Description
Christopher Columbus enlisted at Elwood, Kansas, on July 5, 1863, and was mustered as a Private into the 83rd USCT Infantry, Company C. On November 16, 1866, Peder Nelson of Washington Township, Buchanan County, Missouri, signed claim for compensation #499 for Christopher Columbus and swore an oath of allegiance before Buchanan County notary public Robert Boyle in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Peder Nelson claimed he had acquired title to Christopher Columbus by “…purchase from Charles W. Campbell on the 5th January 1859 as per Bill of Sale herewith filed. 'Saint Joseph, Mo. Jan. 5, 1859 - This is to certify that I have sold to Peter Nelson my boy Christopher for the sum of $1000 payable 12 months after date with 10% from date. The said Negro is about 27 years of age and warranted sound in mind and body and a slave for life. Charles W. Campbell.'"
Charles W. Campbell and Charles B. France of Buchanan County swore under oath that Peder Nelson had owned Christopher Columbus for “3 years" and also swore oath that Peder Nelson was loyal to the U.S. Government and had defended it against the Confederate States of America. Buchanan County notary public Robert Boyle certified that Nelson, Campbell, and France had personally appeared before him and swore an oath to the truth of the claim. Nelson gave power of attorney to the law firm of James F. Gyles, St. Joseph, Missouri, to prosecute his claim for compensation.Date(s) of Creation
11/16/1866
