Historian to Explore Revolutionary War Stories at Cowley College

WELLINGTON, Kan. — A Kansas-Missouri Summer Scholar will present "America 250: Stories from the Revolutionary War" on Monday, Jan. 26, at Cowley College, offering insights into lesser-known narratives from the nation's founding conflict.

Ken Spurgeon, a history professor at Friends University in Wichita, will deliver the free presentation at 6:30 p.m. in Room 113, 2208 Davis-White Loop. The event is open to the public without reservations required.

Spurgeon's talk will examine the complex loyalties and experiences of families living along the Kansas-Missouri border during the Revolutionary War, including the story of Mary Jane Terry and Mary McConough, who portrayed Erin on "The Waltons." Spurgeon is currently developing a film about McConough's ancestor.

"I've always loved Early American history," Spurgeon said, noting he has a Tory ancestor in his family tree.

The presentation will challenge common assumptions about patriot unity during the war. Spurgeon said about one-third of colonists in Southern states were pro-British, many being English second sons with no inheritance stakes in England.

"They knew how to live the Brit life," Spurgeon said, explaining that these colonists initially profited from their status as subjects but later became "couplers" — those who played both sides as local support shifted.

The historian will share stories from his research on several prominent families, including that of Mary Jane (Welborn) Spurgin, wife of Col. William Spurgin, and Samuel Spurgin Jr., both officers in Gen. George Washington's army.

One story focuses on Mary Jane, who was not a Tory despite her husband's loyalties. In January 1776, William Spurgin and other justices were directed by Gov. Josiah Martin to enforce British standards. While William complied and fought for the crown as a Tory militia officer, Jane supported the Continental forces at home.

When Gen. Nathanael Greene stopped at the family's plantation, Jane fed his troops and allowed the estate to serve as a base for scouting missions against British troop movements and for delivering intelligence to Gen. Horatio Gates near Washington.

Spurgeon argues the Revolutionary War was essentially a civil war, with both sides gambling on victory.

"Washington's command strategy was good," Spurgeon said. "He played it right. We could easily have lost."

For more information, contact Jane at 620-440-4245 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., after hours at 620-447-5266, or Sherry at 316-833-6161.