Past Meetings

rider on road

rock wall

three riders

union cavalry

union at fence

John Moloski talks about General Jo ShelbyOn Wednesday, March 11, 37 members (including two new members) and friends joined together to enjoy an evening of fun and scholarship.  We were entertained and informed by John Moloski with his presentation on the early and war years of Brigadier General Joseph O. Shelby.  Shelby is recognized as one of the premiere cavalry leaders of the Civil War.  John’s talk certainly gave us the information that substantiated that fact.  Entertaining and informative sums up the evening.  I, personally wish to thank John because he reminded me of the many places and events my ancestor took part in.  Come to the meeting next month and I fill in the rest of that story.

Speaking of next month, the Round Table is looking forward to hearing Diane Rogers presentation of "About Lou".  (Lou McCoy, Missouri City's lady.)  Looking forward to seeing you there.  Please refer back to this website for any update concerning next month’s meeting.

Photo:  John Moloski talks about General Jo Shelby.

Mike Calvert reads from one of his Civil War era bookJanuary was our "Show and Tell" presentation.  Members were invited to bring a Civil War related item and talk about it.

Mike Calvert collects books.  One of the books he brought for show is his 3rd great grandfather's bible that is written in German.  His grandfather's name was Ferdinand Rubin from the 2nd Kansas Cavalry Colmpany C and he was a methodist minister after the Civil War.

Paul Bond likes to explore pioneer cemeteries.  He recently visited the George Cemetery in Oak Grove.  The Georges were William Quantrill men.  The CWRTWM is allowing our logo/emblem to be paced on the information plaques soon to be placed in the cemetery documenting the Civil War connection to the cemetery.

Photo:  Mike Calvert reads from one of his Civil War era book.

Jay Jackson discussing the Battle of LibertyThere was a large crowd that made the trip to the Clay County Museum in Liberty for the November meeting of the Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri to watch the documentary film "The Battle of Liberty / Blue Mills Landing" with commentary by executive producer and re-enactor Jay Jackson.  Jay also brought his diorama of the battle.

Photo:  Jay Jackson discusses the Battle of Liberty aided by his wonderful diorama.

Jim Beckner (a.k.a., Santa Claus) and Mike CalvertThe December meeting of the Round Table was called with Christmas spirit. Twenty-nine members came out to enjoy fellowship that only this time of the year can bring. Besides sharing many of everyone’s favorite holiday treats we were treated to Jim Beckner in full Civil War Santa Claus regalia. Jim’s talk on what it was like at Christmas time in the Civil War was very informative and made each one of us reflect on what it means to be at home with our families during the holidays. Jim also made us remember what it is like for any soldier at any time to be away from the ones they love. Thanks to all that have made this last year with the Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri a year to remember. Using this year as a template the Board will be planning another year of learning and fellowship. I hope to see you all on January 8 for our next meeting. That night we will be sharing our family history, our interests and our artifacts in our annual Show and Tell Night. See you there!

-- Mike Calvert, President

Photo:  Jim Beckner (a.k.a., Santa Claus) and Mike Calvert

Ted StillwellThe October meeting of the Round Table was another that should not have been missed.  Terry C. tells me that 28 members and visitors gathered to hear our friend and great storyteller Ted Stillwell share tales of Jackson County during the Civil War.  He spoke of revenge stories, love stories and brotherhood stories.  Life was not easy for the population of Jackson County during the war.  These tales brought to life by a weaver of intrigue should not have been missed.  Please don’t miss next month when we travel to Liberty to view a documentary movie, see some artifacts and learn about the Battle of Liberty.  Join us on November 13, 7PM at the Clay County Museum on the Liberty Square.  Also, don’t miss our book auction of an author signed, first edition copy of Bluecoat and Pioneer by John Hart, a tale of the 11th Kansas Cavalry and beyond.

-- Mike Calvert, President

Photo:  Ted Stillwell presents at the October meeting of the Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri.  His presentation covered various figures connected with the Civil War, from Harry S. Truman's grandmother's experiences in the Civil War to President Abraham Lincoln, William Quantrill,Cole Younger, Upton Hayes, Dave Poole and George Todd.