HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-10-07 packetNOTICE OF MEETING & TENTATIVE AGENDA
Council Committee on Administration
Wednesday, October 7, 2020 — 7:30 a.m.
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Tentative Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of August 4, 2020 Minutes
4. UDC Marker -Sterling Price Monument Resolution (Ward)
5. Appointments (Strope)
6. New Business
7. Next Meeting Scheduled for November 4, 2020
8. Adjournment
NOTES
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Minutes of Meeting
Jefferson City Council Committee on Administration
Wednesday, August 4, 2020
Virtual Meeting Due to Covid-19/Social Distancing
ATTENDEES:
Committee members present: Laura Ward, Hank Vogt, Ron Fitzwater, Erin Wiseman, Jon Hensley
Staff present: Gail Strope, Steve Crowell, Carrie Tergin, Ryan Moehlman, Aaron Grefrath
Others Present: Jeremy Bowman
Meeting came to order at 7:32 a.m. by Councilwoman Erin Wiseman. The February 12, 2020 minutes were
approved with a motion by Councilmember Ron Fitzwater and seconded by Jon Hensley. The motion passed 5-
0.
Conflicts of Interest and Financial Disclosures under Chapter 105 RSMo: Presented by Ryan Moehlman.
Ryan presented a draft ordnance to amend City Code 2-27 to match state statues. A motion was made by
Councilmember Jon Hensley, and seconded by Councilmember Laura Ward to move to full council. The
motion passed 5-0.
Attendance of Members of Board and Commissions: Presented by Gail Strope. Gail presented a draft
ordnance to amend City Code 7-2, simplifying the replacement of inactive members. A motion was made by
Councilmember Ron Fitzwater, and seconded by Councilmember Jon Hensley to move to full council. The
motion passed 5-0.
Reclassification of one position in Parks and Recreation, Recreation Division: Presented by Aaron
Grefrath. Aaron suggested to authorize an additional position at The Linc for a full-time Customer Service
Representative by removing the currently vacant Assistant Skating Director (part-time with benefits) position.
The reclassification would allow a stable presence in staffing during the evening hours at The Linc to assist in
the overall function of the front desk. A motion was made by Councilmember Laura Ward, and seconded by Jon
Hensley to move to full council. The motion passed 5-0
Appointments: None Presented
New Business: None
The next scheduled meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. on September 2, 2020 in the Boone/Bancroft room at City
Hall.
There being no further business, Councilmember Erin Wiseman made the motion to adjourn which was
seconded by Councilmember Jon Hensley. The motion passed 5-0 ending the meeting at7:42 a.m.
RESOLUTION SUMMARY
RESOLUTION NO: RS2020-12
SPONSOR: Councilmember Ward
CO-SPONSORS: Councilmembers Hensley, Hussey,and Vogt
SUBJECT: Authorizes the City to Remove the UDC Marker Located at the Intersection
of Moreau Drive and Fairmont Boulevard
DATE INTRODUCED: S -
DEPARTMENT DIRECT(
CITY ADMINISTRATOR:
Staff Recommendation: Neutral.
Summary: Authorizes the City to remove the UDC marker located at the intersection of
Moreau Drive and Fairmont Boulevard.
Origin of Request: Historic Preservation Commission and Human Relations Commission
Department Responsible: Law Department
PERSON RESPONSIBLE: RYAN MOEHLMAN
Background Information: The United Daughters of Confederacy ("UDC") dedicated a
marker stating General Sterling Price's decision not to attack the City of Jefferson on
October 7, 1864, to the State of Missouri and was accepted by Governor Park on April 7,
1933. Public input was received at the Historic Preservation Commission and Human
Relations Commission.The Historic Preservation Commission and Human Relations
Commission recommended the UDC marker be removed in its entirety, based on the
UDC's involvement with the Ku Klux Klan and endorsement of racist propaganda.
Fiscal Information: None
RESOLUTION
RS2020-12
Sponsor: Councilmember Ward
Co -Sponsors: Councilmember Hensley
Councilmember Hussey
Councilmember Vo t
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO REMOVE THE UDC MARKER
LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF MOREAU AND FAIRMONT
WHEREAS, the United Daughters of the Confederacy ("UDC") dedicated a marker,
stating General Sterling Price's decision not to attack the City of Jefferson
on October 7, 1864, to the State of Missouri and was accepted by
Governor Park on April 7, 1933; and
WHEREAS, the UDC marker was moved in 1955 from its original location at the
intersection of Moreau Drive and Green Berry Road to the city owned
right-of-way at the intersection of Moreau Drive and Fairmont Boulevard;
and
WHEREAS, the UDC aligned its organization with the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and
endorsed and published racist propaganda; and
WHEREAS, public input was received at meetings of the Historic Preservation
Commission and the Human Relations Commission of the City of
Jefferson; and
WHEREAS, it is the recommendations of the Historic Preservation Commission and
the Human Relations Commission to remove the UDC marker in its
entirety;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
JEFFERSON, MISSOURI, that the UDC marker located in the City owned right-of-way
at the intersection of Moreau Drive and Fairmont Avenue be removed in entirety and
stored at a City -owned facility.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Adopted this 21 st day of September, 2020
Mayor Carrie Tergin
APPROVED S T M:
City Atto ey
August 24, 2020
Dear City Council and Mayor Tergin:
The Human Relations Commission was formed for the purpose of encouraging community involvement and the
empowerment of all voices in our community through engagement and education.
This summer, our commission took testimony regarding a rock installation donated to the city in 1933 by the United
Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). The installation bears a short inscription, "Deciding against attack the Confederate
Army under Gen. Sterling Price turned from Jefferson City, October 7, 1864. This marker dedicated April 6, 1933 by the
Winnie Davis Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy." Although initially placed elsewhere, it is currently
placed at a city -owned island in the middle of the intersection between Moreau Drive and Fairmount Boulevard.
Serious concern about both the history of the UDC and the accuracy of the marker were brought to the Commission's
attention. In particular, the UDC was formed for the purpose of creating a nationwide historical narrative in support of
the "Lost Cause" theory of the Civil War and the organization had a history of celebrating the Ku Klux Klan. In addition,
the marker does not tell the real story of "The Battle That Never Was." Gen. Price did not "spare" our fair city out of
benevolence or honor. Instead, his Confederate forces decided against attack because Jefferson City was well -fortified
due to the efforts of Union troops and the people of our city.
The Commission recognizes that the continued presence of this marker in our community is met with mixed reactions.
Many members of our community are not comfortable with the marker's continued presence. As one example,
Commissioner Patsy Johnson told the Committee that she remembered walking by the marker on her way to school as a
child — and that she saw it as a symbol of control — a marker not just of times when Black Americans were enslaved and
men from the Confederacy were willing to fight and die to keep it that way, but also a reminder of white control and
power over Blacks.
Our Commission recognizes the need to preserve history and our city has a remarkable story to tell about the Civil War
and the Battle That Never Was. Our city has a deep and complicated history. It includes the efforts of Jefferson City area
Black people, German Catholic immigrants, and Union soldiers who fought against slavery and, on the other side,
Confederate forces in state government and Confederate sympathizers in our community who made life dangerous for
Union soldiers stationed here. On the whole, however, Jefferson City was a Union town throughout the war.
The marker fails to accurately convey our city's history. Worse, it's continued existence without removal is a symbolic
artifact of a revisionist history organization that no longer even has a presence here. Considering the real facts of our
city's history and the organization that placed the marker, the Human Relations Commission firmly believes that it is
necessary and appropriate for the city to remove the existing marker and replace it with a marker or monument that is
accurate to our City's history.
Despite some press reports, it has never been the Commission's view that the marker should be removed without a
replacement. To the contrary, we think that would be a mistake. The Commission respects and wants the City to
celebrate its history. We simply believe it should be an accurate history that does not include any property donated by
organizations that celebrated the KKK.
The Commission urges the elected members of the City Council and Mayor Tergin to seriously consider this
recommendation and take action. We understand that many have a knee-jerk reaction to oppose such proposals. We
simply ask that the City make a good faith effort to investigate the history of the UDC and the "Battle That Never Was"
before making a final decision. This would include considering the views of organizations such as the Jefferson City
NAACP and consulting with historians about these issues.
On Behalf of the Jefferson City Human Relations Commission:
>J. tJBDh^-
Mitchell W. Woodrum, JC -HRC Chairperson
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
THROUGH: Sonny Sanders, Director of Planning and Protective Services
Rachel Senzee, Neighborhood Services Supervisor
FROM: Historic Preservation Commission
DATE: September 16, 2020
RE: Sterling Price Marker
At the August 26, 2020 Special Meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission voted to
recommend to the City Council for the removal of the Sterling Price Marker and in
addition replace the marker with one that more accurately depicts the historic events in
the Moreau Drive and Fairmount Boulevard area.
Attached is the testimony heard at the Regular Meetings of July 14, 2020 and August
11, 2020. Also attached is testimony heard at the Special Meeting of August 26, 2020.
City of Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Special Meeting — Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Council Chambers — John G. Christy Municipal Building
320 E. McCarty Street
Commission Members Present
Mary Schantz, Chairperson
Gregory Bemboom
Alan Wheat
Michael Berendzen
Tiffany Patterson
Brad Schaefer
Steven Hoffman
Donna Deetz, Vice Chairperson
Gail Jones, Via Telephone
Council Liaison Present
Laura Ward
Staff Present
Rachel Senzee, Neighborhood Services Supervisor
Anne Stratman, Neighborhood Services Specialist
Karlie Reinkemeyer, Neighborhood Services Specialist
Ryan Moehlman, City Attorney
Guests Present
Frank E. Wallemann
Herbert Turner
Danny Creason
Jacqulin Johnson
Jenny Smith
Terry Lyskowski
Roger Baker
Doris Schmutzler
Gary Schmutzler
Fr. Richard Frank
Edith Vogel
Scott Randolph
Susan Randolph
Jan Schumacher
Dick Dalton
Pete Oetting
William Musgront
Jay Barnes
Patsy Johnson
Nimrod Chapel Jr
Glover Brown
Rebecca Ambrose, via telephone
Call to Order
Ms. Schantz called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Attendance Record
7of8
7 of 8
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5 of 8
4 of 5
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6 of 8
Adoption of Agenda
Ms. Deetz moved and Mr. Wheat seconded to adopt the agenda as printed. The motion passed
unanimously.
Other Business
A. Sterling Price Marker
Ms. Schantz stated that the Historic Preservation Commission is not the deciding body for this issue.
She stated that the City Council will be the final decision body for this issue. Ms. Schantz explained the
HPC is an advisory committee and in that role it can make a recommendation to the Council. She stated
that the public will have an opportunity to testify again to the City Council. Ms. Schantz explained that the
Historic Preservation Commission heard this issue twice, once at the July 14 meeting and again at the
August 11 meeting. Mr. Paul Kiekhaefer testified via telephone at the July 14 meeting. She stated that at
the July meeting the HPC did not know who owned the marker. At the August 11 meeting the testimony
was centered around keeping the marker and contextualizing the spot. Ms. Schantz explained that shortly
after the August meeting, information was received from Mr. Jay Barnes about research he did on this
issue. Ms. Schantz thought it was relevant and was not something the HPC had heard before and began
the process of organizing a special meeting. She stated that the HPC will hear from Mr. Barnes and one
representative from those that feel the marker shall remain and one representative from those that feel
the marker should be removed.
Mr. Jay Barnes, 715 Swifts Highway, submitted a one page sheet with screen shots of text from
literature from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. He submitted a 32 page document titled
"Jefferson City in the Civil War". Mr. Barnes stated it is important to recognize that people who would like
the marker removed do not want to erase history at all. "We want to celebrate the true history of our
community. Our community and the Civil War has a history that everyone should be proud of. In 1861, a
steamer landed at the foot of Jackson Street and dropped off troops. In 1862, Mr. Bernard Bruns was
elected Mayor of our city. In 1863, Jefferson City was a beacon of freedom for slaves in Boone County
and Callaway County. The only marker in the city commemorating the Civil War is the marker on Moreau
Drive. An article in the News Tribune by Jenny Smith told the story that the Union troops and the citizens
of our town banded together to fortify our city and defend it, thereby tricking General Sterling Price into
believing there were far more troops than there actually was. The people of our community fought a war
to prevent slavery. Sterling Price made his decision to turn away at the site of the Wallendorf Cabin. He
never came close to where that marker is. Honoring our history means more than removing this marker, it
means erecting other markers and other monuments in our community about our real history."
Roger Baker stated he wanted to talk about history. He metal detects as a pastime. "If I understand
history correctly Confederate forces carried infield rifles. Just down the street from where the marker
stands now and about 5 houses going southeast on Moreau Drive I dug infield rifle rounds out of one of
the yards. Confederate forces did reach Moreau Drive within about 5 houses where the monument
stands. I also dug infield rounds in McClung Park. I cannot guarantee that they were not northern rounds
but they were infield rounds. I believe that if not Price himself but some of his army did get into the city.
I'm bothered; I don't know where this is coming from to remove everything historical from our country. We
can't change history; if we do we are going to relive it. I don't necessarily mean the monument is a good
thing. The monument recognizes the high water mark of General Sterling Price's attempt to come into the
city. That is a big plus for the Union troops. I don't care whether the monument stays or goes. If we
remove every vestige of history for whatever it is, we are bound to face it again."
Patsy Johnson, 908 Lafayette Street, is a Commissioner in Jefferson City, a member of the NAACP,
a member of the National Organization of Women Jefferson City Chapter and a member of the Racial
Equity Group. She stated that she spends a lot of time working for human rights locally and in other
national organizations. As a child she had walk past the monument on her way to school. Upon reading it
she found out it was a Confederate monument by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was hurt
because the monument was in a public place and that told her it was important. This was an
uncomfortable area to be in because of the treatment we received. "There are more positive things that
we can embrace in this community to share because it gives different messages to different people."
Rebecca Ambrose, 1001 Fairmount Boulevard, stated that she has read the monument many times
and does not see that it glorifies Sterling Price. "Without that monument there would be no known history
of the Civil War in Jefferson City. With that marker we at least know that the Confederate forces were in
our neighborhood." She found a Civil War bullet and mule shoe in her front yard. "They at least came
through there but nothing says that the General stood at that spot. We need to use history to show what a
great country this really is." Ms. Ambrose stated that she would welcome ideas to change the wording.
She would like to see something done that would keep this history alive.
Terry Lyskowski, 1722 Hayselton Drive, stated that it is important to say that people are not against
historical monuments. "What is important is accurate history. The monument on Moreau Drive is a fixture
in her memory as a child. As an adult it is not an innocent patriotic monument. It needs to be removed.
This is an opportunity for the community to come together and say that they are not against public
monuments, but that they are against inaccurate history."
Frank Walleman, 4627 Shepherd Hills Road Apt 410, stated that he searched Civil War monuments
and found that this marker is 1 of 2 markers in Jefferson City. The other marker sits on the Capitol
grounds right across from the Post Office. "I am concerned with what the monument says. I do not see
how that language can be interpreted as memorializing General Price unless it is memorializing his
failures. He intended to attack Jefferson City, he failed and he retreated. I think we are memorializing that
spot. As a historical marker I think it is important to stay. This marker was put there to locate a site of
something that happened that was extremely important to Jefferson City. Jefferson City avoided a major
Civil War battle, loss of life and loss of property. That particular spot was as close as they Confederate
soldiers got to the City of Jefferson." Mr. Walleman submitted a Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War,
Civil War Assessment Form that another marker is located in Jefferson City in the general vicinity of the
State Capitol.
Nimrod Chapel, 701 Primrose Court, stated that his family did not elect to live in the Moreau Drive
neighborhood because of the marker. "That is a marker dedicated to the Confederacy by the Daughters
of the Confederacy." To Mr. Chapel the Civil War was not a fight about property, but a fight about human
dignity. "There is nothing historic about the marker. The marker needs to be removed completely and not
moved to another place."
Glover Brown, 1700 Valley Hi Road, stated that he was at the July 14 meeting and would like to go on
record and straighten out a comment made. "I want to go on record as saying that I am for any monument
that is recognized by the National Park Service, historical society or city where it sits. When you start
removing monuments you start removing history. Instead of removing monuments, correct the history.
When the younger generation looks at what is going on there is nothing there. If we could sit down and
have a dialogue we can correct any injustices. As far as Sterling Price he represents something that
happened around Jefferson City."
Bob Priddy, 1744 Englewood Drive, stated, "We at least need to change the plaque on that stone. It is
true that a number of Civil War artifacts have been found at that site. That rock does not represent the
high water mark of the Confederacy when they attacked Jefferson City. That rock has been moved from
its original location about four -tenths of a mile further down the road. That is where it was originally
located. Historians say that is where the Confederates started to turn west. Union forces were four -tenths
of a mile towards the city. Halfway between the original and present locations of the rock was a home
where traditions tell us Union forces on the roof monitored Price's movements. I think moving that rock to
a new location with a new plaque that tells the true history would probably be the best way to repudiate
the whole idea of the United Daughters of the Confederacy had when they put that memorial there. We
need to have historic monuments in this town that tell the truth of the Civil War."
Jenny Smith, 1211 Elmerine, stated that she supports removing the monument and replacing it with
one which more accurately honors the event on October 7, 1864. "So many people did not know about
this encounter on the southeast end of Jefferson City. The whole city was involved in defending Jefferson
City, the citizens and the army that was here. There were guards that were sentried on top of Nick
Monaco's house on Moreau Drive. They were also at the Dulle House watching the rebel movements to
the southeast of the city. There has been mention that maybe the monument is in the wrong spot
because it has been moved. My position is that it is in a good spot to honor the Union effort that took
place. There were serval thousand Union soldiers camped on Fairmount Boulevard which at that time
was the Cole County Fairgrounds. They also camped at McClung Park, Nick Monaco's house, Elmerine
and Lee Streets. That monument is at the center of a lot of Union activity. The rebels had crossed the
Moreau River at the bottom of Greenberry Road. I am interested to hear of Mr. Baker's finding of artifacts
to support the fact that the Confederates were up here. This also supports the fact things did happen.
There were skirmishes by the Osage River where the rebels crossed the river. There were estimates of
10,000 to 12,000 rebels approaching our city and crossing the river in waves. Some reports said they
were 3 miles long in their march. The Union had a vigorous defense at the river to defend the city against
their approach and slow the rebels down. I support preserving history. This monument is offensive and it
should be removed."
Dick Dalton, 1311 Isom Drive, stated that he recently learned about what was written on the marker
from Ms. Johnson. He has gone by the marker many times and did not realize what it was about. He
realized that the United Daughters of the Confederacy was what the rest of the country had been talking
about for several years. "Culture is shifting and it is time to re-examine our culture." The more he read
about the United Daughters of the Confederacy, "this was not a gift that we would be proud of. This war
happened all over the place. There is not a way for us to memorialize every place. History happened; we
are not forgetting the Civil War. I am for the removal of the monument. We want to start over that and find
some way other way to represent history."
Pete Oetting, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, stated that he has spoken to the Commission
before about the Sons of Union Veterans' stance on the removal of monuments. "We are just past the
100 year anniversary of the Battle of Verdun in France. In the Battle of Verdun over 650,000 to 700,000
died. There were 17 French villages destroyed. Still today in Verdun, France there is a monument to the
German high water mark of the Imperial Army. Here in Jefferson there were over 750 Union soldiers that
are buried in the National Cemetery that died in this location, 75 to 80 of them came from the Centralia
area. There are also Confederate soldiers that died too. If we remove this monument how long is it before
we start to remove and desecrate graves and tombstones. They cannot speak, that is why I am here to
speak for them. People in the Republic of France left a German monument alone even as brutal as the
imperial Army was. I think we can leave the Confederate monument there too. I would like to reiterate that
the Sons of Union Veterans would also like to occupy that space."
Fr. Richard Frank, 803 Air View Drive, stated that he spoke at the last meeting and expressed a
concern of the trend today of trying to revise, alter or erase history. "What is being done to monuments in
our country is a part of that. Even though the United Daughters of the Confederacy gave us this
monument, I do not like to refer to it as a Confederate monument because it doesn't glorify the
Confederacy by the simple wording and it doesn't justify slavery, it just states a historical fact. In fact if
anything it illustrates the defeat of the Confederacy since they did not attack due to the Union efforts. I do
have a personal interest because my great grandfather served in the effort in the Missouri Calvary 51h
Regiment. He served in the effort to keep the Confederates from coming into the city. We recommended
at the last meeting to keep the monument but add interpretation."
Jan Schumacher, 2026 Trenton Court, stated that she has been involved in historic preservation in
various communities and projects for the last 20-25 years. Ms. Schumacher read a portion of the
statement from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Statement on Confederate Monuments. "The
National Trust for Historic Preservation has previously issued statements about the history and
treatment of Confederate monuments, emphasizing that, although some were erected—like other
monuments to war dead—for reasons of memorialization, most Confederate monuments were
intended to serve as a celebration of Lost Cause mythology and to advance the ideas of white
supremacy. Many of them still stand as symbols of those ideologies and sometimes serve as
rallying points for bigotry and hate today. To many African Americans, they continue to serve as
constant and painful reminders that racism is embedded in American society. We believe it is past
time for us, as a nation, to acknowledge that these symbols do not reflect, and are in fact
abhorrent to, our values and to our foundational obligation to continue building a more perfect
union that embodies equality and justice for all". Ms. Schumacher stated that she would like to
see the marker removed and have other information about the Civil War in other locations so that
they are more prominently seen and also an accurate reflection of the events that happened.
Paul Kiekhaefer, 1602-A Street Northeast, Washington, D.C. testified via telephone. He stated
that he wanted to address some of the concerns that he heard throughout the process and tonight
where a number of people have mentioned they don't want to revise history. He wanted to clarify
this monument in itself is revising history. "The monument itself is revisionist history, the effort to
remove the monument is an effort to tell history in a way that is coherent and clear and respectful
to those who were oppressed in the past. Let's be creative, we are a city that cares about history.
We are a city that has a wonderful monument in the State Capitol. We can come up with
something that tells the history of the Civil War in a way that is respectful. We do not need the
United Daughters of the Confederacy to tell that history."
Mr. Berendzen stepped out at 6:55 p.m. Mr. Berendzen came back in at 6:57 p.m.
Edith Vogel, 800 St Mary's Boulevard, stated that she is the owner of Camp Lillie of the Union
Army during the Civil War. She is the private landowner of that piece of property which consists of
about three acres remaining from G.H. Dulle's farm that was confiscated by the Union Army for
General John S. Fremont as Camp Fremont. She stated that she listened interestedly to
everyone's testimony and would like to step forward and address the Commission that she is
willing to help the situation. If the Commission recommends to the City Council removal of the
stone and plaque from Moreau Drive, Ms. Vogel would be willing to put it up at Camp Lillie minus
the bottom part that says presented by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Brian Kaylor, 3725 Scarborough Way, stated that as cities across the nation remove
monuments honoring Confederate traitors and enslavers our city should too. Monuments and
memorials are not about history but honor. "You would not be able to learn about the Civil War by
splitting our Confederate rock. We teach the past in classes and in books. Monuments on the
other hand, are about who we wish to honor today and what values we wish to honor in the future.
Removing this marker will not be rewriting or erasing history; it will be removing an honor to a
traitor and enslaver."
Public testimony concluded at 7:01 p.m.
Ms. Schantz stated that the Commission has a couple of choices, they can change the
recommendation made at last month's meeting which was to let the marker remain' and be
contextualized or they can leave it the same.
Mr. Schaefer inquired of the motion made at last month's meeting.
Ms. Schantz stated that the motion was to not remove the marker and additional information
specifically about the event can be added as money and time allows. She stated that this motion passed
unanimously.
Ms. Patterson moved and Mr. Hoffman seconded to reconsider the Historic Preservation
Commission's decision from the August 11, 2020 meeting. The motion passed 8-1 with the following role
call vote:
Aye: Berendzen, Deetz, Hoffman, Jones, Patterson, Schaefer, Schantz, Wheat
Nay: Bemboom
Mr. Berendzen stated that at the last meeting the goal of the motion that was made and voted on was
to contextualize the monument to bring it more into perspective with what actually happened. "We have
the choice of either removing or keeping the monument. I am also wondering if there is not a middle
ground that helps to not only contextualize but also get the correct history that happened in that area.
One of the things that I have considered is rather than removing or keeping the monument but replacing.
Replace the existing marker with a marker that more accurately depicts the history that occurred in that
area."
Ms. Patterson stated that she agrees with contextualizing the marker. "There is a point in the museum
and historic preservation field where the money has to meet the road. If there is no money to do this than
15 years from now we are going to have this same discussion because there has been no money to
remove it. So I am a historian and I work in museums and we are all about saving and preserving and
contextualizing history but there is also who is going to do this. We can make a recommendation to the
City Council that it be contextualized but where is the City Council going to come up with the funds. I
would personally move to remove the marker because at this time in our history we cannot easily
contextualize it because we do not have the funds to do that."
Ms. Patterson moved and Mr. Hoffman seconded to recommend to the City Council that the Sterling
Price Marker be removed.
Discussion:
Ms. Jones stated that she is in agreement that the marker should be removed, "because if our
history is also supposed to be educational they are stating that it is not the correct information
that is depicted on the rock so it needs to be removed. If you want to do something else in place
of it I am all for that."
Mr. Schaefer stated that, "we should still add verbage to add some context to it or replace it.
They will find money to remove it, if they can look towards something to replace it."
Mr. Bemboom stated that, "it is not what the plaque says; it is who gave the plaque. It is part
of the history of Jefferson City, but I totally disagree with the United Daughters of the Confederacy
but it is still part of our history. So if we could leave it with a new plaque of some kind. I'm a little
opposite of taking it away but I don't know how to recommend it. I don't agree with what's there."
Ms. Schantz questioned the idea of asking the City Council to consider doing something in
that location that would tell the proud history of Jefferson City's role or what happened in
Jefferson City during the Civil War. "We are trying to accommodate everyone's thoughts on this."
Ms. Patterson stated that she is all for the Commission recommending improved interpretation
of the Civil War history in Jefferson City either there or at another location. The current location is
not the easiest access point for the majority of the City.
Ms. Schantz reiterated that the motion before the HPC is to remove the marker and it has
been seconded. In absence of a friendly amendment accepted by the maker we have to vote on
this motion as is. "Does someone have additional language that they would like to give to this?"
Mr. Berendzen asked if Ms. Patterson would accept a friendly amendment.
Ms. Patterson stated that what people want to say in a friendly amendment is that we
recommend removal of the marker and add context that looks to the future to better interpret the
Civil War in Jefferson City through additional markers or monuments.
Ms. Schantz reiterated that the Historic Preservation Commission is recommending to the City
Council that the monument be removed and that they should consider better interpretation of the
history of the Civil War in Jefferson City through markers and other appropriate means.
Mr. Bemboom stated that he is thinking about leaving the rock and redoing the plaque. The
rock is itself part of history and people talk about not knowing what is on the rock. Maybe there is
a way to leave the rock and put on a new plaque or something more encompassing history.
Ms. Patterson commented that the rock is as much of a gift from the United Daughters of the
Confederacy as the plaque is.
Mr. Bemboom stated that, "sadly the United Daughters of the Confederacy is part of history
and I do not agree with one part of it."
Ms. Schantz stated that maybe, "we should just go ahead and try to make a decision on the
motion before us. The motion before us is to recommend removal of the monument. There has not
been a friendly amendment yet. Is the friendly amendment that there be a better interpretation of
the history of the Civil War in Jefferson City through markers and other appropriate means.
Ms. Deetz stated that she sees where Mr. Bemboom is coming from. Again it goes back to
freedom of speech.
Mr. Bemboom stated that he does not agree with so much of that, "except it is a part of history
and I would like it to be a more inclusive history. It is still part of history whether 1 like it or not."
Ms. Schantz reiterated that the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission recommends
the removal of the monument and the City Council consider providing a better interpretation of the
history of the Civil War in Jefferson City through other markers or monuments or appropriate
means.
Ms. Patterson stated that is a friendly amendment is fine and she accepts that amendment.
Mr. Berendzen offered as a friendly amendment that he recommends to the City Council that
in addition to removing the existing marker, it also replaces the marker with one that more
accurately depicts the historic events in the Moreau Drive and Fairmount Boulevard area.
Ms. Patterson stated that she accepts that amendment.
Mr. Bemboom stated that, "as a Commission I feel like it represents the feeling of everybody
we heard here. We are interested in history, we are interested in a marker, and we don't love that
marker. I don't think we as a Commission can recommend anything more inclusive to the people
here."
Ms. Schantz asked of Ms. Patterson whether she will accept the friendly amendment as
originally stated by Mr. Berendzen. Ms. Patterson accepted that friendly amendment. Mr. Hoffman
seconded the original motion and accepts the friendly amendment.
Ms. Schantz stated, "the motion before us that we will recommend to the City Council that the
monument be removed and in addition that we replace the marker with one that more accurately
depicts the historic events in the Moreau Drive and Fairmount Boulevard area."
The motion passed 9-0 with the following roll call vote:
Aye: Bemboom, Berendzen, Deetz, Hoffman, Jones, Patterson, Schaefer, Schantz, Wheat
Adiournment
Ms. Patterson moved and Mr. Berendzen seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
Sterling Price Marker
Testimony Before the Historic Preservation Commission
August 11, 2020
Commission Members Present
Mary Schantz
Gregory Bemboom
Alan Wheat
Michael Berendzen
Tiffany Patterson
Brad Schaefer
Steven Hoffman
Commission Members Absent
Donna Deetz
Gail Jones
Council Liaison Present
Laura Ward, present via telephone
Staff Present
Rachel Senzee
Anne Stratman
Bryan Wolford
Guests Present
John Dinkins
Alan Strope
Bryan Wolford
Fr. Richard Frank
Gary & Doris (Opel) Schmutzler
Jeff Futhey
Pete Oetting
Herbert Turner
Stephen Meyer
Wayne Elliott
Mary Schantz: Bryan is here. He distributed a memo to Commission members only regarding the
Sterling Price Marker. Those memos need to be returned to Ms. Stratman at the end of the meeting.
This issue was taken up last month. There was some community discussion. Paul Kiekhaefer was on the
phone and gave a presentation about the Sterling Price Marker. Glover Brown gave comments about the
Juneteenth Trail and the Sterling Price Marker as was Jane Lester. She was the originator of the proposal
for the Juneteenth Trail. Through discussion there were many people that brought forward ideas of
places that could be on this trail. It was also clear that we were not certain of our authority as a
Commission or what the City's power was in terms of the marker. Because ownership of the Sterling
Price Marker itself had not really been determined yet. Did it still belong to the Daughters of
Confederacy, did it belong to the City or the State? That was a question that was going to be answered
during this interim period of time. As you can see from this memo it has been answered and the
conclusion basically from Mr. Wolford is that the historical marker on Moreau Drive is public property
upon public land. It is an expression of speech by the City. It is also a military monument that is
protected. Can I read this Bryan?
Bryan Wolford: You can read the conclusion. That's okay.
Mary Schantz: The gist of the conclusion is that the City owns it and they can do what they want pretty
much. They can move it, remove it, conceal it and they can also transfer the ownership of it to someone
else. There is some leeway there but at least that question has now been answered. I apologize Bryan.
Tonight it is back on the agenda and from what I understand the Commission can have comments from
the public who want to make additional comments from the one's we heard last time. The Commission
can send a memo to City Council if we want describing what we have done and what kinds of
information and presentations were made to us. We could even make a recommendation to the City
Council. But it is merely a recommendation. We do not have the authority to decide what to do with
that marker. Now having said that, the Human Relations Commission did make a recommendation at
their last meeting and that was to remove the plaque from that location on Moreau Drive. I don't know
what City Council will do with their specific recommendation but they do not have the power to make it
happen. It will be a City Council decision, Bryan correct?
Bryan Wolford: Yes, that's correct Madam Chair.
Mary Schantz: Having said that before we open public testimony do any of the Commissioners have
questions of Rachel or Bryan or have any thoughts you want to discuss before we hear from the public.
Gree Bemboom: So will that be on the agenda for the next City Council Meeting?
Rachel Senzee: It will have to be sponsored and taken up by a Council member.
Gree Bemboom: Is that a yes or a no.
Rachel Senzee: Not on the next one. The next one the packets are already being put together. The next
potential meeting would be the first September meeting.
Mary Schantz: I guess I am still confused a little bit even with the Human Relations Commission and
making a recommendation and let's say we send a memo or whatever that's not forcing any City Council
person to actually bring it forward.
Rachel Senzee: I don't believe....
Bryan Wolford: That's correct. The Human Relations Commission is also an advisory board of the City
and unless and until a City Council member drafts and then sponsors language to officially put it on an
agenda, that's all we are at this point to be that one recommendation from the advisory board.
Mary Schantz: Thank you. Any questions from Bryan or Rachel about this.
Gree Bemboom: So will there be public notice then when it goes on the City Council agenda?
Rachel Senzee: Yes.
Mary Schantz: Everything that goes through the City Council goes more than one time. It has more than
one opportunity to for public input I would assume.
Rachel Senzee: Would that go through as a bill or a resolution?
Bryan Wolford: What you are saying Madam Chair is that there are several layers involved with this. It
would likely go to a Council Committee for more discussion and vote before it gets passed on to the
Council as a whole.
Mary Schantz: Thank you.
Bryan Wolford: I think the appropriate committee might be the Committee on Administration or the
Public Works and Planning Committee.
Mary Schantz: Thank you. So Greg there will be an opportunity beyond tonight for public input at the
City Council level and possibly a City Council Committee level. Anything else? So I guess is there anyone
here who would like to speak in favor? Well there is really not a request before us. So it's really not
speaking for or against anything in particular. Is there anyone here tonight that would like to come
before the Commission and discuss this.
Bryan Wolford: Thank you, Madam Chair and Commissioners. My name is Bryan Wolford, I am the
current secretary and treasurer for Camp Lillie of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. I am also a
member at large of Parsons Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. There are members of both
camps present here today. We are both based out of Jefferson City. Both camps call Jefferson City our
headquarters. Camp Lillie is named after General Fremont's first big Union encampment that he
founded in the City of Jefferson in 1861. 1 am speaking today in opposition to removing or altering the
Civil War marker located at Moreau Drive and Fairmount Boulevard. This historic marker is almost 90
years old. It marks a historically important point in Jefferson City, both in terms of time and place. For
three days in October of 1864 musket and cannon fire were heard in and around the capital city as a
large confederate army pressed a small but determined union garrison. Men were wounded, men were
killed. From the Moreau River to the old fairgrounds which is where Fairmount and Moreau Drive is
now, all the way out to Frog Hollow. Whatever reason no large scale pitched battle took place in
Jefferson City, otherwise we would have a national park out there. For whatever reason General Price
decided to turn his army west where he went through my home town of California and destroyed it and
then went all the way to Westport before he was decisively defeated by combined Union Calvary Army.
It is interesting to note that in skirmishes in and around Jefferson City during October of 1864 two future
Governors of the State of Missouri took place in the action. One was Thomas Crittendon who was a
Colonel for the Union Calvary. The other was John Sappington Marmaduke who was a confederate
general. This history on Moreau Drive neither glorifies Sterling Price who himself was a former Governor
of Missouri and a hero of Missouri troops during the Mexican -American War. Nor does it praise the
Confederacy. Some people seek to remove or alter this historic marker because it simply says
confederate and it was donated by a confederate woman's group. History is complicated especially
when viewed through modern values and morals. Our history, but is our history and it should not be
erased, rather it should be studied so that modern generations can learn the lessons of the past. I fear
that removal of this historic marker puts us down a slippery slope. If the word confederate or anything
to do with the confederacy or what we are concerned about, we will then begin with eliminating Sterling
Price Road here in Jefferson City or renaming the Parsons and Standish homes here in town, both
named after prominent confederate families who fought for the Confederacy during the war. History is
complicated. What if next we addressed and avenged our nation's history of slavery and abuse towards
African Americans by removing the many statues and paintings of Thomas Jefferson. A man not only
exploited African Americans and abused them as slaves but raped his slaves and enslaved the children.
History is complicated. Section 7-55 of the City Code charges this Commission with the duty to safeguard
the City's historical, cultural, aesthetic and architectural heritage as embodied and reflected in such
district sites, buildings, structures and objects. This historic Civil War marker at Moreau Drive and
Fairmount is an object of important historical and cultural significance to the City. As such I believe it
should be preserved and protected not removed or defaced. I instead encourage that this group and
other City groups seek to utilize that triangle of land that upon which the marker sets which is pretty
significant greenspace to add more elements to create a historic site to memorialize the importance of
that specific time in the City's history, the "Battle That Never Was". I don't know if anybody went on the
Civil War tour in 2014 but this "Battle That Never Was" was written by David Lineberry who presented it
at that time. He was a former English teacher here in Jefferson City. It is a lot of information. Before I
open up to any questions from you, I am a visual and tactile person. I want to pass around this Civil War
bullet that I personally found on Fairmount a stone's throw away from this marker. With that said I
would be happy to answer any questions that the members may have.
Mary Schantz: If you were here last month, but I don't think, several people in the audience talked
about I think they called it contextualizing the area and add more context. Is that kind of what your
recommendation is that there is not just the Sterling Price Marker.
Bryan Wolford: Yes, absolutely without removing or defacing that particular marker. Utilize that space,
put some more information specifically about the Union's role in the battle and essentially protecting
the City from the horrors of war. It would be great if the Juneteenth Trail could also be incorporated in
some way. Maybe that could be a spot there. Juneteenth is extra important in Missouri because
Missouri was not affected by the Emancipation Proclamation. Missouri was one of the last states to
outlaw slavery by the grace of the 13`h Amendment. As a member of the public and a member of both of
these organizations, I support the efforts of the Juneteenth Trail. Boy we can really do something great
with that here in the City.
Mary Schantz: Thank you, other questions? Last month it became clear that you really can't talk about
one without the other. You can but the Juneteenth Trail would certainly want to incorporate something
like this in part of the trail and also to help contextualize the entire Juneteenth Trail. Thank you for your
testimony. Is there anyone else here tonight that would like to testify? Yes, ma'am. Just give us your
name and address for the record.
Doris Opel Schmutzler, 2817 Mokane Road: I've also been on the Cole County Historical Society Board
of Directors for many years. I am the wife of a Son's of Union Veterans.
This concerns the historical rock marker on Moreau Drive. The rock marker has personal significance to
me, my family and members of my extended family as the descendants of two German immigrants,
Ehrhardt "Erhard" Johann Kautsch and Friedrich Carl Strobel. I am the great -great-granddaughter of
Erhard Kautsch. These two men were just farmers. They were in a field in a intersection of Route C and
Route D just west of Jefferson City and they were murdered. The St. Paul's Lutheran Church records
state "fatally struck by the invasion of Price's Army on October 8, 1864". This incident happened the day
after "deciding against the attack, the Confederate Army under General Sterling Price turned from
Jefferson City on October 7, 1864" as stated on the historical marker. This is a fact of history which
changed the lives of two German families who immigrated to America on 11 November 1857. "Killed by
the Rebels" was carved on each of these men's tombstones. The original tombstone of Erhard Kautsch
still stands in the church cemetery and reminds us the tragedy that day. Mr. Strobels tombstone was
changed at the death of his wife. Grandpa Kautsch still has his and it says killed by the rebels right
through the middle of the tombstone. The Missouri State Times newspaper on October 15, 1864
describes in great detail Price's raid and there is a section and I quote "And Friedrich Carl Strobel and
Ehrhardt Kautsch Germans who resided in the vicinity of Gordon and Eans Mill in the Stringtown area
were killed for no apparent cause by persons among the main body" of General Price's Army. This
historic rock reminds our family as well as many other families of Cole County of the events during that
period of history. To pass the rock on Moreau Drive reminds us of the impact that decision to not attack
on October 7, 1864 had on our family and many other families in Cole County. I believe that historical
rock should stand. I thank you very much.
Mary Schantz: Doris, thank you. Does anyone have any questions?
Doris Opel Schmutzler. 2817 Lepage Road: I was going to say my grandmother Emilia Kautsch Opel was
13 years old when her father was killed and we had many family stories of Price's raid and how that
family sustained itself. The two widows and their children lived together in the same house for many
years taking care of each other. They also immigrated together when they came to America in 1857.
They came on the same boat together including Mr. Kautsch's father-in-law and his brother. The one
thing I always remember when I visited my father's cousins and siblings, Grandma Emilia Kautsch Opel
as an adult there is not one picture where she was not wearing a black dress. I have pictures of her with
her sisters and they are all wearing brightly colored clothes. This had such a profound effect on her at
age 13 that she lived her adult life wearing a black dress. As a member of the Historical Society we
currently have a beautiful exhibit called "Cole County Women All Dressed Up" and as I put out a black
bonnet from that period of history, I brought in and displayed one of my Grandma Kautsch's black
dresses. It had a very profound effect on them. I know that there are many other families that have
other stories. But it has nothing to do with anything but history. It reminds us of what happened and
how we got to where we are today. Thank you.
Mary Schantz: Thank you for coming and sharing your story with us. Is there anyone else that would like
to come forward? Yes, sir.
Pete Oetting, 302 Vista Road: I am a former second ward City Councilman and I appreciate being able to
speak to the Historical Commission. I would also like to present a policy letter. Ma'am I am connected
with the Sons of Union Veterans. I am the Commander here at Camp Lillie. We are a descendant
organization of the Grand Army of the Republic which was founded in 1866. The Grand Army of the
Republic had a very prestigious career over its existence from 1866 to around 1954 or 1957. It had at
least three or four American Presidents elected. It had Congress pass legislation for individuals. Our
organization, Sons of Union Veterans was first established as Sons of Veterans in 1881 chartered by
Congress. At our height we were over 200,000 to 400,000 around 1900. Now we currently have strength
at about 7,000 nationwide with two actual veteran's sons, that is a son of a Civil War veteran. Anyway
what I handed out Madam Chair is our national encampment policy letter from Lansing, Michigan, 2017.
Which states among other things that we are against the removal of any war monument or marker. That
is what we consider the marker on Moreau Drive is a Civil War Marker. I've known people here in
Jefferson City that did research based on that marker. It would be a shame if we went down that road
changing names and changing monuments. Is there any questions? Thank you very much.
Mary Schantz: Thank you for being here today. The written materials that you distributed will become a
part of the official record.
Pete Oettine, 302 Vista Road: I forgot to add that we would be interested in putting a marker up there
commemorating the Battle of '64 for the Union side. We would have to raise money for it and it may
take us awhile but we would be interested in doing that and sharing that with our cousin Confederates.
Thank you.
Mary Schantz: Thank you. That is a good addition to your testimony.
Fr. Richard Frank, 803 Air View Drive: Madam Chair and Commissioners I am Fr. Richard Frank from the
3rd ward, 803 Air View Drive. I likewise belong to the Camp Lillie and I am actually the Chaplin of Camp
Lillie, Sons of Union Veterans. I am also a long time member of the American Battlefield Trust, a
national organization of about 50,000 members. I've been distressed in recent times of the efforts to
revise history and probably a lot of that goes back to the fact that American History is not being taught
adequately in our schools. But you can't erase history. Totalitarian Government's like the Bolsheviks and
the Maoists, they try to erase history. You can't erase history whether you like it or not. You can
interpret it and it is for our learning. I am against doing anything to that monument because for one
thing it doesn't glorify the Confederacy, it doesn't glorify slavery, it simply states a historical fact that the
Confederate Army was stopped. So actually even though the Daughters of the Confederacy erected it, it
is really a tribute to the Union because it was the presence of the Union garrison and I guess their
strength that stopped General Sterling Price from attacking. By the same logic, just because that
monument mentions his name, those who would be in favor of doing that, if they are going to be logical
to the extreme, they should try to have his name removed from the list of Missouri Governor's. Because
he was Governor of our state from 1853 to 1857. Of course that would be ridiculous because it would be
obvious that they are doing away with this. I personally believe that the monument should stay but also
some additional interpretation. You know the State has put up many beautiful interpretive signs at
various places relating to the Civil War. I just saw a whole bunch of them at the Battle of Athens in far
northeastern Missouri. A beautiful wayside or interpretive display about the size of this podium would
be good to put at that spot as well.
Mary Schantz: Thank you, any questions? Anyone else here tonight that would like to come forward.
This is not like a pro or con so if you are waiting for me to call for opposing views I'm not going to. This is
for anyone that would like to testify. Ok, very good. Thank you for all of your comments and testimony
tonight. I guess the question comes back to the Commission on and I'm not sure if the decision has to be
made tonight since it hasn't come before the City Council in any way shape or form. But it could come
tonight. So I think, among ourselves, do we want to do nothing and let the City Council or a member of
the City Council come forward with their own proposal. Do we want to take the lead from the Human
Relations Commission and come up with a specific recommendation or do we just want to send a memo
to the City Council that summarizes the testimony that has been presented to us and/or other ideas that
you might have.
Tiffany Patterson: I definitely think it is incumbent upon us to at least summarize the testimony and
provide that information to the City Council. I'm sure the Sons of Union Veterans and others who have
testified tonight would probably want to make a testimony in front of the City Council as the deciding
body. I think it's good for us to report to the City Council that we have heard this testimony and at the
minimum I think that would be something we should do. You know I am an historian. I have mixed
feelings about it. I would argue that it's revising history. I think hearing the additional voices is revising
history. It is just understanding history from multiple perspectives. I can understand why many people
feel that monuments that were put in the 20's or 30's to glorify a lost cause can be an oppressive stance.
I also think as an historian, do you take it down or do you balance that perspective with additional
interpretation. That's a hard thing to justify. That's my statement. If you just read that monument you
don't really get a good sense of history, you don't know what happened except Sterling turned away. To
really better understand what happened additional information needs to be provided somehow,
whether that's redoing that whole area, finding money to do it as Pete says. But what action we take as
a Commission at this point, I don't know. You could say that it is not considered historical under the
National Register of Historic Places which is what we would make our decision off of in many ways
because it is not contributing to that historic district. That is a strict interpretation of how we operate.
So we can, if it's not listed in the National Register, if the City Council decides to remove it our comment
is, it is not listed in the National Register of Historic Places. That's kind of a strict interpretation of our
consideration.
Mary Schantz: Anyone else have some thoughts? Does the Commission feel like they would like to work
on this tonight, make a decision tonight or do you want to have a couple of different recommendations
brought back to us for next meeting to look at and consider. I did attend the Human Relations
Commission when they voted. The testimony at their meeting was a little more one sided the other way.
There were many people that testified that they found the marker very offensive. Even as a child they
found it that way. Not destroyed necessarily, I think their idea was to remove it and have it put in the
Cole County Historical Museum or some other place, but just not there. I don't know what ultimately
the City Council is going to do obviously. You know from listening to the testimony tonight it was very
clear that everyone that testified tonight feels like the marker should remain. I don't think there was
anyone opposed to it. In fact I think the crowd mostly supported the idea of contextualizing the spot. It
is a nice spot, there is plenty of room to tell the complete story that I think you were alluding to. To give
the viewer of the words a more in depth understanding of what really occurred. That's not changing
history, that's just adding to the full story. We can be very narrow and say it is not in our purview
because it is not on the National Register. But it seems to me as the Chair that we would want to at least
recognize the testimony that was presented to us tonight and the testimony that had been presented
last month. I know we were not all in attendance at both meetings and I'm not sure from the degree
that the minutes reflected the flavor of the discussions that occurred at the last meeting. Laura were
you here at the last meeting?
Laura Ward: Yes I was.
Mary Schantz: Do you have any thoughts on this? You are a member of the City Council, so maybe you
can give us a little bit of your thoughts.
Laura Ward: I am having a hard time hearing you, thoughts regarding?
Mary Schantz: You heard the testimony last month, you heard the testimony this month and you
understand what our position is in terms of not having authority. Either presenting something to the City
Council as a memo describing the testimony we received at one of their Commission or what. I thought
you might want to have some thoughts.
Laura Ward: Regarding the Human Relations Commission meeting?
Mary Schantz: No, regarding what happened here tonight and what the Historic Preservation
Commission might want to do in terms of providing any information to the City Council.
Laura Ward: Well I agree with Bryan Wolford that the first step this would have to take is to go to a City
Committee level. I have the same thoughts that it would be either the Administration Committee or
Public Works and Planning Committee. Administration Committee is a personnel or human resources
relations issue. Public Works and Planning Committee being it's within easements of the City. I am kind
of leaning towards the Administration Committee. I serve on the Administration Committee and I would
be more than happy to add that to their agenda for discussion. As far as action your Commission would
take, you could do the same thing that the Human Relations Commission did and write a letter regarding
your stand on the issue. That would be taken into consideration at both the Administration Committee
and City Council. Does that answer your question?
Mary Schantz: That does. Let me pose to you that also means we will take position on what we think
should happen to that marker versus providing information to the Administration Committee about
what kind of testimony we received. If you think it is more helpful one way or the other.
Laura Ward: Well I think that the minutes of this meeting can be included in your recommendation if
you want to make one or simply have the minutes of this testimony forwarded to that Committee and
to the Council for sure. Depending on the Administration Committee thoughts on it will determine
whether it does move on to the full Council for discussion and vote. So certainly all the information that
can be provided to those individuals would be beneficial.
Mary Schantz: So Commission what are your thoughts? What do you think we should do? It can be
something that is not acted on tonight or take an action tonight.
Mike Berendzen: Any Committee that this goes to, will they be expecting some sort of a
recommendation from this Commission?
Mary Schantz: Laura, I think the question from Mike is, no matter what Committee this goes to, is that
Committee going to be expecting a recommendation specifically one way or the other from the Historic
Preservation Commission?
Laura Ward: I don't think so. I don't know for sure. I think just knowing what the public testimony was,
will be helpful. You know it couldn't hurt, everything is taken into consideration.
Steven Hoffman: Basically per Laura Ward is that our recommendation include the minutes. Maybe let
Donna Deetz when she gets back review or recommendation or include the minutes.
Mary Schantz: Include a summary of the testimony from the people that testified?
Steven Hoffman: Yes ma'am.
Mary Schantz: I think we have to include the testimony from last month because we heard that
testimony also. Frankly it was virtually the same testimony, there was a little more talk about the
Juneteenth Trail. Glover Brown was very clear that his position is to not remove that marker.
Mike Berendzen: Education.
Mary Schantz: Education, that's right. Jane Lester who was an educator herself, that was her message
also. That this is an opportunity for education, full context of the story.
Laura Ward: I've been hearing from a lot of educators too, that's kind of the belief they are taking too.
I've also heard from individuals who would like to add to the history of that marker. There are options as
to moving forward with funding. Anything we can do to add to the fulfillment of the history that
occurred.
Mary Schantz: Do any of you have a specific recommendation about providing to the City Council some
type of a memo or letter about summarizing the testimony that we heard or with a recommendation or
just this is the information that we've heard. I can't make a motion, you guys have to come up with one.
Steven Hoffman: Does this require a motion?
Mary Schantz: If we don't make a motion that's fine, but nothing will go forward. I don't know if the
minutes are necessarily read.
Rachel Senzee: You need a motion to take an action.
Mike Berendzen: I think at the least we need to provide the testimony we've heard. I'm okay with
making a recommendation.
Mary Schantz: Do you want to make that in the form of a motion?
Mike Berendzen: That the marker not be removed. That if anything is removed that additional
information be added as money and time allows.
Mary Schantz: We have a motion.
Steven Hoffman: I second that.
Mike Berendzen: So, is that clear enough as a motion?
Steven Hoffman: Yes.
Mary Schantz: The Historic Preservation Commission recommends the marker not be removed.
However, additional information specifically about the event, can be added as money and time allows.
That's the motion at this point. Is there a second?
Steven Hoffman: Second.
Mary Schantz: It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion to this motion.
Mike Berendzen: And in addition to this motion a summary of the testimony that we've heard from this
meeting and the last meeting.
Mary Schantz: So you are extending your current motion to include information on testimony received
by the Commission be provided to the City Council.
Mike Berendzen: Yes.
Mary Schantz: Will you accept that as a friendly amendment to the motion?
Steven Hoffman: Yes ma'am.
Mary Schantz: Is that the right way to do it, Bryan?
Bryan Wolford: Yes, Madam Chair.
Mary Schantz: We have a second to the amended motion that's been accepted as a friendly amendment
that the Historic Preservation Commission moves that the marker not be removed however additional
information about the event will be added as money and time allows and information from the
testimony received by the Historic Preservation Commission at the July 14, 2020 meeting and the
August 11, 2020 meeting will be summarized and provided to the City Council.
Steven Hoffman: I second the amendment.
Mary Schantz: Further discussions? Seeing none let's all those in favor signify by saying Aye.
Historic Preservation Commission: All members said Aye.
Mary Schantz: is there an opposition? Is there any abstentions? Seeing none.
Thank you all very much. I think we made progress on an issue that we were not certain what we getting
into tonight. So thank you so much to you all that came and testified and shared information with us. As
you heard from our representative on the Council this will probably go before one of two committees
eventually. I think that Laura herself will try to add it to the agenda at their next meeting. So stay tuned,
there is going to be more on this. Thank you for your offer to help with whatever. It might come along in
terms with something for the Union side on this issue.
Steven Hoffman: Can I add? I walked by that marker at least twice and I had no idea of the history that
was presented tonight. Thank you so much.
Mary Schantz: I think we are moving on to the Historic Preservation Fund grant proposals. I will turn this
over to Rachel.
Sterling Price Marker
Testimony Before the Historic Preservation Commission
July 14, 2020
Commission Members Present
Mary Schantz
Donna Deetz
Gail Jones
Gregory Bemboom
Alan Wheat
Michael Berendzen
Tiffany Patterson
Commission Members Absent
Brad Schaefer
Steven Hoffman
Council Liaison Present
Laura Ward
Staff Present
Rachel Senzee
Anne Stratman
Guests Present
Jenny Smith
Patrick Kremer, Central Missouri Professional Services
Janice Coffelt, Central Electric Power Cooperative
Jane Lester
Mike Lester
Tony Smith
Glover Brown
Paul Kiekhaefer via telephone
Mary Schantz: Let's move on to the Sterling Price Marker. I know we are going to have Mr. Kiekhaefer
on the phone. Again this is not an official hearing on this issue. It was not advertised as a meeting to
take public testimony. There will be other opportunities either before City Council or Historic
Preservation Commission again. There are a lot of issues with the marker that have still not been
decided or either determined yet, such as ownership of the marker. Who owns it, does the City own it,
doe the Daughters of the Confederacy own it, or the State. It was originally given to the State. There is a
whole bunch of legal questions as well as process questions that have to be answered before there is a
final decision. We are going to let Mr. Kiekahefer speak for five minutes or less and then if there is
anybody else.
Paul Kiekhaefer: Thank you for allowing me to call in today under the Covid circumstances. My name is
Paul Kiekhaefer and thank you for allowing me to talk to the Historic Preservation Commission tonight. I
am really excited about the initiative with the Sterling Price Marker because of the conversation we are
having in the community. I will walk through briefly the background of the initiative and then I will talk
about the Sterling Price Marker and then I will give a short case on as to why we should remove it and
replace it and then open it up for questions.
Mary Schantz: I am not sure if you were on the phone when I explained that this is not official public
testimony tonight. This is for information for the Historic Preservation Commission and the people in the
audience. We are glad that you can be here. We are trying to limit testimony and comments to around
five minutes. We do have all of your printed materials in front of us.
Paul Kiekhaefer: Just to repeat to make sure I heard you correctly, this is purely informational and
limited to five minutes, correct?
Mary Schantz: If possible, yes.
Paul Kiekhaefer: Kind of the genesis of this was in researching confederate monuments and memorials,
I came across a resource from the Southern Poverty Law Center that provided and tracked all of the
confederate markers around the United States. I realized there was one right in our home town that I
ran by countless times as a Jefferson City cross country runner. That is the Sterling Price Memorial on
Moreau Drive. I started doing some research and started talking to some folks within the city, started
talking to some folks with historical backgrounds and started learning more about this marker. I learned
a couple of things. First of all in the broader history of the United States the United Daughters of the
Confederacy were a key group in building hundreds and hundreds of monuments and statues across
Union States like Missouri. In a large part they were being built in tandem with the implementation and
passage of the Jim Crow Laws. In a very clear way these monuments and statues were built to remind
folks of the Civil War, but tell the story in a way that is favorable to the South and caused a sympathetic
vision in the general public. Erasing some of the wrong and glorifying the hero's. This particular marker
was built in 1933. Interesting enough it was not even built in the original location that it currently
resides. The marker is there to commemorate the lack of war that was in Jefferson City. By that I mean
the Confederate General Sterling Price who was actually a former Missouri Governor and slave owner, a
staunch confederate supporter, was leading a raid late in the Civil War, in 1854, in a manner that was a
desperate last act of support to try to turn the tide of the war which was decidedly against the South at
that point. They came very close to Jefferson City. However they did not end up impacting Jefferson City
because of the strong defenses that were built in by the Union garrison. This plaque in question was
essentially built and purely portrayed the southern side of this event. In reality there was a lot of Indian
ingenuity was the reason for the South turning away and essentially sparing Jefferson City from attack.
Which in a large way preserved a lot of the historical original buildings and other things around town
that would potentially be destroyed in such an event. It was built in 1933 by the United Daughters of the
Confederacy around the site of Moreau Heights. In 1954 when they were building the school they
actually moved this monument, which at the time was controversial. They moved it into the Moreau
Drive historic district. The interesting thing about that, since it was not an original marker of the Moreau
Drive Historic District it is a noncontributing component of the historic district according to the National
Park Service. It doesn't give the district any historic significance or character. This monument not only is
it telling the one side of Sterling Price, it is ignoring the Union side and the background of the Union side.
The basis for building monuments and markers I think it is enough to justify its removal. Given that it is
telling a piece of history I think we should examine a proposal to replace this marker with something
that would provide the full story. Whether that's a sign or a simple plaque in its place with more
information. I think we can do better and I think it is important for us to have this conversation. This is a
brief overview of this initiative. If there are any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Mary Schantz: Thank you for being here remotely to give us your perspective. Are there any
Commission members that would like to ask Mr. Kiekhaefer a question or have a comment about his
presentation. Thank you, it is important information you have brought to us. We are going to open it up
to other people here tonight that may want to testify. You may have missed the comments earlier that
what process this issue is going to move forward with is not yet determined because we do not really
know who owns the marker yet. So there is a lot of issues on the table. I just wanted you to know this is
not an official public hearing tonight.
Paul Kiekhaefer: Correct. I have been in touch with the city attorney. We are basically figuring out the
process as we go and figuring out the right sponsorship. I understand that we are still in the early stages
of official movement on this action. So, thank you so much.
Mary Schantz: Are you going to stay on the line because Mr. Brown would like to say something.
Glover Brown, 1700 Valley Hi Road: First off I need to know the appropriateness. Do I need to ask a
question to one of the members to make the question?
Mary Schantz: No you can speak.
Glover Brown, 1700 Valley Hi Road: In your research on Sterling Price, yeah they camped out east of
Jefferson City towards the Osage River. In your research they did not attack Jefferson City simply
because he was a former Governor and he decided to for whatever reasons spare Jefferson City. Did you
find out in your research what did the Union soldiers do while they were awaiting this attack?
Paul Kiekhaefer: I was speaking with the Historic City of Jefferson which I believe some people here
tonight are a part of. Anne Clouse -Green was actually informing me about the Union movements that
they were undergoing to give the appearance that there were more Union soldiers present in Jefferson
City then there actually were. This made it look like the fortifications were stronger than they were in
order to eventually intimidate the Confederates. I need to do more primary source research on that
particular topic but that is the general impression that I had from my conversations with Anne. I would
be happy to learn more if you have any resources at your disposal.
Gail Jones left at 6:57 p.m.
Glover Brown, 1700 Valley Hi Road: Okay, and were you were aware of the planned ambush that the
Confederate soldiers had planned for this had they attacked Jefferson City?
Paul Kiekhaefer: I was not aware of that. I would be glad to learn more if you want to connect with me
and basically give me another history lesson. I am all about learning more and adding more to this. If we
can build something in its place, I would love to tell the full story.
Glover Brown, 1700 Valley Hi Road: Alright, the reason I was asking this question was that I was going
to try to demonstrate the continuity of the Sterling Price memorial or plaque with what really happened.
So this plaque is really a portion of a larger story that has not been told. That is what I have been trying
to advocate here as opposed to removing these plaques, let's correct the history with the plaque.
Mary Schantz: I think this is a discussion that will probably be more appropriate when we get together
as a group of people to have a dialogue about it. Do you have any comments Mr. Kiekhaefer?
Paul Kiekhaefer: No more additional comments. I am all about a good in depth discussion on what we
should portray in this spot. I appreciate Mr. Brown's comments. I am hoping to continue this
conversation.
Mary Schantz: Thank you. Mr. Brown do you agree that this is something that needs to be brought to
the table because there is a lot of stuff that everybody doesn't have the same perspective. We need to
get it all together.
Glover Brown, 1700 Valley Hi Road: Okay, thank you very much.
Mary Schantz: Mr. Kiekhaefer are you going to stay on the line or are you going to hang up on us.
Paul Kiekhaefer: I can stay on the line if you wish, but if you guys are moving on to your next agenda
item...
Mary Schantz: You're fine. Just stay on for a minute. Let's see if anyone else here tonight that wants to
make public comments about the Sterling Price plaque.
Paul Kiekhaefer: Okay.
Mary Schantz: it does not appear that there are, so we will move on to Other Business.
Donaldson, Emily
From: Suchanek, Jennifer
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 2:53 PM
To: G CouncilMayor
Subject: Cornell C. Sudduth, Sr. Letter to Mayor -Council recd 9.8.2020
Attachments: Cornell C. Sudduth Sr Letter to Mayor -Council rec'd 9.8.2020.pdf
Mayor and Council,
Please see the attached letter from Cornell C. Sudduth Sr. sent to Mayor/Council regarding the Sterling Price
monument.
Thank you,
JenniferSuchanek
Administrative Assistant
Office of the Mayor & City Administrator
City of Jefferson
320 E. McCarty Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-6381
,Second Oaptist Church
501 Wonroe Street Jefferson City, 911etissouri 65101
(573) 636-3326 Rev. Cornell C. Sudduth, Sr., Pastor
September 3, 2020
The Honorable Mayor Carrie Tergin
and members of the Jefferson City City Council,
320 E. McCarty St.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Dear Mayor Tergin,
My name is Cornell Charles Sudduth, Sr., and I serve as the pastor of Second Baptist
Church here in Jefferson City, Missouri.
I am writing this letter in support of the recommendation from the Jefferson City Human
Relations Commission and the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commissioners to
remove the United Daughters of Confederacy/KKK Monument from Jefferson City
property. I do believe in the right to free speech, but not at the expense of others. The
Apostle Paul wrote, recorded in the Book of Romans, chapter fourteen verse twenty-
one, "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother
stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak" (KJV). In other words, if it is in your power
not to do something that will offend others and weaken them, then we should not do it.
Dare I suggest, that continuing to support Confederacy and the Ku Klux Klan is offensive
and weakens what we all should be striving for as a city and as a nation, and that is
unity. We recognize that the Confederate flag and the Ku Klux Klan continue to be the
pride of many residents in Jefferson City, we also must recognize it is to the peril of so
many other residents here in Jefferson City.
When it comes to matters of importance in our church, we ask ourselves, what is in the
best interest of our church. You have a similar question to ask and answer. What is in
the best interest of the entire citizenry of Jefferson City. It is my prayer you will decide
for the common good of our entire city.
In His Name,
Donaldson, Emily
From:
Crowell, Steve
Sent:
Tuesday, August 2S, 2020 4:S9 PM
To:
G_CouncilMayor
Cc:
Sanders, Sonny; Morasch, Matt
Subject:
Price Monument
Attachments:
message.wav
FYI. Voicemail from a citizen who says he owns a house in Mississippi at which Sterling Price reviewed some of the
Confederate soldiers. The citizen would be interested in acquiring (purchasing) the monument should the opportunity so
arise. The citizen indicates he has several statues of Union and Confederate significance at his property to which he
would like to add the Sterling Price monument. I advised the citizen that I would convey the information to appropriate
city leaders. We have not verified any of the information conveyed by the citizen. Thanks.
Donaldson, Emily
From:
Crowell, Steve
Sent:
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 4:28 PM
To:
G_CouncilMayor
Cc:
Sanders, Sonny; Morasch, Matt
Subject:
FW: The Monument
Attachments:
monument.doc
Fyi. Letter in support of leaving the monument visible "somewhere."
From: Rosenhan, Kirk [mailto:rosen@ae.msstate.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 3:49 PM
To: Crowell, Steve
Subject: The Monument
Thank you Preserve History.........
1
A.K. Rosenhan, PE, CFO Office: 662/323-3441 cell 435-0565
Drawer KJ Street Address: 701 Sassafras, Starkville, MS 39759
Mississippi State, MS 39762 rosenivae.msstate.edu
24 August 20
Historical Preservation Commission
City of Jefferson
320 East McCarty
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Re: The "Monument"
Having grown up on Fairmount Boulevard, still own the house, I am more than familiar with "The
Monument." From its previous location at Moreau Drive/Hough Park Road/Green Berry Road to its
present location at Moreau Drive and Fairmount Boulevard. Note: The move was made years and years
ago when the intersection was modified to eliminate the "island" at the intersection.
Certainly the "feelings" of some folks should be acknowledged, but then the feelings of everybody else,
over 100+ years, must be considered.
I simply do not see how moving/destroying this piece of history is going to help any problem, solve any
issues, or promote change. In reality overall, resultant thoughts may be negative.
And what's next? Lee Street and Jefferson Street, Thomas Jefferson statue south side at the Missouri State
Capitol, renaming the City of Jefferson, etc.?
I sincerely urge you to NOT move this monument that is simply commemorating a piece of history and not
glorifying or promoting any issue.
Sincerely,
AKR/mtf
Donaldson, Emily
From: Corey Brand via Change.org <change@e.change.org>
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 4:28 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject: New petition to you: Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau Drive
change.org
The Mayor and City Council of
Jefferson City: you've been listed as a
decision maker
Corey Brand started a petition on Change.org and listed you as a
decision maker. Learn more about Corey Brand's petition and how
you can respond:
Corey Brand is petitioning The Mayor and City Council of Jefferson City
Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau Drive
The Citv Council is considerina a or000sal to remove the Iona
1
standing monument to Gen. Sterling Price on Moreau Drive.
We respectfully request the council vote to let the monument
remain. We make this request for the following reasons:...
WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. View the petition: Learn about the petition and its supporters.
You will receive updates as new supporters sign the petition so you
can see who is signing and why.
2. Respond to the petition: Post a response to let the petition
supporters know you're listening, say whether you agree with their
call to action, or ask them for more information.
3. Continue the dialogue: Read the comments posted by petition
supporters and continue the dialogue so that others can see
you're an engaged leader who is willing to participate in open
discussion.
CHANGE.ORG FOR DECISION MAKERS
On Change.org, decision makers like you connect directly with
people around the world to resolve issues. Learn more.
This notification was sent to G_CouncilMayor@jeffcitymo.org, the
address listed as the decision maker.
Privacy Policy
We'd love to hear from you! Contact us through our help center.
Change.org • 548 Market St #29993, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA
I!?
Donaldson, Emily
From: Corey Brand <iac249@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2020 6:58 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject: Concerning the recommendation to remove the monument on Moreau Drive
Respected Mayor and Council Members:
My name is Corey Brand, and I have a few thoughts I would like to share concerning the recommendation to remove the
monument located on Moreau Drive. I am writing as someone who grew up in Jefferson City and as a long time amateur
Civil War historian.
I realize the direction the current political winds are blowing in regards to anything "Confederate". But you know, if you
just happened to watch the 2019 movie Midway like I did a few nights ago, you'll know the film concluded with a
dedication commemorating both the US and Japanese troops that perished in the battle. I'm thinking that if this was
okay, then this monument is certainly okay, and others like it, are okay too. So I would ask that the Mayor and Council
consider a few things before arriving at any final decision regarding the final disposition of the monument.
First, any monument that has stood in place for 87+ years is itself historical. I think it is a poor argument that removing
these long standing stones is not removing or defacing history. These stones are themselves historical and have
historical value.
The cause of the Civil War was entirely more complex than the one -sentence explanation handed out as fact these days.
Missouri's Articles of Secession passed in a rump session in Neosho and signed by Clayborn F. Jackson make no mention
of slavery whatsoever. While every soldier who fought the Civil War no doubt had their own reasons, the official
declaration published by Missouri's elected officials did not include slavery at all, and Sterling Price, whom the
monument honors, was part of that government. Sterling Price was himself once a governor of Missouri.
The monument contains no racist language whatsoever. Specifically, it reads:
Deciding
against attack
the Confederate Army
under
Gen. Sterling Price
turned from Jefferson City October 7, 1864.
The marker dedicated
April 6, 1933,
by Winnie Davis Chapter
United Daughters of the
Confederacy
The UDC simply put the stone in place to honor their ancestors. I see nothing more in the stone's intention or wording
than that.
As a Civil War buff, removing the monument will give Civil War historians and tourists like me one less place to visit in
Jefferson City. While the monument is fairly unremarkable compared to some of the other monuments that have been
taken down recently around the country, I often have to wonder if these municipalities have considered what they're
doing to their tourism industry. I've spent a considerable amount of time and money on Civil War tourism, as I know
others have, and removing landmarks just disincentives me to visit their towns. Why would someone interested in the
Civil War visit a town that that can only offer a hole in the ground?
In conclusion I hope the Mayor and Council decide to keep the monument in place. The money spent to remove it could
actually be used to do something actually productive instead of wasting it on erasing one more small piece of Missouri's
history.
Regards,
Corey Brand, MSIS
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Virus -free. www.avq.com
Donaldson, Emily
From: Stephen Veltrop sr <sveltrop710@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2020 6:22 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject: General Sterling Price Monument
Madam Mayor and Jefferson City Council members,
I urge you to vote no on the removal of the Sterling Price Monument. The Monument is a piece of American State of
Missouri City of Jefferson and COLE County History! I ask you who and what organization has the right to suggest and be
taken serious to remove any artifact of American History?
When do we take a stand and say no to Racists Self Centered Egotistical Narcissistic Anti Americans with their own
agenda and not that of Americans?
Stephen J Veltrop Sr
Jefferson City, Missouri
1
Donaldson, Emily
From: Keith E eunice davis Davis <kandedavis@embargmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 2:57 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject: Confederate Monument
Dear Mayor Tergin and City Council,
There is a Facebook campaign being waged to remove a monument to General Sterling Price on
Moreau Drive erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy as well as rename Sterling Price Dr. I
would like to propose that if all traces of Civil War history are erased from our country there is a
chance that history could repeat itself. Would destroying the concentration camps and death camps
erected during WWII be a good thing or bad? It seems that keeping those reminders of the horror of
Nazi Germany will hopefully insure that nothing like that happens again. It seems the same for Civil
War monuments. It's part of our history, albeit a sad part, and we need to NEVER FORGET!
Sincerely,
Eunice Davis
4813 Sunrise Dr.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Donaldson, Emily
From: Brandon Peper <brandonpeper92@gmai1.com>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2020 2:03 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject: Removing and Renaming
Good afternoon all,
I no longer live in Jefferson City, but grew up there and completed my high school education at JCHS. As a
JCPS alumni and Jefferson Citian, I'd like to request removal of the "monument" for the Confederate General
Sterling Price and request that the street named after him, Sterling Price Road, also be renamed.
Thank you,
M. Brandon Peper
www.linkedin.com/in/markbrandonpeper
Historic Preservation Commission
August 26, 2020
Correspondence Received
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
August 26, 2020
Sender
Senders Address
How
Received
Date
Received
Jennifer Gordon
Jen'uka 8Z@botmaii.com
Email
8/26/2020
Jan Schumacher
2026 Trenton Ct
Email
8/26/2020
Lee Bowden
leebowden@yahoo.com
Email
8/26/2020
Pamela Singer
Singer1081(c)yahoo.com
Email
8/26/2020
Steve Crowell via voice mail from a citizen
scrowell(a�jeffcitvmo.or
8/25/2020
Pamela Singer
Singer1081(ovahoo.com
Email
8/24/2020
Stephen J Veltrop Sr
Sveltro 710@gmail.com
Email
8/23/2020
Jay Barnes
Unknown
Email
8/20/2020
Dick Dalton
Unknown
Email
8/14/2020
Mary Stiefermann
1130 Darlene
7/16/2020
Erin Perry, Emily Perry
& Carolyn Perry
124 Boonville Rd
Email
6/8/2020
Petition via Chan e.or
. 61 have signed the petition
I Unknown
I Various Dates
Stratman, Anne
From: Sweeten, Beth
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 1:42 PM
To: Stratman, Anne; Senzee, Rachel
Cc: Sanders, Sonny
Subject: FW: Moreau Dr Civil War Monument Letter of Comment
Attachments: CWMonumentLetter.pdf
From: jennifer gordon [mailto:jenJuka 82@hotmail.comj
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 1:40 PM
To: Sweeten, Beth
Subject: Moreau Dr Civil War Monument Letter of Comment
See attached a letter to the commission and city council in reference to the fate of the civil war monument on
Moreau Dr.
Thank you,
Jenn B
To Whom it May Concern,
Jefferson City's place in the civil war maybe mild compared to others, but it carried the potential to be
a pivotal and bloody point in history. While other places may boast monuments to Generals who never
set foot near their city or horrible battles that killed many people, the monument we are discussing
today isn't standing for any one person whose actions you may or may not agree with. It is a headline
for a moment in time that could have gone far differently. It is a basic statement of fact regarding what
somebody did on a certain date. No less bias can be stated on a plaque than what is already there. The
best monuments are those that spur people to do their own research and find their own truth, and this
does that. It is not a confederate monument, it is a Jefferson City monument.
For those who take offense to the monument based on The United Daughters of the Confederacy
having placed it, I invite them to do more than focus on the sorted past of the organization, but to see
what the organization has bloomed into, which is a sisterhood of both white and black American
women who cherish their heritage and admire the valor of their ancestors for standing up for what they
believed in. If we are to always be defined by our past then there will be no salvation in religion or
deed.
I ask you to not tear down one of the few monuments that makes mention of what didn't happen here.
Educate, don't obliterate. Every time we get rid of something controversial we remove someone's
reason to ask why. We remove an opportunity to educate.
Senzee, Rachel
From: Jan Schumacher <janschu22@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 1:12 PM
To: Senzee, Rachel
Subject: National Trust position on Confederate memorials
Rachel:
Thank you for providing this information to Historic Preservation Commission members:
Since I have been a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for decades, I checked to see if they
had addressed the issue of Confederate memorials to provide guidance for the commission re: the Sterling Price
marker. Here is their statement. httDs://savingplaces.org/press-center/media-resources/national-trust-statement-
on-confederate-memorials#.XOZuTd Yqzw
I think the National Trust has taken the correct stand on this sensitive issue. As a long-time historic
preservationist, I typically support preservation of historic places. But sometimes removal is a better option for
the greater good of the community, as in the case of the Sterling Price marker. I encourage the commission to
recommend that action to the City Council.
Thank you.
Jan Schumacher
2026 Trenton Court
Jefferson City
8/26/2020 National Trust for Historic Preservation Statement on Confederate Monuments ( National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Trust for
Historic Preservation*
®1®
g National Trust for
Historic Preservation`y
*QN, .;
Statement I Washington, DC I June 18, 2020
National Trust for Historic Preservation Statement on
Confederate Monuments
Author: Contact Email: Contact Phone:
The National Trust for Historic pr@savinyplaces.org 202-588-6141
Preservation
In recent weeks, protests throughout America and around the world have sprung up in
support of racial justice and equity, sparked by the horrific killings of George Floyd,
Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others. The National Trust stands committed to
support this fight for justice. We believe that Black Lives Matter, Black History Matters,
[Link: /we -believe -black -lives -matter] and that historic preservation has a powerful role to
play in telling the full story of our often -difficult history. A critically important part of this
work is elevating and preserving the enormous and important contributions that African
Americans have made to our nation and carrying that profound legacy forward through
places of truth, justice, and reconciliation.
To better serve our members, we are
currently migrating to a new
database. Thank you for your
patience with any slight delays that
may arise. Our team remains ready
to help, and you may reach us at
800-315-5847 or
members@savingplaces.org.
https:llsavingplaces.org/press-centerlmedia-resources/national-trust-statement-on-confederate-memorials#.XOar9MhKiU[ 113
8/26/2020 National Trust for Historic Preservation Statement on Confederate Monuments I National Trust for Historic Preservation
ideologies and sometimes serve as rallying points for bigotry and hate today. To many
African Americans, they continue to serve as constant and painful reminders that racism is
embedded in American society.
We believe it is past time for us, as a nation, to acknowledge that these symbols do not
reflect, and are in fact abhorrent to, our values and to our foundational obligation to
continue building a more perfect union that embodies equality and justice for all.
We believe that removal may be necessary
to achieve the greater good of ensuring
racial justice and equality.
Although Confederate monuments are sometimes designated as historic, and while many
were erected more than a century ago, the National Trust supports their removal from our
public spaces when they continue to serve the purposes for which many were built—to
glorify, promote, and reinforce white supremacy, overtly or implicitly. While some have
suggested that removal may result in erasing history, we believe that removal may be
necessary to achieve the greater good of ensuring racial justice and equality. And their
history needs not end with their removal: we support relocation of these monuments to
museums or other places where they may be preserved so that their history as elements of
Jim Crow and racial injustice can be recognized and interpreted.
We believe that communities have an obligation to take on this issue forthrightly and
inclusively. We recognize that not all monuments are the same, and a number of
To better serve our members, we are
currently migrating to a new
database. Thank you for your
patience with any slight delays that
may arise. Our team remains ready
to help, and you may reach us at
800-815-8847 or
members@savingplaces.org.
https:llsavingplaces.org/press-center/media-resources/national-trust-statement-on-confederate-memorials#.XOar9MhKiUl 213
8/26/2020 National Trust for Historic Preservation Statement on Confederate Monuments I National Trust for Historic Preservation
recognition of the reality of our painful past and invite reconciliation for the present and the
future, they should be removed from our public spaces.
See also:
Confederate Monuments—Frequently Asked Questions [Link: /confederate -
monuments -fags]
Give today to help protect and restore places where significant African American
history happened [Link: https://support.savingplaces.org/page/20249/donate/l?
transaction.othamtl=F206WEZVFC&ea.tracking. id=F206WEZVFC]
Learn more about the African American Cultural Heritage Action* Fund [Link: /african-
american-cultural-heritage]
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization,
works to save America's historic places.
Saving Places.org I a@savingplaces
To better serve our (members, we are
currently (migrating to a neer
database. Thank you for your
patience with any slight delays that
may arise. Our team remains ready
to help, and you may reach us at
800-315-6847 or
memlbers@savingplaces.org.
https:llsavingplaces.org/press-center/media-resources/national-trust-statement-on-confederate-memorials#.XOargMhKiUl 313
Senzee. Rachel
From:
Sanders, Sonny
Sent:
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 12:08 PM
To:
Senzee, Rachel
Cc:
Crowell, Steve
Subject:
FW: Civil war monument in Jefferson City
From: Sweeten, Beth
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 12:07 PM
To: Sanders, Sonny
Subject: FW: Civil war monument in Jefferson City
From: Lee Bowden [mailto:leebowden@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 11:44 AM
To: Sweeten, Beth
Subject: Civil war monument in Jefferson City
To Neighborhood Services Commission,
Regarding the Civil War Monument in Jefferson City,
I am a man who grew up in the South. I claim Southern identity. Every person, no matter race, who was raised
in the South, understands southern culture. Part of Southern culture and Southern identity is the history of the
South. Like any culture on earth it is not always perfect. But to allow an attack on a historic monument that represents
Southern culture is an attack on the people from the South. It is no different than an attack on people because of their
race, ethnicity, religion, or cultural identity. The people who want this monument removed want tolerance while being
intolerant to other cultural identities and their history.
urge you not to make a choice for this community that would allow these cultural attacks to continue. Please
do not allow another reason to push this hate and create more division in Jefferson City.
Thank you,
Lee Bowden
Senzee, Rachel
From: Sanders, Sonny
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 8:05 AM
To: Senzee, Rachel
Subject: FW: Sterling Price MArker
From: Crowell, Steve
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 1:37 PM
To: Sanders, Sonny; Morasch, Matt
Subject: FW: Sterling Price MArker
fyi
From: Pamela Singer [mailto:psinger426Ca@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 12:11 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject:
Please leave the rock and plaque on Moreau Drive alone.
It has not been a problem in the past.
It is a part of our history.
Thank you.
Pamela Singer
singerl 081( yahoo.com
Senzee, Rachel
To: Sanders, Sonny
Subject: RE: Price Monument
From: Crowell, Steve <scrowell ejeffcitymo.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 4:58 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Cc: Sanders, Sonny; Morasch, Matt
Subject: Price Monument
FYI. Voicemail from a citizen who says he owns a house in Mississippi at which Sterling Price reviewed some of the
Confederate soldiers. The citizen would be interested in acquiring (purchasing) the monument should the opportunity so
arise. The citizen indicates he has several statues of Union and Confederate significance at his property to which he
would like to add the Sterling Price monument. I advised the citizen that I would convey the information to appropriate
city leaders. We have not verified any of the information conveyed by the citizen. Thanks.
Senzee, Rachel
From: Sanders, Sonny
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 3:17 PM
To: Senzee, Rachel
Subject: FW: Sterling Price MArker
From: Crowell, Steve
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 1:37 PM
To: Sanders, Sonny; Morasch, Matt
Subject: FW: Sterling Price MArker
fyi
From: Pamela Singer [mailto:psinger426Cabgmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2020 12:11 PM
To: G_CouncilMayor
Subject:
Please leave the rock and plaque on Moreau Drive alone.
It has not been a problem in the past.
It is a part of our history.
Thank you.
Pamela Singer
singer1081(2yahoo.com
1
Senzee, Rachel
From: Sanders, Sonny
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2020 3:55 PM
To: Senzee, Rachel
Subject: Fwd: General Sterling Price Monument
From: Crowell, Steve <scrowell(cjeffcitymo.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2020, 12:48 PM
To: Sanders, Sonny; Morasch, Matt; Strope, Gail
Subject: FW: General Sterling Price Monument
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphoie
-------- Original message --------
From: Stephen Veltrop sr <sveltrop710@gmail.com>
Date: 8/22/20 6:21 PM (GMT -06:00)
To: G_CouncilMayor <G CouncilMayorgjeffeitymo.org>
Subject: General Sterling Price Monument
Madam Mayor and Jefferson City Council members,
I urge you to vote no on the removal of the Sterling Price Monument. The Monument is a piece of American State of Missouri City of
Jefferson and COLE County History! I ask you who and what organization has the right to suggest and be taken serious to remove any
artifact of American History?
When do we take a stand and say no to Racists Self Centered Egotistical Narcissistic Anti Americans with their own agenda and not
that of Americans?
Stephen J Veltrop Sr
Jefferson City, Missouri
To: Leaders of the City of Jefferson and Interested Citizens
From: Jay Barnes
Re: The Marker on Moreau Drive
Date: August 20, 2020
Jefferson City in the Civil War
Missouri was a divided state in the Civil War. But Jefferson City was different. From near
the very beginning to finish, it was a Union town — occupied and controlled by the Union Army
with support from a large group recent anti -slavery, pro -union immigrants from Germany. Of
course, things were not simple. Our community was Union enough that the Union Army could
take control without a fight — indeed Harper's Weekly wrote about a warm welcome by local
residents. But there were enough Confederate sympathizers in the area that Union commanders
were worried the entire time they were here about the potential for an uprising.
Historian Gary Kremer tells stories of the Civil War in Jefferson City in his essay "We Are
Living in Very Stirring Times."' On April 26, 1861 —just two weeks after Fort Sumter, German
immigrant Henrietta Bruns (wife of Bernard Bruns) wrote relatives in Germany that, from her
vantage point on High Street directly across from the State Capitol, she could see "a tremendously
large secessionist flag that has been flying," while "in ironic contrast, a German immigrant church
not far from her home proudly displayed the stars and stripes of the Union, which its congregation
was pledged to uphold."'
In January of 1861, incoming Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson declared that
Missouri had a common interest with other slave states and should side with the South in a potential
conflict. He recommended a state convention to determine the course. The convention took the
side of the Union, voting 98-1 against secession.
After Fort Sumter in April, President Abraham Lincoln called for states to activate militias
and provide troops to the Union. But Jackson refused, instead creating a Missouri State Guard,
appointing Sterling Price as Major General, and ordering the State Guard to resist "invasion" by
' Gary R. Kremer, "We Are Living in Very Stirring Times": The Civil War in Jefferson City. Missouri, Missouri
Historical Review, Vol. 106, No. 2, January 2012, pp. 61-74.
2 Kremer, Stirring Times at 61.
Page 1 of 32
the Union. In effect, Jackson was pushing Missouri into the Confederacy whether the people and
its representatives wanted to go there or not.
On June 11, 1861, Gov. Jackson met with Union commander Nathanial Lyon in St. Louis.
It did not go well, for Jackson. General Lyon told Jackson that his action amounted to war with the
Union. Gov. Jackson fled St. Louis by train to Jefferson City — and literally burned at least two
bridges behind him to slow an expected advance of Union soldiers.3 Once back in Jefferson City,
he joined with his cabinet and several legislators and fled to Boonville and eventually Neosho.
Jackson's bridge burnings did not work.4 General Lyon sent troops upriver by steamboat
and began arriving at the Missouri State Penitentiary wharf on June 13, 1861 with two thousand
soldiers, almost all of whom "were German-speaking immigrants, a fact that no doubt especially
galled a majority of the city's residents."'
The landing was featured in Harper's Weekly magazine, which reported:
On the morning of the 15t", ten miles below Jefferson City, General Lyon
transferred his regulators to the Iatan, and proceeded with that boat, leaving
the Swan to follow in his wake. As we approached the city crowds gathered
on the levee and saluted us with prolong and oft -repeated cheering. Colonel
Thomas L. Price (no relative to the rebel, Sterling Price), a prominent
Unionist of Jefferson City, was the first to greet General Lyon as he stopped
on shore. A bar was formed at the regular landing, and we were obliged to
run out our gang plank below the penitentiary, at a point where the railroad
company has placed a large quantity of loose stone, preparatory to forming
a landing of its own. The steep, rough bank prevented the debarkation of
our artillery, but the infantry scrambled up in fine style. First was the
company of regulars formerly commended by General Lyon, but no led by
Lieutenant Hare. These were sent to occupy a high hill or bluff near the
railroad depot and commanding the town. The went forward in fine style,
ascending the steep acclivity at the `double-quick step.' In one minute from
the time of reaching the summit they were formed in a hollow square, ready
to repel all attacks from foes, whether real or imaginary.
Next came the left wing of the First Volunteer regiment under Lieutenant-
Colonel Andrews, five hundred strong. These soldiers were formed by
sections and marched to the tune of `Yankee Doodle' with the Stars and
Stipes conspicuous, through the principal streets to the State House, of
which they took possession amidst the cheers of the people of the town.
3 Kremer, StirringTimes imes at 63.
Jackson's efforts to force Missouri into the Confederacy did not work either. A state convention declared the
Governor's office vacated and formed a pro -Union state government.
5 Kremer, Stirring Times at 63.
Page 2 of 32
After some delay in finding the keys, which had not been very carefully hid,
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews with a band, color bearer, and guard, ascended
to the cupola and displayed the American flag while the band played the
Star Spangled Banner and the popular and troops below gave round after
round of enthusiastic applause.
This was the `sacred soil' of Missouri's capital invaded by Federal troops,
and the bosom of `the pride of the Big Muddy' desecrated by the footprints
of the volunteer soldiers of St. Louis. She rather seemed to like it.'
The issue featured two drawings of Jefferson City that are familiar today:
The Iatan steamboat is featured on the bottom of the Seal of the City of Jefferson:7
6 The War in Missouri, Harper's Weekly Magazine, July 6, 1861
Picture taken from the blog of former Mayor John Landwehr.
Page 3 of 32
Despite the reported warm welcome, not all was easy for Union troops here. Our town was
Union enough that Union troops could take it without firing a shot — and hold it for four years. But
there were enough Confederate sympathizers in the area to make Union commanders nervous the
entire time. Kremer writes, "For the remainder of the summer of 1861, indeed, for the remainder
of the war, Jefferson City residents lived with the constant fear of being attacked.i8 And it was not
s Kremer, StirringTimes at 64.
Page 4 of 32
just Confederate troops. "Fear of guerillas and bushwhackers caused Jefferson City residents to
curtail their travel, to suspect strangers, and generally to live in a state of constant anxiety."9
In August 1861, Ulysses S. Grant was sent here to command the troops in anticipation of
an attack by General Sterling Price. Grant was underwhelmed by their preparedness. "I found a
good many troops in Jefferson City, but in the greatest confusion, and no one person knew where
they all were." 10 Grant was relieved on September 26, 1861, by Union General John C. Fremont
and 15,000 troops moved to protect our city after a Confederate victory at the Battle of Lexington.' 1
While Gen. Fremont stayed at the Dulle House located on a hill near the National Guard building
today, the 15,000 soldiers camped between the present-day location of the intersection between
Highway 50 and Missouri Boulevard —just outside the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
With war came political change. Initial settlers in Jefferson City came from Tennessee,
Kentucky, and Virginia. Many held slaves. As a group, the old guard dominated local government.
In the 1850s, German immigrants began arriving, "most of whom harbored an intense opposition
to slavery, create[ing] a chasm between `old' and `new' residents of the city." 12 On the eve of the
Civil War, Jefferson City had 3,000 residents — of which one in five were immigrants — and the
old, pro -slavery guard still dominated local government. 13 But war brought a new law requiring
voters and officeholders to take a loyalty oath before participating in elections or holding office.
The old -guard in Jefferson City refused to take the oath, disenfranchising themselves in the
process. Thus, in April 1862, pro -Union, anti -slavery, German Catholic immigrant Dr. Bernard
Bruns was elected mayor of Jefferson City. 14
Another major change was an influx of runaway slaves. With anti -slavery German
immigrants and Union soldiers to protect them, Jefferson City stood as a beacon of freedom for
slaves in the Missouri River valley. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation
9 Kremer, Stirring Times at 68.
10 Kremer, StirringTat 68.
11 Kremer, StirringTimes imes at 68.
12 Kremer, Stirring Times at 62.
13 Kremer, StirringTimes at 62.
14 Kremer, Stirring Times at 65. Bruns' son Captain Henry Bruns was the first Jefferson Citian killed in the Civil
War, and Dr. Bruns himself died in 1864.
Page 5 of 32
and Proclamation and Union officers began enlisting black soldiers in Missouri. Slaveholders and
guerillas in Missouri were enraged, and "began a campaign of whipping, beating, and even
lynching black men of military age who threatened to leave their masters to join the Union army. 51,15
But Jefferson City was beyond the reach of the slaveholders and bandits — so slaves fled
here. In May 1863, the Jefferson City Missouri State Times reported "a sable stream of contrabands
have been flowing into this city and neighborhood, for. the last few weeks ... principally from
Boone and Callaway counties." Their method of transportation speaks to their desperation and the
safety that our community offered; "Saturday and Sunday nights appear to be the most favored
time for their travel, and as many as fifty have crossed the Missouri river of a night."lb Keep in
mind the obvious. They were not boating across the river — they were swimming to freedom.
By the summer of 1864, there were so many runaway slaves that the city's board of
alderman considered what should be done. As winter 1864 approached, the local Republican
newspaper feared a humanitarian tragedy, asking, "How are the colored people here, (who are
mostly women and children) to live through the coming winter?" 17
Price's Raid: The Confederacy's Failed Slingshot
By the fall of 1864, it seemed obvious that the Confederacy could not defeat the Union is
the war. In May 1863, General Grant won the Battle of Vicksburg and control of the Mississippi
River. In June and July 1863, General Lee was turned back at Gettysburg, marking the highpoint
of the Confederacy's military efforts. In November 1863, the Union took Chattanooga. In the
summer of 1864, General Grant "won" the Wilderness Campaign stalemate through attrition.
While the Union suffered more casualties, the Confederates had no replacements.
In the spring and summer of 1864, recognizing the dire needs of the Confederate Armies
of Northern Virginia and Tennessee, Confederate leaders had attempted to transfer resources from
its Trans -Mississippi division to help the war in the east. Confederate General Braxton Bragg and
15 Kremer, Stirring Times at 70.
16 Kremer, StirringTes at 70.
" Kremer, Stirring Times at 70-71.
Page 6 of 32
the Confederate Secretary of War believed "the best use for the troops in the Trans -Mississippi
Department, if practicable, would be to operate" on the east side of the Mississippi." In a sign of
lack of true nationhood, soldiers and politicians from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri balked.
One Arkansas Confederate Senator threatened, "Our troops here will not go. They will throw down
their arms first."19 Nevertheless, Bragg directed Confederate Trans -Mississippi General Kirby
Smith to transfer troops to the East. It did not matter. The Union Army controlled the Mississippi
River. While some small units could sneak across, "a crossing of major united was not viable and
the Trans -Mississippi lacked the resources to force a crossing against Union opposition."20
With Confederate Trans -Mississippi troops stuck in the west, things grew worse for the
Confederates in the East. In August 1864, General Sherman set out for Atlanta. On September 1,
he captured it and began his March to the Sea, cutting a path through the heart of the Confederacy.
Even still, wars are not won by military victories alone. They require political support. As
a result, the outcome remained in doubt. President Lincoln was fully committed to restoring the
Union — and fighting until the Confederacy had no choice but to surrender. But 1864 was an
election year and many Union voters were tired of war. The election was a four-way scrum, but
Lincoln's main competitor was former Gen. George McClellan, who Lincoln had removed from
command of the Union army in November 1862. McClellan supported the war and restoration of
the Union (but not the abolition of slavery). However, McClellan's Democratic Party adopted an
official platform that called for the immediate end of the war and a negotiated peace.
With the official platform of Lincoln's main competitor in their favor, Confederate leaders
recognized that, if they could hold on through the election, and help beat Lincoln at the polls, they
just might win the war through politics. The runaway politicians for Missouri were pushing for a
campaign in their former state. Confederate appointed Governor -in -exile Thomas Reynolds
18 Charles Collins, Jr, Battlefield Atlas of Price's Missouri Expedition of 1864, prepared for the U.S. Army
Combined Arms Center, Combat Studies Institute in 2016, at 28, citing The War of Rebellion: A Compilation of the
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume XLI, part 11, 1022-1023. Confederate Sec.
of War Seldon correspondence with Jefferson Davis.
19 Collins, Battlefield Atlas, at 28, citing Ark. Sen. Garland correspondence with Jefferson Davis.
20 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 27.
Page 7 of 32
"suggested another raid into the state. He hoped for a general uprising ... [and] justified the raid
with a more attainable goal of pulling Union resources away from Georgia and Virginia."21 Gen.
Sterling Price pushed for a campaign as well, claiming, "the Confederate flag floats over nearly
all the principal towns of North Missouri and large guerilla parties are formed and operating in the
southern portion of the State."22 Price's claims were hyperbole. "Guerilla activity was rampant ...
but a significant portion of Missouri's population no longer supported guerilla activity. The
population just wanted to be left alone ... [J were not willing to rise up in revolt against Federal
authorities, and few openly flew the Confederate flag.'>23
With the exiled politicians chomping at the bit, in September 1864, the Confederacy
recognized one longshot chance to "win" the Civil War. If the Confederacy could take Missouri,
it would give Union voters the impression that there would be no quick end to the war. And maybe,
just maybe, they could swing the election to McClellan. Confederate Gen. Smith's initial choice
to lead the Missouri campaign was Lt. General Richard Taylor. But Taylor had been transferred
out of the department and was no longer available. "Reluctantly, Smith turned to Major General
Sterling Price." 24 Price's task: take Missouri, swing the election, win the war for the South.25
Price was ordered to move north through Arkansas to St. Louis. If he was able, he was
ordered to take St. Louis. If the city was too heavily defended, he was instructed to move on to
Jefferson City. He was accompanied by Thomas C. Reynolds, the Confederate -proclaimed
governor of Missouri. Reynolds hoped to be installed as governor if Jefferson City was taken. 26
21 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 27.
22 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 28.
23 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 28.
21 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 28.
25 Confederate leaders were pessimistic, stating that the campaign was "larger in its aims than our resources may
suffice to compass." Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 28, citing Conf. Sec. of War Seldon correspondence to Bragg.
26 Maj. Dale Davis, Guerilla Operations in the Civil War: Assessing Compound Warfare During Price's Raid, at 51.
Reynolds was Lt. Governor at the time Gov. Clairborne Fox Jackson abandoned Jefferson City — and his office. He
left Missouri briefly to practice law in South Carolina under Union occupancy. Then Gov. Jackson died in 1862, and
he was declared the Confederate Governor of Missouri. The Jefferson City Missouri State Times described Reynold's
presence in October 1864, "The gaseous Ex. Lt. Gov. Thos C. Reynolds is also along, a general object of contempt
amongst the rank and file, who say that he always goes to the rear when there is any fighting going on — probably
because he is afraid he might get his spectacles broken. It is said he dresses very genteelly and thus distinguishes
himself from `the vulgar herd."' Jefferson City Missouri State Times, Oct. 15, 1864 at 2.
Page 8 of 32
Price gathered 12,000 to 20,000 men and divided his group into three divisions, then headed north.
On September 19, Price and Reynolds entered Missouri.
Price did not have a great reputation in the Confederacy. By 1864, he rarely rode his horse,
instead being pulled in a buggy, and he was constantly sick. He claimed it was from malaria. His
detractors said it was a "perpetual hangover." 21 President Jefferson Davis is reported to have called
Price "the vainest man I ever met." Confederal Gen. Smith, Price's commanding officer who had
chosen him for the task, deemed Price "good for nothing."28 Trust in Price was so low that
Confederate leaders suggested Reynolds accompany the invading army in its dangerous endeavor
because they were concerned that, if he succeeded, Price would claim the governorship for
himself.29 Reynolds himself said price was "devious, insincere, petulant, and arrogant. ,30
When Union commanders learned of Price's entry into the state, they reinforced Fort
Davidson, located in Ironton, to stop his advance. On September 27, Price attacked at the Battle
of Pilot Knob. Union soldiers abandoned Fort Davidson, but Price lost lost between 800 to 1,500
men with 200 to 500 killed .31 There was no military or propaganda value to holding Fort Davidson.
The Union troops had inflicted heavy casualties on Price and escaped to fortify St. Louis.
The Battle That Never Was
"May the Alligators of the Southern Bayous Devour Price"
Jefferson City Missouri State Times, December 17, 1864
Recognizing that St. Louis was now out of reach, Price set his sights on Jefferson City.
Union Major General William Rosecrans concentrated forces at Kirkwood in case Price turned
around, but also sent reinforcements and order local militias here to fortify the town. Price's pace
helped. His train, "originally about 300 wagons, grew to over 500" as his group slowly moved
west. 12 The towns along the way were defenseless. As Price's Confederate forces moved west,
27 Mark A. Lause, Price's Lost Campaign at 3.
28 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 28, citing Albert Castel, General Sterling Price (1996) at 202.
29 Dale Davis, Compound Warfare During Price's Raid, at 52.
"Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 28, citing Albert Castel, General Sterling Price (1996) at 166.
31 Lause, Price's Lost Campaign at 53
32 Charles Collins, Jr, Battlefield Atlas of Price's Missouri Expedition of 1864, prepared for the U.S. Army
Combined Arms Center, Combat Studies Institute in 2016, at 53.
Page 9 of 32
"they not only foraged for subsistence to maintain their force, they also plundered many of the
small towns along the way"33 and "executed several Missouri citizens." Of those, some were
known "`Union men,' others were German immigrants (hated by some Rebels), and at least one
man was murdered because he wore blue pants."34
On September 28, Union General Clinton Fisk reached Jefferson City from St. Joseph, and
took command from General E.B. Brown. Fisk prepared for nine days without reinforcements. His
biography explains:
He had but a handful of men, for his own force at St. Joseph was originally
small, and had been depleted by military desertions. The men he had were
chiefly militia and raw recruits. With these and with the help of willing
townspeople, he proceeded to throw up such defenses as would convey an
impression of large numbers and much strength. Then he brigaded his 2500
infantry into several brigades, as if they were 25,000, which were purposely
let fall into the enemy's hands, at the proper time, through an avowed
deserter who bore them. 35
Another general explained that Gen. Brown also "called out the three companies of the `Citizens'
Guard' of Jefferson City, and all the able-bodied men, white and black, residing or found in the
city were set to work digging rifle pits and building or completing fortifications."36 Together,
Union soldiers and the people of our community "repaired the two partially constructed forts, built
three substantial new ones" and constructed "nearly three miles of entrenchments, palisades, rifle -
pits," and other obstacles. 37
Preparations for Price's looming attack destroyed the city. Kremer writes, "Price's
presence on the doorstep of the city engendered fear and elaborate preparations[.]" Kremer
reviewed hundreds of, letters and claims for significant damages and expenses made to the local
provost marshal that were filed by local residents after Price had left.38 For example, the publisher
of a local newspaper made a claim for Union soldiers taking "between 800 and 1000 fence rails"
33 Davis, Compound Warfare During Price's Raid at 50.
3a Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 53.
3s Protecting the Capital, The Life of Clinton Bowen Fisk, at 83. General Fisk went on to start a school for freed
slaves in Tennessee, and the HCBU Fisk University is named in his honor. He also later ran for president for the
Prohibition Party.
36 General Sanborn, The Campaign in Missouri in September and October 1864 at 17.
3' Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 57, citing Report of Union Brig. Gen. Egbert Brown.
38 Kremer, StirringTimes imes at 69.
Page 10 of 32
at his property to build fortifications somewhere near the present location of Immaculate
Conception Church.39 Others "reported that soldiers cut portholes in the walls of their houses so
that they could fire rifles through them."40 Indeed, in a town with only 3,000 citizens, "hundreds
of such complaints were made, evidencing widespread disregard for personal property rights in
the face of an attack threatened by Confederate forces."4 1
As late as October 4, General Fisk and General Brown had fewer the 5,000 men to defend
Jefferson City — and half of those were "untrained and ill-equipped Enrolled Missouri Militia."42
Fortunately, help was on the way. Brigadier General John McNeil, commander of Union forces in
Rolla, reported that, on the evening of October 3, he became convinced Price was gunning for
Jefferson City. "All communications with St. Louis being cut off," Gen. McNeil "was compelled
to act in the premises without consultation with headquarters."43 McNeil explains:
It became known to me that one prominent object of the raid on the part of the enemy was
the capture of the political capital of the State and the installation of Thomas C. Reynolds
as the constitutional Governor of Missouri, and the inauguration of a civil government that,
with the assistance of this rebel army of occupation, would be enabled to arouse the latent
spirit of rebellion which still unfortunately existed in the minds of many citizens of
Missouri. Determined if in my power to foil this rebel scheme, I marched from Rolla to
Jefferson City on the morning of the 4`h of October, 186.... I had previously directed
General Sanborn, then in camp at Cuba, to join me at Vienna and proceed with me to the
rescue of Jefferson City. 44
As Generals McNeil and Sanborn raced for Jefferson City, Price neared the city. On
October 5, Confederates entered the county. Union forces from Jefferson City engaged briefly the
Confederates at Price's Ford, "where the main road from St. Louis to Jefferson crossed the Osage,
and at Castle Rock," near present-day Wardsville, four miles above."4$ Gen. Sanborn reports
Union forces were driven back,.but also "considerable loss to the enemy," including the wounding
39 Kremer, StirringTimes at 69.
40 Kremer, Stirring Times at 69.
41 Kremer, Stirring Times at 69.
42 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 53.
43 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 53, citing The War of Rebellion: A Compilation of the O.R., Series I, Vol. XLII, part
I, 375. McNeil's report.
44 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 53, citing Compilation of O.R.
41 Gen. Sanborn at 17.
Page 11 of 32
of Col. David Shanks, who became a prisoner of war. 4' The Confederates then paused to allow the
rest of their outfit to catch-up, including Price, who reached the rest of his crew during the night 47
Gen. Sanborn and McNeil were still proceeding northwest from Vienna, while Price was
nearing the city. Gen. Sanborn describes the end of the race on October 6, "As I neared the capital,
a column of the enemy was seen advancing over the hills on a parallel route. Hastening forward, I
reached the goal with not an hour to spare. °48
Jefferson City Garrison
1 Oct: 1, 000 (112 City Militia) 20 ` 1
3 Oct: 3,0001112 City Militia) Miles
4 Oct: 5,000 (112 City Militia) \
S Oct: 7,000 (113 City Militia)
0 Oct: 7,000 (113 City Militia) 1!
[entrenchments being prepared]
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[� Q5 October
Sanborn sbo 1. Mannaduke's advance elements destroyed the Gasconade RR
Vienna oc Bridge (abandoned by 34th EMM the night before).
2. Marmaduke's advance elements skirmished with Union forces at
O the Osage RR Bridge.
0 October
RoII 3. McNeil and Sanborn's Brigades arrived In Jefferson City and
moved east to defend the Osage River.
4. Shelby forced a crossing over the Osage River and pushed the
Union defenders back into Jefferson City (See expanded view
below).
Battle Map - Collins Battlefield Atlas at 54.
On the eve of battle, Gen. Sanborn claims that Gen. Fisk confessed "that he had never been
under fire once [and] should depend wholly upon me for everything.i0.9 Sanborn states:
16 Gen. Sanborn at 17-18.
07 Gen. Sanborn at 18.
4' Gen. Sanborn at 15. Sanborn claims Gen. Fisk arrived on October 4 with "a few hundred men." Id. at 17.
49 Gen. Sanborn at 18.
Page 12 of 32
[A]s the commander of the post and forces at Jefferson City, my position was one
of grave responsibility. I did not have under me more than 6,000 men, horse, foot,
and dragoons, volunteers, militia and citizens, while the enemy number fully 16,000
men. But I had the advantage of some fairly good fortifications, plenty of
ammunition, men in whose fighting qualities I had confidence, and I determined
that Jefferson City should not be re-entered until my command had been fairly and
utterly whipped. The Missouri River was at my back, and I could not well have
retreated if I had even entertained the thought. The appeals of women and non-
combatants to me to remain and save their lives were most touching. 50
The stage was set for a mighty battle. With fortifications in place, including gun turrets cut
into homes, the fight would be block -by -block, house -by -house, and more closely resembled urban
battles of World War II than the typical open field battles associated with the Civil War. One can
imagine the fear of German immigrant families and freed slaves who remained in the city as Price's
band of outsiders threatened our city. Even beyond the three companies of the Citizens Guard,
were they taking up arms themselves? Would they survive the battle and its aftermath?
Drawer/i9.yalnp o/
.Sheet 2,9 -
-'if orrrC7rcrrulj slrou mry Uie (rnr o%�i'_ ifj�
41
41
Vz
y v �
Civil Wtir Era Mali of Civil IlVa• Defenses in Jefferson Cite!
so Gen. Sanborn at 18.
Page 13 of 32
Gen. Sanborn described the bravery of one batch of recruits who had just arrived from Pike
and Lincoln counties just north of St. Louis. They were led by "a smooth -faced young lawyer"
named D.P. Dyer, Col. Dyer was blunt." He said his troops were raw and "all green in the tactics,
but all fine shots and good fighters." They had never been in battle, he said, "but they will obey
orders to the best of their knowledge and they will fight to the last before the will run." Dyer asked
for Sanborn to ignore their inexperience, telling Gen. Sanborn, "Now I want to overlook our
ignorance and awkwardness, and in the fight put us where you think we will do the most good,
either in the front or in the rear, and we will do our very best for you." When Gen. Sanborn gave
Dyer and his green troops a position in one of the outer trenches to defend our community, Dyer
pledged, "Now, General, when this fight is over, you will find us right there, dead or alive, unless
you order us away."52
Representative, Colonel, Senator, Congressman, Judge David Dyer
51 Col. Dyer was also a Missouri state representative at the time.
sz Gen. Sanborn at 19. Col. Dyer eventually became Congressman Dyer and a prominent lawyer in St. Louis. From
1907 to 1919, he served as a United States Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, passing away in 1924.
Page 14 of 32
Fighting resumed on the morning of October b as Price and his large band of Confederates
crossed the Moreau River. Then there was another pause until the day that lives in our history:
Early on the morning of the 7th, Gen. Price moved against us, with Fagan's
division in front and Cabell's brigade in advance. Our forces, chiefly the
[Missouri State Militia] dismounted, met them in good style, fighting them
pluckily and falling back slowly. A part of the 6 Regiment, under Maj.
E.S. King, and the 8th Regiment — which I had brought from Springfield —
commanded by Col. J.J. Gravelly, were perhaps the most actively engaged
and suffered most. Fagan lost pretty severely, and we now know that many
of his best officers and men were killed and wounded. I was out to the field
and I know that the skirmishers were stubborn and the fight was very fierce
and deadly. 53
Gen. Fisk's biography explains:
On the 7th, Price moved across the Moreau, after sharp fighting there with
the Union cavalry force, and, as his resistance fell back within the defensive
line, advanced upon the town. He was surprised to find an enveloping
system of earthworks, which, by their extent and apparent strength, implied
a large garrison and ample equipment. He was misled, too, by the fictitious
orders that had been brought to him from General Fisk. Not to assail the
place meant abandonment of his errand, in large part, and to make assault
might mean utter destruction. Price had got a taste of fighting earthworks at
Pilot Knob, and was not eager for more. These were formidable beyond all
previous hint, and apparently so well manned that capture was out of the
question. 54
But Price was not finished. He did not immediately leave the area. Instead, they surrounded the
city. A military historian explains what happened next:
Having forced a crossing of the Osage River, Shelby (a Confederate
subordinate of Price) ordered the Iron Brigade into the attack. The brigade
pushed back Federal forces sent to regain the fords and pushed Sanborn's
pickets back to the Moreau River just south of Jefferson City. As Shelby
formed his division south of the Moreau River, Sanborn's brigade withdrew
into the defenses of Jefferson City. Two calvary regiments of the MSM and
a detachment of the EMM conducted delaying operations at the ford site
along the Moreau River repulsing two attacks before being dislodged by
artillery. With Shelby across the Moreau, Fisk organized the Federal
defense to meet the coming assault, Brown's brigade to his left, Sanborn's
brigade in the center, and McNeil's brigade, to the right. As Shelby's
division continued to push back the Federal delaying forces, Fagan's
division arrived on his right flank and a Confederate battery of artillery
began suppressing the Federals in their entrenchments. Federal artillery
quickly returned fire forcing the Confederate battery to withdraw. While
Fagan prepared for an assault, Shelby moved his division to the northwest
ss Gen. Sanborn at 20.
s4 The Life of Clinton Bowen Fisk at 84.
Page 15 of 32
of town in front of McNeil. By nightfall [on the Vh], [Price's] Army of
Missouri was prepared to make an assault on Jefferson City.
However, having received information about the arrival of Sanborn and
McNeil's force and estimates doubling the size of the defending force, Price
met with his subordinate commanders on the evening of 7 October. Still
reeling from the defeat at Pilot Knob, and believing that they faced superior
forces, the commanders decided not to make an assault on Jefferson City.
Early on 8 October, Shelby and Fagan left a small covering force in contact
with the Federal defenders and withdrew to the southwest toward
Russellville en route to Boonville, a town known for its Southern
sympathies. 55
One military historian, Maj. Dale Davis, explains, "Price spent two days developing the
situation, committing two divisions in preparation for the attack, but based on reports of the Federal
strength in Jefferson City, he did not order the assault on the capital, failing to achieve the second
major objective of the raid."16 The decision to move on was not Price's alone, and it was not made
from any location in eastern Jefferson City. Instead, it was made at the Wallendorf cabin near the
intersection of 179 and West Edgewood.57 On October 8, Price's army "formed in full view of the
city as if to attack but then withdrew and departed to the west. ,58
Although outmanned, the Federal forces in Jefferson City were the favorite to win the
battle. As Maj. Davis put it, "Price made the right decision and bypassed Jefferson City because
he lacked sufficient force to take the capital."59 Here's how Price himself described the decision:
I had received positive information that the enemy were 12,000 strong in the city,
and that 3,000 more had arrived on the opposite bank of the river by the North
Missouri Railroad before I withdrew my troops to the encampment selected,
whereupon I gave immediate instructions to Brigadier -General Shelby to send a
sufficient force to burn the bridges and destroy the railroad on the west of Jefferson
City in the direction of California, the county seat of Moniteau County, and after
consultation with my general officers I determined not to attack the enemy's
intrenchments, as they outnumbered me nearly two to one and were strongly
fortified but to move my command in the direction of Kansas, as instructed in my
original orders, hoping to be able to capture a sufficient number of arms to arm my
unarmed men at Boonville, Sedalia, Lexington, and Independence.60
55 Maj. Davis, Compound Warfare During Price's Raid, at 51.
56 Maj. Davis, Compound Warfare During Price's Raid, at 49-50.
51 Jefferson City News -Tribune, September 9, 2010. The cabin was moved to the Missouri Farm Bureau when the El
Jimador restaurant was built near its location.
58 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 57.
59 Maj. Davis, Compound Warfare During Price's Raid, at 51.
61 Collins, Battlefield Atlas at 57, citing O.R., Series I, Vol. XLI at 632. Price Report.
Page 16 of 32
The Jefferson City Missouri State Times took stock of some of what was lost:
In regard to the devastation brought upon the country through which Price's
army of robbers has passed, we can judge of the region south of the Osage
only by what has occurred on this side. For several miles in width along his
route the crops are almost totally consumed, the people have been robbed
of their money, and their houses plundered of everything valuable that the
robber -army could use, or in any way convert into available means.
Watches, trinkets, jewelry, silverware and all availables easily carried, were
uniformly appropriated. All male wearing apparel worth anything has been
taken, even from off the persons of the owners, and frequently hats and
boots. In many instances, the women's clothing also has been taken. And
every horse, saddle, and bridle worth having has been taken — worn out,
sore -backed and crippled horses, in many instances, having been left in their
places. Hundreds of such animals, almost valueless, were left in this region
of country, which the military authorities, we learn, are gathering up, even
though, as in many instances, they were left with parties in exchange for
better ones forcibly appropriated. But many of them were turned loose upon
the commons, probably where fresher horses were found. Horned cattle and
sheep have also been killed or driven off, stripping the country bare, where
they could be found, of all farm stock. Many farmers have lost everything,
some to the extent of several thousand dollars. One man, Mr. Ottmeyer, a
feeder and drover, in Westphalia, in Osage County, we are told, lost eight
hundred head of cattle, and Charles Thompson of this county lost about five
thousand dollars in farming stock and crops.... And nothing is too sacred
to escape the pilfering hand of this army of thieves. In the pockets of a
prisoner brought in, was found a silver watch, a lot of jewelry, a number of
little keepsakes possessing very little intrinsic value, but highly prized,
doubtless, by the owner, and even a string of Catholic beads — worth
nothing, of course, to the graceless scamps who took it. 61
Price and his Confederates were then chased west across the state, eventually getting
whipped at the Battle of Westport, then retreating to Arkansas. Price never returned to Jefferson
City. It would likely have been dangerous for him to do so. As he left the state, the Jefferson City
Missouri State Times expressed the sentiments of many, noting that "[t]he results of Price's raid
into Missouri, military and political, ought to cure him of any further desire to pollute the soil of
our State by his presence."62 And, wishing him ill, "May the alligators of the Southern bayous
devour Price and his horde of ruffians, rather than that they be permitted to return to Missouri."63
61 Jefferson City Missouri State Times, October 15, 1864 at 2.
62 Jefferson City Missouri State Times, Dec. 17, 1864 at 2.
63 Kremer at 70, citing Jefferson City Missouri State Times, December 17, 1864. In another article, the paper
described him as follows, "Sterling Price was the next Governor of Missouri. He was a native of the state of
Virginia. In the year 1861 he fled from the State, and is now a fugitive from his home and an unhappy wanderer —
broken down in fortune, ruined in character and wrecked in reputation and political standing, with old age creeping
upon him." Jefferson City Missouri State Times, December 10, 1864.
Page 17 of 32
Confederate soldiers who returned were met with hostility by local residents, "some of
whom threatened to lynch the former soldiers." The city papers warned, "We really think the
responsible people of Jefferson [City] should take this matter in hand, and give notice to men who
have rendered themselves obnoxious by their past bad conduct, that they will not be permitted to
live here.... We cannot expect men who have been insulted and robbed by rebels to receive them
very kindly on their return."64 After a fight in a city hotel a few weeks later between a former
Union office and several veterans of Price's Army, the Confederates were reported to have said,
"Union men have the power now, but our day will come before long,"65
The United Daughters of the Confederacy
The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) was formed in 1894 for the purpose
providing aid to Confederate veterans and promoting a Southern view of the Civil War, its
aftermath, and American society. Despite the name and agenda, UDC organizations were not
limited to the Confederacy. Missouri was not a Confederate state and Jefferson City was a Union
town in the Civil War. Nevertheless, the Winnie Davis chapter of the UDC was formed here on
April 29. 1899, where Mrs. Mattie W. Gannt was elected President 66
By the time the Jefferson City chapter was formed, the focus of the organization turned to
what the UDC described at the time as "historical, educational, memorial, benevolent, and social"
purposes. Mrs. Jas. B Gantt, the "Historian" of the Missouri Division of the UDC explained:
�Jta ca*aj�rs ut' cxui•
t4roab uAd admiratictt f,i,r ti.Pat grand ielvw. Ag'd, VERs' gra�tAder'asn�" to,
Amar a a# of feart.y ytoara# laltarotik,gAa uut," qd 4v�iz leva`iG
%0 r4kiodx . tyw f1r4a of pAtrl&o Aox and 14%
+ 3vPaP��k-yT K k'•y- �2
At,
Hawkins Collection, Missouri State Archives, Winnie Davis Brach of UDC
"Jefferson City Missouri State Times, July 4, 1866, cited by Kremer at 71.
61 Jefferson City Missouri State Times, July 28, 1866, cited by Kremer at 71.
66 Robert L. Hawkins, III Collection, Record Group 998.280, Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City
Page 18 of 32
This UDC history was devoted to the "Lost Cause" theory of the Civil War — and more. It
extended to Reconstruction and the Klu Klux Klan. In 1912, the Historian General of the UDC,
one Ms. Mildred Rutherford argued the KKK was a necessity and source of pride to the UDC:
The Ku Klux Klan was an absolute necessity in the South
at this time. This Order was not composed of the "riff raff"
as has been represented in history, but of the very flower of
Southern manhood. The chivalry of the South demanded pro-
tection for the women and children of the South.
The UDC's embrace of the KKK was not an aberration. In 1913, UDC members at its
national convention "unanimously endorsed" a children's book named "The Ku Klux Klan or
Invisible Empire" and "pledged to secure its adoption as a Supplementary Reader in the schools
and to place it in the Libraries of our Land." The author dedicates the book to "Youth of the
Southland, hoping that a perusal of its pages will inspire them with respect and admiration for the
Confederate soldiers, who were the real Ku Klux, and whose deeds of courage and valor, have
never been surpassed, and rarely equated, in the annals of history."
UOUVTEU KU ALUM.
THE KU KLUX KLAN
OR
INVISIBLE EMPIRE
BY
Mae. S. E. F. Rosa
Author of
"The O. A C. Its Object and Mission"
"The Confederate Picture Oatlery"
"Artington—rts Past and Present"
Page 19 of 32
ronumea cr
M 0eaw� Ca., ba.
Ner
]OIL
La.
The book is chilling in its descriptions of newly freed slaves and its glorification of violence
and terror. It spews the following:
The negro considered freedom synonymous with equality, and his greatest
ambition was to marry a white wife. Under such conditions the negro
clothed with all authority and outnumbering the white, two to one, open
resistance would have meant instant death, or being sent to some Northern
dungeon, there to languish and die, leaving loved ones exposed to dangers
too terrible to contemplate, at the hands of these brutish despots. Under such
conditions there was only one recourse left, to organize a powerful Secret
Order to accomplish what could not be done in the open. So the Confederate
soldiers, as members of the Ku Klux Klan, and fully equal to any
emergency, came again to the rescue, and delivered the South from a
bondage worse than death.b7
The UDC then details methods, admitting that "some negroes were killed by the Ku Klux Klan,
but in every instance, it was because they offered resistance." The book describes what it means:
It is true that some negroes were killed by the Ku Klux, but in every
instance, it was because they offered resistance. The Ku Klux would visit a
negro who had been guilty of wrong doing, and who had been repeatedly
warned to conduct himself in the proper manner, they would carry him out
to give him a severe whipping as a punishment, and in order to scare him
into behaving himself, and the negro would make an attack on the Ku Klux,
who were then forced to kill him in self-defense. The truth about it would
never be known, and the report would go out that the Ku Klux had murdered
a negro in cold blood, the truest facts in the case always being suppressed.68
Even in the absence of outright violence, the book paints a detailed picture of the terror
that the KKK spread. In one chapter, with the UDC's admiration, a Mississippi Klansman regales
the UDC audience with a story about breaking up a large meeting at a water well:
We had true and tried negroes, who had been with us, and ministered to our
wants, faithful as Newfoundland dogs to their trusts. These negroes were
our spies. They would tell us where the negroes, Scalawags, and Carpet-
baggers, were going to hold their meetings, and "Pow Wows" as they were
called. Upon the night the meeting took place we would be there. 69
One particular night, this Klansman set out on horses to confront a group meeting at a water
well. The Klansman had put contraptions under their white robes into which they could pour water
that, when released, made a hissing sound. The UDC history relays the story:
6' UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 17.
68 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 28.
69 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 57.
Page 20 of 32
As I rode up, there were about one hundred negroes around this well, and
in the quarters were several thousand negroes, yanks, and scala -wags. The
negroes were laughing, and making a noise, that could be easily heard half
a mile away. When I came in sight, there was dead silence around the well.
I rode straight up; an old white-haired negro had just drawn a bucket and it
rested on the covering of the well. In a deep, sepulchral tone, I said, `Uncle
Tom, give me a drink of water, I have not had one since the first battle of
Manassas.' He poured the water into a bucket, and handed it up, and down
I poured it into my seemingly open mouth. The escaping air sounded like
steam escaping from a surcharged boiler. I called for another, and another,
until I had disposed of my thirteen buckets. The eyes of the negroes in that
crowd were stretched in abject terror, and they were as dumb as oysters.
For long years afterwards, after nightfall, not a negro could be induced to
go to one of these wells that we had visited; and before the last one of us on
one of these night rides had been water, not a white man or negro, who did
not live in these quarters, could be found within a mile of them. Such a
stampede as would take place, beggars my powers of description. The
further they got from the scene, the greater became their fears; and the more
rapid their flight; for distance, in reality, seemed to lend enchantment to
their view.
We could rest assured, that there would never be another `Pow Wow' in any
quarter lot, church, or gathering place, that the Ku Klux Klan had paid a
visit.70
To the author and the UDC it was all in good fun that the KKK could and would invoke this fear,
and it was only the "superstitions" of their victims that prevented them from meeting. But, hold
on, a black or white person meeting in Mississippi knew exactly what a group of men with white
hoods, robes, crosses, and horses meant. It meant a significant threat of violence — or death — for
the mere wrong of holding a meeting or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The UDC details that the violence and threats were not limited to blacks or night, but also
included whites who believed in the rule of law. The UDC's book explains:
Down in Mississippi, during the high tide of Reconstruction, a Carpet -bag
Justice of the Peace was trying a white man for assaulting a negro. One of
the Ku Klux leaders of that State walked into court, and placed a pistol on
the table in front of him, and moved, `that the court adjourn.' It immediately
did adjourn, and that Justice never held court again, although he remained
in office more than a year longer.71
All of this was necessary, said the UDC, to prevent blacks from enjoying equal rights:
The negro population was largely illiterate, and most of the negroes holding
office during Reconstruction could neither read nor write, and yet they sat
70 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 57-59.
71 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 29.
Page 21 of 32
upon petit and grand juries, were elected magistrates and constables when
they did not known even the meaning of words. As members of the
Legislatures, many of the negroes could only sign their pay rolls by means
of signs and marks. This was the galling yoke that was to be thrust upon the
necks of the white men of the South, in whose veins coursed the purest and
best blood of the ages. Relief from this desperate and humiliating condition
came through the Ku Klux Klan and the South was redeemed from Carpet -
Bag, Scala -wag and Negro rule. 72
The UDC's book provides further examples — extolling the Klan's breaking up of a meeting
at a church — and stating that, the Klan taught the lesson of "the inevitability of Anglo-Saxon
supremacy, ... [when] the sturdy white men of the South, against all odds, maintained white
supremacy and secured Caucasian civilization, when its very foundations were threatened within
and without. ,73 The UDC concluded with its description of how history should "think, then, of the
Ku Klux Klan as a great circle of light, illuminated with deeds of love and patriotism, and holding
within its protected and shining circle, the very life and welfare of our beloved Southland."74 The
KKK, in the eyes of the UDC, was "a ray of light," a "star of hope ... [that] appears upon the scene
with its avowed purpose to preserve and uphold the white civilization of the South. It was a creation
born of necessitous times, of pure and patriotic impulses, and to relieve a dire and humiliating
distress."75 The KKK, says then UDC, "has just been called the Salvation of the South and its
history should be written in letters of light."76
A group that endorses such things rarely repents or renounces them. Such was the case
with the UDC. In 1914, the Missouri UDC's official "Course of Study" called for members to
learn and teach about the history of the Klan as their task for September. In 1916, the president of
the Los Angeles Chapter of the UDC penned another ode to the Klan, instructing that "Every
clubhouse of the United Daughters of the Confederacy should have a memorial tablet dedicated to
the Ku Klux Klan; that would be a monument not to one man, but to five hundred and fifty
'Z UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 32-33.
73 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 51.
74 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 77.
's UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 77.
76 UDC Unanimously Endorsed, The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire at 77.
Page 22 of 32
thousand men, to whom all Southerners owe a debt of gratitude; for how our beloved Southland
could have survived that reign of terror is a big question."
���e n u t i� Of the
sated: 't the ._..',Klux K - i d t -
ment not to ont man, but to - vehu died. and fifty
thousand men, to whoin all. Sou th erers owe a debt
of gratitude,; for Itow our btlov d Sotnhland could.
ave :um'that reignof ; ter 's a big quVaJ .
And in the 1920s, the Columbia Chapter of the UDC proudly announced that it was using the
Klan book for program purposes:
John S. Marmaduke Chapter No. 713, Columbia.
Madam President and. Daughters of the Confederacy;
The John S. Marmaduke. Chapter No. 713 ' extends a
cordial welcome to the representatives here assembled, and
are pleased to submit the following report:
Twelve regular and one call meetings.
There are fifty paid members and ten new members.
The program made out by the General Historian has been
closely followed.
"The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government,"
by Jefferson Davis, was purchased, and one member purchased
Andrew's United States History and Mrs. Rose's Ku Klux
Klan, which are used for program work.
Eighteen of Miss Rutherford's pamphlets were purchased
by the Chapter and placed in each of the five public schools,
the high school library, Christian College and Stephens College
libraries and the State Univemity lihrarv.
In Alabama, UDC chapters sold "a beautiful Ku Klux Klan frost -card ... for the benefit of the
United Daughters of the Confederacy work."77 Another UDC group placed copies of the UDC's
KKK book in "all the school and public libraries of the city. ,71
77 Alabama History of the UDC at 271.
78 Alabama History of the UDC at 345.
Page 23 of 32
The Klan in Jefferson City
The Klan had a presence in Jefferson City and its activities were both anti -black and anti-
Catholic. The Klan established itself in Missouri in 1921—first in Joplin and St. Louis, with Kansas
City soon to follow. There is evidence that UDC members in Jefferson City were interested in the
Klan's growth. Among other newspaper clippings in the UDC scrapbook maintained at the
Secretary of State's office is a fraying copy of an article from the Kansas City Star in May 1921
titled, "The Fiery Cross Flames as in the Days of Old."19
'9 Robert L. Hawkins, III Collection, Record Group 998.280, 01335, Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City
Page 24 of 32
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'9 Robert L. Hawkins, III Collection, Record Group 998.280, 01335, Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City
Page 24 of 32
Klan newspapers claimed Jefferson City was "swarming with citizen-Klansmen."80 In
August 1923, the Klan "set fiery crosses at locations throughout the city and rumors circulated
about a planned Klan parade."81 At the time, the Fulton Daily Sun estimated there were 300 to 500
Klansmen in Cole County. 82
In 1924, as the state came together to dedicate the new Capitol building, "rumors circulated
in the press that John P. Gordon, a prominent Jefferson City Klansman and member of the capitol
dedication committee, objected to a scene" with a positive portrayal of Catholic contributions to
Missouri.83 Seating was segregated and the Klan made its presence known. It placed recruiting
flyers throughout town, "including on the front of the pageant stage, advertising an upcoming
`patriotic' rally and a food stand run by" the KKK along the parade route. 84
The statewide Klan used the state Capitol for its meetings. In July 1924, it organized a
meeting (a "Klonvokation") in the chamber of the Missouri House. Once inside, the Klan locked
the doors to keep its meeting private. Gov. Arthur Hyde acted quickly — ordering the doors
unlocked or for the Klan to leave the building.85 The Klan complied — and merely crossed the
Capitol lawn and High Street to the Merchants Bank Building, where the headquarters of the
Jefferson City Klan was located. Ironically, this is next door to the present location of the Missouri
Chapter of the NAACP.
In November 1924 of that year, Klan -backed L.C. Withaup ran the race for sheriff. When
he took over, he allowed the Klan to ride along on liquor raids targeted mainly against area
Catholics. Leading the Jefferson City Tribune to ask, "Is the law of the klan above the law of the
8° Sean Rost, A Call to Citizenship: Anti -Klan Activism in Missouri — 1921-1928, July 2018 at 160, 204, citing
Jefferson City Tribune, Nov. 25, 1925 and The Patriot, July 12, 1923.
81 Rost at 201, citing Cole County Rustler Weekly, Aug. 24, 1923.
82 Rost at 204, citing Fulton Daily Sun, Aug. 18, 1923.
83 Rost at 22. As fate would have it, Gordon was forced to introduce Catholic Archbishop John Glennon for the
opening invocation. Cardinal Glennon "called on God to bless the capitol so that corruption might never be found
within its walls and `the black clouds of bigotry might never darken its dome." Id., citing St. Louis Post -Dispatch,
Oct. 7, 1924.
84 Id.
85 Gov. Hyde had been criticized for a Klan event in the House chamber in February 1924, which the Jefferson City
Klan had advertised by posting "fliers for the event throughout the community, including on the front door of the
nearby St. Peter's Catholic Church[.]" Id. at 266.
Page 25 of 32
land?"86 In July, the Klan held a picnic with 400 attendees on the outskirts of Jefferson City,
including sheriff's department deputies. 87
In November 1928, on the eve of election day, a series of crosses were burned along
Lafayette Street — which then, as now, ran by Lincoln University.88 Democrats and Republicans
blamed each other. But ultimately, the guilty party was never identified.
By the mid -1930s, the Klan had largely died out in Jefferson City and throughout the
country. But, of course, racism and Jim Crow had not.
The Marker and Race -Relations in Jefferson City in 1933
In November 1932, the UDC decided it would place a Civil War marker in Jefferson
City.89 Plans were made to place the marker at the intersection of Moreau Drive and Hough Park
Road, and the ceremony was ultimately set for April 6, 1933 — Holy Thursday that year.
In 1933, it was not easy to be black and living in Jefferson City. The late history Prof.
Lorenzo Greene from Lincoln University described what it was like to arrive in 1933:
As I lugged my bags off the train, I had one overriding desire: to reach the
university as quickly as possible. Fortunately, several taxes were parked
near the station. I hailed one. The first white driver ignored me. The next let
me have it straight: "We don't haul niggers. Get that `nigger' cab over
there." Stifling my anger, I took my bags to where two taxis, driven by
blacks were parked.90
The cab then took Greene to campus, where there was a restaurant just across the street. By this
time, it was late and Greene was hungry — but they would not serve him at the restaurant across
the street. He was directed down the street to a drug store. Greene describes what happened next:
The drugstore had a lunch counter. It was now nearly ten o'clock and I was
hungry. I sat down at the counter. A young man asked me what I wanted.
"A hamburger and a vanilla malted milk," I said. "I'm sorry," he replied,
"but we don't serve colored here." I felt both angry and embarrassed,
particularly since several white customers were intently watching me with
smirks on their faces. Ignoring them, I asked the clerk whether he had any
86 Id. at 304, citing Jefferson City Tribune, June 5, 1925.
8' Id. at 305, citing Jefferson City Tribune, July 22, 1925.
88 Id. at 325, citing Jefferson City Post -Tribune, November 5, 1928; Jefferson City Daily Capital News, November
6, 1928.
89 UDC members themselves would likely never refer to it as the "Civil War," but instead as either "The War of
Northern Aggression" or "The War Between the States."
91 Lorenzo Greene, Gary Kremer, and Antonio Holland, Missouri's Black Heritage, at 1.
Page 26 of 32
vanilla ice cream. He replied that he did. "You can sell a colored person a
pint of ice cream, can't you?" I asked sarcastically. "Yes," he answered.
"Well, give me a pint of vanilla, and you do have wooden spoons?" Again
an affirmative reply. "Then please put two of them in the bag with the ice
cream!" He did so. I left the story, carrying my "supper" with me. Lonely
and angry, I retraced my steps to the university. It was my first experience
with racism in Jefferson City. 91
It was in this atmosphere that the UDC gifted the city a marker to the city focused on the
Confederacy. On April 2, 1933, the Sunday before the unveiling, the Jefferson City Tribune ran a
feature article on the unveiling. The article noted that Missouri Gov. Guy Park was expected to
speak and that the Missouri red granite boulder and bronze plaque purchased by the UDC was "to
mark the spot where Gen. Sterling Price ... decided he would not try to capture Missouri's Capital
City and subject it to the Southern cause."92
The paper noted that there was no marker anywhere else in the city, and "the UDC started
a movement to keep alive in the city's memory at least this one historic and far-reaching decision
which historians agree did much toward hastening the close of the conflict and probably saved the
Capital City from much bloodshed and destruction."93
The article, likely written from a template or press release provided by the UDC, is an
incredible testament to the UDC's effort to rewrite history. It starts by claiming that Jefferson City
was "in effect," Price's "hometown" and that Gov. Clairborne Fox Jackson was "driven out of
Jefferson City" and established "the state capital temporarily at Neosho and there the
administration of government was carried on." In fact, what happened is that Missouri's
convention in 1861 (called by Jackson), voted 98 to one against secession, Gov. Jackson refused
to provide support to the Union, and he fled Jefferson City in fear of advancing Union troops that
were supporting the state convention's rejection of secession. It also ignores that a later convention
declared Jackson's office vacated because he had abandoned the State Capital, and new officers
were appointed.
91 Greene, Missouri's Black Heritage at 2.
9z Jefferson City Tribune, April 2, 1933.
93 ICI.
Page 27 of 32
The article laments that a new Gov. Tom Reynolds "was powerless to return to Jefferson
City." But it omits that Gov. Reynolds had abandoned the state altogether — going into the private
practice of law in South Carolina after the Federal government had established a provisional
government there after retaking control of the state.94 It also omits that Reynolds had established
a Missouri state government in exile in Marshall, Texas — not Neosho. 95
Next, the article asserts, "With this condition existing in Missouri, General Lee asked Price
to invade the state as a raiding party and if possible, capture the capital." This too is revisionist.
General Lee did not task Price with invading the state. Gen. Lee was the commander of the Army
of Northern Virginia. General E. Kirby Smith was the Confederate commander of the Trans -
Mississippi Department. Price's orders were given by Gen. Smith, not Gen. Lee. 96
Then the article claims, "While Lee knew the cause of the South was hopelessly lost,
historians quote him as believing such a strategic move would do much toward strengthening the
courage of the Confederacy and bolster a badly shaken morale." So, if this article is to be believed,
in September 1864, Lee was still fighting hard in northern Virginia and thousands of his men were
still dying, even though he "knew the cause of the South was hopelessly lost." So, to bolster the
Southern spirit, he ordered an invasion of a state in which he had never set foot for a task that he
knew to be hopeless? This conflicts with any argument that Gen. Lee was honorable. What
honorable man would subject his troops and fellow citizens to months of further deprivation,
despair, and death just so he could temporarily "strengthen the courage" and bolster morale?
Here's how the write-up on the UDC's marker unveiling 67 years after the fact described
the events of October 6, 1864:
The Union army was intrenched behind their stone fortifications, plainly in
view of the valley below. These fortifications were spread out over the
entire district which now includes Vineyard Square, Moreland and Elmerine
Avenues and Moreau Drive as far north as Fairmount Circle. Many of the
beautiful cobblestone houses in this section and the buildings at the State
Park were built from the old stone walls that stood until recent years.
" Mark A. Lause, Price's Lost Campaign: The 1864 Invasion of Missouri, at 14-15.
95 Lause, Price's Lost Campaign at 14-15.
96 Maj. Davis, Compound Warfare During Price's Raid, at 31.
Page 28 of 32
With the two forces facing each other, excitement in Jefferson City ran high.
Every citizen, whether Southerner or Northerner, was barricading his home
for the battle that seemed inevitable.
At sunrise, both sides were ready for the order to attack. The capitol dome
was plainly in view of the Confederates who confidently expected to capture
it by nightfall. Several hours passed, and no word came from the tent of the
commanding general. Finally at 10 o'clock the staff officers were called to
headquarters and the order to march westward was given. Jefferson City
would not fall to the Confederates.
While many reasons have been advanced as to why Price passed up
Jefferson City, it is believed the real reason for his decision was his love for
the city and his affection for its citizens with whom he had spent four of the
happiest years of his life as governor of the state.
A bronze tablet, identifying the spot and the event, is being placed on the
granite marker to be unveiled Thursday. 97
And this, it appears, is where the myth that Sterling Price "spared" Jefferson City because of a
romantic notion that he "loved the city too much to attack" appears to have been born and gained
acceptance by our community. I can remember hearing that explanation growing up here. And yet,
there is no basis for that claim.
Try to put yourself in Price's shoes — or buggy — if you will. Here he is in 1864 on the
outskirts of Jefferson City. Things are looking bleak for the Confederacy. He is a slave -owner. He
is incredibly ambitious and self-absorbed. He has thrown his lot in with the Confederacy. He has
suffered several failures as a general. Now, against the odds, he has been given charge of a last -
chance sling -shot effort to win the entire war by swaying the election of 1864 against Abraham
Lincoln. If he succeeds in taking and keeping Jefferson City, Price must believe he will be a hero
for all of Confederate history.
But Price and his men had just been whipped at Pilot Knob. And when he reaches the spot
where he could claim his mantle as the man who saved the South, he is met with fierce resistance
97 Historic Marker to Be Unveiled Thursday: Gov. Park to Speak on Spot Where General Price Made Momentous
Decision in Civil War, Jefferson City Daily Capital News, April 2, 1933
Page 29 of 32
and the prospect of fighting through earthworks and block -by -block, house -by -house through what
he believes to be a thoroughly fortified and defended city. He also knows that, even if he happens
to gain control of the town, the lesson of 1861 is that, with control of the river, Union
reinforcements can arrive from St. Louis within days — and he will have to win yet another battle.
Rather than choosing not to attack because he loved our city, the clear facts are that Price decided
he could not take it without a bloodbath to his own men and that, even if he could take the city,
there's no way he could hold it for long after incurring heavy losses.
Sterling Price did not turn away from here because he was a gentleman who loved Jefferson
City. He turned away because he knew he could not win. The combination of the Union Army,
German immigrants, freed slaves and others in our community were going to give him the fight of
his life. He was going to lose, perhaps die, and he knew it. Even with his decision to leave without
attack, the city was in shambles — and it is safe to say he was the most hated man in the city: "may
the alligators of the Southern bayous devour Price and his horde of ruffians, rather than that they
be permitted to return to Missouri."98 Those are not words reserved for an honorable man.
Yet, here we are, seven score and 16 years later, and it is only General Price who has a
Civil War marker in our community with his name — securing his memory but not the actual facts
of what happened in October 1864, much less any other time during the Civil War. While
purporting to be neutral, the marker is anything but. By only stating, "Deciding against attack, the
Confederate Army under Gen. Sterling Price turned from Jefferson City October 7, 1864," the
UDC made Price the hero and his decision the center of the story.
Price was no hero. Nor was his Confederate army. To Jefferson Davis, Price was "the
vainest man" he ever met. To his commanding officer, Price was "good for nothing." He was so
untrustworthy with power that his superiors sent Thomas Reynolds along to ensure Price would
not name himself governor. To Reynolds, Price was "devious, insincere, petulant, and arrogant."
And his campaign was ultimately described by one prominent fellow Confederate as "the stupidest,
98 Kremer at 70,.citing Jefferson City Missouri State Times, December 17, 1864.
Page 30 of 32
wildest, wantonest, wickedest march every made by a general who had a voice like a lion and a
spring like a guinea pig."99
The UDC's marker makes a hero out of a man of whom our community said should never
"pollute the soil of our State by his presence" again. But worse, the UDC marker purposefully
ignores our community's history as a Union -town, a German -immigrant town, and a refuge to
freed slaves so desperate that they were willing to swim across the Missouri River in droves to get
here. In doing so, the UDC helped perpetuate the myth that still lives on today —that Jefferson City
was "spared" by Price's chivalric notions. The opposite was true. Jefferson City was nearly ruined
by his mere presence in the vicinity and he was hated here.
In one sense, the marker, as currently placed, is ahistorical. There is no historical value to
the rock. There is no historical value to the concrete block on which it sits. There is no historical
value to the plaque that is pinned upon it. And there is no historical value to the place where it sits
today. Worse, the marker is anti -historical. It perpetuates a myth, not historic truth. And it puts
the focus on the Confederacy when, in our town, the focus should be on the Union, the anti -slavery
German immigrants, and the freed black residents who worked together to stave off an attack.
Our community has a tremendous, truthful story to tell about its place in the Civil War.
While that history is complicated by Confederate sympathizers, we were a Union city from start
to finish. Instead of celebrating the outsiders who our city's forebears thought should be devoured
by alligators, we ought to celebrate the Union troops, German immigrants, and freed black
residents who made our community their refuge from racial violence just outside our borders.
99 Id. at 4.
Page 31 of 32
Proposed Actions for the City of Jefferson
1. Remove the United Daughters of Confederacy marker to Sterling Price as soon as possible.
Eighty-seven years of UDC fiction is long enough. Our history was complicated, but ultimately
our city was on the right side of history. We can and should honor our city's rich heritage — its true
history. Let's celebrate our Union, not our divisions.
2. Begin a process for placing historically accurate markers to honor our City's actual history.
The City should consult with community leaders, organizations, stakeholders, and historians to
create several spaces to celebrate our actual history. These could include:
a. McClung Park — An exhibit on entrenchments and the City's effort to save itself.
b. Munichburg — Highlighting Civil War contributions of German immigrants.
c. North Jefferson City / Bridge / Adrian's Island — A marker to commemorate
Missouri's status as a beacon and refuge for slaves escaping to freedom in 1863.
d. Jackson Street by MSP —A marker recognizing the Iatan's landing in 1861.
e. MSP — A museum with the full, honest history of Jefferson City in the Civil War.
Page 32 of 32
Senzee, Rachel
From: schantzm@embarqmail.com
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 2:44 PM
To: Tergin, Carrie; Ward, Laura; 'Alan Wheat'; mitchellwoodrum@gmail.com; Senzee, Rachel;
Sanders, Sonny; Moehlman, Ryan; 'Brad Schafer'; Donna Deetz; 'Gail Jones; 'Gregory
Bemboom'; 'Michael Berendzen'; 'Steven Hoffman'; 'Tiffany Patterson'
Cc: Schreiber, Mark; Hensley, Jon
Subject: UDC Plaque
Attachments: email to Dick Dalton.docx
Dick, I have attached a response to you, which I am sending to the entire HPC and others. I believe that communications
received related to business of the HPC need to be shared with the Commission and others involved and openness and
transparency in government is best. This is an important issue and I appreciate your interest and willingness to bring it
forward. Thanks, Mary
Hi Mary,
hear my first letter got published today. I also hear that the Historic Preservation group had a discussion with only
supporters of keeping the marker present and reporting your `results' to the City Council. Let me know if I got wrong
info.
I suggest you hold a public hearing on the subject and allow those of us that oppose leaving the marker anywhere in
Jefferson City have a chance to share our thoughts. That would be the democratic thing to do.
Tomorrow I'll be submitting my second letter. This is the basic gist of it.
Two thoughts
1. There is no glory in war.
2. The Trojan Horse
We all know that ancient story of the losers leaving a gift for the winners and the outcome. I can feel your mental
wheels turning already. Yes, the losers of the Civil War, a few generations after the loss, had a revelation:
`We can keep the spirit and memory of our great ancestors and the Cause of the Confederacy alive by gifting statues and
memorials, monuments, and markers to cities throughout the `South' with our soldier's proud names emblazoned into
the hearts and minds of their citizens forever.'
The United Daughters of the Confederacy had a chapter in Jefferson City, the Winnie Davis Chapter. A modest marker
was presented to the city in 1933. No mention of the Union or the citizens of Jefferson City who rallied together to
defend their Capital city. No, just "THE CONFEDERATE ARMY UNDER GEN. STERLING PRICE" and, of course, the names of
the gift givers, "WINNIE DAVIS CHAPTER UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY."
Innocent? Or well -devised plan? I say the latter. And here we are 87 years later with Jeff City citizens in a battle over the
Confederate gift. The Historic Preservation Society wants the Confederates to win the battle this time. Why? Why keep a
divisive marker given by the ancestors of the South? Adding "context" is adding insult to injury. They were fighting to
maintain and expand slavery—the owning of black people! They lost.
There is no glory in war. We need no markers or monuments to remind us. We have the tombstones of the dead, books
to read, and, unfortunately, the living legacy that still treats blacks as second class citizens. Remove the Marker on
Moreau Now!
If you have any corrections to what I'm saying I'd appreciate hearing it. I know we have something in our paradigm
layers that have us viewing this marker differently. Maybe we could talk and see what that is.
Mary Schantz
/42
Carrie Tergin, Mayor
City Hall
320 E McCarty
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Dear Mayor;
An article in the News Tribune concerning the Marker on Moreau Street caught
my attention. The article stated a concern by a citizen of Virginia about a removal
of the marker. The Historical Preservation Committee was looking into it.
Since I don't know how to contact them, I am hoping you can pass my views
about it on to them. I think the matter should be the business of Jefferson City
residence rather than someone from Virginia.
The marker in my opinion concern the defeat of the attack by Gen Sterling
Prices's forces on Jefferson City. I have always thought of that marker as a
celebration of turning back the attack by Union forces. It made me proud
because my late husband's great-grandfather was part of the Osage County Home
Guard who were defending the Capitol.
His name was Mathias Stiefermann and while he was here in Jefferson City,
Prices's forces destroyed as much as possible on his farm in Osage County leaving
the family without food and only the clothing on their backs. Much of their
property was burned. Relatives had to help them out so they could survive.
The Confederates also did the same to my ancestors in Franklin County and shot
several men dead in that area because they refused to join with the Confederates.
My great-grandfather hid out and hid his horses to save both himself and the
horses.
So, let's take up a collection and buy the concerned person from Virginia a book
on the history of Price's march through Missouri. Maybe they will see the marker
as I do.
WWI
Mary Stiefermann
Po 16 41 q(c 3c
S�,� C,11- !'{110 6 5 1 t6
Senzee, Rachel
Subject: FW: Requests to rename Sterling Price Road
From: Erin Perry <perrynumbatwo@gmail.com>
Date: June 8, 2020 at 10:17:19 AM CDT
To: "Lester, Mike" <MikeLester@jeffcitymo.org>
Subject: Removal of Confederate Monument for Sterling Price
Good morning!
My name is Erin Perry, I live in Ward 2, and my zip code is 65109. My phone number is 573-821-5738.
This is a message for City Councilman Lester regarding a confederate monument in western Jefferson
City.
There's a monument at the intersection of Monreau and Fairmount for General Sterling Price, who is a
former confederate officer and governor of Missouri. I believe that we should remove this confederate
monument as soon as possible - monuments such as this belong in our museums - perhaps the Cole
County Historical Museum - and not in our neighborhoods. I think it is essential to remember our history,
but not honor and revere the history of racism and horror of our past, especially something that honors
someone who actively enslaved people. All neighbors should feel welcome in Jefferson City, and I believe
that the removal of this monument will make that possible.
There. is also a road that connected to Missouri Blvd that is named after this confederate
general, Sterling Price Road, that should be renamed. There are far more important people in
Jefferson City's history that should be honored with their own street, not someone who enslaved people.
Thank you! Bless y'all for the work that you do for our city.
Erin
From: Emily Perry [emperrylUagmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 08, 2020 10:38 AM
To: Ward, Laura
Subject: Sterling Price Monuments
Good morning, Councilperson Ward,
I'm reaching out this morning because two monuments to former Governor Sterling Price's legacy have been
brought to my attention. I want to question why we have a monument and a street sign dedicated to this
Missouri leader, who actively worked to turn Missouri into a Confederate State? It is important to discuss
our state's history in the Civil War, but providing monuments to the leaders that actively supported a movement
to keep slavery legal will not teach us anything. Rather, it continues to support our community's inability to
address and work against the structural and societal racism that is ingrained in our history.
We need a better way to actively engage and reflect on the history with slavery, racism, and injustice in this city
and in our state than supporting Confederate leaders by giving them monuments and streets dedicated to their
legacy. Please help our community move forward by:
• Taking down these monuments to Sterling Price
• Creating conversations in the community on why this is an important and just thing to do
• Work with the community to discuss how we should reflect on our state and city's history with racial
injustice -- what monuments can we put up to celebrate the Missouri -born black leaders and innovators
who have prospered, despite the work of Sterling Price and other Missouri residents?
Thank you for your time and your help,
Emily Perry
Jefferson City Resident, Ward 2
From: Carolyn Perry [carolyn,perry2l�gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 08, 2020 9:43 AM
To: carrietergin@gmail.com; Mihalevich, Rick; Ward, Laura
Subject: Monument Removal
Carrie, Rick, and Laura,
just heard about a movement, particularly among the young people of Jefferson City, to call for the
removal of the United Daughters of the Confederacy monument on Moreau Drive that commemorates
CSA General Sterling Price's 1864 Missouri campaign --and to change the name of SterlingPrice, Drive.
I'm writing to record my support of this effort. Those of us who are older need to pave the way for the
change our younger citizens are demanding. We should have done more in the past, but we now have an
opportunity that we must seize. While I rarely get involved in causes like this one, I am now willing to do
so primarily as a sign of support for those who are inheriting the world generations before them have
created.
As you're having these discussions, I would also like to suggest a counter -proposal. What if, instead of
"erasing history," we raised money to put up a second monument that speaks to the suffering caused by
the Confederacy, in order to educate our community regarding our racial past? I've heard that this
response has been successful in other cities, so it might be worth considering.
At any rate, thank you for listening. And please add my name to the list of supporters.
Carolyn Perry
124 Boonville Road
Ward 2
change,org Start a petition My petitions Browse Membership
Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau Drive
Petition details Comments Updates
Reasons for signing
See why other supporters are signing, why this petition is important to them. and share your reason for
signing (this will mean a lot to the starter of the petition).
Gieselle Fest
12 hours ago
It is our history! You can tell or learn if you only have have the story. Build up don't tear down ... it only
causes more hate! STOP
Q 0 Report
. Robert Hawkins
":o hours ago
I walked by this marker twice a day enroute to kindergarten. It is a marker, not a monument. Its
language is innocuous and glorifies no one. My grandmother was a member of the UDC chapter that
erected it, in fact was its President for many years, as was my mother. Historic... Read more
Q t RF fort
Joshua civiletti
20 hours ago
This is a piece of history and you cannot erase history. The senseless destruction of Confederate
monuments is outright disgusting. These were soldiers who fought for their homes and their families.
They should be respected and honored as such
00 RApQA
Q Log in
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Wes Franklin
21 hours ago
This is simply a historical marker that says 'this happened here:` It isn't even a monument. Let's get
real.
Cj 0 Report
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Connie Ritchie
1 day ago
All of history needs to be known, out in the open. That's how we learn from it.
CO 0 Report
Thomas Dobyns
1 day ago
Mayor & City Council of .Jefferson City; My hope is to help each of you with making the right decision to
keep this monument where it stands and has stood for many years through numerous City Councils,
Mayors. Governors and Presidents -both Republicans and Democrats. It wasnt right to move it then and
it isnt right to move it now. This country has seen so many (too many) other statues and monuments of
historical men, women and events removed because it "offends" others. History can be offensive only
when it does not align with ones beliefs because its just that -history! Having a Confederate Monument
in place is not offensive to ALL residents of a multi -racial and multicultural community, whether they
were aware of it's existence or not! Probably most of those opposed of this monument recently
discovered it and had to look up who Sterling Price was! If we are to have equal rights in this country,
wouldn't my southern heritage be JUST as important as black history?
Since 2007, Jefferson City has been designated a "Preserve America Community% The Preserve
America Program was a White House effort to encourage and support communities that preserve and
promote America's cultural and natural heritage. One of the goals of this program includes a "greater
shared knowledge about the nation's past". Does the city not retain this designation still and is this
monument, the protection of this monument, worthy of such recognition?
Monuments are stone and metal. They are inanimate objects, so they can't intimidate. They sit quietly
to remind folks of history, gallantry and sacrifice. They are only offensive to those who choose to hate
and forget. The offense is created by those who choose to make it a topic of division in the given
community where it has stood through many different Democratic and Republican presidents and many
different city councils and mayors. Lets talk about Sterling Price and what he did in his life compared to
those who actively want to remove this monument. Sterling Price lead the 2nd Missouri Volunteers in
the Mexican -American War, Missouri Congressman, 1845-1846; GOVERNOR of Missouri, 1853-1857;
Major General of the Missouri State Guard, 1861-1862; Major General in the Confederate States Army,
March 6,1862 to the dissolution of the Confederacy in 1865. Personally, Sterling Price view slavery as an
evil. He chose to side with the Confederacy when the Civil War broke out because he feared the Federal
government's use of force in Missouri, • After the events of Camp Jackson on May 10, 1861, Price
organized the Missouri State Guard to try to stop the federal troops who intended to drive the
secessionist Missouri government from power.
After the events of Camp Jackson on May 10, 1861, Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson and General Price
met with the head of Federal troops, Nathaniel Lyon. This meeting, which took place at Planter's House
Hotel in St. Louis, did not end well, and it was clear that the Federal troops intended to drive Jackson
and his government, which had proven to be secessionist, out of power.
"Rather than concede to the state of Missouri.... the right to dictate to my government in any matter
however unimportant, I would see you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and every man, woman, and
child in the state dead and buried. This means war." Read that again please. All of this information
comes from the State Historical Society of Missouri -Historic Missourians. Read that again -"Historic
Missourians". The monument has been in place for 87 years -longer than any of those in this discussion
have been alive. I am against the removal of this historical monument and against the removal of ANY
historical monument in our great state. I am very proud of my Missouri Confederate ancestry and it
saddens me to see those who desecrate, vandalize or petition the removal of monuments and statues
erected YEARS AGO to honor those who sacrificed much and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Do you really think that the people back then who collected PENNIES to pay for and erect these
statues and monuments thought, "let's do this to make people years from now mad and somehow feel
suppressed?" NO. They erected these and our other monuments and statues in honor and
remembrance of the battles, leaders, sacrifices, of those who's bodies never made it home (which was
the case most often) in the four years of horrible loss during The War Between the States. These men
and women were AMERICANS and worked to rebuild after the war so their children would have a better
future -just like w all do today. Removal of these monuments and statues does not change the history, it
only disgraces and dishonors those who the monuments/statues were put in place for. Looking back, its
easy to judge, criticize and lay blame but it is OUR history, EVERYONE'S history. What group is next to
petition the removal, destruction or renaming of something THEY find or feel is offensive? What about
those who dant?? Why after so many years that these (our) Confederate monuments and statues are
now only offensive? There has not been a time, nor will there be a time, that the removal, destructions
vandalism of these should be allowed to happen. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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Dave Krusemark
2 days ago
History is not there to be changed or altered because it offends you. Learn from it!
0
Repos
Ron Fuenfhausen
2 days ago
The plaque states a fact of the War. Doesn't call him a hero or anything else
CJ o
Report
William Montgomery
2 days agcy
History needs to be saved for future generations to learn from
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Report
Stephen Kuhler
2 days ago
History is not there to be changed or altered because it offends you. Learn from it!
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Report
Sharon Quinn
2 days ago
Leave our history alone
(7 0
Report
8/26/2020 Petition - Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau Drive - Change.org
change.org
Petition details Comments Updates
M
Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau
Drive
h y,
hftps://www.change.org/p/the-mayor-andoity-council-of-jeffemon-city-keep-the-sterling-price-mon-ment-0n-moreau-drive?redirect=false 1116
8/26/2020 Petition • Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau Drive - Change.org
61 have signed. Let's get to 100!
Corey Brand started this petition to The Mayor and City Council of Jefferson City
The City Council is considering a proposal to remove the long standing monument to Gen. Sterling
Price on Moreau Drive. We respectfully request the council vote to let the monument remain. We make
this request for the following reasons:
https://v w .change.org/p/the-mayor-and-oily-council-of-jeffersoncity-keep-the-sterling-price-monument-on-moreau-drive?redirect=false 2/16
8/26/2020
Petition - Keep the Sterling Price monument on Moreau Drive - Change.org
The monument has been standing for 87 years. One cannot make the claim removing the monument is
not erasing history when in fact the monument itself is historical.
The monument contains no racist language whatsoever. The monument simply reads: Deciding against
attack
the Confederate Army under Gen. Sterling Price turned from Jefferson City October 7,1864. The marker
dedicated April 6, 1933p by Winnie Davis Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy
Sterling Price himself was the the Governor of Missouri from 1853 to 1857; thus, Price is intimately
connected with the capitol city.
The Missouri State Guard over which Sterling Price commanded during the Civil War was formed legally
by the authorization of the Missouri General Assembly for the protection of Missouri against violation of
the state's sovereignty.
The expense of removal can better be applied to more pressing issues, such as police reform.
We hope the respected Mayor and City Council will consider this petition based on the above merits.
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Updates
20 hours ago
50 supporters
2 days ago
Corey Brand started this petition
Reasons for signing
https://www.change.org/p/the-mayor-and-city-council-of-jefferson-city-keep-the-sterling-price-monument-on-moreau-drive?redirect=false 3116
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AFTER
August 26, 2020
Sender
Senders Address
How
Received
Date
Received
James Leslie via phone call to Mr. Steve Crowell
Via phone
9.3.2020
Stratman, Anne
From: Senzee, Rachel
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2020 12:05 PM
To: Reinkemeyer, Karlie
Cc: Stratman, Anne
Subject: FW: Sterling Price Monument Contacts
From: Sanders, Sonny
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2020 2:40 PM
To: Senzee, Rachel
Subject: Fwd: Sterling Price Monument Contacts
From: Crowell, Steve <scrowell@ieffcitymo.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2020,1:35 PM
To: Sanders, Sonny
Subject: Sterling Price Monument Contacts
FYI. Mr. James Leslie (573.680.3260) called to say he was not in support of moving the Sterling Price monument. Mr.
Leslie indicates that he would be in support of including a plaque on the monument providing a more thorough
description of the events which the monument is intending to recognize. Mr. Leslie is a longtime resident of Jefferson
City and offered to provide some historical context regarding the monument if somebody were interested. I advised Mr.
Leslie that the commissions having the discussions currently are advisory in nature and that a formal process would
need to be initiated through the appropriate City Council subcommittee.
NOTES