Mary

Here is roughly the equivalent of a death certificate for Martin Trail.

http://www.fold3.com/image/233672164/

It includes a physical description, he was a big man for the era at 6'2". He married Miss Marion Phillips, both of Jackson Co. MO on January 19, 1855 as recorded by JOP J.W. Summers. Marion died Nov 30 1863 per the affidavit of Thomas Trail and Henry Buhle.

William J Gault (lawyer) of KC MO later Butler Co KS was appointed guardian for the 4 minor children of Martin Trail Feb 20th 1865 in Independence, Jackson Co, Missouri by Judge Jacob Boseman. Gault posted $500 bond at the time. Of interest is that JC Wilhite of Independence signed as a witness and security to Gault. (If memory serves Wilite's of Jackson Co were thick with the guerillas of the area during the war and may actually have been at Centralia.) Gault received 2$ / month per child (8$) from Sept 27th 1864 to April 9th 1878 and an additional $8 / month from July 25th 1866. He also was able to collect Martin's back pay. Hopefully the kids got their due.

In the FWIW category, his internment stone at Jefferson Barracks lists his rank as Colonel of all things, he was clearly a Private for the duration of his army career.

John R