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The Killing of Edward Sooter

Edward Marion Sooter a local to Barry County, Missouri at the beginning of the American Civil War left his home to enlist with the 45th Arkansas Militia in Searcy County, Arkansas.[1] upon the regiment’s disbandment, Sooter enlisted with the 8th Missouri Infantry Co. G (CSA) in September 20, 1862.[2] Edward had been married to his sweetheart Martha Matlock only a few years before being sent to fight in the Confederate Army. He served in the war untouched other than various illnesses until February of 1865 when his luck would finally run out. Sooter was on a detachment for Col. Samuel Peel and was captured by the First Arkansas Cavalry (US) that had remained in and around present-day Berryville.[3] Once in the hands of the US Cavalrymen Sooter was questioned about Confederates in the vicinity but he refused to answer. Refusing to give any details Sooter was hoisted above a fire where he dangled burning the flesh off his lower extremities. Severely burned Sooter still refused to give any details. He was cut down and shot ending the brutal events.[4] The killing took place one mile South of Berryville according to John Lundy who was 15 at the time. Lundy was the son of John Lundy Sr who was a physician in Berryville at the time of the Civil War.[5] What remained of Sooters burned body was recovered and buried in an unknown location. Speculation is he could be in the Berryville pioneer park but no definitive proof of location is known.

 

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Civil War Era Mourning Photo

Sources:

[1] Compiled service record, Edward Sooter, Private, G, 45th Arkansas Militia; Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Arkansas,109 ; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[2] Compiled service record, Marion Sooter, Private, G, 8th Missouri Infantry; Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Missouri,109 ; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[3] Memorandum of Service, Martha Sooter, Confederate pension file, no. 698, Arkansas Confederate Pensions Applications, 1901-1929; Office of the Adjutant General; Confederate Pension Files; Record Group 3111; Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock.

[4] Memorandum of Service, Martha Sooter, Confederate pension file, no. 700, Arkansas Confederate Pensions Applications, 1901-1929; Office of the Adjutant General; Confederate Pension Files; Record Group 3111; Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock.

[5] Memorandum of Service, Martha Sooter, Confederate pension file, no. 702, Arkansas Confederate Pensions Applications, 1901-1929; Office of the Adjutant General; Confederate Pension Files; Record Group 3111; Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock.

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