Ralph A. Monaco, II is a lifelong resident of Raytown, Missouri.  He graduated from Rockhurst College in 1978, summa cum laude, with a degree in history and political science, and he earned his juris doctorate degree from U.M.K.C. School of Law in 1981.  He is a practicing attorney with the Kansas City law firm of Monaco, Sanders, Gotfredson, Racine & Barber, L.C. 

Mr. Monaco is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He has a long-standing record of public service, including President of the Raytown School Board, Board of Director of the Keith Worthington Chapter of ALS, Board of Trustees of Elmwood Cemetery, Board of Director of the Rice-Tremonti House, Board of Director of Stepping Stones, Acorn Life Member of PTA, and Board of Director of the Jackson County Historical Society where he currently serves as Board President. Mr. Monaco, a well-known living historian and public speaker, has been recognized for his historical presentations with such awards as the Outstanding Service Award from the Jackson County Heritage Programs & Museums, Making History Come Alive Award from the Jackson County Historical Society, recipient of the Pioneer of Harrodsburg of Kentucky, Lifetime Membership Award in the Raytown Historical Society, and the Outstanding Service Award from Jackson County Parks & Recreation. 

 He also received the John Newman Edwards Literary Award from the James Farm for his latest book, Son of a Bandit, Jesse James & The Leeds Gang.  Mr. Monaco was attracted to the story of Jesse Jr. based upon overlapping tales discovered in his research on his first book The Strange Story of Col. Swope & Dr. Hyde.