Very interesting. Our Pace line, through DNA testing, has been traced back to England to a Roland Pace, b mid/late 16th Century in Shropshire, England. Our family originally thought that we'd descended from Richard Pace of Jamestowne Colony. Richard was the one who saved the colony from indian attack. DNA proves otherwise, ie our Pace line descends from John of Middlesex, Virginia instead. There is a Pace DNA project online that you can visit for more info. Try googling Pace DNA Project.
While Edward's line settled in Iowa, James Pace's line settled in Platte County, Missouri where he died in 1844.
I would be interested in the pension paperwork. Perhaps James Thomas' family pension request was denied for the same reason and they weren't "strong" enough to push the issue. There were actually two requests made, one for his wife by her, and one for her children by her future husband. Neither shows a certificate issued. I'm in contact with living descendents of James. It would be fun to get the pension with back pay to the date of his death.
By the way, do you have a copy of the pamphlet written by Sgt Thomas M. Morton, the survivor? He lists Edmond Pace and James W Thomas as two he remembered at the massacre. I found and downloaded a PDF file of it from Google books or the Missouri Historical Society.
Do you know where Edward Pace may be buried? James' grave location is still unknown but I think he may be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis in an "Unknown" grave. If you know where Edward is buried, perhaps James is nearby. I want to get a marker for James from the VA even if it is in the memorial section of the cemetery. Both Anderson and Clements have government provided markers. I don't think that is fair. They were murderers, not soldiers.
Tom