Twice-married Civil War veteran James Bolin, a widower himself, also lived in Niangua, alone, in a small house near a lumber yard and train tracks. In a photo from the 1930s, a seated Bolin, wearing a bowler hat, suit jacket, and dark vest - sported a large white mustache. It's a pity the photo wasn't in color, because Mr. Bolin had the most vivid blue eyes.
When he enlisted in 1864, Bolin -- a 21-year-old farmer from Webster County -- had dark hair and a fair complexion. The 5-foot-eight private served honorably with the 46th Missouri Infantry from the fall of 1864 to March 1865, and later was in the 14th Missouri Cavalry.
Although both units were kept busy, neither unit saw much fighting.
In the spring of 1865, the cavalrymen, including Bolin -- guarded the Wire Road (the predecessor of much of Route 66 in Missouri). This was a favorite target of guerrillas because of the telegraph line along this vital route.
In late May, 1865, more than a month after Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, the unit was sent to confront unrepentant Confederates in the border state, which sent troops to both sides during the war and in which much fighting took place.
--Old Secesh
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