Badge comes from a small group of items recently acquired that are identified to Major John W. Toppass of Missouri. It consists of four white metal bars attached by a link on each end. The first bar is blank. The second has the number “1” at center. The third bar has the word “MISSOURI” while the last bar has the word “CAVALRY.” All lettering and numbers are stamped and painted black.

Hanging behind the bars is a worn cavalry yellow ribbon. Top bar has the original pin on the reverse.

Suspended from the bottom bar is a small chain with a bullion acorn.

Item is in good condition but as stated above the ribbon does show some wear.

The badge belonged to John W. Toppass who was born in Indiana on November 30, 1834.

On July 31, 1861 he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Company L, 7th Missouri Cavalry and was shortly afterward made Captain of Company C. Toppass would serve in that position until April 18, 1864 when he was made Major of the 1st Missouri Veteran Cavalry. He would be mustered-out on September 1, 1865.

During his service Toppass saw action in several small skirmishes and a few bigger ones including Marks Mill and Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

After the war he went into the men’s clothing and accessories business. He was active in the GAR serving as Commander of the Tindall Post #49 in Chillicothe, Missouri. He also served as postmaster and was also a Mason. He died in Chillicothe on September 14, 1916 and is buried there in Edgewood Cemetery.  [AD]

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