Thanks Bruce!

Your comment about the census taker is interesting. I have earlier census records for the Garrison family that were filled out completely, so perhaps the circumstances of the times was a factor. Among the depositions taken at the inquiry, one was left with the impression that the Garrison family had 'issues' of some kind. Then again, the family of the wife (Roberts) weren't that pleasant either.

I too was skulking around in the Provost Marshall records - Missouri has some of the best records available - just not the ones I need! I was hoping Fold3 would have the necessary papers, but as you point out, looks like I will have to go back to NARA. Based on the content of the depositions, I would find it hard to believe he could have been convicted of bush whacking, tho desertion was a given. Most people interviewed described him as reckless, but when he worked he did a fine job. On the flip side, there were those who had a painfully obvious axe to grind; I could see how Garrison could have been provoked...and given the location and times...

Thanks so much for the explanation of his records. This is the first person / family I've tracked into the Missouri / Kansas area, so the history of this area is unfamiliar (...what we didn't learn in school...). I will definitely check into the "Daily Kansas City Journal of Commerce."

Thanks!
Charlene