Rediscovering Thomas C. Fletcher: The Lost Missouri Governor

Although he had been the first Republican governor in the history of the state, the first native-born governor, the last Civil War governor, the first Reconstruction governor, an internationally respected attorney, the friend of at least five US presidents, and a nationally recognized war hero, most Missourians have never heard of Thomas Clement Fletcher.

His efforts essentially repaired a war-devastated state, began reconciliation, and could serve as a model for political and personal lead...