequences of the Missouri-Kansas Border War.

We will promote and commemorate Southern heritage and education by advancing the awareness of the contributions of the Missouri Confederate partisan service through awards and scholarships in art, literature and music. We will cooperate with other Southern organizations to perpetuate Southern events, and support the preservation of Civil War battlefields, sites, artifacts and cemeteries pertaining to William Clarke Quantrill and his men. We accept the guardianship of the history surrounding these men.

When you join quantrillsguerrillas.com you can chat with award winning authors, noted researchers, and renowned collectors. Chat in real time via our member’s forum or receive a timely response to your comments via e-mail.

When you join quantrillsguerrillas.com you will enjoy ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE THE WORLDS LARGEST ON-LINE DISPLAY OF ORIGINAL QUANTRILL RELATED ARTIFACTS. Scores of rare and priceless relics from multiple private collections are already on display; and new items will be added on a regular basis.

At quantrillsguerrillas.com you will find all the Quantrill related items currently making news in one easy to read forum.

Once you are inside quantrillsguerrillas.com you will find information related to on-going efforts to preserve Quantrill related historic sites and promote public education of the Missouri-Kansas Border conflict.

Only at quantrillsguerrillas.com you can have your original relics and artifacts appraised by licensed and certified appraisers who are subject matter experts.

You can also arrange for a qualified subject matter expert to conduct a public presentation in various locations across the country.

Though quantrillsguerrillas.com is a PRIVATE WEBSITE where registration is required and membership is approved we welcome new members who share similar goals.

We invite you to register FREE OF CHARGE and browse our new website. If you are interested in joining or learning more please read our Mission Statement by clicking on the “READ MORE” link.

If you are ready to join our rank, simply click on the "REGISTER NOW" button in the top left hand corner, and follow the simple instructions.

Please bear in mind that the activation of your membership requires human interaction from both parties. Once you submit a request to join we will review and take action on your request as soon as possible.
However if you submit your request late at night or on legal holidays, there may be a delay in our response. Then the final step is for you to respond to the request we send you, once we receive your response we will activate your membership.

If you want to get a better idea of what we are all about, continue reading the news stories located on our front page. There are thirty articles per page, and multiple pages of news. To access the next pages of the news, click on the numbers located on the right hand side of the bottom of each page.

NOTE: If you click on the title of any article twice, it will center the article and a third click will enlarge it making it easier to read.

If you have decided that this isn't your cup of tea, we thank you for visiting quantrillsguerrillas.com.

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How many people can say they have heard an authentic Rebel Yell? To our knowledge this is the only surviving example of the Rebel Yell given by one of the 140,000 Tar Heels who defended the state of North Carolina. We encourage you to listen to this voice from the past, read the see information below to learn of the man behind the voice and understand how this audio treasure came to be recorded for posterity.

Below is an image of Pvt. Thomas N. Alexander of the 37th North Carolina Infantry Company I.



Click on a links below to hear the Rebel Yell. It takes a few seconds to download, please be patient it is well worth the wait:

Here is the short recording lasting 11 seconds.
http://www.26nc.org/History/Rebel-Yell/Sound-Files/RebelYell_s.wav

Here is the long recording lasting 26 seconds
http://www.26nc.org/History/Rebel-Yell/Sound-Files/RebelYell_l.wav

The information in the North Carolina Soldiers book series tracing the history of Tar Heels in The War Between The States are confusing on this old soldier because there appears to have been four different Thomas Alexanders with four different middle initials in four different companies of the 37th North Carolina Regiment. Based on family stories and newspaper accounts of the enlistment of this Thomas N. Alexander, it seems that the North Carolina series could have mixed the biographies because of the four men sharing the same name in one regiment.

This Thomas N. Alexander of Co. I was reported in newspapers to have joined in Charlotte in Feb. 1862 though the North Carolina Soldiers book shows him joining in 1864 at Liberty Mills, near Orange, Va. (perhaps rejoining after a furlough?). The book says Thomas N. of Co. I suffered an unspecified wound at Fusel's Mill in 1864, while Thomas R. of Co. C was wounded in the leg at Gettysburg. Thomas N.'s obituary reports that he was wounded in the leg in 1864. Thomas N. Alexander lived to be 95 years old and was quite active in the Sons of Confederate Veterans up until the time of his death in 1940, the last surviving Mecklenburg County veteran of the war.

The audio files accompanying this page were recorded by the general manager of WBT radio at a Sons of Confederate Veterans meeting in 1935 when Alexander was 90 years old. The interviewer spends several minutes with Alexander asking for the history of the Rebel Yell. Alexander, whose age makes it hard to understand him, replies that he first heard the yell at "Cold Harbor", apparently meaning the 1862 Seven Days Battle of Gaines Mill, which was sometimes called First Cold Harbor, which was his first battle. Alexander then says whenever the Yankees heard the Rebel Yell, "they would fly," meaning run away. The interviewer then asks all of the veterans in attendance to give the yell. They give several, controlled monosyllabic calls. Apparently, at some point later in the meeting, perhaps in a more private room as the sound quality seems to improve, the interviewer asks Alexander to give his own version of the yell.

We are grateful to Mr. J.B. Joye of Belmont, N.C. for providing us with a tape of his grandfather's voice and thanks to Pvt. Ken Curtis of Co. E of the 26th NCT Reactivated for recognizing the historical importance of the tape.

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Remember: We share our front page news with non-members. There are thirty articles per page, and multiple pages of news. To access the next pages of the news, click on the numbers located on the right hand side of the bottom of each page. If you click on the title of any article twice, it will center the article and a third click will enlarge it making it easier to read. Thanks again for visiting quantrillsguerrillas.com.






ATTENTION: Due to recent changes by our provider we must make some technical modifications to our website. Therefore effective 07/20/11 we have temporarily halted the acceptance of new members, and we won’t be adding any new content until the upgrades are completed. When we return there will be new images and never before published articles waiting to be viewed, plus new surprises so make sure to bookmark our site and to visit us at least once a week. We apologize for any inconvenience encountered, and we will do our best to ensure our hiatus is a short one. Thank you for your patience and understanding, the administrative board of quantrillsguerrillas.com.

The Board of Directors of quantrillsguerrillas.com takes great pride in being able to bring new and exciting historical perspectives and Civil War era photographs for our member's enjoyment. Besides our mission of promoting the study and understanding of William Clarke Quantrill and the men who rode with him, we are united in our effort to promote and commemorate Southern heritage and education by advancing the awareness of the contributions of the Missouri Confederate partisan service by supporting the preservation of Civil War battlefields, sites, artifacts and cemeteries pertaining to William Clarke Quantrill and his men.

In keeping with our sacred trust we take this opportunity to provide a complete and comprehensive study compiled in a new small booklet about a very small, but extremely unique burying ground that holds the earthly remains of four of Quantrill's soldiers and two of the five bodies of the murdered Southern girls from the August 1863 Union jail collapse in Kansas City. Gathered in this booklet are true life stories of the lives, and sometimes tragic deaths, of the people buried in the historic Davis-Smith Cemetery in Jackson County, Missouri.

Over the course of time their gravestones have been vandalized, stolen and moved by criminals and unscrupulous individuals until nothing remains but a memory. The earthly remains of the 30 persons buried here go unnoticed and unmarked soon to disappear by the uncaring hand of urbanization. Our desire is that the awareness in the lives of the people buried here will bring a cry for recognition to this important cemetery that has been discarded by time. Hopefully, our members and readers will join us in working together to have this cemetery preserved in-tact, marked and recognized as a historically significant site.

For those who wish to discover more about this important Civil War site the booklet entitled, LOST SOULS OF THE LOST TOWNSHIP can be purchased through amazon.com or by contacting the Jackson County Historical Society of Missouri.

Below is the booklet which features the haunting image of haunting image of Nancy Elizabeth Ellen (Harris) McCorkle and Charity (McCorkle) Kerr.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2087 of Mayfield Heights Ohio is holding this years memorial service for Colonel William Clarke on July 30th, 2011. The service begins at 1:00 PM at the 4TH Street cemetery in Dover, Ohio. On July 31th, 2011 at camp #2087 will install "Southern Cross of Honor" plaques on the grave of Richard Glasscock and Clarke Hockensmith. Both men were killed on May 10th, 1865 at Wakefield Kentucky alongside their beloved commander. This service will also commence at 1:00 Pm and it will be held at the Maple Grove cemetery, in Bloomfield Kentucky. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Below is the crest of our good friends Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2087. We appreciate everything they do for the cause.

Below is there logo and there are images of all three Confederate hero's in the article located farther down in this new section.



Here is a link to their impressive website. We also have another link inside our members only site.

http://www.quantrillsraidersscvcamp.com

Although there is no denying the fact that every moment we are alive on this planet is a blessing as well as a curse, in every culture, country and civilization, certain dates are designated as having monumental importance for which an religion, government, group and or individuals have deemed warrants celebration. Today these dates are known as holidays. The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg which means a HOLY DAY.

Among all the holidays both official and undeclared, May 1st also known as "May Day", is perhaps the most interesting. The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times; such as the festival of Flora the Roman Goddess of flowers, and the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. Many of these pagan celebrations were abandoned or later incorporated into the Christian celebrations. Not only is May 1st associated with the celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is also observed as a secular celebration featuring dancing around the Maypole, and the crowing of the Queen of May. May 1st is a date cursed by some and revered by others because on this date in 1776 the Illuminati were formed in Ingolstadt Bavaria by the former Catholic Adam Weishaupt. Ironically May 1st is also synonymous with another holiday that provokes similar mercurial reactions for "May Day" is also observed as the International Workers Day or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organized by communists, anarchists, socialists, and activist groups.

It is my pleasure to announce that henceforth May 1, 2011 will be known as a monumental day to anyone who is a devotee of truth and or a disciple of justice. It will be a holiday for historians, researchers, collectors, and relatives of all brave and noble followers of the Southern cause especially our fellow Quantrillians. For today May 1st, 2011, is the day that Emory Cantey Jr. has chosen to share with the world one of the most incredible photographic collections ever uncovered on any subject. Moreover Mr. Cantey is sharing these rare and previously unpublished images with the world free of charge. There will be those Yankee apologists who will attempt to discredited it's historical importance. There will be those naysayers who will want to defile the authenticity of the collection because it doesn't agree with their preconceived Hollywood driven fantasies. There will be those who avoid it altogether because the subject matter is deemed politically incorrect. Others will continue to do what they have done for more than 160 years, which is murder the truth, pillage justice and rape the memories of our fallen Heroes. Those so inclined be forewarned. "We are guerrillas, rough men accustomed to rough ways. We never give up, we never retreat, we never surrender."

It is our privilege to be associated with this remarkable collector and historian and his unparalleled collection. Simply click on the link below and be connected to the Cantey-Myers collection, and don't forget to bookmark it. Thank you Emory Cantey, Jr. for continuing to lead the way. Patrick Marquis on behalf of Quantrillguerrillas.com


"It gives me great pleasure to finally begin to share with the public the personal Missouri guerrilla image collection of August Myers. Myers was a Quantrill guerrilla and the designated archivist of the Missouri guerrilla and partisan ranger groups in Missouri during the Civil War. His father-in-law was E. A. Baldwin who was the accepted photographer of both the Confederate and Union sides in Missouri during the war and he operated out of his traveling photography saloon wagon. The collection was accumulated between the 1850 to 1900 period by Gus Myers and, later, with his son George Myers, Senior. It remained in sealed crates, documented by a handwritten collection journal, for over 70 years until its purchase process was agreed on between the Myers family and Emory Cantey, Jr. beginning in 2007." Emory Cantey, Jr.


Below is an extremely rare image of three Quantrill men, from left to right: Gabriel Parr, John Thrailkill, and Anthony West which was taken in winter, 1863. Gabriel C Parr was born in Danville Kentucky on April 19, 1948, he died on June 9, 1919 in Independence Missouri. He was sixteen when he joined Quantrill and fought at the first battle of Independence August 11, 1862. After the war he was a deputy sheriff of Jackson County and he attended numerous Quantrill reunions. John Thrailkill served as a Captain under Quantrill and a Major under C. C. Thorton in Shelby. John fought at Centralia, 09/27/64, after the war he went to Mexico with Shelby. Anthony West served under Thrailkill, and he also headed for Mexico after the war with Thrailkill and Shelby. This is just one of the hundreds of images you will find at our sister website: www.canteymyerscollection.com. You're only one click away so don't delay.

QUANTRILL AT LAWRENCE

A new book by Paul R. Petersen uncovers a legacy of lies.


At last the truth has been told. The raid on Lawrence, Kansas on August 21, 1863 has long been censured as one of the worst atrocities during the Civil War. For over 150 years the men who took part in the raid have been condemned and chastised for their role in this so called tragedy. Much to the chagrin of Southern loyalists the raid was misunderstood and inaccurately reported. Whenever the story has been told omitted are the underlying reasons that caused the raid. Never before has an honest accounting been given. Since the Civil War Northerners in their hatred and malice towards Quantrill have attempted to revise history but the truth has proven to be inviolate.

Now for the first time an accurate portrayal describes who was responsible and in what kind of environment produced the hatred that caused over 400 men and boys as young as 12 years old to ride over 90 miles through enemy infested territory to strike at a town filled with what the Northern press has always claimed were peaceable, unarmed civilians. Quantrill's raid on Lawrence was soon recorded as the most daring and successful light cavalry expedition of the entire Civil War.

With powerful and telling portraits, Petersen brings the personalities of the border to life. The terror and devastation of total war brought to the border counties of Missouri by Kansans such as James Lane , Charles Jennison, Daniel Anthony and George Hoyt caused every Southern man and boy old enough to carry a gun to join Quantrill on his raid to Lawrence . They came for revenge and for retaliation to bring an equilibrium to the border conflict that was terrible to behold.

In "Quantrill at Lawrence" the personalities and actions that were the catalyst for the raid are explored and researched in-depth for the very first time. What is discovered is a “legacy of lies” that surrounded the stories emulating from the Lawrence raid and thus becomes a surprising addition to the Quantrill myth. The references are largely taken from Kansas records admitting their perfidy, corruption and criminal behavior.

"Quantrill at Lawrence" brings a complex pattern of events into clear focus, identifies the personalities involved and quotes memorably from firsthand accounts giving a clear understanding of the temper of the times. This book is the only account explaining the causes, reasoning and justification for the 1863 Lawrence raid. It is the first time a complete story has been written using accounts by both the victims and the raiders. Facts that earlier historians have intentionally omitted have been included. This book will undoubtedly be controversial due to the fact that there has always been only one accepted view of the Lawrence raid. There will be those who will be surprised at finally learning the truth, and those that will have a difficult time accepting it.

Napoleon said it best, "History is a lie, agreed upon." Not so strangely, is that all previous books covering the Lawrence raid were written by Kansas writers learning their "facts" in Kansas classrooms and all agreeing on the same view about the Lawrence raid. Albert Castel, author of William Clarke Quantrill - His Life and Times was born in Wichita, Kansas and educated at Wichita University. William C. Pollard, Jr., author of Dark Friday, was educated at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and Thomas Goodrich, author of Bloody Dawn, is a native of Lawrence, Kansas and educated at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

This book is intended for anyone interested in reading the genre of military history or those interested in a biography of one of the Civil War period's most colorful characters. Even those interested in stories of the Wild West era will find that the men who made names for themselves during the turbulent gunfighter days of the Wild West learned their style and methods while riding with William Clarke Quantrill.

I feel this book will broaden the area of Civil War knowledge by increasing the awareness of the true story behind the August 21, 1863 Lawrence raid. It is also a study of one man’s personal military leadership that earned him the reputation as the unsurpassed guerrilla leader of all time.

Editors Note: On the 150TH anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter we are honored and pleased to be the first to officially announce that “legacy of lies” that surrounded the stories emulating from the Lawrence raid are uncovered in an exciting and ground breaking book written by Paul R. Petersen.

The book is due out May 1st, and you can pre-order NOW at amazon.com and save $10.00. Don't miss the chance to be among the first people to own this monumental work. Amaze Jayhawers, Redlegs and Yankee apologists with your knowledge of their infamous and illegal actions taken against Missouri civilians.

This is the third book Mr. Petersen has written about Colonel William Clarke Quantrill. If you don't already own a copy of "Quantrill of Missouri," and "Quantrill in Texas," then get on your horse and grab a copy of ALL THREE. There is NO REASON TO READ ANY OTHER BOOKS ABOUT QUANTRILL, UNLESS YOU ENJOY READING TAINTED YANKEE FANTASY.

Here is an image published in 1863 of the ruins of Lawrence Kansas. Thanks to member Patrick Marquis for this submission.

Below are some of the numerous reviews of Paul R. Petersen's newest book, Quantrill at Lawrence. If these aren't enough to convince you to buy the book, then you must be a Yankee apologist. Members we a holding a poll to see which review you like the best, enter the site and register your vote!. ENJOY!!

By D. M. Harrell: A powerful part three of the Quantrill trilogy

"Quantrill at Lawrence" is a powerful book. I like how Mr. Petersen used the words of the Kansans to make his case that Lawrence was not the unarmed and innocent city that most histories claim. He uses newspaper articles from Kansas papers of the day plus accounts from letters written by citizens of Lawrence to show them confessing to their guilt.

The book shows that the people of Lawrence were in the military whether with the Jayhawker units or in the local militia. Many thousands of dollars in stolen Missouri goods taken by Jayhawkers were sold in Lawrence with the full knowledge of the buyers of their origin. Frustrated and angry Missourians banded together to protect their property and right the wrongs done to them. The raid on Lawrence was the ultimate revenge. Mr. Petersen goes into great depth to show the raid was conducted as a military operation with specific targets in mind.

As a person who has studied this subject for more than 30 years, I commend Mr. Petersen with writing a fresh and vivid account of the dark history of Kansas and Missouri. I saw no glaring historical errors. There are more than 20 pages of footnotes plus a long and varied bibliography. If I have any criticism of the book, it would be of not including the escape of Quantrill's men from Kansas. It was a long trek with thousands of Kansans following behind them plus the terrible aftermath of killings of innocent Missourians and the harsh response of Order #11.

I recommend all three of Mr. Petersen's books to anyone wanting to know about the Civil War of the Border states of Missouri and Kansas.

By Charlie: "War is Hell"

Why is it when facts contrary to popular history people with closed minds get rattled? Mr. Petersen provides 24 full pages of notes, citing his sources and 12 pages of books and articles in the book's selected bibliography. This is more than any other published author or historian has provided with a contrary perspective of Quantrill's raid on the hate filled hornets nest known as Lawrence.

Those that feel opinions such Mack, Marquis and Cantey (see other reviews) are "revisionist" are correct. They are in the sense revising a historical record of a perpetrated lie. What is wrong when little known facts are discovered, compiled, studied then published by honest people such Mr. Petersen? Through the well documented facts offered in Petersen's book, which violently collide with the inaccurate versions handed down for generations, only an intellectually honest individual will reconsider what they believe they know and engage the story Petersen has uncovered. It is my opinion Petersen revealed a story far closer to the truth of this incident and this period of American history than has been published before.

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman said, "War is Hell". He ought to know because he destroyed more homes, businesses, farms and lives across three states than William Quantrill and his men did in the town of Lawrence, Kansas. Quantrill's actions, as justifiable as any in the war, pale in comparison of the criminal actions of General Jim Lane, Jim Montgomery, Colonel Charles Jennison, Major Josiah Miller. What these men and others did against innocent families and businesses in Missouri created the atmosphere of fear, sorrow, hate and revenge. A point that goes unnoticed to most.

Petersen's books and those of other authors such as Thomas DiLorenzo should be required reading by every high school student and every college student majoring in U.S. history.


By Texasruffian: Captain Quantrill

Excellent work, Mr. Petersen sets forth the truth, what we do not see in the public school system nor in general history books, Captain Quantrill was a man of honor not a deviate low life the other side would like us to believe, he loved his people he loved his men and he loved fighting for them, he was no coward and thief as many try to portray him, he never sent a man to do something he would not himself do and he always stood in front of the battle never behind any man. Lawrence was not just a shot in the night it was a reaction to what happened to his people and family members to some of his men, it was not useless or meaningless and just something out of sheer cruelty, humans do not hate for no reason humans do not act out such measures for no reason, these men behaved out of pure emotion, reasonable emotion and it is high time the true story be told, like it or not IT MUST BE TOLD!!!! R.I.P. Captain Quantrill & Men!

By Claiborne Scholl Nappier: The Secret of Gold

Paul Petersens book, "Quantrill at Lawrence: The Untold Story" is the most refreshing boldest and factual offerings on the subject of Quantrill at Lawrence I ever hoped someone would offer. I am a 6th generation Missourian and a direct decendant of George Thomas Scholl and his brother Daniel Boone Scholl, both whom rode with Quantrill. So..please know if anything from my personal review of Mr. Petersens book it has been extensively researched and honorably offering finally the truth..the good, the bad and the ugly. I can assure any doubters of the authentic research and offers of this book that this book right on target. In this readers opinion Paul has gone further than any previous authors on the subject of Quantrill..good or bad he has told the truth..which is refreshing to me as a son of Missouri. I have read some critics negitive reviews and find them completely without merit or fact. Which by the way is probably the reason a book of this significance has not been written until Paul Petersen. He researched the facts and truth and despite what he may have not liked about it....wrote it for all to share in. The truth is almost always a hard pill to swallow..but he has hit the nail on the head from front cover to back cover. Thanks Paul for ringing the bell of truth in your book and congratulations and thank you sincerely.

By Major Rick Lee Mack: Best Quantrill book ever written. Research is A+

Paul Peterson's book (this one, and others he has written about Quantrill), contain some of the best research I have seen. These high tone arm chair "historians" who put it down don't have a clue. Paul has travled thousands of miles to find the true facts of where Quantrill's men were, and what they did. I have spent over 55 years as a student of Quantrill and have been to many of the places mentioned in Paul's books. His facts are true. Matt Matthews did NOT write a review of Peterson's book. He wrote a personal attack on Paul Peterson. You know, I think it needs to be said again. Matthews did not write a review of "Quantrill at Lawrence." He wrote a personal attack about its author. Shame! This so-called "review" is trite and totally worthless. I don't give the Peterson book 5 stars, I give it 10. We now know the reasons for the raid on Lawrence, Kansas. It's a tough nut for Yankee's to chew on.

By Emory: A Fine Book

I am not a skilled writer or reviewist. I can only state what I appreciate from what I have read. I appreciate Paul Petersen' book, Quantrill at Lawrence!

This book is not a revisionist book as many Unionist critics want to call it. In fact, I would say that the old guard historians have been the ones guilty of revisionist history since the Union won the Civil War in 1865. The book is about an event in the Civil War. The Southern side of the war has been full of revisionist history and outright lies for 150 years. Those lies have been repeated and repeated by the so called "academics" ever since then. They have been repeated so long that they fill our history books with trash taught to our children or follow a twisted PC line that is as corrupt as anything else.

Paul Petersen finally gives us a factual balance about what actually happened in Lawrence, Kansas. It was a military inspired raid against a well fortified military town held by military officers. All the deaths were men, not women and children, as the "academics" have lied about ever since the raid in 1863. All the deaths were military and/or militia trained citizens. The so called "death lists" carried by Quantrill's men were lists of military or militia men and officers who had invaded Missouri, raped innocent women, murdered innocent men, women and children since 1858 and carried off everything they owned to be sold at illegal auctions in Lawrence to the benefit of such "sterling citizens" as Lane, Jennison, and their criminal ilk.

It will always been a red flag for the real, established, old guard revisionists to attack when the proven, documented (right out of the Lawrence newspapers of the time,Union military records and personal letters) records are revealed that go directly against their own misinformation. It is not to their benefit that the truth be revealed, is it?

Paul Petersen's book is the first book out with the truth about both sides in this event. It is very well documented and written. He establishes exactly who the participants were on each side. He then carries the reader step by step through the events of the day. I highly recommend it to any open minded person who wants to read honest history about the event. Thanks Paul Petersen for an excellent book!

By Patrick R. Marquis: "History, to be above evasion or dispute, must stand on documents, not on opinions. "Lord Acton"

Despite the fact that he had previously published Quantrill of Missouri and Quantrill in Texas, I have no doubt Paul Petersen knew his newest work, Quantrill at Lawrence, would be controversial, also. But I sincerely doubt that he was prepared for the backlash that has followed. Perhaps he should have anticipated it because Mr. Petersen has succeeded in his quest to demonstrate that the Lawrence raid on August 21, 1863, was a brilliantly planned, flawlessly executed military action taken against the headquarters of his enemy, which targeted and eliminated Union soldiers and Militia members, instead of the brutal and unjustified massacre of innocent non-combatants that some have unjustly accused him of committing.

Mr. Petersen begins his book by relating the sad and bitter tale of "the straw that broke the camel's back," the murder of five female relatives of the guerrillas, which occurred after the jail where they were confined was deliberately undermined by guards who were members of the 9th Kansas Calvary. This isn't Mr. Petersen's theory; rather it is the reason that was documented in the numerous books and manuscripts written by the surviving guerrillas after the war. Next Petersen chronicles the illegalities and atrocities inflicted upon the Missourians from the theft of as much as $20,000 worth of goods that Lawrence shipped west and absorbed every week, to the sacking of Osceola Missouri on September 23, 1861. That town of 3,000 people was plundered and burned to the ground, and nine local citizens were executed, women were raped, and the slaves were "liberated" only to become the property of the Jayhawking horde led by the main target of the Lawrence raid, the "Grim Chieftain" James Lane. Mr. Petersen masterfully introduces the key players on both sides, while chronicling their actions leading up to the raid.

After building tension to a fever pitch, he masterfully places the readers in the saddle on the day of the raid, painting a vivid and complex painting of the sights and sounds of the raid, including accounts from both victims and the raiders. He shares with the reader that Quantrill supplied his followers with maps and a "Death List," and that the names on this list came as no surprise to anyone. It included members of the military companies associated with the New England Emigrant Aid Society. Others on the list were known abolitionists, operators of the Underground Railroad, who had stolen Missouri slaves, extremely expensive property in those days; newspapermen, who called for the invasion and rape of Missouri and the assassination of its citizens; and, of course, members of the Federal army or Kansas militia residing within Lawrence. Contrary to rumors that persist to this day no women or children were killed or molested.

Petersen also shares a tale of the aftermath of the raid, including the infamous General Orders Number 11, an atrocity that led to the dispossession of 20,000 civilians, who were forced to leave five Missouri counties, which became desolate and devoid of life. Displaying his unique, award-winning style, Mr. Petersen's book is meticulously researched, as demonstrated by thirty-five pages of references that include scores of newspaper accounts and military and governmental records.

Despite the fact that Mr. Petersen provided an extremely balanced and excellently documented account of the events that transpired--often utilizing documentation provided from the Yankees themselves that condemned the actions detailed--there has been a clique of individuals who have attempted to assassinate his character and credibility by making unsubstantiated and baseless accusations. This is a prime example of a tried and true method of trying to discredit the message by attacking the messenger. If you take the time to read carefully what these men/women write, you'll find that their allegations are weak and insubstantial and often verifiably false.

It has been over 150 years since this conflict began, yet to date, anyone who dares deviate in any way from the approved, slanted version of the Missouri-Kansas conflict will be labeled a "Confederate apologist" or worse. And liberal academia has not been innocent of this fault either. Some of those who mock the more balancing histories admit that history is written by the victors, who are seen by them in a more sanctified role than many of the true Yankee scoundrels we find in history. But these same people can never bring themselves to admit expressly just how the victors distort the histories, and their silence about these men, in essence, justifies their villainy. These Yankee apologists are unable to consider that the stories we have been taught for a century and a half about the "blessed boys in blue" just might not be 100 percent accurate. When they are confronted with the naked truth that Yankees soldiers committed huge numbers of atrocities in Missouri, destroyed the property and lives of innocent civilians, and violated and suspended their personal and constitutional rights, they suddenly and cynically subscribe to the worst Machiavellian logic to overturn these facts and interpretations.

Mr. Petersen has proven what the guerrillas and their relatives and supporters have known from the first: Colonel William Clarke Quantrill was an extremely successful and innovative military strategist, tactician, and a respected leader of men. But Quantrill, along with Stonewall Jackson, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and John Singleton Mosby, discovered that honorable wars could not be fought with dishonorable foes.

The book Quantrill at Lawrence is the best work on Quantrill and his involvement in the Missouri-Kansas border war, specifically focused on the Lawrence raid, because it is the best researched, most even- handed, utterly enjoyable presentation ever written on the subject. Moreover, it conforms to Abraham Lincoln's own injunction. He said: "History is not history unless it is the truth." Current, Northern-slanted histories on the raid on Lawrence, Kansas, are far from the final word on that subject. Books like Paul R. Petersen's are the catalyst that provides such an honest history and interpretation.


Below is an image of the cover art of "Quantrill In Lawrence"

When Quantrill was commissioned a captain of cavalry scouts by Colonel Gideon W. Thompson on August 12, 1862 under the Confederate Partisan Ranger Act he organized and structured his company in accordance with regular army regulations. Quantrill had with him at this time 150 men who were likewise sworn into Confederate service. Immediately following his men selected their officers: Captain William C. Quantrill, 1stLt. William Haller, and 2ndLt. George Todd all retained their rank and positions. His new structure included William H. Gregg as third lieutenant. Gregg later became Quantrill's adjutant. Cole Younger was one of those sworn in that day. Cole remembered, “It was within a day or two after the surrender of Buel at Independence that I was elected as first lieutenant in Captain Jarrette’s company in Colonel Upton B. Hays’ regiment, which was part of the brigade of General Joseph O. Shelby.” Quantrill’s new company duty roster was reported to regular Confederate authorities the next day. Richard P. Maddox was assigned as company quartermaster. Andy Blunt was assigned the position of orderly sergeant. John McCorkle and several other guerrillas were assigned as scouts. Former slave John T. Noland served as Quantrill's hostler. Many prominent physicians rode along as surgeons.

Doctor John Benson who was born March 3, 1836 near Marshall, Mo. in Saline County offered his services to Quantrill. Benson had been with other military commands before joining the guerrillas. He was described as a robust man over six feet in height and a wonderful horseman. In May 1861, he had joined a Captain Crews' company in the Missouri State Guards known as the Saline Mounted Rifles. His enlistment expired in December of 1861 when he then joined Colonel Frank S. Robertson's Confederate recruits, all of whom were captured the same month on Blackwater Creek in Johnson County. Benson along with the rest of the recruits were imprisoned at the Gratriot Street Prison in St. Louis, and released on March 14, 1862.

Benson had it in mind for several months to join Quantrill whose exploits were gaining accolades in the eyes of the Confederacy. Some time later Benson approached Quantrill and was sworn into the partisan service by Quantrill himself. Benson took the guerrilla oath: I'll fight to the death, one or 5,000, never give up, never show quarter, never surrender. The guerrilla chieftain told Benson that he would serve as his surgeon and not as a fighter unless he so chose himself. Quantrill gave him just one admonishment, "Don't pick any bullets out of the Dutch," he said. "They're all Yankees at heart." Benson's fiancée Miss Ethel Lewis made him an elaborate embroidered "guerrilla shirt" for him to wear.

After the women's jail collapse on August 13, 1863 where five young Southern women were brutally murdered Benson found himself assigned to Captain Andy Blunt's company of guerrillas. Quantrill directed Blunt to take his command to Saline County and recruit in preparation to the Lawrence raid. As the guerrillas rode into Marshall, Missouri it stirred the excitement of the residents living there. One remarked on the guerrilla's appearance by saying they were all heavily armed and excellently mounted. Most wore tartan jackets and slouch hats with large ostrich plumes on them.

Most of the guerrillas in Blunt's company were from Saline County and by noon found their ways home to take dinner. The guerrillas that remained in town were on the lookout for any Northerners left behind. Doctor Benson was credited with saving several Northern lives that day. Two such men were Northern sympathizers, George Nye and his son William. On Benson's advice the two men were not shot. Benson administered an oath paroling the prisoners. A Federal soldier home on furlough, Samuel Davis was found by Benson. Being in Federal uniform Benson feared that one of his comrades would shoot him on sight but the doctor discovered Davis lying drunk in John Ferril's feed lot. Benson secured a horse and made sure Davis was safely on his way home before he rejoined Blunt and the rest of his company.

A few days later as the guerrillas were gathering in camp near the Blackwater River in Johnson County, Benson remarked about seeing Quantrill as he stood outside his tent making preparations for the raid. "W. C. Quantrill wore his Confederate colonel's uniform only when encamped, to impress his men with the fact that he held a regular Confederate commission. When [we] got ready to ride he appeared in his guerrilla outfit, and threw his bundle into the wagon reserved for that purpose. His black slouch hat held a large ostrich plume...and he wore a brown and red plaid "guerrilla shirt" under his tartan jacket, and black jeans." Benson recounted that along the way to Lawrence before they got out of Missouri farmer's wives along the way rode up alongside the men whom they knew to pass along tidbits such as cakes, pies, and bottles of whiskey to treat any wounded they might have. Many had pistols, and ammunition, coats, vests and shirts for the guerrilla soldiers.

Here is an engraving of Quantrill in his Confederate colonel's uniform.




During the Lawrence raid Doctor Benson was accredited with saving many lives in town. During the raid many guerrillas reported that they saw Doctor Benson pulling many women and children from cellars and wells where they had sought refuge when their houses were burned, and helped them escape through a cornfield. Benson found a wounded Federal soldier shot in the thigh. He probed and removed the bullet and assisted him well away from town. Benson was kept busy, not only with his own comrades but with wounded citizens; if they needed a doctor he was on hand. Guerrillas later said that he seemed to want death, for he courted it amid the smoke and flame.

On Quantrill's withdrawal from Lawrence Benson was riding alongside guerrilla Captain John Sims when they stopped by a farmhouse to feed their horses. The woman of the house asked the doctor for medical attention for her small child suffering from fever. Benson chose to stay with the child until the fever broke the next morning. The thankful woman tried to pay for his services but the only payment he took was before leaving he leaned over the bed, and with his keen Bowie knife, cut off a blonde curl from the sleeping six-year-old girl. "I've seen so much blood that whenever I think of it I will look at this, as long as I live."

Upon returning to his home in Miami, Saline County the citizens had already heard the details from the raid. A Unionist friend of his pleaded for him to go to Marshall and surrender, that he would be treated as any other prisoner. Two days later Benson headed for the Union headquarters in Marshall. His pistols were taken from him and his hands tied behind his back. Benson had been known as a crack shot, but he never fired a pistol while with Quantrill. Unfortunately Benson was taken prisoner under the command of Major George W. Kelly of the 4th Missouri Cavalry, an officer known as a "martinet, who would hang a man on a whisper or a whim."

Doctor Benson was court-martialed in September, but all records of the trial were destroyed, and none ever got to Washington. Convicted for being a Quantrill man Benson was sentenced to be shot on October 15. On October 6 an excited messenger arrived with an important dispatch for Major Kelly. Kelly summoned his sergeant to immediately get a firing squad together and execute Doctor Benson. The sergeant asked for volunteers; not a man stepped forward. A squad was finally ordered to carry out the order but only complied if they could cover the face of the kindly doctor with a white cloth. As he sat on his coffin Benson only had one last request for the firing squad "Shoot me below the face, boys." When the order was given all the shots entered the doomed man's chest. They buried Benson in a shallow grave north of town. When one of the soldiers asked why the hurry, another replied, "Shelby's Iron Brigade is coming up from Jeff City. If we're here then we'll all dangle from these trees. No quarter for us if he finds out about Benson."

When Shelby and his men came to Marshall the bluecoats were gone. Townsfolk told Shelby what had happened to Doctor Benson to which he replied, "If I get this man (Kelly), he will have the same sort of trial that he gave the doctor, who I understand did not kill anyone." Benson's parents took his body from the shallow grave and brought him to town, where he had a real funeral among his erstwhile friends.

It was then they discovered, inside his guerrilla shirt and next to his heart, a little yellow curl of hair. A bullet had centered the ringlet he had taken from the head of the little Kansas girl whose life he had saved at the verifiable risk of his own.

Article by Paul R. Petersen

© Paul R. Petersen quantrillsguerrillas.com 2011

"Permission should be requested and agreed to before using this copyrighted essay."

Here is a previously unpublished image of General Shelby, thanks to Patrick Marquis for sharing it with the membership.

Provenance-Documentation of Historical Photographs AND My Answer to the Age Old Academic, Pontificating Old "NAY SAYERS"

"Quite aside from errors and apparently deliberate distortions of fact, not to mention photos of dubious origin..." "The photography section takes climacteric historic liberties in offering a selection of images that are purported to be of famous Missouri Partisan Rangers.

Yet, the surpassing amount of provided images are not documented, or proven authentic in any semblance of reliable manner so as to delineate them as credible. Provenance and foundation are ostensibly unheard in this presentation. While a very smallish smattering of provided imagery are correctly identified, the vast majority are unfounded, groundless and highly impugnable and problematic."

How do these so called "experts" know that the images are not "proven authentic" or, worse, "deliberate distortions of fact and dubious origin.

I defy anyone to contact me and let me show them the error of their ways. Don't EVER impugn my integrity!

I have been a collector of antique original, historical photography for almost 50 years.

I have accumulated a collection of something over 1500 individual pieces that have afforded me a considerable amount of respect in the collecting field.

I have published articles in national magazines and even published entire chapters in leading books on the subject over the years.

While I am by no means an "EXPERT" (as "experts" are people who have nothing else to learn), I think I have earned the title of AUTHORITY.

I do know, after all these years of actual EXPERIENCE, what I am talking about concerning documentation and provenance on historical photographs.

I know the things that you learn by doing and not the things that you learn from some school book or through a method of gobbly gook vomited out by so-called "experts".

The quotes above are both from reviews of Paul Petersen's first book on W.C. Quantrill, QUANTRILL OF MISSOURI.

As many of the original photographs in both Paul's first and second book are mine, the comments pertain to me and are, of course quite personal.

They are also what I call age old academic, pontificating old "NAY SAYERS" I've seen them stated in the same manner (almost word for word) for years. Where do these words come from?

The "pompous, old "NAY SAYERS" dictionary? Give me a break!

How do these so called "experts" know that the images are not "proven authentic" or, worse, "deliberate distortions of fact and dubious origin". Each of my original Quantrill raider photographs are either period IDed, documented, came directly from the men's families or all of the above.

I am very careful about how I document each photograph and what the recorder provenance is on each one, and I can prove what I say.

Can these jealous, pontificating so-called critics? No they cannot. Their only desire in life is to pump themselves up by criticizing everything they do not own. They criticize everything that they think their small group of followers will cheer them for demeaning. They are not academics. They are not authorities or experts. They have no experience or credentials to back up their claims. They never even try to state any themselves because they have none. They are simply mean spirited, no class individuals who love to see their names in print spewing their libels on anything that they can.

After all, they believe it is their job to bad-mouth and/or destroy everything they do not agree with regardless of whether they know anything about what they are saying. They do not own the images themselves, they were not offered them first, or perhaps they did not have the funds to acquire such images themselves. They have no idea of any real "distortions of facts or dubious origins" as they deal in no proof at all; no documentation of their ascertions; just libel from their hands to paper or computers. Maybe a bit of just plain jealousy is at work here. Who know? Who cares? They simply need to be shoved aside and ignored.

What is documentation and/or provenance on historic photographs? Well, let me get into that right now. I think I can explain the parameters concerning this issue without just spouting
off and requesting the reader to take them at my "word" like
the "NAY SAYERS" do (or as others have stated "leaving it up to the so called Gold Standards" in the collecting and historic fields). I think the best method of examining this is to break it down into different areas of interest.

The finest form of documentation of a photograph (or anything else for that matter) would be a document in the hand of the original subject or owner swearing to the authenticity of the photo or discussing the photograph.

This is a form of primary documentation. I don't think anyone would necessarily dispute that. However, in all my 50 years, I have only seen this once or twice. It virtually never happens. Why? Because the original person could have cared less and had no idea that there would have been any future reason to do so.

The second form of documentation is an original, period identification on the image (front, back, or both) OR inside the case, if the image is a cased image. This is another form of primary documentation, as long as it can be determined that the identification is, in itself, period and original.

The third form of documentation is a documenting letter written by a descendant relative of the person in the photograph. It should clearly state the family relationship and declare that the person in the photo is the person in question.

This form of documentation is more prominent and, although a clear form of secondary documentation, it is considered quite strong, especially when combined with a period identified photograph.

The fourth form of documentation is a letter from the dealer or collector who purchased the photograph from the family member when the family member refused to write a letter or the dealer forgot to ask for one.This one is also considered secondary documentation. All secondary documenting letters are valuable when combined with other forms of documentation. This is especially true when these are combined with a period identified image. The letter(s) are a form of backup or contributing documentation.

The final form of documentation and by far the least valuable is the comparison method whereby a person compares the image to another known and authenticated image of the same person.

I always suggest that this be used as a last resort and, frankly, consider it of little to no value unless it is backed up by more substantial documentation.

However, it seems to be the documentation of choice these days on such sites as eBay and others, often to go unchallenged by eBay's so called experts.

Finally, provenance is often confused with documentation. They tend to go together like a hand-in-a-glove, but provenance is actually the
documented passing of the image from one person to the next, often over a series of many years. Added to a strong documentation, a good provenance can make an historical image.

With all this in mind, I need to say that getting documenting letters from family members or collectors who obtained them from the family can, at times, be rather problematic. Some family members won't sign a letter because they don't want other family members to know they sold it or what they got for it. Some family members are frankly afraid of putting their names on any document for what they think are legal reasons or future liabilities.

Some collectors, on the other hand, do not want to sign letters because they do not want to become bothered by other collectors or "historians" who often stoop at nothing to chase what they want and resort to bothering and hounding the family member, violating their deep sense of privacy. Others simply wish to remain anonymous. I believe the collector is honor bound to follow the wishes of any of the above.

Back to the issue of the so-called "experts" and their so-called academic reviews; I am sure I seem rather bitter. Well, I am. I am simply sick of the empty rhetoric and gutless moaning of these
critics. In all cases, each of my images is documented by the standards defined above. In many, many cases the image(s) are documented by a combination of them.

This is America. If you want to challenge my photographs, do so. However, if you draw the sword be willing to follow through. I and my friends on this site have strict standards that we follow and live by. Attack the one you attack all.

So, Mr. and Mrs. "NAY SAYERS,"attack at your own risk. There are slander and libel laws in this country.


© Emory Cantey 2011 "Permission should be requested and agreed to before using this copyrighted essay."

Here is an image of Quantrill's third headstone, published for the first time in 2008.



Although I am appalled at the heinous treatment the remains of various Missouri Confederate guerrillas have suffered over the years, I cannot say that I'm surprised when I discover such instances. Its what we have come to expect from those who wish to falsely interpret the history of our state and resort to illegal acts sometimes to enforce their prejudices.

There are numerous examples where the mortal remains of Missouri Confederate guerrillas have been subjected to profane and inhuman treatment for more than 140 years, and there is no indication this criminal trend will end--unless the public demands it. There is no better example of the degrading treatment of our heroic Missouri guerrillas than the treatment of William Clarke Quantrill's remains.

During the late stages of the Civil War, Quantrill realized that he would never be allowed to surrender under favorable terms (perhaps even to save their lives) in Missouri. So in mid-December 1864, he led a band of thirty-three followers out of western Missouri southeastward in the direction of Kentucky and Tennessee. A member of the group Sylvester Akers later wrote:

"It was not the original intention of Quantrill to go to Kentucky. He started from Missouri to Virginia to (join) the army of Lee [where they might surrender safely] and intended to go through Tennessee. At [the] Mississippi [River] he was told he would not be able to pass through the Federal lines in east Tennessee. He then turned aside to go through Kentucky." (1) Six guerrillas left Quantrill at this point bound for Texas.

By mid-January Quantrill and his band entered Kentucky. They were soon in embroiled in battles and once again they were on the run. The next four months were perilous. The Missourians were operating now in hostile, unknown territory where their enemies hounded them. These encounters resulted in casualties and captured guerrillas, which drained their effectiveness.

On the rainy morning of May 10, 1865, Quantrill and his men were resting inside a barn on the James H. Wakefield farm, 30 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky, where they were ambushed by Union guerrillas under the command of Captain Edwin Terrell, a Union hireling.

While attempting to mount a new horse and escape, William Clarke Quantrill was shot in the back, the bullet penetrating his left shoulder blade and lodging in his spine, paralyzing him below his shoulders.

Quantrill was taken to the infirmary of the military prison at Louisville, Kentucky, where he died on June 6, 1865. The guerrilla's earthly remains were buried in an unmarked earth-level grave located in the cottage yard of St. Joseph's (now St. John's) Catholic Cemetery. If it were not for a strange twist of fate, the location of his remains may have been lost to the annuals of time.

Meanwhile, the mother of the rebel warrior, Caroline Clarke Quantrill, remained unaware of the fate of her eldest son William. Nor did she know he would soon be reviled as the devil incarnate by much of the population of the recently reunified country, thanks to Yankee authors and a Northern press that supported a twisted, Northern-biased history of the Civil War in the West.

Mrs. Quantrill had endured a hard and often tragic existence. Caroline was left destitute after her husband died in 1854 and used her skills as a seamstress to support herself. But she was hard pressed to sustain herself, and "eventually, the family was compelled to take in boarders" (2)

Four of her children had died in infancy, three others (including William) died before their time, and her last surviving son proved irresponsible and unable or unwilling to support her. Quantrill's grave, in the meantime, remained unmarked and unvisited, its exact location known only to a few people.

No one dared to imagine the barbaric and profane treatment Quantrill's remains would soon endure. No one, that is, except Union Army veteran and Dover, Ohio newspaper editor William Walter Scott, a former friend of Quantrills and a deceitful acquaintance of Caroline C. Quantrill, William's mother.

In his book The Devil Knows How to Ride, Edward E. Leslie describes William Walter Scott as "a boyhood friend of Quantrill and benefactor of his Mother, who spent twenty- five years researching and collecting information about his life." (3)

W. W. Scott planned to use his research to write a biography about his "infamous" childhood companion to earn some kind of "reputation." He befriended Caroline Quantrill in order to achieve this goal. For reasons unknown, Scott felt compelled to deceive Mrs. Quantrill by stealing her son's skull and at least five other bones from his grave in Louisville. Scott later attempted to sell the bones for profit.

In 1884, Scott visited Louisville, Kentucky, in search of Quantrill's remains. Although the cemetery where he had been buried had been renamed, he finally located it and persuaded the sexton's wife, Bridget, to show him the unmarked grave.

In December 1887, Scott returned to Louisville with Mrs. Quantrill in tow, only to learn that the sexton, Patrick Shelly, had died. Fortunately for the pair, Shelly's wife had been appointed his successor. "Mrs. Quantrill convinced Bridget to allow the grave to be opened so that the bones could be placed in a zinc-lined box and re-buried." (4).

At 3:00 P.M. on December 8, 1887, after Scott paid the required inducements, the digging began and the bones were quickly unearthed. Scott wrote in his notes that "Every vestige of the coffin had disappeared except a rotten piece of (board) the size of a man's hand." "His hair has slipped off in a half circle around the skull and was of a bleached yellow color" (5) . . . "Scott wrapped the skull in newspaper. The ribs and part of the backbone crumbled when touched, however everything else went temporarily into a small box, which was not zinc-lined. The grave was filled in, and the box was buried near the surface." (6)

Apparently, William Scott was not one to waste time. A mere nine days later, he wrote a note to the secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, Major Franklin G. Adams. He enclosed a lock of Quantrill's hair, and inquired; "What would his (Quantrill's) skull be worth to your Society?" (7).

The KSHS secretary offered to raise funds to acquire the illicit relics. But ever the wily newspaperman, Scott--concerned about the negative publicity that might occur--refused to follow up on Adam's offer, at least for the moment. He told Adams, "The mother is now old, and I would not for any money have her feelings hurt. In a short time she will pass away, and then publicity would not matter" (8)

Consequently, Scott decided to delay his long-planned biography of the Confederate guerrilla chieftain until Mrs. Quantrill passed away. Ironically, on November 6, 1902, W. W. Scott, himself, died of a heart attack, more than a year before Mrs. Caroline Clarke Quantrill passed away.

After his death, Scott's widow wrote a letter to the secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society and pleaded with him to keep her husband's attempts to sell Quantrill's skull and bones a secret. She then sold her husband's files along with Quantrill's bones to Kansas State Historical Society member, William E. Connelley, who later became the secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society.

Connelley soon attempted to trade Quantrill's bones, along with a lock of his hair, for weapons once owned by Jesse James and Wild Bill Hickok. Unable to complete the deal, he finally donated the bones to the historical society.

On November 23, 1903, eighty-three-year-old Caroline Clarke Quantrill left this earth. A mere three days later, the Kansas State Historical Society announced they would be displaying her son's bones and hair.

The response was swift and decisive. Many people were quick to criticize this morbid display of human body parts of the rebel guerrilla. Others saw it as glorifying the guerrilla chief. Despite opposition led by numerous Methodist ministers and the Kansas Division of the Grand Army of the Republic, the KSHS refused to be swayed.

Later that year, "Quantrill's shinbones went on display in a glass case, along with three arm bones that had been donated by Connelley and some relics of the Lawrence raid." (9)

The furor eventually died down until 1907, when a man named John Sharp, who claimed to be Quantrill, raised a cry calling for the disposal of the "fraudulent" bones. In 1910, the bones were finally consigned to a vault, and eventually they ended up in the archeology laboratory.

Meanwhile, in 1905, several Dover boys formed the D. J. S. Club (the meaning of the abbreviations has been lost). In 1910, the club became the Zeta Chapter of the Alpha Pi fraternity. Someone obtained Quantrill's skull from W.W. Scott's son Walter, and it was used in Zeta's initiation ritual. Covered with shellac with red lights wired into the skull's eye sockets, the skull was nicknamed "Jake." Scott shared with close friends the secret that it was actually Quantrill's skull.

Zeta was disbanded in 1942, and a fraternity trustee named Nelson McMillan bought the skull. He kept it in a box in his cellar until 1972, when he gave it to the Dover Historical society. The trustees had a wax head fashioned from the skull, which was stored in an antique refrigerator, while the skull was displayed in the Reeves Museum for the next twenty years.

Although it seemed that Quantrill's mortal remains were destined to be desecrated until they disintegrated into dust, fate intervened. Sometime in 1987, Robert L Hawkins III, attorney and commander-in-chief of the Missouri Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans learned of the deplorable treatment of Quantrill's remains.

In an interview with author Leslie, Hawkins said: "It would be inappropriate to leave the remains of any American soldier in a box in a museum. That would be true no matter which side he fought on in this or any other war." (10)

Determined to right this wrong, Hawkins immediately began to explore ways to ensure the bones were properly buried. When he wrote a letter to the Kansas State Historical Society, Commander Hawkins was advised that law prohibited deaccession and/or release of the relics to outside parties.

Undaunted by this set back, Hawkins vowed to continue his quest. In 1989, the Kansas legislature passed the Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Act, which prohibited disturbance of unmarked burial sites and specified procedures for the care of burial sites as well as all human skeletal remains located within the state.

Originally intended to protect Indian burial sites, the Kansas State Historical Society took advantage of this opportunity to rid its collection of the remains of more than hundred human beings.

Quantrill's bones were placed in a small pine box and relocated to a "secured" place at a different location along with the remains of at least one hundred other humans. After four score and five years of being displayed and handled like a prized ham in a butcher's case, access to the guerrilla chieftain's remains were tightly restricted.

Meanwhile Hawkins and his fellow SVC members decided the proper resting place for Quantrill's bones would be the Confederate Cemetery at Higginsville, Missouri. Despite concerns that it might be more politically correct to bury the bones in Dover, Ohio, Hawkins won approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the Higginsville burial.

The wheels of government turned slowly, but by the summer of 1992, it appeared that years of hard work were ready to pay off. However a dispute with the legislature led to an expected change in management at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. So in many ways, the effort to bury Quantrill's bones was set back to square one, again. Moreover, while Hawkins was away on a short vacation, opposition forces made yet other attempt to disrupt his plans.

A fax was sent to a judge in Ohio inquiring if there was any interest in burying the remains in Dover. The Dover Historical Society swiftly agreed to bury the bones along with the skull in a Dover plot. However, they required that the ceremony "be conducted with no publicity and a minimum of fanfare." (11)

Hawkins and the SCV, however, refused to allow Quantrill's "remains to be buried at midnight." Yet they soon discovered that in addition to convincing the new acting director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to enforce the original plan, they also needed to win over a second group of bureaucrats. Nonetheless, against all odds, Hawkins and his supporters won unanimous approval for the Missouri interment.

On October 24, 1992 over six hundred people attended a half-hour ceremony celebrating the interment of five bones belonging to Col. William Clarke Quantrill, into Missouri soil. During his eulogy, Commander Robert Hawkins gave his reply to those who criticized the decision to bury what was left of Quantrill's mortal remains in the Missouri soil he fought so hard to defend:

"We do not wish him buried where people are ashamed of him, where no one remembers or cares to recall the brutality of a partisan warfare that created men like Captain Quantrill and those who rode with him, where he would be laid to rest with a sense of relief that a difficult task had finally been done, with no military honors and no remembrance of the suffering and sacrifice of days gone by. He belongs here--here, with those who were truly his people." (12)

In the early afternoon of October 30, 1992, less than two dozen people gathered at the Fourth Street Cemetery in Dover, Ohio. They attended a Catholic funeral and watched as a child's coffin was lowered into a hole where some of Quantrill's other remains were laid in 1889.

So, finally, all of Quantrill's known remains were at long last laid to rest, although in three different graves located thousands of miles apart. Not to disparage the heroic effort it took to accomplish this feat, there was one glaring detail everyone had overlooked. Everyone that is, excepting for one dedicated defender of Southern rights. If it weren't for her dedication and persistence, the complete story of Quantrill's remains might have been left unfinished.

Ms. Nancy Hitt is that one in a million, a true flower of the South, who has dedicated much of her time, effort, and resources in locating and marking the grave of numerous confederate veterans. It didn't matter if the graves were located in Albany, New York or even in foreign soil, once Nancy discovered an unmarked Confederate's grave, she endeavored to find a way to provide a military marker for them.

Although Nancy Hitt deserves praise and recognition for all of her accomplishments, that will happen in the near future. It should come as no surprise to anyone to learn that Nancy Hitt was the driving force behind the effort to have Quantrill's original grave marked.

At this point she does not recall when she began the search for Quantrill's grave in Kentucky, a long and tedious process. Originally, she had applied for three different markers commemorating important events that occurred during Quantrill's last days in Kentucky.

But on March 26, 2002, Nancy received permission from the Frankfort branch of the Kentucky Historical Society to place a highway marker outside the cemetery where Quantrill was originally buried. On March 24, 2004, Nancy paid $1,200 out of her own pocket, along with $500.00 donated by the William Clarke Quantrill Society, and the marker was designed and built.

Things seemed to be progressing smoothly, and a memorial service was scheduled to commemorate the event. Soon the press was notified of the upcoming event. Once the story was made public, the forces that have dedicated themselves to defiling the heritage and legacy of our Confederate heroes sprang into action. These reprehensible people, whose names will not soil this announcement, accosted the Catholic bishop in Kentucky in an attempt to persuade him to revoke his permission to place the marker.

So by September 2004, the project had been canceled, and the funds were returned to Nancy Hitt. That marker was dumped in a corner of a warehouse in Shelbyville, Kentucky, where it sits today, gathering dust and rust. Needless to say the two other markers were never manufactured.

Much like the men she unselfishly honors, Nancy Hitt does not give up easily. Over the next four years, she made numerous attempts to have the marker placed, each and every time she was unsuccessful. But she did not abandon her quest, but it had to be held on hold.

While discussing the issue in the fall of 2007 with Emory Cantey, Don Gilmore, Rick Mack, and Patrick Marquis, Nancy Hit decided to try a different tact to achieve her goal of placing a monument on our hero's grave.

Based upon a previous incident where the publication of events before they occurred led to their ultimate ruin, a decision was made to keep the project confidential until it was completed.

Soon, we determined that the plot was still owned by the Quantrill family. Additionally, there was no record that any of Quantrill's remains were ever unearthed and relocated. And clearly many of the original remains were not, but lie moldering in the present grave. All interested parties were contacted and permission was granted to place a memorial marker on Quantrill's original grave.

Because the government had paid for the headstone on Quantrill's grave in Higginsville, Missouri, they refused to provide a second stone. Although we would have enjoyed sharing the chance to correct this 140-year-old miscarriage of justice with others, we could ill-afford the chance of notifying those who would oppose us in our plans. Additionally, it made the decision-making process quick and painless.

Therefore, the five of us gladly shared the cost incurred. We felt it was the least we could do to honor the legacy of Colonel William Clarke Quantrill, and it was an honor for us. It gives us all great pleasure to publish these photos of the marker on William Clarke Quantrill's original grave.

So now that the marker is set in the ground, it is time to share this chapter of Quantrill's story with the rest of the world. We are planning a memorial service sometime in the fall, details of which will be published as they become available. Although it appears that we finally have won this battle, the war is far from over.

In coming stories on this website, you will learn how the Confederate marker of Alexander Franklin James sits in a museum instead of on his grave, where it belongs. You will also learn about the plight of the Smith Cemetery, where the remains of numerous guerrillas have cynically been plowed under and paved over. You will also learn how, as a member of quantrillsguerrilas.com, you will be able to participate in future efforts to right other wrongs perpetrated against our Confederate heritage.

So if you are ready to participate in making history as well as reading about it, hook your reins to our saddle and hold on to your hats!

© Patrick R. Marquis quantrillsguerrillas.com 2008

"Permission should be requested and agreed to before using this copyrighted essay."


(1) Sylvester Akers Manuscript 1909. Reprint, 1910, New York Pageant, 1956.

(2) Paul R. Petersen, Quantrill of Missouri. (Nashville, TN: Cumberland House, 2003).

(3). Edward Leslie, The Devil Knows How To Ride (New York: Random House Books, 1996.

(4). Ibid.

(5). Ibid.

(6). Ibid.

(7). Ibid.

(8). Ibid.

(9.) Ibid.

(10). Ibid.

(11). Ibid.

(12). Ibid.


We trust you'll enjoy this image of Quantrill's third headstone, also published for the first time.

"Bleeding Kansas," sometimes referred to as "Bloody Kansas," or the "Border War," was a sequence of violent events involving Kansas anti-slavery and Missouri pro-slavery forces, which began about 1854.

Long before the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the violence had evolved into a full scaled guerrilla warfare.

The war in the West was a deadly game of chess, both sides traded atrocities like yarns.

Before the looting of Osceola there was the Pottawatomie Massacre, the genocide at Palmyra lead to sacking of Osawatomie.

Yet one event is remembered as the single extreme example of the vicious Kansas-Missouri border warfare, that event is of course known as the "Lawrence Massacre."

At daybreak on August 21, 1863, Colonel William Clarke Quantrill and approximately 450 confederates guerrillas descended upon Lawrence Kansas.

Within three hours more than 150 men were dead among the smoldering ruins of 186 buildings.

What at first glance appears as brutal slaughtering of non-combatants, was in reality a brilliantly planned and executed military strike, intended as retaliation for ten years worth of vile and inhuman treatment, first by Kansas Jayhawkers, who were later joined by the occupying federal army.

Most Missourians had witnessed at least one of these abominations, and virtually every family of the Guerrillas had been victimized.

Despite nearly ten years of savage brutality, one single event was cited by numerous sources, as being the spark that ignited the flames of fury unleashed upon Lawrence.

And that spark was the August 14, 1863 collapse of a building housing 14 female relatives of the guerrillas, after the foundation had been deliberately weakened.

Five of the women were killed, two of the victims were the sisters of Riley Crawford.

Bloody Bill's sister Josephine Anderson was among the fatalities.

His other sister Martha Anderson survived but her legs were crushed.

Another victim was John McCorkle's sister, Christine McCorkle Kerr.

Nannie Harris McCorkle, sister of T.B. Harris and wife of Jabez McCorkle, also perished.

Is there any wonder that Anderson, Crawford and McCorkle were known to be three of the most fearsome fighters among the band?

This abomination committed against their wives, sisters, and mothers; was too much for the Missouri Minute Men to bear.

Seven days later they took their revenge upon the bane of their existence, Lawrence Kansas.

The following except from Paul Petersen's most recent publication; "Quantrill in Texas" explores some of the immediate causes which lead to up to that fateful day.

But first enjoy this ultra rare shot of William T. "Bloody Bill" Anderson.

This tintype was originally part of the photo album owned by Anderson's sister.

Bill sent it to her after he married Bush Anderson in 1864.

The photo is dated and has contemporary identification on the back of the image holder.

The photo was obtained from the Anderson family back in the 1940's.

It is likely Anderson's wedding photo as well as the last photo taken of him while alive.

Images of "Bloody Bill" are extremely rare, even more scarce than images of Captain Quantrill.


As a bonus after the article we hope you enjoy the only known image of Riley Crawford.

It was taken by photographer William Lawrence, in St. Joseph Missouri.

It is signed on the back in period pencil, "For Mother Riley Crawford."

It is from the "dead letter" file, and bears the red "dead letter" # 1844.

Also it shows the holes at top and bottom where it was displayed upon the board.

Riley is wearing an Union enlistedmen's frock coat, with regulation sky blue trousers.

These are two of more than forty images exhibited inside "Quantrill of Texas," many of which have never been published before.


Extra special thanks to member Emory Cantey for sharing these rare and wonderful images.





During the summer of 1863, frustrations reached their peak.

After failing to capture or kill Quantrill, and feeling themselves powerless against his attacks, Jayhawkers of the Ninth and Eleventh Kansas regiments stationed in Kansas City under General Thomas Ewing concocted a plan to torment the relatives of the guerrillas.

Scores of women related to the guerrillas were subsequently arrested.

Fourteen of these women were related to men of Quantrill's command.

They were separated from the rest and confined in a brick house at 1425 Grand in Kansas City that belonged to General George Caleb Bingham; he had been paroled earlier by Price at the battle of Lexington and now served as the provisional state treasurer in Jefferson City.

Since his home was vacant, Ewing seized it to house the women prisoners. Guards were quartered next door.

Over the course of the week, the soldiers undermined the structural integrity of the building, and the house collapsed on August 13, resulting in the deaths of five women.

Two of the victims were Riley Crawford's sisters; Federal soldiers had cruelly murdered their father six months prior to the sisters' apprehension.

William Anderson's sister also died in the house collapse; Union troops had killed their father and uncle at the beginning of the war.

Another victim was the sister of John McCorkle, her home had been plundered and destroyed by Federal soldiers a few months earlier.

A fifth woman later died as a result of injuries sustains in the collapse of the house.

The atrocity against these women raised the level of guerrilla warfare to a fever pitch.

The guerrillas added this incident to the barbarities perpetrated by the Jayhawkers since the beginning of the war.

In 1861, Kansans under James H. Lane had burned the small town of Osceola to the ground. Out of three hundred building in town, only three were not torched.

Quantrill's veterans were eyewitnesses to the heightened atrocities committed by the federals in Jackson County.

Old men who had not taken part in any of the hostilities had been hanged or shot. Boys as young as ten were ripped from their mothers arms and executed for having relatives in either the regular Confederate army or among the guerrillas.

Visions of their homes destroyed, their relatives slain, their sisters abused, and their slaves raped were too much for them too bear.

The center of Jayhawk activity and the headquarters of the abolition movement in area was at Lawrence Kansas.

The city's newspapers fomented inflammatory unrest by supporting the armed incursions into Missouri motivated by revenge and the possibilities of plunder.

On August 21, 1863 after having gathered the guerrillas along the border, Quantrill marches on Lawrence and destroyed the homes and businesses of those most responsible for the destruction in Missouri. Quantrill's men carried death list bearing the names of jayhawkers, abolitionists, members of the New England Immigrant Aid Society and the Underground Railroad, free-state politicians, soldiers, and newspapermen who encouraged the assaults on Missourians.

The guerrillas also had lists of building to be destroyed. In all, eighty-six building were put to the torch and 150 men were killed.

An account of Quantrill's success reached Richmond: "Major Quantrill, a Missouri guerrilla chief has dashed into Lawrence Kansas, and burnt the city, killing and wounding 180. He had General Lane, but he escaped." (1)

Guerrilla J. G. Cisco explained the motivation for the raid:

"Quantrill's raid on Lawrence was consummated in retaliation for the inhuman treatment of Southerners in Missouri by Kansas Jayhawkers.

No Confederate, whether of Quantrill's command or not, ever fell in the hands of Kansans in any of the border counties of Missouri and came out alive, and there was also the murdering of four Southern women in Kansas City by the undermining of a house were they were held as prisoners. (2)

Missourians understood all too well why the guerrillas attacked Lawrence.

Local histories reported: "hordes of men, many of them claiming to be soldiers from Kansas overran this territory...killing men, robbing and burning houses, driving off horses, mules and cattle, loading wagons with household and kitchen furniture, leaving in their wake absolute desolation.

In retaliations for these acts the sons and relatives of those who had been murdered or plundered, whose house had been burned or property stolen, went to Lawrence, Kansas, and there committed what is know as the "Lawrence Massacre," committing murder and other atrocious crimes." (3)

Missouri partisan A.b. Barnes also justified the Lawrence raid:

"In the Lawrence (Kans.) raid one hundred and sixty-three men were killed by Quantrill's band.

Of these, all were identified except three.

It was not a massacre, as Northern people maintain, but an execution.

Every man (except the three) was identified and pointed out as a murder, a robber, or a thief.

In many instances they pointed out as: You murdered my father, you killed my brother, you burned my mother's home."

Barnes added: "The best evidence I have ever heard that many people in Kansas did not sympathize with the Lawrence gang was a statement made to me by the editor of a Republican paper, a friend of mine in Kansas. We were discussing the so-called Lawrence massacre, and I remarked that there was any innocent men killed at Lawrence I had failed to discover the evidence. He replied: "If you had fired a gatlin gun into that crowd for an hour, you could not have hit an innocent man. " (4)


© Paul R. Petersen, Quantril in Texas; The Forgotten Campaign (Cumberland House Publishing Nashville Tennessee, 2007).

"Permission should be requested and agreed to before using this copyrighted essay."


(1). Jones, Rebel War Clerk's Diary, 2:25.

(2). Confederate Veteran 18 (June 1910): 278-79.

(3). Woodson, History of Clay County, 134.

(4). Confederate Veteran, 18 (October 1910): 472-73.




We hope you enjoyed the only known image of Riley Crawford.

It was taken by photographer William Lawrence, in St. Joseph Missouri.

It is signed on the back in period pencil, "For Mother Riley Crawford."

It is from the "dead letter" file, and bears the red "dead letter" # 1844.


Entire presentation © Patrick Marquis quantrillsguerrillas.com 2007

"Permission should be requested and agreed to before using this copyrighted essay."

A million thanks to our close friend and comrade in arms Scott Morris the Commander Quantrill's Raiders SCV Camp 2087 for sharing this tribute.

One hundred and forty six years ago today, May 10, 1865, just 31 days after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, the official end of the war, William Clarke Quantrill, a civilian now, was hunted down by federal bounty hunter Captain Edwin Terrell and mortally wounded. Terrell and his Union cavalry found Quantrill and several of his men who were riding east with him resting in a barn on the farm of James Wakefield south of Louisville, Kentucky. Entering the farm in a down pour, guns blazing, the federal ambushers shot and killed Clarke Hockensmith and Richard Glasscock and mortally wounded William Quantrill.

Most historians note this day with pride. The truth is, it was the day three men were murdered by the federal government.

In memory of Clarke Hockensmith (Missouri), Richard Glasscock (Missouri) and William Quantrill (Ohio). Southern Patriots, American Patriots, warriors to the end. May We Never Forget.

Scott Morris Camp Commander Quantrill's Raiders SCV Camp 2087 http://www.quantrillsraidersscvcamp.com

We are proud to present images of:

Clarke Hockensmith:


Richard Glasscock:

William Quantrill:

Thanks to Patrick Marquis and Emory Cantey for sharing their images with the members.

As a part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the history and legacy of the Missouri guerrillas is promoted in a fair, equitable, and true manner, we are presenting a series of articles in this venue intended to expose some of the basic accepted "facts" paraded in many current histories on the Civil War and Border War that are in fact not true.

Although there are numerous examples of disinformation about the Civil War that are accepted as gospel truth, it was surprisingly easy to select the top misrepresentation.

It is in the pervasive distortion of truth related to the role played by Black Southerners in the Civil War.

In his book Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia (1995), historian, Erwin L. Jordan, Jr, identifies "a cover-up beginning as early as 1865."

He writes, "During my research, I came across instances where Black men stated they were soldiers, but you can plainly see where 'soldier' is crossed out and 'body servant' inserted, or 'teamster' [added] on pension applications."

Such deliberate falsifications of postwar records combined with destruction of many Confederate records has made it extremely difficult to determine exactly how many blacks fought under the Stars and Bars.

In an article published in the Topeka Capital-Journal, Civil War Historian Edwin L. Kennedy, Jr. states, "seven to eight percent of the Confederate forces may have been Black." (1)

Other sources have cited numbers reaching over 65,000, with at least 13,000 partaking in armed conflict.

According to Kennedy, the black Confederates "were a combination of free blacks and slaves who were house servants accompanying white masters. "(2)

Black Confederates were present as early as the First Battle of Bull Run; "Battery # 2 of the Richmond Howitzers was partially manned by black militiamen." (3)

Some Black Confederate soldiers, moreover, did not surrender until well after the conflict ended; "Among the last Confederates to surrender [after the Civil War ended] was a black seaman serving on board the CSS Shenandoah." (4)

Although the Confederate Congress did not approve blacks to be officially enlisted as soldiers until late in the Civil War, the facts show many officers and State governments simply ignored the regulations and utilzed them anyhow.

The evidence for this is found in the numerous references to black confederates attributed to various high-ranking Federal military officers.

General U.S. Grant, for instance, in February 1865, ordered the capture of "all the Negro men before the enemy can put them in their ranks."

This reference by Grant implies that black men were used as part of the Confederate forces, and Grant's cautionary statement is an implicit admittance of the fact.

Black Confederates are also mentioned in multiple references by political and social leaders.

Dr. Lewis Steiner, Chief Inspector of the United States Sanitary Commission while observing Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's occupation of Frederick, Maryland, in 1862 said:

"Over 3,000 Negroes must be included in this number [of Confederate troops]... These [their] (uniforms) were shabby, but not shabbier or seedier than those worn by white men in the rebel ranks. Most of the Negroes had arms, rifles, muskets, sabers, bowie-knives, dirks, etc.....and [they] were manifestly an integral portion of the Southern Confederate Army." (5)

Clearly, Dr. Steiner's account removes all doubt concerning the existence of black troops in large numbers in the Confederate ranks.

Additionally, former slave and abolitionist icon Frederick Douglas reported: "There are at the present moment many Colored men in the Confederate Army doing duty not only as cooks, servants and laborers, but real soldiers, having muskets on their shoulders, and bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down any loyal [Union] troops and do all that soldiers may do to destroy the Federal government and build up that of the rebels." (6)

Again, Douglas' testimony makes it quite clear that well-armed black soldiers fought in the Confederate Army and performed creditable service in that army.

According to Paul Petersen in Quantrill of Missouri,: "Many slaves and freedmen took up arms on both sides during the border war. The usual practice was for Jay-hawkers to seize slaves from Missouri slave owners and force them into Union service. The reason James Lane was an advocate of recruiting blacks during the Civil War was that he had very early sensed that the first Federal commander to enlist black troops would be a hero of the radicals and abolitionists, whose support might carry him to the White House." (7)

But perhaps the most shocking twist to this incredible tale of misrepresentation in the popular histories in reference to black Confederate soldiers is when one discovers among the ranks of the "infamous" Confederate guerrilla leader William Clarke Quantrill were various men of color.

Henry Wilson was a black man who loyally served as Quantrill's bodyguard and spy.

When offered a chance to go to Kansas with the jay-hawkers, he replied "Hell no! I don't want to have nothing to do with such robbers and thieves. " (8)

Another man of color named John Lobby also served as a spy for Quantrill, and a Cherokee named Adam Wilson was a trusted member of the band. (9)

Least we forget "Uncle Charlie" Baker, who served as the hostler for Bloody Bill Anderson's command.

Nor can we omit Rube (?) Zack formerly the black barber for Union General Blunt's command. After being liberated at Baxters Springs, he served as an orderly for Todd and Anderson. (10)

The most well-known black member of the unit was John Noland, who joined up because his family had been abused by the jay-hawkers.

In the movie Ride With The Devil, Nolan was the basis for the character John Holt, the freed black man who rides along side his former owner.

But in the movie, Holt's allegiance to the guerrilla cause is watered down compared to his unstinting loyalty during the Civil War to the guerrilla cause.

Noland served Quantrill's command as a hostler and a spy.

John was known for his bravery, and he was one of two men sent to scout Lawrence before the raid.

He also took a combatant's role during the First Battle of Independence Missouri, which occurred on August 11, 1862.

Noland turned down a Jay-hawker offer of $10,000 to betray his beloved Captain Quantrill.

All of the pallbearers at his funeral were Caucasian former comrades-in-arms, who often referred to him as "a man among men." (11)

Nothing is more upsetting to commonly accepted fabrications of the Civil War than the idea that Blacks willingly supported the Confederacy.

It undermines the common, preconceived notions about slavery and the currently accepted assumptions about how Blacks should think and act.

But the facts must prevail concerning this issue.

Blacks all over the Confederacy, including Missouri, were ardent supporters of the South.

A black historian, Roland Young, says he is not surprised that blacks fought for the South.

He explains that "Some, if not most, Black Southerners would support their country" and that by doing, so they were "demonstrating it's possible to hate the system of slavery and love one's country."

"This is the very same reaction that most African Americans showed during the American Revolution, where they fought for the colonies, even though the British offered them freedom if they fought for them." (12).

Blacks have had a reputation for loyalty to America or that part of it where they have have lived, in some cases, the South, that may be over three hundred years old.

Fortunately, in no small part to the efforts of a small core of historians dedicated to uncovering the truth, Black Confederate heritage is beginning to receive the attention it so richly deserves.

Thanks to the efforts of men like Charles Kelly Barrow, ErvIn L. Jordan Jr., Edwin L. Kennedy, Jr., Richard Rollins, Dr. Edward Smith, and Nelson Winbush, the truth is no longer being hidden in largely forgotten volumes concerning the past, it is being proclaimed loudly and clear in print, at Civil War reenactments, as well as on the World Wide Web.

And these efforts are beginning to make a difference.

For instance, Terri Williams, a Black journalist for the Suffolk Virginia Pilot newspaper, wrote:

"I've had to re-examine my feelings toward the [Confederate] flag when I read a newspaper article about an elderly black man whose ancestor worked with the Confederate forces.

The man spoke with pride about his family member's contribution to the cause, was photographed with the [Confederate] flag draped over his lap: that's why I now have no definite stand on just what the flag symbolizes, because it no longer is their history, or my history, but our history."

Bravo, gentlemen, bravo! Please keep fighting the good fight! You are leading the fight to eliminate one of the biggest lies connected with the conflict.

I hope that every member who reads this article will take up the challenge to do the same.

Jean Cocteau may have said it best: "What is history after all? History is facts which become lies in the end; legends and lies which become history in the end."

--Jean Cocteau, in The Observer, September 22, 1957.



(1) Edwin L. Kennedy, Jr. Topeka Capital-Journal, September 27, 2001.

(2). Ibid.

(3). Scott Williams, On Black Confederates * http://www.37thtexas.org

(4). Ibid.

(5). Ibid.

(6). Ibid.

(7). Paul Petersen,Quantrill of Missouri, Cumberland House, 2003

(8). Ibid.

(9). Ibid.

(10). Donald Hale, Branded As Rebels Vol. #1, 1993

(11). Paul Petersen, Quantrill of Missouri, Cumberland House, 2003

(12). Scott Williams, On Black Confederates* http://www.37thtexas.org


*NOTE: The following is a fact page on black Confederates which sources the following references:

Charles Kelly Barrow, et.al. Forgotten Confederates: An Anthology About Black Southerners." (1995).

Ervin L. Jordan, Jr. " Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia. (1995).

Richard Rollins. Black Southerners in Gray. (1994).

Dr. Edward Smith and Nelson Winbush, producers of the educational video, Black Southern Heritage. Mr. Winbush is a descendant of a Black Confederate and a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).


© Patrick Marquis quantrillsguerrillas.com 2007

Special thanks to Emory Cantey and Don Gilmore for their contributions to this article.

Below is an extremely rare photo of black Quantrill veteran John Noland. Thanks to member Emory Cantey for this submission.

It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors of this site approves the promotion of Supply Sargent Edward V. Demmel to Sgt Major. This promotion is being extended in recognition of Sgt. Demmel's outstanding abilities in finding and restoring important Quantrill artifacts to those in our site who wish to preserve them for future generations. We believe this promotion is more than deserved and wish to extend our sincere thanks to Sgt Major Demmel. Major E. A. Cantey

Published of the first time, we trust you will enjoy this image of Jesse W James and Caldwell (Colly) Chiles taken in 1867. Colly is on the left, Jesse is on the right. Once again we thank Emory Cantey for sharing his world renowned collection with us.




Jesse Woodson James was born on September 5, 1847 and he was murdered on April 3, 1882. To some he was an avenging angel, the last bastion of hope for the devotees of Southern Independence, defender of the oppressed and lone knight fighting against the hordes of Yankee scalawags and carpetbaggers. A folk-hero who reaped vengeance on behalf of the agrarian traditions which were being ravished by the rapidly rising industrial society. He was America's Robin Hood robbing the rich and sharing with the poor. A daring and loyal comrade in arms who was fearless under fire. A friend who would not betray a trust nor allow their trust to be betrayed. A preacher, trusted brother, devoted husband and loving father.

Others saw him as the devil incarnate, a misguided former confederate guerrilla who fighting on behalf of a lost cause, someone who was unwilling or unable to accept the rapidly changing society to which they unwittingly belonged. A thief, scoundrel and murder, taking advantage of the rich and poor alike while trying to justify his dastardly deeds. He was a real-life Don Quixote, someone who was unwilling or unable to accept the rapidly changing society to which they unwittingly belonged. Disloyal and vile, not only was he lawless but he was apparently Godless, because he was unable to forgive and forget like the "Good Book" he often quoted said he should. He was so evil that no woman would willingly share his life, and that his seed should not be allowed to spread.

Rarely a person who embodies such a unique combination of both light and darkness, good and evil, right and wrong, captivates the human imagination so completely that they become larger than life. In all the known annuls of human history few stories can approach the icon that was Jesse Woodson James. Today above all days we should remember that Jesse James was real character who lived his life subject to the same limitations and imperfections we all endure, yet somehow he managed to squeeze more life out of thirty four years than most people could imagine living in a century. Rest in Peace my rebel cousin, your legend will never die.


Here is another unpublished full plate tinted image of Jesse, which was taken in Greenville Illinois in 1869. Thanks to Rick Mack for sharing this unique image with us.




FIVE LITTLE KNOWN JESSE JAMES AND FAMILY FACTS:

(A). Q: What was James family connection to George Washington? A: The Samuels family started making their special brew in 1784 in the frontier wilds of Virginia known as the Kentucky Territory. Robert Samuels, a distiller for George Washington’s army, mustered out of the Pennsylvania militia that year and came to Kentucky with a land grant, a “corn writ,” which was the first form of homesteading in Kentucky. Robert’s secret recipe was passed down through the family for the next six generations. In the 1840s, Taylor William Samuels, Robert’s grandson, turned his father’s farm distillery into a commercial operation, known as T. W. Samuels & Son, at Samuels Depot Kentucky. He was known as the “High” Sheriff of Nelson County. His older brother, Dr. Reuben Samuels, had married Jesse and Frank James’ mother and raised the boys. When Quantrill was shot Frank James was visiting the home of T.W. Samuels. His relatives later founded what is known today as "Markers Mark" distillery.

(B). Q: Did you know that Jesse is among of the most popular subjects for cultural depictions ever? A: There have been more than twenty-five films made concerning the life of Jesse James, and he is mentioned or his image featured in countless others. Jesse James is often used as a fictional character in numerous novels, including some which were published while he was alive. It is impossible to count all the books and articles which were written about his life and exploits, and more are being published almost daily. Jesse has been featured in comics strips, and television shows too numerous to count. Especially during the 50s and 60's, virtually every show from the "Brady Bunch" to "Zorro" found a way to work Jesse James into the storyline. Jesse has been immortalized in song by artists from Woody Guthrie to Warren Zevon, there was even a concept album based upon his life. There are numerous museums and sites devoted to Jesse James, both in the real world as well as on the World Wide Web.

(C). Q: Did you know that there were around half a dozen "Jesses" who appeared long after 1882 claiming to be J. W. James? A: Two of the most famous were J. Frank Dalton and John James, yet there were numerous others and relatives of the "real" Jesse who claimed that was not killed in 1882 but instead he faked his death. Somehow they continue to write new books and produce new television shows. Yet none of them can provide an answer to the simple question. "Why after spending over sixteen year protecting and sheltering his family from his outlaw life, would he suddenly decide to abandoned his wife and children cold turkey just to help avoid capture"?


(D). Q: Did you know that the way Jesse was portrayed in the Media has changed dramatically over the years? A: When Jesse was alive his friend and former Confederate comrade in arms John Newman Edwards, fostered and grew the seed that soon grew into the legend of Jesse James. After Jesse's death the James Gang became the subject of Dime Novels, which some claim represented the bandits as pro Old South combatants fighting against the rise of industrialization. During the Populist and Progressive eras, James was promoted as America's Robin Hood, standing up against the banks and corporations in defense of the small farmer, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. In the the 1950s, Jesse was depicted as a psychologically troubled individual rather than a social rebel. Some filmmakers portrayed the former outlaw as someone driven by revenge, replacing "social issues with exclusively personal motives." Still other movies ridiculed and demonized James by projecting him as a comedic or fantasy figure. When the sixties rolled around the war to replace the long-standing interpretation of the Western frontier hero was already won, so the media associated Jesse with many of the evil and deviant figures of that era such as mass murders and presidential assassins. There was only one major film made about the James Gang in the Seventies "The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid." Robert Duvall plays a psychotic Jesse driven solely on personal motives, showing little or compassion or concern for anyone else. Like the clothes we wore and the Disco some (not all) danced to in those days, this movie is as disjointed as the entire decade was. Too bad the movie is so bad it not worth watching because Mr. Duvall looked more like Jesse than any other actor who has played him. The two movies made during the decade of the Eighties, 'The Long Riders" and "The Last Days Of Frank and Jesse James" were riddled with inaccuracies, however they both films favorable portrayed the Brothers as flawed hero's. The movies about Jesse made during the Nineties have little redeeming value. In "Frank and Jesse" Rob Lowe proved that he made a worse Jesse James than he did a "Teenie-bopper" idol, and instead of being a school teacher Frank's bride to be is a hooker. In my opinion the best thing about the movie "Purgatory" is the fact that Jesse James might be allowed to enter heaven someday, all kidding aside both movies are just clever ways to reinforce the negative stereotypes already placed in the public's collective mind. During the first decade since the dawning of the new millennium a misguided attempt to paint Jesse James as a "terrorist" was launched and thankfully it was mostly ignored. Various books and television shows were produced trying to convince the public not only wasn't Jesse killed in 1882, moreover he hid a vast fortune in gold and sliver in numerous locations, all you have to do is break the code and it can all be yours. Fortunately the decade also produced the best overall movie about Jesse James, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." It's author Robert Hansen paints a dark and brooding tale of the last few months of Jesse's life. The finished product depicts James as another paranoiac tribute to an American gangster, a thug who lived by the gun and repeatedly killed in cold blood, which is likely not an totally inaccurate view of how his life ended. Yet the complete and true story of Jesse James, despite all the dime novels and B movies, remains untold. Because Jesse Woodson James was not just another American gangster, hell bent on obtaining wealth and fame for personal gain. Jesse James was a complex and diverse individual who was a product of the turbulent times when he lived, however he was not a person who willingly embraced a life of crime. Rather Jesse's evolution into "The King of American Outlaws" was a long and strange decent into a personal hell, where few people would willingly follow. Jesse James felt that he had no other choice than to take the actions he did, right or wrong his actions were directly related to the actions taken against him and his family during the war. Jesse James at sixteen was not the same person he was when he reached age twenty-one, undoubtedly his perspective changed as the years flew by. In my humble opinion it is impossible to accurately portray his life in a single movie. Because like all of us his life was molded and shaped by the events and individuals he encountered and how he reacted to them. It has been said that "fate are the cards you are dealt in life, and destiny is how you play them." No one else has played their hand like Jesse Woodson James.

(E). Q: Did you know that there was more than one Jesse W James who served in the Civil War? (A). Yes Virgina, according to muster and pension rolls there were numerous Jesse W James who served in the Confederate forces in Missouri as well as other states. Additionally there were numerous J W James who were Confederate veterans. Finally since the Quantrill men were known to list Col. Quantrill on their rolls because they knew Colonel's spirit was in attendance, it is not hard to imagine that the same courtesy would be extended to Jesse. Therefore if you stumble across a reunion muster roll that lists Jesse W James as being in attendance don't call the History channel because they already made a program where some fools made that silly assumption. No matter how anyone may try to spin it there is no doubt that Jesse Woodson James was assassinated on April 3, 1882.

The next image of Jesse James is of the few documented images where Jesse is dressed in casual clothing and the only one where he is holding a long arm. The original image is owned by the James family and according to lore it was taken in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1874 during his honeymoon. This is the second time this image has been published, this copy was legally obtained from the family by Lee Starnes and it was later acquired by Patrick Marquis. We thank him for sharing this seldom seen image with the membership.




Below is an newspaper account of the dastardly deed performed by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here.

"THE KILLING IN DETAIL. Special dispatch to the Kansas City Journal. St. Joseph, Missouri, April 3, --- Between 8 and 9 o'clock this morning Jesse James, the Missouri outlaw, before whose record the deeds of Fre Diavolo, Dick Turpin and Shinterhannes dwindle into insignificance, was killed by a boy 21 years old named Robert Ford, at his temporary residence on Thirteenth and Lafayette streets, in this city. In the light of all moral reasoning the shooting was unjustifiable, but the law is vindicated, and the $50,000 reward offered by the state for the body of the brigand dead or alive will doubtless go to the man who had the courage to draw a revolver on the notorious outlaw when his back was turned, as in this case. There is little doubt that the killing was the result of a premeditated plan formed by Robert and Charles Ford several months ago. Charles had been an accomplice of Jesse James since the 3rd of last November, and entirely possessed his confidence. Robert Ford, his brother, joined Jesse near Mrs. Samuels (the Mother of the James boys) last Friday a week ago, and accompanied Jesse and Charles to this city Sunday, March 23."

"Jesse, his wife and two children removed from Kansas City (where they had lived several months until they feared their whereabouts would be suspected) to this city, arriving here November 8, 1881, coming in a wagon and accompanied by Charles Ford. They rented a house on the corner of Lafayette and Twenty-first streets, where they stayed two months, when they secured a house Number 1318 on Lafayette street, formerly the property of Councilman Aylesbury, paying $14 a month for it and giving the name of Thomas Howard."

"The house is a one story cottage, painted white, with green shutters, and is romantically situated on a brow of a lofty eminence east of the city, commanding a fine view of the principal portion of the city, river and railroads, and adapted by nature for the perilous and desperate calling of Jesse James. Just east of the house is a deep, gulch-like ravine, and beyond that a broad expanse of open country backed by a belt of timber."

"The house, except for the west side can be seen for several miles. There is a large yard attached to the cottage, and a stable where Jesse had been keeping two horses, which were found there this morning."

"Charles and Robert Ford have been occupying one of the rooms in the rear of the dwelling, and have secretly had an understanding to kill Jesse ever since last fall. A short time ago, before Robert had joined James, the latter proposed to rob the bank at Platte City. He said the Burgess murder trial would commence there today and his plan was if they could get another companion to take a view of the situation and while the arguments were being heard in the murder case, which would naturally engage the attention of the citizens, boldly execute one of his favorite raids."

"Charles Ford approved of the plan, and suggested his brother Robert as a companion worthy of sharing the enterprise with them. Jesse had met the boy at the latter's house, near Richmond three years ago and consented to see him. The two men accordingly went to where Robert was, and arranged to have him accompany them to Platte City. As standard, all three came to St. Joe a week ago Sunday. They remained at the house all the week, Jesse thought it best that Robert should not exhibit himself on the premises, lest the presence of three able-bodied men who were doing nothing should excite suspicion."

"They had fixed upon tonight to go to Platte City. Ever since the boys had been with Jesse they have watched for an opportunity to shoot him, but he was always so heavily armed that it was impossible to draw a weapon without James seeing it. They declare that they had no idea of taking him alive, considering one undertaking suicidal. The opportunity they had long wished for came this morning. Breakfast was over. Charley Ford and Jesse James had been in the stable currying the horses preparatory to their night ride. On returning to the room where Robert Ford was, Jesse said: "It's an awfully hot day." He pulled off his coat and vest and tossed them on the bed. Then he said, "I guess I'll take off my pistols for fear somebody will see them if I walk in the yard." He unbuckled the belt in which he carried two .45 caliber revolvers, one a Smith and Wesson and the other a Colt, and laid them on the bed with his coat and vest. He then picked up a dusting brush with the intention of dusting some pictures which hung on the wall. To do this he got on a chair. His back was now turned to the (Ford) brothers, who silently stepped between Jesse and his revolvers."

"At a motion from Charley both drew their guns. Robert was the quickest of the two, and in one motion he had the long weapon to a level with his eye, with the muzzle not more than four feet from the back of the outlaw's head. Even in that motion, quick as thought, there was something which did not escape the acute ears of the hunted man. He made a motion as if to turn his head to ascertain the cause of that suspicious sound, but too late. A nervous pressure on the trigger, a quick flash, a sharp report and the well directed ball crashed through the outlaw's skull. There was no outcry; just a swaying of the body and it fell heavily backwards upon the carpet of the floor. The shot had been fatal and all the bullets in the chambers of Charley's revolver still directed at Jesse's head could not more effectually have decided the fate of the greatest bandit and free booter that ever figured in the pages of a country's history."

"The ball had entered the base of the skull and made its way out through the forehead, over the left eye. It had been fired out of a Colt's .45 improved pattern, silver mounted and pearl handled pistol, presented by the dead man to his slayer only a few days ago."

"Mrs. James was in the kitchen when the shooting was done, separated from the room in which the bloody tragedy occurred by the dining room. She heard the shot, and dropping her household duties ran into the front room. She saw her husband lying extended on his back, his slayers, each holding his revolver in his hand, making for the fence in the rear of the house. Robert had reached the enclosure, and was in the act of scaling it, when she stepped to the door, and calling to him: "Robert, you have done this, come back." Robert answered: "I swear to God I didn't." They then returned to where she stood. Mrs. James ran to the side of her husband and lifted his head. Life was not yet extinct, and when she asked him if he was hurt, it seemed to her that he wanted to say something, but could not. She tried to wash away the blood that was coursing over his face from the hole in his forehead, but it seemed to her that the blood would come faster than she could wipe it away, and in her hands Jesse James died."

"They (the Ford boys) went to the telegraph office, sent a message to Sheriff Timberlake, of Clay County; to Police Commissioner Craig, of Kansas City; to Governor Crittenden, and other officers, and then surrendered themselves to Marshal Craig."

"When the Ford boys appeared at the police station they were told by an officer that Marshal Craig and a posse of officers had gone in the direction of the James' residence, and they started after them and surrendered themselves. They accompanied the officers to the house and returned in custody of the police to the marshal's headquarters, where they were removed to the old circuit court room where the inquest was held, in the presence of an immense crowd."

Our final image is an extremely clear copy of the death image of Jesse James, thanks to Rick Mack for sharing this image with the membership.



Next is one recounting of story of Jesse James and the widow.

One day, as Jesse James and his gang were riding through Missouri, they saw a farmhouse and stopped to ask for something to eat. A widow lived there with three small children. She didn't have much in the house, but shared with them what she had.

It was while they were eating lunch that Jesse James noticed that something was bothering this generous widow. He questioned her about it, and she broke down and told him her story. The mortgage was due on the house that very day, and since her husband had died, she did not have the money to pay it. Her landlord was not a generous man, and was sure to put her children and herself out on the street.

"How much money do you need to pay the mortgage?" Jesse asked the widow.

"Fifteen hundred dollars," the widow sobbed.

Jesse James took out his money bag, counted out $1500 dollars and presented it to the widow.

"I can't take this," she protested, but Jesse James insisted she use the money to pay off the mortgage.

"Just make sure you get a receipt," he warned her, and she promised that she would. Then he got a description of the man, and left with his gang.

Jesse James and his gang waited in the woods near the house until the man had collected his money from the widow. Then they rode out onto the road and stole their money back from the landlord.

This article was submitted by Patrick Marquis 2011 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The images are owned by Emory A Cantey, Rich Mack and Patrick Marquis. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

Sometimes it takes years for the truth to make its way into print. Most of the time truth has an uphill struggle just trying to overcome the obstacles of entrenched political propaganda. Recently the answer to a minor episode along the Missouri-Kansas border during the Civil War has been recently researched in order to discover an unexplained episode centering around one of the more prominent members of the Civil War. The question was, why was General Thomas Ewing at one time the commander of the District of the Border relegated to a small insignificant post in Southern Missouri at the end of the war. The answer might surprise you.

Ewing was promoted to brigadier general on March 13, 1863, for his leadership at the Battle of Prairie Grove. He was given command of the District of the Border, which comprised Kansas and western Missouri. Before becoming Commander of the District of the Border Ewing was responsible for recruiting the 11th Kansas Jayhawker Regiment which he became the colonel of in late April 1863. The 11th Kansas remained under his command with the new colonel Preston B. Plumb occupying the position of Ewing's Chief of Staff. Also on Ewing's staff were some dozen Kansas Redlegs, the worse thieves and robbers known along the border.

Kansas Jayhawkers had already gained an unsavory reputation around Independence, Missouri. Captain Henry Palmer, Company A of the 11th Kansas Regiment described one of his Jayhawker raids. "They marched through Kansas City , nearly all dressed in women?s clothes; old bonnets and outlandish hats on their heads, spinning wheels and even grave stones lashed to their saddles. Through the country strewn with worthless household goods, their road lighted by burning homes, this regiment was little less than an armed mob?

Stories of Jayhawkers terrorizing the Missouri border were numerous. One story told by Captain Henry Palmer of the 11th Kansas Regiment is a sample of what transpired along the border on a daily basis. Redleg Joseph B. Swain and seven of his followers made a nighttime raid on the home of a Missouri farmer named Lawrence. The party demanded the man turn over to them all his money and silverware. Lawrence said he could not comply with their demand as he had sent all of his money to a bank in Canada for safety. Dragged to a nearby tree with a rope around his neck, Lawrence was repeatedly hauled into the air and strangled as Swain tried to extract the location of his wealth. When Lawrence failed to produce the goods the men ransacked his home, smashing open locked drawers, emptying trucks, and ripping open mattresses. In the parlor they found the coffin of Mrs. Lawrence, who had died that day, resting across two chairs. In the words of Jayhawker Henry E. Palmer: ?One fellow suggested that maybe money was hid in the coffin, and with that he knocked off the lid of the casket and searched for gold. A ring on the finger of the dead woman attracted his attention, and whipping out his bowie knife he cut off the finger to release the ring. Before leaving, this gallant party of Union defenders said to the terror stricken daughters: ?If you want to plant the old lady, drag her out, for we are going to fire the ranch." Unaided they dragged the coffin from the burning home.

Sometime late in 1863 or early 1864 the 11th Kansas was occupying the Missouri town of Independence. It was a wealthy freighting town and its wealth attracted the greed and lusts of the Kansas Jayhawkers. When the Jayhawkers had plundered the Southern sympathizers of all their movable wealth they ultimately turned on loyal Union men to satisfy their greed. One resident of Independence said that the houses in town were used for stables. ?A number of good business houses on the square are now occupied as horse?stables by the Kansas Eleventh." One citizen of Independence, Richard Leach was arrested as a Southern sympathizer. He was given permission to leave the state. ?I was glad to get away,? he said, ?and leave a people who had now become thieves and robbers, which constituted the loyalty of Union men.?

Lt Col. Preston Plumb of the 11th Kansas Jayhawking Regiment was General Thomas Ewing?s chief of staff. While stationed in Independence Plumb acted as the provost marshal and practiced another wily method of robbery on Missouri ?s peaceful citizens. As provost marshal Plumb had enormous discretionary power over civilians around Independence. He could force labor from the citizens and seize any property he deemed needed for the military or for his own personal use. Captain John G. Lindsay of Company F of the 11th Kansas arrested a local citizen, A. L. N. Crenshaw with Rebel mail on his person. The package contained letters to be forwarded to soldiers in the Confederate army. Such a minor infraction could carry a death penalty but this mistake was used by the Jayhawkers for a more sinister purpose.

Lt Col. Plumb had four Redlegs seize Crenshaw who was a noted and wealthy Unionist and livestock dealer. Plumb had his regimental quartermaster seize all of Crenshaw?s corn and hay then burned down his house. Then Plumb?s Redlegs drew their pistols and roughed Crenshaw up making him believe he was going to be hanged. They offered to buy Crenshaw?s stock for $1.00 a head. Fearing for his life Crenshaw signed a bill of sale for $650 for 100 cattle and 30 hogs. The Redlegs said they would give him $150. Again they offered Crenshaw $1,200 for thirty?one mules and horses. This was followed by another so?called sale that took fifty?eight mules the last of his stock. Crenshaw was kept in jail for over a year where he was mistreated becoming ill and going blind and never receiving a dime for his property from Major Plumb. Ewing finally released Crenshaw after forcing him to promise to keep his treatment a secret.

By 1864 a board of Federal officers met acknowledging that General Ewing and his subordinate officers were all guilty of a conspiracy to rob and murder Crenshaw. Ewing was eventually reassigned to a small insignificant post in Southeast Missouri. Where once he commanded over 6,000 soldiers he now commanded only a small force of 800 white and black soldiers at Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob, Missouri. This would have been the end of Ewing's career but for the fact that Fort Davidson lay directly in the path of Sterling Price's campaign through Missouri in October 1864. Ewing played a major part in confronting Price and delaying his raid buying additional time for the Union army to strengthen the defenses around St. Louis. Instead of surrendering, Ewing and his men successfully eluded Price's force during the night and fought a fighting withdrawal to Rolla, Missouri. More on these stories can be found in the upcoming book Quantrill at Lawrence by Paul R. Petersen, May 2011, Pelican Publishing.



Photos of Thomas Ewing courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society.

Photo of Preston Plumb courtesy of Patrick Marquis

Photo of John G. Lindsay courtesy of the Greg Walter Collection.

Photo of Henry E. Palmer courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society.

(Ref: Kansas City Times, November 24, 1908)

(Ref: Henry E. Palmer, The Black Flag Character of War on the Border, Kansas Historical Collections, vol 9, 1906, pg 455?

(Ref: Independence Examiner, December 28, 1914)

(Ref: Report of the Headquarters Board of Officers, Kansas City, September 6, 1864, Thomas Ewing Family Papers, Library of Congress)

As a public service we are pleased to present this information as a public service. If you have an event related to the Missouri-Kansas Border Was please contact the website administrator.

Civil War Sesquicentennial Seminar, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, March 26, 2011. An eight-speech, all-day seminar, speech on "Unbridled Violence on the Missouri Kansas Border.

Cass County Historical Society/Civil War Round Table, 7:00 P.M. April 12, 2011, Library meeting room, Harrisonville, Library, speech, "The Capture of Camp Jackson, May 10, 1861.

Cass County Historical Society/Civil War Round Table, 7:00 P.M. April 12, 2011, Library meeting room, Harrisonville, Library, speech, "The Capture of Camp Jackson, May 10, 1861.

Brigadier General John T. Hughes Camp #614, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Independence, MO, Courthouse Exchange Meeting Room, March 10, 2011. Speech, "The Capture of Camp Jackson, May 10, 1861.






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The following information was forwarded by Nancy Hitt. God bless her and all the women that support the cause!

I am sitting here looking as the last few spots of snow disappears,and thinking how near June 25th is, all the work that has to be done.


It had been rumored that there was not going to be a festival this year, but thanks to large donations from Anne Jersig, Anne's Daughter, Waverly Breakfast Club, Beta Sigma Phi, and some personal gifts, we have enough seed money to proceed, our plans for the special entertainment and education is the reenactment of General Joseph O. Shelby's wedding of July 22, 1858.

The wedding party consisted of the who's who of Missouri, including three future governors, 1 president, and a member of congress, plus other guests of note, since he was one of the richest men in Missouri at this time.


As it was during this time period, there will be street fights among the Jayhawks and the bushwackers, which the federal forces will try to control. Once again there might be some attempts at hanging and also abduction of men and women. This will bring life to history and history to life.


Once again we are planning a get together for the Shelby Family and Friends of the Shelby's. We would like to know who is planning on being here, I know that this sometime away but we need to know size of space and how much food My house is already spoken for and I think that the Bed and Breakfast is booked. So things are on the move.

Mr Jim Beckner, is the director of the Wedding, he was selected as the Missouri's Governor's Humanities man of the year in 2010. Taylor Filpot will be the Bride,she is the G-G-G-Grand Daughter of General Shelby. Major Scott Price USA retired will direct the military reenactors and their encampment and activities.


Please send your head count for the Shelby Reunion as soon as you can so that we can get that on the back burner and work on the success of the rest of the program. Send me your numbers at jandjhinz@yahoo.com and contact any and all family members and others who are interested in Shelby History.

My best to all
John Hinz


Below is an war era image of General Jo Orville Shelby, thanks to Patrick Marquis for sharing this photo.

This article was originally published on Friday, February 4, 2011 on Perennis: Thriving Amidst Decay Since 1988.

"Yankee Twist" Donald Gilmore Historian Donald Gilmore reviews Mark Geiger's Civil War book.



Mark Geiger's new book, Financial Fraud and Guerrilla Violence in Missouri's Civil War, 1861-1865, Yale University Press, 2010, is the typical Northern-oriented history of the Civil War, with all the usual trappings, like anachronistic references to "Bushwhackers," i.e., guerrillas, and "Border Ruffians," i.e., Missouri elites, loaded words steeped in more-than-century-old propaganda--telltale inclusions that show the writer's bias.

What Geiger inadvertently (perhaps unknowingly) describes in his book is an economic "total war" that coincided with the total war military operations of the Union Army when it invaded Missouri in 1861 and overthrew its elected government, driving it out of the state into Arkansas and Texas. "Total War" describes an army’s attempt to kill its enemies and destroy their resources totally: money, homes, farms, banks, economy—everything. That's why western Missouri was called the "burnt district" after the Civil War. The Yankees succeeded in this military-financial holocaust.

In 1861, the Union Army invaded Missouri, and Gov. Claiborne Jackson was forced to rapidly mobilize Missouri's banks to support the Missouri State Guard in its defense of the state. Attacked by a large Federal army commanded by Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, the Missourians, with their backs to the wall, had to act quickly. Through a network of bankers, planters, and their wealthy extended families, Jackson began a frantic and desperate attempt to centralize the money in the Missouri banks before the Yankees confiscated their holdings. Opposing Jackson were Lincoln, Union General Lyon; Frank Blair, Jr., a close friend of Lincoln's; and General John Frémont, one of the main architects of total war in Missouri. The Union Army eventually overwhelmed Jackson, but he fought back defiantly and tenaciously with the Missouri State Guard.

Frémont, Lyon, and the U.S. Army in Missouri systematically seized all the money in the Missouri banks, divesting pro-Southerners of much of their financial resources. After Lyon’s death at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in 1861, the Union Army, in military operations in Western Missouri under James Lane, seized many of the planters’ monies, homes, farms, businesses--even their clothes--all the means they had to sustain themselves. When Frémont “freed” Missouri’s valuable slave assets illegally in 1861; Lincoln forced him to rescind the order, fearing they had gone too far threatening a general uprising. By this time, Lyon and Frémont had seized control of most of the monies in the St. Louis, Chillicothe, Osceola, and St. Genevieve banks, and made an aborted attempt on the Lexington bank, but were thwarted by Gen. Sterling Price.

Gov. Jackson, now desperate for money to help him fend off the invading Union Army, had the remaining Missouri banks send him their monies and create promissory notes and bonds to cover the loans, signed by most of the leading pro-Southern planters residing in the Little Dixie area along the Missouri River and elsewhere. This enabled Jackson, without adequate financial support from the Confederacy, to finance his defense of Missouri against the Yankee onslaughts. Obviously, extreme situations demand drastic measures. Meanwhile, systematically and with armed force, the Union Army seized the remaining Pro-Southern banks and the monies in them, especially focusing on the gold and silver. The army also removed virtually all Pro-Southern bankers and their officers from their positions at these banks, replacing them with their own people, who hereafter called all the shots, and they weren’t to be Southern ones. The judges, courts, even Missouri’s Supreme Court were “Unionized” also. So they had the pro-Southern Missourians where they wanted them.

Now it was time for the Yankees to exact total revenge on Southern partisans, bringing them to their knees by calling in their promissory notes for prompt payments. If the payments were not made, as they certainly could not be in most cases, the Army’s bank agents could seize the planter’s collateral (a word Geiger seldom uses), i.e., their farms (plantations), which the Federal lawyers, bankers, and judges did, forcing 500,000 acres of the best, fertile land in Missouri to go on the auction block, bankrupting the elite planters--“Border Ruffians” in Geiger’s parlance--class of Missourians. It was a catastrophic, economic "Total War" that ruined this class forever. As Geiger admits, most of these men and their families left Missouri, had to after the war, going West and even to South America, Central America, and Mexico to live in colonies of ex-Southerners.

So Geiger's work is just one more Yankee history with that old, predictable Yankee twist. More like reassuring “comic book” history these books never see historic events from the Southerners' desperate side. The authors always start from the premise that the Southerners are scoundrels and frauds and their actions despicable and immoral. Geiger, moreover, pictures the guerrillas, the sons of the Southern planters and bankers, as devious, violent "Bushwhackers," the latter word loaded with negative affective connotations that present these valiant fighters in an unfavorable light. That's why Geiger's cover photo reveals guerrillas (no bushes in sight, no brave defenders either!) murdering Kansans at Lawrence. Geiger never refers to the mountain of reasons the Missourians had for their vengeful sacking of the town; in fact, the image of the sacking of that town was irrelevant to his study.

In Geiger's book, Gov. Jackson and his colleagues are frauds; the guerrillas are murderers--the usual, slanted, unfair, and incomplete Yankee interpretation. It's a shame Geiger couldn't have broadened his perspective in his generally excellent book to take in the plight of Missourians during the Civil War and examine the economic and military situation from both a Yankee and Southern viewpoint. Geiger admits, “legality is a matter of perspective in a time of Civil War.” Regrettably, he fails to follow up on this insight. Instead, Geiger’s analysis and explanation of Lincoln’s and the Union Army’s Total War on Missouri’s beleaguered banks and planters is simplistic.

Mr. Gilmore is a military historian, novelist, and lecturer. Among his recent works are: "Civil War on the Missouri Kansas Border" and " Riding Vengeance with the James Gang." Don will always enjoy the honor of being the first member on this website.

This article was submitted by Donald Gilmore 2011 quantrillsguerrillas.com. It was originally published by Perennis, and is subject to copyright. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

Here is an sharp, clear 1/6th plate ambrotype of W.C. Quantrill. It was taken in Kansas in 1860. Inside the case, in Quantrill's hand,is written, "To Lydia from Quantrill 1860". Thanks to Major Cantey for sharing this image with us.



To better understand the personality and character of William Clarke Quantrill, noted author Paul R. Petersen asked a prominent Kansas City, Missouri, psychologist, Daniel J. Keyser to compose a psychological report based on historical documentation about Quantrill from eyewitness accounts of those who knew him intimately. Dr. Keyser developed a Psychological Report for William Clarke Quantrill based on material gleaned from historical records and furnished from eyewitness accounts and established factual events.

THE PROFILE Mr. Quantrill was a short, small man by today’s standards, standing less than 6 feet tall. He was in his midtwenties but seemed younger than his age. He had light blue eyes and sandy hair with a somewhat small, imperial mustache. His face was pale with a touch of tan. His build was slender and muscular with a lean, sinewy general appearance of approximately 150 pounds. He dressed neatly and appeared to be careful with his clothing and personal hygiene. He even polished his fingernails, which had to be rare for a man in his day and of his years. He wore kid gloves, probably more for his appearance than for the protection of his hands. His manner was debonair and polite, though he did not strut or brag. Some people who knew him described him as handsome. One would have to conclude that Mr. Quantrill was very conscious of his appearance, and had a certain vanity and narcissism about himself. His personality was apparently that of one who was exacting and meticulous. It is also possible to conclude that he was a cut above the general crowd of his era, in the care that he would take with himself and the impression he wished to leave with others. He wanted others to see him as poised, calm and a gentleman. He could well have been that.

Mr. Quantrill was an intelligent man. Though it is not possible to have psychometric data on this, there are conclusions that can be drawn. For instance, Mr. Quantrill was studious and went to Union College where he graduated when he was sixteen. He even became a teacher in one of the lower departments of the college. He was fond of history, loved to read and took courses in Latin and surveying. He was quick and accurate with figures. In fact, he was regarded as the best mathematician in his county. He also had an analytic ability. He could sort and parse things into component parts and then synthesize them together into a comprehensive whole. His plans were meticulous and complex. Every operation was detailed, with retreat and escapes considered carefully. The costs of each action were counted and the odds of success and failure computed. His judgment bordered on the occult, in that he was able to divine likelihoods and outcomes that others could not see. When responsibilities were heavy, his judgments were surest, validating the calmness and pose of his general demeanor. One concludes from the above that Mr. Quantrill was of above average intelligence, probably with an IQ somewhere between 125 and 140. His vocabulary was well above average as can be ascertained from the letters he has written to others. His attention, concentration, judgment, and planning were superior to the general population.

It is common in today’s world to assess general intelligence using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. That instrument has subtests of General Information, Arithmetic, Vocabulary, Digit Span, and other tests to measure intellectual performance. Considering his likely performance on these sub-tests, it is easy to conclude that Mr. Quantrill had above average General Information, superior mathematical ability, superior vocabulary, superior memory and concentration, and superior planning. Tests such as Block Design and Picture Arrangement would have assessed his abilities in analysis and synthesis, and social anticipation and planning. Opposites would have measured his level of abstraction. He would certainly have generated superior scores on all of these tests of intelligence. In fact, it is possible the estimated IQ of 125–140 could be conservative.

It has already been hypothesized that Mr. Quantrill was a calm, poised and stable, somewhat rigid personality, of keen intelligence, and touched with narcissism. He was not given to rash actions, clearly was not impulsive, and could even have been described in obsessive/compulsive character terms. His dress was controlled, his actions were controlled, his ideation and intelligence were controlled and his emotions were tightly controlled. Others described him as “Cool as a cucumber.” His calmness in emotional situations was known by all. In fact, it was said that the greater the danger, the calmer he became. He was fearless to the point of recklessness. When he led his men into battle, he was in front shouting them forward. However, we must remember that he had thought out and anticipated every eventuality, even to the point of obsessive/compulsive detail. Quite likely, when all the thinking and planning was done, his recklessness was nothing more than his commitment to action and to the total completion of the job. He would be a formidable opponent.

The only break in this poised presentation of self was his laugh. Sometimes a nervous chuckle or giggle could be heard right after he had killed a man. His men found this to be eerie and a little frightening. This point about him is somewhat in dispute according to records, and is crucial information. Should this be true, we could be left with a remarkably different personality. Rather than a calm, intelligent, quiet and meticulous leader of men, we would have an intelligent, cold, psychopath who could outwit his enemies and dispatch them with cruelty and without feeling. Our answer to this issue can be found in the social analysis of Mr. Quantrill. Socially, Mr. Quantrill is described as of a retiring nature, but with a ready smile for others and a warm heart. He loved his family and his family loved him. His inner life was apparently more active than his outer life, and few people were accessible to his inner thoughts and emotions. Many people knew him, but he had few close friends. He spoke little to others and some saw him as a loner. Yet, he was clearly a leader and dominant in groups. He was described as kind to his men and to his prisoners. His men did not fear him and he never quarreled with them. One account has him caring for a wounded man for over an hour. He was polite to women, admired them and defended them. He was said to have given the order that if any of his men were to curse or abuse a woman, that they should be shot on the spot. He gave the only picture he had of himself to a woman he was attracted to. His relationships with females were always cordial and considerate. These accounts would certainly be in contrast to a person thought to be cruel and psychopathic. A psychopath, or a more disturbed personality, would not be caring toward his men, and would be shallow in their relationships with women. The descriptions are more in keeping with earlier descriptions as a calm, poised, quiet, thoughtful leader who was fearless in battle, and who gave no quarter while the battle was on.

In summary, Mr. Quantrill is described as a small, smartly dressed young man of attractive appearance. He carried himself in a poised manner and drew positive responses from others. He was intelligent with an estimated IQ somewhere in the 125–140 vicinity. He would score high on most of the subtests of the WAIS. His vocabulary was superior, as was his mathematical ability, abstraction ability, attention and concentration, and his ability to analyze and synthesize. He had no apparent intellectual weakness. Emotionally, Mr. Quantrill was withdrawn and reserved and rarely given to impulsive action. The few exceptions were expressed in an unusual laugh that could be suggestive of a darker side of his nature or a nervousness that would break through the rigid controls of his personality. Socially, Mr. Quantrill had few friends, and seemed to prefer the role of a more distant, remote leader, than that of confidant and friend. He was respected and well thought of, and even admired.

Dr. Daniel J. Keyser PhD is a well respected psychologist practicing psychology, clinical psychology, biofeedback therapy and psychoanalysis in Raytown, Missouri. Dr. Keyser has authored numerous books on psychology, education and psychology testing.

Further fascinating information concerning William Clarke Quantrill can be found in Quantrill of Missouri, Cumberland House Publishing 2003, Quantrill in Texas, Cumberland House Publishing 2006 and Quantrill at Lawrence Pelican Publishing 2011.


Next is a close up of Quantrill from a image which is identified as QUANTRELL and two brothers. It was obtained in 1971 from Raymond Blake of Independence Missouri. He was told that it is possible that this is the tintype that once belonged to John Mc Corkle but the original owner could not verify that information. Thanks to Lt. Colonel Marquis for sharing this image with us.

Hello: I noticed a copy of a group photo of Zerelada James on a recently closed E-Bay auction. I believe the small woman next to Zerelda's missing arm is Caroline Quantrill. The image as shown is reversed. According to the Ohio Democrat Nov, 1 1888 Mrs. Samuel hosted Caroline Quantrill at her home for several days and both had their pictures taken by the St Louis Globe. I believe this photo may have been taken at the Ralston home near Independence. In an unrelated question, has anyone come across a death photo of Arch Clement. Supposedly one was taken in Dec. 1866.

Thanks Armand De Gregoris

**********************************************************
Recently there was a seller on E-bay who had numerous lots of Jesse James and Quantrill related material which belong to noted researcher Lee Hooke. Among the items in one lot was a photo which is an exact duplicate below. The seller incorrectly listed it as being an UNPUBLISHED image, and they also claim that Frank and Jesse James are pictured in front of the group. Unfortunately the seller was wrong on both counts.

As you can see the reverse of the post- card states it was published by "Northwest Collectibles, 1826 Chestnut Baker Oregon, 97814." Although no date is printed on the card my general impression is this version of the card was likely printed in the late 1950's. If my memory serves correctly this image has been published in a book about Jesse James, one of the numerous titles which purport Jesse W. James was not killed in 1882. However at this point in time I can not recall the title. A member of our website who is a well known collector of western images was sent a copy of the image on E-bay. After research and comparison with other known images, he sent me an e-mail that contained some new information. There is no question that Mrs. Zerelda James-Samuels is the third lady from the left in the second row. Her husband Dr. Ruben Samuels is the first man from the right on the back row.

The new information is that based upon comparisons of other known images, Mrs. Caroline Quantrill the Mother of William Clarke Quantrill is seated to the left of Mrs. Samuels. Additionally Irving Gilmer (Editor of the Liberty Tribune) is also in the back row second from the left near the porch. There is a high degree of probability that this is the image was published as a wood cut in the Tribune some time in 1888 after Caroline Quantrill came to Blue Springs area in May the same year.

Regardless of what the publishers of this postcard contend there is no way that the two men seated in front of group are Frank and Jesse James. The most obvious reason would be if this image was taken in may of 1883. Jesse Woodson James had already been dead for over a year. For those who want more proof the men in question do not look old enough to be Frank and Jesse, who would have been thirty nine and thirty four respectively.

Finally anyone who has read "The Many Faces Of Jesse James" by Phillip Steele and George Warfel is at least somewhat familiar with the various image identification techniques that can be utilized to compare these images to any of the DOCUMENTED images of Frank and Jesse and you will find these two men are not Frank and Jesse James.

I obtained some of the other lots for sale which also contained misidentified previously published images of the James brothers. I will be posting them on this website along with an explanation of why they are not who they are purported to be. Fortunately for us there are numerous well documented images to compare with.

Just remember that most of the images offered on E-bay by sellers WHO ARE SURE THAT THEY ARE JESSE JAMES ARE TOTAL BUNK, documentation is the key. Just because an E-Bay seller claims an image has never been published before, it doesn't not mean that information is always correct. People have been claiming they have images of Jesse since the day after he was murdered. Below are front and back copies of the postcard image.






EDITORS NOTE:

I originally posted another copy of this image in error. I assumed that the owner had been contacted by the person who submitted the information and that they had authorized it publication. As soon was advised of a possible issue, I removed that copy and replaced it my personal copy of the image. I will ensure that I will ensure that mis-communications of this type don't occur again. I thank everyone for their patience and understanding.

As fate would have it one of our member does have a copy of the Post-Mortem image Archie Clement image that was originally owned by a Missouri family who were always told it was Archie Clement in death.

The image was taken in the right place at the right time and he is in the heavy military coat he wore that day. It is NOT identified on the back but it has been compared to the numerous known images of Clement. You need to look closely to see that eyes have been dotted to APPEAR open in death.

We feel confident, based on all provenance we have and weighing all other information, that this is indeed the image that Moses reported was taken at the time he was killed. Thanks to Major Emory Cantey for sharing this rare image with us. Below you will see the front and back of CDV.





This article was submitted by Armand De Gregoris 2011 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The images are owned by Patrick R. Marquis and Emory A Cantey. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

The end result of the Civil War is that the Federal government preserved the Union, but sadly, forced the voluntary cooperation of sovereign states to remain together at the point of the bayonet. It was totally unnecessary. What began as an economic disagreement between Northern and Southern states gradually morphed into a question over slavery. Gradual emancipation and partial remuneration for slaves was being considered in Southern state legislatures at the time. When the Southern states chose the peaceful means to separate themselves by secession Lincoln could ill afford to lose the South's revenues to its treasuries. In April 1861 Lincoln broke his truce with General Beauregard by sending reinforcements to aid Lieutenant Anderson at Fort Sumter forcing the Confederates to fire the first shot. What followed was four years of internecine warfare that tore the country apart and whose reverberations can still be felt today. The most tragic loss during the war was the Southern way of life. As we are now made aware the Southern way of life is now just a dream, "gone with the wind." What has been left behind throughout the Southern states are few examples of Southern architecture so stunningly displayed in the following photographs from early real photographic postal cards.

The top left photo is the historic home of General Braxton Bragg located in Mobile, Alabama. Framed by magnificent live oaks, carpets of green lawn and bordered by colorful azaleas, the beautiful old home is located at 1906 Spring Hill Avenue. General Bragg won distinction for his brilliant military strategy at the Battle of Chickamauga.

The home at the top right is the Sturdivant Home, also known as the Gillman Home in Selma, Alabama. Built in 1850 by Colonel Edward M. Watts, it remains one of the most classic examples of antebellum mansions in existence. It was designed by a cousin of Robert E. Lee and furnished with imported French furnishings. It has tall columns in the front and is supported by a cupola.

The home on the lower left, built in 1825, was the First White House of the Confederacy. It was here that President Jefferson Davis and his family lived while Montgomery, Alabama was the seat of the Confederate government. The residence was acquired by the State as an official shrine in 1921 and moved to its present site. Most of the furnishings used by Jefferson Davis and his wife, Varina Howell Davis, are housed in this building.

The house pictured on the lower right was the official White House of the Confederacy during 1861-1865, now the Confederate Museum where can be seen uniforms, swords, camp equipment and many other relics of Generals Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, Joseph E Johnston, J.E.B. Stuart and other Confederate heroes.



This article was submitted by Paul R Peterson 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The image is owned by Paul R. Petersen. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

Happy 2011 One & All.

This year marks the Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the start of the War for Southern Independence. I am reprinting some recently message exchanged that discuss the relentless attack on the Southern history of the war which will be which will no doubt be re-focused with renewed vigor for the next four years. To make it easier to follow, I have positioned the original e-mail and then the responses under it.

Get accustomed to this my friends because this is only the beginning. The time to hesitate is through, we now must respond individually and in unison and refuse to allow their revisionist view of history to be unchallenged.


The Sesquicentennial is not starting out well.

Southrons,

Our enemies are using it to denigrate the good name of the Confederate soldier and Southern independence. They are determined to intimidate us by screaming that slavery, and slavery alone, was the cause of the war.

We at www.BonnieBluePublishing.com are launching a counter attack with a HUGE promotion for the three-DVD set, The War Between the States and Reconstruction, featuring distinguished historian and founding dean of the SCV’s Stephen D. Lee Institute, Dr. Clyde N. Wilson. The set has been remastered and improved and is ready to ship in quantity with as high as a 55% discount, as well as a “Buy One Set, Get One Set for Only $5” Special, which also means you can “Buy Five Sets and Get Five Sets for Only $5 Each.” The normal price is $29.95/set.

Here is Dr. Wilson’s updated bio which is on four screens on each DVD so that viewers will know his extensive background and accomplishments:

Dr. Wilson is a professor emeritus of History at the
University of South Carolina where he taught for 32 years.
He did \"exemplary\" work as editor of The Papers of
John C. Calhoun, Volumes 10 through 28. He has contributed
over 400 articles, essays and reviews to a wide variety of
books and journals, and has lectured extensively.

He has written several books including Carolina Cavalier:
The Life and Mind of James Johnston Pettigrew; From Union
to Empire: Essays in the Jeffersonian Tradition; and
Defending Dixie: Essays in Southern History and Culture.

He has edited several books including three volumes of
The Dictionary of Literary Biography; The Essential Calhoun;
John C. Calhoun: A Bibliography; and A Defender of

Southern Conservatism: M.E. Bradford and His Achievements.

He is recipient of the Bostick Medal for Contributions to
South Carolina Letters, the John Randolph Club Award for

Lifetime Achievement, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans

Medal of Meritorious Service.

He is the M.E. Bradford Distinguished Chair of
The Abbeville Institute, an affiliated scholar of the
League of the South Institute, and an adjunct faculty
member of the Ludwig Von Mises Institute.


He is a regular contributor to Chronicles magazine and
Southern Partisan, and an occasional contributor to
National Review.

We can customize orders of 25 sets or more by giving camps, chapters and units an opening screen (before talk) and two closing screens (after talk). You can put “Sponsored by” on the opening screen with your logo; and organization detail and contact information on closing screens.

The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina has dishonored its own ancestry and Charleston’s history with an endless parade of South-hating historians screaming at the top of their lungs that Southerners were determined to hang onto slavery, and that we, today, should be ashamed.

We’ve had people held up to high esteem by the Post and Courier such as the fellow whose ancestor signed the Ordinance of Secession, but, instead of going to the Secession Ball, that man chose to demonstrate with the NAACP. This is the Post and Courier’s new hero.

The Post and Courier’s series, “Charleston at War,” by Brian Hicks, has some descriptions of events that are pretty good, but he makes it clear that the whole thing–this magnificent display of democracy, self-government and independence--is tainted by slavery. I guess democracy and self-government are just not enough for Brian Hicks and the Post and Courier in this day and age. I think 1776 is OK with them, but not 1861, when the exact same thing occurred.

However, we are going to get our word in because we own the domain name, www.CharlestonAtWar.com. It will be a good venue for answering the Post and Courier’s politically correct drivel.

Slavery was not the cause of the war. Southern independence was.

Southern independence meant the collapse of the Northern economy because it was utterly dependent on the South.

Just think about it. Northern factories sold ONLY to the South. They could not compete with England in those days, and this is common historical knowledge. The South was their captive market. Without the South, Northern factories stood idle and it was happening with frightful speed as the Southern States seceded.

One can not find a Northern newspaper editor who is not in shear panic after January, 1861 when they realized the North was headed for bankruptcy and anarchy, while the South’s star was rising.

There is no question about this. Read any Northern newspaper editor after January, 1861 and you will see clearly why the North had to have war. They told us as much.

The bottom line is that they needed us, but we did NOT need them.

The history that is being forced on us today by the Post and Courier is easily refuted, and it’s time, as Sam Walton would say, to get after it.

Please visit www.BonnieBluePublishing.com today and buy some DVDs of Dr. Wilson’s outstanding lectures for your camp, chapter or unit, or yourself.

Magna est veritas et praevalebit!
(Great is truth and it will prevail!)

Gene Kizer

Publisher

www.BonnieBluePublishing.com

P.O. Box 13012

Charleston, SC 29422-3012

********************************************************************************The essence of a successful counter to any drum-beat of criticism – such as the insistent and incorrect charge of “it was all about slavery” - is a powerful but BRIEF rejoinder. It is impossible to make a headway against this tactic if you are reduced to actually explaining the situation. People don’t hear anything longer than a short phrase; we are a “bumper-sticker” culture. However, in this case, we have one just such a rejoinder and it should ALWAYS be used in each and every case. Whenever we hear “i-w-a-a-s”, our rejoinder loud and clear should be: the CORWIN Amendment, the CORWIN Amendment, the CORWIN Amendment! Now it’s true, most of those hearing our response won’t know anything about the Amendment, but once they ask – which they will – we then say, “it was the second irrevocable amendment to the Constitution* (already being ratified in 1861) which would have protected in perpetuity the institution of slavery wherever it presently existed in the nation. So the only real protection of slavery for the South was to remain in the Union!” Simple, short and easy to understand! Our point is made. If slavery was the problem, the solution was not to leave the Union, but to stay! (*the first such irrevocable amendment refers to the number of representatives in the House - 435). The Corwin Amendment makes a total hash of the argument that secession – and hence the war - was all about slavery.

Now, the next argument that will be raised (I’ve seen it) is that none of that matters. The South was evil because of slavery. The only answer to that is that the North was equally involved in that institution and, indeed, was the primary mover far more so than the South in that the slave trade itself was carried on by the North right up until 1862(!) and slavery existed in the North far longer than people know. Indeed, Abraham Lincoln believed that slavery in New Jersey could be ended in 1914! Furthermore, Jim Crow laws squared existed in the Northern States. Called “black codes”, in many cases these forbade blacks – slave or free - from entering (much less settling) in the states of the North, Mid-West and West. So the point is this: if the debate is going to be “all about slavery (i.e. race)” then let’s at least be accurate about it and not unjustly single out one side for condemnation! Let’s look at slavery from the beginning, that is, blacks selling other blacks to the New England slave ships to the treatment of blacks outside of the South.

We would make a much bigger impact with a DVD focusing on the issue of slavery and getting all the facts out there (including Great Britain’s war against the slave trade not being a moral but an imperialist war against the empires of Spain and Portugal in the New World) in a way that most folks have never seen before. If this is going to be their issue (and obviously it is) then we must meet it head on rather than trying to “prove” it was a peripheral issue. The emotional impact of slavery is such that we aren’t going to marginalize it, neither are we going to be able to distract attention away from it with economic and other cultural issues. Until we address the issue of slavery in a complete and accurate way, they are going to have the “magic bullet” of the “race card” to counter our every argument even about the brutality of the war on the helpless.. “They deserved it!” will be the response to Lincoln’s, Sherman’s, Sheridan’s and Grant’s war crimes.

Valerie Protopapas

********************************************************************************

I agree with our friend in New York, Valerie. The truth is on our side and we must stand firm in this battle. Folks,

We would do well to listen to our Northern friends. Their analysis looks like the attack we must use before the Ball begins....of course, it already started in Charleston with the NAACP protest of December 20th.

Do we believe this will be the last attempt to discredit our honorable history?

Nancy Still Fighting Mad Hitt

Nancy Hitt
hunleyhitt@earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.

There is no more iconic Confederate hero than Robert Edward Lee. Here is a very rare tinted copy of the famous Brady image of Lee. This photo was taken at Lee's home in 1865.




This article was submitted by Patrick R. Marquis 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The image is owned by Patrick R. Marquis. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

Recently one of our newest members Rice Rice contacted me seeking assistance in trying to identify some images he had purchased at an estate sale. After further discussion I learned that Rick had purchased an album that had contained images of some famous Confederates that he immediately recognized. Others he was not familiar with, however they were identified as having served with the Confederacy.

After review and research I have determined that no fewer than five of these images were connected to Quantrill and /or they fought for the Confederacy in Missouri. Rick Rice has graciously consented to allow us to share these rare and wonderful images with our membership. This is the season were we are all reminded it is better to give than to receive. We hope that all of our members will follows Rick's lead and share their Quantrill images relics and stories with us.

The first photo is a CDV copy of the image that was published by Anthony in New York after the Lawrence Raid. It is an artist's rendition (drawing) of what they recalled how Quantrill looked like. The hair and the beard were known to be altered. Some claim it was intended to make him look more sinister, others say it was to help conceal his true appearance. The facts are Quantrill and his men changed their appearance regularly in an effort to avoid detection. Although all images of Qunatrill are considered to be uncommon, this image is considered to be the most common of all images of Colonel Quantrill.



The next image is a rare CDV sized image of William T. Anderson. Bill was killed on October 26, 1864 near Orrick (now Albany) Missouri. Numerous guerrillas unsuccessfully attempted to retrieve his body, and many of them fell at his side. His body was taken to Richmond Missouri where it was dragged through the streets and then placed on public display. His head was decapitated and placed atop a pole for public display. He was eventually buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery north of town. This image along with one of Anderson in death wearing his guerrilla shirt were published in 1864. This image is also displayed inside our website. Images of "Bloody Bill" are extremely rare, even more scarce than images of Colonel Quantrill.



Next is an image of Marcellus Jerome Clarke also known as "Sue Mundy.""Sue Mundy" was a fictitious name given to a real-life Kentucky guerrilla who was operating in Kentucky late in the war. The name was coined by George Prentice the Pro-Southern editor of the Louisville Daily Journal, in an article about an guerrilla attack that happened on January 25th, 1865. The intent was to make the Yankees look foolish at the hands of a female guerrilla. February 1865 Quantrill and the small band of followers who rode with him into Kentucky, joined what was left of Clarke's band attacked several Federal outposts and they burned a railroad depot. Here is a war dated image of Clarke in Confederate uniform. As few different shots of Mundy are known, but all are considered to be scarce.



Caleb Winfrey was born in Surrey County, North Carolina on December 8, 1823. He moved to Lone Jack Missouri in 1842, where he studied medicine. In March 1847 he enrolled at the University of St Louis. After graduating as a physician he returned to Lone Jack where he practiced medicine while owing a general store and a hotel. In 1861 he joined the Missouri State Guard where he served as a surgeon in King Battalion, and he fought at the battles of Wilson Creek and Lexington. In the early summer of 1862 Caleb enlisted as a private in Company C, 2nd Missouri Cavalry, and he was soon elected as Captain. Winfrey fought at the battle of Lone Jack August 16, 1862. He received a battlefield promotion as surgeon in Upton Hay's regiment. At one point in the battle he led a charge on his own home and drugstore, routing the Yankees. He served as surgeon until after the second battle of Springfield. On January 3, 1863 he was transfered to a hospital in Springfield to care for wounded Confederates, where he was captured. In the Spring he was exchanged at City point Virginia and he rejoined the Missouri troops in Mississippi. He fought at the battle of Vicksburg but was again captured, and later paroled at Demopolis Alabama in the autumn. He served the reminder of the war as Chief Surgeon in Shelby's Cavalry Brigade. After the War he returned to Jackson county Missouri where he practiced medicine. He died at age 92 on January 30, 1915 in Kansas City, and he is buried in the Pleasant Hill cemetery. Here is what may be the only known image of Dr. Caleb Winfrey, which has not been published before.



Joe Payne was a Captain of a Company of men from Audrain County Missouri. He recruited men from Middletown Township, Montgomery Country Missouri in 1861. He served with Caleb Dorsey at Mt. Zion Church on December 28, 1861. He later served in the regular CSA army. This is the first time this image has been published.



Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you and yours. Article submitted by Patrick R. Marquis 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The images are owned by Rick Rice. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

The members and viewers of quantrillsguerrillas.com owe a great deal of gratitude to Founding Member Rich Mack for his tireless dedication and impassioned desire to further the goals and mission statement of this website.

Rick Mack a former radio broadcaster and host of his own talk show has been collecting Civil War and Western memorabilia for over 50 years and owns one of the finest collections nationwide. Rick is a Charter and Life member of the Antique Bowie Knife Association and has served as a past officer and is presently serving on the Board of Directors for the ABKA. He is widely known as one of the nation’s top authorities on these weapons as well as an authority on James Bowie. Rick has authored over a dozen articles for Gun Report and Blade magazines concerning Antique Bowie Knives including numerous articles for the Antique Bowie Knife Journal.

Mr. Mack has aided noted Civil War author Carl W. Breihan with many of his books, including Killer Legions of Quantrill, and wrote the introduction to the now very rare, Escapades of Frank and Jesse James and has interviewed Mr. Breihan many times on his radio talk show as well as sons and relatives of former Quantrill guerrillas including such names as Martin Ismert, Milton Perry, and Wilber Zink. Mr. Mack is one of the leading authorities on Jesse James and J. Frank Dalton giving talks throughout the Midwest.

Mr. Mack received his education at Kansas State University. He is an honorary member of the Kansas State Sheriff’s Association by special invitation, and has authored several articles on Old West Kansas Peace Officers for their State magazine. Mr. Mack owns one of the largest private pre-1890 original newspaper and newspaper clipping collections in the United States concerning Quantrill and his men. Retired, Mr. Mack continues his collections and is a full time dealer in antique Bowie knives and images of Quantrill’s guerrillas.

Only recently Mr. Mack has aided this website by graciously offering the use of his most renowned Civil War images for the new Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park and museum in Arkansas. The museum is in Northwest Arkansas about ten miles west of Fayetteville. The museum intends to use Mr. Mack's Civil War Jayhawker images of Colonel Charles Jennison and Kansas Cavalrymen in posters for their permanent museum display entitled "Guerrillas and Jayhawkers." The images will also be made available on the museum's upcoming web site. Visitors viewing the Prairie Grove Battlefield museum web site will be offered a link to quantrillsguerrillas.com.

The Prairie Grove Battlefield Park was where old veterans held their reunions and became established as a state park in 1908 to help visitors understand the battle and its place in Civil War history as well as how the war changed the lives of the civilians in the Arkansas Ozarks.

The Battle of Prairie Grove on December 7, 1862, was the last time two major armies of almost equal strength faced each other for supremacy in northwest Arkansas. Quantrill's guerrillas gained a noteworthy reputation during the battle fighting a rearguard action saving the Confederate supply trains and at one critical point during the battle recaptured General Joseph O. Shelby after he had been surrounded and taken prisoner. The Confederate army withdrew from Prairie Grove on the night of December 7, leaving Missouri and northwest Arkansas in Federal hands.

The park offers guided tours of the battlefield, interpretive exhibits in Hindman Hall, a walking trail, and a six-mile driving tour. In addition to preserving an important 360-acre section of the original Civil War battlefield, the park has a unique collection of buildings depicting life in this area from the pre-Civil War Era to post-Civil War reconstruction. There is a nominal fee to enter the museum and take a guided tour of the historic homes and structures of the pioneer village. Visitors can watch videos about the battle and the Civil War in the park’s audio-visual room. The visitors’ center has a gift shop and bookstore. The park also contains pavilions, a picnic area, and a playground. Special events at the park include a December reenactment of the battle, with a two-day schedule of activities; a yearly Memorial Day tribute; and the Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair over Labor Day weekend.

Certificate of Promotion

From the Board of Directors of quantrillsguerrillas.com

To all who shall witness these presents, greeting: This is to certify that Rick Mack having served faithfully and honorably as a Founding Member is hereby unanimously awarded the promotion to Major on the Board of directors of the web site quantrillsguerrillas.com on the 1st Day of January, Two Thousand and Twelve for his tireless efforts in promoting the true story of the Missouri-Kansas Border War and furthering the hallowed purpose in our mission statement.

Below is Rick's image which will be on display at the Prairie Grove Battlefield Park.



Article submitted by Paul R. Petersen 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The image is owned by Rick Mack.

Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

As a non-collector of Civil War images and artifacts I would like to take this opportunity to praise those collectors who unhesitantly offer their vast and valuable collections to be displayed for the enjoyment of all. Many of these individuals have spent their time, energy and fortunes acquiring priceless articles of history for the express purpose of preserving artifacts and images for future generations. Their selfless acts have enabled thousands of historians, researchers and readers to discover how history can come to life by the simple association of how stories relate to artifacts and images to individuals. These generous collectors often give permission for their images to be displayed and used for historical and educational purposes at very reasonable terms. Here at quantrillsguerrillas.com our visitors and members can peruse these many and rare images and discover how they assist in telling the true story of William Clarke Quantrill and his guerrillas during the most turbulent period of our nation's history.

The Board of Directors of quantrillsguerrillas.com takes great pride in ensuring that all images shown on this website are authentic and true in every detail. As with any Civil War era photographs that surface for first time publication, questions naturally arise as to their origin and authenticity usually from unknowledable or uneducated persons questioning authenticity of images shown. Our Board of Directors always establish provenance before an image is ever seriously considered to be shown and insist on the highest standards in determining the provenance of Civil War period images. Our website is blessed to have on our Board experts in the field of Civil War images and artifacts who are also qualified as certified antique appraisers thus proving authenticity of an image is what they specialize in. Compared with other websites where Civil War images are shown sometimes without the slightest provenance except the collector's opinion our website visitors can rest assured they are viewing actual historical images, documents and artifacts proven authentic beyond the shadow of a doubt.

An example was a recent period photo offered by a writer wishing it to be published in a book. The provenance turned out to be only the author's opinion of the image compared to other photos. It showed two male individuals whom he claimed were Archie Clements and Jesse James. A simple examination of the image showed that both men were displaying cartridge type revolvers. The photo had no known provenance. The period dress proved to be around the turn of the century. Archie Clements died in 1866 and cartridge type revolvers were not invented until much later. Our experts immediately saw these discrepancies and declined to use the image and even after pointing out the discrepancies to the owner he continued to believe the photo to be authentic.

Provenance is where an item came from. Who made it, who were the owners, who else significant handled it along the way. Photos that are found without provenance bring little remuneration or historical benefit. The most desired photo provenance comes when they are handed down by family members. These can readily be identified and when obtained by another party can be easily authenticated.

Ideally the most preferable provenance occurs when both the photo and subject are documented and notarized from the day it was taken, as well as having a documented notarized ownership linage. One of the most reliable alternatives would be when photos and their documentation is kept within a single family and passed down from member to member. Image collectors keep a keen eye out for photos that can be substantiated by actual provenance. When family origin is missing provenance can be confirmed by expert antique appraisers or collectors whose experience in the field will justify the demand for authenticity.

When comparing photos of the same subject some physical appearance may change when photos are taken over a wide span of years. Collectors and appraisers look for distinguishing features that do not change on an individual despite time. For instance facial features like the shape of the eyebrows or the shape of the chin line. Does the subject have full or narrow lips, a wide or narrow nose? Is the shape of eyes the same? Is there similarity in the shape of ears and do the ears either have attached or unattached earlobes? All these help identify a subject to other known images of the same person.

Besides looking at an individual in a photo or the photo’s actual physical appearance collectors make every attempt to retain all known information when purchasing photo images. Also important is if a photograph is identified either on the front or back in period ink. The name of the photographer or the date in period ink would also be helpful. Authentic stamping on the photos is another way that helps document provenance. It is significant that the historical value it represents be maintained. Though not needed for most photos, documentation of provenance can be important for expensive photos or photos where ownership is an integral part of its value. Important provenance can raise the value of a photo.

Provenance does not in and of itself authenticate a photograph, but can be an integral part of authentication. It is a piece in the puzzle. If a photo looks authentic, appears to be the right age, has correct stamping, and an authority agrees it looks authentic or that it was sold by a top dealer or appeared in a reputable auction this will help prove authenticity. When photos are purchased at auction expert collectors maintain all receipts and postal confirmation which also gives provenance accreditation.

If there is no stamping or other identification marks, provenance might be essential for identification of the photo’s issuer and photographer. A practical example of good provenance is buying a rare or obscure photo from a respected and well known dealer. This is making your own good provenance. The fact that a top dealer believes the photo to be genuine is significant. Saving the receipt or other documentation of sale will help if your resell the photo. In this way you will have documentation that it came from a reliable source.

Documentation of provenance can include sales receipts, letters about ownership and history, magazine and newspaper articles, auction catalogs and similar documents. Provenance can include an expert’s letter of authenticity or other testimony about the item’s identity. The best way to maintain provenance when purchasing a photo from an individual or collector is to keep the mailing envelope with the seller’s name and return address.

Collectors as well as historians should use a critical eye. Most often individuals will argue that the photos they obtain are authentic. So experts must look closely to discern period objects and dress to make sure they are represented as being genuine. Books, magazines and websites are full of bogus images to satisfy self interests. Collectors often limit their purchases to those they know to be honest. When an object is traded between collectors this in itself is another step in the trail in establishing provenance.

We at quantrillsguerrillas.com welcome you to enjoy the images and collections you see on this website and feel free to make comments or ask questions. We look forward to serving you with more authentic images in the future.

Daniel Boone Scholl was born on May 30, 1843. His brother George Thomas Scholl was born on March 5, 1846. The story of their wartime careers reads like a battlefield report. They took part in virtually every engagement associated with William Clarke Quantrill and his partisan rangers.

The Scholl brothers were from Jackson County and were the great grandson's of the famed pioneer Daniel Boone. Both served under Quantrill enlisting early in the war. Many of their relatives also rode as guerrillas under Quantrill and all had experienced personal atrocities by the Kansas Jayhawkers.

On May 21st, 1865 George Thomas Scholl surrendered and took the loyalty oath at Lexington Missouri. Below is an image of that oath. The Provenance on this oath is it was in George's control until he passed away. Next it was handed down to his son, it was kept within the family and it was eventually passed down to Claiborne Scholl Nappier, then to Patrick Marquis. There is no question that this document is 100% real and correct.

Because Claiborne has been so unselfish it is possible you have seen this oath before, so you may not be aware that these types of oaths taken by a former Missouri Guerrilla are among the rarest of all Missouri guerrilla relics.

Thanks to Claiborne Scholl Nappier and Patrick Marquis for sharing this wonderful item with the membership.



Article submitted by Paul R. Petersen 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The image and the original oath are owned by Patrick Marquis.

Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

Friends & Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans:

As many of you have already heard by now, the 60-second history segments commemorating the Sesqicentennial of the War which have been produced for the Georgia Division of the SCV have been pulled from the air by the History Channel in Georgia. This decision was made by Nancy R. Alpert, one of the many vice-presidents at A&E Television Networks, the parent company of the History Channel. You can read her reasons in the press release sent out by the Georgia Division HERE.

The Georgia Division is still running the segments on three other national network channels in Georgia, in addition to the other radio and television stations involved in the statewide campaign, as part of the commemoration of the Sesquicentennial. None of the other networks or stations have expressed any concern at all, and many have commented on the quality of content and presentation of the segments. Many of the 60-second segments may be viewed on the Georgia Division website at www.GeorgiaSCV.org.

Since our press release was sent out several days ago, we have been inundated by members and friends of the SCV who are interested in taking action. As we have seen in other instances, if we allow this anti-Southern discrimination to go unchecked without response, it will only encourage others to do the same.

What we need you to do:

1. Forward this email to every individual and list that you know.

2. Make two phone calls every day, from now until we send out a call to stop; it will take five minutes or less. If this is unsuccessful, we may send contact information for advertisers at the History Channel so that you can ask them to cancel their advertising; but please do not do that at this point.

* Call Mr. Berning, vice-president of national sales at A&E by dialing
212-210-1400, select prompt "1" then enter 2376464 #, then # again.

When you reach the secretary, please say something similar to the following (we recommend using your own words): "Hi, my name is ___ ; and I would like to file a complaint with Mr. Berning. I would like to protest A&E and the History Channel's decision to pull the history segments paid for by the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Atlanta which commemorate the Southern veterans who died in the War Between the States. It is discrimination against Southerners. I would like to ask for the reinstatement of the segments and the removal of Nancy Alpert who made the decision."

If the secretary attempts to transfer you, it is our recommendation that you insist on finishing your statement to her and ask her to convey the message to Mr. Berning since he is in charge of sales for A&E.

* Call A&E's Atlanta sales office using the same script, minus Mr. Berning's name. The direct number is 404.816.8880.


3. If you are not already receiving the press releases from us, please sign up to receive them so that we will be able to keep you up to date on the progress of this issue and the Sesquicentennial. Click HERE to receive the press releases and updates.

With your help, we can make a significant impact for the cause of our Southern heritage!

Sincerely,

Ray McBerry
PR Officer, Georgia Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans

Ray McBerry Enterprises is the public relations firm for the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Below is an image of Stand Watie (December 12TH 1806 to September 9TH 1871) He was also known as Degataga "standing together as one," or "stand firm" and Isaac S. Watie). Stan was a leader of the Cherokee Nation and a brigadier general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He commanded Cherokee, Creek and Seminole cavalries under the Confederacy. Thanks to member Rick Mack for sharing this rare image with us.

The image is property of Rick Mack. Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

It's the season to give thanks while we share some of the gifts we have received the previous year. Below you will find two articles submitted by our members. We are thankful that they chose to share, we trust that you will enjoy them as much as we did.

There isn't a whole lot known of Joshua Holcomb Owings-mainly I feel because he died "early" in 1879 (November 26th) long before the press began covering the Quantrill Reunions in 1899 and the stories were being captured. He was an "old man" by Civil War terms being 40-41 in 1861 being born July 8th, 1820 in Warren County, Kentucky. He married Martha Elizabeth George July 21st, 1847 in Jackson County, MO -service performed by the Rev. Hiram Bowman (who incidentally did the service of 18 year old Gabriel George). Samuel Ralston (Frank James father-in-law) was a witness.

Joshua first married Mary Jane Peden September 7th, 1842. They had Andrew Peden Owings February 27th, 1844. Quantrill member Francis Marion Webb names Andrew as a member. Andrew as also with Shelby. Second child was Margaret born February 16th, 1846 - she died just over a month after birth on March 28th, 1846. Mary Jane died February 22nd, 1846-six days after giving birth to Margaret. Martha Elizabeth George raised young Andrew Peden Owings as her own. Andrew died about 1906 in Texas. He married Clementine "Clema" Victoria Roundtree in 1869. Joshua had 11 children by Martha.

Joshua H. Owings is on the July 1862 Quantrill roster found after the Battle of the Ravines (aka Sorency farm). He's listed with family Ezra Moore (Francis Fitzhugh George's husband) and John Hicks "Hix" George. The National Park Service Civil War soldiers database also has Joshua listed from this source. I can only guess or surmise that Joshua was always with his family-meaning whether with Shelby or Quantrill he always rode with Hiram "Hi" James George, John Hicks "Hix" George, Ezra Moore and his son Andrew Peden Owings. After Hix's hanging/torture the day before the Battle of Lone Jack - none of them would have ever been found to interrogate again. And of course, being on the Quantrill roster was immediate sentence of death. However, when they had Hix-they evidently had not put "two and two" together as for him being a Quantrill member.

Its all so very interesting, we just recently got David C. George's probate file petitioned in 1865. As late as February 3rd, 1862, he was making and receiving loans-19 days before Gabriel's death on the Independence Square. Interesting also that David owed a substantial amount of money to Francis Marion Webb-was there a financial network support system for the Quantrill men? Makes you wonder.

Joshua was a twin to Jonathan Holcomb Owings. I have seen references to a Richard "Dick" and Preston Owings at the Battle of Lone Jack and again at the surrender at Shreveport-these are Joshua's nephews by older brother Jehial Holcomb Owings. I think he was with Hays but again raises the question of another Owings with Quantrill. I see now that someone has listed Joshua with Shanks-possibly Hays - I don't know the facts. Joshua's older brother Lt. Preston Holcomb Owings enlisted with I believe pro-Union forces (although a bit hard to believe) October 16th, 1862-61st Regiment, Company H-Capt. Ritchie, Sturgeon, Missouri as did his youngest brother Ephraim Turner Owings.

We have some details of Joshua and Martha lives during the Civil War thanks to Francis "Frank" Fitzhugh George Moore Kabrick's recollections in the Oak Grove Banner. Joshua returned to Oak Grove in June 1865 and lived in the only structure left standing-the smoke house. I see now that Francis states the women returned to the Oak Grove area March 6th, 1866 but she may have meant 1865 (not sure).

In many ways, Jehial was as close to the George family as was Joshua. Jehial was very active in the Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church with David C. George, was one of his probate administrators and besides Hiram - bought most of the George land in 1865. Jehial and son Richard "Dick" Owings were both Justice-of-the-peace from 1867-1880- Richard for Sni-A-Bar.

Next is an photo of Joshua H. Owings.



Article and the image were submitted by David Owings 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com

Permission should be obtained before using any copyrighted illustrations or text.

Here is the second article submitted by a member, we trust you will enjoy it.

On 11/08/10 website member author of "A Yankee With Quantrill" and "Rebel in the Woods" Ernie Worthen and his wife made a trip. I am sharing a small part of their e-mail.

Today my wife and I made the trip to Richmond, MO to see and decorate the grave of Captain Anderson. He is in a small cemetery know as the Mormon Cemetery. His grave is off to itself on one end of the cemetery. It was a peaceful scene and one that warmed me from the inside out. We took a picture of his stone which shows some damage and then placed the Confederate flag and yellow roses on it. I gave him a salute and wished that he may find peace and thanked him for his service. This might seem Corney to some but it was something I had wanted to do for some time. My great-great uncle rode with Anderson and later with the James brothers. Enjoy reading the site and I have learned much from it. If you get a chance there is a book that was printed in St Joseph MO in 1912. It is "Recollections of a Pioneer" by Watt Gibson. Mr Gibson was a Missouri Rebel and was with Anderson when he was killed. I found that Amazon sells a copy of it and it is well worth reading.

Have a great day and keep up the good work.

Below are images of Anderson's headstone as well as the image of him after he was murdered. Thanks to the Worthen's for sharing their thoughts and their original image, and to Lt. Col. Marquis for sharing his image of Bloody Bill.

This article was submitted by Ernie Worthen 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com. The images were submitted by Ernie Worthen and Patrick Marquis.

Permission should be obtained before using any copyrighted illustrations or text.

The mystery concerning the life and times of Kate King Quantrill has yet to be told. Researchers are even now diligently searching public records to ascertain the true story of Quantrill's wife. Born Sarah Catherine King, but affectionately known as Kate and known by various names throughout the years her life story has been unknown to even those who were closest to her. The person who probably knows more about Kate's story than any other living person is noted author Paul R. Petersen whose research for the past twenty years has culminated in three books on Quantrill. Unfortunately we will have to wait on Petersen's upcoming book about Quantrill's last campaign in Kentucky where he promises to divulge his findings in the final chapter devoted to the one person connected closest to Quantrill that has raised so much controversy and mystique.

What has caused the most recent controversy is the mystery of Quantrill's wife's two graves. When Kate died a pauper in the Jackson County Missouri Home for the Aged at age 82 in 1930 her body was taken to the Ketterlin Funeral Home in Kansas City for embalming and later burial. It was her last wish to be buried in an unmarked grave. From this point on the mystery begins. A local newspaper stated that she was buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Wyandotte County, Kansas over 15 miles from the funeral home. The skeptics claim this to be the end of the controversy but what Petersen has found is that Kate's death certificate only has Ketterlin Funeral Home and Maple Hill Cemetery written lightly in pencil as if to show that the actual place of burial had yet to be determined. In 1997 two well intentioned individuals collaborated to place a stone on Kate's grave at Maple Hill based solely on the questionable facts offered in the local newspaper. Newspapers of the time were notoriously inaccurate.

Another story told by Kate's surviving relatives state that the funeral director at the Ketterlin Funeral Home was an alcoholic and after receiving Kate's body left for the Ozarks never to return. In the funeral parlor scores of bodies were discovered. Kate's body was there for a month before relatives were notified. Kate's nephew, Arthur Dealy, and her neighbor, Fred Ford, when she lived in Blue Springs, retrieved her body and brought it back to the Slaughter Cemetery in Blue Springs, a mile from her childhood home, and quietly laid her to rest beside her parents and siblings in the King family plot. In 1971 these two men finally arranged to place a marker on her grave. Some skeptics claim this was only a memorial stone placed out of respect and honor but the preponderance of evidence would support the account of neighbors and blood relations.

Seeking to put the controversy to rest and to solve this very old mystery Mr. Petersen acquired the skills of Roger Douthit to travel with him to both grave sites and determine by dowsing exactly where Kate was buried. Mr. Douthit is a well-respected historian and researcher and has worked at historic Elmwood Cemetery to find and identify period graves by dowsing. Mr. Douthit has demonstrated the art of dowsing to over 4,000 individuals. Grave dowsing cannot give us the name of the person buried in any un-marked grave, but it can identify the locations of unmarked graves within a cemetery or lot and also provide some clues to their gender and age. This age old technique does work and has been proven. Dowsing has been shown over and over to be an effective way of locating unmarked graves, and it is an inexpensive alternative to the more expensive and often ineffective geophysical methods such as radar or magnetometer survey. Mr. Douthit has the respect of the William Clarke Quantrill Society and has aided them in finding and determining the exact location of bodies buried in the historic Smith Cemetery near Raytown which contains the remains of four of Quantrill's guerrillas and at least one Revolutionary War soldier. The Smith Cemetery is also the resting place of three of the young Southern girls, relatives of Quantrill's men who were murdered by Kansas Jayhawkers in the August 1863 Kansas City Jail Collapse which precipitated the Lawrence raid.

On October 12, 2010 Mr. Douthit along with Mr. Petersen conducted a thorough examination of Kate King Quantrill's two grave sites both at the Maple Hill Cemetery and the Slaughter Cemetery. By the use of dowsing rods Mr. Douthit's findings have determined that at the Maple Hill Cemetery, at the location identified as grave 6, lot 63, block 5, and with a head stone marked Kate King - Wife of William Clarke Quantrill, there is a female buried there with an approximate height between 4' 9" and 5' 1" inches tall. The next stop was at the Slaughter Cemetery where Mr. Douthit concluded without doubt by the use of dowsing rods and probes that the grave marked as Kate King Quantrill contains no human remains. The graves to this stone's left containing remains of Kate's parents shows positive results as does the plot on the stone's right which shows positive results of an infant grave. Further collaborating evidence of Kate's actual burial in the Maple Hill Cemetery shows that her last husband Walter Head is also buried nearby in an unmarked grave located at grave 1, lot 53, block 7. The owner of Maple Hill assured us that the Ketterlin Funeral Home would not have had a contract with Jackson County to bury their indignants. These findings effectively counter those who in the past have made idle speculation and masquerade as competent historians. The only question that remains of which Maple Hill Cemetery is unable to answer is who paid for the plot where Kate was finally laid to rest? Kate's last days were spent in the Jackson County Home for the Aged located on 100 acres donated by the Younger family. Ironically, Cole Younger's sister is also buried in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Kate, wherever you are, God Bless You.

Here is a previously unpublished post war image of Kate. Thanks to Major Cantey for sahring this image.



Article submitted by Paul R. Petersen 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com

Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

WILLIAM C. QUANTRILL



In any in-depth research into William Clarke Quantrill it is important to view his antagonists in the light of true history. Much has been said concerning Quantrill by his enemies to propagandize their war efforts and to paint a picture denigrating Quantrill's character in order to keep the spotlight from their own wartime atrocities and postwar careers. Accounts by those who fought against Quantrill can be gathered from the historical record.

JAMES LANE



Their war time deeds paid dividends to many of the early border agitators. Kansas recompensed her ‘pirates of the prairies’ with varied ‘rewards.’ Chief of all the Jayhawkers, James Lane , managed to stuff the ballot boxes and buy enough votes to secure reelection as Kansas ’s United States Senator. During Quantrill's Lawrence raid his men discovered large quantities of plundered goods in Lane's basement and his house was filled with stolen items from Missouri farms. His wife owned several silk dresses taken from Missouri homes. By 1863 Lane turned antagonistic towards President Lincoln and often feuded with his Senate colleague Samuel Pomeroy. By this time Lane was believed to be deranged besides being accused of financial irregularities. With an eminent scandal surfacing concerning corruption in the sale of Indian lands attempting to ruin his career Lane committed suicide in 1866.

CHARLES JENNISON



During the war Lane’s underling Charles Jennison was kicked out of the military for “conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, gross and willful neglect of duty, defrauding the government of the United States , and disobedience of orders." He was also found guilty of arson, robbery, and embezzlement and sentenced to be dishonorably discharged. At the close of hostilities Jennison was elected to serve in the Kansas legislature and retired to live out his life on his three hundred acre farm, well stocked with the finest breeds of cattle, hogs, and game birds. His stables produced thoroughbred racehorses because, as one newspaper joked, “for some five or six years the Colonel enjoyed unusual facilities for selecting fast horses from numerous stables” and as everyone knew Jennison deserved a much needed rest after having, in his own words, grown “stoop–shouldered carrying plunder out of Missouri in the name of Liberty.” In the end Jennison was so bad a man that even his wife had to part company with him. She left him after the war for keeping a house of ill-fame at Fort Leavenworth, ostensibly a restaurant or eating house, with a doggery and gambling dive annex.

GEORGE HOYT



Jennison’s comrade in arms in the 7th Kansas Cavalry was noted Redleg leader and former lawyer George Hoyt who eventually returned to the practice of law. Hoyt was known for shooting down innocent Missouri citizens in cold blood. Notwithstanding his flagrant wartime atrocities he was ironically elected to the highest law enforcement position in the state and served as Kansas attorney general. Author Steven Starr wrote that “George Hoyt became the chief law officer of Kansas after being the former leader of what was nothing better than a band of highwaymen, arsonists, and murderers.”

THOMAS EWING



Chief Justice Thomas Ewing resigned from the Kansas State Supreme Court in August 1862 in order to command the 11th Kansas Jayhawker Regiment. He was afterwards promoted to brigadier general of U. S. volunteers in March 1863. After being found guilty by a military board of extortion and conspiracy to commit murder Ewing was reassigned to an obscure post in Southern Missouri for the duration of the war. Soon after the war's end, Ewing moved to Washington , D.C. to practice law. He traveled back to his native Ohio , where he remained active in political affairs and served the state as a Democratic representative to Congress. In 1879 Ewing was the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio. Most infamously known for issuing the notorious Order # 11 in reaction to the Lawrence raid Ewing’s actions were summarized by author Albert Castel as “The most drastic and repressive military measure directed against civilians by the Union Army during the Civil War. In fact, it stands as the harshest treatment ever imposed on United States citizens under the plea of military necessity in our Nation's History." Staunch Unionist General George Caleb Bingham toured Ohio displaying his now famous painting depicting the horrors of Ewing ’s order. Ewing lost his bid for governor and subsequently moved to New York City where he died as a result of a streetcar accident on January 21, 1896.

JAMES BLUNT



When the Civil War broke out James Blunt’s involvement in politics as a committed abolitionist enabled him to get commissioned a brigadier general by Senator James Lane. Blunt was known for his bad temper and use of foul language besides being known as a womanizer. After the war Blunt moved to Washington D.C. becoming a professional claim solicitor. The Justice Department indicted him in 1873 for conspiring to defraud the government. In 1879 he was committed to St. Elizabeth, the government hospital for the insane. Disease ridden from syphilis he died on July 25, 1881.

DANIEL ANTHONY



The New England Immigrant Aid Society caused disharmony in Kansas from its first inception and its disharmony reverberated for years afterwards. In 1854 Daniel R. Anthony, Jennison’s protégé traveled to Lawrence with the first company of the New England Emigrant Aid Society. In June, 1857, he located at Leavenworth , which city was his home for the remainder of his life. He was described as having only received a limited education and by nature he was aggressive and radical. When the 7th Kansas Jayhawker Regiment was organized in 1861, Anthony was commissioned lieutenant–colonel and served until he was arrested and charged with insubordination and relieved of command. He resigned on Sept. 3, 1862. He was elected mayor of Leavenworth in 1863 and immediately began burning the homes of Southern sympathizers’ and chasing them out of town. He then turned the town into a “mere fence house” for stolen merchandize and plunder taken from Missouri. Most of the plunder was “on the hoof” and sold on the “black market” for his private use. General Ewing put the city under martial law and had Anthony arrested when he refused to maintain law and order in putting down the illegal traffic.

In 1864 Anthony was involved in a personal dispute where he was wounded in a shooting affair killing his assailant. Several years later he was again involved in a dispute when three shots were fired at him one of the shots taking effect in the right breast, just below the collar bone, severing an artery. In the spring of 1866 Anthony was removed from the office of postmaster in Leavenworth because he refused to support the reconstruction policy of Andrew Johnson. He was president of the Republican state convention of 1868, and the same year was one of the Kansas presidential electors. In 1872 he was again elected mayor of the city and was appointed postmaster of Leavenworth by President Grant on April 3, 1874, and reappointed by President Hayes on March 22, 1878. He served several terms in the city council, and was nominated for mayor a number of times afterwards but was defeated.

CHARLES ROBINSON



James Lane ’s political nemesis Charles Robinson witnessed Lane’s downfall while trying to reestablish his own. While serving as Kansas’s first governor Robinson gained the distinction as being the first governor of a U.S. state to be impeached. As a leader in the California squatter’s riots of 1850 Robinson was severely wounded. He was arrested and charged with conspiracy, assault, and murder. Robinson was confined for over ten weeks before being tried and found not guilty. Returning to Massachusetts he ventured to Lawrence with the New England Emigrant Aid Society. Robinson found himself arrested again during the Wakarusa War this time for treason, the charge being “acting without authority, and defying the law." During this period Robinson angered many of his supporters with his passionate support for the Jayhawkers who were promoting violence against Southern sympathizers. In early 1862, Robinson was impeached for high misdemeanors and was accused of speculating in State funds. Although not convicted or removed from office his political career was ruined. After losing his reelection bid, he left office on January 12, 1863.

SAMUEL POMEROY



Samuel C. Pomeroy was the financial agent of the New England Emigrant Aid Society. He was a member of the Osawatomie convention in May 1859 that organized the Republican Party in Kansas. On April 4, 1861 he was elected one of the first senators in Kansas. Pomeroy was reelected in 1867 but was defeated in 1873 partly due to charges of bribery brought against him by State Senator A. M. York of Montgomery Co., Kansas. The charges were investigated by both the U.S. Senate and the Kansas legislature. The committee of the state legislature reported Mr. Pomeroy “guilty of the crime of bribery." The case was brought to trial in Topeka , June 8, 1874. After the bribery case against him was dismissed on March 12, 1875, Pomeroy returned to Massachusetts dying in 1891.

MARTIN CONWAY



Pomeroy’s fellow agent in the New England Emigrant Aid Society was Martin R. Conway who followed him to Kansas. In 1859 he was nominated by the Republican convention to serve as the first U.S. representative in congress from Kansas. Conway’s part in the border troubles was writing the resolutions that were adopted by the free–state convention of June 9, 1857 in Topeka that was labeled by the President and Congress as being illegal. Conway’s personal difficulties continued for several years when in 1873 feeling a personal affront he fired three shots wounding Senator Pomoroy. When arrested Conway said, “He ruined me and my family." Conway eventually lost his mind and in 1880 became an inmate of St Elizabeth, the government hospital for the insane in the District of Columbia where he died on Feb 15, 1882.

SIDNEY F. CLARKE



Sidney F. Clarke, who was James Lane's hireling since arriving in Lawrence began his career being appointed as the provost marshal general for the state of Kansas. He exercised his powers by hiring Redlegs to plunder the Missouri countryside with the understanding that he would share in a portion of their illegal gains. When operations slowed Clarke's Redleg assistants freely robbed loyal Unionists as freely as they robbed those of questionable loyalty. For his part in the war the citizens of Kansas elected him to three terms as the state's only representative in Congress. Clarke's congressional career ended in 1870 when he was suspected of corruption. He returned to Kansas where he was elected to the State Legislature in 1878 and made Speaker of the House.

PRESTON PLUMB:



Preston Plumb's military career began when he became an officer of the 11th Kansas Cavalry being General Ewing's chief of staff. The 11th Cavalry was responsible for being the prison guards in Kansas City for the Southern women murdered by his soldiers in August of 1863 just prior to the Lawrence raid. Plumb ordered his men to stable their horses in Missouri churches rending them unsuitable for further worship. On one Jayhawking expedition in Missouri that Plumb took part in his men cut the finger off a dead woman in order to steal her wedding ring. During Plumb's other Jayhawking expeditions in Missouri citizens were murdered, women raped, property stolen until Plumb became wealthy from the plunder taken. Plumb was further rewarded by the citizens of Kansas when he was elected a member of the State House of Representatives in 1867 and 1868, and served as speaker in the latter year. He later became prosecuting attorney of Lyon County, Kansas and was president of the Emporia National Bank in 1873. In 1877, the citizens of Kansas elected Plumb to the U.S. Senate. He was reelected in 1883 and 1888 and served until his death.

References:

1. Paul R. Petersen, Quantrill of Missouri and Quantrill in Texas, Cumberland House Publishing.

2. Stephen Z. Starr, Jennison’s Jayhawkers, Louisiana State University Press Baton Rouge: 1973, pg 216, 253, 380–82

3. History of Clay & Platte County, Missouri, St. Louis, Mo. National Historical Co. 1885, pg 722

4. James G. Blunt, “General Blunt’s Account of His Civil War Experiences,” Kansas Historical Quarterly, vol 1, no. 3, May 1932, pg 211

5. William G. Cutler, History of the State of Kansas, 2 vols. Chicago: Andreas, 1883, pg 302–304 Kansas, A Cyclopedia of State History, Standard Publishing Co. 1912, vol 1, pgs 79–80

Thanks to Emory Cantey, Rick Mack and Patrick Marquis for allowing their images to be shared with our members.

Article submitted by Paul R. Petersen 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com

Permission should be obtained before using any the above copyrighted illustrations or text.

Here is an speach written by Nancy Hitt that was delivered at the Quantrill reunion which occured on 10/09/10.

Captain Richard Francis “Dick” Yager was born in 1839 and was killed near Arrowrock, Missouri, in 1864 fighting with Quantrill for Southern liberty.

Richard’s father, uncle and aunt were all born in Washington County, Kentucky. His father, James Barnes Yager, was born in 1809 and died in 1883. His mother was Mary Jane Berry Yager born in 1812 and died in 1883. Their burial sites remain unknown although James Yager served five terms as Judge of Jackson County, Missouri.

Richard’s uncle was Rev. M. Cornelius Yager. He was born in 1811 and his wife was Susan Francis Berry Yager. She died of cholera in 1849 leaving Reverend Yager to care for seven children. In 1850, he and his children made the move by wagon from Westport, Missouri, to Mountain View, California. He died in 1895 as a distinguished citizen of that state.

Richard’s aunt was Mary Ellen Yager who was born in 1818 and died in 1876. She married Jaquiline Amber Lobb of Mercer County, Kentucky, in 1833. They also had seven children and some of their boys may have fought with Quantrill.

James Yager and his family moved to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1837 while his only brother and only sister and their families had moved west sometime before 1834.

From the Lobb Bible, the Lobb Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Blue Springs, Missouri,was organized in 1834 by Rev. William Horn with five charter members. They were Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Lobb, Rev. and Mrs. Cornelius Yager and one negro belonging to Mr. Lobb. This church was sometimes referred to as the Little Blue Church or the Shakerag Church.

The frame church was built in 1854. The Rev. J. G. Dalton became the pastor that year and by 1860 the membership roll comprised over two hundred names. Reverend Dalton remained as its pastor for over fifty years.

The present Lobb Cemetery was near to the Lobb pioneer homesite. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Jackson County. The first burial was a Kentucky youngster named John P. Crow who died in 1844. His parents were emigrating and staying with the Lobb family when their son died.

Confederates are buried in this well-maintained cemetery. Duncan Hansen has identified the following as Quantrill members: Silas H. Gibson, Samuel C. Montgomery, George Rider, John T. Crump, James Little, John Little and Gabriel Parr.

Both Mary Ellen Yager Lobb and her husband are buried here along with their slave, Anthony Lobb and his descendants.

(So much for mean old slave drivers and other such blasphemy.)

I remain proud to claim my distant cousin, Dick Yager, who rode, fought and died with William Clarke Quantrill!

Nancy Hitt – 2010 hunleyhitt@earthlink.net

Article submitted by Nancy Hitt 2010 quantrillsguerrillas.com

Below is an image of Dick Yager. Thanks to Emory Cantey for allowing his image to be shared with our members.