Research begins for new book on Civil War markers in southwest Missouri

* Publication slated to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War to include information from Vernon County.

Mary Whitney Phelps Tent (chapter) No. 22 Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865, of Springfield, Mo., has announced that it will publish a book of Civil War historical markers and monuments located in southwest Missouri. Research began this spring in the following southwest Missouri counties: Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Ozark, Polk, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster and Wright.

With the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War approaching in 2011, this project has been undertaken to aid Civil War buffs, researchers, and educators who are interested in southwest Missouri's involvement in the Civil War. It is also believed that the book will positively impact tourism for the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War in Missouri. Although tent members are descendants of Union veterans, their project includes both Union and Confederate markers and monuments. However, cemetery headstones on graves will not be included.

Members of the tent are donating their time and energy, researching and traveling at their own expense.

The organization's treasury will assume publishing costs.

If you have knowledge of the existence of markers or monuments in the counties mentioned, you are urged to contact the book's compiler and editor, Fran Black, at (417) 744-4541 or e-mail her at fran-ces_b_65705@yahoo.com. Research will continue through September, and publication of the book is anticipated in February 2010.

Mary Whitney Phelps Tent No. 22 currently has 66 members (including two Real Daughters -- women whose fathers actually served in the Civil War).

Membership is through a direct ancestor who served for the Union in the Civil War; girls as young as eight years old are eligible to join.

For information on becoming a member, call Margaret Maulin at (417) 886-8197.