By Richard Schroeder
For the Democrat
Irma Plaster was awarded the Spirit of the Manitou for faithful and dedicated service to the Moniteau County Historical Society at its annual dinner Nov. 10 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Plaster, who has served many years as the hostess committee chairperson, received the award from David Jungmeyer, a previous award winner.
After dinner, the program was presented by Tom Rafiner, author and historian, who spoke about the 1854-1870 border wars between Kansas and Missouri. That included the Aug. 25,1863, General Order No.11, and the Missouri Burnt District.
Union Army General Thomas Ewing's order required several thousand Missouri residents to be forcibly removed from the border counties of Jackson, Bates, Cass and parts of Vernon. Their homes and farmsteads were burned. This was an attempt by Union forces to control the many acts of bushwacking, outlaw raiding and atrocities.
This interesting program was highlighted with good visual aids. Many questions and comments were entertained afterward. Mr. Rafiner's books, Cinders and Silence and Caught Between Three Fires, were available for sale. More information about these books and Mr. Rafiner's research can be found at www.casscountyorderno11.com.
New society officers elected are President Dottie Gump, Vice President Paul Jungmeyer, Secretary Gloria Knipp and Treasurer Shirley Elliott. New board members are Darrel King, Gail Hughes and Harold Haldiman.
Before the meeting adjourned, an auction was held for home baked pies and traditional rag rugs woven on the society museum's loom.
The next society meeting will be Jan. 12 at the Cultural Heritage Center in California. Membership dues will be collected. Annual dues are $15 and Life Memberships are available for $100.