The Stubbs facts for kids

The Stubbs were a group of people who formed a local defense team in Kansas, United States. They were called a "militia" and were active during a tough time in Kansas history known as Bleeding Kansas. This was when people in Kansas were fighting over whether the state should allow slavery or be a "free state" (meaning no slavery).

The Stubbs were originally named the Kansas Rifles No. 1. They helped protect people who wanted Kansas to be a free state. They also acted like a police force, helping to catch criminals. The group had about 60 members when they later joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. They were also known as the Oread Guards for a while, after a school called the Oread Institute gave them waterproof coats.

The Stubbs: A Brief History

The group started on April 16, 1855, in Lawrence, Kansas. They were called the Kansas Rifles No. 1. This militia had two groups, each with about 50 soldiers. They carried Sharps rifles and Colt revolvers. Their main goal was to protect people who wanted Kansas to be a free state. They also defended Lawrence from groups who supported slavery. To stay ready, they practiced their drills every day.

On February 9, 1858, the group officially became known as the Stubbs. This nickname stuck because some of their members were shorter in height. Later, the Stubbs joined the 1st Kansas Infantry Regiment as Company D. Out of the 60 members who joined, 27 of them were recognized for their bravery during the American Civil War.

The Stubbs also held special events at the Free State Hotel. These events celebrated things like the birthday of George Washington. For these occasions, members wore special uniforms based on their rank.

Battles and Defense Efforts

The Stubbs played a part in several important events during the Bleeding Kansas period. They helped protect their community and fight against pro-slavery groups.

The Battle of Black Jack

The Stubbs were supposed to fight in the Battle of Black Jack. However, they arrived very late to the battle. By the time they got there, the fighting had already stopped, and a peace agreement had been made.

Defending Lawrence from Attack

On September 14, 1856, a large group of pro-slavery fighters, led by John William Reid, came close to Lawrence. It looked like they were planning to attack the town. The Stubbs stopped them by firing their weapons. The attackers then went back to join an even bigger group, possibly 1,500 to 2,500 strong, who were staying at Franklin's Fort.

Burning of New Georgia's Fort

A pro-slavery fort called New Georgia's fort made many anti-slavery people angry. The Stubbs, along with other anti-slavery groups, attacked this fort. They quickly defeated the defenders and then burned the fort down.

Capturing Fort Saunders

After an anti-slavery person named David Hoyt was killed, pro-slavery troublemakers became more active in the area. They robbed and bothered local people. One of these groups was led by Philip Cook, who commanded about 300 fighters at Fort Saunders. The Stubbs took part in an attack on this fort. The attack was led by James H. Lane. The Stubbs charged at the fort, but they found it empty.

Important Members of the Stubbs

Here are some of the people who were notable members of the Stubbs:

• Caleb S. Pratt
• Joseph Cracklin
• A.D Searle