Birthday of Lilburn Boggs. The controversial Boggs was a war hero, fur trader, Jackson County politician, and the sixth Governor of Missouri. He was governor during the Honey War and the Mormon War. He was also instrumental in establishing Missouri’s public schools.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo courtesy Missouri State Capitol