The publication date for Only in Lamar Missouri: Harry Truman, Wyatt Earp and Legendary Locals is April 11, but for those who want to pre-order a copy, I was surprised to discover a few moments ago that the Amazon page is already live and books are pre-ordered and will be shipped immediately at the publication date.
The book includes chapters on the following Lamar legends:
Harry S. Truman, born in Lamar in 1884
Wyatt Earp, the city's first marshal, and the Earp Family
Gerald Gilkey, the longest serving mayor in Missouri history
Tom O'Sullivan, founder of O'Sullivan Industries
H. C. Chancellor, state representative and the leader of the successful drive to build Barton County Memorial Hospital
Jay Lynch, who murdered the Barton County Sheriff and his son and was later hanged by a vigilante mob, reportedly including some of Lamar's leading citizens.
Richard Chancellor- war hero and city leader
Admiral Freeland Daubin- Lamar High School graduate and commander of the U. S. submarine fleet in the Atlantic during World War II
Admiral Charles Lockwood- Lamar High School graduate and commander of the U. S. submarine fleet in the Pacific during World War II
Admiral Thomas Selby Combs- chief of staff for naval aircraft in the south Pacific during World War II
Dorothy Stratton, first director of the U. S. Women's Coast Guard Auxiliary, attended Lamar High School
Arthur Aull- owner and editor of the Lamar Democrat for 48 years
Madeleine Aull Van Hafften- Aull's daughter who continued the legacy for 24 years following his death
Brother Adams and his mules- They represented Lamar in the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue for President Truman in 1949
The Brotherhood- The Lamar High School football teams coached by Scott Bailey that brought home seven straight state championships (the book includes team photos from each team).
The book can be ordered at this link.
