The personal stories of Cole County soldiers are pieced together with historic context in the latest book by local military historian Jeremy Amick.
"Cole County at War: 1861-1975" is the Russellville resident's sixth published work, following recent releases of "Jefferson City at War: 1916-1975" and the World War I book "Soldierly Devotion." His earlier works include poetry.
For readers familiar with Amick's weekly installments for the Jefferson City News Tribune, the book will be similar in delivery.
Diverging from the photo-driven style of the "Jefferson City at War" book, this 356-page paperback preserves stories from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
"I see it as a kind of time capsule," Amick said. "It was an interesting period in our county's history."
More than 150 Cole County families are featured in the book, including many of the original members of American Legion Post 5 and founders of Lincoln University.
Featured veterans may not have been born in Cole County, but they do have some connection to the county, such as having run a business or lived here after their military service.
Amick also highlights the purpose and history behind some of the local monuments, including the American War Mothers tribute at Memorial Park.
The most difficult part about compiling this book was stopping, Amick said. He plans to follow up with a "Mid-Missouri at War" book.
However, his next project, anticipated to be out by December, will highlight the World War II experiences of Henley resident Norbert Gerling, who was a gunner in a Hellcat tank destroyer involved in Utah Beach and the Battle of the Bulge.
Amick said he appreciates the many stories shared with him and hopes to hear more in the future. When he began research for his first local military history book, he had to do a lot of seeking, he said.
Now, many people are referred to him by friends and family, the Missouri Museum of Military History, the Cole County Historical Society and social media.
A book-signing event for "Cole County at War: 1861-1975" will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday at Samuel's Tuxedos in downtown Jefferson City.
The book also is available in Jefferson City at Carrie's Hallmark and Ron's Automotive and in Russellville at The Vault.
Amick may be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at 573-230-7456.