Profile: Alfred Brooks, Private, Co. C.

Alfred Brooks

 The above image of Alfred was located by the author in Alfred's Pension File.

Alfred Brooks was enlisted on December 28, 1862, at Fort Scott, Ks., by Lt. Graton, the commanding officer of Co. C. Alfred age was stated as being 16 years old and he was described as being 5 feet 2 1/2 inches tall with a yellow complexion, gray eyes and black hair. Alfred indicated that he was born in Lafayette County, Missouri and listed his occupation as a farmer.  Regarding Alfred's appearance, a comrade from Company C, William Rose, stated, "You could hardly tell Alfred Brooks from a white man." Another comrade from the regiment, Doc McWilliams, added, “He [Alfred] had a mustache in service but it was not so heavy as shown in the picture.”

On January 13, 1863, Alfred was mustered into Company C. of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers at Fort Scott, Ks., and was listed as present on every Company Muster Roll until discharged with the regiment on October 1, 1865 at Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

On the Company Muster-out Roll, Alfred is listed as being a slave at the time of his enlistment, and after the war a Claim for Compensation for Enlisted Slave was filed by a Harriett C. Jay in Lafayette County, Mo, on November 12, 1866, claiming  she owned Alfred when he enlisted. Harriet stated she had bought Alfred in Lafayette County, Mo. "when said Alfred was but one year old."  Harriet was illiterate and had to sign the slave claim with her mark... an " X ".

After the war Alfred was active in the Free Masons and served as a Lieutenant in the "Lawrence Guards", a company as part of the Kansas State Militia. (Cunningham, The Black Citizen-Soldiers of Kansas, 1864-1901). He appears on the 1870 US census living with his wife, Malinda, and son, James M.  Alfred is employed as a laborer as he was throughout his post-war life. 

In 1875, per the Kansas State Census, Alfred owned his own home valued at $200 and had other assets worth $50.

Like many veterans of the war Alfred applied for an "Invalid Pension" due to disabilities received while in the service. As part of his application (#1053858), he had to contend with identity fraud/theft as another individual claiming to be Alfred Brooks of the 1st KCV had already filed a claim. Eventually, this was resolved to the satisfaction of the Pension Bureau and Alfred was awarded his claim on June 23, 1891. (Certificate # 745267) His pension file also indicates that he married a Nancy Kennedy on Dec 11, 1889, in Lawrence, KS. (It is not known what happened to Malinda.).  

Alfred passed away on November 14, 1901 and was buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Ks. The Chaplain at his funeral was Milton Simms, a comrade of Alfred's from the 1st KCV. His government headstone was provided through a government contract with the Lee Marble Works of Massachusetts.

After his death Nancy filed for and was awarded a Widow's Pension on December 2, 1901. 

Sources: Author's research files, CMSR, Pension File, US Census, Kansas Census, Roger D. Cunningham, "Black Citizen Soldiers of Kansas, 1864-1901"

Copyright: 2014 - Chris Tabor

Island Mound State Historic Site

When I began my research into the 1st Kansas Colored and Island Mound some 17 years ago - I could only hope that one day there would be a state or federal park there - to protect the site and for people to come and reflect on this very significant event in the history of our nation.

Knowing that my involvement would be impacted by our move to Texas - prior to that move I had donated my monograph on Island Mound to the Bates County Historical Society and Museum and I met with representatives of the Missouri State Parks system and turned over copies of all my research on Island Mound.

I would continue my research into the 1st KCV from Texas but others would have to step forward and become the driving force for the formation of a park and historic site. Let me tell you - they sure did.

Just prior to our move to Texas my wife was telling her friend Donna Gregory, Bates County Commissioner, about my research. This sparked Donna's interest and she along with the Bates County Historical Society, the State of Missouri, Brig Gen Donald L Scott, the Amen Society, and many others took up the cause with a vengeance - resulting in the dedication of the Island Mound State Historic Site in October of 2012. Fittingly, the 150th anniversary of the engagement.

Unlike during the dedication of the statue at the Bates County Courthouse 4 years earlier - the weather was unseasonably cold - nevertheless I could not stop smiling the entire weekend as what I had long envisioned had become a reality.

I am absolutely thrilled that the State of Missouri came through (as a result of the dedication and efforts of many people) and not only protected a portion of the battlefield but also made serious investments to the site to include a restroom, pavilion, interpretive kiosks and a walking trail...

People will be able to come here to not only learn about Island Mound and the 1st KCV, but also about the Civil War as it was fought on the Kansas-Missouri border (which had its own special type of brutality), pioneer life on the western frontier of the United States up to the 1850s and much more.

However, work remains -  Only the north 40 acres of the Toothman farm are currently preserved - I am hopeful that in time the remainder of the land significant to the engagement will come under the protection of the State of Missouri.


Just a few links to information on the Island Mound State Historic Site:

• Island Mound State Historic Site: Lots of great pictures available via links in the related content section
• Google Map showing the State Historic Site:  
• Wikipedia entry
• Youtube video of dedication: A couple of the speakers are showcased as is the monument unveiling.
• Battlefield Dispatches No. 344: How the fight!: Arnold Schofield' recurring article in the Fort Scott Tribune (Kansas)
• Missouri County Record: See the Article the begins on page 20.

A statue for the 1st KCV

All along, one of the stated goals of the Amen Society was to raise enough funds to commission a statue dedicated to the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers. They were successful in their efforts and I was fortunate to be invited to participate in the ceremony that was attended by local, state and federal dignitaries.

The dedication of the statue on the lawn of the Bates County Courthouse was to be held on the weekend of October 10, 2008.

We pulled the kids out of school and drove back to our home of 10 years to participate in the historic event and to visit old friends and neighbors.

It was a beautiful fall weekend...  My hat is off to the Amen Society. Unfortunately, Eleanora Burton had passed prior to the statue dedication - but her hard work was on full display. Reverend Coleman and the rest of the society did a wonderful job as did everyone who helped make the statue a reality.

The statue is a life-size bronze statue of a member of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers that was sculpted by Joel Randell. To my knowledge it is but a handful of such monuments dedicated to African American soldiers of the Civil War.

(My sincere thanks to my good friend David Todd for taking such great pictures during that weekend.)

Workers placing the statue - First time that I got to see it.

Arnold Schofield and author giving a tour of the Toothman farm.

Group touring the battle site.

Arnold Schofield and author on the battle site.

Author and Col Robert Lull (descendent of JM Williams discussing our common interest.) Col. Lull has published an outstanding book on James M Williams available on Amazon.com

Jimmy Johnson at the statue dedication

Author speaking at dedication.

The 1st KCV reenactor that modeled for the statue.

The Visit Missouri website has directions and additional info if you would like to see the statue.