http://www.geocities.com/muddyriverbtln@sbcglobal.net/index.html

The U.S. Muddy River Battalion was formed in early 2007, and portrays the not-so-famous, average, everyday, western infantry battalions.  Member units of the Muddy River hail from the states of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and the Nebraska and South Dakota Territories.  They all share a common thread of being connected by the Missouri River, thus the name Muddy River Battalion, which is a translation of the word Missouri.

U.S. Muddy River Brigade at Westport, 2008

Colonel James Crofutt
 
The Battalion Commander of the U.S. Muddy River Battalion, James Crofutt, started re-enacting in 1987, as a member of the (10th Missouri Inf.) Holmes Brigade.  As a Fresh Fish recruit with the rank of Private, he first saw the elephant at the 125th Anniversary Reenactment of Shiloh, which also happened to be the first battle for one of Crofutt ‘s Civil War ancestors. 

In 1989, Crofutt moved to St. Joseph and a year later joined up with a local unit portraying the 16th Illinois Infantry.  He was made Corporal and served as such until that company largely became defunct and mustered out.  After that, he spent a few years doing Confederate Infantry and worked his way up to Sergeant in the old, original Company C, 9th Texas out of Kansas City, and then 2nd Lieutenant in the old 16th Missouri Inf. CSA. 
 
In late 1995, Crofutt decided to go back home to a federal impression and help remedy the problem of most events not having enough Union.  He began recruiting a new federal Infantry Company and subsequently founded the “Consolidated Company” of the 7th and 30th Missouri Inf. (a.k.a. Missouri Irish Brigade).  Crofutt started as 1st Lieutenant, the organization grew, he became Captain and served in that capacity until 2007 when the U.S. Muddy River Battalion was organized and he was elected to Colonel. He currently serves as battalion commander.
 
Crofutt ‘s, personal interests include historical newspapers, and reproducing modern versions of period style newspapers. In addition to Web design and newsletter publishing, he also enjoys researching local St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri Civil War history.  He also holds a fondness for 19th century Infantry organization, formations and drill. 
 
Colonel Crofutt currently resides in St. Joseph MO. with his wife Diana, and his 2 children, Sage and Shiloh, and looks forward to serving in the Division!