Greg Andrews's two books on the area: City of Dust and Insane Sisters (both
University of Missouri Press) are must-reads if you have a mature interest
in Hannibal and environs.  I think everyone would harvest insights that
would give depth to their perspective on Twain.  Though Greg addresses a
later time, waves were still rippling through the pond from the 1840s.
    Greg, I hope you are continuing work on Ralls County and Reconstruction.
I look forward to reading that -- especially anything you come up with on
Freedmen Schools and Missionary efforts here.
    Best,
    Terrell