Mr. William H. Rhea was prominent leader and businessman in Washington County, Arkansas. Mr. Rhea was known for having the first and largest mill in the area, which made him a prime target for Federal troops stationed in Northwest Arkansas. Since resources were very limited soldiers either had to make their own food or take/buy it from citizens in the area. Mills were valuable resources for both armies and were often captured or destroyed by bushwhackers or soldiers passing through the region. Numerous battles throughout the Ozarks were fought either at or around mills.

Lemuel Amzi Donnell was a Tennessee native who had traveled with his family in 1850 to Missouri in search of new land. Donnell live on his family’s farm with his parents until 1860 when he decided to join the Missouri State Guard, Company F, 4th Infantry Regiment, 8th Division. Donnell served for four years fighting for the Confederate cause across Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. He recorded his life as a solider in his personal diary, along with his own original poetry. Donnell participated in numerous military campaigns, and reported obtaining multiple furloughs for long periods of time; which was highly unusual for a soldier to receive during a time of conflict.

Peter Marselis Van Winkle developed several lumber mills across Northwest Arkansas. He built a vast road network to expedite the shipment of lumber and urbanization. During the war the Van Winkle family fled their home for refuge in Texas. In 1866, they returned to Arkansas to rebuild their lives and the surrounding community. Peter supplied much of the goods to reconstruct homes and businesses. And perhaps Peter Van Winkle may have single handedly shaped the development of the Ozarks, and rejuvenated the region as the country attempted to restore civilization after the Civil War.

Christopher Columbus Huffman’s letter offers a brief example of farming life in the Ozarks. Written from “The Land of Sorrow,” Huffman corresponded with H. F. Owens, a cousin, about crop cultivation, weather and family news. Huffman wanted to teach school, and hoped to find an opening during the summer.

Jane Page’s postwar letter notes family affairs and struggles during the Civil War. Jane lived with her husband, David Page, in Kingsriver, Arkansas until he was killed in March 1865 while Federal troops raided their home. She discussed the major battles and engagements in the Ozarks, and mentioned her difficulties during the postwar period.