Finding the Founders

Once only a few crooked, moss-covered markers in the furthest corner of Woodland-Old City Cemetery recognized African-American soldiers, who not only served in the Civil War but who helped to found Lincoln University. Today, those are clean and straight and have been joined by eight more veterans markers for 62nd USCT soldiers. Several more names have been identified for USCT soldiers who lived in Jefferson City and whose burial in the cemetery is currently unmarked. Michelle Brooks, with the help of Nancy Thompson, has been on an eight-year journey “Finding the Founders.” In addition to helping make sure their burials are honored, Brooks has been researching the service of the 62nd USCT and lives of its 1,200 soldiers and officers before and after the war. At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Page Library, Brooks will explore many of the lives of these Lincoln founders. For instance, William Messley was a non-commissioned officer who led Company G at the Battle of Palmito Ranch, Texas, the last battle of the Civil War. John Jeffries attended Lincoln as a student and then taught here, before establishing Lincoln School in Rolla. Rev. Richard Rush was an Methodist Episcopal minister across Missouri and was the statewide commander for the “Negro Soldiers of the Civil War of Missouri” annual reunions. Flavius Brooks became a successful barber and politician in Tennessee. And Granville Lewis was among the earliest exodusters, helping settle Nicodemus and being elected its first sheriff. Come learn about the individual soldiers and officers who helped found Lincoln University.