Remembering Missouri’s Civil War couple

Thomas Macklind was a lieutenant in the Civil War.

Re-enactors bring historic Macklinds to life Wednesday evening

The Farmington Historical Society will host a unique, first-person Civil War Program titled, “Missouri’s Forgotten Civil War Couple: Capt. Thomas Macklind and Louisa Volker Macklind.”

Louisa Volker Macklind had the distinction of being the army’s first female telegraph operator, and becoming one of the first female doctors of Missouri.

This event will take place on Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. at the Farmington Fire House’s Community Room. The event will be presented by locally-renowned Civil War historians Christopher and Twyla Warren, assisted by their daughter Abbie. The program will present a lesser-known Civil War couple who did amazing things together and individually— such as helping design the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad, serving as an army officer, laying out the City of St. Louis’ street and sidewalks system, working as the army’s first female telegraph operator and later, one of the first female doctors in Missouri. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Twyla and Christopher Warren, with their daughter Abbie, often give presentations on the history of the Civil War and its people. They’ll give a free presentation on the historic Macklind couple at Farmington Fire House’s Community Room on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Christopher Warren holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Social Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Civil War Military History. He has been studying the American Civil War for over 30 years; has been a reenactor for the past 28 years; and has been active within various groups such as the Turner Brigade (Missouri Civil War Reenactors), the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (Past Department Commander for Missouri & Arkansas and currently Camp Commander of the Thomas C. Fletcher Camp #47), serves as the unit commander and First Lieutenant for the 47th Missouri Infantry, Company E – Sons of Veterans Reserve, and also reenacts as a 1st Sergeant in the same unit his ancestors (William S. Reed & Samuel B. Reed) fought in during the Civil War (1st Missouri Engineers).

He is currently a teacher at the new Signet Christian School in Park Hills at Harvest Christian Centre and is an adjunct American History instructor for Mineral Area College. In addition, he is currently the Assistant Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack #423 in Park Hills. He previously worked for the Missouri State Parks and was an assistant director at a local library. Christopher was also born and raised in the Ironton area, and has received various awards on state and federal levels through the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Sons of Veterans Reserve for his efforts in Civil War educational programs.

Twyla Warren has been involved in their various Civil War activities since Fall 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree, has a Civil War ancestor of her own —Benjamin Davis, 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and is the Co-Founder and Past President of the Louisa Volker Auxiliary #215 – Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. She currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer. In May 2018, she was awarded the Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Award for her many years of presenting Civil War educational programs. The National Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War has also awarded her the Laura Miller Award, which will be presented soon, for her years of dedication, hard work, and volunteer efforts in history.

Capt. Thomas Macklind, post-Civil War, will be brought to life on Wednesday, along with his wife, Louisa Volker Macklind.

Abbie Warren has been participating in Civil War programs since she was two months old in February 2014. She is quite a presenter in her own right, with her specialty being Civil War-era toys and children’s roles during the 1860s. She is currently entering the fourth Grade at Signet Christian School, where she is a student. She was also inducted into the Louisa Volker Auxiliary #2015 in December 2019, and assisted with creating a National Young Ladies Civil War Educational Booklet for the National Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. In addition, she is a first-year Weblos Cub Scout with Pack #423 in Park Hills.

The Warrens stay active with presenting various historical programs throughout Missouri. They were recognized by the Missouri State House of Representatives and Senate with special resolutions for their educational efforts in May 2016. In addition, Missouri Gov. Michael Parson sent Christopher a personal letter thanking them for their endeavors with their history activities.

The Warrens can be contacted via email at the_civilwar_guy@yahoo.com or through their Warren Family Historical Programs website at warren-family-historical-programs.weebly.com