The Walnut Grove General Baptist Church thrives in the southwest part of Douglas County, Missouri, miles from any town, store, post office, or school. This book is about the history of that church and the people it served for many years. The beginning of Walnut Grove as a community dates back to before the Civil War when a cemetery was established. In 1894, the people of the area constructed the Walnut Grove Community Building/Church next to the old Walnut Grove Cemetery. The building housed the Walnut Grove General Baptist Church from the time the church was founded in 1926 until 1982 when a new church building was constructed. But the old Community Building/Church building was restored and is still used. The history of these buildings, its churches, and the people are all covered in this book. In tracing that history, the author is honoring all who lived, loved and worshiped at the Walnut Grove General Baptist Church and the entire community.

This volume contains biographical sketches of some 365 individuals and genealogical data on some 1,500 other families / individuals.

The authors Linda Carter Smith, Peggy Easterling Miller, Steven Craig Smith and John Woodrow Weathers have researched and compiled facts, stories and photos about the colorful history of the Bowman area. Using archival documents and photographs, the authors have assembled a history of the area that gives the reader a glimpse into the early days of Bowman and the nearby communities.