Salus Populi Pension Project

Today, and every day, The Salus Populi Project celebrates the lives of Civil War United States Colored Troop Veterans. Woodford Pickett, 68th U.S.C.T. had an extraordinary life. The 311 pages of his pension overflow with statements made by over 70 of his comrades, family, neighbors, physicians and employers. In the file, Pickett and his widow Agnes (whose father was also a U.S.C.T. soldier) tell their stories in rich detail.

Woodford applied multiple times for his pension beginning in 1892 and received it just shy of a decade later, shortly before his death. He survived small pox, dysentery and a wound in his leg incurred while actively participating in the Battle of Fort Blakeley Alabama. Thanks to information found in the pension record, Salus was able to verify his burial in Fairview Cemetery, Liberty Missouri. In addition to creating an online archive to house the pensions of Woodford and other U.S.C.T. the Salus Project is also placing headstones to honor the final resting places of these veterans, including Woodford Pickett.

Thank you Woodford for your service and your leadership. Thank you for recording your story of liberation to share with the world!

Salus Populi is thrilled to be the season finale for The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign of Weston's Summer Speaker Series! Come join us next Sunday, September 22 at 12:30pm at The Weston United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall) at 533 Main, Weston MO. Co-Founder Michelle Cook will be presenting on project updates, Weston ties to the United States Colored Troops, and revealing hidden gems that are in the pension files of these remarkable individuals. Currently in its second phase of project development, The Salus Project is ever-closer to its mission of creating an online digital archive. We hope to see you there!

Thanks so much to Kathleen Brandt for sharing our work on her fantastic podcast, Hittin' The Bricks With Kathleen! Give it a listen to learn more about the vital work of small genealogy societies.

Preserving Our Heritage: Supporting Local Genealogy Societies - Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen Ever wondered how the unsung heroes of local genealogy societies are keeping the threads of local history and culture alive and their doors open? Kathleen uncovers the rich tapestry of contributions local societies.  By the end of our talk, y...

We look forward to tomorrow’s program at 6:30pm at Woodneath Library! Due to inclement weather, we will offer an additional live stream option, which you can access here: saluspopuli.org/blank-2

If you’re stuck inside because of the snow and ice—or far f
from KC—please join us virtually!

Excited to share this upcoming event from BAAC in Weston, MO on Sunday, January 14, at 2 pm at the Weston United Methodist Church. If These Walls Could Talk is a Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign and Weston UMC production. They work together to unite communities through programs featuring storytelling, music, and multimedia presentations. This event will explore the topics of the good works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers Battle at Island Mound, and more! This is one you’ll want to add to your calendars, friends!

USCT veterans faced myriad challenges in their fight to obtain government pensions. Allen Claybrook (68th, Company C) submitted multiple rounds of paperwork over several years before finally being approved at the pension rate of $12 for injury and chronic illness.

The Salus Populi Project would like to invite current-day Clay Countians to learn more about Allen, his comrades, and their lives before and after the Civil War on Thursday, January 11 at 6:30pm (Woodneath Auditorium). Mark your calendars- just three weeks from today!

Excited to share our new logo, created by an anonymous artist and supporter! Looking forward to even more changes coming in the New Year.

Did you know that USCT Pension files contain astonishing documents that can help genealogists and descendants fill in the missing leaves and branches on family trees? In his pension application, Tillman Morse (62nd USCT, Company D) lists the birthdates and names of his children, as well as the maiden name of his wife. Their marriage certificate is also a part of his pension file and gives her full maiden name as well as the name of the minister who performed the ceremony.

The Salus Populi Project isn’t just a military history project. Come learn more about what these file hold, and the Clay County servicemen who applied for them on Thursday, January 11, 6:30 pm at Woodneath Auditorium. Visit saluspopuli.org for more information.