6 September 1863 These six men were executed without trial by Union troops of the Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry (also known as "Redlegs") during the final days of forced evacuation under Order Number 11. The men were buried by neighbors and relatives at this spot where they fell. None of these victims were soldiers, but simple farmers from the local area. The commander of the Ninth Kansas, Lt. Col. Charles S. Clark, suspected the men of aiding the Confederate guerrillas, known as the Bushwhackers, who roamed this area under the command of the infamous William Quantrill. He ordered the men put to death on this suspicion. The execution order was carried out by "Redleg" soldiers of Company D under the command of Capt. Charles F. Coleman.The original marble obelisk still seen here was erected in 1867 by the families of the men. This memorial plaque was erected in ____ by their descendants. |