| Notes |
- 1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Samuel Trolinger
Age in 1860: 38
Birth Year: abt 1822
Birthplace: Tennessee
Home in 1860: Black River, Reynolds, Missouri
Gender: Male
Post Office: Lesterville
Household Members:
Name Age
Samuel Trolinger 38
Eliza Trolinger 36
Sarah Trolinger 18
Harriat Trolinger 15
Lucinda Trolinger 12
Mary Trolinger 11
Rebecca Trolinger 8
John Trolinger 6
Catharine Trolinger 2
data on these lines courtesy of Deborah Veryzer, PO Box 1762, Keller TX 76244 May 1995
probably he is the Samuel enlisted in Company M 5th MO Inf CSA, deserted Vicksburg Miss July 1863
the death of Samuel Trollinger and James Barton from the Official Records of the War of Rebellion Series 1, Vol. 48 (part 1).It's a copy of Union Correspondence from Potosi, Mo Jan. 8, 1865. (page 461) It tells of sending a scout to Black River who came up on a party of bushwhackers and killed 2 of them. The names of the men killed were the notorious Samuel Torringer and James Barton.
More from the Missouri State Archives
Potosi MO
Dec 7th 1865
E.B. Smith
Capt @ ?
Union Provost Marshal Papers
1861 - 1866
Trollinger, Samuel - Iron Co., Statement of Elihu H. Shepard that he has seen Trollinger three times with the Confederate Army and other times with men referred to as guerrillas. Trollinger was with men who stole from Shepard and threatened the life of Josiah Morgan. ??-08-1864
Trollinger, Samuel - Iron Co., Statement of William H. Webb detailing how he was with Trollinger and others in October 1861. He thought they were going for whiskey, but ended up picking up a Union man named Josiah Morgan. Webb was threatened when he tried to leave; Morgan was killed. 12-19-1862
From the Missouri State Archives, PM records
Trollinger, Samuel Saint Louis Statement of Trollinger that he was arrested, but he does not know why. Trollinger details times he has used a borrowed gun. He claims he is "not certain" about making certain disloyal statements. If he said them, he notes, it was out of ignorance.12-15-1862 F1407
Samuel Trollinger
Head Quarters St Louis District
Office of Provost Marshal
St Louis Mo Dec 15, 1862
Samuel Trollinger examined: I was arrested at my own home on the 29th of November 1862, by Capt Jenkison(?) EMM of Reynolds County. I do not know what I was arrested for as I was arrested last fall and taken to Ironton and detained a prisoner two months and then discharged on taking the oath. I did not enroll my name in the EMM. I had a gun when I was first arrested which was taken from me by the authorities. I have not had a gun of my own since. I borrowed a gun of Jim Barton?s last spring and again in the fall to kill hogs and gobblers. I borrowed it off and on whenever I wanted it. Several persons going to join the Southern army. A good many men coming from the Southern army stopped at my house. I am not certain that I have not violated the oath I took that I know of. I am not certain that I never said I did not value the oath a damn?if I did, it was through ignorance I intended to enroll Nearly all my neighbors are secesh. I am called a strong Southern rights man I am a Constitutional Union man. I don?t know that I am a secession sympathizer. The militia rob and plunder as the guerillas do. I have not done anything for or against the USA government. Before being arrested the first time. Ben Talbot and his gang came along. He asked me to join his band. I refused to do it. He then said he would take my horse if I did not go along with him. John Stricklin (my son-in-law) and myself then went along with them. We staid four days and returned home. There was about 20 or 25 of us The band stole five horses while I was with them ?? He Talbot afterwards returned one of them to ? Jarvis Some of my union neighbors blamed me for being instrumental in having their horses stolen.
Samuel Trollinger (mark)
??
_
Trollinger, Samuel Washington Potosi Letter from Col. Thomas J. Whitely that he is sending an affidavit in Trollinger's case. Whitely has no doubt that Morgan was shot and killed by the men mentioned in the affidavit. He thinks the body was burned because human bones were found in ashes.12-22-1862 F1407
Head Qtrs 32 Reg. EMM
Potosi MO Dec 22/62
Major
I hand you herewith an affidavit in the case of Samuel Trollinger whom I sent you a short time since. There is no doubt but that Morgan was killed by the men mentioned and it is thought the body was burned, as human bones were found afterwards near the place designated by the witness, mixed up ashes and the chared ends of timbers that had been burned on the spot I may send more testimony in this case
Respectfully
Yours,
Tho. J. Whitely
Col. Comm 8
To Major Geo Leighton
P.M. Dist
St Louis MO
Trollinger, Samuel Washington Statement of Robert Gregg partially illegible. Gregg appears to state that Trollinger drew a gun on him and tried to take him prisoner.11-30-1862 F1407
Washington Co MO
November 30, 1862
Robt Gragg
11-30-1862, Roll F1407
Trollinger, Samuel
Washington County
Statement of Robert Gregg partially illegible. Gregg appears to state that Trollinger drew a gun on him and tried to take him prisoner. Washington Co MO
November 30, 1862
Robt Gregg Affidavit in Case of Saml. Trollinger
State of Missouri
Washington County SS
Robert Gragg of Lawful age being duly sworn on his oath says that some time about the month of August that said Samuel Trolinger at or near his house in Bellevue Township in Washington County met me in road on the edge of the Bush before me as I was riding along this field and I saw his gun at me and he says to me you are my prisoners when I drew my pistol on him and Then he disappeared in the Bush and he further says that he has good reason to believe and does believe that Trolinger had for some time sought an opportunity to take him a prisoner or take his life.
Robert Gragg
Subscribed and sworn to before
this 30th day of Nov 1862
? Williams JD
Trollinger, Samuel Washington Potosi Letter from Col. Thomas J. Whitely regarding the arrest of Trollinger, of Iron County. Whitely refers to Trollinger as an "old offender" who became a guerrilla and thief at the beginning of the war. Claims Trollinger's conduct justifies his arrest. 12-04-1862 F1407
Head Qtrs. Wash. Co. Regt. Militia
Potosi MO Dec 11th 1862
Major Geo E. Leighton
PM St Louis
Major.
Sargt Buas
The bearer of this has in charge one Samuel Trollinger of Iron County arrested by the Militia of this county a few days since. He is an old offender having turned guerrilla and thief at the commencement of the rebellion, and continued as such up to the time of his arrest. I am eighteen months ago he was arrested and taken to the Pilot Knob where he was detained a prisoner for two months. He was released on oath and past sins?such as were then known, forgiven. His conduct since as is proven by the affidavit sent shows an utter disregard for the obligations of his oath and alone justifies his arrest. There is other testimony which I am collecting and will forward in a few days. In the mean time I will refer you to J.C. Libby of your city as an important witness in this case. He may be found at the Mt. Vernon Home? Cor.??Myrtle St.
Respectfully
Your ??
Tho. J. Whitely
Col. Wash Co Reg Militia
Trollinger, Samuel Washington Statement of Mrs. Lucinda Barger that Trollinger was among the men who came to her home demanding horses, guns, and ammunition. They took a horse from the stable and left. Barger recognized Trollinger's voice, noting she's known him for 15-16 years. 12-04-1862 F1407
Potosi MO
Dec 7th 186
E.B. Smith
Capt @ ?
Transmits affidavit of Mis Lucindia Barger against Saml. Trollinger This will be sworn as soon as obtained
One Enclosure
State of Missouri
Washington County
Mrs. Lucinda S. Bargar wife of H.S. Barger personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the pease being by me dually sworn says on or about the night of the fifth of August 1862 there came a band of armed men to the residence of H.S. Barger and they demanded of me Horses bridles saddles guns and ammunition and amongst others there was Samuel Trolinger which I knew by his voyes and I have been acquainted with him for the last fifteen or sixteen years and he was here in August 6 1861 with Tolberts company. When he was here in August 1862 a part of the company came in the house and amongst them was Samuel Trolinger while they was in the house the rest of the company went to the stable and taken a horse out of the stable they said to them that was in the house come on boyes and when Samuel Trolinger left the house he bade me good night and they taken the house and then they went off
Lucinda Bargar
Subscribed and sworn
To before me this 4th day of December
1862
AF Garett justice of the peace
Trollinger, Samuel Saint Louis St. Louis Statement of James C. Libby that he saw Trollinger at a store in Potosi. Libby knew Trollinger was coming and pretended to be a Confederate paroled prisoner. Libby details the disloyal statements made by Trollinger. 12-05-1862 F1407
Statement of JC Libby
Head Quarters St Louis Mo
Offic e Provost MARSHALL
St Louis Dec 5, 1862
James C. Libby sworn says he stoped at the Mt Vernon House at the Myrtle Street Last Aug or July I was stopping at Potosi Mo one day a man by the name of Samuel Trollinger came in to the store at Potosi . I had learned that Trollinger was to come into Potosi that day so I spoke to 3 or 4 me of my acquaintance that as soon as Trollinger came into the store they /my acquaintances/ were to address me as a paroled prisoner/confederate/ . When Trollinger came into the store my friends commenced discussing politics. Trollinger would always agree with me whenever I would say anything in favor of the south-he would remark ?that?s so?. After talking awhile Trollinger went out of the house to look after his wagon that he had brought from home/I believe about 25 or so miles from Potosi/? After he had been out some time I went out and as I past him /called him by name/ he said that it would not do to let the people see us talking together He told me to step behind the house and he would meet me in a few minutes I went behind the house and in a few minutes Trolliner came up to me shook me by the hand said that he was glad to meet a good Southern man. In a little while he asked me my name. I told him Johnston from Arkansas . Trollinger sayd that he heard of me before. I said to him if I started to go South did he think that I would get through. He said I could that if I could Get away from Potosi he could help me. He then gave me instructions about reaching his house when I should leave Potosi He also told me what men to take faith in and what man to shun on my way to his house and that if I wanted to stay at his house a while he could secrete me and that he could give me help through to the Southern Army. I asked him if I should be followed by federal troops while leaving the town what should I do. He said that he could raise Enough men to whip 100 federals. I told him that I did not like to put confidence in him as he had taken the oath some time previous to that at the Knob. Trollinger said that he did not care a d? d for the oath.
He wanted me to come out to his camp and see him /situated about a mile from Potosi / on his way home. Every Person in that neighborhood knows him to be a ?rank secessionist? and a dangerous character.
Subscribed and sworn to
Before me that 5th day of Dec 63? James C. Libby
????
Trollinger, SamuelWashington PotosiNo te from Capt. E. B. Smith to Col. W. D. Wood stating that he he sending the affidavit of Mrs. Lucinda Barger against Trollinger. States others will be forwarded as soon as they can be obtained.12-07-1862 F1407
Head Qtrs 32 Regt EMM
Potosi Mo Dec 7th 1862
Col. W.D. Wood
AA Gen
Colo
I send you the affidavit of Mrs. Lucinda Barger against Samuel Trollinger sent up by us last week?others will be forwarded herafter?as soon as they can be obtained
Very Respectfully
E B. Smith
Capt & Adjt
Trollinger, SamuelIron Statement of William H. Webb detailing how he was with Trollinger and others in October 1861. He thought they were going for whiskey, but ended up picking up a Union man named Josiah Morgan. Webb was threatened when he tried to leave; Morgan was killed.12-19-1862 F1407
State of Missouri
County of Iron SS
Personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Iron William H. Webb of lawful age who being duly sworn says, That on or about the First day of October 1861 I was at the house of Joseph Trollinger when Samuel Trollinger, William Trollinger, James Trollinger and Oliver Campbell came by and asked me to go with them to Kaolin? To get some whiskey. I told them I did not like to go, but finally consented. On reaching Kaolin The whiskey was procured and soon after on going to the Blacksmith shop near by I found the men mentioned above having in charge Isaiah Morgan a union man living in the neighborhood. They moved off with Morgan down the road and not understanding the movement inquired of William Trollinger what it all meant?that I supposed they had only came for whiskey. He replied that they indeed to put him-Morgan-out of the way. I told him I would have nothing to do with it and was about starting back, when Oliver Campbell approached me with a pistol in his hand and said he would blow my brains out if I turned back- I continued with them until we reached the middle barn of E.H. Sheppard when they handed me a gun. I told them I did not want the gun?that they must keep it. I was then told to remain where I was when they all started up the hill. I called to them saying that I was going back, but they made me stay where I was by saying I should go with Morgan. After they had been gone some time I heard the report of three guns. Soon after the men returned without Morgan and we all went down the road. I was told by them that if I ever told any person or hinted what I had learned from them that death would be my portion? And further the desponent south ? William Webb
Sworn and subscribed
Before me this 19th day
Of December 1862
William Quesenberry
Justice of the Peace
Trollinger, SamuelSaint Louis Letter from George E. Leighton to Lt. Col. F. A. Dick that Trollinger, of Iron County, is the only prisoner in his charge since his last report. Leighton has arrested James O'Brien, George S. Bradley, Joseph A. C. Brown, and William Corran since.12-15-1862 F1407
Office Prov marshal
St Louis Dec 18,1862
Col ??Leighton
Transmits papers of Samuel Trollinger who has violated his oath. communicates that he be held for trial before a military commissioner. Report of persons ?? since last report?
Head Quarters St louis District
Office of Provost Marshal
St Louis Dec 15th 1862
Lt Col J.A. Dick,
Provost Marshal General.
Colonel:
Agreeably to requirements of the 4th paragraph of General Order NO. 23, dated ?Head Quarters Department of the Missouri ? December 1st 1862, I have the honor to report as follows:
Samuel Trollinger, of Iron County , is the only prisoner now in my charge arrested in St Louis District since the date of my last report. He is charged with violation of oath. The evidence placed in my hands and herewith submitted for your inspection, appears to sustain the charge; and I would respectfully recommend that he be held for trial by military Commission. Since my last report I caused the arrest, when after a full investigation on each case-ordered the release of the following named parties: James O?Brian, charged with assaulting and abusing Guard on gun boat Fort Henry .George S. Bradley, formerly a soldier in the rebel army, charged with coming to and residing in this city without reporting himself to the Military Authorities. Feeling that he came here with not bad intent, I ordered his release on oath.
Joseph A.C. Brown and William Cowan, charged with assaulting a soldier of Enrolled militia, because he had been instrumental in the arrest of Cowan on charge of having served in rebel army. The evidence taken in my office did not sustain the charges, and I released the parties unconditionally.
Twenty one prisoners, the greater part of them charged with belonging to rebel bands in South East Missouri arrived from Cape Girardeau County this morning. An examination of them cannot be made in time for this report, but I will send you charges and their own statements at the earliest day possible.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient Servant,
?E Leighton
Provost marshal
St. Louis District
Trollinger, SamuelIron Statement of Elihu H. Shepard that he has seen Trollinger three times with the Confederate Army and other times with men referred to as guerrillas. Trollinger was with men who stole from Shepard and threatened the life of Josiah Morgan.??-08-1864 F1407
Personally appeared before me
This the 8th day of June 1864
Elihu N. Shepard being of lawful age after having been duly sworn deposeth And saith:
I am acquainted with Samuel Trollinger of Iron County MO That I have seen him three times with men of the So called Confederate Army. That I have seen him at different other times with partys of two three or four of thieves? Who were represented as Guerrilas or Bushwhackers. As I know they answered to that description as they took or stole from me horse, shoes, Bacon, shoeing implements from my Black smith shop. This same party of which said Trollinger was me, threatened Josiah Morgan my blacksmiths life. He was afterward murdered. (the same party supposed to have done it) William Webb was present (of Caledonia MO ) When said Trollinger murdered or assisted in the murder of said Josiah Morgan.
Elihu N. Shepard
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 8th day of June 1864
Thos H Mackensie?
Lt & Asst ??
Witnesses in the above case
Samuel Tr?? Was ?? Co Mo
S.G. Brickenridge
William Webb Caladonia Was Co Mo
Mrs Roofe Iron Co Mo
Sam Trollinger
Autobiography of Elihu H. Shepard
Pub. by G. Knapp & Co.
- St. Louis, MO 1869
p.205-210
CHAPTER XXVIII.
LAST DAYS OF THE GREAT REBELLION AND DEATH OF TWO DANGEROUS ENEMIES, AND THEIR BURIAL NEAR KAOLIN.
During the raid of General Price into Missouri in 1864, he was deserted by a large number of his most desperate and lawless men, who, secreting themselves among their relations and friends in all parts of the State, rendered life and property as insecure as at any period of the war, particularly such property as horses and mules. No part of the State probably suffered so much, according to what it had, as our neighborhood, whether men, horses or other personal property are considered. We lost more than half our able-bodied men by death, and more than half our movable property by rapine and plunder.
A large number of my neighbors had been taken at the court-house in the town of Potosi, and all our militia called to Webster, so that the whole country south of Kaolin could be traveled over without opposition by robbers and guerrillas, except now and then when a small party of militia were allowed to visit their families and see what depredations were being committed. In February, while this state of affairs continued, two notoriously bad men, Samuel Trollinger and James Barton of whom I had reported to the provost marshal, as mentioned in the last chapter, rode about the country, guiding parties to steal, rob and murder with impunity, until they were both checked in the following manner:
A loyal man, named Strickland, living about four miles from the residence of Trollinger, was serving in the militia at Webster,twelve miles distant from his home. His wife being out of wood and flour, sent for him to come home. His captain consented, but, fearing that Trollinger might kill him if alone, sent five other soldiers along with him, and directed them to arrest Trollinger, if possible, and bring him with them to camp. Srickland arrived at home before night, and began to chop wood at his door, when a woman, a neighbor of Trollinger, passed by, and, seeing Strickland at home, informed Trollinger's wife, as he was not at home. On his return, he was informed Strickland was at home again, when he immediately went back for his friend Barton to help him kill his neighbor Strickland the next morning. Both prepared themselves accordingly, and at dawn of day started for Strickland's residence. Strickland, however, in pursuance of his captain's orders, had got his comrades ready at an earlier hour, and started to arrest his neighbor Trollinger, and had traveled about three miles in the direction of his residence when he saw him and Barton, his friend, coming swiftly towards him on horseback, both well armed. Strickland had but one of his men in sight with him, the other four being a little behind, when Trollinger espied them approaching, and, instantly dismounting, both parties posted themselves behind trees and opened fire on each other. The four soldiers, on hearing the firing on their friends in front, separated and ran far round, two on each flank, to prevent a retreat, and, commencing firing, killed Trollinger at the first shot. Barton, seeing him fall, and the present inequality of the combat, attempted flight, but soon fell in between the two soldiers posted on the line of his retreat, and was likewise instantly killed. Thus I was relieved of two of my most dangerous and inveterate enemies, from whom I had often fled during the war, and one of whom had waylaid and beaten me, assisted by another person, until they both supposed me dead, and had assisted in murdering my foreman at the commencement of the war. When the soldiers saw that their orders had been efficiently and summarily executed, they took the arms and horses of the dead men preparatory to returning to their camp ; but reflecting that wolves or hogs might devour or disfigure the bodies, and render the spot more bloody and frightful, as there was then several inches of snow on the ground, they removed the bodies to where a tree had been partially blown down and placing them beneath its roots, chopped off the trunk of the tree and let the roots fall back and bury them. After accomplishing this rude sepulture, the soldiers returned with their trophies to their camp, receiving the plaudits of their comrades in arms, and the hearty thanks of all persons who had anything that could be stolen in that vicinity.
The son-in-law and family of Trollinger still remained at his late residence, but, being strongly suspected of harboring robbers, were soon driven off and their houses burned. The brother of Trollinger removed his remains to a graveyard on his farm, adjoining mine, and placed his family, now ruined, in the vicinity. The visitation of this just retribution seemed to check and intimidate the small bands which roved about the country up to this time, and their depredations ceased. Only one party of four men has since been seen robbing in that neighborhood; that was headed by William Carty, the same man who had robbed me the August before, and whose horse I had delivered to the provost marshal at Pilot Knob. He came to the house of the woman I had left to watch the farm and inquired for me, threatening vengeance on me for giving up the horse ; but said if I would pay him two hundred dollars in gold, I might at once return and stay in peace at my farm, but if I did not, he would come and kill me or drive me entirely off the place. He then searched her house and person for money, but found none, although she had two hundred and fifty dollars on her person which was quilted in a garment which she constantly wore. On his being unable to find any money, he robbed her of a very fine bed-quilt that cost her seventeen dollars for the materials alone.
Soon after, General Sherman completed his masterly march through Georgia to the sea, and the rebel armies surrendered and returned home. In May, 1865, I ventured back to my farm, and on my arrival found two of my so-called loyal neighbors watching their stock feeding on my garden and vineyard. They expressed great surprise at seeing me there, as they supposed I would not be able to stay in that neighborhood for fear of guerrillas. I replied, that the war was ended, and that I had nothing to fear but from such cowardly thieves as they, who had not ventured to serve in either army, but prowled about the country and plundered both parties, while they fought the battles. They said very little in reply, but hurried off the stock, and I have not seen them since. They were not out of sight, when another neighbor arrived and informed us that one of these men had just returned from Ironton, where he had been to answer to an indictment found against him for robbing old Mr. Asher of part of a sack of corn meal at Asher's mill, assisted by another of his fraternity, and had given bail to appear and answer at the next term of the court. Such acts show to what a low state the morals of men were reduced.
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1822 - 1865 (43 years)
