Copied from The Bolivar Herald Newspaper, Thursday, July 28, 1937 (This splendid historical article, written by one of the brainiest men the county ever produced, was written 61 years ago and read by its author at the 4th of July celebration in 1876 in Bolivar. One of the greatest crowds that ever assembled in Bolivar gathered for the celebration. We trust that our readers will cut the article out and save it for its historical value.--Ed. Herald, July 28th, 1937). HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH OF POLK COUNTY PREPARED FOR THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1876 By A. C. LEMMON In celebrating the Centennial year of our National existence, the President of the United States has deemed it eminently wise and proper to recommend to each county within the vast domain of the Republic, to gather up the scattered and fast decaying fragments of her early history and settlement, down to the present hour of our national rejoicings. And he has further suggested that the same be read, on this anniversary occasion, to the assembled millions who have this day suspended their usual employments to participate in celebrating the One Hundredth birthday of American Independence. Polk County was organized in the early part of 1835. It included all the territory lying between the range lines which divide ranges 17 and 18, on the east, and 26 and 27 on the west, and the township lines dividing 31 and 32, on the south and 36 and 37 on the north. Length from east to west, 54 miles; width from north to south, 31 1/2 mile; total area 1,701 square miles, or nearly three times the present limits. When organized it embraced portions of territory subsequently added to surrounding sister counties, as follows: All of Dallas, except 12 square miles in the southwest corner of said county, 147 square miles on the south side of Hickory, 54 square miles to the southeast corner of St. Clair, 105 square miles on the east side of Cedar, 48 square miles of the north corner of Dade and 36 square miles in the northwest corner of Webster, taken from Dallas, though originally belonging to Polk. The present limits of Polk were established in 1845. The eastern boundary is the range line between ranges 20 and 21; western the range line dividing 24 and 25; the southern boundary begins at the southeast corner of section 12, township 31, range 21; thence running due west to the western boundary, already described. The northern boundary begins at the northeast corner of section 12, township 35, range 24; thence north to the northeast corner of said section; thence west to the range line dividing range 24 and 25. Length, from north to south, 26 1/2 miles; width, from east to west, 24 miles; area 640 square miles, or but a little more than one-third of her original limits. When first organized the county was in a wild, unimproved state. Several settlements had, however, been made previous to its formation. Some as early as 1828. Bears and panthers were occasionally met with. Deer and wild turkeys were very plentiful. Sporting and hunting constituted a large share of the employments and pleasures of the first settlers. Bee-hunting was both a pleasant and profitable source of amusement, and as much as a hundred, to a hundred and fifty pounds were frequently taken from a single tree. It supplied the place of sugar, and syrup, and was an article of diet in almost every family; and like the people of Palestine they rarely sat down to the table without it. The county was mostly a wild prairie, covered with a luxuriant growth of grass, frequently taller than a man on horseback. INCREASE IN SETTLEMENT AND POPULATION It is estimated that at the time of its organization the population of the entire county scarcely exceeded 175 or 200 persons; or about one to every ten square miles. The inhabitants were chiefly Tennesseans and Kentuckians. The county did not, however, long remain in this condition. Our enterprising settlers soon began the work of improvement. Log cabins were erected, small farms opened, counties organized, and temporary seats of justice established. Flattering reports of the grandeur and fertility of the country soon reached the older States -- vivid descriptions of our broad undulating prairies, alluvial bottoms and fertile valleys, with their clear sparkling springs and brooks, soon induced hundreds to seek their future homes in the new country where their friends before them had so correctly described. Immigration poured in constantly, and every year brought fresh arrivals who entered at once upon the work of settling and improving the country. Churches, school houses, mills and other necessary public improvements, were constructed as circumstances demanded. The country being but thinly settled, and in neighborhoods distant from each other, the settlers frequently had many miles to travel to reach a mill, post office or trading point. Springfield was for a long time the nearest office to our county, and was then, as now, the most important town in the Southwest. Most of the trade centered at that point, and all of the mail matters was there received and delivered. COURTS OF JUSTICE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS The first meeting of the county court was held on the 9th day of February, 1835, at the house of Daniel M. Stockton, at present the residence of James M. Henslee, Esq., five miles southwest of Bolivar, on the West Bend road, Jeremiah N. Sloan and Richard Saye, constituted the court; Joseph Inglish was the sheriff, and Wm. Henry was appointed Clerk, pro tem, J. N. Sloan was President of the court, and E. M. Campbell was made county surveyor. The court adjourned on the first day, to meet on the next at the house of Wm. C. Campbell. At this court the county was divided into three Municipal Townships; the central portion was called Marion, the eastern part, Washington; and the western, Jackson. The first election in Marion township was ordered to be held at the house of Ephriam Jamison. The Judges of election were Wm. Lunceford, Josiah Dent and Wm. Owens. In Jackson township at the house of William Davidson; Judges of election, William Crisp, Joseph Allen and James Stockton. In Washington township at the house of Richard Riddles; Judges of election, Daniel R. Brown, Richard Riddles and William Marlin. The same court made the following appointments; Rodham R. Payne, Assessor; Thos. Marlin, Wm. Montgomery, Richard Saye, Wm. Lunceford, Abner Spence, Thomas W. Johnson, John Riddles, Henry Akard, Isaac Ruth, James Stockton and Wm. Penn, Justices of the Peace. Richard Riddless was appointed Constable of Washington township; William M. Payne of Marion township; John S. Campbell, of Jackson township, and Jeremiah Sloan, Collector. The first county court warrant issued was in favor of J. N. Sloan for the sum of $3.50 for two days services as county court Justice; the second was in favor of Richard Saye for the same amount and services; the third in favor of Joseph Inglish for $3.00, for services as Sheriff in waiting on court. Total amount of warrants issued at first term of county court $10. The following is a list of the members of the county Court from first organization to the present time--including date of election or appointment and length of term: Names Elected of Terms when Length J. H. Sloan 1835 3 mos. Richard Saye 1835 1 yr. Winfrey Owens 1835 2 yrs. Thomas Martin 1836 1 yr. James G. Human 1836 2 yrs. Wm. Fourshee 1836 8 yrs. Isaac Ruth 1837 2 yrs. Henry Ackard 1837 2 yrs William Lunceford 1837 2 yrs A. W. Temple 1838 4 mos. Wm. Henry 1839 1 yr. Winfrey Owens 1840 4 mos. Thomas Rountree 1841 3 yrs. Benjamin C. Mitchell 1844 8 yrs Francis Dunnegan 1844 2 yrs Caleb Lutrell 1844 5yrs John Burns 1846 2yrs Wm. R. Devin 1848 2yrs Wm. H. Newland 1849 3yrs Leander Wilson 1851 1 yr. T. W. Cunningham 1852 4 yrs. Wm. Lunceford 1852 4 yrs. David M. McClure 1853 8 yrs. Wm. H. Lemmon 1856 4 yrs. Moses P. Hart 1856 6 yrs. Thos. D. Hall 1860 2 yrs. James Jump 1862 2 yrs Moses L. Carter 1862 6 yrs. James Potts 1862 4 yrs. Thos. Higginbotham 1864 2 yrs. Thos. Fox 1866 4 yrs. Thos. Burros 1866 4 yrs. Hiram Hopkins 1868 1 yr. John W. Ratcliff 1868 1 yr. 6 mos. W. H. Branham 1870 6 mos. Jesse H. Murray 1870 3 yrs. J. B. Barnett 1870 3 yrs. L. J. Mitchell 1872 8 mos. Wm. McVanZandt 1873 2 yrs. J. W. Farmer 1873 Enoch Plumer 1873 re-elected Benj. Rodgers 1873 Hiram Hopkins 1873 re-elected in 1876 B. W. Appleby 1875 The five , last named, constitute the members of the present court. CLERKS OF THE COUNTY COURT Wm. Henry Clerk Pro Tem 1835 3 mos. Wm. C. Campbell 1835 3 yrs. Isreal W. Davis 1838 9 yrs. Abram Fenley, Jr. 1847 5 yrs. Isreal D. Davis 1853 6 yrs. James M. Jones 1859 3 yrs T.W. Cunningham 1862 3 yrs T. H. B. Dunnegan 1866 1 yr Jas. B. Burros 1866 7 yrs A. C. Lemmon 1874 present SHERIFFS Joseph Inglish 1835 2 yrs. James Ables 1837 2 yrs. N. McMinn 1839 3 yrs. Samuel H. Bunch 1842 2 yrs. David D. Stockton 1844 2 yrs. Richard Saye 1846 4 yrs. James W. Johnson 1850 2 yrs. Morris Mitchell 1852 2 yrs. James M. Jones 1854 4 yrs. Joseph McBroom 1862 2 yrs. 9 mos. John Caldwell 1864 4 yrs. T. H. B. Dunnegan 1868 4 yrs. Robert Greer 1872 2 yrs Thos. Greer 1874 present sheriff CIRCUIT COURT CLERKS Joseph Allen, Clerk pro tem 1835 1 yr. Thos. Jones 1836 2 yrs. Israel W. Davis 1839 9 yrs. Abram Fenley, Jr. 1847 5 yrs. Thomas Rountree 1852 1 yr. Israel W. Davis 1853 6 yrs. James M. Jones 1859 2 yrs. Vacancy ---- ------ M. G. Devin 1862 2 yrs W. L. Snodgrass 1864 10 yrs. A. J. Hunter 1874 present clerk RECORDERS In 1869, the office of Recorder was, by an act of the Legislature separated from the office of the Circuit Court, and made a distinct office, entitled "Recorder of Deeds". At the general election in 1870, A. J. Hunter was elected Recorder, and in 1874, Andrew J. Lower, the present incumbent was elected to said office. COUNTY TREASURERS Wm. M. Payne 1835 1 yr. Joseph L. Young 1836 3 yrs. Nath. T. Williams 1839 8 yrs. Neil McKenzie 1847 1 yr. Wm. Fourshee 1848 5 yrs. Wm. M. Griggs 1853 1 yr. Wm. R. Devin 1854 9 yrs. John E. Rains 1863 4 yrs G. W. Drake 1867 3 yrs John Watson 1870 present treasurer REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE LEGISLATURE Thomas Marlin 1836 1 term Nicholas McMinn 1840 1 term Robert E. Acock 1842 2 terms Winfrey Owens 1844 1 term John Hurt 1846 1 term B. F. Robinson 1848 1 term R. E. Acock 1850 1 term James G. Human 1852 1 term R. E. Acock 1854 1 term Geo. M. Williams 1856 1 term T.W. Cunningham 1858 1 term T.W. Freeman 1860 1 term W. R. Devin 1862 1 term David D. Stockton 1864 1 term James J. Akard 1866 2 terms John D. Abbe 1870 1 term Wm. Lemmon 1872 1 term John Carson 1874 1 term MEMBER FROM POLK COUNTY IN STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Names Convention of R. E. Acock, S. H. Bunch 1845 R. C. Cowden 1861 James W. Johnson 1861 John W. Ross 1875 PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS The office of Circuit Attorney was abolished in 1872, and that of Prosecuting for each county, substituted therefor: C.A. Milliken 1872 2 yrs. W.F. Freeman 1874 present attorney FIRST CIRCUIT COURT The first Circuit Court was held in Bolivar, in a log cabin, near the ground upon which the Circuit House now stands, on the 7th day of September. 1835, C. H. Allen (familiarly known as Horse Allen), presided as Judge--Joseph Allen clerk pro tem, and Joseph Inglish, Sheriff, But two cases were on the docket, and only one was tried, namely, that of David Welch vs. Robert Grahm, an action of replevin, resulting in judgment for the defendant. The grand jurors at that term were Thomas Jones, foreman; Peter Ruyle, Richard Stout, Wm. Penn, Elijah Milliken, Wm. M. Crisp, Henry Akard, Joseph H. Miller, Wm. Lunceford, Amos Richardson, Thos. Gilliham, Absalom Rentfrow, Caswell Beckham, Winfrey Owens, John Burch, Josiah Dent and Thomas Martin. This jury retired and after a short consultation returned one true bill of indictment against David O. George, for peddling without a license. Not a member of this court of jury is now living. Amos Richardson, the last survivor, died during the past year at Humansville, in this county, at the advanced age of 83 years. The first name on the list of attorneys, is that of John S. Phelps, under date of August 7th, 1837. Then follow, in order, Littleberry Hendricks, Charles S. Yancey, Robert W. Crawford and Jas. Winston, at the same term. JUDGE OF PROBATE The office of Probate Judge was established in 1860. Previous to that time the county court held probate jurisdiction. W. R. Cowden was appointed first Judge, and was succeeded by Wm. Boren, in 1862, who filled the office until 1863, when it was abolished, but was re-established in 1867. J. D. Abbe 1868 2 yrs. H. B. Watson 1870 2 yrs. Thos. J. Poage 1872 2 yrs. J. G. Simpson 1874 -------- MILITARY Of the veterans of 1812, but few are now living in our midst. They have nearly all passed away. Of the living, we are able to name the following, all of whom have attained to advanced ages, to-wit: John Burns, Evan Stewart, John Jump, Allen Bridges, Rev. Jas. Kennon, Phillip Watkins, Mattias Chilton and Samuel Sherwood--numbering in all 8 pensioners. One of them, Hartwell Johnson died near Morrisville a few years since, in the 91st year of his age. For several years previous to his death his strength, memory and sight were greatly impaired. Alexander Blair and David Hunter died in 1874, which Henry Potts lived to witness the dawn of the Centennial year. SOLDIERS OF THE MEXICAN WAR The County furnished two full Cavalry companies, and a part of a third one, for this war, the number exceeding our required quota. The first was organized in Bolivar, in July, 1846, and numbered 101 men, including commissioned and non-commissioned officers. B. F. Robinson was captain and Samuel Hughes, Nathaniel T. Williams and John Miller, were Lieutenants. This company, with others, was organized into an extra battalion at Fort Leavenworth, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Whillock; but subsequently attained to the Second Missouri regiment, commanded by Colonel (afterwards General), Sterling Price. The second company was organized in 1847, under Captain B. F. Smithton, who remained in command but a very short time, being succeeded by Captain D. D. Stockton, who remained its commander until the company was regularly disbanded. This company formed a part of Col. Ralls' third Missouri regiment. A part of another company from this county was attached to Lieutenant Col. Gillespie's battalion. These troops were stationed at Santa Fe, and vicinity, and consequently were not engaged in the great battles of that war. They had, however, several engagements and skirmishes with hostile Indians, and foraging parties of the enemy. At the battle of Wagon Mound the lost one man (killed) Charles Casteel; and Joseph Derrick and Charles Wilson were slightly wounded. In the other engagements out troops sustained no loss. An infantry company, under command of Capt. Thomas Ruffle, was also organized, and went as far as Fort Leavenworth, but the war was about over, and our victorious troops had already conquered the Mexicans, this company was not received into the service, but disbanded and returned home. Of our two hundred and twenty-five soldiers, who saw active service in this war, but very few of them are now living in the county. Indeed, one would be surprised at the very small number that now remains in our midst. In a recent conversation with one of them (John E. Rains), he gave me the following list who are living at present in the county, to-wit: S. A. Morgan, Alexander Moore, John Parrish, H. D. Wilson, W. B. Mitchell, J. H. C. Mitchelll, R. W. Menefee, John E. Rains, Chas. L. Lane, Thomas A. Robertson, Wm. M. Wilson, Johnathin Bradford, James Jump, John Hurt, Hiram Thompson, and John Caldwell, in all, sixteen persons. Many of them have removed, but the larger portion of them have passed off the stage of action. THE LATE REBELLION In this war, Polk County furnished many gallant soldiers for contending armies, but as the scenes and events of this conflict are still fresh in the memories of all, it is deemed prudent at this time to make merely a passing allusion to it, hoping that the bitterness and animosities of that period may be buried in oblivion's tomb--that the peace and happiness of the present hour, and the patriotic impulses that have called us together, may not be marred by any unpleasant rehearsal of its sad reminiscences. "Peace to the ashes of the dead, love and respect to the living." CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES We have about seventy-five churches, or congregations, representing various denominations, principally Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Christian; eighty-eight public schools; one college at Morrisville; two high schools, Pleasant Hope and Humansville; one graded public school, at Bolivar; five Masonic lodges; Bolivar, Morrisville, Humansville, Halfway and Pleasant Hope; and three lodges, I. O. O. F., Bolivar, Halfway and Humansville. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS Corn, wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, potatoes, and grapes of all kinds are the staples. Apples, peaches, pears, grapes and small fruits are grown abundantly. Wheat, tobacco, wool, bacon, eggs and butter are the principal exports. STOCK RAISING The county is well adapted to the raising of stock and in earlier years the luxuriant growth of grass on the prairies and timbered lands furnished fine pasturage for large herds of cattle, sheep and horses. Stock roamed at will, and lived nearly the entire year upon the range. But little care or attention was given to improve the breeds, but with the steady march of improvement vast portions of these pasture lands have been reduced to cultivation. The wild grass in so many parts has given way to the introduction of tame grasses, such as timothy, clover and blue grass. Consequently, the farming community has become more interested in raising live stock, which must eventually take the place of the common breeds. MINERAL RESOURCES Many indications of rich leads of lead, zinc, and coal are to be found in various portions of the county; but the absence of transportation facilities have delayed any extensive developments. As soon, however, as these facilities are afforded we may look for rich and paying mines to be opened. RAILROADS Our county has not kept pace with the spirit of internal improvement, although she is, in wealth, population and fertility of soil, one of the foremost counties in this part of the State; yet she has no railroads or navigable streams to bear away the productions of her industry. She has two important railways in process of construction but work for some time has been suspended on each of them in consequence of pecuniary embarrassments and legal complications. These roads certainly will be completed at no distant future. The Laclede and Fort Scott is already graded from Lebanon on the Atlantic and Pacific railroad to this point, a distance of fifty miles. The other, the Kansas City and Memphis, is graded from Kansas City to Osceola, St. Clair county, thirty-five miles northwest of Bolivar. TOWNS AND VILLAGES Bolivar, the county seat, located in Marion township, is the largest and most important. It was laid out and established in 1835, shortly after the organization of the county. A few houses had been built previous to that time. The first building was erected in 1832 or 1833 by Gustavus Gunter, near the present residence of A. J. Hunter. He afterwards sold his improvements to Edmund Kneeling who occupied the same for several years. Joseph C. Montgomery was appointed commissioner to select the seat of Justice of Polk County on the 20th day of March, 1835. William Jamison succeeded him as the commissioner and as such purchased from the general government the land on which the town now stands, being the first cash entry made in the county. He laid off the town and sold the lots as such commissioner. Bolivar was first incorporated some time before the civil war, but during the war the offices became vacant, and the corporation ceased to act. It was reincorporation in 1867 under a statutory provision. This corporation has continued in force ever since. The town at this time contains three hotels with excellent accommodations, three churches, one large brick public school house, one private banking house, six dry goods stores, two family groceries, one bakery, four drug stores, one millinery establishment, two boot and shoe shops, one saddle and harness store, one tin and hardware store, three blacksmith and two wagon shops, one music store, one jewelry store, two weekly newspapers, the Free Press by H. B. Knoght and the Herald by C. D. Lyman, one fine streak flouring mill and carding machine, one steam shingle and saw mill, three ministers, thirteen licensed attorneys, six practicing physicians, and liberal representation of other professions. The first store was opened by Wm. M. Payne in 1834. The present court house was completed in 1841, under the management and direction of John Toler. The town has received several additions at different times, the most important of which is the Hendrick's addition laid out by 1870 by the administrator of the estate of Gibson Hendricks. Bolivar is noted for it's healthy climate, fine water, and the sociability of its citizens. There has never been a dwelling or business house burned in the town; it therefore, has never suffered from the incendiarism, not even during the late war. The town contains several good substantial business houses and quite a number of neatly constructed and desirable private residences. Its population is estimated at one thousand inhabitants, and it's retail trade is about one hundred thousand dollars per year. Humansville, in Johnson township, seventeen miles northwest of Bolivar, is a flourishing little town of about 450 inhabitants, its trade is almost as large as that of Bolivar, has several dry goods, family groceries and drug stores, and picture gallery, tin shop, two hotels and some other business houses, two attorneys and three physicians. The town carries on an active trade with the adjoining counties. A new woolen factory has been recently established in the place and does an excellent business. Humansville has an industrious and enterprising population and with Bolivar in business importance. It is named in honor of its founder, James B. Human, the first settler in the township. Morrisville in Looney township, ten miles southwest of Bolivar, is a neat and growing town, has an active trade and fine surrounding country. It is the seat of Morrisville College, an institution founded in 1873 under the auspices of the M. E. church, South, and is rapidly growing into popularity and importance, has a good corp of professors, is liberally patronized by the southwestern counties. The town was founded in 1870 by Morris Mitchell Esq. Fair Play is a small village in Madison township, ten miles west of Bolivar, contains two dry goods stores, one drug store, a blacksmith shop, church, school house and post office. Pleasant Hope, Halfway, Bright, Rondo and West Bend are smaller places, reference to which will be found in the history of the townships to which they respectively belong. FIRST ENTRY OF LANDS, RECORDING OF DEEDS, ETC. From the records of the U. S. Land Office at Springfield, we learn that government lands in Polk County were first opened to entry in the fall of 1837. The first entry was made by William Jamison, commissioner of Polk County, October 5th, 1837. The land first entered was that on which the town of Bolivar was built. R. K. Payne, John Looney, and Washington Williams entered lands in the same year, which are now embraced within the limits of Looney township. The first warranty deed filed for record in the Recorder's office was made by Washington Williams and wife to Joseph Tuck, acknowledged January 3rd, 1838, before Richard Saye, J. P. The first recorded instrument of any kind is that of a power of attorney made by Wm. Ross to Wesley Robertson and acknowledged before Thomas Jones, clerk of the Circuit Court, May 11th, 1837. The first marriage solemnized after the organization of the county was that of Jeremiah Yancy to Miss Mary Thompson, August 11th, 1835, Isaac Ruth, J. P. officiating. THE OLDEST CITIZEN Rev. James Mitchell living near Morrisville is supposed to be the oldest person in the county. He was born October 19th, 1786, and is consequently in his nintieth year. He entered the Methodist ministry in 1810 and has remained in the same chiefly as a local preacher for the last sixty-six years He raised a family of fourteen children by his first marriage, eight boys and six girls, all of whom lived to be grown. The number of his offspring living and dead is two hundred and sixty-six. Notwithstanding his advanced age and active life he has never called a physician to practice in his family. His mind is still clear and active, though his body is frail and his limbs feeble. By special request he delivered a sermon at Mitchell's Camp Ground last August. Mr. Mitchell emigrated to Polk County in 1834, before the organization of the county, from Blount County, East Tennessee. Old Uncle Dick, a colored inmate at the poor house, is supposed to be the next oldest, though his precise age is not known. Having given a limited history of the county generally we will now give a brief sketch of the townships. MOONEY TOWNSHIP Mooney Township, named in honor of John Mooney, one of the earliest settlers, lies in the southeast corner of the county, is eight miles square containing 64 square miles. Population in 1870, 1,260 estimated at present to be 1,400. This township is well timbered, with some small prairies. The surface of the township is somewhat broken. The soil on the stream valley prairies is generally rich. Timbered uplands usually produce fine wheat. The people are alive upon the subject of education and their schools are well patronized. The township contains several churches, eleven school houses, three saw and grist mills and one post office. Pleasant Hope is the only town; population one hundred. One store, one flouring and saw mill, two blacksmith shops, one shoe shop, academy and church. John Mooney, Wm. Patterson, Dr. Hamilton Bradford, John McClure, Samuel Beckley, Anthony Agnes, James Smithton and others whose names we are unable to learn were among the earliest settlers of this township. Mrs. Lucretia H. Bradford, widow of Dr. H. Bradford has in her possession a relic of the revolution. It is a bottle shaped gourd raised on the farm of Eli Coffee, Albemarle County, Virginia, in the year 1776. Mr. Coffee presented it to Dr. Bradford about 40 years ago. This gourd was used as a powder horn during the war of the revolution and is now in a good state of preservation. There are many fine farms in Mooney, but much of the land is unfit for cultivation. Pomme de Terre and Dry Sac are the principal streams. LOONEY TOWNSHIP Looney Township, named in honor of Benj. Looney, who settled there in 1833 and died in 1875, is bounded on the south by Marion on the east by Mooney, west, Jackson, and on the south by the Greene county line, is 8 miles square and contains 64 square miles; population in 1860- 1750, estimated at present at 2,000; the soil upon the prairies and uplands has a red clay foundation and produces well; the valleys and bottoms are quite rich. Wheat is extensively grown. The principal streams are Dry and Little Sacs, Slagle and Asher creeks; the growth of timber on these streams is white and shell-bak hickory, black and white walnut, hackberry, linn, pawpaw, elm, red-bud, maple, sycamore, ash and many species of oak. This township was about the first settled part of the county. Among the earliest may be mentioned John Mooney who settled near the present town of Brighton, Richard Saye, Samuel Asher, John and David Ross; Aaron, Gideon and Nelson Ruyle, J. N. Sloan, John and Benj. Looney, Jacob, Thomas and Smith Lemmon, Joseph Tuck, Pittman and Thomas Woolard, W. W. McNight, James Faulkner, Charner DeGraffenreid, Nathaniel Herndon, Daniel and Martin Harpool, Wm. Maxey, William Daly, Hartwell Johnson, Wm. Winton, Hugh Boyd, Robert E. Acock, Abram and John Slagle and Abram Sears. This township is well timbered and has many fine springs located in Pleasant Prairie in a rich and healthful portion of the county. A more extended description is given in another part of this sketch. Brighton, on the Bolivar and Springfield road. twelve miles from the former place, is a small town but has a considerable trade, and contains one dry goods store, one drug store, post office, blacksmith shop, and one stream saw mill. West Bend, on Little Sac, has one dry goods store and one water mill. Slagle Creek has one store and post office. The second entry of land made in the county was located in this township in the year 1837. There were several settlers here before the Indians retired. They required rent of the whites and soon became quite troublesome, and made threats which alarmed the settlers. The danger became so alarming that the whites assembled together and selected one of the number, J. N. Sloan to visit and petition the Governor for relief. He immediately mounted his horse and rode to St. Louis, consulted with His Excellency, and returned with gratifying assurances of protection. After this the Indians became more quiet, and remained friendly until their removal. These early pioneers were remarkable for generosity and hospitality, and were always ready and willing to lend assistance to a neighbor when he needed it. When a newcomers house was to be built, or, his land to be cleared, or a friends corn to be husked, his neighbors for miles around gathered to assist him and soon made quick work of it. Mrs. Marth Smith, near Brighton, widow of the late J. H. M. Smith, is said to have woven the first piece of cloth in the county in 1830. JACKSON TOWNSHIP Jackson Township lies in the southwest corner adjoining Greene and Dade Counties. In the southern and western parts are some very fine farming lands. Crisp and Coat prairies are noted for their rich soil and well improved farms. The northern part is generally broken and hilly. Orleans on Sac eleven miles southwest of Bolivar is the only town. It contains one dry goods and drug store, and one grist and saw mill. In the first settlement of the county this store was quite a trading point. There were many business houses and the name of Orleans was familiar throughout the Southwest , but for many years past there have been but traces of its former existence. The township is 8 miles square, containing 64 square miles. Population in 1870, 1,483, estimated at present to be about 1,650. It was settled as an early day. Among the first settlers were Isaac Looney, Michael Crow, Adam Zumwalt, Isaac Ruth, James Malicoat, Jeremiah Acuff, Woods Hamilton, Berry Coats, Jonathin Rice, Thomas Burros, Joseph Linn, Middleton Lane, Henry and James King, John McClure, Anguish New, Thomas J. Kelly, Bletcher Holder and several families of the Potters and Mitchells. Little Sac, Walnut and Turkey Creeks are the principal streams. MADISON TOWNSHIP Madison Township lies north of Jackson, west of Marion, south of Johnson and east of the Cedar County line. It is eleven miles long and six miles wide, containing an area of 66 square miles. Population in 1870- 1,361; estimated at present to be 1,550. It is the second township in taxable wealth, fourth in extent and fifth in population. It is well timbered and has but little prairie. Soil is generally good and produces well. Little Sac, Brush and Bear Creeks are the principle streams. Considerable interest is manifested in public schools and the spirit of popular education is steadily increasing; contains ten school houses, several churches, one steam and two water mills, and one post office. The old town of New Market laid out by Wm. Campbell once had an active trade, but the building of the town of Orleans near by so deprived it of its trade that it soon went down and is not now known on the map of the county. The first settlers were S. H. Bunch, Ransom Cates, Abnor Renfrow, Peter Ruyle, Wm. Campbell, John Hunt, James Stockton, Robert Evans, Henry and James Akard, Jacob Seigler, Joseph Ferguson, Silas Fox, John Crain, James Watson, Ahab Bowen, James Hopkins, Benj. Craighead, Francis, William and Matthew Dunnegan, William Webb, Drury Kersey, Alfred Frieze, and David Rountree. In 1857 there was, but one school house which was used for both church and school purposes. BENTON TOWNSHIP Benton Township is situated east of Marion, north of Mooney, south of Greene and west of the Dallas County line. It is the second in extent and third in population, being eleven miles long and eight miles wide, containing 88 square miles; population in 1870, 1,650, estimated at present at 1,900. The township is well watered with springs and creeks; along the banks of the latter the surface is broken and hilly. Immense quarries of cotton rock are to be found in the hills adjoining Pomme De Terre. This rock is said to be found nowhere else in the state except along the streams and its tributaries. It is quite valuable for building purposes and has been used extensively as a substitute for marble. Wolfe, Shultze, Coon and Brush creeks are tributaries of Pomme de Terre. Buffalo-head prairie in the eastern part is one of the prettiest and most fertile in the county. Flint and Elkhorn are smaller prairies. Halfway, ten miles east of Bolivar, is the only town; has two retail stores, blacksmith shop, school house post office, one lodge each of the Masons and I. O. O. F. David Bartley first settled the township. After him came John and Maynard Vanderford, Stephen Jones, Noah and Elijah Gorden, James Shaw, David Hendrickson, John and Benj. Gordon. This township is well adapted to stock raising, both grass and water being plentiful. Benton contains two post offices, nine school houses and several churches. MARION TOWNSHIP Marion Township occupies the central portion of the county, and is first in wealth, population and extent. It is ten miles from east to west, and eleven miles from north to south, containing 110 square miles. Population in 1870, including the town of Bolivar, 2,489; estimated at present 2,800. The Three-mound prairie embraces nearly all of the southern and western part. The western portion of this prairie is highly productive; the eastern is less fertile and more adapted to pasturage. It is named from three large mounds which contain immense quantities of what is known as vermicular sandstone, and are covered only with grass and rocks from the base to summit; not a tree to be seen. In the southern part of this prairie as a place known as Hickory Point, was built the first retail store in the county., Wm. Jamison, proprietor. The northern portion of the township is timbered, the surface being undulating and hilly. Bolivar is the only town. Among the first settlers were Gustavus Gunter, Wm. Lunceford, James W. Johnson, Winfrey Owens, Wm. Piper, E. M. Campbell, Caleb Jones, Samuel and John W. Wilson, Joseph L. Young, David D. and Daniel M. Stockton, William and Ephriam Jamison, Edmund Keeling, Abram Fenley, I. W. Davis, Thos. McAllister, R. B. Price, John E. Rains,Wm. Henry, Rev. Elijah Williams, W.R. and Clayton Devin, A. C. Denny, Isham and Jas. Ables, J. R. Calloway, Darling and Scudder Smith, Amos Richardson, and Lewis Morgan. The greatest part of the history and statistics of this township is more or less connected with that of the town of Bolivar, which has already been given. GREENE TOWNSHIP Greene Township is located in the northeast corner of the county, length from east to west 10 miles, width from north to south 7 1/2 miles, containing 75 square miles; population in 1870- 1904, estimated in 1876 at 1,200. There are no towns or villages, but one retail store, two post offices, several churches and schoolhouses, no mills of manufactories. Sentinal prairie is the best and wealthiest portion. The bottom lands on Lindsay creek are rich and well timbered. There are many indications of mineral deposits. Lead is supposed to exist in paying quantities and will doubtless be developed sometime in the near future. The hills and prairies furnish a fine pasture for live stock. This township was not so early settled as some of the others. B. L. Stephens, Joseph Inks, Jacob Ballinger, John and James Jump, John Howe, Samuel Rutherford, Brice Stewart, Leonard Richards, Derrit Barclay, Hugh Estes, Evan Stewart, Rev. Gallison and John Burns were among the first settlers. John Jump is the oldest citizen in the township is now eighty-four years of age. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 so were Evan Stewart and John Burns. JOHNSON TOWNSHIP Johnson Township is located in the northeast corner of the county and embraces some of its most desirable and best portions. The township is about equally divided in prairie and timber. The prairie portion is generally very productive. The timbered lands are rough and hilly. This portion of the county was not settled so early as the central and western parts. James Human was the first pioneer. He settled at the big spring at Humansville in the fall of 1834, having emigrated from Illinois the same year. Judge Human frequently filled important positions of trust. Once represented the county in the state legislature, once a member of the county court, besides at different times fulfilling the duties of several other offices. He died in 1875. Shortly after him came David Moulder, W. B. B. George, James Renfrow, Larkin Williams, John and George Yoast, Thomas W. King, Wesley Savely and many others. David R. Murphy, who died in Humansville last fall, was among the oldest citizens, having lived in different localities in the county for the last forty years or more. He was a minister of the Baptist Church and a zealous and devoted Christian. Humansville is the only town, reference to which has already been made. Brush creek is the principle stream. Twenty-Five Mile and Valley Prairies, comprising a large portion of the township, are fine agricultural districts. The citizens are generally industrious, social and full of thrift and enterprise. This township contains 48 square miles. Population in 1870, 799, estimated in 1876, 1,150. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP Jefferson Township was the last settled part of the county. It was bounded on the East by Greene, on the south by Marion, on the west by Johnson, and on the north by Hickory County. George W. Kelly made the first settlement at Dry Fork, at the Bolivar, and Warsaw road, at the present residence of his son, William Kelly. James Black, Ezekial Flint, Russell K. Kelly, S. A. Morgan, J. C. Davis, and Leander Wilson were also early settlers. Weaver and Twenty-five mile prairies embrace about half the township. The latter is inclined to be wet, but produce immense crops of corn, oats and grass, but the soil is unfavorable to the growth of wheat. The other portions of this township are admirably adapted to the growth of the important cereal. Pomme De Terre and Dry Fork are the only water courses. A new mill propelled by a wire cable has recently been constructed on the former stream by Dr. P. C. Sherwood. It is the only one of the kind in this part of the state and is regarded as quite an improvement on the water mills now in use. The are of this township is 65 1/2 square miles. Population in 1870, 480; estimated in 1876 at 750. Rondo on the Twenty-five Mile prairie is the only post office. Having given a short sketch of each township we return to the county in general. We will first notice her FINANCIAL CONDITION In August, 1869, the county court of this county made a conditional subscription to the Laclede & Fort Scott Railroad Company to the amount of $250,000 to be paid in county bonds, in denominations not less than $500, said bonds payable in twenty years and bearing seven per cent interest payable semi-annually. In 1870 and 1871 bonds to the amount of $33,000, were issued and delivered to said railroad company, but on the 9th day of August, 1872, the county court rescinded the order subscribing the aforesaid stock to said road. The above mentioned amount of bonds, $33,500, constitute the outstanding bonded indebtedness of the county, the interest on which has always been promptly paid when due. In addition to these railroad bonds the county owes a debt of one thousand dollars to capital stock of her county school funds. The floating indebtedness of the county has been reduced for the last three years, but in the last twelve months there has been a greater reduction than during any previous year. The total amount of outstanding warrants at the present time will not exceed in round numbers the sum of six thousand dollars. If the delinquent taxes due the county revenue fund were all paid in it would be sufficient to redeem all outstanding warrants and leave a balance in the treasury. CONCLUSION Having now reached the conclusion of this historical and descriptive sketch we beg leave to state that the brief space of time allotted us for its preparation, together with the difficulty and delay in obtaining facts outside of official records have prevented the introduction of many events and occurrences that ought not to be omitted in a sketch of this character. Many of the incidents and circumstances herein recorded are taken from the recollection of the parties furnishing them, and as they cover a long period of time, they may not in all cases be substantially as the occurred, but in the main we think their correctness will not be disputed. In making personal reference we have not intentionally omitted and person whose name should have occurred in connection with the early settlement of the townships or county. We have in most instances given them as they were furnished by others. To the following gentlemen, we are under many obligations for the information furnished by them in reference to their respective localities, viz: Col. James M. Johnson, John E. Rains, and John Watson of Bolivar. Capt. J. W. Burns of Halfway, Geo. W. Williams of Humansville, Dr. A. C. Sloan of Walnut Grove, Henry Gardner of Pleasant Hope, James M. Zumwalt of Sentinal Prairie, Milton Brown of Jefferson Township, James Stockton and Silas Fox of Madison and W. H. King of Jackson, also to A. J. Hunter, circuit clerk, and A. J. Lower, Recorder, for statistics and historical facts gathered from the records in their offices, and we are especially indebted to James W. Rains, Esq. for his arduous labors in searching through and examining official records, and for other valuable assistance rendered in the preparation of the sketch. A. C. LEMMON County Historian Note from your Host: This has been copied from a typewritten copy of the original newspaper article. We tried to maintain the integrity of the written word but did change some spelling so that the surnames would be spelled the same throughout. If you have questions about any names or information herein, or any other information, we recommend that you check other sources of the period, such as the census records and the History of History, Polk, Cedar, Dade and Barton Counties by Goodspeed. This manuscript is referenced as a source for some of the information in that book. SURNAME INDEX —A— Abbe, 4, 5 Ables, 3, 11 Ackard, 3 Acock, 4, 5, 9 Acuff, 10 Agnes, 9 Akard, 2, 4, 5, 10 Allen, 2, 4, 5 Appleby, 3 Asher, 9 —B— Ballinger, 12 Barclay, 12 Barnett, 3 Bartley, 11 Beckham, 5 Beckley, 9 Black, 12 Blair, 5 Boren, 5 Bowen, 10 Boyd, 9 Bradford, 6, 9 Branham, 3 Bridges, 5 Brown, 2, 13 Bunch, 3, 5, 10 Burch, 5 Burns, 3, 5, 12, 13 Burros, 3, 10 —C— Caldwell, 4, 6 Calloway, 11 Campbell, 2, 3, 10, 11 Carson, 5 Carter, 3 Casteel, 6 Cates, 10 Chilton, 5 Coats, 10 Coffee, 9 Cowden, 5 Craighead, 10 Crain, 10 Crawford, 5 Crisp, 2, 5 Crow, 10 Cunningham, 3, 4 —D— Daly, 9 Davidson, 2 Davis, 3, 4, 11, 12 DeGraffenreid, 9 Denny, 11 Dent, 2, 5 Derrick, 6 Devin, 3, 4, 11 Drake, 4 Dunnegan, 3, 4, 10 —E— Estes, 12 Evans, 10 —F— Farmer, 3 Faulkner, 9 Fenley, 3, 4, 11 Ferguson, 10 Flint, 12 Fourshee, 2, 4 Fox, 3, 10, 13 Freeman, 4, 5 Frieze, 10 —G— Gallison, 12 Gardner, 13 George, 5, 12 Gillespie, 6 Gilliham, 5 Gorden, 11 Gordon, 11 Grahm, 5 Greer, 4 Griggs, 4 Gunter, 7, 11 —H— Hall, 3 Hamilton, 10 Harpool, 9 Hart, 3 Hendricks, 5, 8 Hendrickson, 11 Henry, 2, 3, 11 Henslee, 2 Herndon, 9 Higginbotham, 3 Holder, 10 Hopkins, 3, 10 Howe, 12 Hughes, 6 Human, 2, 4, 8, 12 Hunt, 10 Hunter, 4, 5, 7, 13 Hurt, 4, 6 —I— Inglish, 2, 3, 5 Inks, 12 —J— Jamison, 2, 7, 8, 11 Johnson, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 13 Jones, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11 Jump, 3, 5, 6, 12 —K— Keeling, 11 Kelly, 10, 12 Kennon, 5 Kersey, 10 King, 10, 12, 13 Kneeling, 7 Knoght, 7 —L— Lane, 6, 10 Lemmon, 1, 3, 4, 9, 13 Linn, 10 Looney, 8, 9, 10 Lower, 4, 13 Lunceford, 2, 3, 5, 11 Lutrell, 3 Lyman, 7 —M— Malicoat,, 10 Marlin, 2, 4 Martin, 2, 5 Maxey, 9 McAllister, 11 McBroom, 4 McClure, 3, 9, 10 McKenzie, 4 McMinn, 3, 4 McNight, 9 McVanZandt, 3 Menefee, 6 Miller, 5, 6 Milliken, 5 Mitchell, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 Mitchells, 10 Montgomery, 2, 7 Mooney, 9 Moore, 6 Morgan, 6, 11, 12 Moulder, 12 Murphy, 12 Murray, 3 —N— New, 10 Newland, 3 —O— Owens, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11 —P— Parrish, 6 Patterson, 9 Payne, 2, 4, 7, 8 Penn, 2, 5 Phelps, 5 Piper, 11 Plumer, 3 Poage, 5 Potters, 10 Potts, 3, 5 Price, 6, 11 —R— Rains, 4, 6, 11, 13 Ralls, 6 Ratcliff, 3 Renfrow, 10, 12 Rentfrow, 5 Rice, 10 Richards, 12 Richardson, 5, 11 Riddles, 2 Robertson, 6, 8 Robinson, 4, 6 Rodgers, 3 Ross, 5, 8, 9 Rountree, 3, 4, 10 Ruffle, 6 Ruth, 2, 8, 10 Rutherford, 12 Ruyle, 5, 9, 10 —S— Savely, 12 Saye, 2, 3, 8, 9 Sears, 9 Seigler, 10 Shaw, 11 Sherwood, 5, 12 Simpson, 5 Slagle, 9 Sloan, 2, 9, 10, 13 Smith, 10, 11 Smithton, 6, 9 Snodgrass, 4 Spence, 2 Stephens, 12 Stewart, 5, 12 Stockton, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13 Stout, 5 —T— Temple, 3 Thompson, 6, 8 Toler, 7 Tuck, 8, 9 —U— Uncle Dick, 9 —V— Vanderford, 11 —W— Watkins, 5 Watson, 4, 5, 10, 13 Webb, 10 Welch, 5 Whillock, 6 Williams, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13 Wilson, 3, 6, 11, 12 Winston, 5 Winton, 9 Woolard, 9 —Y— Yancey, 5 Yancy, 8 Yoast, 12 Young, 4, 11 —Z— Zumwalt, 10, 13 16