Cedar County Historical Society meets

by Connie Maupin

The monthly meeting of the Cedar County Historical Society was held at the Stockton museum on May 28. Members present were President Judy Nichols, Vice President Judith Cain, Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Shirley Potts, Kenneth Potts, Marci Haralson, Joe Burl Phillips, Ellis Benham, Gayle Teague, Bob Phillips and Chris Barber.

Judy Nichols gave a report on use of the museum maintenance fund and remaining balance.

Bob Phillips gave his monthly history lesson on the July 11, 1863, attack of the Stockton courthouse by Colonel Livingston. An account of the battle can be found in “Mo. History in Cedar County,” by Abbott and Hoff. The book can be purchased through the Society.

After many roadblocks, setbacks and hard work Bob Estes was able to complete his new book, “Cemeteries of Cedar County Missouri.” This includes maps showing the cemetery locations, an index, along with GPS coordinates. The Historical Society is proud to present this book for sale to the public. See book review, price and contact information below.

President Judy Nichols conducted a tour for three groups of third graders who visited the museum on May 10. The students showed interest and curiosity about the items they viewed during the tour. Judy shared “Thank You” cards given to her later by some of the students. It is hoped that other classes will follow. It is the purpose of the museum and the Society to preserve Cedar County history and share it with others. If it can be instilled in the younger generations the importance of their local and family history then perhaps the Society will continue for generations to come.

President Nichols reminded members of the new contact phone number, 417/276-1142 and reported that this information has been passed on to the State Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce and County Courthouse and new business cards have been printed.

CCHS volunteers will work at the Wayside Inn Museum in El Dorado Springs during the annual Picnic July 19, 20 and 21.

Donations: Bob Phillips donated two books – “Don’t Never Say Cain’t” and “To Noonday Bright.”

The Society Book Review: “Cemeteries of Cedar County, Missouri – Maps Showing Their Locations With GPS Coordinates” by Bob Estes for the Cedar County Historical Society. Price $10. This newly created book has 12 pages of 8.5 x 11 inch color maps locating 123 known Cedar County Cemeteries. They are all highlighted in red, indexed, contain GPS coordinates and are easy to read. This book makes a nice companion book to the 597 page “Cedar County Cemetery Directory” that is now on sale for $25. The cemetery location map book price is $10 if purchased at the museum or from a member of the Society. It is $14 by mail that includes shipping and handling. For information, contact Judy at 417/276-1142, e-mail at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com or by mail at our address below.

The museum will be open June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during the monthly meeting held on the last Monday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is free, however the Historical Society and museum are not tax funded and operate on donations from the public. The next meeting will begin at 1 p.m. June 25 in the museum at 106 West Davis Street in Stockton. Meetings are open to the public and free coffee is provided. The museum is wheel chair accessible. For information, appointments or to purchase publications, call Judy at 417/276-1142 or Shirley at 417/276-3337. Contact the Society by email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, on Facebook at “Cedar County MO Historical Society” or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.