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| Steve Ehlmann |
This lecture traces the history of three of the leading families of St. Charles County before the Civil War. By 1850, these Virginia gentry found themselves living in a county where nearly half of the inhabitants were German speaking immigrants who did not share their values on a number of issues, the most important of which was slavery. When Civil War came, some Virginia families sent their sons to fight for the Confederacy. While other Virginia families opposed secession with varying degrees of enthusiasm, almost all opposed the abolition of slavery. Most of the German immigrants supported the Union and abolition, creating disagreements within the pro-Union forces over the use of martial law in the county and state. Hard feelings continued after the Civil War as the German-speaking population continued to grow, and those with southern roots became the minority in St. Charles County. As this group lost political influence, each family and each family member had to deal with the new reality. Some stayed, but many left St. Charles County to seek opportunities elsewhere. Their experiences during the war and its aftermath continued to influence those who remained and those who moved on.
Steve is the author of a comprehensive history of St. Charles County, where he has served as county executive the last eight years. He is a director of the Missouri Historical Society and the State Historical Society of Missouri.
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