This book is a partial collection of research done by Jeanne Newby in her thirty-one years of writing a weekly column in the local newspaper The Webb City Sentinel, known as "Ancestors, Legends and Time." That would include approximately 1,612 articles. Jeanne acquired a passion for local history in those thirty-one years. Not just Webb City but many of the other small towns in the local community, which made up the well-known Southwest Missouri Mining District. In researching the many forefathers of Webb City's past, much genealogy came forth which is another of Jeanne's passions. There were many opportunities for Jeanne to give tours of the city and share the history with individuals and bring that history to life.

One fun project was being able to take young second graders, high school students, and other classes on tours as well. The children learned of buildings that no longer existed, what businesses existed in the buildings they see today; and the unique architecture of the beautiful buildings.