This is my first time here. Howdy. Very interested in finding out what information I can about my great-great grandfather, what side he was on during the Civil War and the circumstances surrounding his death. I have learned a great deal.

But here is another twist to George's demise. To quote another family lore, my aunt, Ruth Ann mentioned in a letter to a couple of nieces that she remembered her dad, Aaron Rufus Zimmerman, telling the story of how his grandfather George was killed. He had helped some slaves escape from a cave or old railroad near his farm and was shot by bushwhackers in South Eastern main, Bollinger County. Before they shot him, George asked permission to pray and knelt down to pray before they shot him. This story completely confused me particularly after reading previous posts, stating his military affiliation was with the Missouri State Guard, CSA.

This thread began with a post by John Russell, 4 march 2007, beginning " I am on the trail of a diary written by Mahala Zimmerman of Glen Allen, Bollinger County." Was a diary ever located? A copy would be greatly appreciated if it is out there. I am a direct descendent of George Rufus Zimmerman.