Here is what I have from page 644 of Allen Glenn: "History of Cass County." I have read it many times:

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"These people, coming from the south, naturally sympathized with the Southern cause and suffered much for their bold stand as marauder bands passed through the country. Jackson B. McFarrin was murdered. Their homes were burned and their families were driven into exile.

"The circuit rider always received a hearty welcome and hospitable entertainment at their homes and when they departed took not only the blessings of the entire families, but a financial contribution for the cause of the Master. These pioneer laymen were ever ready to assist their ministers to bear the burden of their works. The useful work of these people in the cause of Christ had an enduring effect upon succeeding generations and is felt in our county to the present date."

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It doesn't mention Kansas, or Redlegs. I know there are a lot of mistakes in Glenn's short account. I wonder if the family actually spelled the name "Berton L McFarrin" back then. Glenn says he was a good friend of "Samuel Benton McFarrin." I have seen letters written by Samuel Burton McFerrin in his own hand. I no longer have the photocopies, but I seem to recall he spelled his name the same way we do.

Here is a copy of Samuel Burton L McFerrin's letters to the pension board. I transcribed them, and I cannot swear that I never make mistakes. (I just re-read it after a very long time. Here is where I learned that the 8th Battalion was at Lone Jack, and that Jackson Benton McFerrin was in the battalion, along with his son, Samuel Burton!)

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SAMUEL BURTON L MCFERRIN

Pension Application

Bates MO June 22, 1913
Jefferson City MO

Adjutant Gen O’Meara;

Dear Sir; I am sending you my application for Pension. I have complied with instructions and answered questions as fully as I can. I have no discharge from the Confederate Service. In fact, none of our Regiment received any, so far as I know. I surrendered at Shreveport LA along with the 9th MO Infantry CSA In which I had served since its organization at Horsehead in Ark in Dec, 1862. I had previously served in the cavalry some 5 months having enlisted on the 5th day of August 1862. I was at Lone Jack, Mansfield , Pleasant Hill and Jenkins Ferry on the Saline River Battles. I was in every Battle & skirmish that the 9th MO participated in and in a number of skirmishes before the organization of the 9th MO CSA. I was struck twice by Bullets, only slightly wounded. I served as one of the Sergeants of Comp “H” 9th MO CSA. I taken the oath of allegiance and was Paroled at St Louis about 26th of June 1865 (as near as I can remember.)

I was born in Van Buren Co (now Cass Co) MO on February 9th 1844, and will be 70 years old should I live to see my next birthday. I have lived in MO practically all my Life – have been a Democrat of the Jefferson and Andrew Jackson Type, never scratched a Democrat, but voted her straight – always. I lost everything during the war. I lost a dear Father that was brutally murdered; Property & Live Stock taken by Kansas Thieves, and Mother and her helpless ones driven from home by that Infamous Order No 11, and after the war, having Robbed us of everything movable they taken 340 acres of fine Land Situated a few miles South of Harrisonville MO. They Practically confiscated the land By the Rascality of the Public Administrators and a corrupt County Court they made away with every foot of the Land and it was sold by said Public Administrators by order of a corrupt Court, So we lost everything. I had lost the best part of my youth in the Confederate Service and the opportunity of getting an Education, So I was not qualified for any business, have just had to maul out a living as best I could, and as long as I had health and strength I was glad to work and asked favors of no one.

While I have helped to pay the Pensions on the other side for nearly half a century I have asked no favors, have never been in a Confederate Home, or charitable Institution of any kind, nor thought I should ever accept anything in that line. But the hardships of that 3 years Service in the Confederate Army, and the constant grind ever since to eke out a living, that and numerous bodily ailments and Old Father Time has got the best of me, and at the very last I have to ask help, almost like a Pauper - to say the least it is very humiliating.

Many of us went out at the call of Governor Jackson to defend the state (My Father was one that responded to that call) and I, though a Mere Boy went to defend and to drive the invader from our state, and to think that after nearly 50 years have passed without any recognition of our service, at last the grand Old State of Missouri has remembered there are a few Survivors yet who fought for her honor and her institution, away back yonder, from 1861 to 1865, and that perhaps there might be a few who were Infirm or Indigent and needed help and straight way The Legislature votes and appropriation of the Stupendous sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars to be paid as a Pension, at the rate of ten dollars per month, to those who will Swear they are Infirm, Indigent, or cripples and have no means of support nor any relatives who should care for Them If they will swear to this and also furnish further Proof by the sworn testimony of two Creditable witnesses, then about 125 old ex-CSA will receive that 10 dollars a month for two years and the others can tough it out as best they may.

For many years I have suffered with Rheumatism and have had to use at times crutches in order to walk. There are times when I have to be lifted off the bed. But these attacks are periodical, at other times I get around without helps. My worst affliction now is Lung Trouble since last fall I have been annoyed a great deal, by a troublesome cough until I scarcely rest any of nights, am taking treatment from an eminent Physician, while he does not just come out and say that I have consumption that is his inference. This Dr says my Lung Trouble is caused part by kidney trouble. I have had bad Kidney action for several years but I don’t understand why that should cause Lung Trouble. I think it was caused by exposure to bad weather while trying to work & make a living for myself and aged wife.

I have a bad Rupture, have to wear a Truss all the time, Suffer a great deal in addition to these ailments I have had to take treatment for Optheioloma (or Cancer). Now if these various ailments in addition to my 70 years of age and the further fact that when my years Rent is paid, I will be practically penniless, I say if this does not make me eligible to share in this appropriation, why then just give it to those more needy. I have no pull with prominent men, no one helping me, I am relying wholly upon my disabilities, and my needy circumstances, also the fairness of the Board or Committee who has the decision to make as to who shall be the beneficiaries of this money, and I’ll say right now if they find old comrades, ex-confederates who have more and worse ailments, and are more needy then I, give it to them. It has been said that those who fought for the Lost Cause were “good Losers and the gamest men what ever faced a foe.”

I have sent to the War Dept at Washington City for a copy of the oath of allegiance and my Parole, as soon as I receive them I will send them to you. In the meantime If there is any further evidence required please let me know and I will do my best to furnish it. I might add that I am a master mason in good standing.

Respectfully
S B McFerrin

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Butler MO Oct 23 1915
The Adjutant General
Jefferson City MO

Dear Sir; I received your note dated Oct 23rd Requesting me to return to your Office My Certificate of Service in the Confederate Army upon which my pension was granted, Stating that you wished to copy it for the files of this Office. I am enclosing Certificate as per your request. Would be pleased to have you return the same to me when you have copied it. I am very sorry the money appropriated was not sufficient to continue the payment of $10.00 per month to the needy Ex-Confederate Soldiers, many of whom need help very badly. Whatever they are to do I don’t know. It is a long while before the Legislature will meet again, and no doubt many of us will not need any help by that time. However, there is no help for us, I suppose.

We are grateful for what has been done. No doubt if it had not been for the Republican Opposition the Appropriation would have been larger.

Very Respectfully
S B McFerrin
221 So Main St
Butler MO