Civil War Veterans Buried In Washington State - John Broyles

4^th MISSOURI VOLUNTEER STATE MILITIA CAVALRY
Organized: Early, 1862 St. Joseph, MO
Mustered In: Inf. Not Available
Mustered Out: 4/1865 St. Louis, MO)

REGIMENTAL HISTORY:
 
With the onset of the American Civil War (ACW) in 4/1861 north/south border states found themselves faced with divided loyalties and unique needs. As a result, in 11/1861 the Provisional Missouri Governor and President Abraham Lincoln which resulted in the formation of a full time state militia.

Mounted, fast moving Missouri State Militia (MSM) units would remain under state control and primarily serve only within the state’s boundaries confronting Rebel guerrillas, recruiters and raiders while being financed and equipped by the Federal Government.

The 4^th was a three year MSM cavalry regiment. It was organized at St. Joseph, MO during the early months of 1862 and remained there a number of months while being equipped and drilled. During this period (6/6/1862) it was involved in a skirmish with the enemy on the Little Blue River. That August it was ordered into the southwest portion of the state where it joined the Union Army of The Frontier.

In late 12/1862 and into 1/1863 the 4^th was assigned to the District of Central Missouri. While there, it was involved in the defense of Springfield when Confederate forces under Gen. Marmaduke. During this action (1/8/1863) two members of the unit were killed.

A move into central and northern Missouri came next. Actions there during mid-1863 included Princeton, Mercer and Marshall located in Saline County.  During 8/1863 it was sent to Missouri’s District of the Border where it was involved in pursuing the forces of Rebel guerilla leader William Quantrill. Other minor actions rounded out the year.

1/1864 saw the 4^th ordered back into central Missouri. There, occurred the battle of West Port (10/23/1864) which was numerically the largest action fought west of the Missouri River.  Out of 40.000 Federals and Confederates on the field close to 30,000 men were engaged. In the fighting. Following the Rebel defeat the 4^th was continually engaged with the enemy during the remainder of the year. 

From 11/1864 until 4/1865 the 4^thwas stationed at Sedalia, MO. It then marched to St. Louis where it was mustered out of active service and into the history books.

SOLDIER:
Residence: Inf. Not Avail.   Age: ca. 20 yrs.
Enlisted/Enrolled: 9/1/1863 Independence, MO   Rank: Pvt.
Mustered In: 10/26/1863 Kansas City, MO
Discharged For Disability: 10/24/1864 Jefferson City, MO
Highest Rank: Pvt.
Rank At Discharge: Pvt.

PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:

John Broyles was born ca. 1834. The location of his birth was within the State of Tennessee.

The names of John’s parents are not found within available documentation. As far as other family members, it appears he had at least three sisters only two of which are identified: Hannah Broyles and Frona Broyles.

In 9/1863 John enlisted in the Union’s 4^th Missouri State Militia (MSM) Cavalry. Just shy of one year of service, Private Broyles was granted a disability discharge. The nature of his disability will likely remain an unknown unless his military service records are obtained.

It appears that post ACW John Married. Where and when that event occurred are unknowns. Likely, however, the wedding ^was ca. 1865/’66 as the couple’s first – and, perhaps, only child  - James W. Broyles was Missouri birthed in 1868.

And James’ mother? She is identified only as Lucinda “Lou” Jane (no nee) Broyles. Lucinda had been born ca. 1848 in Kentucky.

As best as can be determined based on available information, the Broyles moved to Whatcom County around 1888. What had drawn them to this far corner of the Pacific Northwest is not known, but it appears that early on John was notable for having taken an active interest in development of the Mount Baker mining district.

During the late 1800s John served as a ^Whatcom County “police judge and justice of the peace”. He was also acknowledged as the founder of the town site of Herman, or Shuksan as it was more commonly known.

The 1910 U.S. Census for Kendall Whatcom County, WA noted John employed as a “farmer”. On 9/15/1914 he was awarded a patent (deed) on a one hundred sixty (160) acre homestead.

By 1920 the Broyles had moved southward from Whatcom County to Skagit County. There, he and Lou settled in or near the communities of Burlington/Bow.

Eighty seven/eighty eight (87/88)) year old Judge John Broyles died 10/12/1921 in Bow, WA. His remains were then transported north to Whatcom County and were/are buried in Bellingham’s Bay View Cemetery.

Dropping back some decades, on 10/15/1877 John had applied for  a U.S. Government disability pension based on his days of Civil War soldiering. Following his death, Lou requested that she continue to receive at least portion of her late husband’s monthly stipend.  Although both petitions were granted without accessing pension documents housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., details of both financial allotments remain unknown.

Lucinda Broyles died in 1930. She, too, was/is buried in Bayview Cemetery.

Posted: 4/22/2024
Updated: 

Buried at BayView Cemetery Whatcom Co.
Row: SECTION B, Lot 111
Site: Grave 5-A