According to the 1883 History of Cass & Bates Counties, Samuel Weddle was born in Blue Springs, Missouri in 1831 and his family (father John & mother Jane Busley Weddle & children) settled in Bates County in 1843. In 1861, Samuel enlisted in Cummins' Battalion and served five months on the border. He then went to Texas to try and stay out of the troubles, but things here got so bad that he returned to Missouri. In May 1862, he enlisted at the Cowskin Prairie in the 16th Missouri Infantry, under Colonel L. M. Lewis. He was at Prairie Grove and all through Arkansas and Louisiana. He was never wounded and surrendered at Shreveport. Mr. Weddle's was married to Nancy J. Evans, daughter of Ezekial Evans, who died at Batesville, AR in 1864 from a wound received at Grand Prairie. Mr. Weddle's elder brother, William, died at Alton while held prisoner. The text states William was taken from Butler (county seat of Bates County) among many other civilians. Brother Jonathan died in Texas (unknown cause) and brother Abel died at home during the war from exposure. Mr. Weddle was a Mason and a Democrat.
Also, Samuel Weddle's sister, Charity, was the wife of Bates County guerrilla Captain Bill Turman. Bill & Charity both survived the war and moved to Siloam Springs, AR, where they are buried. There are still Weddle's living in Bates County today. I hope something in the information I've shared will be of benefit in your search. Please feel free to contact me directly. (bcmuseum@earthlink.net) Also, our museum moved to a new location several years ago. Our physical address is 802 Elks Drive and the mailing address is PO Box 164, Butler, MO 64730.
Richard Sunderwirth is the author of, "The Burning of Osceola," and I would gladly give you his contact information if you would so desire. For information about the CW, Richard is who I would suggest you contact.
Kindest regards,
Peggy Buhr