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