As southern states started to secede from the Union, political tension within Missouri rose. Union Gen. Nathaniel Lyon marched from St. Louis to Jefferson City to confront the pro-Confederate Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson. Jackson, however, vacated the state capitol and marched southward with the Missouri State Guard. Lyon split his force with the intention of cutting off the guardsmen, preventing the arrival of reinforcements from Arkansas and defusing pro-southern sympathies among Missouri civilians. Union and Southern forces meet outside of Carthage on July 5th in what has been noted as one of the first serious ground conflicts between Union and Confederate troops. Reports indicate that many of the southern soldiers did not have weapons, nor were they properly trained for combat. On paper the Union forces retained the advantage, better muskets and better training, yet they were outnumbered nearly six to one.1

Around 8:30am opposing forces exchanged fire approximately eight miles north of Carthage. The MSG took position on the high ground between Dry Creek and North Fork, overlooking the position occupied by Union forces.2 Both sides unleashed artillery barrages, and Thomas noted the booming sound of the cannon fire in his memoir.

State troops filed to the left of the road formed in order of battle, plantng the cannon on the side of the hill with their infantry to support them. when ready the order was given and off went the misiles of death and distruction from the cannons mouth. with the loud roar of distant thunder, in quick succession roar followed roar from each battery and we could see at every fire the state battery made, a swarth open through the columns of the federal troops and again and again discover the officer rally the men, but again and again would the state cannon belch fourth death among them untill they fled
Archy Thomas – Battle of Carthage Memoir, n.d.

The battle progressed into Carthage, and soon house-to-house fighting erupted. Thomas was wounded in the arm, and many of the buildings in Carthage were damaged during the close quarter engagements. Thomas reported the zealous nature of rebel women in Carthage by saying, “One lady running out when the balls were flying thick and heavy shouting hurra for Jef Davis Liberty and independence forever down with the dutch.”3 The Union Troops comprised primarily of German soldiers, and were led by Colonel Franz Sigel. “Dutch” was a common term used to describe the Germans. After nightfall, Sigel and his men were able to retreat to Sarcoxie, MO and elude the much larger Confederate force.

Both sides claimed victory in what was one of the largest engagements yet of the Civil War. Sigel was commended for confronting an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers, while Jackson and Sterling Price took advantage of the Federal retreat to organize and arm their men. Archy Thomas documented these notable events and preserved a rare first-hand account of one of the earliest battles of the Civil War.

The above is about what I saw and heard of course I cannot pretend to give all that was done or said as I could not be at both ends of a large army at once.
- An eye witness of the battle.

Contributed by the STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA

View this collection

1. Phillip Steel and Steve Cottrell. Civil War in the Ozarks. (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company, 1993), 17.
2. Ward Schrantz, “The Battle of Carthage,” in The Missouri Historical Review vol. 31 (Columbia: State Historical Society of Missouri, 1936), 144.
3. Archy Thomas. “Civil War Battle of Carthage Memoir.” n.d., R167. The STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA, 4.

the corn crop is as fine as iever Saw the wheat and oats hungarion [Hungarian wheat] timithy [Timothy grass] all good but no market for nothing no money I surpose with out adout of all the battle that has bin faught in Virginginia and at Springfield
Coleman Bruce Letter to William and Martha Jane Jackson. Aug. 20, 1861

Bruce’s sentence structure and phonetic spelling make his letter difficult to read; yet it provides a valuable insight to the written and verbal speech patterns of the 19th Century. In his letter Bruce calls northerners the pejorative term “dutch,” a corruption of “Deutsche,” meaning German. This term was commonly used in Missouri, as many associated the massive German migration to St. Louis and the city’s urban setting with other iconic northern cities. The use of such language shows that association with the rising immigrant class was viewed by many in Missouri as a detriment to American society.

we dont expect to live under the dutch nor the Yonkeys we pur fiting untell we die in prefance the north
Colman Bruce Letter to William and Martha Jane Jackson. Aug. 20, 1861

Bruce was very vocal with his disdain for Northern troops, which placed him in a precarious position during the war. On July 9, 1863, four witnesses filed affidavits with the Missouri Union Provost Marshal, citing Coleman Bruce with disloyalty to the government. A month prior to the accusations, James W. Sappington, a captain and member of the Missouri legislature and Major William Jackson, Bruce’s son-in-law, both testified that Bruce was a “true and loyal citizen.”2 During this period of hostility, anything a person wrote or said could become subject to scrutiny and could be used as evidence that the individual was disloyal. No evidence exists showing Union officials pursued Bruce any further about his loyalty to the state or the country.

Bruce’s letter mentions significant events and individuals of the War, such as action near Cair, Illinois and Birds point (an island on the Mississippi River opposite of Cairo). He also wrote about the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Bruce mistakenly reported Franz Sigel was also killed at the Battle. Lyon and Sigel surprised Confederate troops camped along Wilson’s Creek on the morning of August 10, 1861. While initially caught off guard, the Confederates were able to rally and repel the Union advance.

After Lyon’s death, Union forces retreated back to Springfield and eventually to Rolla, Missouri. Undoubtedly, Bruce was enthusiastic with the Confederate victory at Wilson’s Creek and their occupation of Southwest Missouri. Confederate control over the region caused difficulties for union civilians. Bruce noted that Sample Orr, an 1860 Missouri gubernatorial candidate, robbed a Springfield bank of $24,000. Allegedly, the bank was robbed to prevent the Confederates from securing the money to fund their army. The money was taken to Rolla to remain in Union hands. Little documentation on this event exists, although, Bruce discusses the matter as it was true fact:

Sample Orr robed the Springfield bank of 24000$ the you have ar will hear all about it
Colman Bruce Letter to William and Martha Jane Jackson. Aug. 20, 1861

Bruce encouraged his children to share this letter with their friends and family, perhaps in an attempt to persuade others to support the Confederacy. This letter draw attentions to the impact the War had on family dynamics as well as the crumbling economic condition in the country.

Contributed by a Private Collector

View this collection

1. 1860 United States Federal Census; Census Place: Township 47 Range 14, Moniteau, Missouri; Roll M653_634; Page: 648; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 803634.
2. “Missouri’s Union Provost Marshal Papers, 1861-1868,” Missouri Digital Heritage, accessed October 20, 2010,http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/provost/results.asp?txtName=&txtKeyword=&radSearch=BEG&selCounty=Moniteau&offset=75.

Introduction
Louisa Cheairs McKenny Sheppard

A Confederate Girlhood, the memoir of Louisa Cheairs McKenny Sheppard, reflects upon the life of a young lady raised in the Ozarks during the Civil War. While her reminiscence is decidedly sentimental, it is a compelling representation of wartime and economic struggles and refugee life. Louisa wrote the memoir many years after the events took place. Researchers are reminded that the validity of the events recorded, as with any memoir, may be embellished and should be thoroughly researched.

Louisa Cheairs McKenny Sheppard, “Lou” or “Lulu,” was the fourth child of Talitha and E.D. McKenny. Talitha died during Louisa’s birth in 1848, and she was raised by her grandmother Louisa “Lucy” Terrell Cheairs. Lulu was twelve when the War began, and she recalled impact it had on Springfield and her family. Eventually, they were forced to flee Springfield, and her family left for uncle’s plantation in Mississippi. Over time the family moved to Arkansas, and did not return to Springfield until after the War. A Confederate Girlhood is a recollection of Louisa’s youthful adventures and a tribute to her beloved grandmother.

Contributed by the The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County

View this memoir

Emmett MacDonald, born in Ohio, came to St. Louis around 1851. He joined the St. Louis City Guards, and participated in the 1860 Southwest Expedition to expel Kansas Jayhawkers from Missouri. MacDonald was one of the 669 militia men training at Camp Jackson and captured by Nathaniel Lyon. MacDonald was the only soldier that refused to take an oath of allegiance to the United States and imprisoned. He wrote this letter to his sister during his incarceration. Eventually, MacDonald was released and he joined the Missouri State Guard. He participated in the Battles of Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Dry Wood, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Springfield, and was killed at the Battle of Hartville in 1863.

Contributed by Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

View this collection

Kullman kept a diary of his service in 1865, recording the conclusion of the American Civil War. In the beginning of the year, Kullman was stationed with the 13th Missouri Cavalry at Rolla. Kullman wrote briefly every few days about the events in his regiment. He recorded scouting and escort details and forage duties along the Big Piney River in Phelps and Texas Counties. On January 17, Kullman was granted a furlough and returned home to visit his parents and friends. In the diary, Kullman describes seeing the opera “Don Juan” at a German Theatre and enjoying the company of several young ladies.1 Kullman’s furlough ended in mid-February, and he returned to the 13th Missouri Cavalry still stationed in Rolla.

The 13th Missouri Cavalry continued to cross the Missouri countryside and Kullman met with his former regiment the 5th Missouri State Militia, at Licking, Missouri. Due to the lack of supplies, on February 27, Kullman and another soldier acted as bushwhackers as they foraged for food, taking eggs and hams from the countryside.2 Union forces would frequently visited homes to gather forage for the army. In some cases, Union troops paid loyal civilians for the property seized. Goods confiscated from rebel families however, were often considered spoils of war.

Most of the entries in Kullman’s diary are short, though he was well informed of national events and noted their significance. On March 4 he wrote, “Abram Linkoln takes the seat for four more years, as President of the U.S.A.”3 One month later he recorded his thoughts about the assassination of President Lincoln, “Sorrow tidings our good, Kind hearted Presedent Abraham Linkoln assassinated. oh! Cruel Murder, may god punish the wretched Rebel that has done the crime.”4 Kullman also noted Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant and other events that signified the end of the War.

Kullman’s diary provides insight to the daily affairs within the 13th Missouri Cavalry and the personal thoughts of a German-American soldier serving in the Civil War. German soldiers played an important role in the Ozarks, participating in several major battles throughout the war. A large majority of German immigrants enlisted in the Union Army as they saw an opportunity to fight for their newly adopted country. Kullman returned to Benton County in 1866, and married Margaretha Barbara Hassfurther, an immigrant from Bavaria. Kullman served as a county judge in Benton County in 1888 and died in 1893.

Contributed by the STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA

View this collection

1. Frederick A. Kullman Diary, 1865-1892, R120, Western Historical Manuscript Collection, Rolla, Missouri, pg 12.
2. Frederick A. Kullman Diary, 1865-1892, R120, The STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA, pg 23.
3. Frederick A. Kullman Diary, 1865-1892, R120, The STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA, pg 26.
4. Frederick A. Kullman Diary, 1865-1892, R120, The STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA, pg 40.

Introduction
Christian Isely
Marie Elizabeth “Eliza” Dubach Isely

The Isely Family Papers contain correspondence and other documents dating from the late 1850s through the 1930s. A significant portion of the collection consists of letters written during the Civil War between Christian H. Isely and his wife, Marie Elizabeth “Eliza” Dubach. Christian served in the 2nd Kansas Cavalry and they traveled throughout Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma; which was then Indian Territory. The Isely’s were a profoundly religious family and their correspondences depict the deeply rooted connection between religion and political convictions and how their beliefs often divided their family.

During the war, Eliza went to live with Christian’s parents in Ohio, rather than stay with her father in Willow Dale, Kansas, due to the unstable conditions in the Kansas-Missouri border region. Eliza’s in-laws did not share the same religious or political views as she and Christian, so they often belittled and berated her in German. She expressed to Christian in her letters the difficulties she faced living alone in such a hostile environment and her desire to return to the life they had prior to the war.

The collection also consists of Christian’s correspondence with other prominent individuals, such as, Edmund R. Colhoun, U.S.N., and William H. Smallwood, who became Kansas’ Secretary of State from 1871 – 1875.

Only a portion of the correspondents have been digitized, and researchers are encouraged to contact Wichita State University to view the entire collection.

Contributed by the Wichita State University Special Collections and University Archives.

View this collection

Introduction
John W. Fisher

John W. Fisher’s diary documents his duties in the Missouri State Guard from mid October, 1861, through the first week of January, 1862. Fisher was born in Virginia, and lived in Westport, Missouri prior to the War. Fisher served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Missouri State Guard. The diary cites Fisher’s movement through Missouri and Indian Territory. Fisher survived the war, ending his days in a Confederate Veterans home in Harrisonburg, Missouri, in 1910.

Contributed by Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

View this collection

Lyman Gibson Bennett enlisted in the 36th Illinois Infantry in 1861. Prior to the War he trained as a surveyor and civil engineer, working for the railroad. The military utilized Bennett’s skills as a cartographer, and assigned him to survey battlefields, road systems, and fortifications. Bennett’s diaries document his daily duties as both a soldier and an engineer for the military. His regiment participated in the Battle of Pea Ridge, which he describes in vivid detail. Bennett was discharged from the military in August 1864.

In 1865, Bennett joined the engineering department of General Samuel R. Curtis as a civilian. He mapped the 1864 battlefields of Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition. Bennett was then assigned to survey fortifications in Nebraska and Colorado, and eventually served as an engineering officer on the Powder River Expedition of 1865. Bennett’s diaries provide colorful insight to his perception of the Ozarks and its inhabitants.

This collection consists of three diaries:

August 19 – December 20, 1861
December 21, 1861 – April 4, 1862
January 1 – October 4, 1865

Contributed by the STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA

View this collection

Harry was a Sergeant Major during the Mexican War, serving in Company F, 1st Missouri Mounted Volunteer Cavalry. He was discharged on May 13, 1848 by order of General Sterling Price. Dyer’s Civil War service records could not be found; however, a Randolph H. Dyer was listed as a Major Quarter Master within a listing of General and Staff Officers, Division and Brigade Staffs and other staff departments within the C.S.A. No other identifying information was listed in the soldier’s records. Isaac was also an officer in the Confederate Army, and their eldest brother, Alexander Dyer, served in the Union Army. Alexander graduated from West Point in 1837, and remained in the Union Army during the war.2

Dyer wrote to one of his sister two days after the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in 1861. His letter offers little detail about his regimental affiliation. Dyer’s account of the Battle is brief, but he provides his perspective of the events that unfolded.

On Saturday last we had one of the most terable battles that ever was fought on this Continent, resulting in the defeat and route of the entire Federal army On Friday evening the order was issued for us to advance on Springfield at 9 ock and our picket guards were drawn in The appearance of rain prevented the execusion of the order
Harry letter to his Sister – Aug 12, 1861

Rain on August 9 prevented the Confederate from advancing on Springfield. Confederate Generals Sterling Price and Benjamin McCulloch worried that the rain would soak their paper cartridges. Union General Nathaniel Lyon and Franz Siegel decided to attack the following morning, despite being outnumbered. The Union forces split into two columns and attacked the encamped rebels along Wilson’s Creek.

…the first thing we knew in the morning they commenced firing on us from three points having entirely surrounded us, such scampering of wagons & rushing to arms was never seen…
Harry letter to his Sister – Aug 12, 1861

Despite the surprise attack, the Confederate troops regrouped and were able to repel the Union advance. “Amongst the Killed was Missouris great enemy: Genl Lyon: So completely were they routed, the could not take time to bury him…” Lyon was killed during the battle, and he became the first General to die in the American Civil War. Harry referred to Lyon as Missouri’s great enemy, perhaps due to Lyon’s reputation from the Camp Jackson affair, his declaration of war at the Planter House in St. Louis, and his charge across Missouri to capture the State Capitol at Jefferson City. Wilson’s Creek became a strong moral victory for the Confederacy, which added to their support and momentum in Missouri.

I am happy to say that our neighbors of Kansas suffered most terably & many of them are among the prisoners, who number some four or five hundred. I sincerly hope that after their late defeat in Va & this one here that the people of the north may take the sober second thoughts & that none of us will ever be called on to witness another such a day.
Harry letter to his Sister – Aug 12, 1861

Contributed by the The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County

View this Letter

1. James Taylor Jr., “Randolph Harrison Dyer” 31 October 1960. Wilson’s Creek, Battle, of, 1861 – Personal Narratives vertical file, Springfield-Greene County Library Center.
2. “It Was a ‘Terable’ Battle…” 13 November 1960 Springfield News & Leader, D2.; Taylor, “Randolph Harrison Dyer.”

Introduction
Erasmus Stirman

The Stirman Davidson Collection is a spirited group of letters written to Rebecca Stirman Davidson, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The bulk of the letters are from her brother Erasmus “Ras” Stirman, while serving in the Civil War. The letters tell the story of Erasmus service in the Confederate Army, his fears and doubts about winning the War, and leading his company of sharpshooters into certain death. Erasmus loved meeting new women, and his letters to Rebecca are full of candor and humor, often telling a larger tale of the social and cultural customs of the era to which he opportunistically flaunted. Erasmus’ successes in the military, coupled with his family’s access to political and societal privilege, combine to tell a wonderful story of upper class life in the Civil War of the Ozarks.

Contributed by the University of Arkansas Libraries Special Collections
Manuscript Collection MC 541

View this collection