Please read the initial blog from February for general information about the recruitment and enlistment of Missouri slaves during the Civil War.
According to the 1860 Slave Schedule, Camden County held 136 Slaves. Many of the slaves in Linn Creek had some connection to the mercantiles. Some of these slaves held occupations as boatman or teamster, rather than the more common entries of laborer or farmer. From The Camden County Historian 1992 pp. 81-82: "Owning steamboats, Jones and McClurg transported merchandise to Linn Creek by water and then shipped it by wagon to southwestern Missouri, northern Arkansas and eastern Kansas, areas being settled at the time. As payment was usually in goods produced, the process of payment to the company involved the wagons and steamboats reversing their paths in order to bring the wares to the St. Louis market. It took manpower to operate such a large scale business and much of this was supplied by slaves. These men remained on call for duty day and night, sleeping when and wherever they could among the freight. Whenever the boat docked, they supplied the muscle that loaded and unloaded the freight. The slave owners usually let the men keep whatever they earned on Sunday. The men on McClurg's boats, however, did not have the opportunity of earning this pay as McClurg kept the Sabbath work-free and refused to let his crew perform any labor. In place of money, the members of his crew received a day of rest and relaxation, a rarity on the boats owned by other slave owners."
The individual stories are ordered by the date the soldier enlisted.
The individual stories are ordered by the date the soldier enlisted.
The first two slaves to enlist in the Colored Troops at Lebanon were Sam Henry and Judge Torbert of Camden County. Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not free Missouri slaves, it did authorize recruiting African Americans into the Union army.
Sam Henry, born in Washington County, Missouri, gave his age as 31,
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
and Judge Torbert, born in Williamson County, Tennessee, gave his age as 28, when they enlisted at Lebanon on December 21, 1863. Both gave their occupation as boatman. http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1895.2.pdf Frame 3 and 4
and Judge Torbert, born in Williamson County, Tennessee, gave his age as 28, when they enlisted at Lebanon on December 21, 1863. Both gave their occupation as boatman. http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1895.2.pdf Frame 3 and 4
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
Both men were mustered into the 67th Regt. Co. E under Capt. Hudson at Benton Barracks in St. Louis on January 29, 1864. Judge Torbert was sick in the Post Hospital on February 24. Sam Henry died in the Post Hospital on March 23, 1864. http://www.sos.mo.gov/Images/Archives/Military/s00874/s00874_0547.pdf
The 67th Regiment moved from Benton Barracks, Missouri, to Port Hudson, Louisiana, arriving March 19, 1864, and was on duty there until June. Judge Torbert was promoted to Corporal on May 1. A detachment of the Regiment saw action at Mt. Pleasant Landing, La., May 15, 1864. The Regiment moved to Morganza, La., and was on duty there until June, 1865. Judge Torbert was promoted to Sergeant on July 1, 1864. Expedition from Morganza to Bayou Sara September 6-7, 1864. He was reduced to ranks on October 1, 1864, for disobedience of orders and habitual misconduct. The Regiment moved to Port Hudson on June 1, 1865. It was consolidated with the 65th Regiment on July 12, 1865." http://www.civilwararchive.com/Unreghst/uncolinf3.htm The 65th Regiment was mustered out on January 8, 1867.
Sam Henry and Judge Torbert listed their slaveholder as E. B. Torbert. Mr. Torbert was Joseph McClurg's business partner in a Linn Creek mercantile. In November 1862, Joseph McClurg was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Radical Republican. "His strong Unionist views angered rebel sympathizers and the mercantile was burned twice. By March of 1863, the losses totaled more than $150,000. His business partner, E. B. Torbert fled to St. Louis with the remaining resources from the mercantile. It would take McClurg years to retire his debts and interest payments; and settle with Torbert‟s demands for financial compensation over merchandise that McClurg had given in support of the Union."
Urasmus Hayden, born in Laclede County, gave his age as 20 when he enlisted at Lebanon.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1895.2.pdf Frame 11 Missouri State Archives
Urasmus Hayden's service card indicated he enlisted December 29, 1863, at Lebanon, and was mustered into the 67th Regt. Co. E under Capt. Hudson on January 29, 1864, at Benton Barracks. Urasmus died in the Post Hospital on February 17, 1864.
Urasmus listed his slaveholders as the heirs of Thomas Parish. Thomas Parish was born in Virginia about 1790. He and his family came to Camden County about 1845. On the 1850 Slave Schedule Thomas Parish owns two slaves, a female and a six year old male described as Mulatto. Between the 1860 Census and Urasmus' enlistment in 1863, Thomas Parish died in Camden County and was buried at Decaturville.
On October 3, 1863, the War Department issued General Order No. 329. "Section 6 of the order stated that if any citizen should offer his or her slave for enlistment into the military service, that person would, 'if such slave be accepted, receive from the recruiting officer a certificate thereof, and become entitled to compensation for the service or labor of said slave, not exceeding the sum of three hundred dollars, upon filing a valid deed of manumission and of release, and making satisfactory proof of title.' For this reason, records of manumission are contained in the compiled service records. Required evidence included title to the slave and loyalty to the Union government. Further, every owner signed an oath of allegiance to the government of the United States. Each statement was witnessed and certified."
In November 1863 Order No. 135 began allowing enlistment of slaves without the consent of the slaveholder.
Three Camden County slaves enlisted at Jefferson City on January 4, 1864 - Andrew and Robert Young, and Henry Freeman.
Henry Freeman, born in Camden County, gave his age as 18 when he enlisted at Jefferson City. http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1894.6.pdf Frame 110
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
He was mustered into the 67th Regt. Co. B under Capt. Whitford. on January 19, 1864, at Benton Barracks, was sick in the hospital on January 31, and died February 10, 1864, in the Post Hospital of measles.
Henry listed his slaveholder as Mrs. Sarah Collier of Camden County. In the 1850 Slave Census Sarah Collier held three slaves. One was a two year old male described as Mulatto. Sarah was born in Kentucky in 1803. She was living with her son Whitley and his family in Camden County in 1870.
Andrew and Robert Young, born in Camden County, gave their ages as 19 and 21 respectively when they enlisted at Jefferson City on January 4, 1864.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1894.6.pdf Frame 107 and 108
By January 16, Andrew was in the hospital at Benton Barracks and died of bronchitis on February 10., 1864.
Robert was mustered in to the 67th Regiment Company B on January 19. He was admitted to the hospital January 31 with the measles and returned to duty February 10. He went back to the hospital in February and remained hospitalized until he died of consumption on September 10, 1864.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1894.6.pdf Frame 107 and 108
Robert was mustered in to the 67th Regiment Company B on January 19. He was admitted to the hospital January 31 with the measles and returned to duty February 10. He went back to the hospital in February and remained hospitalized until he died of consumption on September 10, 1864.
The men listed their slaveholder as the "Estate of Elias George, Camden County." In the 1850 Slave Census Haziah George held three slaves in Miller County. Two were males, ages 8 and 6, both described as Black. Mr. Geroge and his family moved to Camden County about 1854 and he died there in 1855.
Andrew and Robert Young both stated they were born in Camden County. It was a common practice for slaves to take the names of the slaveholder who held them when they were born. William Young was another Camden County slaveholder.
Lafayette Norman, born in Camden County gave his age as 23 when he enlisted at Lebanon on January 11, 1864.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1895.2.pdf Frame 16
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
He was mustered in as a Private to the 65th Regt. Co. D under Capt. Hudson on January 29, 1864, at Benton Barracks. On April 27, 1864, he was sick in the hospital in New Orleans. He returned to duty June 2 and served as a teamster for the Quartermaster's Dept. He transferred from the 67th Regt. Co. E to the 65th Regiment Company D on August 15, 1865. Once again, he was sick in the hospital at Baton Route on October 23, 1865. He was mustered out January 8, 1867, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/Images/Archives/Military/s00873/s00873_1938.pdf
After the war he worked as a blacksmith in Springfield and could read and write.
After the war he worked as a blacksmith in Springfield and could read and write.
On January 21, 1893, Lafayette filed from California as an Invalid for a Civil War Pension. By 1906 he was living at the Pacific Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Sawtelle, California. He died in 1926 and is buried in Liberty Veterans Cemetery in Fresno, California.
Lafayette listed his slaveholder as Moses Norman of Laclede County. Moses Norman was born in Tennessee in 1793 and came to Laclede County in 1837 or 1838 from Mississippi. "He was a Democrat in his political views before the war but since then has voted Republican."
History of Laclede County 1889, p. 740.
George Murphy, born in Franklin County, gave his age as 21 when he enlisted at Lebanon on January 14, 1864. He gave his occupation as boatman.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1895.2.pdf Frame 18
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
George Murphy was mustered in to the 67th Regiment Company E on January 29, 1864. He served as Kitchen Police in April and May, and was appointed Sergeant on May 1. He was sick in the hospital in New Orleans on August 9 died of acute diarrhea on August 30, 1864, and was buried.
The 1870 Census of Camden County Osage Township listed African-Americans Harrison Murphy age 67 born in Virginia and Violet S. Murphy age 50 born in Tennessee. Osage Township was the location of the Camden County mercantiles.
The 1870 Census of Camden County Osage Township listed African-Americans Harrison Murphy age 67 born in Virginia and Violet S. Murphy age 50 born in Tennessee. Osage Township was the location of the Camden County mercantiles.
George Murphy listed his slaveholder as W. D. Murphy. In 1860 William Murphy owned 13 slaves, held others in trust for minor heirs, and owned others jointly with Joseph McClurg. He was McClurg's wife's stepfather and his business partner. Please see information on the McClurg slaves near the bottom of the post. In 1863 this mercantile was effectively dissolved by the departure of E. B. Torbert.
Henry Clay, born in Camden County, gave his age as 17 when he enlisted for three years at Jefferson City on Feb. 24, 1864.
His entry into the 67th Regiment was cancelled. Remarks state "rejected."
Henry Clay listed his slaveholder as WIlliam Murphy, Joseph McClurg's business partner and Mrs. McClurg's stepfather.
Perry Crane, born in Morgan County, gave his age as 20 when he enlisted at Jefferson City on March 7, 1864.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1894.7.pdf Frame 77
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
He was mustered in as a Private to the 68th Regt. Co. E under Capt. Poillon at Benton Barracks on March 14, 1864. Perry was sick in the hospital on April 21., and remained in the hospital until August. On August 21 he was listed as absent without leave, then appeared as "Present" on the Company Muster Rolls from September until February 1865. On February 1 he was in the hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The 68th Regt. was ordered to Memphis, Tenn., and saw duty in the defense of that city till February 1865. Perry Crane died February 13th in the Memphis hospital from renal disease.
The 1870 Census of Camden County included several African-American Crane/Crain family members living in Osage Township: Samuel Crane age 56 born in Virginia and Saphiria age 40 born in Maryland; and Edia Crain age 45 born in Tennessee
Perry listed his slaveholder as W. L. Crain of Camden County. On November 27, 1866, W. L. Crain filed for compensation for Perry's service. The Bill of Sale dated January 30, 1860, stated that he purchased Perry at the age of 17 from Nathan B. Chism of Camden County for $1200 (twelve hundred).
Courtesy National Archives and Records Administration
William Crain was born about 1824 in VIrginia. In 1851 William took over the Camden County ferry business that his father had established in the 1840's. After the war he married Amanda Bollinger and they lived in Camden County for the remainder of their lives. The ferry remained in operation until the construction of Bagnell Dam and the creation of the Lake of the Ozarks.
On March 29, 1864, five Camden County slaves enlisted at Jefferson City. These men included Peter Alison and four McClurg slaves.
Peter Allison Peter Allison gave his age as 20, born in St. Louis.
All five soldiers were mustered in April 6, 1864, at Benton Barracks in St. Louis and joined the 68th Reg. Company H under Capt. Root.
Peter Allison Peter Allison gave his age as 20, born in St. Louis.
Courtesy National Archives and Records Administration
Like so many members of the Colored Troops, Peter quickly succumbed to disease and died of pneumonia on April 25, 1864, in the Post Hospital at Benton Barracks.
Peter listed Willis Allison of Camden County as his slave owner. Willis Allison was born in Wilkes County, NC, in June 1803. He married Rebecca Bradley before 1824 in Bedford, Tennessee. In 1849 Willis bought 33 acres in Camden County. The following year Rebecca died. On New Year's Day in 1852 Willis remarried. At least three of his sons were taken prisoner at the Battles of Monday's Hollow and Linn Creek in October 1861. For more on the Allison family, see http://cammilpulhistory.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-allison-brothers-allison-cyrus.html
In the 1870 Census Willis and Elizabeth Percy Allison were living with his son Joseph and family. Also in this household were two African-Americans born in Missouri: Alen Allison age 14 and Jiles Allison age 12. By 1880 Willis and Elizabeth were living with Joseph and his wife in Joplin, Missouri. In August 1885 Willis died in Gordon, Palo Pinto, Texas.
In the 1870 Census Willis and Elizabeth Percy Allison were living with his son Joseph and family. Also in this household were two African-Americans born in Missouri: Alen Allison age 14 and Jiles Allison age 12. By 1880 Willis and Elizabeth were living with Joseph and his wife in Joplin, Missouri. In August 1885 Willis died in Gordon, Palo Pinto, Texas.
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"The story of the McClurg slaves starts in St. Francois County, Missouri in an area called 'Murphy's Settlement' that later became the town of Farmington. John and Francis Ann Johnson lived there with their children and slaves. After John died in 1828, William D. 'Pap' Murphy married Francis Ann and was made guardian of John's heirs, and thus was responsible for the slaves that were a part of the estate. In 1841, Mary, one of the daughters of John and Francis Ann, married Joseph W. McClurg. Another daughter, Caroline, married a Mr. Ballerton, and Henrietta, a third daughter would later marry John Jones. When the estate was divided among the heirs in November of 1843, Joseph W. McClurg became a slave owner for the first time in his life. The daughters and their husbands, plus the mother and her new husband, all became citizens of Linn Creek, bringing their slave with them." From The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96.
Benjamin McClurg, born in Washington County, gave his age as 25. when he enlisted for three years at Jefferson City on March 29. 1864.. He had been freed in November 1863. After manumission Ben McClurg was hired by a Jefferson City saloon at a salary of $8 a month.
Source: The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96.
Benjamin McClurg was mustered in as a Private to the 68th Regiment Company H on April 6, 1864. The September roll indicates he was a company cook. Details about the 68th Regt. can be found in the information about Perry Crane.
He was mustered out on February 5, 1866, at Camp Parapet, Louisiana.
Benjamin McClurg, born in Washington County, gave his age as 25. when he enlisted for three years at Jefferson City on March 29. 1864.. He had been freed in November 1863. After manumission Ben McClurg was hired by a Jefferson City saloon at a salary of $8 a month.
Source: The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96.
Benjamin McClurg was mustered in as a Private to the 68th Regiment Company H on April 6, 1864. The September roll indicates he was a company cook. Details about the 68th Regt. can be found in the information about Perry Crane.
He was mustered out on February 5, 1866, at Camp Parapet, Louisiana.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1894.7.pdf Frame 89
In November 1866 Benjamin McClurg served as a witness on documents by J.W. McClurg applying for compensation for slaves that enlisted in the service. He was not listed on census data after the war. A possible son, Benjamin McClurg, born circa 1858, was marrried in Laclede County and died in 1892. When his son, Frank McClurg, was born, Easter/Esther Jones was the midwife.
When J.W. McClurg filed for compensation in 1866, he noted that he had purchased Benjamin McClurg from a Mr. Manning in Washington County, Missouri.
In November 1866 Benjamin McClurg served as a witness on documents by J.W. McClurg applying for compensation for slaves that enlisted in the service. He was not listed on census data after the war. A possible son, Benjamin McClurg, born circa 1858, was marrried in Laclede County and died in 1892. When his son, Frank McClurg, was born, Easter/Esther Jones was the midwife.
When J.W. McClurg filed for compensation in 1866, he noted that he had purchased Benjamin McClurg from a Mr. Manning in Washington County, Missouri.
Caswell McClurg's story was detailed in the previous post.
King McClurg was born in Williamson County, Tennessee. Slaveholder J.W. McClurg stated that he purchased King McClurg near Springfield, Missouri. After manumission in November 1863, King moved to Lebanon.
Source: The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96.
He gave his age as 30 when he enlisted at Jefferson City on March 29, 1864. He was mustered in as a Private. In July he left the Regiment to serve as a Brigade teamster. In November he was serving as a teamster for the Regiment's Quartermaster Department per Special Order #95.
Source: The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96.
He gave his age as 30 when he enlisted at Jefferson City on March 29, 1864. He was mustered in as a Private. In July he left the Regiment to serve as a Brigade teamster. In November he was serving as a teamster for the Regiment's Quartermaster Department per Special Order #95.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/SF1894.7.pdf Frame 92
King was mustered out February 5, 1866, at Camp Parapet, Louisiana.
King was mustered out February 5, 1866, at Camp Parapet, Louisiana.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/Images/Archives/Military/s00874/s00874_1966.pdf
J. W. McClurg filed for compensation on November 8, 1866.
J. W. McClurg filed for compensation on November 8, 1866.
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
In 1870 King is listed as 44 working as a blacksmith in Camden County. King cannot read or write. There are two differing accounts of his death. From The History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps and Dent Counties, Missouri The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1889. pp. 323-324.
"At the November election of 1874 at Linn Creek King McClurg who had been a slave of Gov Joseph W McClurg and some other colored men were engaged in front of the court house in a controversy or difficulty with some white men when a white man being in the court house where the ballot box was kept rushed out seized a rock and threw it at McClurg and killed him. The white man afterward fled the country and has never been apprehended."
From The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96. "Election day in November, 1874, became one infamous in Camden County history. What precipitated the trouble is not recorded; one newspaper article indicated that an 'old feud' was involved. Another indicated that King McClurg was drunk. Evidently a group of black and white men became embroiled in an argument in front of the courthouse. A white man, inside the building where the ballot box was located, became agitated over the encounter outside and, rushing out, grabbed a rock and threw it at McClurg, hitting him on the head. This started a riot with an estimated forty men, white and black, taking part. As rocks sailed through the air, knives flashed in the sunlight and pistols were discharged; several bystanders barely escaped with their lives. While anarchy prevailed, two prisoners decided that the time was perfect for a jail break and tried to burn a hole in the floor; their efforts were noticed and the two were put in chains for safety. When control was finally reestablished, King McClurg lay dead in the street. The Coroner's Jury found that King died as a result of, 'knife wounds inflicted by one Brown, and a blow on the head with a rock thrown by one Ellis.' The two had fled the country right after the trouble and were never apprehended."
From The Camden County Historian 1992. The Camden County Historical Society p. 96. "Election day in November, 1874, became one infamous in Camden County history. What precipitated the trouble is not recorded; one newspaper article indicated that an 'old feud' was involved. Another indicated that King McClurg was drunk. Evidently a group of black and white men became embroiled in an argument in front of the courthouse. A white man, inside the building where the ballot box was located, became agitated over the encounter outside and, rushing out, grabbed a rock and threw it at McClurg, hitting him on the head. This started a riot with an estimated forty men, white and black, taking part. As rocks sailed through the air, knives flashed in the sunlight and pistols were discharged; several bystanders barely escaped with their lives. While anarchy prevailed, two prisoners decided that the time was perfect for a jail break and tried to burn a hole in the floor; their efforts were noticed and the two were put in chains for safety. When control was finally reestablished, King McClurg lay dead in the street. The Coroner's Jury found that King died as a result of, 'knife wounds inflicted by one Brown, and a blow on the head with a rock thrown by one Ellis.' The two had fled the country right after the trouble and were never apprehended."
William McClurg, born in Logan County, Kentucky, gave his age as 33 when he enlisted. He was mustered in on April 6, 1864, to Company H, 68th Regiment, as a Private. Per Special Order 30, in May he was serving as a teamster for the Regimental Quartermaster's Department in Memphis, Tennessee. He was sick in the hospital in Memphis on August 20, but back on duty in September. By November he was once again serving as a teamster for the Quartermaster's Department per Special Order 95. The certificate of disability stated that he had trouble with rheumatism since enlisting, and a foot that had been injured prior to enlistment made it difficult to march more than a few miles. Since a long march in July 1864 to Mississippi his foot had been worse.
William was discharged for disability on June 24, 1865.
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
Detailed information about Joseph McClurg, the slaveholder of Benjamin, Caswell, King, and William, can be found in the previous blog post titled "Caswell McClurg." In the application for compensation, he states that he purchased Wilson/William from Torbert and Company in Warsaw, Missouri.
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
Lang Pitts gave his age as 17 and was described as Mulatto when he enlisted for three years at Macon, Missouri on August 5, 1864.
http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/Archives/Provost/F1894.11.pdf Frame 51
Courtesy National Archives and Records Administration
He was mustered in to the 18th Regiment, Company D. He died of pneumonia and was buried at Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 16, 1864.
Lang listed his slaveholder as Willis Ellison/Allison of Camden County. Details about Willis Allison can be found above under Peter Allison.
The listing of slaves who served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War in the February and March blog posts will continue to be updated as more information is found. It's time to turn my attention to the soldiers who lost their lives or were taken prisoner at the Battle of Henrytown, or Monday's Hollow for those of the Union persuasion.
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