Today I went through all 187 court cases in the Historic Missouri Judicial Collection looking for Bully Pitt in Platte County.
This case (also attached) was interesting because storekeeper William Carpenter brought criminal charges against Bully Pitt & Co.
Bully Pitt & Co. were Confederate sympathizing bushwhackers and on Sept. 1, 1861, they raided Carpenter’s store to supply their troops.
Carpenter waited until after the Civil War ended to bring the criminal charges — and filed on Sept. 12,1865!!! Gutsy!!!
Note also William Kuykendall, who avoided being executed on Dec. 17, 1861, at the Bee Creek Bridge east of the Halfway House with Black Triplett and Gabriel Close.
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Indicted by Grand Jury for Grand Larceny – Stealing
Case filed Sept. 12, 1865
March Term, 1866
Date of Theft: Sept. 1, 1861
12 barrels of sugar $50/each
4 barrels of molasses $50/each
20 pairs of boots $5/each
100 pairs of pants $10/each
3000 yards of fabric $1000
Goods, chattel & personel property
Victim:
Carpenter, William
(Paxton p. 547 – June 4, 1873 — William Carpenter died at Weston. All of the (family) name were distinguished for their loyalty to the Union during the war. In 1841 he removed to Clinton County, Mo., and engaged in farming. He kept a country store and post office, well known as “Carpenter’s”Store.” But his Union principles endangered his life and property, and his house and store were strongly fortified against bushwhackers. In 1864 he removed his family and his goods to Weston in wagons. At Platte City they were stopped as contraband, and robbed. In Weston he purchased property and sold goods until his death.”
Accused:
Hill, Jeff – Defendant (not found to be served Nov. 12, 1866)
Kuykendall (“Kirkendall”), William – Defendant (served irregularly in the Confederacy)
(Paxton p. 321-322 “Dec. 16 1861 — Col. Morgan, now stationed last Weston, came to Platte City about 4 p.m. with 75 men. A squad was sent to the house of Mrs. Celia Kuykendall, two miles north of Platte City, where they captured William L. Kuykendall, Black Triplett, and Gabriel Close, who were bound and brought to Platte City.”
On Dec. 17, 1861, Triplett and Close were “executed” at the Bee Creek Bridge near the Halfway House.)
Pitt, John E. – Defendant
Thurston (“Sharston”), Richard – Defendant (not found to be served Nov. 12, 1866)
Turner, Early – Defendant (not found to be served Nov. 12, 1866)
White, Joel – Defendant (not found to be served Nov. 12, 1866)
Witnesses for Defendant:
Daniel Carpenter (not found to be served Nov. 9, 1866)
M.P. Moore (served Nov. 9, 1866)
W.K. Bryant
Witnesses for Plaintiff:
William Carpenter (not found for service Nov. 12, 1866)
Chas. F. Chrisman, Captain in the MO State Guard (not found to be served Nov. 12, 1866)
Best,
Bill Nichols
(Please note & reply to my new email address – nichols48484@gmail.com)