A Civil War Monument Worth Saluting: Lincoln University’s Soldiers’ Memorial Plaza by Ed Protzel, author of The Lies That Bind and Honor Among Outcasts
With controversies over Civil War and Confederate monuments and statues continuing in the news, I thought it timely to reflect on my experience researching some of the heroes, events and places in Missouri that inspired my upcoming historical novel, Honor Among Outcasts: DarkHorse Trilogy, Book 2. A particularly moving and historically important site is the Soldiers’ Memorial at Lincoln University, a historically black college founded by the veterans of the 62nd and 65th U. S. Colored Infantry in 1866 to educate blacks after the Civil War. Just off Missouri Highway 63 in Jefferson City, the state capitol, a visit to the campus of lovely modern university buildings, peopled by a vibrant student body, takes you suddenly and jarringly into a troubled, yet hopeful, time of immense challenges to a people recently freed from generations of subjugation and abasement. Arriving late-morning, I first stopped at the school’s large ROTC facility seeking directions to the plaza, as students in workout clothing were engaged in strenuous exercise in strict formation, ignoring the summer heat, preparing to serve the nation that the school’s founders so nobly gave their last full measure of devotion to preserve.
Starting up the steps toward the plaza, I found myself passing two isolated bronze-cast Union Colored Infantry soldiers trudging toward the memorial, weary from battle, carrying their backpacks and rifles, their faces and bodies reflecting the hardship and danger they’d experienced. It was an eerie feeling.
Continuing, I glanced up and my heartbeat accelerated when I spotted the frieze on the south side of the pedestal depicting a line of marching black Union infantry. Atop the pedestal were four unarmed, uniformed black soldiers: the two standing in front offering books, while another stands behind them. In a dramatic twist, the fourth soldier on the pedestal is kneeling down to lift the lead soldier in the frieze up onto the pedestal. Their hands and arms are locked tightly together: one soldier helping to lift another up to freedom, citizenship and learning! This moving depiction put a lump in my throat; it told the story better than thousands of word could ever hope to.
Blacks Banned from EducationPrior to emancipation on Jan. 1, 1863, blacks in Missouri and elsewhere had been barred by law from learning to read and write. Of course, some free blacks were well-educated. And there was some surreptitious learning by bondsmen and -women, a dangerous business for Missouri’s 150,000 slaves, most of whom toiled near the Missouri River that cuts the state roughly in half. The war changed all that. Over 100,000 black servicemen fought bravely for the United States during the war, hoping to free their people and preserve the Union. Of course, their primary motivation was personal freedom, which military service granted, a farsighted policy of President Abraham Lincoln. But another major incentive to enlist was the chance to learn to read and write, offered by the abolitionists of the American Missionary Association who taught blacks at their regimental schools — a story not widely told. Yes, black soldiers fought for their freedom and for the country where they were born; but we should remember that they were fighting for the right of every person to fulfill his or her potential as human beings. By the time the war ended (technically), the nation’s impoverished black population, following generations of debasing enslavement, was hungering for knowledge, a significant addendum to our great national epic. The newly freed people believed that only through learning could they avoid being re-enslaved and that learning would also open the doors to prosperity and full citizenship for themselves and for their children. Unequal Pay for BlacksAdding to their sacrifice, black infantrymen were paid less than whites. When the Union began accepting black soldiers, the military only paid black soldiers $7 a month, while white soldiers received $13. There was an attempted strike by black troops in the East to protest this inequality, but the leading black sergeant was hung, and it took an act of Congress in 1864 to grant equal pay to blacks, who faced such challenges stoically and bravely. You can find full details at the National Archives.
Educator James Milton Turner, Boonville, Mo. Tribute to Educator James Milton TurnerAnother significant memorial I found was in Boonville, which promotes several nearby historical Civil War sites, mainly skirmishes and raids. But I was captivated by a memorial in Morgan Street Park just off Main Street, which among the visages of the town’s early luminaries, including George Caleb Bingham, stands a bust of black educator James Milton Turner. Born into slavery in St. Louis County in 1839, James Milton Turner founded a remarkable 52 schools for black citizens after the Civil War. In their desire to be educated, even as desperate as their economic situation was, post-war blacks founded and taught at their own schools — and taxed themselves to support them. (One former Confederate, none too pleased by the development, complained black schools were “springing up like mushrooms after a rainstorm.”) The bust of James Milton Turner is modest; yet his legacy is profound, far-reaching. Yes, the Civil War was perilous for blacks, but the peace was no less threatening, nor less deadly. I was heartened to find such respectful tributes to those black citizens of Central Missouri who suffered and sacrificed for a more perfect Union. Actual Events Depicted in Honor Among Outcasts* Drawing inspiration from Missouri’s 62nd and 65th U. S. Colored Infantry, Honor Among Outcastsfeatures the fictional Missouri State Militia 9th Colored Cavalry, the DarkHorse Regiment, outcasts all, who proudly and honorably serve their country. The DarkHorse troops also get entangled in the black-white pay discrepancy, but in an ironic and humorous plot twist, which I won’t divulge here. * Quantrill’s 1863 Massacre of Lawrence(Kansas), where 400 Confederate guerrillas/bushwhackers actually burned the town and slaughtered its male citizens.
* The Union’s General Order No. 11. In Honor Among Outcasts, four black members of the fictional 9th MSMCC, attempting to protect a pro-secession family from being murdered by corrupt Union troops, risk death by defying orders. The infamous Order 11 actually wiped out four entire counties to clear them of pro-Confederate citizens and supplies against any potential Southern invasion. * And in 2018, fiction will again follow fact in the final novel of my DarkHorse Trilogy, Something in Madness, when former slave and Union veteran Big Josh Tyler (inspired by the likes of James Milton Turner) returns to Mississippi during Reconstruction determined to form a school for blacks, but is confronted by the Southern Black Codes and deadly “Gun Clubs.” If you’re not already on my email list, click Subscribe on the menu bar to be added. You’ll be among the first to be notified about the release of Honor Among Outcasts this fall! |
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Author Archives: Jeanie
Soldiers’ Memorial Plaza at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo., honors black soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
Approaching Soldiers’ Memorial Plaza, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo.
Lifting a fellow soldier up to freedom, Soldiers’ Memorial, Lincoln University
Painting by George Caleb Bingham showing the destructive General Order No. 11 at 
Lin Waterhouse’s long-awaited sequel to Bred to the Bone: Deadly Secrets at Hunter’s Mill, The Ghost of Timmy Wahl: Eternal Secrets at Hunter’s Mill, has been released!
Lin Waterhouse’s long-awaited sequel to Bred to the Bone: Deadly Secrets at Hunter’s Mill, The Ghost of Timmy Wahl: Eternal Secrets at Hunter’s Mill, has been released!
When Caroline Hudson retired to the tiny rural town of Sycamore Bend in the bucolic Missouri Ozarks, she never dreamed she would become known for sniffing out old mysteries best left unsolved in the minds of her neighbors. Caroline wants to fit into her new community, but her insatiable curiosity keeps getting the better of her good intentions.
While visiting her mother, Catherine Hudson and her boyfriend embark on a hike of the rugged ridge trail above historic Hunter’s mill, a famous tourist stop in the Ozarks. There they meet a seemingly lost, four-year-old boy. When they try to guide him to safety, he disappears into the fog. A sordid tale of age-old jealousy and murder that prevents restless spirits from finding eternal sanctuary combines with a modern tragedy of neglect, child abuse, and addiction, challenging Caroline’s insight and resourcefulness. This is the beginning of an unfolding mystery dating back over eighty years. Timmy Wahl in death is about to impact the lives of more people than he ever knew when he was alive…
Lin Waterhouse is a freelance journalist/writer, living and working in West Plains, Missouri. Since moving to Missouri nine years ago, she has written articles for local and regional newspapers and magazines, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Ozark Mountaineer, Ozark Magazine, and The Ozark County Times. Waterhouse has written three books to date: The West Plains Dance Hall Explosion (nonfiction, The History Press), Bred to the Bone: Deadly Secrets at Hunter’s Mill (Argus Publishing, 2016) and The Ghost of Timmy Wahl: Eternal Secrets at Hunters Mill (Argus Publishing, 2017). She is represented by Loiacono Literary Agency.
John Flynn signing at Murder on the Beach and at Dragon Con!!
John Flynn has been invited to a Meet and Greet at a mystery bookstore known as Murder on the Beach, Delray Beach, Florida. Flynn joined the Women’s National Book Association, South Florida chapter, to support Murder on the Beach and other small bookstores. His ability to write from a female detective’s point of view is part gift and part education. In 1997, John switched gears from writing and literature to study psychology, and earned a degree as a clinical psychologist. His study, “The Etiology of Sexual Addiction: Childhood Trauma as a Primary Determinant,” has broken new ground in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual addiction. The research required for this endeavor opened his mind so he could see and imagine what women feel emotionally and physically, making his works so much more realistic.
His currently published works include: Everything I Know About Life I Learned from James Bond and Future Prime: Top Ten Science Fiction Films ( Library Tales Publishing and co-authored with Bob Blackwood), The Kate Dawson series Intimate Bondage (BelleBooks), Architects of Armageddon, Murder on Air Force One, and Terror at G-20 (2017) are published by Argus Publishing. Once you read one, you must have them all. John Flynn is represented by Loiacono Literary Agency.
Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm
Theme: Meet and Greet: Readers and writers mingle at this annual reading celebration.
Place: Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore, 273 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Cost: Members – free; Guests – $10 or join for $40
Notes: Lite bites will be served
AND
September 1-4, 2017 – DragonCon 2017. John will be attending DragonCon 2017 in Atlanta as an attending professional. On Saturday morning, Dr. John L. Flynn will be taking part in the DragonCon Parade, wearing one of his award-winning costumes. AND, a Sunday, 10 a.m. autographing panel!! Throughout the weekend, he will be participating on the Writer’s Track, as well as other programming at the convention, and signing copies of his latest books, but most nights, you’ll find him cosplaying in the lobby of the Marriott with his fellow costumers. Dragon Con program schedule for John L. Flynn, author of Everything I Know About Life I Learned from James Bond and Future Prime: Top Ten Science Fiction Films
A way to help victims of Harvey
A way to help victims of Harvey
No color, no religion, no nationality should come between us, we are all children of God.
- Mother Teresa
For those who at a loss for what you can do to help those who have lost it all, please donate to the American Red Cross or Joel Osteen Ministries noting ‘Harvey victims’ in the memo line.
If you are able to shelter a pet or allow a family to stay with you until they can find accommodations, you would be the hands and feet of Jesus. These people have lost it all. I am unable to imagine my loved ones left in a nursing home flooded with water, my pets or livestock unable to get away, all my cherished possessions floating out to sea, my car or home under water, etc. Yes, I was once told by a wise woman whom I love dearly, “Don’t get attached to anything that is not breathing.” Well, so many have.
Pray, donate, open your minds to what is possible and just do it. Use the money you would have wasted on a lottery ticket, a bottle of wine, a carton of cigarettes, a dinner and a movie, the pair of shoes you did not need, etc.
Mother Teresa was so right. No matter our differences, we are all children of the Most High God. He told us the most important things we can do is “To love the Lord thy God with all your heart, your mind, and your soul, and to love thy neighbor as thyself.” If you were cold, wet, and without your home, car, pets, food, what would you need?
God bless you all, and God bless America!! (Remember, all donations to either are tax deductible.)
Where to Donate for Harvey Victims
In response to the outpouring of community generosity, the City of Irving wants to remind residents it cannot accept any donations – monetary or in-kind – for Harvey victims and evacuees. However, individuals can make donations to Irving Cares, The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. * Irving Cares: IrvingCares.org * The Salvation Army: SalvationArmyUSA.org * American Red Cross: RedCross.org In addition, blood and platelet donations are in serious need by medical facilities. Healthy individuals who want to donate are encouraged to contact: * American Red Cross: RedCrossBlood.org * Carter Blood Care: CarterBloodCare.org; (800) 787-3621 Lively Pointe cannot accept donations. Please contact the organizations listed above for all donations. The city is currently hosting Harvey evacuees at Lively Pointe Youth Center that arrived via plane from affected areas. However, the facility is not accepting walk-ins or evacuees in private vehicles. Individuals needing shelter are encouraged to call 211 for a list of available shelters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Amanda Matti at San Diego Festival of Books!
What an amazing day at the San Diego Festival of Books! Amanda Matti, author of A Foreign Affair and Voicing the Eagle, was one of 50 authors invited to speak and was part of the “From the Battlefield to the Bookshelf” author panel with fellow author Lynn Vincent (ghost writer of Sarah Palin’s book Going Rogue). Post panel, she signed books all afternoon. Big thanks to her wonderful daughter, Elise, who volunteered to be her personal photographer for the day.
Elise, Fahdi, Amanda, Elaina Matti (the professional photographer for the event is the young lady on the left. 🙂
The Shores of Our Souls book launch!
Kathryn Brown Ramsperger wrote two-thirds of her debut novel The Shores of Our Souls on Long Beach Island, a New Jersey barrier island. It’s a special place that lures artists and dreamers, a place full of charm and full of light with a sea breeze nearly always there. It was only right that her very first book signing took place on the island.
“It was a gorgeous morning to have my very first book signing at Arts & Decor at LBI in NJ! A heartfelt thanks to Owners Jeff, Nita and Connie, all gifted artists themselves! Thanks also to everyone who chatted with me, took info, and bought The Shores of Our Souls! This is a day that I’ll never forget!” Kathryn says.
More readings and signings to come in the near future.
Kathryn Brown Ramsperger
Kathryn Brown Ramsperger Author Website
Ramsperger Communications Website
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Ground One Coaching on Facebook
God bless America and God bless President Trump!
The boy’s name is Christian Jacobs, 6, and he’s dressed like a Marine because his father, Marine Sgt. Christopher Jacobs, was killed during a training accident in California in 2011. A great picture of America’s president on Memorial Day.
New TV Show – Meet the Authors – with host Philip Levin
Debut of new TV series, “Meet the Authors” with your host Philip L. Levin, author of The Tides of Mississippi, August 13th, 11 am on Ocean7. Available on Cableone 1007, Unverse 7, or, if you have an antenna, Channel 7 from Ocean Springs. Our first show will feature guests Frank Wilem, Al Saucier, and Dan PassChristian (Dan Ellis). Our second show will feature Elaine McDermott (in photo), Johnnie Bernhard, author of A Good Girl, and Lucy Slagel. Our third show has Patti Golden, Sally Poarch, and L.L. Leona Lee.
We’re also looking for sponsors. 30 second commercials for this month will only be $50 a spot, showing twice. Next month they’ll be $75.
If you’re not in the area, you may not be able to get this yet – I’ll repost when I have details of its availability on Internet.
Philip L. Levin, MD, author of The Tides of Mississippi writerpllevin@gmail.com
www.doctors-dreams.com
Three chances to either meet or gain wisdom from Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, author of the newly released The Shores of Our Souls!
Sunday, August 13, 2017, 10 a.m. – 12 noon — Book Signing at Arts & Decor — 1918 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, New Jersey 08008 – https://www.facebook.com/Art-Decor-at-Surf-City-178145558900354/
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October 7, 2017, 2 p.m. — Long Beach Island (NJ) Public Library — “The Shores of Our Souls, the debut novel by author Kathryn Ramsperger, tells the story of two people from two cultures with one love and a world of conflict. Most of the novel was written here on LBI, and the author will talk about the process of writing, and her journey to a small publisher.” – http://theoceancountylibrary.org/Branches/LBI/lbi.htm
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Wednesday evenings, October 11 – 25, 2017, Time Coming Soon — ONLINE COURSE, sponsored by the Bethesda (MD) Writer’s Center. You do not have to be in the area to register. “Navigating the Publishing World,” 3 nights, 2 hours each night. Participants will acquire a basic understanding of the publishing world today and get feedback on their queries. $135.00 — To register: https://www.writer.org/online-workshops
Put these dates on your calendar for Judge Douglas McCullough’s Sea of Greed events!
August 12, 2017 at 5:00 pm North Strand Power Squadron Myrtle Beach Elks Club North Strand Squadron – United States Power Squadrons Myrtle Beach Elks Club Myrtle Beach, SC 1771 – Elks.org www.elks.org 606 27th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 448-3216
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September 7, 2017 @ 1pm Kinston Rotary Club https://www.facebook.com/Rotary-Club-of-Kinston-195394453843620, King’s BBQ, 405 E New Bern Rd, Kinston, NC 28504 (800) 332-6465 https://www.kingsbbq.com
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September 23, 2017 10am- 4pm Carteret Community College Author Book Fair Morehead City, NC Crystal Coast Author Fair – Carteret Community College Foundation, Inc.www.cccfoundation.org/crystal-coast-author-fair.htm
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