"Old Kentucky" Sunk on Red River

“Fifty-two years ago Wednesday June 27th, those who were lucky enough to escape death of the Monroe county boys of Co. E Parsons Brigade arrive in Moberly,” said Adolphus Ellsberry to a Times reporter Thursday. “On the 9th of June 1865 our company was being taken to Baton Rouge, La., to take the oath of our government. We were on the Red river and the “Old Kentucky,” the name of our boat, was hardly equal the trip and sank that day. I don’t think that day will be forgotten by those who escaped. Joe Boulware, Will Klugh, Simp Dry, Neut Turner, Cort Mitchell, Charles McKinney, Elsea Dry, Bas Bodkins and myself from this section among those who are now living escaped death, but four of our comrades, Doc Dry, Ben Houchins, William Baker and Joe Wilson, all of this section of the county, were drowned. We who saved our lives took the oath and then came home.” 

 Transcribed by Lisa Perry. Source: From the files of Neil Block, Commander, William T. Anderson Camp # 1743 SCV, Huntsville, Mo; transcribed by Lisa Perry. Original newspaper article source possibly the Madison Times; handwritten date is 1917.