Local author, historian receives honor
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<p class="p1">A Southern Illinois author and historian was honored in late December for his achievements in telling the story of the nation's past. On Dec. 28, Darrel Dexter received the NSDAR History Award Medal at a ceremony hosted by the PAST organization of Union County. </p><p class="p1">Dorothy Rudoni of the Daniel H. Brush Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, nominated Dexter for the award.</p><p class="p1">The award is given only to those who have significantly advanced the understanding of America’s past. </p><p class="p1">PAST noted in a news release that the award "is a fitting recognition of Darrel's lifetime commitment to studying, teaching and writing American history. </p><p class="p1">"Dexter has given outstanding service to numerous area historical, genealogical and educational societies, is the compiler and editor of dozens of genealogy source books on Union County, a long-time editor of the Saga of Southern Illinois, and author of 'Bondage in Egypt: Slavery and the Underground Railroad in Southern Illinois,' published by Southeast Missouri University Press in 2011."</p><p class="p1">Dexter lives in rural Jonesboro and teaches high school at the Egyptian School District in Tamms.</p><p class="p1">The award presentation ceremony was held at PAST's Heritage House in Jonesboro.</p><p class="p1">PAST explained that Heritage House was seen as a "fitting location, since Dexter also wrote 'A Trot Down to Egypt,' Reppert’s Publishing, for the sesquicentennial of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Jonesboro."</p><p class="p1">Dexter's works are housed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield and he has received national, critical acclaim.</p><p class="p1">Community members, Friends of PAST and members of both the Daniel Brush Chapter and the Daniel Chapman Chapter were present for the event. </p>