Courtesy Photo Bob Bowman (left), of Lufkin, James Wilkins (middle) of Smith County, show the books they have published to Kitty Wheeler, of Grand Saline. Bob Bowman, of Lufkin and James Wilkins, of Smith County were featured speakers at the regular monthly meeting of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society held on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the county library in Canton.

The program focused on the Civil War period in Smith and Van Zandt counties and activities of Quantrill's Guerillas and the 1864 triple hanging in Tyler.

This story is the basis for Wilkins' and Bowman's collaborative efforts which culminated in a book entitled "A Civil War Tragedy. "

Each spoke briefly on the book and the research required before publishing.

Following the meeting, attended by 29 society members and guests, the two authors autographed the books they brought with them and sold to those attending the meeting. They also donated copies to the county library and to the Library of Genealogy and Local History.

Since society president Cheryl Vaughn was attending the Texas State Genealogical Society conference in Abilene, vice president Kitty Wheeler presided and it was announced that two publications had won top prizes during the state conference.

"Reconstruction Records of Van Zandt County," compiled by Linda Mays of Van, won first place for excellence. "Early Obituaries and Death Records," compiled by Sibyl Creasey won third place. The books are available for purchase at the genealogical library.

After the meeting, refreshments were provided by Marjorie Tarver, of Edgewood, hospitality chairman, Carolyn Hair, of Canton, and Mary Pickens, of Mabank.

The genealogical society meets the fourth Saturday of every month except December at 2 p.m. at the county library on First Monday Lane in Canton. Visitors are welcome to attend.