George Bingham was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, on August 9, 1824; he moved with his family to Saline County, Missouri, in 1825. At the age of twenty-one he established a wool-carding business in Arrow Rock, which he continued to operate until 1848. In 1852, Bingham, along with his brother, opened a wagon maker’s shop.

At the start of the Civil War, Bingham abandoned his business and raised Company H of the 71st Enrolled Missouri Militia, was elected its captain, and served until the close of the war. Bingham and his company spent most of the war in Saline County.

In 1864, Bingham and his men were called upon to protect the county records from Confederate forces during Sterling Price’s raid into Missouri. Bingham successfully removed the records to Lexington, and later to Glasgow.

After the war, Bingham returned to Arrow Rock and resumed his trade as a wagon maker.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11699