June 22nd Butler Museum

Civil War Research Updates by Author Tom Rafiner

and Archaeologist Dr. Ann Raab

On Saturday, June 22^nd at 10am, the Museum will present another program that is open and free to the public.  Civil War researcher and author, Tom Rafiner along with archaeologist, Dr. Ann Raab, will each discuss their most recent findings.  Tom Rafiner’s research is now solely focused on the families of Bates County who endured Order No. 11 in 1863.  Anyone with stories of their families here in Bates County during that time is encouraged to bring their information for Tom to add to his research.  Often, one small piece of information or family lore is enough to help a researcher ‘connect the dots’.

Tom Rafiner’s book, “Cinders and Silence,” is newly released and he plans to have copies available for purchase.  He also wrote, “Caught Between Three Fires,” which tells the story of Order No. 11 in Cass County.  Tom’s sole focus now is Bates County.  His research will be the most thorough compilation of data about the 1863 exodus that has ever been undertaken.  Bates County is indebted to Tom for this historic body of work.  This is an excellent opportunity for you to connect with the author directly and to make certain that the stories of your ancestors are remembered and included.

Dr. Ann Raab’s archaeological research in Bates County has received national attention through magazines, publications and speaking engagements.  She has brought the stories of Order No. 11 to the attention of many in the field of academics and in the process of spending a great deal of time here, Ann has become a very special friend to the Museum.  We again welcome Ann and look forward to her descriptions of artifacts from the John Green Family dig site that are currently housed at the Bates County Museum, on loan from the University of Kansas.

The Museum will have all the Civil War and pre-Civil War record books in our collection on display.  Folks are encouraged to bring the names of your ancestors and let us see what information we may be able to find.  Among the books are:  1842 Chancery Records, 1854 Swampland Sales, 1857 Bates Co. Court, 1863 Tax Book, 1850 Census, 1860 listing of ‘men’ (ages 10 years and older!) eligible to serve in the military, etc. 

The program presentations will begin at 10:00 am and will be followed with a free will offering luncheon.  For further information call 660-679-0134.

Obituary - Mona Jean Jones

Mona Jean Jones, 83, Harrisonville, Missouri, died Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Benchmark Healthcare of Harrisonville. No services are scheduled. Inurnment will be held at Craighead Forest Cemetery in Jonesboro, Arkansas at a later date.

Mona was born August 12, 1929 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the daughter of Charles Epter and Irene Deide (Finley) Miller. She was an LPN and had worked in the OB ward at the South Haven Hospital in South Haven, Michigan for 15 years before retiring in 1995. She had lived in Michigan for over 60 years until moving to Harrisonville in 2003.

Mona was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother and one son, Gary Jones in 2002. She is survived by three sisters, Ruby West, Gravois Mills, Missouri, Nettie Whitehead, Jonesboro, Arkansas and Loretta “Marty” Cartinhour, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

BUTLER SENIOR CENTER GRANDCHILDREN LUNCH

The Butler Senior Center at 611 W. Mill Street in Butler will be having a bring your grandchildren to lunch day Wednesday June 12 at 11:30AM to 12:30PM. Lunch will consist of Sloppy Joes and Tater Tots. For more information call 660-679-5830.

Photo Of Black Bear Seen by Walker Missouri

NEVADA, Mo. (AP) - The state Department of Conservation says a black bear has been seen wandering in rural west-central Missouri.

The agency says conservation agent Justin Fogle confirmed the sighting last week northeast of Nevada Vernon County.

While black bears are native to Missouri, they were almost eliminated from the state in the 1800s. The department says some bears returned to southern Missouri after a re-introduction in Arkansas that began in the 1950s.

The department says most of Missouri's 150 to 300 black bears are found in the Ozarks farther south and east than the Vernon County sighting.

Conservation agents also say that most bears pose little threat, and it's illegal to kill a black bear in Missouri except to protect a person or property.




Courtesy of NewsTalk 1310 KZRG Facebook Page.

Truck Fire On TT Highway

Butler Fire Department along with Bates County Sheriff responded to a vehicle fire a short time ago. This truck fire was on TT Highway about 1/2 mile from Business I-49. No one was hurt and the cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Bates County Live will update this when more information becomes available.

MORE CHANGES FOR THE BUTLER SQUARE

With the renovation on the Butler Square, to include a walking sidewalk lining the border of the Bates County Court yard. What to Wear Women’s Clothing located on the west side of the Butler Square now is under construction.

The store has purchased the old Pharmacy building adjacent to the present store which will allow the store to double in size.
What To Wear Clothing Store, not only sells women’s clothing but will now stock a line of Vintage Furniture. What to Wear Clothing Store is owned and operated by Piper Duda/Bettels of Butler.

Courtesy of FM. 92

BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR WATER DISTRICT #5

A boil water advisory has been issued for The Adrian area that is on Water District #5 from Tuesday, June 11^th thru Sunday, June 16^th for the entire east side of I-49 in Water District #5. This includes the area from the Cass County Line to County Road 8004 and east to the Henry County line. A boil water “advisory” means conditions are in your best interest to boil all drinking water.

Obituary - Wanda Sue Guffey

Wanda Sue Guffey, 61, Archie, Missouri, died Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at her home, after a three-year battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Thursday, June 13 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Archie, Missouri, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. – noon. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the family, c/o the funeral home.

Wanda was born September 24, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Gerald and Irene (Smart) Cox. She married John Edgar Guffey on March 13, 1970. She worked for Peterson Manufacturing. She attended Assembly of God in Archie. Wanda loved to travel with her husband.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, one son, John Guffey and one brother, Donald Cox. She is survived by her husband, John, of the home; one son, Kevin Guffey, Archie, Missouri; two daughters, Christina Hawkins and husband, Danell and Angela Guffey, all of St. Joseph, Missouri; two brothers, John Cox and Bill Cox; one sister, Barbara Flickinger; 6 grandchildren, Sherry, Sarah, Danell “D. J.”, Tenisha, Jessica and Megan; 9 great-grandchildren and one on the way.