David Thompson
Civil War Casualty
The midnight appearance of Confederate bushwhackers at David Thomson’s home scared him to death. Literally.
Sedalia and the Civil War
This exhibit was made possible by the Missouri Humanities Council. It was developed to compliment the traveling exhibit Missouri and Civil War and was produced with the support of Becky Imhauser. Other exhibit sponsors include Mark Hammond, Pettis County Historical Society, Missouri State Parks / Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, Charles Wise, Linda Myer, Kathleen Boswell, Terri Fowler, Jill White and Debbie Biermann.
Every new town has its challenges. Consider Sedalia, which was founded in October 1860—six months before the Civil War began. The war turned Sedalia’s focus from settling to survival, from building to bushwackers. Every person was affected by the war and had a story. This exhibit represents a portion of their experiences, which shaped Sedalia into the city it is today.
As the 1850’s drew to a close, two things were about to change Pettis County forever – the Pacific Railroad and the Civil War. When the Civil War came, loyalties of Pettis Countians were fairly evenly divided among Northern Unionists, Southern Rebels and those who professed neutrality. With Union garrisons at Sedalia the railroad terminus and the crossroads town of Georgetown, Longwood and Dunksberg, local conflicts were limited to skirmishes and light casualties. Nevertheless, when the war was done, families were displaced and Pettis County’s sons lay in hundreds of graves scattered far from home. And those returning home, Union and Confederate alike found new leadership, new money and unfamiliar faces installed in the new county seat town of Sedalia.
It may safely be said that no inland town in Missouri has been cursed and more blessed by the present war than Sedalia.
Sarah Smith-Cotton
Daughter of George R. Smith
Living in a town named for you doesn’t get you special treatment during a war. Just ask Sarah Smith-Cotton.
Dr. John Trader
Early Doctor
Dr. John Trader came to Sedalia as a soldier and chose to return as a citizen. His patients included Sedalia Founder George R. Smith and family.
George Lingle
Newspaper Editor
George Lingle landed the scoop of a lifetime when he founded
Sedalia’s first permanent newspaper in August 1864, weeks before Sedalia
was captured.
Nancy Griffin
Housewife
Nancy Griffin gave southern hospitality new meaning when she housed Confederate soldiers the night before the Capture of Sedalia.
Charlie Lyon
Gunman
During the Capture of Sedalia, Charlie Lyon turned out to be as handy with a shotgun as he was with a pool cue.
Josephus Smith
Shoemaker
Some say, “If you have a lemon, make lemonade.” Due to a Civil War injury, Josephus Smith might have said, “If you have a wooden leg, make shoes.” And he did.
Col. A.D. Jaynes
Civil War Officer
After the war ended, Col. A. D. Jaynes recognized Sedalia’s potential and moved to the emerging city. His legacy touches nearly every aspect of the town.