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| Tom Rafiner |
Tom is well known in the neighboring county just north of Bates, as his extensive research into the families displaced by the 1863 Order No. 11 in Cass County resulted in the publication of, “Caught Between Three Fires.” According to the book description, “Citizens struggled between three raging fires, Secessionism, Unionism, and an undying Border War.” Tom is now focusing his research on the 1850-60s families of Bates County and will publish another book that includes this history. The compelling and often heartbreaking stories of people displaced and lives destroyed, or at the very least disrupted, will now be compiled into a published work.
Serious research into this era of history in Bates County is particularly difficult because so many of the records were lost during the War. From the infamous late 1863 forced exodus until 1866, three long years, there was no county business conducted and therefore no records. Tom’s research has already taken him to the National Archives in Washington, D. C. and he plans additional trips in the future.
Tom Rafiner’s ancestors lived in Cass County through the Border War and well into the Civil War. His reputation as a talented and engaging oral historian, and storyteller, rests upon meticulous knowledge of Order No. 11. Bates County is fortunate that Tom Rafiner has taken an interest in the stories of Order No. 11 and the Museum is proud to host him as a guest speaker. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this very special program. Contact Peggy Buhr at the Museum for additional information. 660-679-0134.
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