The only family story that was passed down to us was that my great-grandfather served in the "Home Guard." It wasn't until I found Kirby Ross' Civil War-St. Louis site at http://www.civilwarstlouis.com/militia/federalmilitia.htm that I was able to figure out his connection to the E.M.M. at all.

My great-grandfather, Joseph Thomas Gander, and his older brother, Isaac Franklin Gander, both from Cooper County, were registered in the 52nd E.M.M in July 1862. Isaac's name turns up as a Lt. in the 10th M.M. later, though I have not been able to locate a roster that might include Joseph, other than the 52nd E.M.M. Neither was eligible for a pension and likely would not have accepted one anyway, so no help from that quarter.

The Gander boys came to Cooper County, Palestine Township (later New Lebanon) in the mid-1850's from Page County, VA. A brother, Martin Van Buren Gander, remained in VA and served in Co. C, 39th Battalion, VA Cavalry, and other CS units during the war, but the families maintained close ties all their lives, visiting back and forth, etc. It would have been awkward to talk much about their wartime service, so it just never came up. After the war, Joseph T. moved his family to Bates County and settled in Pleasant Gap Township, where relatives still live today. Isaac stayed in Cooper County, and Martin stayed in Page County, VA, on land which also remains in the family 150 years later.

I'd like to move my further comments about "squirrel rifles" to the Special Interest-Arms and Equipment forum, so as not to distract from this more serious and educational one. I do thank you for your interest.

Jim B.