Reporter writes book chronicling Missouri's Civil War history

"It's history -- with a twist," is what Rudi Keller, author and former Southeast Missourian reporter, said about his new book "Life During Wartime."

In the soon-to-be-released book, readers relive the past with day-by-day chronicles of the Civil War in Missouri. The idea, said Keller, is to make the war "contemporary."

"It's written like the news is written," said Keller. "The language is very much contemporary and in the present. So just imagine being there 150 years ago with no idea what's coming up."

On Jan. 2, 2011, Keller began writing one article per day for the Columbia Daily Tribune, where as a reporter he covers the city of Columbia, reporting the events that occurred that calendar date 150 years ago. These include both major events, such as early battles of the war, and small events that Keller said "personalize" the stories.

"In one article, I have a letter written by a young girl asking President Lincoln to pardon her father," said Keller. "I report it in a way that shows her actually writing the letter, not just someone receiving it or reading it after the fact."

Keller’s book is written in contemporary language to help the reader relate to the events of the time. (PROVIDED)

The book compiles the Tribune articles, along with photos, drawings and other materials, that cover the year 1861. Keller said he will continue writing daily articles for the Tribune until the war period is over, but will only continue with the book series as long as there seems to be a demand.

Each book would follow the same pattern, chronicling the events of one year. Keller said by the time he completes his "project," he will have written 1,600 articles.

"I've got about 900 more articles to go," said Keller. "I don't think I really ever anticipated how much time this would take, but I can't think of anything else I would have rather spent these last two years doing."

The book's primary focus is eight counties in central Missouri: Boone, Audrain, Callaway, Cole, Moniteau, Cooper, Boonville, Howard and Randolph. These counties were home to significant people and events in the war, said Keller, including the first battle, which took place in Boonville County.

"Missouri was a weird state in the war," said Keller. "The state was fractured in many ways with various opinions on slavery, from those who want to secede to those who side with the abolitionists."

Telling the story of the state is necessary to tell the full story of the war, said Keller. The year 1861 was a time of mass uprising in Missouri, according to Keller, accompanied by "giant armies" and prominent Civil War figures such as Ulysses S. Grant passing through the state.

Keller said although the counties in his focus do not include the Southeast Missouri region, he believes the book holds interest for all.

"I loved living in Cape," said Keller. "I hope my Cape friends pick up the book and can find enjoyment in it."

Hard copies of the book may be pre-ordered at a discounted price of $29.95 until March 15. After this period, the book will be available for $39.95. The book order form is available online from the Columbia Daily Tribune: www.columbiatribune.com/news/civil_war

Copies also can be ordered by calling the Tribune at 573-815-1600 or 800-333-6799.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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