To the editor:
Now that we will be celebrating the 142nd anniversary of Quantrill's Raid of Lawrence that devastated this town, I think we should devote some attention to its forgotten heroes and heroines. When I researched this raid in preparation for a novel, I came across a number of 19th century individuals who deserve special recognition. These include people such as an unknown lady who, according to Lawrence massacre survivor Richard Cordley, saved at least a dozen men by hiding them in a cellar close to town. Another was a Shawnee named Pelathe, who tried but failed to warn Lawrence of the impending attack. Others include Amelia Read, Elizabeth Fisher, John Speer, Bishop John Miege and a lawyer named Sam Riggs. I am rather surprised that there is no monument in Lawrence devoted to these special people. After 142 years, I think the city should give some serious thought as to what we can do about this oversight. We know a lot about Quantrill but not enough about Lawrence's heroes.
Tom Mach,
Lawrence
Comments
Richard Heckler 12 years ago
Isn't it odd how much attention bank robbers,killers and swindlers get in our historical pages. Sometimes it seems folks have some kind of romance going with these types.
White collar criminals in todays world ought to get more attention behind bars as they in many ways destroy peoples lives much like Qauntrills Raiders did...do suits and ties somehow make their acts less horrendous. Some presidents and their crews ought to be behind bars as well but instead they receive pardons. Is it any wonder why corruption seems okay?
norm 12 years ago
Lawrence, Kansas was a concept born on the East Coast of the USA by wealthy politicians. This part of Kansas gave what it got when it came to burning down towns and killing people in Missouri. Live by the sword....die by the sword. "Jayhawkers" were every bit as brutal and evil as Wm. Clarke Quantrill.
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