During the Civil War, Callaway County in Missouri had more soldiers fighting for the Confederacy or irregular partisans than for the Union. The Missouri State Guard was a state-sanctioned force that defended Missouri against potential aggression by Union military authorities. Many soldiers from Callaway County joined the MSG, fought in battles across the South, and never returned home. Union soldiers in Callaway County joined volunteer units like the 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and some joined the U.S. Colored Troops. Fulton, the governmental seat of Callaway County, was occupied by Union troops for most of the war. Provost marshals enforced military law, and citizens deemed disloyal were incarcerated or forced to post bond or take a loyalty oath. George W. Law, a popular farmer, and family man commanded a Missouri State Guard company and served as captain of Co. B, 1st Missouri Confederate Cavalry. He lost an arm in combat and was elected Callaway County sheriff post-war. Law was mortally wounded by vigilantes while transporting a prisoner and is remembered with an annual award honoring the county's outstanding law officer.
