Anita,

What you provided has been most interesting to read. Yes, I agree that we need to "air" our folklore in order to see if anyone can prove them. A lot of folklore, especially family oral stores, usually have at least a kernel of truth to them, and often a whole lot more.

Regarding Dr. John B. Thruston, there was a Confederate recruiter in 1862 from Morgan County, Captain Henry "Long" Thurston or Thruston. Henry was called "Long" because he was over seven feet tall. I wonder if he was related to the doctor. Folklore indicates that Henry survived the war, as it says he was the tall man in the Barnum and Bailey circus in the postwar years. Can anyone verify that for us? The Confederate recruiter part I found in the old 1882 Pettis County history on pages 414-5 that mentioned the circus, too.

I am still working on details of the various skirmishes and battles I mentioned in and around Syracuse in my earlier reply to your query. I will report back on that soon. I know I have some names, and I can cite my sources if you wish.

Bruce Nichols