Ralph A Monaco

Ralph A. Monaco, II is a lifelong resident of Raytown, Missouri. He graduated from Rockhurst College in 1978, summa cum laude, with double majors in history and political science, and he earned his juris doctorate degree from U.M.K.C. School of Law in 1981. He is a practicing attorney with the Kansas City law firm of Monaco, Sanders, Gotfredson, Racine & Barber, L.C. Mr. Monaco is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Prior to serving in the Missouri House, Mr. Monaco served as President of the Raytown School Board. Currently, he is serving as President of the Jackson County Historical Society ("JSHS"). For nearly twenty-five years, Mr. Monaco has been actively involved in public speaking and historical living history. His first person portrayls of such 19th Century historical figures as Edgar Allan Poe, George Caleb Bingham (artist and statesman), Col. Thomas Hutton Swope (noted philanthropist and purported murder victim), James Slover (Frank James defense attorney) and Abram Comingo (Independence mayor, lawyer, Provost Marshal during the Civil War and US Congressman) has received wide-ranging acclaim. In addition, Mr. Monaco has written three books. His second book "Son of a Bandit, Jesse James & The Leeds Gang" was published by Monaco Publication in 2012. The book provides an historical study of the overlapping lives of Jesse James and his son, Jesse Edward James. "Son of a Bandit" received the coveted John Newman Edwards Literary Award from the James Farm. Mr. Monaco was attracted to the story of Jesse Jr. based upon overlapping tales discovered in his research on his first book, The Strange Story of Col. Swope & Dr. Hyde. In 2010 JCHS presented "The Strange Story of Col. Swope & Dr. Hyde" as part of its living history programming. In June 2012,JCHS in conjunction with UMKC Law School & William Jewell College brought to life the trial of Jesse James, Jr., the "Son of a Bandit" as part of its commitment to living history. Mr. Monaco has recently completed his third book, "Blood on the Streets, the Civil War Comes to Jackson County, Missouri in August 1862". This book details the history of the Civil War in Jackson County, Missouri during 1862 with specific focus on the First Battle of Independence (the County Seat) and the Battle of Lone Jack, both battles were Confederate victories and took place within days of one another and resulted in significant "Blood on the Streets". "Blood on the Streets" will be released later this year and is being co-published by Monaco Publications, LLC and JCHS. Mr. Monaco is now writing a companion book to "Blood on the Streets" entitled "Smoke in the Sky". This book will provide the account of the impact that General Order Number 11, issued by General Thomas Ewing following the Quantrill Guerilla raid of Lawrence, Kansas in August 1863, had upon the citizens of Jackson County, Missouri. It will be co-published by Monaco Publications, LLC and JCHS.