Missouri Battles During Civil War

My wife wanted to attend a two day conference for women in Springfield before continuing on to see our son in Tulsa . While she kept occupied with the women’s meeting, I called an old-time friend Rev. Dale Skiles and asked if he was like to escort me to Wilson’s Creek Civil War battlefield about 15 miles southwest of where we were staying. What a thrill it was for me to not only visit with him, but to get a great tour master at the same time.

The following is what I learned.The Battle of Wilson's Creek, fought ten miles southwest of Springfield , Missouri on August 10, 1861 . Named for the stream that crosses the area where the battle took place, was a bitter struggle between Union and Southern forces for control of Missouri in the first year of the Civil War.

According to a pamphlet at the visitor’s center, the Battle of Wilson's Creek was the beginning of the Civil War in Missouri .

I found it interesting when President Lincoln called for troops to put down the rebellion, Missouri was asked to supply four regiments. Governor Jackson refused the request. Captain Nathaniel Lyon learning of the governor's intentions, had most of the weapons moved secretly to Illinois .

In June, after a futile meeting with Governor Jackson to resolve their differences, Lyon (now a brigadier general) led an army up the Missouri River and captured the state capital at Jefferson City later arriving in Springfield . Despite inferior numbers, Lyon decided to attack the enemy encampment at Wilson ’s Creek. Leaving about 1,000 men behind to guard his supplies the Federal commander led 5,400 soldiers out of Springfield on the night of August 9. Lyon 's plan called for 1,200 men under Colonel Franz Sigel to swing wide to the south, flanking the Southern right, while the main body of troops struck from the north. Success hinged on the element of surprise.

Ironically, the Southern leaders also planned a surprise attack on the Federals, but rain on the night of the 9th caused McCulloch to cancel the operation. On the morning of the 10th, Lyon 's attack caught the Southerners off guard, driving them back. Forging rapidly ahead, the Federals occupied the crest of a ridge subsequently called "Bloody Hill." Nearby, the Pulaski Arkansas Battery opened fire, checking the advance.

For more than five hours the battle raged on Bloody Hill. Fighting was often at close quarters, and the tide turned with each charge and countercharge. At about 9:30 a.m. , General Lyon, who had been wounded twice already, was killed while positioning his troops.

For the next three and a half years Missouri witnessed so many battles and skirmishes that it ranks as the third most fought-over state in the nation.

The Confederates made only two large-scale attempts to break the Federal hold on Missouri , both of them directed by Missourian Sterling Price. He and his troops remained in the state until early 1862, when a Federal army drove them into Arkansas . The subsequent Union victory at the Battle of Pea Ridge in March kept large numbers of Confederate military forces out of Missouri for more than two years.

After Pea Ridge, Price accepted a command in the Confederate Army. He led unsuccessful campaigns at Iuka & Corinth , Mississippi and at Helena , Arkansas .

From another source, I learned that on September 1864 Price returned to Missouri with an army of some 12,000 men. By the time his campaign ended, he had marched nearly 1,500 miles, fought 43 battles or skirmishes, and destroyed an estimated $10 million worth of property.

Only 14 miles from Farmington where I live, on Sept 27, 1864 , the Confederates pushed back the Federal Troops at Ironton and Arcadia , Missouri , when Union Brigadier General Thomas Ewing decided to hold Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob, General Price decided to take the fort instead of bypassing it. This was apart of his bid to take St. Louis to win support for a Southern Missouri Government in the 1864 Elections.

However, his campaign ended in disaster. At Westport , near Kansas City , on October 23, Price was soundly defeated by General Curtis in the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi and forced to retreat south.

The state's strategic position on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and its abundant manpower and natural resources made it imperative that she remain loyal to the Union . Most Missourians desired neutrality, but many, including the governor, Claiborne Fox Jackson, held strong Southern sympathies and planned to cooperate with the Confederacy in its bid for independence.
Price went to Mexico after the war, but returned to Missouri in 1866. He died there the next year.

My mother had 4 great grand uncles who fought for the Union and one of these when he moved to Arkansas then fought for the CSA. All were wounded in battle. In my genealogy I found a father and a son who fought on different sides. I had kindred on all my ancestor sides that fought in the rebellion against the states. War is terrible no matter where or with whom.

Maybe one day we can sing the ole song, “Ain’t gonna war no-more.”

”Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” --James 4:2 (KJV)

James 4:1-3 translated by Daniel Mace brings added light as he states: “You breathe slaughter and revenge for what you cannot obtain. You quarrel and go to war, but without success, because you don't petition for it: and if you did, you would not obtain it, because you wickedly request to have your passions gratified."

Gettysburg

The Worst War on American Soil


Our first stop in Gettysburg was to visit the new Museum and Visitors center that contains a number of theaters, a large bookstore, and the museum of many of the war’s artifacts. Above is also a huge painting, one of only four in the United States that depicts the battle at Gettysburg.

I had a special interest in visiting the battlefield since I had gone to high school in Arkansas with Billy and JEB Stuart who were descendants of the famous confederate General James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart, who was known as the most famous cavalryman of the Civil War.

Being a student of JEB Stuart, please allow me to give a little history of the General and his life.

At the age of fourteen years James Stuart was placed at school in Wytheville , Virginia ; and in August, 1848, he entered Emory and Henry College (where I have conducted seminars in years past). During a revival of religion among the students he professed conversion, and joined the Methodist Church . Throughout his life he maintained a consistent Christian character. In April, 1850, James Stuart left Emory and Henry College , having obtained an appointment as cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point where he gradated 13th in his class.

Ten years later, in 1859, he was confirmed in the Protestant Episcopal Church by Bishop Hawkes, in St. Louis . His mother was an Episcopalian, and had early instilled into him a love for her own church

A Virginia-born West Pointer (1854), Stuart was already a veteran of Indian fighting on the plains and of Bleeding Kansas when, as a first lieutenant in the 1st Cavalry, he carried orders for Robert E. Lee to proceed to Harpers Ferry to crush John Brown's raid.

His later appointments included: captain of Cavalry, CSA ( May 24, 186 1); colonel, 1st Virginia Cavalry (July 16, 1861); brigadier general, CSA (September 24, 1861); and major general, CSA July 25, 1862 ). His commands in the Army of Northern Virginia included: Cavalry Brigade (October 22, 1861 - July 28, 1862); Cavalry Division July 28, 1862 - September 9, 1863 ); temporarily Jackson's 2nd Corps (May 3-6, 1863); and Cavalry Corps (September 9, 1863 - May 11, 1864).

During Grant's drive on Richmond in the spring of 1864, Stuart halted Sheridan 's cavalry at Yellow Tavern on the outskirts of Richmond on May 11. In the fight he was mortally wounded. About noon , Thursday, President Davis visited his bedside, and spent some fifteen minutes in the dying chamber of his favorite chieftain. The President, taking his hand, said, "General, how do you feel?" He replied, "Easy, but willing to die, if God and my country think I have fulfilled my destiny and done my duty."

The General, with a mind perfectly clear, made dispositions to his staff of his personal effects. To Mrs. Robert E. Lee he directed that his golden spurs be given as a dying memento of his love and esteem of her husband. To his staff officers he gave his horses. To one of his staff, who was a heavy built man, he said, "You had better take the larger horse; he will carry you better." Other mementoes he disposed of in a similar manner. To his young son he left his glorious sword.

His worldly matters closed, the eternal interest of his soul engaged his mind. Turning to the Rev. Mr. Peterkin, of the Episcopal Church, and of which he was an exemplary member, he asked him to sing the hymn commencing --

"Rock of ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee,"

Joining in with all the voice his strength would permit. He then joined in prayer with the ministers. To the Doctor he again said, "I am going fast now; I am resigned; God's will done." Thus died General J.E.B. Stuart. General Stuart was thirty five years of age. He died in the rebel capital and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery there. Like his intimate friend, Stonewall Jackson, General Stuart soon became a legendary figure, ranking as one of the great cavalry commanders of America .

Among the pall bearers were Brigadier General John H. Winder, General George W. Randolph, General Joseph R. Anderson, Brigadier General Lawton and Commodore Forrest.

Among the congregation appeared President Davis, General Bragg, General Ransom, and other civic and military officials in Richmond .

Having studied much of the life of J.E.B. Stuart, I was deeply interested in viewing the entire battlefield so we boarded a double Decker bus and went to the front seat on the top level to be able to get good photographs. The guide was great and audio history was also played in various places that better covered the incidents and events of the area.

The 23 mile tour lasted better than two hours and was indeed enlightenment to me even though I had been a student of Civil War battles.

The losses at Gettysburg were the greatest of any battle in the Civil War. The Union lost 23,049 men, while the Confederacy lost 28,063. The Confederate population was unable to withstand such heavy casualties, and Lee's army was never able to launch another offensive invasion in Union territory. The defeat at Gettysburg , coupled with the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4th, ended Confederate hopes of European intervention in the war. Between 46,000 and 51,000 Americans were casualties in the three-day battle.

That November, President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery to honor the fallen and redefine the purpose of the war in his historic Gettysburg Address.

After, returning to the tour center, our friends and us, met at the old Gettysburg café for a remarkable meal.

”He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” --Psalm 55:18

Hershey: The Sweetest Place in the World

The Sweetest Place to visit with your Sweetie

No trip is as much fun as when you have fiends to travel with you. Recently, my wife and I flew from St. Louis to Columbus, Ohio where we were met by our son, Randy, who drove us to meet his wife, Melissa, and our two grandchildren, Zach and Emily. After a good meal together, he drove us to the home of our friends Jim and Jean Lowe who were going to drive us to Hershey, Pennsylvania the next day for nearly a week in the area.

Hershey is the town Milton Hershey built with the largest chocolate factory in the world. We were amazed at the many products manufactured by this single company.

Raised in rural central Pennsylvania by Swiss Mennonite parents, was hampered by the lack of a formal education was nearly bankrupt by the time he was 30. Milton S. Hershey went on to become not only one of America’s wealthiest individuals, but also a successful entrepreneur whose products are known the world over. He was a visionary builder of the town which bears his name and a philanthropist whose open-hearted generosity continues to touch the lives of thousands.

He and his wife Catherine never had children so his fortune was given to create and provide the resources to educate poor and underprivileged children. When founded, the school was called the Hershey Industrial School and was intended for the basic education of poor white boys. Four students were in the first class. Current enrollment is about 1,700. The name was changed to the Milton Hershey School in 1951. It became racially integrated in 1968 and allowed female students beginning in 1977.

The student all live is provided homes with substitute parents to give them a role model with all clothes and food provided free of charge as is the school.
Today, the student population hails from 29 states and Washington, D.C., but seven out of 10 of the students are from Pennsylvania.

During the last century, about 8,600 people have graduated from the school. If the past is any indicator, about half of the 1,700 students enrolled this year will go on to four-year colleges and 40 percent will attend two-year colleges or technical schools. Students can earn more than $70,000 in college scholarship money from the school.

Milton Hershey signed over his entire $60 million fortune as an endowment for the school. The original endowment has grown to $6.3 billion, making MHS "the best endowed K-12 school in the nation ... also exceeds most universities," according to author Rob Hardy. To put that into perspective, Penn State's total endowment reached $1 billion in June.

The Milton Hershey School's land holdings include more than 10,000 acres, or about 15.5 square miles, in Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

On September 13th, five-thousand people celebrated Milton Hershey's 152nd birthday in Hersheypark Arena. Attendees also celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Hershey Industrial School for orphaned boys which were under preparation when we visited the school.
After visiting the Chocolate World, where we viewed how the Hershey products are made, we took a trolley ride though the city. The trolley guide saw to it we had plenty of free chocolate during the tour. It was a very unforgettable ride and made me feel more appreciative of the Hershey family. I need to advise you that one day is not near enough to see everything in Hershey but we picked out our choices early.

Jim and I visited the Antique Auto museum, and what an eye opener, as we saw many types of cars including three Pierce-Arrow’s, a Ferrari, DeLorean, Bizzarini, and a Lamborghini. Besides the 100 or so cars, there was a whole floor given to motorcycles and scooters. On the lower level was an assortment of buses of every type vintage.

After this excursion, we met our wife’s for an Italian meal at the popular Fenicci's Restaurant on Chocolate Avenue in downtown Hershey.

The next time you are in Pennsylvania, be sure to give Hershey a couple of days and you will find and we did it is the sweetest city in the world.

“My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” Psalm 104:34

Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania

Where is the Second Largest Amish community?

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a bustling city but its fame lies in the famous Amish farms in the surrounding county containing many large dairies, farms, and crops of great variety.

Upon our arrival, the Lowe’s and us, decided to stop at the Hershey farm restaurant for an Amish breakfast. It was truly Amish and beyond expectancy.

Since we had studied the area and locations we wanted to visit, we headed for Strasburg and stopped at Ed’s Buggy rides. We looked about and thought it might be interesting to take the 3 mile buggy ride into some Amish farms which included stopping and observing the farm and how it was able to operate without electricity.

The water was pumped up into a reservoir by a windmill. A water picket had good water pressure as it delivered water into the horse trough. A cash register was run by a battery.

We talked to the old father and mother who ran a little shop in a portion of their house’s lower level while their children brought in the crop of corn and tobacco.

My wife and Jean looked through the many quilts that ranged from $595.00 to $795.00. Jams, Jellies and jars of many food items were in abundance. My souvenir was a computer mouse pad with Amish Country imprinted on it.

Our driver was an Old Order Amish man name Chris and was very helpful in defined the differences of the Amish and all others who he called “The English.”

It was a unique ride. Entertaining, informative, and fun, as we saw the country side with huge and well kept farms.

We had already bought ticket to see “The Creation” at the Millennium Theater own by a devote Mennonite who also owns an exact Theater in Branson where the “Noah” is presented. The props, music, and actors we were very professional and the story as well presented as possible.

Before the presentation, Chris had told us of a real Amish restaurant, owned by his wife’s uncle called Dienners on highway 30. I knew we were in for a treat when all the waitresses wore prayer caps after the Old Order Amish with welcomes in the Pennsylvania Dutch favored with English.

The fresh, tasty, food was delicious and pasties and pies outstanding.

Don’t just spend a day in this country. You will miss so much.

”And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, these are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9

”For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance.” Job 36:31

PETIT jEAN MOUNTIAN A WORTHWHILE TRIP

Petit Jean Mountain is worth a trip

When I was a college student I had the opportunity to work for Winthrop Rockefeller who had build a beautiful home, ranch, and air trip atop one of the most popular sites in Arkansas.

My job was to escort visitors across the grounds and in the home until to many items was being picked up for souvenirs, etc.

At that time, he had not gotten into politics (He was later the governor), but before that had influenced so many industries to settle in the state. During his tenure he brought many to investigate the possibly there.

It was not known why he chose the mountain to build his properties on, but having been raised about 35 miles from there, I could understand how a person from the big city life of New York City would be enamored by such a place.

Because Petit Jean Mountain is a special place – an unforgettable place – known for the legend of Petit Jean, the story of a French girl who disguised herself as a boy and secretly accompanied her sweetheart, an early explorer, to the New World and to this mountain.

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s first and flagship state park enhances this over 300–year–old legend with windswept views, enchanting woodlands laced with streams and wildflowers, and a spectacular 95-foot waterfall called “Cedar Falls” that is fed by a 100-acre lakem, a reservoir contributed into by small creeks. Lake Bailey is also a popular place for pedal-boating and fishing. Tennis and basketball courts, swimming pool, and picnic areas are available for the use of park guests.

The scenic overlook at Petit Jean's grave, which is just to the right as you just finish the grade up to the mountain, provides a spectacular view of the Arkansas River Valley and is worth the short walk.

To those who would like to know more about this unique place read Dr. Lee W. Woodard’s book entitled, "Petit Jean's Mountain: The Origin of the Legend." He provides many historical evidences that suggest that the old glamorized oral legends about "Petit Jean" (an assumed or nickname) are traceable to known historical records about the drowning of a young French Noble variously called De Marne or De Marle. This youth drowned while bathing in the Arkansas river on Saint Jean Baptiste Day, June 24, 1687, while fleeing with six other survivors of horrendous assassinations and murders involved with Robert Cavelier De La Salle's tragic French Colonization attempt during 1684-1687. This young French noble's tragic death and burial were described by two French companions, Father Anastase Douay (who was an officiate at the burial) and a French soldier named Henri Joutel. Woodard's is the first book by a doctoral level historian to identify the actual tragic events and the actual death and burial connected with old Arkansas Oral Legends of Petit Jean.

I seldom go to my home area without thinking about this place of my past or taking the short trip to revisit. The Museum of Automobiles (build since my employment up there) is less than a mile from the main camping areas near the Rockefeller farm and home.

But often it is the dreams of home that attract me most.

“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” - Hebrews 11:16

HE WAS JUST LIKE ME

HE WAS JUST LIKE ME

He rolled out from under the long Cadillac where he had been working. The khaki-clad man made his way toward us. We waited as he approached us while cleaning his hands on a dirty shop towel.

The farm manager said, "Fellows meet your boss, Mr. Rockefeller." The sudden unexpectency alarmed us already timid and frightened boys. Why he was doing his own work, when he had mechanics sitting all around doing nothing while he worked on his own car, I thought.

Our college professor, who had gotten us the job, told us he was just like other man--only rich!

However, it didn't take me long to see he was a man that liked to do what others did, and while he had inherited over a quarter of a billion dollars, didn't appear to be the stuffed shirt we figured he would be. He was a large man who humbled many with his stature and wealth, and I will always remember his contribution to my home state and the many he helped. At the time I didn't know he would become its future governor and a benefactor to countless he served.

Winthrop A. Rockefeller as the first Republican Governor of Arkansas since Reconstruction. He was a third-generation member of the Rockefeller family.

Winthrop Rockefeller was born in New Jersey to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and his wife, the former Abby Greene Aldrich. His four famous brothers were: Nelson, David, Laurance and John D. III. Nelson served as Governor of New York and Vice President of the United States.

Winthrop attended Yale University from 1931 to 1934 but was ejected as a result of misbehavior before earning his degree. Prior to attending Yale, he graduated from the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut.

He enlisted into the 77th Infantry Division in early 1941 and fought in World War II, advancing from Private to Colonel and earning a Bronze Star with clusters and Purple Heart for his actions aboard the troopship USS Henrico, after a kamikaze attack during the Battle of Okinawa. His image appears in the Infantry Officer Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Rockefeller moved to central Arkansas in 1953 and established Winrock Enterprises and Winrock Farms atop Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton, Arkansas which is only 20 miles from my hometown.

He summer students from Texas A & M, who were studying Animal of Husbandry, would come to the farm because of his raising of a new bread of cows crossed from the Texas Longhorn and Brahman bulls. Bulls weigh 1,600 to 2,200 pounds and cows weigh 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. At birth, the calves weigh 60 to 65 pounds. This breed became known as the Santa Gertrudis. The birthing barns were, but hospitals for the delivery of these huge animals.
Mr. Rockefeller loved fine horses and was seen riding often with his wife or the farm manager.

In 1956, Rockefeller married his second wife, Jeanette Bartley McDonnell, a native of Washington State. (Who was his wife when I was there). She was a gracious and kind lady to us young workers.

She had previously been married to a pro American football player, a lawyer, and a stockbroker. By her, he acquired two stepchildren, Anne and Bruce Bartley. (He had a son, Winthrop Paul, by his first wife).

Rockefeller initiated a number of philanthropies and projects for the benefit of the people of in my home state. He financed the building of a model school at Morrilton, and led efforts to establish a Fine Arts Center in Little Rock. He also financed the construction of medical clinics in some of the state's poorest counties, in addition to making annual gifts to the state's colleges and universities.

These philanthropic activities continue to this day through the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

He may have learned from his early days what David learned late as recorded in Psalm 39. "Every man at his best state is altogether vanity...Surely every man walks in a vain show....he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them"

Cody is a place to see

Cody Museum a must see

While visiting Wyoming in 1993 we had the possibly of stopping at The Buffalo Bill Museum which examines both the personal and public lives of W.F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917) and seeks to tell his story in the context of the history and myth of the American West.

However, more than this is the other collections in the Museum that interpret the history of the American cowboy, dude ranching, Western conservation, frontier entrepreneurship and, perhaps most importantly, the source of our concepts about the West. The museum records how Buffalo Bill, in an age without television or motion pictures became the world's foremost communicator about the American West.

Buffalo Bill's Wild West was a spectacular panorama of cowboys, Indians, trick shooters and specialty acts. He called his show "an educational exposition on a grand and entertaining scale."

The show ran for 30 years, from 1883 until 1913, touring the United States and Europe with legendary figures such as Sitting Bull and Annie Oakley. While it wasn't possible for millions of Americans to experience the West as he had, Cody brought it to their front doors.

If you are interested in learning more about Buffalo Bill and the West then you will find this a remarkable place to visit.

Of particular interest to me was The Cody Firearms Museum which houses the most comprehensive assemblage of American firearms in the world. The Winchester Collection, the heart of this museum, was transported from New Haven, Connecticut to Cody in 1976. Dedicated in 1991, but provides an expansive permanent home for the collection. However, virtually every significant manufacturer in the world is represented. Within the exhibits, visitors are able to trace the evolution of modern firearms technology from its earliest days through today's outstanding variations.

You may also view the Whitney Gallery of Western Art Digital Collections.
Learn about the outdoor sculpture conservation project funded by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.

Then there is the Plains Indian Museum which tells the significant story of the lives of the Plains Indian peoples, their cultures, traditions, values and histories, and the contexts of their lives today.

In the words of the Crow tribal historian Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow, the Museum is "a living, breathing place where more than just Indian objects are on display."

Since 1979 the Plains Indian Museum has been a leader in promoting public recognition of the importance of Plains Indian art due to its nationally significant collection. Visitors to the Plains Indian Museum learn, not only about the beautiful objects made by Indian people, but the stories of the people behind the objects and the special contexts in which these objects were made and used in daily and ceremonial life.

The majority of the collection is from the early reservation period, ca. 1880-1930, and relates primarily to Northern Plains tribes, such as the Lakota, Crow, Arapaho, Shoshone, and Cheyenne.

If you are a western fan, as I am, and want to really educate yourself, then don’t expect to do this in less than a day or two.

The west is a most important part of the history of our country and so much misinformation has venture over the past. Take time when you are in the area and get caught up.

They like all peoples look for a better life and a place of bliss beyond this life. They, like us, were looking for more than a cultural foundation. My prayer has always been that all people find what the spirit of a man craves for and for eternal better home.

“Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” --Hebrews 11:10