True Tales of Wentzville: The Early Years

A Town Imbued with the Pioneering Spirit

Visionaries like Wentzville founder William Allen saw that the railroad not only would aid in the transportation of goods and people but also would be instrumental in the development of the interior of the county and state. Rugged pioneers like Catherine Thompson, Mary Louise Dalton and generations of the Cannon family infused the city with an enduring grit. From the men and women who helped Allen’s vision take shape to the Civil War skirmish at Wentzville and the postwar rise of tobacco and the great wealth it brought to some, a trio of Wentzville authors open a time capsule on the city’s fascinating early days.

Gerry Matlock received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was a founding member and president of Wentzville Community Historical Society (WCHS) in 1974.

Lois Kessler received a bachelor’s degree in general studies with minors in business, computer science and psychology. She became president of WCHS in 2019 and, in 2021, secured a space for the historical society museum and its archive, which she manages. She was selected as Wentzville Citizen of the Year in 2022.

Kathy Weindel received a master’s degree in social science/history from Tuman State University. She is a retired high school teacher from Francis Howell School District in St. Charles County. A resident of Wentzville, she volunteers at WCHS and does research for the society.