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Elizabethtown
was located on Indian Creek, six miles southwest of
Monroe City, and 17 miles northeast of Paris. The
population was about 350. There were two dry
goods stores, two drug stores, three grocery stores,
two blacksmith ships, and one good hotel. The town was
laid out in 1835 by a Mr. Swinkey, and for some time
bore his name. Mr. Swinkey's wife was named Elizabeth
and the town was finally named in honor of her.
--Directory of Towns, Villages, and Hamlets,
Past and Present, of Monroe Co., Mo., p. 158
It
was formerly known as Indian Creek.
--Campbell's Gazetteer of Mo., 1874, p. 380
(submitted by Robin
Gatson)
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The
town was established in 1833, and was originally named
Swinkey after Charles T. Augustine Schwenke who laid
out the town and operated the first store and
blacksmith shop. Later it was renamed Elizabethtown
because the first 2 women in that town were
baptized Elizabeth . One was Elizabeth Hardesty
Short and the other was Elizabeth Hardesty Elzea who
married August Schwenke. Eventually the
town became Indian Creek. In the early days it
was known as a trading post and mail center for the
frontier community. Many of the first
families in the area were from the Rolling Fork
Settlement, Marion Co., Kentucky. Also known as
the "Maryland Catholics on the Frontier".
This
town is the location of St.Stephen's Catholic Church
and Cemetery (inactive). The 5 acres of the land
for the church was donated by Stephen A. Yates, so the
church was named in his honor . The first church was
built of logs , and the first entries of record are in
1833. Sometime later it was rebuilt of brick and
remained until the day of March 10, 1876. The worst
storm that ever struck Monroe Co., descended upon
Indian Creek. At the time, the population was 350, and
many shops. The town was practically destroyed
by the twister. The church was leveled.
One large log dwelling with a stone fireplace ( The
Combs Place) was also leveled. Inside were 8
people. Three people died when the logs and
fireplace fell on them. Mrs. Girton, Mrs.
Pierceall, Josie Pierceall, were the
victims. Elsewhere killed was Alice Skees. Many
others in the area were injured. The church was
rebuilt again, and again destroyed on March 11, 1907
by fire after being stuck by lightening. Once
again it was rebuilt and still stands today. In
its 100 + years , there were 4250 Baptisms, and 700
Marriages.
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