Van Buren Appoints Gene Brock As County Historian

Van Buren County has appointed a new County Historian.

Gene Brock will take over after Landon Medley passed away late last year. Mayor Greg Wilson said Brock has lived in Spencer all his life and will continue sharing the history of the county.

“First hand knowledge that people have of the history of Van Buren County I think is very important,” Wilson said. “Not only just for those people that aren’t living in the county anymore, but those that are here and our youth.”

Wilson said the new historian will have access to the state’s archives. Wilson said from ancestors to past elected officials, Brock will find the information at the request of an resident. Wilson said Brock does not have a public office, but you can contact the mayor’s office for an information request.

“They may ask questions like how was it back in 1942, and you look back to the 1940’s,” Wilson said. “At one time in the city of Spencer I think during WWII, the city had a female mayor, all female aldermen and the police chief, as well.”