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