F. A Bedichek Jr. may have taken several Oath of Allegiance, one is listed 1862 (doubt it was F. A Bedichek Sr.)
Missouri's Union Provost Marshal Papers: 1861 - 1866
F. A Bedichek
Crawford Co.
Oath of Allegiance
04-18-1862
Reel # F1228 (not online)
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1850 Putnam county, part of, Putnam, Virginia (West Virginia)
F Bedechake M 41 Switzerland (Cabinet Maker)
Fred Bedechake M 7 Virginia
James M Bedechake M 5 Virginia
Maholda Bedechake F 4 Virginia
1860 Jackson Township, Johnson, Missouri
F A Bettichich M 51 Switzerland (Farmer)
F A Bettichich M 18 Virginia
J M Bettichich M 16 Virginia
Mary Bettichich F 14 Virginia
History of Johnson Co., Missouri
The following is a story of a heroic girl as given by her brother: "On the night of January 8, 1865, two men knocked at the door of an old gentleman's house by the name of Bedichek, living near Columbus, in this county, asking admittance to warm. The daughter, a girl nineteen years of age, on going to the window, saw that the men were armed with double-barrel shot-guns. She told them one might come in if he would lay down his gun. He did so, saying, "If that's all, I can do that.' Walking in, he refused to be seated, and went to the beds and examined them, inquiring if the old man and his daughter were the only inmates of the house.
On being told that they were, he drew a revolver and presenting it to the old man's breast, said, "Old man, I came to kill you.' No sooner said than the old gentleman seized the pistol with one hand and threw the other around the ruffian, and being very strong for his age, the old man succeeded in preventing him from shooting. By this time the daughter had concealed by her side a very heavy corn-knife, and when the would-be-murderer wrenched the pistol from her father's hand, she struck him on the head with the knife. Her fiery indignation arose, and with valor she went to work with her corn-knife. The first stroke cut off one ear and disabled the hand that held the deadly weapon. Then she commenced her work on his head. In the meantime the old man had disengaged himself and walked back and procured a sword which he fortunately possessed, and pricked the miscreant through three times about the stomach. By this time he was shouting, 'Murder! murder! please let me alone. I'll trouble you no more.' His comrade outside, hearing this, broke open the north door.
The brave girl immediately rushed there and struck him a severe blow with the corn-knife, backing him out of the house and bolting the door. She then put up a window shade that had fallen down. He then went around the house and fired two shots into the window and one in the door. The window being high from the ground carried the ball into the joist above. He then succeeded in breaking open the outside door, and took his wounded comrade out. Next morning his hat was found by the hen-coop, hacked to pieces. Here it is supposed he died, and the corpse was taken off on horseback. The valorous girl did her work well, and deserves a name in the constellation of those who defend their homes. With her it was not only self-preservation, the first law of nature, but the saving of the life of a dear father.
This noble act fully comprehends the fifth commandment of the decalogue. Warrensburg was the nearest military post, and word of the tragedy had reached the station. Capt. Box, accompanied by a scout of thirty militia came out to see what was done. The father and daughter on seeing the scout approach, not aware whether friend or foe, decided to remain in the house and fight if necessary. The soldiers came in peacefully, and the young lady took her large knife from its scabbard, which had concealed in her dress, and placed it on the mantel shelf. The captain taking notice, remarked, 'What a brave lady!' She had been whet- ting her knife to fight all thirty of us.' Col. Crittenden was then in command of the post, and on hearing of the lady's bravery, made her a present of a good Colt's revolver, something better than a corn-knife with which to defend her home.
Several ladies of Warrensburg made her nice presents, and she won the universal praise and best wishes of all good citizens." This noble hearted lady, Miss Mary M. Bedichek, married S. W. Campbell, in the fall of 1867, and is living near the spot of the tragedy of 1865. She is a lady of high moral culture, and a consistent, devoted, faithful member of the church of Christ. She is the same extraordinary lady, that the papers said so much about, who fasted forty-one days in the winter of 1879. She is now enjoying good health and a sound mind. Her father, F. A. Bedichek, is of French blood, and was born in Switzerland, came to the United States in 1836, and settled in this county in 1857. He can speak the French language fluently. His wife, nee Miss Mahulda (Jiverdon) , was of good Virginia stock and well educated.
During the American Civil War Crittenden was appointed Colonel in the 7th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, fighting on the Union side. After the war, Col. Thomas Crittenden would partner with Francis Cockrell in a law firm in Warrensburg, he would later become Gov. of Missouri (1881-85)
Note: Not sure what kind of allegiances were going on in the above story, it seems that the Bedichek family was pro-south (the two brothers being in the Confederacy) and what the motive was for the two men in the incident, but its interesting that the Union Col. praised and even gave a revolver to young Mary.
Not even sure if Col. Crittenden was even in command at the time ("On the night of January 8, 1865). In 1864 Col. Crittenden was appointed to the post of Missouri Attorney General.