Leadership

Raylene Lamb, President

I was born in Stella, Missouri, in 1963. Cardwell Hospital was used by many of McDonald County’s citizens at that time. Although my parents lived in Neosho, my “home” was in Southwest City. Extended family for me has always been more than just names on paper. I am fortunate in that I remember all four of my grandparents and four of my great-grandparents.

Stories about Liberty School, Saratoga Springs, Southwest City, and Noel were told to me repeatedly. I remember Saturday drawings on Main Street, walking to town when I was five, and visiting with neighbors on summer afternoons. These memories were with my “city grandma and grandpa.” My “country grandma and granddad” lived on a farm east of Southwest City. It was there that I can proudly recall learning the value of a hard day’s work on the farm, waking before dawn to get breakfast for the men, preparing dinner to be served promptly at noon, and going to bed with the chickens! While I was fortunate enough to have had indoor plumbing, the outhouse was still “in use” when I was a kid. (It really was more convenient for us kids to use the old outhouse when out in the barn lot than it was to run all the way back to the house! Imagine that, someone finding the outhouse a convenience!)

Education was important to my parents and grandparents. My granddad paid us kids for every “A” made when we were in grade school. I graduated from Neosho High School. My parents had moved to Goodman, which is in McDonald County, but in Neosho School District. I then graduated Salutatorian from Crowder College, with an A. A. in Education, before graduating from Missouri Southern in Joplin, with a B. S. in Psychology/Sociology. I am a lifetime member of Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Chi. I have operated my own business for the past 20 years, providing contracted services for the States of Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, working with children. I have authored several published articles, and have also conducted studies and presented papers at numerous Universities across the State of Missouri.

Genealogy has always held a fascination for me. Mrs. Lena Vaughn, my 4th grade teacher at Goodman, was probably my first influence in this area. During recess, she taught several girls to crochet and knit. She would tell stories during our “girl time,” talking about old schools and her remembrances. While in 5th – 8th grades, I was encouraged by my Math Teacher, Mr. Larry James, to broaden my horizons and to explore extra-curricular activities. Mr. James instilled the importance of history, especially local history, and encouraged these “extra” studies, allowing time in his curriculum. Also during this time in my life I remember my mother’s avid search to acquire family information. I remember how excited she would be when a letter arrived from a distant relative as she worked to preserve family history (before computers and Internet). This was a family project that involved my grandmother as well. I fondly remember trips upstairs to look at old papers and photographs of people I never met, but knew so much about. (My great grandmother had saved many items of historical value.)

I provided 24-hour care for my grandfather from 2000 until his death in 2003. During that time I learned to utilize many computer capabilities which have proved to be invaluable. In mid-2003 I began to research family histories for others in our local areas. It is because I am truly blessed to have known my great grandparents and to have access to documents that date back to the early 1800s, that I decided to assist others with their search, and feel compelled to do my part in helping others now, and in the future, achieve the same enjoyment of discovering their family heritage. It is with pride that I re-tell stories that have been told to me about McDonald County. My ancestors were some of the first to arrive here in the early 1830s. As a child I always wondered, “why here?” What made my ancestors settle and stay here? As an adult, after seeing other parts of our lands, I now know “why here.” McDonald County is truly a place of beauty. Although the streams and wildlife are not as prevalent, the landscape is still as beautiful and serene. Life’s a little laid back and the quiet nights can still be found where the sound of the coyotes’ howl is the only interruption. It is my intention as the Society’s President, to preserve as much of this County’s history as possible, and to share the memories of the County’s ancestors with all of those who hold a mutual interest in our little corner of Missouri.