Bushwhacker Belles The Sisters, Wives, and Girlfriends of the Missouri Guerrillas

Wives, sisters, daughters, lovers, friends, and mothers-they risked their lives and their freedom to give aid and comfort to their menfolk. In spite of the danger, they persevered in feeding, clothing, and sheltering the guerrillas. These courageous women of every age and station acted as essential go-betweens, scouts, spies, guides, and mail handlers. They even received stolen property for their Confederate brothers. Though often arrested or banished from their home state of Missouri, many gave false oaths in order to return to their tasks. The dedication of these women is documented through their own diaries and other primary sources.