Thank You, John F. Bradbury
John Bradbury is Senior Manuscript Specialist with the Western Historical Manuscript Collection in Rolla, Missouri; co-editor of the memoirs of Union Guerilla, Colonel William Monks – titled A History of Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas; co-editor of the Phelps County Historical Society Newsletter; and a really swell guy. John has also published a photographic essay of Rolla: The Old Town and most recently co-wrote The Civil War’s First Blood with James Denny.
If the manuscript I am currently writing manages to intrigue Civil War enthusiasts with little-known facts and rings true to those familiar with events in Missouri, I owe much of it to John. He has been an unceasing wealth of information, directing me to more than half of the primary and secondary resources I have used. John’s familarity with the Rebellion in Missouri is unsurpassed, and he is generous enough to share his knowledge with fools like me.
I would also like to thank the swell folks at other wonderful organizations who have eagerly assisted me; Phelps County Historical Society, Missouri State Archives, State Historical Society of Missouri, Historic Missouri Newspaper Project, and the super-duper staff at Booneslick Regional Library – among others too numerous to mention. (OK, I will mention one more, renowned St. Louis bassist “Nodding Dave” Shogren who helped with blogging).
John Bradbury, however, is at the top of my list. If you want to read the true story of how the Rebellion began in Missouri, just buy his latest book, Civil War’s First Blood. It is filled with great insight, wonderful illustrations and outstanding maps of the region. Makes a great gift for your favorite civil war aficionado! (See my blogroll to link to more information about this unique compilation, and his cool book about Colonel Billy Monks.)
Thanks again John F. Bradbury, I could not have got this far without you!
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