Notes from my 2009 research into the Trollinger/Barton incident.

History of Early Reynolds County 1800-1865 Missouri by James E. Bell

Morris M. Adams, born December 27, 1843, joined Company M, 3rd Missouri State militia Cavalry on July 28, 1863 as a private—age 19, height 5’5”. This was Capt. Hunter’s company. Zenas, Daniel and Francis (Barton) all served in Company M.

From the book, “Ozark Heritage: “It was while they were returning from a Scouting assignment during the Civil War in 1865. After stopping to get a drink of water from the George Stricklin Spring on Neals Creek, that the “Adams Gang” killed Samuel Trollinger and James E. Barton.”

In the book, John Carty and 4000 Descendants; published by John H. Jamison, Helen Baker Cauley, James E.Bell, and June Jamison Jaycox in 1979, on page 35 a story is told about William and Milton Goggin being captured as they worked on their farm. No names are mentioned, but it is known fact that Morris Adams and a brother were the captors. On page 216 of the same book, tradition has been passed down that “Adams” was involved in Joel Dennison’s* death.

*Joel Dennison Sr. was a 80 year old widower raising his orphaned grandchildren (children of Joel Dennison Jr. who died in 1852) when enumerated for the 1860 census.

*Joel Dennison Sr’s son James Dennison was died in Rolla, MO in January of 1862.

*William Dennison, son of James Dennison Died in Springfield Missouri February of 1862.

*Milton Goggin was killed while being transferred from the Federal Post at Salem to Rolla.