G2G: Seeking Major Charles Y Mason resident Missouri 1864

Question

I have been researching Mahlon C McCamy who was born in VA abt 1832. He lived in Linn County MO from 1850 or so. He was a physician, postmaster (@ St Catharine’s MO). He married Sarah E Turpin, (b May 1837 in Linn County) on 3 Nov 1859. In 1864 Mahlon was accused  of disloyalty. He was arrested and sent to the military prison at St Joseph to await trail by Military Commission. He escaped on June 5 with a few other prisoners and on June 11 was shot dead during a recapture attempt.

Mahlon wrote a letter to his friend MAJOR CHARLES Y MASON on March 21, 1864 in which he suggests several possible rendezvous locations.  I am trying to identify Major Mason. They had apparently met in St Louis a few weeks prior. Does the name Major Charles Y Mason ring a bell?

Answer 1

Margery, is there a WT profile for Mahlon McCamy?

Comments

I just added a profile for Mahlon. I am not sure he is my ancestor, but suspect he may be. I came across his name when doing research in Missouri state archives in Jefferson City years ago. It was not until I found the US Union Provost files that detail his arrest and death that I figured out why he “disappeared” after 1864. I have been researching him for so many years I have satisfaction having this much to share with others.

Answer 2

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79104788/charles-y-mason/

Here is a newspaper clipping about a Charles Y Mason who was being held prisoner in St. Louis in June 1864. Could this be him?

Comments

I think you found him! Thank you  I searched newspapers, but must have filtered out Maryland  

I will reproduce the letter to him from Mahlon McCamy, a civilian physician, who was shot dead when he was being captured after a break out from the military prison in St Joseph Missouri. Perhaps the content will be useful to other researchers  

St.Catherine MO

March 21st, 1864

Major Charles Y Mason

Dear friend,

I received yours of 17th instant this morning and hasten to reply.

Let me assure you I have not been so much rejoiced for a long time as I was upon seeing this well known signature of my old friend.

Since seeing you last I have had some pretty trying times. I was detained in St. Louis for two or three days after you left when taken sick but managed to reach home where I have nearly recovered my health but have been watched day and night almost by a parcel of knaves who think I expect to do some violence “to the best Government on Earth.” Oh, you know friend Mason that I am a strictly “Sound Union  Man“  and would not harm a hair on Uncle Samuel’s head nor pull a single kink from his dying tail. But enough of this at present.

It was well enough that we did not meet at Macon City as it might have injured both and it will not for a month or so do for us to be together much here,  but as soon as my health is sufficiently restored I should come down your way perhaps next week.

I have an uncle living about 9 miles from Fulton by the name of David McKamey. I wish you to find him out and if he is Sound present to him my kindest regards and tell him that I intend coming to see him as soon as I can get away from home.

My business as physician and agent for the locating of lands  in this county keeps me busy and trading, and will lead me to the county seat of several counties Fulton amongst the rest.

Friend Mason if you can come to Keytesville in Chariton County there inquire the way to Jack Sportsman’s, better known as “old Jack Sportsman,”  an uncle of mine by marriage,  and tell him who you are and who sent you there and that you want an escort to my house. You can get it or he will send me word that you are there and I will meet you and arrange our plans for the future. Or you might come on by rail though the other way is safest.

I want to see you badly but do not exactly know how or when I can get off to see you down there.  

if you do not come up via Keytesville please let me know by letter addressed to Montgomery Kennard at St. Catherine MO which you can easiest do. 

With my kindest regards for your welfare I am as ever yours very truly,

M.C. McCamy

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Interesting letter!