Shooting the parson

[newshirt]

As a witness, I must bitterly protest the shooting of the Gray Summit pastor, and the circumstances surrounding his arrest on the Sabbath of October 4th.

I and a Federal Lieutenant attended his morning service. It commenced and proceeded with regular alacrity, when folks inside the church soon noticed Federal solders circling with torches and angry stares through the rippled windows. Whispers circulated, disrupting the pastor’s readings from the Book of Mark. When wafts of smoke entered the church, the town sheriff tapped me on the shoulder suggesting I return to ranks.

When I exited the church, "Hog" and a few others were pacing wildly with fixed bayonets – fire in their eyes. No amount of reason could convince them of the pastor’s integrity and allegiance to the Union. “There’s secesh in there!” Hog shouted. His rage could not be tempered to any reasonable degree, and no officers were nearby to restrain him. As a private soldier, I attempted no such physical restraint.

Within one minute, the Federal Lieutenant emerged from the church, also confirming Hog’s assertion. "He's quoting Jeff Davis," the Lieutenant said. A fevered pitch spread to other men. I was incredulous. No such secesh preaching had occurred, and I am a sober and reliable witness of those proceedings.

I can only hope my testimony will be taken under consideration, and a full investigation opened.

[coastaltrash]

My only regrets of the action was that I laughed so hard at the "brave" sheriff" the flame went out and that we wasted two bullets on that parson. If we were worried with the sheriff, his shotgun could have been removed from the hall of the church.

[huntdaw]

Well, at least I respect the house of the Lord, unlike some folks. I wasn't going to take that shotgun into His sanctuary. Plus, I had other weapons to fall back upon and before it was done, they were there with us. I suppose you missed them being brought into the churchyard.

By the way sergeant, you would have got the first barrel since you had the torch, Hog would have had the second although I would have preferred to have the order reversed. I figured it would be over for me so I was just going to take as many with me as I could.

[Silvana Siddali]

It was truly a shocking moment. Our dear Pastor, Rev. Cope, was relatively new to our community. He had moved to Gray Summit only recently. Although we had a good idea of his political leanings, he was always very careful to explain that all of God's children deserved love and understanding. He tried to promote harmony in Gray Summit, not to stir dissension, but he also felt that he had the right to preach as he saw fit from his own pulpit.

The town was indeed divided. I confess I was surprised when I heard the Reverend mention the day of fasting and prayer instituted by Confederate President Jefferson Davis. I did not hear him praise Davis, but I supposed that he was referring to the idea that a prayerful observance of the day would be acceptable to the Lord in any case. Still, I was saddened to see that the Unionist citizens felt compelled to leave the church when Rev. Cope began to speak about the "usurpers" and "invaders." Lincolnite or not, these folks are our neighbors and friends and the divisions are painful to all.

I was frightened to see the hateful looks on the faces of the dastards who carried torches and guns past the church windows. But nothing could prepare me for the horror that came next. Our good Pastor was taken out of the church bound in ropes. The soldiers marched him to the Mill immediately. The Reverend cried out in desperation, "Ladies, help me! Help me!" But before anyone could think or speak his captors had forced him behind the Mill.

Within very few minutes a terrible shot rang out -- then another. For a long time we believed our dear Reverend to be dead. The women stood staring in horror, unable to move from the scene, even when the federal commander ordered us back into our homes. The women who work in the Inn, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Good, ran across the green to the Mill to see what could be done for poor Rev. Cope.

I will never forget the terrible sadness of Rev. Cope's cry for help.

The last I heard, the bullet had entered his shoulder and he lost a great deal of blood, but he is still alive.

Yes, there will indeed be a trial. The miscreants have been captured and the witnesses stand ready to testify.

May Heaven have mercy on them, for Gray Summit will not.

[GWHall]

Sir,

If you left the service before it was concluded, how would you know whether or not the Parson invoked the name of Jefferson Davis and the Confederate States government?

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Hog acted in self defense. The preacher is a shifty man who in fact was a rebel. He did in fact have a reference in his sermon to the rebel president Davis. I should know...before we left town I found his rough draft of the sermon.


Here is what the parson said:
"Therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, do issue this my proclamation setting apart Wednesday, the sixteenth day of November next, as a day to be specially devoted to the worship of Almighty God ; and I do invite and invoke all the people of these Confederate States to assemble......"


On another note: Silvana may have an announcment coming shortly. Consider this case OPEN!

[newshirt]

Sir,

If you left the service before it was concluded, how would you know whether or not the Parson invoked the name of Jefferson Davis and the Confederate States government?
Perhaps you are correct; it may have occurred after I left. But by the time I had exited, Hog had already made his wild assersions and drew up a large crowd. He could have heard no more than me. And I heard no secesh preaching.

[J. Donaldson]

I wanted to take that shotgun out of the doorway while no one was looking, but the Sergeant said that it was all right since it was the Sheriff's. Sheriff, you might have had the chance to pull one trigger, but that would've been your last action on this earth, I promise you that.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Did Hog say he was going to shoot the parson while he walked around the church?
Did Sgt. landrum say he was going to burn down the church?


The parson should also stand trial for stealing oatmeal that was intended for the men of Company I. While in his parsonage I found the draft and the oatmeal. Many a good union man went without breakfast...

You people of Grey Summit are lucky that we didn't burn your town down. '

Orderly Sgt Holloway
Company I 21st Missouri

[huntdaw]

There were some good Union men in Gray Summit before you all came to town - not anymore.

[Old Reb]

Holler,
The only disappointing aspect of you and the Federals burning the town would be that it would have left nothing for us to burn. My other disappointment was that historically, even the most vile of men did not harm women and children for had that been the custom of the day, there would have been women in the grist mill when we burned it down with the bodies of the ten men we executed.

[coastaltrash]

That damn Parson lashed out at the detail in the Mill. If we had no respect for the town people, we would have done what the Preachers men did instead of leave you ladies of Gray's Summit without one crooked whore mongering preacher.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Did anyone see Hog pull the trigger? And was he the only one? There was another solider with him...


Tom,

We should have been working together.

[J. Donaldson]

The only good Union men in Gray Summit marched out about noon on Sunday. That's all I've got to say on that issue.

[huntdaw]

I saw him pull the trigger. And I heard him say he'd shoot it again. Of course, he missed the first time - probably would have the second time also.

[coastaltrash]

Saw him pull the trigger from across town?

[pvt_jb]

"Did anyone see Hog pull the trigger? And was he the only one? There was another solider with him..."

I believe, Mr. Comer, that Holler is talking about the Parson and not the dove.

Mr. White you were a great addition to my section and always pulled your weight. I look forward to working with you again in Nov. I also respect your standing up for what you believe is right. However, I heard the Parson talk about Jeff Davis during his sermon.

Here is my testimony as a Corporal of 3rd section 21st MO Co. I.

Before and during the service myself and a few others in my section were on the green taking a nap after chasing after some bushwhackers earlier in the morning. I awoke to see Hog and another guard outside the church. I decided to head over to the sinks located behind the church. I stopped to converse with Hog on my way. He said that the town was full of sesch. I said I agreed and that the boarding house in particular seemed unloyal to the union. As I walked past the door I paused to look in to see if anyone from my section was inside. As I stepped away I heard the Parson speak of Jeff Davis with my own ears. I thought to myself that it was finally confirmed that the town was full of disloyal men and women.

I agree with Holler that the whole town should feel lucky. We came into town and for the most part treated the civilians with more respect then ever received. Our Captain is a good man and held to the order of not entering a dwelling without order or reason. There may have been a couple of exceptions to this but there should have been more! I myself tried to convince the Captain to let me and my section look through the boarding house Saturday afternoon. I was disappointed when he said maybe later and I never received the order to do so. That house deserved to be searched in detail in my opinion.

I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone that was in 3rd section (Sean, Rich, White, Campbell, Belland and E). You did your duty and followed orders without question or complaint. I did my best to ensure you were well taken care of. It was an honor and privilege to be your corporal.

[coastaltrash]

I was Sgt of the Guard for Sunday morning, and was informed to keep a sharp eye toward the woods. I however, felt that many of our enemies lay in the service of the now departed "Reverend" (so called) and had the two best, most brave men placed on guard for the church. Outside in this rough town, mice and rats were running rampant, so I lit a quick torch to spot where these pests were entering the House of God, short time ago being filled by the southern tunes of a devil "Preacher". While women were apparently upset inside, I ask one woman in town to testify against the character of myself here. Did I not ask the store keeper if it was allowed we enter her store? Myself personally ensuring a small number entered at a time! We paid, took our hats off inside etc. Ask the Widow if her house was not swept before the Federals left town. Our boys worked off a meal at Captain Smith's Inn, had the Widow and her Niece's things moved to their new quarters outside of the square, and we refused to question them further, despite reports and visible confirmation that bushwakers indeed slept and dined in those halls. Good citizens of Grays Summit, ask yourselves if a man of God truly needs a large side knife, or if perhaps the words that caused his shooting were enough to warrant him an enemy of the United States and perhaps the sanctity of your small village.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

I asked Hog to shoot that damned dove. I found it perfect irony to have the dove of peace in such a lawless town.

We had various homes labled as ""rebel nests". The Sappington house, the "boarding" house (so they call it that), and Smith's Inn were all being watched. I did not trust that man Captain Smith had working for him.

David "Hog Sh*t" Cravens is set to stand trial May 14-16,2010. Look for word coming very soon. We are working on the details...

[coastaltrash]

Hog S*it shouldn't be put on trial at all, let alone be put on trial by a bunch of Bushwaker hording crackers! This is Horse S*it! As one of this brave mans Sgts, I plan on making my way back to Gray's Summit to defend his good name, or burn the town to free him!

[Old Cremona]

We're going to have the best jury money can buy to make sure that the attempted murder of our spiritual leader is avenged. Then with the money left over we'll buy the young man some marksmanship lessons before we execute him.

[Cravens]

It is good men like Patrick and the boy's in Co. I that I hope to have in the courtroom next year. If it means that I swing from a rope at the end of the trial then so shall it be. We were there to liberate the great state of Missouri and her loyal citizens. I will not recognize the illegal gov't of Thomas Reynolds or Claiborne F. Jackson before him. I look forward to a speedy trial.

Greg Colvin
David B. Cravens
Hog


(But I am a little nervous)

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Hog, don't worry nothing will happen to you. You have to many friends.

[J. Donaldson]

I'll stand by Hog to the end. If those mushmouth Pukes try to touch one hair one his head, they'll have me to deal with. I'll shoot the first mother's son that goes anywhere near him with any intent of handling him.

[coastaltrash]

Holler,
Good thing. Besides, the townfolk would have a hard time finding a jury, since most of the men in town were killed in the grist mill fire.

[Trish Hasenmueller]

Maybe we'll have to resort to swearing in a few women on that jury. Not an unheard of event with such a shortage of men. He'll get his just desserts one way or the other. Law and order must be restored.

Trish Hasenmueller

[coastaltrash]

Women on a jury...next thing you'll be wanting the vote!

[Arch Campbell]

I am sore amazed to find now that the citizens of that godforsaken town are now interested in law and order. Why, until yesterday their primary interest was furthering their Luciferian rebellion by providing aid, comfort, and (probably) intelligence to the cutthroats lurking in the hills, intent on murdering soldiers of the United States army. The only one I trusted AT ALL was the sheriff- and that was only in matters pertaining to said ruffians, as he alone seemed to see them as a common enemy.

I was not present during the shooting of that viper masquerading as a parson, as I was called away during the bushwackers' attack on our picket line. I had been present, however, in front of the church after word got out that the alleged parson was preaching disunion. I saw two of the townspeople leave the edifice in disgust at the treasonous message.

The traitorous parson had a large belt-knife taken from him when we entered the town the day before. I'm quite convinced that, knowing the controversy his planned homily could not fail to evoke, he must have taken the pulpit with a firearm concealed on his person. He most likely made a move for it behind the mill, provoking private Cravens and the "unknown" other soldier to fire in self-defence. I have not doubt they had cause to fear for their lives in the presence of that Judas- this should be all the defence they require.

[LibertyHallVols]

I find it ironic how the people of Gray's Summit considered us to be loathsome scum, disrupting their "peaceful" lives... until they considered the prospect of us leaving. Now that the danger is past, they want to put one of their protectors on trial for doing his duty.

The nerve!

[lambrew]

I was there and Hog was right! We did nothing so terrible to merrit such treatment as we recived. A most unchristian disposition was on display for our entire stay in town. I was polite to all whom I met, and did not take that which did not belong to me. Even when we flushed the bushwhackers from their hovel sunday morning I did steal! But when I saw our beloved fifer and drummer shot down in cold blood I regretfully lost my temper. They were armed only with a fife, and drum. I fail to see honor in such a deed. I yelled at a lady in front of the store "Is this what your preacher preaches? Murder on a Sunday!" I was raised better but was swept away by events. Providence swayed our Captain to march us out of town before the torch was empolyed to it's fullest, and thus I have no blot on my conscience. But I hear tell the murderous wretches killed and, burned out those who had protected them. Just desterts I say!

Signed....
Pvt. Lewis M. Spraig, 21st MO. Co.I

[Hank Trent]

Women on a jury...next thing you'll be wanting the vote!

Off-topic trivia: Check out the list of grand jurors at an 1865 session of the circuit court in Kentucky here (http://www.breathittcounty.com/BreathittWeb3/CHFacts.html), including "Miss Elizabeth Garr." :eek: Kentucky law said jurors needed to be "house-keepers," so apparently a woman who was head of household could serve. :confused:

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[huntdaw]

My goodness! What's this world coming to?

[Old Reb]

On last count, there ain't enough men left alive in Gray Summit to form a jury and we all know women ain't ever going to be allowed to serve on juries or vote, so I say all this talk about a trial for a fellow is a waste of time. If all he did was shoot a preacher, I'd say give him a medal and promote him.

Looking to the future, I'd say things aren't going to turn out real well for Confederates, and thus thinking, as always, of my own survival and that of my boys, for a pardon and a price we could possibly render service to the US by killing injuns out west. I hear that in that endeavor we would not have to limit our slaughter to just the males. Just a thought.

[VMurphy]

As a witness to the dasterdly deed, I will be there to testify. I heard the preachers sermon and he didn't announce his support of Jeff Davis. He only announced the day of prayer which was declared ;by the Confederate President. Being a state that is both Union and Confederate it seem only right to let his parisiners know of the proclimation.
As I watched the preacher being hauled away, calling for help.I decided then and there that my leanings to the Union cause were for naught!! After that sort of behavior it became obvious that neither side cared for the support of our local citizens. As I ran to the back of the mill to check on the preachers condition the soldiers began to prepar to leave. While two other ladies began to care for the preacher I walked to the edge of the green to see what the soldiers were doing and overheard the commander repremending his men for "shooting the preacher"! There's no doubt in my mind that this deed occurred because of the lack of control and discipline officers had over their men.!~ Thank the Good Lord our preacher survived and was able to get to the back of the store and out of danger.

Our little village has always been a law abiding and God fearing little town until both sides of this dispute came to our doorstep. It is those that came into our town as strangers that are the lawless scoundrals...not the fine citizens.

Mrs.Grace Engledew, Owner of the Engledew House
Boarding for fine ladies of culture

[Auld Pelty]

It is a shame the parson was shot for mentioning Jeff Davis's proclamation for prayer. Many men have been killed for lessor offenses, like being related to Confederate soldiers or warning their neighbors to hide from invading Jayhawkers and Federal soldiers. In this War, not choosing sides has been demonstrated to be the worst decision, time and time again.

When us "ruffians" arrived in town on Friday, we were not well received, yet we found out later that outlaws who insulted us and threatened us got food and even entertainment. We heard that citizens loyal to the Union would be wearing cockades to identify themselves and welcome the soldiers of abolition while we were fighting these invaders, sleeping on the cold hard ground and eating slave food.

A lot of men died last week. The parson was lucky. We are intrigued that no one in Gray Summit is calling to protest the dispatching of the men and torching of the grist mill.

Jack Gardner
Confederate Bushwhacking Department

[Arch Campbell]

... referring to old Jeff Davis as "President" of anything is in fact a secessionist statement, in and of itself. :wink_smil

[pvt_jb]

“David "Hog Sh*t" Cravens is set to stand trial May 14-16,2010. Look for word coming very soon. We are working on the details...”

Since I have read this I keep thinking how great it would be to go back and continue this event in some fashion. I am already anxiously awaiting more information.

I know that the 21st MO was Mobile Alabama in May 1865 so perhaps some men get a furlough or orders to go and testify. Much of the company was mustered out in April 1866. However, I see quite a few who were mustered out in Dec 1864 for enlistment termination. Plus others at other various times and reasons.

Perhaps this finally gives me a solid reason to complete a civilian kit. I should be getting mustered out in December and I am willing to make the 200 mile journey from Scotland County to Gray Summit to defend a man in my former company during his day in court. With a pistol in my waist belt…just in case.

See, already I can not wait for details and planning!

[BenjaminLDavis]

“David "Hog Sh*t" Cravens is set to stand trial May 14-16,2010. Look for word coming very soon. We are working on the details...”

Gray Summit to defend a man in my former company during his day in court. With a pistol in my waist belt…just in case.

See, already I can not wait for details and planning!

Hog's comrades will be there, armed to the teeth, and if you think the bunch in
front of the church was surly and determined, you best be ready for us!

[LindaTrent]

We are intrigued that no one in Gray Summit is calling to protest the dispatching of the men and torching of the grist mill. Jack Gardner

I'd love to bring up a suit for the wrongful death of Mr. Anderson and the loss of my mill, but I'm not going to. Mr. Anderson was assisting you boys when you first came into town on Sunday morning, just ask your boys who were at the tavern. We answered all their questions honestly. It's easy to put a price on crops, livestock, buildings, but how does one put a price on the loss of a loved one?

Mrs. Anderson is tired of Missouri (raids on Patterson 61-63, and on Gray Summit in 64), and she refuses to ever set foot in that state again. Her oldest son came and took her home to Kentucky, along with the remains of Mr. Anderson.

Her two youngest sons received her blessing to join the ranks of the Union army, and they have a special bullet with the name "Preacher" on it. :angry_smi The whole reason she wasn't in church on Sunday was because her feelings were too strongly centered on the Old Testament, "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" (funny, at that time it was against the US troops, now that's changed). If she can find a way, she'll seek vengence. After all, she actually saw you boys near her farm in Patterson no doubt you all destroyed her home then, too.

Angered? Frustrated? You bet she is. Afraid? No. What does she have left to lose?

By the way, when I say Mrs. Anderson won't be setting foot in Missouri ever again, that doesn't mean that Linda Trent won't. In fact, we're considering attending in the spring as entirely different people. Have I said that this was a great event? :tounge_sm

Linda.

[moconfed]

There's a lot of talk about getting justice for the Parson getting shot. How about justice for the 10 of us in the mill. Fortuantely most of us survived by breaking through the back and slipping off into the bean field. We will be around in May 1865 to testify to that. ol Tom "Preacher" needs to be held accountable for his actions. "Hog" attempted murder, "Preacher" accomplished it!!!! Guess I'll need to bring two ropes!!

[Old Reb]

I have never seen men shot full of buckshot break through anything! As for trying a Federal soldier in a civilian court, it won't happen! I am not a Union man, but I know the fellow you all call Hog as a worthy opponent, and any attempt to try him will certainly bring further retributions on the remaining citizens of Gray Summit.