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PHYSICAL
FEATURES
Jefferson
township lies east of Jackson, and extends from the line of the latter to
Ralls county, and contains about eighty-two square miles. About one-seventh
of the township is prairie. There is probably more rough land in Jefferson
than in any other township in the county. The soil, however, is well adapted
to blue grass, but much of it produces good corn and wheat; in fact, there
is no better wheat section than that found in the southeastern portion of
this township.
Like Jackson, Jefferson township has an abundance of water, which is found
at all seasons of the year, in the North, Middle, South and Elk forks of
Salt river, saying nothing of their numerous confluents. The above named
streams unite in this township, and form Salt river, which at one time in
the early settlement of the country, it was thought could be made navigable.
Jefferson township was one of the earliest settled townships in the county;
the pioneers who first emigrated thereto were generally from Kentucky, and
were men of sterling worth of character. Many of their descendants still
reside there, and refuse to abandon the habitations of their fathers,
believing after all that old Monroe is as much of an El Dorado as can be
found in this Western country.
Among
the early settlers of the township we record the names of the following:
Maj. William N. Penn, Hugh A. Hickman, Peter Stice, Andrew Rogers, Allery
Rogers, Aniel Rogers, John Newsome, William Bybee, Enoch Fruit, John Scobee,
Stephen Scobee, Wm. Carter, Richard Cave, Willis Samuel, Bazil Crew, Samuel
Dames, Dames, Buchanan, Milton Wilkerson, Edward Damrel, Robt. Donaldson,
John Witt, -Abernathy, Anderson Hickman, Jack-son
Hickman, Darius Poage, Levi Hall, Benj. Mothershead, Milas Johnson, John
McNutt, Merritt Violet, Robert George, Lunsford Morton, Ezekiel Phelps,
Dennis Thompson, Underwood Dooley, John Alfred, Anderson Ivie, Joseph White.
FLORIDA
Florida is situated upon a high point of land between the Middle and North
forks of Salt river, near their junction, in the eastern part of Monroe
county. This seems to have been selected as a suitable place for a
settlement even by the aborigines and the mound builders, as numerous piles,
in a perfect state of preservation to this day, fully attest. The hills,
covered with a heavy growth of timber, protected them from the bleak winds
of winter and furnished, also, a hiding-place for deer and turkeys, upon
which, to a great extent, they must have subsisted. The shoals, too, upon
which the mills are built, supplied
them an excellent place for spearing fish; for the water in those days,
before the ground was broken by the plow, was clear. The two mills, which
formed the first starting points of the town, were built about the same
time, in 1827. The mill upon the South fork was erected by Peter Stice, a
jolly Dutchman ; that on the North fork by Richard Cave. Stice's mill was
purchased by Hugh A. Hickman during the fall of 1830 and operated by him for
nearly 40 consecutive
years. Perhaps no mill in the State was ever run so long by the same
individual, nor was ever a business more faithfully managed than was this
loved calling by the old Captain, as he was familiarly called. He resided on
a splendid farm about two miles from the mill; but, though rich and sightly
as it was, it never occupied much of his attention. The mill was his
delight, and to the mill he went every day, rain or shine. He was a splendid
horseman and fond of a fine horse,
and his large and portly figure, as he rode backwards and forwards to
his mill, is well remembered by most of the people in the surrounding
country to this day. He died, loved by his family and respected by his many
customers for his high sense of justice and cheerful, friendly disposition.
He sold the mill in the spring of 1868 to Messrs. Clark & Gaitskill;
they to M. B. Clark, and he to the Powers Bros. To the mill these
enterprising young men attached a
steam engine, and carried on the most extensive lumber business in the
county. They retained in the neighborhood of the mill some 15 or 20 men,
with teams in proportion, engaged in cutting, hauling and sawing logs. What
lumber they could not sell at home they took to Monroe City and sold to the
railroads, thus giving employment to a great number of men and teams.
They also ran the grist mill constantly, making a good article of flour and
did a large amount of work. The Powers Bros. sold to Goss & Vandeventer
(John C. Goss and John W. Vandeventer). The mill on the North fork was built
by Richard Cave and sold by him to Dr. Meredith, a physician from one of the
New England States. From Dr. Meredith it was purchased by Boyle Goodwin and
operated by him with moderate success, and sold to A. M. Hickman about
1852. "Aleck," as he was familiarly called, devoted his attention
exclusively to the mill, and was, by his mechanical skill, good judgment and
experience in milling, enabled to make it a splendid financial success. He
kept workmen engaged in repairing and improving, during the whole of his
administration, and would tolerate no work about his premises that was not
done in the best possible manner.
He thus constructed one of the best country mills in the State--neat,
convenient and durable. Much of the work in this mill, if properly
cared for, will be good for a hundred years to come. "Aleck is
complimented by his many customers to this day for his great care and skill
in his business, and his integrity and sense of justice were of the highest
order.
His brother, Joseph G. Hickman, succeeded "Aleck" in the operation
of the mill. He has completed in good style the attachment of an engine, but
uses
steam only in dry weather. He designs extensive improvement of his
water-power, and claims at least to be always on hand and to do his best.
His assistant miller, Mr. James Rouse, has been with him a number of years,
and is to be relied upon as a man of strict integrity. He takes as much
interest in the business as the proprietor himself, and is undoubtedly a
first-class miller. He has never had a harsh word with a customer since he
has been tending the
mills. The business done by the mills from 1845 to 1860, was perhaps the
largest milling business ever done in the county. Large quantities of flour
were hauled regularly to Hannibal and Mexico, and shipped from thence to St.
Louis, until the Hickman flour was well known at one time in that city. Hugh
A. Hickman ran out several boats loaded with flour to Louisiana, on the
Mississippi, at the mouth of Salt river, and brought back one boat lightly
loaded with sugar, coffee and other articles of merchandise. Florida was
declared the head of navigation on Salt river, and was thought by those
brave and ambitious pioneers to be a favorable point for the founding of a
great commercial town. The town was accordingly laid off by Maj. Win. N.
Penn, Hugh A. Hickman and others, and although the bright dreams which
swelled
the hearts of these noble pioneers were not realized, Florida has always
held the rank of a respectable and enterprising village. From this point and
vicinity have emanated some of the most prominent business men of North-east
Missouri, as well as Mark Twain, a writer of national reputation, and
probably the most celebrated humorist ever produced by the United States.
The house in which Mark Twain was born is still standing, and is now used as
a printing office by the Monroe County Democrat. It is a one-story
frame building, containing two rooms. Mark Twain was born in the north room
of this building, according to the best information, furnished by Mrs. John
A. Quarles, who is his aunt by marriage.
The
first store in the vicinity was kept by Maj. Penn for a man named Roundtree,
at Stice's mill, and was in operation there in 1831. He afterwards removed
to Florida, and from thence to Paris, where he acted for more than 20 years
as county clerk. Since the formation of Florida there has been a great
number of men engaged in the mercantile business in the place, with varying
success. Prominent among the old merchants were John A. Quarles, R. H.
Buchanan, Milton Wilkerson, Presley Wilkerson and Mason Wilkerson. They have
all crossed the dark river save Uncle Mace, who still lives in the town,
and engaged in bee culture, a business in which he is quite an expert.
Mr. Wilkerson came to Jefferson township with his father, William Wilkerson,
in 1829, from Clark county, Kentucky, and located about four miles from
Florida. At the same time came his brothers, William, Presley, Morgan and
Milton, and his sister, Mrs. Sally Tally, all of whom are now dead. The
first house in Florida was built by Judge Damrell. Jeremiah Upton built the
next; both of these were used by them as residences. Among other early
merchants were James Bryant, James R. Payne and James Herndon. Dr. Willis
was the first resident physician. He was drowned in Salt river whilst on a
professional visit. It was supposed at the time, by some persons, that he
was killed; this supposition, however, was never verified. His body was
found, a few days after he was missing, some distance below the ford where
he was drowned. Dr. Win. Proctor and Dr.
Walton were also pioneer physicians. R. H. Buchanan was the first
blacksmith. Washington Moberly was the first tailor. Willard Buck, a
one-legged man, was the shoemaker. At an early day Anthony Leake operated a
carding machine.
The town was incorporated in May, 1883. The first city officers were James
L. Pollard, chairman of the board; John D. Poage, clerk; Wr. E. Rosell,
marshal.
SECRET
ORDERS
Florida Lodge, No. 23, A. F. and A. V. -Is one of the oldest in the
State, it having been organized as early Las May, 1852, with the following
charter-members: W. N. Tanday, T. J. Chowning, John F. Young, John A.
Quarles, P. S. Darnes, Mason Wilkerson, Milton Wilkerson, Jonathan Abby,
Alvin Mennifee and B. C. Pollard. The present officers of the lodge are T.
Chowning, W. M.; J. W.
Hurd, S. W.; T. Wright, J. W.; J. L. Clark, S. D.; B. F. White, treasurer;
Benjamin Utterback, J. D.; R. H. Goodier, secretary; Mason Wilkerson, tyler.
The hall is over J. L. Pollard's harness store, and is owned by the lodge.
The room is neatly furnished, and everything paid for. The lodge has about
40 members in good standing.
Triple Alliance -Was organized about three years ago and is in a
flourishing condition.
MARK
TWAIN LITERARY SOCIETY
This society was named in honor of Mark Twain, who at the date of its
organization (in 1880) presented it with $25 in cash, and a copy of each of
his books. Thinking a brief biographical sketch of Mark Twain would be read
with interest, especially by the people of Florida, we here insert it:
Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) was born in Florida, November 30th, 1835. He
attended a common school until ten years of age, when he became an
apprentice in the office of the Courier, at Hannibal, Missouri, and
afterwards worked at his trade in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and
New York. In 1855 he went to New Orleans, intending to take passage for Para
to explore the Amazon and to engage in the cacao trade, but the fact that
there was no ship
from New Orleans to Para prevented the fulfillment of his plan. On his way
down the river he made friends with the pilots and learned to steer the
boat, and for the consideration of $500 they engaged to make him a St. Louis
and New Orleans pilot. He finally secured a situation as pilot at $250 per
month. In 1861 his brother was appointed Secretary of the Territory of
Nevada, and Samuel accompanied him as his private secretary. He worked in
the mines for about a year. He then shoveled quartz in a silver mill for $10
a week for one week. He became city editor of the Virginia City Enterprise
and held the position three years. Part of the time he reported
legislative proceedings
from Carson and signed his letters " Mark Twain." The name was a
reminiscense of his steamboat days on the Mississippi, where it is the
leadman's term to signify a depth of two fathoms of water. From Virginia
City he went to San Francisco, and for five months was a reporter for the Morning
Call. In 1866 he went to the Hawaiian Islands, remaining six months,
when he returned to San Francisco and Nevada and lectured through those
States. He went to the East and published "The Jumping Frog and other
Sketches."
In 1867 he went to Egypt and the Holy Land and wrote his book entitled ' The
Innocents Abroad." He edited a daily paper in Buffalo, and visited
England in 1873. In 1872 he published "Roughing It." His residence
is at Hartford, Connecticut. Florida and vicinity have been for many years a
great resort for picnicers and those who are fond of summer rambles and
sylvan sports.
Salt river near by is a beautiful stream of water, and its banks are still
covered with native forest trees, whose cooling boughs and shady retreats,
are often sought by both the aged and the young. Besides, the river
furnishes an abundance of fish which are caught and cooked on the ground and
eaten by the merry picnicers. These picnics have been in vogue for eighteen
years, the last annual one occurring August 21, 1884.
STOUTSVILLE
Stoutsville
is located in the north-western part of Jefferson town-ship,
on section 13, township 55, range 9, on the line of the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas Railroad, and was laid out in 1871. The town was named after Robert P.
Stout, a wealthy and influential farmer who resided in that vicinity. He
came to Monroe county from Kentucky at an early day and died at the age of
about 67 years. His widow gave the railroad company six acres of land, and
to express its appreciation of the gift, it named the town as above stated,
in honor of her husband. His wife and only child are dead. The first
business house in the young town, was erected by Dennis Thompson and used as
a grocery store. Perry Kincaid built the next house, which was occupied as a
saloon. The first dry goods and general store was opened by Henry Dooley and
J. R. Nolen.
Dennis Thompson opened the first drug store, followed soon after by Henry F.
Woodson and A. P. Vance. Jethro Hardwick was the pioneer blacksmith. Dr.
Hagan was the first physician. The postmasters have been Albert Price, J. R.
Nolen and A. G. Dooley--Dooley being the present postmaster. The Old School
Baptists erected a church edifice on the town site many years before the
town was thought of. It was constructed of logs; the present building is a
frame one. The Missionary Baptists built a church in the town about the year
1876. The town possesses a public school, telegraph land express office; two
daily mails by railroad, and one mail, daily, to Florida by hack, seven
miles distant.
The business houses are 3 dry goods and general stores; 2 drug stores; 3
blacksmith shops ; 1 saw and grist mill; 1 livery stable; 2 hotels and 2
physicians. J. E. Sinelser is the depot agent. One mile north-west of
Stoutsville is located the extensive pottery works of J. W. Conrad, which
were opened about six years ago. Among the large farmers who reside in the
vicinity of Stoutsville are Judge Henry Dooley, H. J. Clapper, H. J. Priest
and Martin J. Clark. The shipments from the depot during the past twelve
months, beginning
with August 1, 1883, have been as follows: Live stock, 80 cars; wood, 115;
lumber, 15; wheat, 8; oats, 8; and stoneware, 10 cars.
INDIAN
CREEK TOWNSHIP
Indian
Creek embraces an area of 26 square miles, and is the smallest municipal
division in the county. It is situated in the north-eastern part of the
county, and is separated from Marion county by a strip of territory three
miles in width and forming a part of Monroe township. It is also separated
from Rails county by a portion of territory from two to three miles in
width. The North fork of Salt river, flows through the southern portion of
the township; there are two or three other small streams, tributaries of the
North and Middle forks of Salt river, which afford stock water the greater
part of the year; among these is Shell's branch. About four miles of the
Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad passes through the western portion of
the township. The land in this township is nearly all prairie, and is well
adapted to agriculture. The south-eastern portion of the township contains a
section of the country called the Barrens. School-houses are numerous, there
being no less than six in the township. These are located on sections 23,
10, 20, 8, 5 and 6.
The
Old School Baptist Church above named, is the oldest religious denomination
in the township; the first house was erected prior to 1840. Hiram Thompson,
Wm. Wilkerson, W. J. Henderson, Job Dooley and Underwood Dooley were among
the constituent members.
EARLY SETTLERS
Matthew W. Carswell, Andrew Arnett, Henry Bramblett, Zarby Pariss, Sarah
Pariss, Lewis Scobee, Martin J. Lyle, John Dale, John D. Green, Anna L.
Lawrence, Richard Miller, Richard Miles, John Taylor and William K. Brooks
were among the first to settle in this township.
ELIZABETHTOWN
This
little village is located on Indian creek, six miles southwest of Monroe
City, and is 17 miles north-east of Paris. The population is about 350; two
dry goods houses, two drug houses, three groceries, two blacksmith shops,
one good hotel, one very fine house, and the finest church in the county,
Catholic. Its dimensions are 100x50, and will comfortably seat a
congregation of 800 persons. Its spire is 110 feet high. The town was laid
out in 1835 by a Mr. Swinkey, and for some time bore this name. Mr.
Swinkey's wife was named Elizabeth, and the town was finally named in honor
of her. Prof. Hagan is principal of the school, which numbers 75 pupils. The
voting population of the precinct is 160, and 154 of that number are
Democrats. Thomas Yates and Dick Miles are the two oldest settlers in this
part of the county. Mr. Miles is in his eighty-first year, and Mr. Yates is
73, and both are stout and hearty and bid fair to live 20 years longer.
CLAPPER
Clapper
station is located on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, eight miles
from Monroe City and fourteen from Paris, and is pleasantly situated on a
beautiful prairie, surrounded on the south and west by the Salt river
timber, and on the east and north by the fine young timber of Indian creek.
The view is one of surpassing beauty, the prairie gently undulating, dotted
here and there with orchards and ornamental groves, from which cosy
farm-houses and barns appear in the foreground, all showing signs of thrift
and the industry of the farming community. There are several large stock
farms in the vicinity. Among these are the farms of Thomas Tewell, who has
as good stock as can be found in the State; also the Buckman brothers, who
are raising fine stock by the quantity, and running the largest and best
stock farm in the county. J. H. Jett, who owns a fine farm one mile from the
station, is the stocks dealer for this place, and has within the last three
years shipped 100 car loads of stock.
Among the fine farms lying contiguous may be named those of John H.
Clapper, who has recently erected one of the largest and most commodious
houses in this part of the county, and that of Col. William M. Priest, who
owns one of the best improved farms in the county, and for fertility the
soil on his farm is unsurpassed. But space forbids giving a complete
description of all the farms near by. Suffice it to say, there is no place
that offers better inducements to the tiller of the soil than do the fine
lands lying in the immediate vicinity of Clapper station. Clapper station
took its name from Mr. Henry Clapper, who was largely instrumental in
getting the railroad built through this section, and out of respect, and
appreciating his services, the citizens called the station by his name. (Mr.
Clapper has since died.) The population is about 100; two stores, a
blacksmith and wagon shop, all of which are doing a good business.
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