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Submitted: 8/1/16 • Approved: 8/1/16 • Last Updated: 3/28/18 • R794654-G0-S3
May 13, 1842
Nov. 7, 1909
One of 5 survivors of the Centralia Massacre
Sept 27, 1864
Parents:
Isaac Novinger (1815 - 1884)
Christina Shoop Novinger (1816 - 1897)
Private
Company H 50th Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia Union
Company A 39th Regiment Infantry Volunteers Union
The Centralia Massacre was an incident during the American Civil War in which twenty-four unarmed Union soldiers were captured and executed at Centralia, Missouri on September 27, 1864 by the pro-Confederate guerrilla leader William T. Anderson. Future outlaw Jesse James was among the guerrillas.
In the ensuing Battle of Centralia, a large detachment of Union mounted infantry attempted to intercept Anderson, but nearly all of them were killed in combat.
Battle of Centralia
At about 3:00 p.m., Union Major A.V.E. Johnston, with 155 men of the newly formed 39th Missouri Infantry Regiment (Mounted), rode into Centralia. The townspeople warned him that Anderson had at least 80 well-armed men, but Johnston nevertheless led his men in pursuit. The Union soldiers soon encountered the guerrillas, and Johnston decided to fight them on foot. He ordered his men to dismount and form a line of battle (location: 39.17436°N 92.10968°W).[1] He then reportedly called out a challenge. Anderson's men replied by making a mounted charge. Armed with muzzle loading Enfield rifles, the Federal recruits were no match for the guerrillas with their revolvers. Johnston's first volley killed several guerrillas, but then his men were overrun. Most were shot down as they attempted to flee. According to Frank James, his younger brother Jesse fired the shot that killed Major Johnston. Of the 155 Union soldiers, 123 were killed during the battle.
Photo(s) Contributed by Larry and Susan Olson lolson60@cableone.net
Contributed on 8/1/16 by tslundberg
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Record #: 794654