More Information:
About James Boyer:
Born Sept. 8, 1844 in Mo Died Feb. 3, 1923 and is buried in the Little Creek cemetery. On Aug. 1, 1862,
James joined Co. B. 73rd Reg. Enrolled Mo Militia, at Hartville, Mo He was captured by Confederates
Jan. 9, 1863 and paroled. In Oct. 1863 he was transferred to Co. M, 6th Prov. Reg. Enrolled Mo Militia
at Springfield, Greene Co, Mo This unit later became Co. V, 16th Mo Cav. James was riding along and
saw some chickens on the fence. They had been given orders not to steal anything, but he couldn't resist
temptation so he grabbed one. Later, when he had the chicken cooking over a camp fire an officer came
along and said, "How about dividing that, James?" Another time they found six hogs. Since they had
not had fresh meat for a while, they killed and butchered the hogs. James said, "I was so hungry I ate
the milt (spleen) out of all six." Most of his duites were very boring and various gags were thought
up to breAr the routine. At one point a squad was guarding a stagecoach with two well dressed "drummers"
on bOard. James and the others decided to have a little fun. All of a sudden they started shooting their
guns and riding around. The stage stopped and the drummers, thinking it was an ambush, jumped out with
therir guns, ready to do battle.
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