SEARCH RESULTS

FARM MACHINERY At the end of World War I, farming remained a labor-intensive process, with many harvesting operations still carried out using horses. While not a new technological advancement, threshers made it easier to separate the grain and chaff and eliminated much of the tedious and time-consuming manual labor involved in the harvest. Before threshing machines, grain was separated by hand using flails. Many farmers pooled resources by purchasing such machinery together and shared the equipment and labor involved in its operation. 70-year-old truck that was bought in Boonville at Prigmore Chevrolet, and found in a storage shed in Boonville after being in storage for 30 years. Videos by Tracy and Ashley Friedrich STEAM ENGINES AND THE STEAM ENGINE SHOW The Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association was formed in the fall of 1964 by a group of 34 local men who had a passion for the farming ways of the past. With a small amount of old farm equipment they put on threshing, sawmilling, and crop harvesting displays. The show originally centered around Steam Traction Engines which were disappearing from the American landscape. These engines are rare, expensive, and cumbersome pieces to care for and operate, and have therefore become very hard to find. Most of the original members of the organization are now deceased and many of the current generation are family members who grew up with the show. The first show was at the old fairgrounds in Boonville. Then, for many years it was at the Cooper Co. Fairgrounds along I-70. In 2000 it moved to its present location at the Brady Showgrounds at the Wooldridge exit on I-70. The club has around 150 members, with around 30 who carry the burden of putting on the show each year. The show is always the week after Labor Day. It is a four day show from Thursday to Sunday. At the show you can watch Steam Engines threshing wheat, crushing rock for lime, sawing wood at the sawmill, and numerous other activities. Antique tractors and equipment, teams of horses with horse drawn farm implements, and old hit and miss gas engines pumping water and running burr mills are in abundance. The old restored Brady farmhouse is open for tours along with the barn and other out buildings. Tractor pulls go on into the evening along with other forms of entertainment. The show features a large flea market and many old-time crafts for people to view and participate in. Civil War reenactors are often putting on demonstrations. Church services are held in the restored church on Sunday morning. In 57 years the show has grown into the biggest of its kind in Missouri. Steam Engine Show Videos by Tracy and Ashley Friedrich (1980-1985 ) Farm crisis in the Midwest reaches its peak by 1985 leading to record foreclosures. (Courtesy of Missouri Bicentennial Timeline) “With changes to the Federal Reserve’s lending policies and grain embargoes placed on shipments to the Soviet Union, farmers faced an economic crisis greater than anything since the Great Depression. Agricultural communities suffered, with families being forced to relocate and businesses closing. Tens of thousands small independent farms were lost due to the 80s crisis, which greatly affected the Midwest region. By the mid-1980s, the crisis had reached its peak. Land prices had fallen dramatically leading to record foreclosures. The crisis sparked activism from famous celebrities and public figures, including the Reverend Jesse Jackson and singer-songwriters Willie Nelson and John Cougar Mellencamp, who would each visit Missouri to support family-owned farms. As founding members of Farm Aid in 1985 , Nelson and Mellencamp raised millions of dollars for farm families through their charity concert. The first Farm Aid concert benefited the founding of Missouri Rural Crisis Center, based in Columbia, which formed a week after the concert ended, receiving a $10,000 check from Farm Aid.” By: Bob Painter GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AND LEGISLATION Farmers across the nation have cooperated with Federal Agencies for many years to balance the amount of agriculture crops grown and sent to available markets. Many agriculture producers voluntarily practiced soil erosion control by developing conservation plans that would help correct problem areas on their farms. While many producers practiced soil conservation, some did not, and in December 1985 Congress passed the 1985 Food Security Act. This legislation required that any farmer participating in USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) commodity programs needed to practice a certain amount of land-saving stewardship by developing and following a conservation plan. To some farmers this wasn’t much of a change from what they were already doing. Others changed ways they were farming to meet the requirements of the law. This national effort has saved 1.2 billion tons of soil from erosion on an annual basis. Over 130,000 acres of Cooper County farmland is considered highly erodible. Conservation plans are developed on 126,000 of these acres. Missouri made conservation history in 1983 by passing a 1/10 of 1 per cent sales tax for parks and soil conservation. One-half of this tax is reimbursed directly back to Missouri landowners to assist in applying conservation practices to their land. Another important part of this legislation was the Conservation Reserve Program. This provision allowed farmers to retire (not use the land) which was highly erodible cropland for ten years, and plant it to a permanent cover that would greatly reduce soil erosion. In return, the farmers receive an annual payment comparable to land rental prices. Nationwide, this has been a highly successful program with 36.5 million acres enrolled saving 700 million tons of soil on an annual basis. Cooper County has approximately 20,000 acres enrolled. Wetlands were also included in this important legislation. Wetlands add diversity and play an important role in ecosystem management. Farmers who wish to participate in commodity programs are required to not change any existing wetlands on their property. While farms are growing larger and farming practices are changing, the role of government in farming is changing. Ideally, farming and government will work together to benefit the land in Cooper and other counties. The last forty years have seen many advances, and also continued problems in agriculture. Improvements have been made in seed stock as well as the introduction of new crops such as soy beans. Soil conservation measures, such as terracing and contour farming, have become widely accepted in the county. The modern farmer has become better educated in scientific farming practices. Farm machinery has become bigger and better and livestock production has shown an increase. FARM OUTLOOK TODAY There are many improvements in agriculture; however, farmers face many problems. The rising costs of farm items such as chemicals, seeds, fuel, fertilizers, and farm machinery have brought about rising operational expenses. Market prices change a lot. The emphasis on larger and larger farming operations has forced many farmers to sell out. Overuse of fertilizers and chemicals have created bad soil conditions and have made the soil more easily erodible during wet years. This overuse has also created water quality problems in streams and rivers. Farmers are bothered with high interest rates, changing of market prices and uncertain weather. The floods of 1993 and 2019 brought disastrous results to some county farmers. Some have lost the ability to produce a crop for two years, plus the loss of land, home, etc. The many rains of the year helped other farmers have unusually good yields. The wet winter and spring caused livestock producers to experience a loss of calves. Even with all the problems and concerns, we realize how important farming is to the county’s economy. Farming is still Cooper County’s biggest business. In 1987 , farms occupied 86% of the land area in the county, with 73% of the farm land under cultivation. The county ranked 25th in agriculture receipts, 66% of which came from the sale of livestock. Cooper County began registering for a $1.00 fee the names of farms registered by farm owners. The first farm registered was Skylight Farm, owned by D.C. Groves, on June 15, 1907 . Crestmead was registered by W.A. Betteridge on April 20, 1909 . HISTORY OF EXTENSION SERVICE IN COOPER COUNTY (Courtesy of Cooper County Extension Service) The U.S. Department of Agriculture partnered with a nationwide network of “land grant” universities to create a system of “extension” services. The goal of these services is to improve life across the country with advice from local experts regarding all things agriculture and farming and much more. The Smith-Lever Act, which authorized establishment of Cooperative Extension Work, was passed by Congress and approved by President Wilson on May 8, 1914 . The Missouri Extension Services had actually begun working off campus a few years prior to that date. Beginning in September 1913 , a "farm adviser" from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture was appointed to Cooper County. His name was J.D. Wilson and he served until September 1916 . One of his main activities during that period was to assist farmers with an epidemic of hog cholera, which threatened to destroy swine herds throughout Missouri. The first county farm tour to showcase new production practices was held in July of 1916 . A large group of farmers, Farm Bureau representatives and University of Missouri staff traveled to Pilot Grove, Bunceton and Prairie Home. From September 1916 to 1929 , there was no formal Extension program in Cooper County, although there is some evidence that programs were conducted by temporary staff during and shortly after World War I. No formal record of those activities has been located. In March of 1930 , the Extension office was reopened and John P. Johnson was appointed as county agent for Cooper County. A group of advisers for the Missouri Farmers Association, farmers from throughout the county, and representatives of the University of Missouri worked together to determine the major programming efforts that Extension would be involved in. The Extension office was located in the hallway of the Cooper County Courthouse when it was first reopened. This was during the Depression and much of the activity of the office included assisting with government relief programs. Another major area of concern at that time was the loss of topsoil that was occurring throughout the county. Mortan Tuttle, a prominent young farmer near Prairie Home was one of the first farmers to work with the Extension service in terracing his land. The practice quickly caught on and Cooper County soon was one of the leading counties in the state and nation in installing terraces and conservation practices. This tradition of conservation is still prevalent today. Other major activities during the early thirties included livestock breeding and animal health. In addition, many farmers became certified seed producers at that time. Farmers also learned about the importance of liming their soils, using crop rotation and legumes to maintain and improve productivity of their farms. 4-H clubs were officially organized for the first time in Cooper County in 1937 , although other youth activities had been conducted since 1924 through the public-school systems. First year membership included 136 boys and 13 girls. First year activities included: attendance at a nine-county camp in Fayette, organization of the county 4-H Leaders Council, County Achievement Day, Cooper County 4-H News, demonstration and judging tours, state 4-H Roundup and a trip to the state fair. Through the efforts of Paul N. Doll, county agent, and numerous leaders the 4-H program grew quickly in the late 1930's and early '40s . Cooper County Fair Video by Tracy and Ashley Friedrich Extension Homemaker Clubs were also organized in 1937 . A total of eleven clubs were formed within two years. These clubs worked with Margaret Van Orsdol, county home demonstration agent. The main activities that the clubs initially engaged in included home economics, food preservation, sewing, quilting, home grounds improvement and managing family resources. The Extension Service was very active during World War II in helping farm families maintain the agricultural production needed for the war effort. In addition, veterans were assisted as they returned to agricultural production. The home economics agents assisted families dealing with the many hardships and scarcities that the war brought on. 100 year old steam tractor 100 year old kerosene tractor

COOPER COUNTY TIMELINE Grandma Day's Clock This is Grandma Day's Mars Mantel Clock, Model 194, which she purchased from Gmelick & Schmidt in 1898 for $5.63. After her death, the clock went to Geneva Day, then to my mother Edna Widel Lammers and then to me, Wayne Lammers, in November 1983. Photo by Wayne Lammers. This website is based loosely on the Timeline history of the development of Cooper County from Prehistoric times until the mid-20th century. It is quite amazing to see the tremendous progress that has been made in 200 years. Early Historical Missouri Timeline and Tidbits (Adapted from Mogenweb) 1673 – Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette traveled down the Mississippi River and were the first Europeans known to set foot on what would later become Missouri. (June 25) 1682 – Explorer Robert Cavalier - called Sieur de La Salle, claimed all the land that drained into the Mississippi River for France, naming it Louisiana Territory in honor of King Louis XIV. (April 9) 1724 – Fort Orleans was built on the north bank of the Missouri River by Etienne de Bourgmont in today’s Carroll County; the first European outpost west of the Mississippi (November 14). Abandoned in 1728. 1740–1750 – approximate date of the founding of St. Genevieve, the first permanent white settlement in what was to become Missouri. 1762 – Spain acquires the Louisiana Territory in the secret Treaty of Fontainebleau (November 13). 1764 – The Treaty of Fontainebleau is made public. Saint Louis is founded as a fur trading post by Pierre Laclede Liguest and his stepson Auguste Chouteau. Saint-Ange et de Bellerive becomes the first governor of the fledgling community and recruits farmers, artisans and craftsmen from Illinois to settle at the post. 1769 – Spanish officials arrive to administer the government of Louisiana Territory. The region of Missouri becomes known as “Spanish Illinois.” 1780 – British and Indian forces attack St. Louis and nearby settlements because of Spanish support for the American Revolution. (May 26) 1789 – Colonel George Morgan, Revolutionary War veteran, establishes the town of New Madrid in the spring. 1790–1794 – The Osage Nation and Spain are at war. The Chouteau brothers negotiate peace in return for exclusive trade rights with the Osage. 1798 – Lieutenant Governor Zenon Trudeau in St. Louis offered Daniel Boone 1,000 arpents (845 acres) of land to settle in Missouri then known as “Spanish Illinois.” 1799 – Kentucky Frontiersman Daniel Boone comes to Howard County. 1800 – Spain agrees to return the Louisiana Territory to France (October 1) 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase was signed transferring possession to the United States (April 30). 1804 – The Lewis and Clark Expedition embarks from Camp Dubois east of St. Louis. (May 14) 1805 – The Territory of Louisiana was established; the seat of government was St. Louis (July 4) 1805 – First Governor of Louisiana Territory J. Wilkerson 1808 – The Osage cede most of their land in Missouri, opening the way for future white settlement. (September 14). 1809 – The Missouri Fur Company was organized in St. Louis. The abundance of animal pelts in the Missouri and Mississippi Valley region played a key role in the economic development of the Upper Louisiana Territory. 1810 – Earliest settlers arrive in Cooper County in the spring. 1811 – The first shocks of the New Madrid earthquakes , the worst in U.S. History (Dec.16) 1812 – A portion of the Territory of Louisiana becomes the Territory of Missouri (June 12). 1812 – The first general Assembly of the Territory of Missouri met (October 1); the five original counties were organized: Cape Girardeau, New Madrid, St. Charles, St. Louis, and St. Genevieve. 1812 – The War of 1812 , begins June 18. The Sac & Fox, Ioway and Kickapoo, and Pottawatomie allied with Great Britain conduct raids in the Missouri Territory. 1815 – Peace treaties signed with 14 Indian nations at Portage des Sioux end the war in Missouri. (July 18 – September 16). 1816 – Howard County established (January 23). 1816 – Mid-Missouri’s first circuit court opened at Cole's Fort (July 8). 1818 – The speaker of the US House of Representative presented the first petition to Congress for Missouri requesting statehood (January 8). 1818 – Cooper County is established out of Howard County (December 17) 1820 – Missouri statehood became a national controversy over the issue of slavery. The “Missouri Compromise” allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Territories north of the 36 parallel are designated to be slave-free territory. 1820 – Missouri’s first Constitution was adopted (July 19) The first state officials are elected in August. They elect Alexander McNair the first governor, 43 representatives and 14 state senators. The population of the Missouri Territory is around 67,000. 1820 – Daniel Boone dies at age 85. 1820 – Missouri’s first Constitution was adopted (July 19) 1820 – Saline County is established out of Cooper County (November 25) 1820 – Missouri Packet , steamboat sinks in the Missouri River, 11 miles west of Boonville on May 5, 1820 on a supply voyage to the fort at Council Bluffs. Little was salvaged from this 2 Century old vessel in December 1987, which was one of the first steamboats to ply the Missouri River. You may view these artifacts at the Boonville, River, Rails and Trails Museum at the Katy Depot District here in Boonville. 1821 – Missouri admitted as the 24th state (August 8) 1821 – The first commercially successful trade venture to Santa Fe from Franklin. (September 1). The route becomes the Santa Fe Trail , linking Missouri and New Mexico. Many Cooper County merchants become engaged in the trade and some wagon caravans are outfitted in Boonville in the 1820s. 1828 – Major flood of the Missouri River, washed away the town of Franklin, plus Cooper’s Fort and cemetery. “New” Franklin built on higher ground. 1830 – Indian Removal Act 1835 – 6 Months of Public School became a new state law 1838 – Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs issues extermination order against the Mormons in the state. 1839 – Boonville was incorporated 1839 – Mormon War 1844 – Fredrick T. Kemper built the family school, later military school 1844 – (Jun 21) 4th worst flood of Mo River – Crest at 32.70 feet 1845 – George Bingham 1846 – Mexican War 1848 – Thomas Benton argued against expanding slavery 1849 – People left Boonville via the Santa Fe Trail in their quest for gold 1851 – A plank road was built from Boonville to Warsaw 1853 – First official Missouri State Fair was held in Boonville 1857 – Thespian Hall was built in Boonville 1861–1864 – Cooper County involved in Civil War Battles 1865 – Slavery was abolished in MO making it the first slave state to emancipate its slaves before the adoption of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. 1870 – Ground was broken for the Tebo and Neosho Railroad . (MKT) 1870 – Mules in Missouri 1875 – Missouri Constitution Ratified ## 1898 – Main street in Boonville was paved with bricks 1889 – Nation-wide law Separate Schools for Black Students in US (Segregation) 1917 – Cooper County Citizens served in World War I 1919 – Missouri ratifies the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote ## 1920 – Highway 40 built across Missouri River, went down Main Street 1920 – Prohibition to 1933 1921 – Centennial Road Law 1924 – Highway bridge opened across the Missouri River 1937 – Constitutional Amendment - Conservation 1929 – Stock Market Crash 1930–1939 – Great Depression 1937–1940 – Civilian Conservation Corps trained young men in Pilot Grove 1941 – Pearl Harbor attack 1941–1945 – Cooper County citizens served in World War II 1945 – 4th Missouri Constitution signed ## 1945 – WWII over, surrender signed on USS Missouri 1950 – Korean War 1960 – Interstate 70 was constructed through the County 1961 – Defense missiles were installed underground in the County ## 1965 – Vietnam War 1970 – Cooper County Hospital was built 1980 – Farm Crisis in the Midwest 1984 – Sales tax for Soil & Water Conversation 1987 – Missouri Packet steamboat salvaged in Cooper County, 11 miles west of Boonville in December of 1987. Some of the 2 Century old artifacts are on display at the Boonville, River, Rails and Trails Museum. 1990 – Cooper County Historical Society was formed 1990 – The first section of the KATY Trail was started at Rocheport 1991 – War in Iraq 1993 – July 29 – Worst flood of Missouri river – Crest at 37.10” 1995 – New Highway 40 Boonslick Bridge was built across the MO River near Boonville 2019 – Second worst Flood in Missouri History - Crest 33.73 feet ## Indicates topic is not covered on this website but information is available at: Missouri Bicentennial Timeline

MISSOURI RIVER AND TRANSPORTATION Missouri River West of Boonvillle Bridge Wayne Lammers Collection Before the white man traveled up the Missouri River, the Indians had paddled their canoes on it for centuries. Later came the French trappers and explorers in their pirogues, canoes, mackinaws, bateaus and keelboats. At this time, these types of boats were the only means of river transportation. When the first settlers arrived, the main routes of commerce and travel were still the water courses. Neither steamboats nor railroads were available yet. Because transportation was so important, the main settlements were made on the banks of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Ferries Hannah Cole and others During the first court on July 8, 1816, at Cole’s Fort, Hannah Cole’s sons were granted a license to run a ferry on the Missouri River between Boonville and Franklin. At the same time B.W. Levens, Ward and Potter, and George W. Cary were also granted a license to keep a ferry across the Missouri at the present site of Overton. The rates charged at the Levens’ ferry were as follows: For man and horse $0.50 For either separately $0.25 For 4 horses and 4-wheeled wagon $2.00 For 2 horses and 4-wheeled carriage $1.00 For horned cattle $0.04 each For polled cattle $.02 each No one seems to remember what the cost to cross the River on the Dorothy was. Later, other ferries were licensed to help travelers cross the “Wide Missouri” River. Until 1924 , when the first Boonville Bridge connecting New Franklin to Boonville was built, one had to take a motorized ferry across the Missouri River to get to Boonville from New Franklin, or go to Howard County from Boonville. The last Ferry to operate was the “Dorothy,” which ceased operating when the Route 40 bridge was finished in 1924. The Dorothy ferry on the Missouri at Boonville. ca 1890's. Dorothy Ferry Boat circa 1918. Source: "Discover Cooper County" by Ann Betteridge. From the Wayne Lammers collection Joseph L. Stephens ferry boat in the 1890s, in front of Boonville In operation until 1924 Front of Stephens Ferry Boat Rocheport Ferry - Cooper County in the background, notice 3 covered wagons and horses. Steam engine moved the paddle wheel. Lamine Ferry 1930's, from the Jim Higbie collection (colorized). Corps of Discovery near Boonville (Keel boat) - a reproduction of the Lewis and Clark boat. The reproduction burned, but was rebuilt 1/2 scale and is in the River, Rails and Trails Museum. Photo by Wayne Lammers The pirogue was a small type of canoe. The canoe was the most commonly used type of boat, and was the simplest of all river crafts. It was usually made from a cottonwood log, hollowed out, and was usually from 15 to 18 feet long. It was generally manned by three men: one to steer and two to paddle. It was used mostly for short trips, though occasionally was employed for long trips. The mackinaw was a flatboat, pointed at both ends, and was from 40 to 50 feet long. It usually had a crew of five men: one steersman and four oarsmen. The bullboat was usually used on shallow streams because of its light draft. It was made of buffalo bull hides sewn together and stretched over a frame of poles, and needed two men to handle it. Keel Boat Jolly Flat Boatsmen by George Caleb Bingham The keelboat was considered the best and largest craft for transportation before the steamboat. It was 60 to 70 feet long, with the keel running from bow to stern. It could carry a larger cargo than any of the other boats mentioned. It was usually poled. Several men at a time pushed long poles into the river bed, and literally pushed the boat upstream. In deep, fast, or rough water, or if other problems caused poling not to work well, the keelboat was then propelled by means of a cordelle. The cordelle was a line practically 1,000 feet long, one end of which was fastened to the top of the 30-foot mast in the center of the boat. It was well-braced from the mast and the rope extended to the shore. At the shore end of the line, some twenty or thirty men walked along the river bank and pulled the boat upstream. Cordelling was extremely difficult and exhausting work, especially when the edge of the river was full of brush, or the banks so soft that they gave way under foot. Sails were used at times, when the wind was right. Many years after the steamboat made its appearance, people continued to use the keelboat. Flatboat and Steam boats on the Missouri River The First Steamboat at Franklin was on May 29, 1819 . The trip of the Independence from St. Louis to Franklin took 13 days (six of which they were grounded on sandbars). Captain John Nelson had charge of the steamboat. The day after the arrival of the Independence a dinner was given by the citizens of Franklin in honor of the occasion. The trip of the Independence from St. Louis to Franklin was the beginning of steamboat traffic upon the Missouri. The development of the steamboat changed the whole process of river transportation, making it possible to travel much faster than previously, and with much larger cargoes, and was one of the chief factors in the development of Boonville and Cooper County. The second steamboat to arrive at Franklin was the Western Engine, one of several steamboats that came up the river in 1819 as part of Major Stephen Long’s “Yellowstone Expedition.” The boat reached Franklin on June 13, 1819 . The design of the Western Engineer was startling. The prow was upturned and carved into the shape of a serpent’s head. By means of a flue, steam could be directed to come out the hinged jaws. It was intended to frighten the Indians, and it did. The real beginning point of commercially feasible steam boating began about 1830 . Because of the rush of immigration at that time, boats could not be built fast enough. Packets on the Missouri River A Packet , or packet boat, is identified by its function rather than by any distinctive vessel type. Historically, packets originated as vessels under contract with the government to carry mail. With this official duty as their primary purpose, packets could be distinguished from any other vessels by their speed and regularity of service on a fixed route, between designated ports. Steam driven packets were used extensively in the 19th century on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, supplying and bringing personnel to forts and trading posts and carrying freight and passengers. Today, while steamboats are but a distant memory, the Missouri River is alive and well in Missouri. Sources: Elizabeth Davis "Historically Yours", Ann Betteridge "Discover Cooper County" Steamboat "Plow Boy" at Boonville unloading wheat at Boonville Mill. From the Wayne Lammers collection. Steamboat pulled by a tugboat with the Katy bridge in the background. From the Wayne Lammers collection. RIVER TRAFFIC BECAME HEAVY In 1838 , the government began to clear the Missouri River of snags, and river travel became somewhat less hazardous. As the steamboat trade increased, boats became bigger and fancier, changing from the appearance of a floating shack to a floating palace. The Boonville Register of May 20, 1841 , stated “the first boat built in the city of Boonville, is to be launched on Monday, the 24th.” The boat was built under the superintendence of Captain Courtney and was to be called the Warsaw. The “Golden Era” of the Missouri River steam boating was between 1850 and 1860 , and reached its highest prosperity in the year 1858 . There were then not less than sixty packets on the river, besides 30 to 40 transient boats called tramps, which came on the river from other streams and made one or two trips during the season. The packets had regular schedules and carried the United States mail, express, freight, newspapers (both daily and semi-weekly). Their arrival was booked forward to along the Missouri River with a great deal of interest. The discovery of gold in California, and later gold in Montana, caused many people to ride the steamboats on their way west and north. People flocked to the wharves whenever a steamboat arrived. There were so many boats on the lower river during this period that it was a common sight to see as many as five or six lying at the Boonville landing at the same time. These were prosperous days for the river towns. During the boating season, which continued from March to November, there was never a time when a boat wasn’t visible. The Missouri River freezing solid made it impossible to travel by boat during the winter months. The Missouri River was one of the most difficult streams in the United States to navigate because of its shifting channel, its swift current, and its many bends, which, with the many snags, made a continual menace to river traffic. No pilot approached a snag, especially at night, without fear and caution. The average life of a Missouri River steamboat was less than five years. Other problems, such as fires, boiler explosions, and floods as well as low water, also made traveling by steamboat hazardous. A major disaster in this area was the sinking of the El Paso after it hit a snag below Boonville in 1855 . Another period of prosperity were the years 1866 , 1867 , and 1868 . Captain C.H. Kinney, made the sum of $45,000 in profits from one trip. A number of residents in the Boonville area were involved in river trade as owners, captains, or pilots of steamboats. Many made their fortunes on the river. Perhaps the best known was Captain Joseph Kinney, who lived in Boonville from 1850 to 1860 . He built Riverscene mansion across the river from Boonville in 1869 . It was said that Captain Kinney picked out the lumber for his elegant home along the banks as he traveled the river and had it cut and delivered to the building area. Today the river is still important to the county’s economy. Barges are used to transport grain and other products. Brief History of Steam boating on the Missouri River By Bob Dyer References : Steamboats on the Missouri River Steamboat unloading wheat for the Sombart Mill in Boonville Nadine Excursion Boat near Boonville The St. Jacobs Oil steamboat at Boonville 1870's-Macurdy. Boonville Mill in the background THE MISSOURI RIVER CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE Why does the Missouri flood more now than much earlier? The only bad flood in the 1800 ’s (#4) was in 1844 . The next bad one did not come until 1944 (#8), one hundred years later. There is a lot of finger pointing that the river has been changed by straightening, and building reservoirs and levees. However, heavy snow falls and late spring rains upstream also are big contributing factors. The flooding in 2019 was believed to have been triggered by record snowfall in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming along with near-record spring rainfall in central and eastern Montana. All six major dams along the Missouri River released record amounts of water to prevent overflow which led to flooding threatening several towns and cities downstream. Missouri also had record rain in late May in 2013 and 2019 . All six major dams along the Missouri River released record amounts of water to prevent overflow, which led to flooding downstream, which flooded several towns and cities. The result - buildings and homes were severely damaged, and some washed away. Roads and bridges were underwater, as were the just emerging spring crops. Precious topsoil helped to make the Muddy MO even muddier. Cars, buildings and machinery were badly damaged, or also washed away by the force of the rushing water. Countless animals drowned and the number of human deaths from the flooding is unknown. Historic Flood Crests of Missouri River at Boonville (1) 37.10 ft on 07/29/1993 (2) 33.73 ft on 05/31/2019 (3) 33.14 ft on 05/19/1995 (4) 32.70 ft on 06/21/1844 (5) 32.62 ft on 07/17/1951 (6) 32.02 ft on 06/27/1947 (7) 31.85 ft on 10/05/1986 (8) 30.93 ft on 04/27/1944 (9) 30.74 ft on 04/07/1983 (10) 30.72 ft on 06/02/2013 Source: Historical Crests for Missouri River at Boonville US Weather Service Scroll to read the story about the Flood of 1993 Bob Dyer’s poem for a friend who lost his home to the flood of 1993 Poem by Bob Dyer, courtesy of Sharon Dyer Highway 40 during the 1951 Flood just across the river from Boonville. From the Wayne Lammers collection. Video of 2019 Missouri River at Boonville Flood Videos by Tracy and Ashley Friedrich @FarmAlarm. Boonville YouTubers Map of the Missouri River and it's tributaries. Source: Wikipedia The Missouri River is North America's longest river, beginning in western Montana and ending 2,341 miles away, north of St. Louis, Missouri, where it enters the Mississippi River. The name 'Missouri' is derived from the Missouria tribe name, meaning 'people with wooden canoes'. The Missouri River and its tributaries have been important to people for more than 12,000 years, for many reasons including transportation, fishing, irrigation, and as a water source for animals which in turn helped to feed the people in the region. During the westward expansion of the United States the Missouri River played an important role. Because of industrial and agricultural use in the 20th century, the water quality, and animal and fish populations have been greatly impacted. Other Interesting Missouri River Facts It is believed that the Missouri River formed about 30 million years ago, but because it changes its course over time, the current course of the Missouri is estimated at 115,000 years old. Major tributaries to the Missouri River include Yellowstone River, Platte River, and the Kansas River. The Missouri River flows through several states including Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. It flows past Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. The first explorers to lay their eyes on the Missouri River were Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette. These Frenchmen were floating along the Mississippi River in 1673 when they spotted it. Lewis and Clark were the first to travel the entire length of the Missouri River, which they accomplished in 1804. The Missouri River flows from Montana's Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers for 2,341 miles to the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River is the world's 15th longest river. The Missouri River basin (area of land drained by the river) is 529,350 square miles in size. Approximately 10 million people live in the Missouri River basin. This includes people from 10 states, from a small region in Canada, and from 28 different Native American tribes. The dams that have been built along the Missouri River have changed its ability to flow freely. Although this stops flooding in many regions, it changes the natural environment as well. The Missouri River has been called "Big Muddy" and "Muddy Mo" because of its ability to relocate large amounts of soil on occasion. There are approximately 150 fish species in the Missouri River, and about 300 species of birds live in the Missouri River's region. The Lewis and Clark Historic Trail follows the Missouri River, making it possible for people to follow. Along the trail are roughly 100 historical sites to explore. Many National Parks in the United States are located in the Missouri River's watershed, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Badlands National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Source: SoftSchools.com Snoddy's Store by boat Flyover by drone of the Missouri River at Boonville Flood flyover in airplane

EARLY TRANSPORTATION Immigration into the county had been halted by the War of 1812 but, by 1815 , there was a steady flow of people coming to the county. Settlers brought with them wagons and horses. Mules were brought in from Santa Fe after the opening of the Santa Fe trail in 1821 . Settlers began to mark out roads and to cut their way through the forest. Oxen were often used for wagon transportation and continued to be used for many years. The prairie presented few obstacles to travel, but to go through a forest was an entirely different matter. A wise selection of a route was needed or there would be lots of labor in cutting trees and fording streams. No public roads were laid out (on paper) until 1819 . But no construction work was done upon the roads nor were they thought necessary for a many years. The first petition for a public road in Cooper County was presented by B.W. Levens. It asked for the location of a road leading from Boonville to the mouth of the Moniteau Creek. The second petition for the location of a public road was by Anderson Reavis, presented on the same day. The road that was petitioned for ran from the mouth of the Grand Moniteau to the Boonville and Potosi road. When Cooper County was officially organized as a county in 1819 , the stream of immigration to the south side of the river was increasing and roads were needed. STAGE COACHES When many of us think of stage coaches we think of them in relation to the “wild west”. But stages coaches were a very important means of travel in Cooper County for many years. A stage coach was a vehicle much like an enclosed wagon with a high roof, wooden sides and doors with windows on both sides. It had an elevated seat in the front where the driver, or “whip,” was seated. Inside were seats for the passengers. The passengers sat with their baggage on their lap and mail bags under their feet. If they wanted to sleep, they had to sleep sitting up. The stage coaches were designed for travel, not comfort! They were safer than traveling alone and were often the only way to travel any distance. Roads at this time were only dirt, often rocky, and muddy after rain or snow. Coaches were pulled by draft horses, many of them Clydesdales, because of their good temperament. Stages were pulled either by two horses or a team of four. The coaches were called “stage” coaches because the travel route was done in “stages.” Stations, or stage stops were usually 10 to 15 miles apart. The horses traveled about 5 miles per hour, and pulled the coach for two to three hours. At the end of the trip between one stop and the next, the horses were replaced by another team and the tired horses rested until the return trip. Some stages traveled 60 -70 miles a day. At some stops a meal or beverages might be available, (at an extra cost) and some had provisions for sleeping. The cost of the journey was usually 10 to 15 cents per mile, which would be quite expensive based in today’s dollars. In the 1830s , a stage coach depot was located along the road between Boonville and Jefferson City. Known as "Midway" the stop was about 1 ½ miles east of the present site of Prairie Home, at Tompkins' Inn. In the mid-century, stagecoaches made regular trips to various towns in Missouri. The Tipton to Boonville Stage Coaches operated in the Cooper County area from 1850 to 1860 . An interesting account of the Tipton-Boonville Stage written by Mrs. L.H. Childs appeared in The Boonville Advertiser - Rural Life Edition, in 1940. Tipton-Boonville Stage Changed Horses at Biler Home Near Speed One and one-half miles east of Speed, in central Cooper County, stands a dilapidated but vivid reminder of the past. On the southwest corner of the crossroads at that point is an old-fashioned log house, and to the rear, only partly standing is an old barn. Up until 1868 this place buzzed with activity. It was the home of Mr. Abram Biler, his wife and two daughters, and the Boonville-Tipton stage coach made a regular stop there to change horses. The horses were cared for until the return trip, when they were changed again. The ladies served meals to the travelers. Mr. William Eller told that when he was a small boy, he would hear old Mike, the driver, come down the road blowing a bugle to let the people know the stage was coming. It is said Mike could crack his whip so loud the sound would travel almost a mile in the clear air as he drove his fine horses. Sometimes the road was hard and dry, and at other times the mud was ankle deep or the snow was drifted high, but the stage went through. The road, which now is of all-weather construction, was little more than a trail at that time. Jr. Irving Harness’ father sold the stage line a number of fine horses, as only the best animals were used to pull the coaches. It was quite a thrill for a number of small boys of the neighborhood when Mike would let them ride the stage to the bottom of the hill to the south. They never seemed to mind the tiresome walk back. Stage coach days carried their humor and tragedy, as all generations do. When Mike would linger to talk to Miss Puss Biler, some of the passengers would grow quite impatient, but that would have no effect on Mike as he would have his little visit out before he would go. During the last years of the Civil War period, an order was issued calling in all guns in an effort to stop guerrilla warfare. One evening, however, the report of a gun was heard and when neighbors investigated, they found M. Biler slain in his cucumber patch. Mr. Biler is buried with many other pioneers in the old Concord cemetery. When the branch railroad was completed between Boonville and Tipton, there was no further need for the stage line and it faded into history. Probably the last visible stage stop in Cooper County is located on the North side of Highway 5 between Boonville and Billingsville. The limestone block building was built by O.H.P. Shoemaker in 1860 and the stone was cut from a nearby quarry. He used smoother stone for the front of the building and rough-cut stone for the sides. The road in front of the house was the stage coach road/mail route to Warsaw. On the lintel above the door of the house is engraved “O.H.P. Shoemaker 1860 ” (see picture). The Shoemakers were Unionist, coming originally from Kentucky and Illinois. A son (or nephew) Horace, became a Captain during the Union occupation of Boonville and organized a voluntary cavalry unit to escort the mail, guard the telegraph wires and escort captured Confederates to Jefferson City. Capt. Shoemaker became a marked man when he took a local man named Spencer from imprisonment at the Boonville courthouse to Harley Park and hanged him without a trial. When General Price and the Confederates took control of Boonville in October 1864, Shoemaker surrendered and was confined with his family to his house in Boonville. In the dark of night, according to Van Ravensway, Spenser’s sons came for Shoemaker pretending to have orders from General Price. They took him away and Horace Shoemaker was never seen again. General Shelby was quoted later that the incident “will remain the most regrettable occurrence during the war”. East of the stone house three serious skirmishes took place that October. General Fagan stood off attacks by Union Generals Eppstein and Sanborn with heavy loss of life at Anderson’s Branch. Mrs. Shoemaker and her family, fearing further retribution fled to Oregon. The property was parceled and sold in 1866 $2,000 to Christian Osten and John Dumolt. In 1868 The Osage Valley and Southern Kansas Railroad was completed between Boonville and Tipton and the stone house was convenient to the depot at Billingsville. New immigrants arriving from Germany by steamboat took the train to Billingsville where they found welcome in their native language with the Dumolts who were originally from Alsace Lorraine. Once the railroad came through Cooper County, there was no longer a need for the stage coaches. Interestingly, once trucks and cars became popular, there was little use for trains for transportation and most of them eventually disappeared. The Dumolts and Fredericks lived in the stone house for many years, adding a kitchen and an extension to the living space at the back of the stone building. There were extensive log and frame stables on the property until the present owners, the Burnetts, cleared away the worn wooden structures, but saved the stone cottage and a large chiseled stone horse trough to preserve this part of Cooper County history. Dumolt Stage Stop on Route 5 near Billingsville

FAMILY HISTORY BOOKS DOCUMENTS AND VITAL RECORDS Original Land Patents – 1818-1856, 1877, and 1915 books match our plat maps Marriage Records from 1819-1847, 1848-1867, partial listing for 1866-1925 (books #6 and #15) Negro Marriages – 1865-1866 (book #14) Will Records – 1820-1870 (book #15) Wills on Micro Fiche – 1818-1847, 1894-1902, 1910-1918 Cooper County Will and Administrations – 1818-1847 (book #15) Probate Settlements 1819-1869 (book #9) ; on Micro-Fiche 1880-1886 Cooper County Civil Court Records – 1820-1950’s Cooper County Census Records 1830-1920 Also for Howard, Lafayette, Moniteau, Morgan, Pettis, Saline and Warren Counties (mixed dates on Microfiche) Naturalization Oaths 1826-1905 (on Microfiche) Slave Schedules 1850-1860 for all Missouri counties (Microfiche) Cooper County Will and Administrations – 1818-1847 (book #15) Probate Settlements 1819-1869 (book #9) ; on Micro-Fiche 1880-1886 Cooper County Civil Court Records – 1820-1950’s Cooper County Census Records 1830-1920, Also for Howard, Lafayette, Moniteau, Morgan, Pettis, Saline and Warren Counties (mixed dates on Microfiche) Naturalization Oaths 1826-1905 (on Microfiche) Slave Schedules 1850-1860 for all Missouri counties (Microfiche)

EARLIEST INHABITANTS Pictures from Mike Dickey collection This section is adapted from “Discover Cooper County by looking Back” by Ann Betteridge, 1995 (Edited by Mike Dickey, 2020) Recent archaeological studies and DNA analysis suggests that humans have appeared in North America about 18,000 years ago. This is at least 6,000 years earlier than has been previously believed. New research raises the likelihood that hundreds of thousands of people lived on a land mass stretching between North America and Asia known as Beringia. As the massive ice sheets retreated from western North America this population began moving from Beringia down the west coast on foot and by boat. Beringia is now underwater and the coastlines are now far different than they appeared to the first humans to explore them. The native population of the western hemisphere prior to 1492 was once estimated to be around three to six million people. Many archaeologists and anthropologists now estimate that the pre-Columbian population of the Americas was between 54 to 112 million. The term “prehistoric” is often used to describe the culture of these early people. However, it does not mean they had no history. The term simply describes the period before written records documented these cultures and their traditions. THE EARLIEST INHABITANTS The earliest people in North America are known as Pre-Clovis. Their existence was doubted until around 1999. Pre-Clovis sites are rare and some are still considered questionable. Artifacts at suspected pre-Clovis sites are often sparse. Only one site in Cedar County Missouri has been identified as possibly a Pre-Clovis site. The Paleo-Indian period 12,000 – 9,000 BC is the time when humans were definitely known to be in the Cooper County area. This time period is associated with a specific hunting tool called a fluted projectile point named Clovis for Clovis, New Mexico where it was first discovered. The weapon for delivering these projectile points was the atlatl or spear thrower. In Missouri, Clovis points have been found with the bones of mastodons and giant sloths. The last ice sheet to cover the continent was melting and flooded the river valleys. The Paleo-Indians were nomadic hunters, following the game herds or escaping from the frequent floods and dust storms. The early Archaic period existed from 9,000 – 5,000 BC. The Dalton tradition (9,000-8,000 B.C.) within this period represents a transition in stone tool technology. Smaller animals and plant material became prominent in the diet as the megafauna had become extinct. Gathering plant materials allowed the people to stay longer in one area. Caves, rock ledges and other natural features were often used as shelters. In the Middle Archaic period (5,000 – 3,000 BC) Evidence indicates that prairies expanded and forests declined. Archaic sites show more evidence of birds, fish, shellfish and rabbits being consumed. Gathered plant materials remain an important part of the diet. The diversity of diet allowed people become less nomadic and establish small villages. The Late Archaic period (3,000 – 600 BC) saw a decline of prairies and the return of forested areas. Domesticated plants such as squash and gourds appear in this time. Villages become larger and more permanent and burial mounds appear. The internments and artifacts associated with them are evidence of a belief in an afterlife. Pottery begins to appear though it is utilitarian and rather plain. The Woodland period (600 BC – 900 AD) commonly called Hopewell Tradition saw the widespread introduction of pottery, much of it incised and decorated. Villages became more permanent and many are large. Corn (maize) becomes a widely cultivated plant. By the middle of this period, trade networks span the continent. Finely modeled human and animal figures are crafted from clay, wood and stone for ceremonial purposes. Complex burial and ceremonial mounds are also constructed. Towards the end of this period the bow and arrow appears as a new technology. At this same time there appears to be a breakdown in the trade network and the permanence of the villages. Burial mounds are not as well built and contain fewer artifacts than in the first half of this period. The introduction of the bow and arrow undoubtedly gave some groups a military advantage over others, possibly leading to the breakdown mentioned above. The Mississippian period (900 – 1500 AD) saw the explosive growth of large permanent villages and fortified towns, especially in the Mississippi valley. The cultivation of maize (corn) formed a major part of the diet. The largest towns contain massive temple and burial mounds, plazas and astronomical observatories. Intercontinental trade was revitalized. The traditions and symbolism used by many contemporary tribes such as the Osage, Quapaw, Caddo and Pawnee appear to have identifiable antecedents in Mississippian culture. Smaller Mississippian outposts and villages were found all along the Missouri River. The large fortified towns began declining in the late fourteenth century. The arrival of the Spanish and introduced European diseases in the 1500s hastened the final breakup of remaining Mississippian towns. The Oneota tradition (1300 – 1673 AD) with the decline of large Mississippian towns, the populations dispersed into smaller villages. The Oneota came from a late Woodland culture in the upper Great Lakes. They began moving south and west and appear to intermix with some dispersing Mississippians. Historic tribes that are Oneota descendants are the Hochunk (Winnebago), Otoe, Missouria and Ioway. Seasonal buffalo hunting provided the main source of food, although gardening and gathering was still practiced. The largest Oneota site in Missouri is preserved in Annie and Able Van Meter State Park in Saline County. Archaeological Sites in Cooper County The proximity of the Missouri River and the landscape and resources found in Cooper County resulted in extensive human activity and residency. Some of the major archaeological sites in Cooper County are: the Clear Fork of the Blackwater River, near Otterville; the Hopewell Subsistence Settlement System on the Lamine also known as the Mellor site; and the Wooldridge site. The Mellor site is second largest Woodland (Hopewell) village site known in Missouri. Examples of Indian mounds can be found in Boonville at Harley Park, in the Wooldridge area, and the Mellor site. Others are scattered throughout the county. Prior to the year 2000, Cooper County had more than 270 archaeological sites recorded with the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Many sites have been destroyed because of construction, farming, population growth and erosion over the past 200 years. However, it is highly likely that some archaeological sites remain undiscovered. Nearly every spot above the flood plain along the Missouri, Lamine, Blackwater and other rivers and large creeks in Cooper County will yield evidence of prehistoric human activity. Map of Indian Trails OSAGE AND MISSOURIA CULTURAL OVERVIEW The Missouria and the Osage nations were the primary native nations living in central Missouri when the first European explorers recorded their presence in 1673 . When Euro-Americans began settling in Cooper County (1800 -1820 ) the Missouria were gone, having suffered a major defeat by the Sac & Fox around 1790 . The Osage remained dominant in Missouri almost to 1825 . The Ioway periodically established villages along the Grand and Chariton River and are known to have hunted in the Lamine River drainage. The Sac & Fox began hunting north of the Missouri River in the early 1700s but had no permanent domiciles in Missouri until the War of 1812 era. The Osage called themselves Niu-Kon’ska meaning “Children of Middle Waters” referring to the great river systems of the Midwest. Osage is an anglicized corruption of Wahzhazhe, one band of the tribe. There were two divisions of Osage at European contact. The Big Osage “Pahatsi” (Above the Hills) built their villages on the hilltops in the Osage River valley. The Little Osage “Udseta” (Below the Hills) placed their villages below the hills. The French misinterpreted Osage sign language for “above” and “below” as meaning big and little. By 1719 but perhaps even earlier, the Little Osage established villages on the Missouri River terraces in Saline County. The Oneota ancestors of the Missouria came from the Great Lakes and settled in central Missouri around 1300 AD. Missouria villages were established on the Missouri River near the mouth of the Grand River. The Missouria called themselves Ni-uta-chi, “People of the River’s Mouth” because of this locale. By 1719 , they had moved upstream to be closer to their allies, the Little Osage. The word “Missouri” was derived from an Algonquian Peoria word meaning “People of Wood Canoe” referring to the large dugout canoes they used for traveling on the river. The Osage spoke a dialect known as Dhegihan Siouan. The Missouria dialect is known as Chiwere Siouan. Cultural elements of the eastern woodlands and the western plains met and mingled here in the prairies, savannahs and woodlands of Missouri. The culture of the Missouria and Osage is sometimes identified as “Southern Siouan” or the “Prairie-Plains.” This Siouan language and cultural group encompasses the Dhegihan speaking Osage, Omaha, Quapaw, Kaw (Kanza) and Ponca and the Chiwere speaking Missouria, Otoe and Ioway. In very broad terms, their dialects, cultures, lifestyles and appearance were similar although each would have unique and identifying characteristics to their respective nations. Europeans, and then later Americans, erroneously believed that Indians were simple peoples, savages who were incapable of philosophical thoughts. In reality the spiritual beliefs of the indigenous people were complex and highly sophisticated. They centered on a Supreme Being, an all-encompassing life force they called Wa-kon-tah or Wa-kon-dah. Animals and forces of nature were often seen as messengers from Wa-kon-tah. The Osage referred to themselves as “Little Ones” to show they were small and humble before Wa-kon-tah. The Osage held a dualistic view of the universe where everything was paired. For example day and night, summer and winter, war and peace, life and death etc., maintained balance and harmony in the universe. This balance was reflected in the division of clans into moieties; the Tzi-shu (Sky People) and Hunka (Earth People). Chiefs of the Tzi-shu led the tribe in civil matters whereas chiefs of the Hunka led in military matters. There were varying degrees of chiefs within the tribal structure. Chiefs led by example or exhortation but they could not enforce their decisions on individuals. Unpopular chiefs could be simply be ignored or the people would “vote with their feet” by walking off and forming a new village. A political schism after 1786 led the formation of third Osage band, the Arkansas Osage who settled near the junction of the Neosho, Verdigris and Arkansas rivers in northeast Oklahoma. Ceremonies conducted by clan priests known as Non-hon-zhing-ga (Little Old Men) guided major life events such as hunting, trading, planting, peacemaking, and war. They were the wisest men of the tribe who had obtained all 13 war honors called o’don. The Non-hon-zhing-ga were the true spiritual and political power of the tribe, advising and guiding the chiefs. Their existence to whites was unknown until the 1850s. Warfare was the main way male members gained stature in the tribe. Killing was not always an objective of warfare; bluffing an enemy to leave the field was a war honor as was stealing a horse or merely touching an enemy (counting coup). In an organized war movement, the ceremony of preparation lasted for ten days. A successful war party returning to the village while exuberant about their victory also mourned for any slain enemies. In this way, balance and harmony in the universe was maintained. Missouria culture is not as well-known as Osage culture. Little of their tribal structure and ceremonies was recorded before they lost their independence as a tribe following the disastrous defeat by the Sac & Fox around 1790 . Survivors dispersed and merged with either the Otoe in Nebraska or with the Little Osage. A few families joined the Kaw in eastern Kansas. However there are indications that the Missouria as well as all the other Southern Siouans also held a dualistic view of the universe similar to the Osage. THE OSAGE AND EUROPEANS MEET The date of the first meeting between Europeans and the Osage is unknown. However, there is a vague tribal memory of this meeting. The Missouria brought two French hunters to an Osage village. The Osage observed the Frenchmen were hairy like bears and they were sickened by their body odor trapped inside their heavy deerskin shirts. Members of the Panther clan debated on whether or not to kill the abominable strangers, but the Tzi-shu Chief prevailed in giving them sanctuary. The Missouria were more amenable to the French, while the Osage tended to remain somewhat more aloof. The first documented meeting of Europeans with the Osage occurred in May of 1693 . The French in Illinois facilitated a peace council between the Osage, Missouria and Iliniwek (Illinois) nations. Peace between the three tribal entities would foster growth of the fur trade in the region. For decades afterwards, the three tribes would annually gather to “smoke the pipe” confirming their alliance, and would dance, share feasts and exchange gifts. The Osage and Missouria adopted European trade goods into their cultures without adopting European culture. Missionaries found it very difficult to convert the Indians; they were quite happy and contented with their traditional beliefs that undoubtedly had roots going back centuries. References Websites The Tribes of the Missouria Part 1 - When the Osage and Missouria Reigned Osage Nation Otoe-Missouria Ioway Cultural Institute - Resources on the Ioway or Iowa Indian Tribe Books The Osage in Missouri (University of Missouri Press) by Kristie C. Wolferman A History of the Osage People (University of Alabama Press) by Louis F. Burns, Osage Mottled Eagle Clan The Osage: An Ethnohistorical Study of Hegemony on the Prairie-Plains (University of Missouri Press) by Willard Rollings ·The Osages: Children of the Middle Waters (University of Oklahoma Press) by John Joseph Mathews The Osage and the Invisible World: From the Works of Francis La Flesche (University of Oklahoma Press) by Garrick Bailey The Osage Ceremonial Dance I’n-Lon-Schka (University of Oklahoma Press) by Alice Callahan Traditions of the Osage: Stories Collected and Translated by Francis La Flesche (University of New Mexico Press) edited by Garrick Bailey The People of the River’s Mouth: In Search of the Missouria Indians (University of Missouri Press) by Michael E. Dickey The Otoe-Missouria People (Phoenix Press) by R. David Edmunds The Sac and Fox Indians (University of Oklahoma Press) by William T. Hagen The Ioway Indians (University of Oklahoma Press) by Martha Royce Blaine The Ioway in Missouri (University of Missouri Press) by Greg Olson EXAMPLES OF INDIAN LIFE From the time of European contact forward, there were no known permanent Indian villages within Cooper County. The villages of the Big Osage were in the Osage River valley while the Little Osage and Missouria were on the Missouri River in western Saline County. However, trails and hunting camps existed throughout the area. Hunting camps were a scaled down version of the larger, more permanent villages. While the men hunted, the daily activities of the women and children would have included butchering animals, drying the meat and preparing the hides for tanning. They also would have been gathering edible and medicinal plant material in the area. The village layout and lifeways of the Missouria is largely unknown. Undoubtedly, they were similar to their kinsmen and neighbors the Otoe, Ioway, Omaha, Kaw and Osage. Osage villages were divided on an east to west axis representing the path of the Sun, the giver of life. Members of the Tzi-shu division composed of Sky clans lived in the north half of the village.The south half was occupied by the Hunka division of Earth and Water clans. The lodges of the Tzi-shu chief and the Hunka chief would have been in the center of the village. Osage houses were rectangular or oval in shape, with center posts in the middle. The roof was made of bent poles that were attached to wall posts. The framework was covered with woven rush mats. Fireplaces for cooking and heating were in the middle. Doorways on the house facing east to greet the arrival of the Sun. Archaeological research indicates that Missouria homes had the same type of layout. The only furniture inside a lodge was a low bench where valuables such as animal skins were stored, and cradle-boards where the babies were strapped. Also, bison robes were spread for sitting or sleeping near the fireplace. Some of the moveable household items, other than mats, were pottery cooking vessels. Each person had a personal wooden bowl. Food was served with a spoon often shaped from buffalo horn. A knife and fingers were the main eating utensils. Gourds and dried buffalo bladders were used as water containers. Pottery quickly gave way to metal trade pots and kettles which were more durable. Caches were dug in the lodge interior and contained dried meat, corn, beans and other edible plant materials. If the contents spoiled, they were used as trash pits. Personal items and household furnishing were stored in rawhide boxes called a “parfleche” or hung along the walls or from ceilings. Clothing was made from skins but when trade with Europeans began, trade cloth and wool blankets replaced some skin clothing, although trade material was still used in traditional patterns. DAILY LIFE IN THE VILLAGES Life was geared to the seasons, which in turn, was marked by ceremonies of preparation or celebration. The first hunt in the early spring was for black bears. Women planted crops of corn, beans, squash and pumpkins in spring then the entire village would depart for a summer buffalo hunt. They returned in the fall to harvest the crops and then depart again for a fall buffalo hunt. Late fall was spent by the women and children in gathering persimmons, paw paws, nuts and water lily roots. In the winter months the Indians would disperse in small clan groups to hunt deer, elk and trap smaller animals for the fur trade. The women and girls did the food preparation, food preservation, and cooking. On the buffalo hunts they butchered the meat and packed it for the return to the village. Drying racks for meat and plant materials were set up near the lodges. Groups of women would gather to tan and prepare hides for clothing or prepare rush and cattail mats for lodge coverings, making it a social event. Girls learned these domestic chores at an early age. The women built and owned the lodges and all the furnishings and equipage they contained. The perception of the Europeans was that the women were chattel, doing all the hard work while the men were lazy did nothing but lounge around or go hunting. While the duties of the men and women were generally separate, both were equally vital to the survival of the tribe. Hunting was not done for sport, although there was a recreational element to it. It was a dangerous but necessary occupation to eat and acquire furs for clothing or for trade. Hunters were occasionally killed by stampeding bison or by wounded animals. The men also had to defend the hunting territory and especially the villages from enemy tribes. If a man were truly idle and lazy in providing for his family, his wife could divorce him simply by throwing his meager belongings out the lodge door. Before acquiring horses around 1680, dogs were used as pack animals. Dogs were never fed but scavenged through the village keeping it clean. They also served as alarms by barking at unknown persons approaching the village. Dog meat was considered a delicacy and often served to visiting dignitaries. The camp dogs could be a source of a quick and ready meal. Bones of butchered canines have been found in many archaeological sites. Arrow heads found in the Lamine area. Private collection Arrowhead Chart Each period of Indian culture is noted for its distinctive stone projectile point. (Source: Missouri Resource Review, Missouri Department of Natural Resources) OSAGE AND MISSOURIA RELATIONS WITH EUROPEANS The Osage and Missouria adopted French and the Spanish trade goods without adopting their culture. Metal tools were lighter, more versatile, and more durable than stone ones. Cloth and wool blankets were lighter and often more colorful than skin clothing or heavy robes. But firearms became the most important part of trade. Better armed tribes could wield military superiority over their enemies. In short, trade goods made life much easier for the Indians and for over a hundred years trade benefited Missouri tribes. But trade goods eventually became a trap as the Indians became dependent on things they could not manufacture or repair themselves. The Osage and Missouria got along reasonably well with the French. France was interested only in acquiring furs, not land, and French traders and officials made accommodations to native traditions, such as giving gifts and feasts for visiting guests. The Spanish did not share the French approach to dealing with Indians. Although the Spanish wanted furs, they found native traditions tedious and expensive to their treasury. Consequently the Indians viewed them as stingy and miserly. Officials also sought to force the Osage and Missouria to conform to Spanish policy by periodically halting trade with them. These actions hurt the merchants of St. Louis more than the Indians. As a result, tensions between the Spanish government and the Osage and Missouria ran high and occasionally erupted into physical conflict. Very few people died in these conflicts, but fear often kept the settlements on edge. The Osage and Missouria got along reasonably well with the French. France was interested only in acquiring furs, not land, and French traders and officials made accommodations to native traditions, such as giving gifts and feasts for visiting guests. The Spanish did not share the French approach to dealing with Indians. Although the Spanish wanted furs, they found native traditions tedious and expensive to their treasury. Consequently the Indians viewed them as stingy and miserly. Officials also sought to force the Osage and Missouria to conform to Spanish policy by periodically halting trade with them. These actions hurt the merchants of St. Louis more than the Indians. As a result, tensions between the Spanish government and the Osage and Missouria ran high and occasionally erupted into physical conflict. Very few people died in these conflicts, but fear often kept the settlements on edge. 1808 THE OSAGE NATION AND THE UNITED STATES SIGN ITS FIRST TREATY FOR LAND (Missouri Bicentennial Timeline) As the dominant tribe in Missouri, the Osages had grown increasingly restless as more white settlers were moving onto their lands. The government, too, was concerned about the growing unrest and agreed to establish forts closer to the native settlements for use of various tribes. The government saw this effort also as a way to entice Indigenous people to rely upon the U.S. for trade goods. The government relied on Meriwether Lewis, now governor of the Louisiana Territory and William Clark, superintendent of Indian Affairs along with Indian agent and trader Pierre Chouteau to work out a deal. Clark negotiated the treaty where the Osages gave up most of Missouri to the United States. In return, the government agreed to maintain a permanent trading post with a blacksmith shop and mill for the Osage people, protection to the Osages who lived near it, along with an annual grant of $1,500. Fort Osage, located on a high bluff overlooking the Missouri River in Jackson County, would continue as an important outpost for over a decade. INDIAN TREATIES On July 4, 1804 Pierre Chouteau was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as U.S. Agent for Indian Affairs West of the Mississippi. Chouteau was a St. Louis fur trader and knew the languages and customs of several tribes, especially the Osage. On September 14, 1808 , William Clark, Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the West negotiated with the Osage at Fort Osage to receive $1,200 worth of gifts and an annuity of $1,500 and access to a blacksmith and flour mill. The government also promised “protection” from eastern Indians who hunted on Osage land where game was still plentiful while it was depleted in their shrinking homelands. Some Missouria who lived with the Osage also signed this treaty. In later years Clark expressed remorse saying, “it was the hardest treaty he had ever made on the Indians and if he was damned hereafter, it would be for making that treaty.” The price for the treaty “benefits” was 52 million acres of land in Missouri and Arkansas. A group of Arkansas Osage visiting St. Louis said the treaty was invalid because they had not been at the council. Governor Meriwether Lewis quickly amended the treaty to include another 20 million acres of land north of the Missouri River. On November 8 1808 , Chouteau met with the Osage to sign the amended treaty. He had to pay them another year’s annuity in advance to get them to sign. The treaty was ratified by Congress on April 28, 1810. The region of Cooper County was officially no longer “Indian Territory.” On June 2, 1825 , the Osage signed a treaty in St. Louis ceding any remaining claims in Missouri and Arkansas and large portion of Oklahoma and Kansas. They retained a reservation about 50 miles wide and 150 miles long in southern Kansas. In exchange, they received $6,000 worth of trade goods. Osages still periodically appeared in Missouri to visit government officials in St. Louis or visit the graves of ancestors. As late as 1837 , they still went on their spring bear hunts in Missouri, as bears were more numerous here than on the plains of Kansas. Settlers in Cooper County and across the state continually feared these small hunting parities were the forerunners of large “Indian invasions.” The so-called “Osage War of 1837 ” was a bloodless confrontation between some Osage bear hunters and white settlers in Green County. The Missouria, Otoe, Ioway and Sac & Fox signed treaties in 1824 ceding their claims to most of the land north of the Missouri River. In September1836 they signed a treaty known as “The Platte Purchase.” This ceded their claims to what became the northwest counties of the state. With this treaty all Indian ownership of land within the state of Missouri was terminated. Pictures from Mike Dickey collection AMERICAN INDIAN, INDIAN, NATIVE AMERICAN, OR NATIVE? The National Museum of the American Indian says: “What is the correct terminology: American Indian, Indian, Native American, or Native? All of these terms are acceptable. The consensus, however, is that whenever possible, Native people prefer to be called by their specific tribal name. In the United States, Native American has been widely used but is falling out of favor with some groups, and the terms American Indian or Indigenous American are preferred by many Native people.” American Indian vs. Native American. The term “Native American” according to the U.S. Census Bureau includes all indigenous people of the Western Hemisphere; American Indians and Alaskan natives such as the Aleut, Inuit, Yupik and Eyak. Most tribal governments and organizations still use “Indian” in their official seal and documents. Younger generations sometimes prefer the term “Native” “Indigenous” “First Nation” or “Amerindian.” Regardless, tribal affiliation is the first and best way to identify a person of native heritage. Mike Dickey, Historic Site Manager, Arrow Rock State Historic Site. Missouri Archaeological Society Site on Collecting and Identifying Artifacts, and also Archeology in Missouri “Tracey Barters for an Historic Powd er Horn.” This is the Powder Horn that my daughter, Tracey, bartered from a French Explorer that descended the Missouri River back in the late 1970's Back in the late 1970's a group of men, who were re-enacting the voyage of the early French Explorers from the late 1600’s and early 1700's, down the Missouri River. They were descending the Missouri River in their long canoes from Kansas City to Saint Louis. I remember listening to Ted B. on the Boonville Radio Station, KWRT, talking about this group of men. The men wanted people from the Boonslick Area to visit them while they camped at our Harley Park overnight. Ted also stated that you could only trade with the men, with items of the 1700 period, to actually trade or barter with the explorers. I wanted to do just that with the explorers, so I went to the basement to see what I could find. The only things that I had at the time was an old, small oil lamp about seven inches tall that my mother gave me, and a case of "Home Brew" that I had just made at the time. My daughter, Tracey Lammers, who was only about 6 or 7 years old at the time, said she would trade the small oil lamp. This lamp was given to me by my mother who collected things of this nature back in the 1950’s. I had the big cooler of “Home Brew” to deal with at the time. We got there at one of the Harley Park Shelter Houses, north of the Little League diamond around 6 pm. Right away, all the group of men notice the brew I had which was in a cooler and gathered around. The 20-some bottles were gone in a flash. They all knew a good deal in the Home Brew. I noticed that one of the re-enactors was talking to my young daughter, Tracey, about her little red lamp she was holding. He asked her if she wanted to trade for the lamp she was holding. She said “Yes, I guess so.” The man left and went to his small tent. He returned with a beautiful powder horn that he had made years ago. He said, “Would you trade your red lamp for my powder horn?” Tracey said, “Sure!” So the trade was made. I looked at her new, bartered item that she held and was astonished. This powder horn was an historic piece that could be placed in any fine museum, anywhere. I went to the man and asked if he was sure about the exchange. The man said “Son...I’ve been looking for a small lamp like this for years, so as to read and write in my tent.” He continued by saying “We made the agreement and I don’t want to alter the contract and by the way I can always make another horn.” This man had scrimshawed an image of an Osage Indian on this horn that was first painted by an early explorer by the name of George Catlin in 1844. My family and I were ready to leave when another member of the group came up to me and said. “You really don’t know what you have in that powder horn. I’ve been wanting to buy or trade for this horn for a long time. He just wouldn’t give in, in anyway. You sure have a bargain.” To this day, I have shown this powder horn to many and I proud to say that it will stay in the family for many years to come. By: Wayne Lammers Early explorers on the Missouri River. circa 1700

Acerca de TABLE OF CONTENTS Genealogy Cooper County Historical Records Family History and Vital Records Church, Cemetery, and School Records Books, Maps, and Resource Materials How to do an Oral History Records at Recorder of Deeds Office Online Research Sites Friends of Historic Boonville Other Area Research Sites Military War Records Early Cooper County E arliest Inhabitants Minerals and Soils Louisiana Purchase Early Explor ers Fur Trade First Permanent Settlers Forts are Built Discovery of Fort McMahan New Madrid Earthquake Cooper County is Formed Cooper County is Formed Politics and Early Elections Early Cooper County Personalities Community/Township Settlement Townships Formed Struggle for Statehood Early Water Tra nspo rtation Missouri River and Transportation Cooper County Rivers and Streams Sunk on the Missouri River Wars 1812 in the Boonslick Area Indian Removal Act 1836 the Alamo 1839 Mormon War 1846 Mexican War Pre-Civil War Civil War Early 20th Century Wars World War I World War II Railroads Cooper County Railroads Towns That Once Had Trains & Depots Towns without Trains Train Depots Orphan Trains Early Buildings & Cemeteries Homes & Buildings Churches Cemeteries Schools Communication Pony Express Post Offices Newspapers Telegraph Radio Telephone The Great Depression The Depression in Cooper County Prohibition Early Land Transportation 1821 The Santa Fe Trail Stage Coaches Early Road s & Bridges Automobiles Roads in Cooper County Bridges in Cooper County Early Cooper County Businesses Early Businesses Cooper County Banks Banks & Train Robberies Banks During The Depression Early Veterinarians Early Medicine Funerals & Funeral Homes Authors, Artists, & Historians Agriculture Early Agriculture Mills Beekeeping Farm Machinery What Did People Do for Fun? What They Did for Fun Harley Park Cooper County Infrastructure City Hall & Elections Fire Departments Were the " Good Old Da ys" Really That Good? 1939 Boonville Movie Life Without Electricity Were the "Good Old Days" Good?

TOWNSHIPS FORMED Adapted from Discover Cooper County by Ann Betteridge: Cooper County Townships were not all formed at the same time. Townships changed names and territory throughout the early history of the County. The first election after Cooper County was organized was held August 2, 1819 and four townships were established...Arrow Rock, Miami, Tabeau and Lamine, which included the town of Boonville. In May, 1820 , the original townships remained the same and Moreau Township was added. Cooper County was bounded on the east and south by the Osage River, on the west by the Indian Territory, and on the north by the Missouri River. Lamine Township at that time included about all within the present limits of Cooper County, plus some territory not now included in its limits. In August, 1820 , Osage and Jefferson townships were added. When Saline County was formed, Arrow Rock, Miami and Tabeau went away. Moreau went to Moniteau County. On July 12, 1855 , the following townships had been established and still exist in the County: Boonville; Lamine; Saline; Clark's Fork; Moniteau; Kelly; Palestine; Clear Creek; Pilot Grove; Blackwater; and Lebanon. A total of 14 townships were established by 1877 . Moniteau was divided into north and south, and since 1897 the final township configuration has remained the same. At one time Cooper County was dotted with many small family farms. Many of these small farms have been in the same family for over 100 years and are known as “Century Farms”. But after the Depression, and the locusts and dust storms of the 1930s , and the drop in farm prices in the 1980 ’s, many small farms were lost to creditors and were often purchased at bargain prices, then were consolidated into larger farms. The trend towards large farming operations has resulted in a drop in county population. Living in an rural area that is not crowded has its advantages - people are more friendly, neighbors are close, but not too close, and people are usually very supportive of their schools and communities. People you don’t even know wave as they pass on the road. That will never happen in the city. References – Small Cooper County Towns History of Cooper County by W.F. Johnson: Townships pages 218-249 A Pictorial History of the Boonslick Area Bicentennial Boonslick History Map of Cooper Counties' townships BLACKWATER TOWNSHIP Physical Features : This township is a peninsula, being almost entirely surrounded by the Lamine and Blackwater rivers. The soil is rich and very productive. The minerals found in the township were partially responsible for the settlement of the township. Minerals found there are iron, lead, and salt. In 1888 , there were six salt springs and a great number of fresh water springs in this area. Salt was manufactured at salt water springs from as early as 1808 through 1836 . The manufacture of salt was carried on extensively by Heath, Baley, Christie, Allison, and others. Settlement : William Christie and John G. Heath temporarily settled in this township in 1808 . They remained only long enough to manufacture a small quantity of salt, then returned down the river. James Broch, the first permanent settler, arrived in 1816 , and planted an acre of cotton which produced a high yield. Some of the first settlers were: Enoch Hambrich, who came in 1817 ; David Shellcraw in 1818 ; Nathaniel T. Allison, Sr. In 1831 ; Fleming Marshall and Robert Clark in 1832 ; Nathaniel Bridgewater in 1835 ; and Edmund M. Cobb and Larkin T. Dix in 1834 . In 1937 Blackwater had two general merchandise stores, a grocery store, two hardware stores, two barber shops, a beauty shop, blacksmith, post office, lumber company, bank, a hotel, one elevator, two doctors and the Blackwater Stone Company. Today, all that remains is the post office, city hall, bank, hotel, and the train station aka “The Depot” which is used as a community center. There are a few antique and trendy shops along Main Street as well as a restaurant. “The Hollow,” a large event venue, once Fahrendorf Feed and Hardware Supply, is used primarily as a reception area for Wildcliff Weddings and Events. The Blackwater Preservation Society is active in maintaining this attractive and unique town. The only town remaining in Blackwater Township, is Blackwater. References for Blackwater Township at CCHS: History of Blackwater BOONVILLE TOWNSHIP Physical Features : The Missouri River is on the north; the Petite Saline Creek runs through the southern part of the township and the Lamine River borders a portion of the western part of the township. This township’s soil is very productive, and is especially good for growing fruit. Large quantities of coal have also been mined from this area Settlement : The first settlers of the township were Stephen and Hannah Cole, who settled there in 1810 . William McFarland, the first Sheriff of Cooper County, was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina. In October, 1816 he settled on the north side of the Petite Saline Creek. In 1818 he was a member of the Territorial Legislature from the southern district of Howard County. He was elected a member of the Legislature from Cooper County in 1822 , 1824 , and 1838 . Luke Williams, a Baptist preacher, was a farmer and lived about five miles west of Boonville. Justinian Williams was born in Bath County, Virginia, and while young, emigrated to Kentucky. Later, he moved to Howard County and from there settled at Boonville in 1818 , organizing the first Methodist Church in Cooper County the same year. He was a cabinet maker by trade. He was also the local preacher in Boonville for several years. In 1834 he built a steam boat and was its commander for several years. Marcus Williams was the first mayor of Boonville. He came to Boonville from Kentucky. He was a brick mason by trade, and manufactured the first bricks ever commercially made in Cooper County. In 1840 he made the first stoneware ever manufactured in western Missouri. Boonville Township was the first township in the county to be settled. Between 1830 and 1840 a number of men settled in Boonville and engaged extensively in the mercantile business. The years 1840-1850 were a time of great prosperity in Boonville. During the Civil War, there was a period of confusion, violence, anger and disruption in Boonville. The economy of the township stood still, and the effect of the war lingered for some time following the war. The troops on both sides had stolen or commandeered most of the horses and livestock and any food they could find. Buildings and homes had been destroyed and crops ruined. Just following the war was the growth of railroads in the county, which started a new period of prosperity. In Boonville, the first municipal water system was completed in 1883 and a telephone system was also started in in 1883 . Main street was paved with bricks in 1898 . Street lighting by electricity replaced the gas lights. In 1924 a new east-west highway bridge over the Missouri River brought more traffic to Boonville and more people, as the road went down Main street. Factories and new businesses also came to Boonville at this time. Today Boonville is the largest city in the County and still prosperous, although not as busy as in earlier years. The older buildings along the main street, and the early churches have been well preserved and are still in use. Especially interesting are Thespian Hall, the old jail, Roslyn Heights and the Hain House. Many of the beautiful older homes are listed on the National Register. Most of the Main Street buildings are still in use and are well maintained. Several of the older buildings in the city have been repurposed. The old KATY Railroad Bridge, spanning the Missouri River, is one of the focal points of the city, which is rich in history. Billingsville, once a busy community is now an unincorporated area in the township, a small settlement consisting of a lovely church, a mix of old and new homes and a large well-kept cemetery. At one time it was one of several busy stage coach stops in the county. References for Boonville Township at CCHS: History of Billingsville, Prairie Lick and Stoney Point; Boonville An Illustrated History Boonville An Historic River Town Also, see list of thing to see in Boonville near the end of the website. CLARK’S FORK TOWNSHIP Physical Features : The township is watered by Clark’s Fork and the Petite Saline Creek with their tributaries. There is probably more prairie in this township than in any other township in the County. Settlement : John Glover was the first settler of this township. He came in 1813 and built a log cabin on the south bank of the Petite Saline Creek. The next settlers were John C. Rochester and Zephaniah Bell. John C. Rochester was a grandson of the founder of the city of Rochester, New York. John lost a fortune by having to pay a large security debt. He wanted to come to a new country where society would accept him. He married Sallie Kelly, a daughter of James Kelly, who was a soldier of the American Revolution. Mr. Bell was a farmer. George Crawford was the first assessor of Cooper County. He was also a member of the legislature from Cooper County. Judge George Weight settled in Clark’s Fork Township in 1822 , and he taught school in Cooper County. He was a good violinist, and in his early days taught a dancing school. He was judge of the County court and county surveyor of Cooper County for many years. There were several brick kilns and a lime kiln in the area. Water-powered mills were built. Flour and meal were so important that four mills did a good business in the community. The mills were: Rankin’s Mill, Jewett’s Mill, Connor’s Mill, and Gooch Mill. In 1847 , Jacob Schilb and family came to the United States from Bavaria and settled near Gooch Mill. They began to make crockery: jars, crocks, and jugs. Old Overton, at the edge of the Missouri River, had a tomato processing factory and it had a ferry boat landing nearby. The Missouri Pacific Railroad built a depot there. There were four covered bridges in the area: Crawford, Hurt, Connors, and Big Lick. They all spanned the Petite Saline Creek. Not only did the bridges save fording the stream, they also provided shelter from rain and storms, and provided a cool place for tired, hot horses to rest. Unfortunately, all of the covered bridges are now gone. The Lone Elm public school closed in 1963 when county schools were consolidated. There is now a large church at Lone Elm named Zion Lutheran Church. The church has a very successful private Christian Day School that is providing an excellent education for area students. There are two remaining small, unincorporated settlements in Clark’s Fork Township – Lone Elm and Clark’s Fork. CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP Physical Features : Clear Creek Township is one of the oldest townships in Cooper County. It received its name from the creek which flows through it in a northwesterly direction. It flows over a pebbly bottom causing its waters to be unusually clear, which makes it truly a “clear creek.” The surface of the township is rough in the northern and western portions but there is rich farmland in the southern and eastern portions. The Lamine River and numerous smaller streams flow through the township. It is 44 square miles in area. Settlement: Isaac Ellis, Alex Brown, and a Mr. Scott settled in the northwestern part of the township in about 1816 . Another early settler of this township was James Taylor, who had three sons, William, John, and James. He witnessed the long series of earthquakes which occurred in New Madrid in 1811 . He moved to Cooper County in 1817 . He had a large plantation, and raised, and always had on hand, large quantities of corn, which he stored in cribs. He would not sell the corn unless he received the price he asked. He also would not sell the corn to those he thought were not thrifty. One time when corn was very scarce in the county, and very little could be had, two men came to Mr. Taylor’s house asking to buy some corn on credit. One was very poorly dressed, with his pants torn off below his knees, and what there was remaining of them patched all over. The other was almost elegantly dressed. Mr. Taylor sold the poorly dressed man, on credit, all the corn he wished. He told the other one that ‘he could get no corn there, unless he paid the money for it, and that if he had saved the money which he had squandered for his fine clothes he would have had enough to pay cash for the corn.” Mr. Taylor was a leader in the Baptist church and a kind neighbor. Mr. Taylor was known as “Corn Taylor”. Jordan O’Bryan, a son-in-law of James Taylor, was also one of the early settlers of this township. He was elected to the state legislature in 1822 , 1826 , 1834 , and 1840 . In 1844 , he was elected state senator for four years. James Taylor’s son, John, continued raising corn as his father did. He built a large plantation home which was completed in 1859 . The house, later named Crestmead, has been restored. It has been in the Betteridge family since 1903 . At the same time, he was building Crestmead, he served on the committee to build Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. In 1823 , Samuel Walker arrived and located in the southern part of the township. His father, Winston, had already built a fort in this area. In 1814 , Stephen Young and Lawrence Sommers, the first German immigrants, arrived in the township. Following in his tracks were numerous Germans, who settled most of the northern and western portions of the township. The Germans proved themselves to be a very industrious and thrifty people. Most German immigrants to this township came between 1830 and 1850 . Between 1840 and 1850 , the following men and their families came from Germany and other places in Missouri: Adam Aulbach, Jacob Beck, Theodore Bester, John Deil, Jacob Deil, Bertram Felten, Fran Grotzinger, Gergory Klenklen, Henry Jansen, Melchior Kraus, Andrew Neckerman, Anton Schibi, Michael Schoen, F. M. Larm, Franz Stolzenberger, Bernard H. Twenter, John B. Twenter, Anthony Youngkamp, John G. Walz, Anton Wessing, and George A. Zoeller. They mostly settled on the hills which the Americans thought too poor to cultivate, and become very prosperous. They succeeded in raising good crops and in making a good living. In hilly areas they cultivated grapes very successfully. The Missouri, Kansas, and Texas (MKT or KATY) railroad ran about five miles through this township, furnishing the inhabitants transportation for their surplus products. "Here are some of my reminiscences of my Great Grand Grandmother, Maria Martin Day, "Grandma Day". This is from a book written by Agnes Immele Meriwether called "Bernhard Martin and His Descendants" from 1962. Grandma Day, I feel, is one of Cooper Counties Heroes. She had a hard, good life and I'm proud to be connected with her and her stories". - Wayne Lammers PLEASANT GREEN In 1816 Alex Brown, Isaac Ellis and Mr. Scott and their families settled in the area which came to be known as Pleasant Green. In 1823 , Samuel Walker arrived who was the owner of a large federal grant of land. Judge Smith Walker and his father Winston built a small brick house on edge of the Walker land and named it “Pleasant Green”. The name was also given to the nearby Methodist Church founded in 1825 (still in use) and eventually the town. The town was located on the MKT Railroad line and was an important shipping station for 40 years. In its most prosperous days it had three general stores, a bank, a drug store, hardware store, barber, small hotel, two grain elevators, livery stables, blacksmith, post office and a telephone office. People started to leave in the late 1920 ’s and 30 ’s due to the depression and changes in transportation. Cooper County’s first bank robbery took place in Pleasant Green in 1926 . Today, Pleasant Green and Burrwood are the only evidences of the busy town that once existed there. Every year since 1953 the Township has had an annual sanctioned radio. Pleasant Green is the only town that has ever been in Clear Creek Township. References for Clear Creek Township at CCHS: History of Clear Creek Pleasant Green Underground KELLY TOWNSHIP Physical Features: The surface of the township consists mainly of prairie with some timbered portions. Moniteau Creek, with its tributaries, extends through two-thirds of the township from east to west, and the Petite Saline Creek waters a portion of the western part of the township. The township was named in honor of John Kelly, one of its early pioneers. Settlement: James Kelly was a Revolutionary War soldier. He, along with Charles Woods and James D. Campbell, served as soldiers in the War of 1812 . The Kelly’s came from Tennessee. William Jennings came from Georgia to Cooper County in 1819 , and owned a large tract of land. He was the first preacher in the township, and was the pastor of “Old Nebo” Church for many years. James D. Campbell was an early justice of the county court and acted as justice of the peace for many years. He was a prominent politician, always voting the Democratic ticket. Charles Woods, also known as General Charles Woods, was for many years the leading Democrat in his neighborhood. Joseph Reavis settled in the township in 1823 . He and his sons manufactured excellent wagons. Their trade extended for miles around. Their wagons were sometimes purchased by the Santa Fe traders. The first school was taught by Joseph S. Anderson in 1824 . He taught until 1828 when he was elected sheriff of Cooper County. In 1832 he was elected to the legislature from Cooper County. Rice Challis, an early settler in this township, was a carpenter. The soil of this township is very productive and the farmers are generally prosperous. The Union Pacific Railroad was a short distance south of the township. Until 1937 , the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas Railroad ran eight miles directly through its center, affording the inhabitants easy facilities for the shipping of their products. Corn, wheat, and soybeans were among the principal products, with many farmers raising live stock as well. At the height of its prosperity, hundreds of cars of cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry and mules were shipped to St. Louis each year. The town grew rapidly and by 1899 the town had two drug stores, 3 general stores, 2 millinery stores, 4 grocery stores, a hotel, 4 barbershops, 3 blacksmiths, 2 physicians, 2 lumber yards, one livery stable, a carpenter, a public school, a private school, a flour mill, 4 churches and a population of 1,000 people. Beginning in 1896 , Bunceton was noted for its annual Fair. The Fair was eventually replaced by the 4th of July Days that Bunceton celebrates each year. Although individuals do not bring projects to be judged like in most fairs, there are games to play: dunking booth, cake walk, pedal pull, bounce house, pony rides, to name a few, along with fiddle contests, an ice cream social and street dance. A parade is held every year. This special event is open to the public and fun to attend. Since its founding, Bunceton has suffered from many fires which have destroyed three mills and much of the main street business area. As the town began to lose population after the train was rerouted and bypassed the town, much of the business area deteriorated and has been removed. One building which has been used for several things is the Princess theater, built in 1917 , which has been later used as a funeral home, a bar (Lucky's Place), and currently it has been made into an apartment. At one time, when the railroad came through town, Bunceton grew to be the second largest town in Cooper County. Today, Bunceton is the only town in Kelly Township, with a current population of 354. References for Kelly Township at CCHS: Bunceton 1868-1888 Bunceton 1868-1993 LAMINE TOWNSHIP Physical Features: The surface of the township is rolling and was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber. Most of the soil is rich and, in some localities, very productive. Three sides of the township are surrounded by water. Settlement: The township was settled first in 1812 . The very first settlers were David Jones, a Revolutionary War soldier; Thomas and James McMahan; Stephen, Samuel and Jesse Turley; and Saunders Townsend. Others came soon afterwards. In 1812 a fort, called McMahan’s Fort, was built in this township, but was later attacked by Indians in 1814 and burned to the ground. This township was at one time, one of the wealthiest townships in the County. Lead deposits were found and mined. A large quantity of high-quality lumber and cord-wood was cut every year from the plentiful woods and was shipped by men of the Blackwater and Lamine River areas. The streams have abundant fish. Tornadoes have not been kind to Lamine and eventually the town was moved closer to the river and the railroad, and is sometimes called “New Lamine. Lamine Township has only one very small settlement at this time – Lamine. References for Lamine Township at CCHS: Our Town, Lamine Missouri LEBANON TOWNSHIP Physical Features: Lebanon township is bounded on the north by Clear Creek and Palestine townships, on the east by Kelly township, on the south by Morgan county, and on the west by Otterville township. This township was organized about 1826 . In the western part of the township the surface is rough and partly timbered. There are fine stretches of prairie and rolling land in the southern and eastern part. Settlement: Thomas J. Starke, of Otterville, wrote an interesting history of Otterville and Lebanon. He read the history on the 4th day of July, 1876 , at a meeting of the citizens of Otterville. He spent almost 70 years in Cooper County where he grew to manhood, married and died. He was the father of Mrs. D. S. Koontz of Boonville. The first settlement of the township was New Lebanon, six miles north of Otterville. During the fall of 1819 and spring of 1820 the following people came to New Lebanon to settle: Rev. Finis Ewing, Rev. James L. Wear, John Wear, James H. Wear, Samuel Wear, Alexander Sloan, Robert Kirkpatrick, Colin C. Stoneman, William Stone, Frederick Casteel, Reuben A. Ewing, James Berry, Thomas Rubey, Elizabeth Steele, a Mr. Smiley, Rev. Laird Burns, John Burns, John Reed, Silas Thomas, James Taylor, Hugh Wear, who as a brother to James L. and John Wear, James McFarland and Rev. William Kavanaugh. Rev. Finnis Ewing was a minister of the gospel, and one of the original founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was from Kentucky. He became a minister in 1803 and with Samuel McAdam and Samuel King, founded the Cumberland Church in 1810 . New Lebanon settlers pitched their tents and began building a church and seminary. It was built of hewn logs. Each person brought their share of the logs. These logs were double, that is, each log was 24 feet in length, being joined in the middle of the house by means of an upright post, into which the ends were mortised, making the entire length of the church 48 feet, and 30 feet in width. This building served as a place of worship until 1860 , when the new brick church of the present day was built on the site of the old one, which was torn down. The Rev. James L. Wear was for many years a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher. Rev. John Reid was another minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He first lived at Honey Creek and afterward moved to many different places. Reid was driving a team for a man who was moving to this country with Mr. Ewing, who had bells on his six-horse team. The young man liked the jingle of these bells so well that he begged Mr. Ewing to allow his teamster to divide with him, in order that he might share the music, but Mr. Ewing “could not see it” and refused to make the division as asked. Reid bought a number of cowbells and hung one on each horse of his team, which soon had the effect of bringing the preacher to terms. Mr. Ewing was so much bothered with the discord made by these coarse bells that he soon suggested a compromise by giving Reid his sleigh bells, provided he would stop the cowbell part of the concert. New Lebanon is the only settlement left in New Lebanon Township, but it has been beautifully preserved. The church and school are in excellent condition, as is Uncle Abe’s Store. There is also a large cemetery. A visit to New Lebanon allows you to take a rare step back in time and is worth a visit. References for Lebanon Township at CCHS: History of New Lebanon NORTH AND SOUTH MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS Physical Features: These two townships, originally one, are separated by the Moniteau Creek. They are bounded on the north by Clark’s Fork and Prairie Home townships, on the east and south by Moniteau County and on the west by Kelly Township. The surface near the Moniteau Creek tends to be rough, gradually giving way to prairie both in the north and south. Settlement: Pisgah is the second oldest town in Cooper County. The area was first settled in 1818 . Thomas B. Smiley, an early settler, was elected to the Legislature from Cooper County in 1820 , with Thomas Rogers and William Lillard. Thomas Smiley was a man of considerable information and a good historian. He raised a large family of children and died in 1836 . Mr. Shelton, a blacksmith, settled near the town of Pisgah in 1818 . He was well-known for his good work with metals and at that time was the only blacksmith in the county outside of Boonville. Some of the early settlers in this area were Seth Joseph, Waid and Stephen Howard, William Coal, Sames Stinson, Hawking Burress, David Burress, Charles Hickox, Samuel McFarland, Carroll George, James Snodgrass, Martin George, Alexander Woods, James Jones, David Jones, and Augustus K. Longan. David Jones settled at Pisgah before 1820, since his vote was recorded in that year. He and Archibald Kavanaugh were elected to the state legislature in 1830 , 1832 , and 1834 . In 1836 he was elected State Senator, and was re-elected in 1848 . Pisgah and Mount Pleasant churches were built by the Baptists in the early days and were led by John B. Longan and Kemp Scott. The first school in this township was probably taught by James Donelson. He only professed to teach arithmetic as far as the “double rule of three.” A Mr. Summers and Judge Smith kept a store at “Old Round Hill.” Richard Bonsfield built a store at Pisgah. Today, there are no towns or churches left in South Moniteau Township and there remain two, almost extinct towns, in North Moniteau Township – Pisgah and Cotton. Pisgah has a lovely church, Pisgah Baptist, which is still active. The Pisgah Baptist church was organized in 1819 and is the second oldest Baptist church in Cooper County. At one time there was a croquette factory, grist mill, chair factory, carding mill, three general stores, a blacksmith and a drug store located there. Pisgah was the first town in Cooper County to have its own community center. Cotton is also located in North Moniteau Township. It once was home to a large grist mill and a was busy little town. Dick’s Mill, the last standing in mill in Cooper County is still there, but not in operation and Dicks’ school is also still standing. OTTERVILLE TOWNSHIP Physical Features: Otterville Township originally included part of Lebanon Township, but later covered all of Lebanon township west of the Lamine River. Settlement: In 1826 , Thomas Parsons came to this area and found three families living west of the Lamine. These were the James G. Wilkerson, William Reed, and William Sloan families. Thomas Parsons established the first hatters’ shop south of Boonville. Elijah Hook, a hunter and trapper, came from Tennessee and James Brown who came in 1827 and was a Kentuckian, farmer, and hunter. He had hunted with Daniel Boone. James Davis also came from Tennessee. He was an industrious farmer and great rail splitter. James Birney, a prominent farmer, came from Kentucky in 1827 . Frederick Shurley, the mightiest hunter in all the land round about Otterville, settled southeast of Otterville in 1827 . He was with General Jackson in the Creek War, and was present at the Battle of Horse Shoe Bend, where the Indians had made their last stand. He used to tell with deep interest, the thrilling incidents of this war. Nathan Neal came from Kentucky in 1827 and settled two miles north of Otterville. George Cranmer came to Boonville in 1828 and to Clifton City in 1832 . He was a millwright and a mechanic. He and James H. Glasgow built what was known as Cranmer’s Mill, where the KATY railroad crossed the Lamine River. He named the area Clifton, which was previously known as Cold Neck. Clifton City There are many interesting stories about the town of Clifton City. Matthew Cox, a hunter and trapper of this area, was known for his tales. He told of being in a bear’s grip, when the bear pushed him off a high bluff which was nearly 500 feet high. They would strike and bound against the rocks every few feet, until they reached the bottom of the bluff. You would naturally think it was “Farewell Matthew,” but strange as it may seem, he escaped with a few slight scratches. The bear had, fortunately for Matthew, been on the underside every time they struck, till they reached the bottom, when the bear turned loose of the hunter and closed his eyes in death. Matthew Cox’s tales were generally much like this; almost always they ended favorable to him and fatal to his enemies. This tale made “Matthew’s Bluff” well known to everybody in this neighborhood. In 1907 , the original train depot at Clifton City burned. It was replaced by a new slate roofed depot and later moved in 1925 . The first train made its maiden run in 1873 . The last train made its final run passing through Clifton City, in 1986 . The mail came in by train and was carried to the post office to be delivered. Several train wrecks date back to 1879 and 1918 . Wrecks were blamed on a mix up in train orders. The train would whistle coming into town twice a day, but today, the whistle only lives on in memories of the days gone by. Just off JJ, North of Hwy 135, was the location of the Stage Stop. Rumor has it that an old shed, close to this Stage Stop, is where the Jessie James gang would hide from time to time. The James gang at one time was caught not far from there on their way out of town. Jesse had a lot of friends at Clifton City and visited there often, or whenever he was passing through. In the late 1800 ’s, Clifton City had a bank, a beautiful brick building standing on the South side of town. In 1886 , W.B. Over the years the building has been a home to several different business - a café, grocery store and many other things. Today it still stands as a place for storage, and is slowly losing its beauty. The bank closed in 1929 . One of the greatest improvements for the rural people in Clifton City was made when farm to market roads were established. The roads were built in 1934 and 1935 . There are now two paved roads going through Clifton City. The coming of cars and trucks hurt the railroad shipments. The new roads made it easy and less expensive for farmers to take their produce and cattle to market with their own trucks. So this was the beginning of a slow death to the small town of Clifton City. The town of Otterville was first called Eldon. Later it was named for the great number of otters found in a creek which flows past the town. In 1860 the Missouri Pacific Railroad was built and ended in Otterville, and the town grew and prospered. Eventually the rail line was extended to Sedalia. As a result, Sedalia prospered and Otterville lost population and businesses. Otterville The town of Otterville was first called Elktown and Ottertown before being named Otterville. It was laid out by Gideon R. Thompson in 1837 . A public square was laid out and some buildings were built near the square. The town square at this time was where the Otterville School stands today. Otterville was incorporated by an act of the Legislature of Missouri on February 16, 1854 . One hundred years after the town of Otterville was incorporated a city water system was added. There was no post office in Otterville until March 24, 1848 . When the post office started in Otterville, the mail was carried by horseback. Then the Missouri Pacific railway came through and that allowed the mail to be brought to town by train. The post office quit dispatching the mail to the trains in about 1965 . Since then the mail is sent and received from Sedalia by truck. Today Otterville Township has two small towns – Otterville and Clifton City. References for Otterville Township at CCHS: Recollections of Clifton City, Clifton City 1873-2019 and Otterville Sesquicentennial PALESTINE TOWNSHIP Physical Features: The surface of the township is mostly level, with the exception of a strip of rough land near the western side. There is evidence that this area was once an Indian settlement. Settlement: The first people to come to this township were Joseph Stephens, William Moore, and Samuel Peters. Joseph Stephens Sr., and family, settled in Palestine in 1817 , being led to their new home by Major Stephen Cole. In 1818 , Samuel Peters settled two miles farther north at a place called Petersburg. William Moore came from North Carolina with his family, including seven sons and three daughters. Margaret married Judge Lawrence C. Stephens in 1818 ; Sally married Col. John G. Hutchison, and Mary married Harvey Bunce, the founder of Bunceton. When Samuel Peters began to build his home, he invited his neighbors to come and help him, saying that he would kill a hog and have it for dinner. Since this was the first hog ever butchered in this part of the state, and as very few of the settlers had ever tasted pork, it was not too difficult to persuade them to come and help. Before this time the settlers had lived entirely upon wild game. Always, on such occasions, they had a little “fire-water” to give life to the occasion. Colonel Andrew and Judge John Briscoe settled in the same township in 1818 . They were both very prominent men, and leaders in their parties, Andrew being a Whig, and John a Democrat. Some of the other early settlers were Henry, Hiram, Heli, and Harden Corum; Mr. Tevis (the father of Captain Simeon Tevis); Thomas Colins; Jacob Summers; Michael, James, and William Son; John and Joseph Cathey; James David and John H. Hutchison; Nathaniel Leonard; John and Andrew Wallace; Henry Woolery; Holbert and Samuel Cole; James Bridges; James Simms; Russell Smallwood; Thomas Best; Greenberry Allison; William C. Lowery; and Anthony F. Read. Mr. Greenberry Allison dug the first cistern in the county, which proved to be a great success. Many of his neighbors imitated his example, as before this time, they had been forced to depend upon wells and springs for water. Old Palestine, or Palestine, was the first permanent settlement in the central part of the county. It was a thriving community from the 1840 's to the 1870 ’s. The building of the Osage Railroad from Tipton to Booneville caused the town to move from the original location on a hilltop to the valley below. The town in the valley was called “New Palestine” until the name was changed to “Speed” in the early 1900 ’s. New Palestine grew rapidly and hastened the decline of Old Palestine. The railroad built a stock yard, and there were several businesses opened in Speed, including a bank. In 1876 there were 100 inhabitants and in the 1890 census there were 141 residents. Once the railroad no longer ran through Speed, the once prosperous town lost population and now there are no businesses there and only about 20 residents. Palestine Township took the lead in education from the beginning. The first schools were taught by Lawrence C. S. Stephens, Dr. William H. Moore, and a young man from Virginia, also named William H. Moore, who was considered the best teacher in his day in this part of the country. The first dancing school was opened in 1832, at the home of B. W. Levens, about a quarter of a mile east of Bunceton, by a man named Gibson. He was a polished gentleman, an excellent teacher, and was the first to introduce “cotillions,” which were, until that time, unknown in this part of the country. Mr. Gibson at that time had two other schools; one in Boonville and the other at Arrow Rock. He taught two days at each place during the week. Bell Air was first settled by L.P. Bell in 1848. In 1860 the village contained a lovely Southern Methodist church, a doctor, a clothing store and tailor, a steam sawmill, a general merchandise store, a post office, two-story high school and elementary school, and a barber. It was also the location of the magnificent Ravenswood mansion. The school has been remodeled and now serves as a home for the Nelson Leonard family. Today only the remodeled school house, the church, and Ravenswood remain. There are only two very small settlements left in Palestine Township – Speed and Bellair. Both had been very prosperous when they were served by a railroad. Today there are only a few homes and three churches remaining in the entire township. PILOT GROVE TOWNSHIP Physical Features: This township is very irregular in shape. mostly easy to cultivate. In the early. At present this township has a large percentage of cultivated land. Settlement: The township was settled about 1820 . Among the early settlers were John McCutchen, John Houx, Jacob Houx, L. A. Summers, James McElroy, Samuel Roe, Sr., Samuel Wooldridge, Enoch Mass, Absalom Meredith, Azariah Bone (who was a Methodist minister), John Rice (a blacksmith), Mr. Magee (after whom “Magee Grove: was named), and Samuel Gilbert (who had success as a cancer doctor). This township was distinguished in the early times by the number and variety of camp meetings which were held there. The Presbyterians and Methodists were rivals for the honor of conducting the biggest and best camp meeting each year. People attended from great distances. Thomas P. Cropper was the first noted teacher in this township. He taught in 1828 and 1829 . Pilot Grove is located in the northeast quarter of the township and surrounded by large and beautiful farming country. Bill Anderson and his Civil War guerrillas rode into the Pilot Grove Post Office one bright afternoon in the spring of 1864 . The citizens were made to form a line while they were stripped of their personal valuables. Mr. William Mayo, one of the citizens, refused to give up his beautiful gold watch, and started to flee. Mr. Thomas Brownfield joined him. The guerrillas chased them, and overtaking Mr. Mayo, killed him with a pistol. Mr. Brownfield was wounded but was able to hide from the enemy and come away alive. The other citizens were not harmed. In the summer of 1864 , during a revival meeting in the Southern Methodist Episcopal church at Pilot Grove, Capt. Todd surrounded the building with a company of about sixty savage-looking bushwhackers, who rudely entered the church, stopped the service, and ejected the worshipers. After eating food prepared for the occasion and selecting the horses they desired from the many tied to the trees nearby, they left, taking with them two citizens, Peter Mitzell and Otho Zeller, as hostages. Their safety depended on the good conduct of the citizens in not pursuing or informing on them, because there were state militia stationed at different places nearby. These two unfortunate men were killed that night some miles east of Pilot Grove, near Lone Elm Prairie. Their bodies were found a day or two later. The same party of bushwhackers, returning a day or two later, passed through the German settlement three miles west of Pilot Grove and killed two citizens, John Diehl and Mr. Vollmer. These men thought they were Federal troops because a number of them were dressed in blue. Pilot Grove Newest Barn Quilt A new barn quilt, designed by Winky Friedrichs, a charter member of the Cooper County Historical Society, was dedicated on September 26th, 2021, becoming the 21st barn quilt erected in Cooper County. The quilt block, named “Pilot Grove Crossings,” is attached to the east wall of the Cooper County Historical Society Research Center in Pilot Grove. It’s not a traditional quilt block like “Grandmothers Flower Garden” or “Sun Bonnet Sue”. It is unique, in that it is deliberately very historic in its design, and is meant to tell the story of the early history of Cooper County, and the travel routes that ran through the area. The Indian tribes who lived and hunted in the Cooper County area were mostly Osage and Missouria. The area provided excellent hunting grounds, as there were buffalo and other game in abundance. Buffalo had, with hoof and horn, scraped a huge "wallow" of about 2 acres, in the impenetrable prairie grasses, which then held enough water to later allow trees to grow and flourish, becoming the "Pilot Grove," a landmark for early travelers on the wild prairie, especially to the Southwest. The Spanish and the French, who arrived before Missouri was a territory, and the first settlers, also used the trails made by the Indians. Cooper County is in the middle of the state of Missouri and Pilot Grove is near the center of the County. The subtle quilt bock background is the “Log Cabin” design, which depicts the homes of the first settles, as their homes, and the forts they later lived in during the War of 1812, were made from hand hewn logs. The quilt colors represent the colors used by the native Indians – especially black from charcoal, and the colors red and yellow ochre which are oxides, found in nature, along with indigo blue from plants, to depict the early travel routes used by many people from prehistoric to later times. The earliest settlers came along the trail on the upper right-hand side of the quilt block down to what would later become Boonville. Several of the trails left from what would eventually become nearby Pilot Grove. In early days this area was a crossroads from the Missouri River from the north, going east-west and south, symbolized by the X on the quilt. Several of the trails left from what would eventually become nearby Pilot Grove. The quilt block was painted by members of the Children of the American Revolution as a project of Maryellen McVicker for the Boonslick Tourism Council. We owe them many thanks for sponsoring this quilt and helping us to tell the early story of Pilot Grove. CHOUTEAU SPRINGS At one time there were 40 acres of land named Chouteau Springs, which included three sulfur springs and two clear water springs. This land was part of a grant in 1792 from the Osage Indians to Pierre Chouteau, which was later purchased by William Ashley. The property was operated as a popular summer resort in the 1840 ’s. During the Civil War, both General Joe Shelby and General Sterling Price camped there, but not at the same time. Bushwhackers and guerillas took much of the food stored in the cellars and took away most of the livestock and poultry. After the War, some people tried to profit from the mineral springs by going to close by towns and selling the water in 2-gallon pottery jugs from the back of a wagon. The springs discharged water at the rate of ten gallons per minute or 14,400 gallons per day. Following the War the railroad came to the area and people could travel to the resort by train, and a team and buggy would take them to the hotel, operated by the famous cook – Grandma Day. (A picture of her clock is featured on the Timeline). In 1900 the resort was expanded to include baths, bath houses, a swimming pool (with its rotten egg smell) and cottages for summer residents. There was a pavilion for concerts and dances, a large swimming pool and a bowling alley. The hotel was torn down in 1938 , along with the bowling alley and livery stable. The resort was closed in 1962 . Now all that is left of this area are the springs. The Chouteau Water is very high in sulfur and the federal government marked it as too high for human consumption. In the 1950 ’s the government shut down the wells to the public and closed the pool. Pilot Grove is now the second largest town in Cooper County and the only town in Pilot Grove Township. It is still a very active community but very few businesses remain. References for Pilot Grove Township at CCHS: Pilot Grove Centennial 1873-1973 Wooden Bowling Ball no finger holes Chouteau Spring Pavilion in the late 1890's. Photo by Max Schmidt Swimming Pool Water Jug Photos courtesy of Wayne Lammers PRAIRIE HOME TOWNSHIP Physical Features: This township is generally level, being mostly prairie. The soil is good and produces well. The northern portions of the township were settled by thrifty Germans. Settlement: The oldest settlers were James McClain, Lucy McClanahan, Adam McClanahan, Jacob Carpenter, Absalom McClanahan, Michael Hornbeck, Samuel Carpenter, William N. McClanahan, William G. McClanahan, and Jeremiah Smith. It appears that these men were located in this township previous to 1820 , as their votes were recorded in that year. Some of their homes may not be confined to the limits of the township, but they were not far distant from the line. In the 1830 's, a stage coach depot was located along the road between Boonville and Jefferson City. Known as "Midway." The stop was about 1 ½ miles east of the present site of Prairie Home at Tompkins' Inn. Some years later, around 1857 by some reports, or 1865 by others, James Boswell constructed the first building in what was to become Prairie Home. The most common explanation of how the town got its name is that it came from Boswell, who lived a short distance east of the store. He referred to it as his "prairie home." the name can also be credited to the town's location "on a beautiful prairie”. A third possibility for the town’s name is that it was named after the Prairie Home Institute, a private boarding school, which was founded in 1865 by the Rev. A. H. Misseldine. However, this leads to the question of how the Institute came to be named, which may be answered by either of the previous two alternatives. In 1872 parts of Clarks Fork, Moniteau, and Saline townships were carved out to make up the new Prairie Home Township, said to be laid out around the Prairie Home Institute. In 1876 , Prairie Home was described as having a post office, one store, a public school and the private boarding school. It was not until June 16, 1894 that the actual town of Prairie Home was laid out. The town of Prairie Home is the only town located in this township. References for Prairie Home Township at CCHS: A Brief History of Prairie Home The History of the Don Carlos Family: Early Social and Political Influencers Authored by Dr. Christine E. Boston, Assistant Professor (Lincoln University), and Michelle Brooks, MA Student (BLS, 2018, Lincoln University) The Don Carlos family was one of the original pioneer families to arrive in Cooper County, first arriving in the area in 1828 . Carter Morgan and Talitha Don Carlos, the founding patriarch and matriarch of the Missouri family, opted to settle outside of Prairie Home, Missouri, at the suggestion of a local politician, who spoke highly of the area. Over the next 180 years the Don Carlos family grew not only in size but in social and political influence in the area, setting the foundations for many local traditions that continue to this day. This article will chronicle the story of the Don Carlos family and their impact on Cooper County. According to family lore, the Don Carlos family was one of power and influence. Hailing from the Spanish royal family the original immigrant member of the Don Carlos family came to the United States because he lost his land and title, a result of the 1739 War of Polish Succession that was fought among France, Spain, and Sardonia. He came to the New World seeking out new adventures and possibilities, first arriving in New York and then moving to Virginia. This is where Carter Morgan’s story begins. Carter Morgan Don Carlos was born in 1803 . While born in Virginia he was reared in Tennessee, first by his father and then later by Uncles after his father went missing when he was 12 years old. At 21 he moved to Kentucky and met and married his first wife, Talitha. A year later they moved to Missouri, before settling in Cooper County three years later. Carter Morgan is known for his organizational accomplishments, which included founding and serving in various fraternal organizations in Moniteau County and his push to secure the railroad to pass through California, Missouri, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. He and his wife had four children; the first of the 22 children Carter Morgan fathered from his three wives. The Don Carlos children were not only numerous but played significant roles in the formation of Cooper and Moniteau Counties: Hillard Don Carlos served as Cooper County Assessor between 1877 and 1882 , as well as established the first drug store in Prairie Home. After a short tenure outside of Missouri he returned to Bunceton and established the Carlos Drug Store. Benjamin Franklin Don Carlos is considered the originator of the Prairie Home Fair, one of Missouri’s longest running fairs. He was also responsible for securing the first telephone line to Prairie Home. Christopher Columbus Don Carlos served as the Cooper County Assessor in 1872 and Sheriff/Collector from 1882 to 1886 . He served in leadership positions in various local organizations, including the Moniteau Lodge, Liberty Grange, and Moniteau Agricultural and Mechanical Society. William Don Carlos was the first President of the Prairie Home Fair Board in 1915 . The remaining children also played important economic roles in the region by farming, running small businesses, or working in the local communities throughout Cooper and Moniteau Counties. Their children (Carter Morgan’s grandchildren) also played noteworthy roles in the area, living and working throughout the region as engineers, laborers, teachers, and farmers. Archaeological excavations at the Don Carlos Homestead site began in April 2017 and continue to this day. Led by Dr. Christine E. Boston of Lincoln University (Jefferson City, MO), these investigations hope to shed additional light on the domestic and agricultural life of the Don Carlos family. Several students and volunteers have been involved in these investigations, which have led to the recovery of farming equipment, domestic wares (e.g. ceramics and glass bottles), building materials, and more. Additional information regarding the consumption patterns, socioeconomic status, and agricultural lifeways have been gleaned from the archaeological artifacts recovered, but further investigations are ongoing. References: Ford, James Everett. (1936) “A History of Moniteau County, Missouri.” The University of California. Goodspeed. (1889) “History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan Benton, Miller, Maries and Osage Counties, Missouri.” The Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago. Johnson, William Foreman. (1919) “History of Cooper County, Missouri.” Historical Publishing Company. Melton, E.J. (1937) “Melton’s History of Cooper County, Missouri.” E.W. Stephens Publishing Company, Columbia. Stiffler, R. Ewing. (1963) “Jeremiah Smith, Missouri Pioneer: His Kin and Descendants.” Privately published. SALINE TOWNSHIP Physical Features: Saline township lies in the northeastern part of the county. It contains quite a large amount of hilly territory and much bottom land. The water contains quite a bit of salt. Settlement: Joseph Jolly, with his two children, John and William, settled in this township as early as 1812 . He set out the first apple orchard and built a mill which would grind a bushel of corn an hour. William Jolly was a gunsmith, wheelwright, blacksmith, cooper, miller, distiller, preacher, doctor, and farmer. John Jolly operated a ferry across the Lamine. Some of the other early settlers were William Lamm, James and John Turner, Joseph Pursley, Levi Cropper, Henry Levins, B. W. Levins, Josiah Dickson, Charles Force, John Farris, Jesse Wood, Davis Fine, Joshua and Lacy McClanahan, George Dickson, Frederick and James F. Connor, John Calvert, Adam and Absalom McClanahan, Elverton Caldwell, Noding Caldwell, Joseph Westbrook, Washington and Houstonville were two towns that were laid out in this township; however, they both disappeared due to flooding. The town of Wooldridge is located in this township and has suffered greatly from frequent flooding. Overton and Gooch’s Mill are also located in this township, but are now very small communities. References for Saline Township at CCHS: Some Mighty Good Years - Overton References : Information on some former and current settlements Place Names of Cooper County, Missouri Lists Name (and former names) of towns, short history, how to get there and when, if ever, they had a post office in that town. Ramsey Place Names Cooper County Place Names 1928-1945 Tells how towns got their names. Missouri Genealogy Website Immigration Naturalization Records 1824-1906 Information available at CCHS : Discover Cooper County by Looking Back by Ann Betteridge Town Centennial Books: History of Billingsville, Prairie Lick, and Stony Point; History of Blackwater; Bicentennial Boonslick History; A Pictorial History of the Boonslick Area; Boonville An Illustrated History; Boonville An Historic River Town; Bunceton 1868-1988 and 1868 – 1993; History of Clear Creek; Recollections of Clifton City; Clifton City 1873 – 2019; Our Town Lamine MO; History of New Lebanon; Otterville Sesquicentennial; Some Might Good Years – Overton Pilot Grove Centennial 1873 – 1973; A Brief History of Prairie Home Full text of "History of Howard and Cooper counties, Missouri : written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, towns, and villages : together with a condensed history of Missouri, a reliable and detailed history of Howard and Cooper counties-- its pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens, etc. HOWARD COUNTY NEWSPAPER DESCRIPTION OF BOONVILLE 1822 Missouri Intelligencer Franklin, Missouri 31 December 1822 UPPER MISSOURI For the Missouri Intelligencer No. 6 COOPER COUNTY Cooper was created a separate county in the winter of 1818 , and then comprehended all that tract of country which lies between the Missouri and Osage rivers, and extending west to the western line of the Osage purchase; since which time the counties of Lilliard and Saline have been taken from the western, and Cole from the eastern end of it. Cooper is at present bounded west by Saline, south by the Great Osage river, east by Cole, & north by the Missouri river, which divides it from Howard and Boone. This county runs along the Missouri about 26 miles and extends north to south nearly 75. It is thought, however, that at no distant period, one or more new counties will be formed in the southern extremity of this county. Here is a great variety of soil. The southern part, on the Osage river, is poor and broken, not however without being interspersed with some good bodies of land; but in that part which lies on the Missouri, and which will probably be the permanent county of Cooper, the land is extremely rich, and lies well for cultivation, being beautifully variegated with alternate gradual elevations and pleasant values. There are a number of excellent springs in every part of the county; and what besides renders it very convenient for agricultural pursuits, is the variety of its groves and prairies. The prairies are from one to five miles in width; they are very rich and supported by groves of excellent timber of about the same extent. Jolly’s Bottom, in the lower end of this county, named after Mr. J. Jolly, who first settled it, is a large body of first-rate land. In this bottom are a number of well cultivated farms, and enterprising agriculturalists. Mr. Charles Forse, residing at the head of this bottom, has in successful operation a sawmill constructed on the principle of the inclined plane. A town called Washington, was laid off in this bottom, the lots sold, and a few of them improved; but since the spirit of town making ceased, Washington has received no improvements. Above this bottom, and between it and Boonville, a distance of about six miles, there is a bluff of good land, which is well settled. Water courses—Cooper County abounds with a number of fine streams. The Lamine is the largest, which heads in the dividing ridge between the waters of the Missouri and Osage. It receives in its course the Blackwater, the Muddy, the Salt, and Heath’s forks, and empties into the Missouri about five miles above Boonville. The Petit-Saline, heads about 15 miles nearly southwest from Boonville, and, after watering a large settlement of nearly 20 miles in length, falls into the Missouri, in Cole County, having a run a general course nearly parallel with the Missouri its whole length. The head of the Morea, the Gravi, Tabo, and Grand river, forks of the Osage, head in this county. The settlements on the Little Moniteau, & south fork of the Lamine are, at present, the farthest south. Minerals, and Mineral Waters There are many salt springs in this county, two of which are worked, one by Mr. B. Lockhartt, the other by Mr. R. Heath. Lead ore makes its appearance in several places in this county, though no mines have yet been worked. Several persons in digging wells have come to banks of mineral ore of a beautiful appearance; its kind has not yet been ascertained, but it is supposed to be Sulfur. Stone-coal and iron ore, in large bodies, are found in many parts of this county, on the south fork of the Lamine. There is in the vicinity of the Iron Banks, good streams for erecting forges and furnaces, and from them to Boonville there can be an excellent road. These banks must, at no great length of time, be a source of wealth to the Upper Missouri. Excellent quarries of lime and free stone are found in the more broken parts of the county; and on the Moniteau there is a quarry of cream-colored marble and white sandstone. There is a Sulfur spring on the Grand River fork of Osage, which is said to possess medicinal qualities. Mr. John Corum, of this county, visited this spring last summer, and made use of the water for rheumatism, from which received great benefit. Religion The majority of the adults of this county are professors of religion. There are four Baptist churches in this county, the aggregate of the members of which is upwards of 200. Rev. J. B. Longan, Rev. Luke Williams, Rev. William Jennings, Rev. Jacob Chism, and Rev. Peter Woods, are among the Baptist clergy of this county. Presbyterians are very numerous, and are increasing under the superintendence of Rev. F. Ewing and Rev. Robert Morrow, who are citizens of this county. The Methodists are the least numerous, though not the least zealous of the religious sects in this county; they are, however, fast increasing in numbers under that able and excellent Methodist local preacher, Mr. Justinian Williams. Productions. Experience has proved that the highland prairies of this county are very little short of the best lands in the state of Tennessee for cotton, wheat, rye, corn, potatoes, hemp, tobacco, etc., as these articles are produced here in great abundance. Horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, etc. are raised with little trouble. Roads The principal roads in Copper lead south eastward towards the seat of government, and westward towards the upper counties on the Missouri. They are generally well-cleared. Boonville, the seat of justice for this county, is beautifully situated on a high bluff on the south side of the Missouri, immediately opposite Franklin. This town was laid off on a liberal plan by the late Capt. Asa Morgan and Charles Lucas, the former proprietors, in 1819. The commissioners appointed to locate the permanent seat of justice, received from the proprietors fifty acres of land within the said town. The lots were sold, and the proceeds appropriated to the erection of public buildings. There are four streets running parallel with the river, and eight crossing them at right angles. Those parallel with the river are, 1st, Water Street, 150 feet from the water. 2nd, high Street, which is on higher ground. 3rd, Morgan Street; and 4th, Spring Street. —The Public Square contains two acres and is situated in a very high part of the town between High street and Morgan street. There is in Boonville an elegant Brick Court House, 30 by 45 feet, two stories high, finished off in an elegant manner, which cost $8,000, and was paid for out of the fund arising from the sale of lots in the donation to the county, by the proprietors of the town. A jail, 24 feet square, and two stories high, the walls of which are three logs thick, is built on a reserved lot, some distance from the Public Square, which cost about $2,400, and forty-one neat Dwelling Houses, inhabited by about 116 souls, besides a number of smaller buildings of various kinds. History Among the first settlers in this county were Messrs. Stephen Cole, G. Rupe, David Burris, and William Savage, who left the settlements on the north side of the river, and settled in this county, with the late Sarshall Cooper, whose name the county bears. These, with some others selected farms, & began to make improvements; but the hostility of the savages compelled them soon to act on the defensive; and having met together at Mrs. Cole’s, they built a fort on a commanding eminence, near the Missouri. They were, however, in a short time compelled to evacuate it, and retreat over the river to Fort Kincaid, where they tarried until the rage of Indian warfare was over, and then returned to their homes. Population In the year 1817 there were not more than twenty families within the present bounds of Cooper. It now contains upwards of six thousand inhabitants; and is generally healthy, except near the Lamine, and in the Missouri bottoms. *The author of “Upper Missouri” acknowledges himself indebted to a respectable gentleman for the foregoing information (From pages 2 and 3 of the paper notated.) Hattie May Boles Plays the Governor’s Piano Photo by Wayne Lammers Here is a photo that I took of Hattie May Boles playing on the Grand Piano in the Governor’s Mansion at a Christmas Tour there, in 1978 . My family took Hattie to Jefferson City for this tour. As we saw all the beautiful decorations, she spotted the Grand Piano in the large ballroom on the first floor. It had one of those large golden ropes to keep people away. “I always wanted to play one of those!” she said to me. So, some of you may know me and the way I work. I sometimes take things a step further than normal. I went to the Missouri State Highway Patrolman that was standing guard on the main floor overseeing the security of the Governor’s Mansion. I got permission from him and others for Hattie to play a couple of songs on that piano. I felt that she could play some Christmas songs that would be appropriate for the occasion. I went to Hattie and said “You have permission to play a few songs.” Her mouth dropped open and she was so surprised and astonished to think that she was going to play this beautiful piano inside the Governor’s Mansion. The Patrolman and I removed the rope to the Grand Piano and she sat down and began to play and sing some hymns and Christmas songs. The crowd started to collect around and also began to sing the songs that Hattie was playing. It wasn’t long before Governor Joseph Teasdale came down from his living quarters above and wanted to know who was playing “his piano”. Hattie got to meet and greet the Governor of Missouri that night. She was so happy and talked about this for a long time, about the time she, the daughter of a slave, Hattie May Boles, got to play and sing with the Governor, on that Grand piano inside the Missouri Governor’s Mansion. ARROW ROCK This lovely little town was once part of Cooper County and was very instrumental in the early settling and development of Cooper County. A corner of the site still does overlap into Cooper County. Arrow Rock State Historic Site The first truly “permanent” American settlers led by the Cooper family established small settlements in the river bottoms of Howard County opposite of Arrow Rock in 1810 . Other settlements several miles south of Arrow Rock were established by the Jones, McMahan and Turley families. During the War of 1812 , these settlers built defensive forts as protection from the Sac & Fox and Ioway Indians allied to Great Britain. When Fort Osage closed in 1812 , the fort’s trader George Champlain Sibley moved his operation to the Arrow Rock bluff from 1813-1814 to maintain friendly relations with the Osage Indians. By 1815 , a ferry was established at the site of Arrow Rock. Westbound settlers poured into the area, crossing the Missouri River on the Arrow Rock ferry. Santa Fe trading caravans departing from nearby Franklin crossed on the ferry beginning in 1821 . From 1819 to 1833 , the ferry was owned by Judge David Todd, the uncle of Mary Todd Lincoln. Judge William B. Napton observed that 1827 was especially busy year for the ferry as the population of Saline County swelled that year. Henry Cooper of Howard County took over operation of the ferry from 1833 until at least until 1865, and the river landing was known as “Cooper’s Ferry Privilege.” At the end of the War of 1812 , Baptist missionary John Mason Peck wrote “Some families came in the spring of 1815 ; but in the winter, spring, summer and autumn of 1816 , they came like an avalanche. It seemed as though Kentucky and Tennessee were breaking up and moving to the Far West. Caravan after caravan passed over the prairies of Illinois all bound to the Boone’s Lick.” Cooper County was organized out of Howard County on December 17, 1818 and formalized by the Legislature on February 1, 1819 . Cooper County encompassed present day Saline County at that time. The Legislature created Saline County out of Cooper County on November 25, 1820 and in January 1822 , the Saline County Court created Arrow Rock Township. The town itself was commissioned on June 10, 1829 and originally called “Philadelphia.” Some documents refer to the town as “New Philadelphia.” In February of 1833 the state legislature changed the town name to coincide with the familiar landmark. Joseph Huston, one of the town commissioners built a two-story federal-style brick building in 1834 . Arrow Rock's location on the Missouri River and the Santa Fe Trail undoubtedly led weary travelers to ask Huston for overnight accommodations. He began building log or frame additions to the building and by 1840 was widely known as a hotel-keeper. The J. Huston Tavern also housed a store and a ballroom used for dances and as a meeting hall. As the building passed to other owners, it became known as the Neill House, Scripture House, City Hotel and Old Tavern. The J. Huston Tavern is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi and is today operated by the Missouri Division of State Parks in partnership with the Friends of Arrow Rock, Inc. Settlers in the Boonslick Country were predominately migrants from Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee and transplanted slavery and southern culture here. Arrow Rock developed as a thriving river port, exporting tobacco and hemp from the neighboring plantations. Hemp was made into ropes and bags for baling cotton. Wheat, corn, beef, pork and mules were also shipped from Arrow Rock to supply the cotton districts of the Mississippi delta. The agricultural production of the Boonslick Country depended on slave labor just as cotton production did in the South. This symbiotic relationship led most residents of Arrow Rock and the Boonslick Country to support the South during the Civil War. Saline County and other Missouri counties with a high population of enslaved African Americans became known as “Little Dixie.” Arrow Rock’s population peaked at 1,000 by 1860 . The town population began declining after the American Civil War. The war disrupted agricultural production and river commerce which afterwards was displaced by railroads. Arrow Rock failed to secure a rail line and bridge across the Missouri River. The rapid post war growth of urban areas such as Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago began drawing away residents with the promise of better jobs. The town’s economic decline was further exacerbated by disastrous fires in 1864 , 1872 and 1901 . By the turn of the century the population had dwindled to under 300 and the town was in a state of decay. Prior to the Civil War, Arrow Rock’s black residents worked as household or domestic slaves or as laborers at the docks and business warehouses. Following emancipation in 1865, Arrow Rock’s African-American population grew as former plantation slaves moved into town. Gradually they were able to purchase their own homes, mostly on the north side of town. By 1880 , 51% of the town’s population was African-American. Their presence undoubtedly kept the town from completely disappearing. However, owing to segregation, they had to develop their own churches, schools and social institutions. The last black resident of the community died in 2009. Arrow Rock’s connection with the Santa Fe Trail led to national recognition by the Old Trails Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1912 . As DAR interest in the community grew, they persuaded the Missouri legislature to purchase and preserve the “Old Tavern” (J. Huston Tavern) in September of 1923 . Acreage around the Tavern was purchased as a state park. This was the beginning of the historic preservation movement in Missouri and the first acquisition of the new Missouri State Park system. In 1963 , the National Park Service recognized Arrow Rock’s connection to the Santa Fe Trail and the entire town and state park was designated a National historic Landmark. The park grew to 169 acres about a third of which lies within town boundaries. The site boundary also overlaps into Cooper County. In 1976 the facilities designation was changed from state park to state historic site to empathize its cultural mission. The recreation area of the historic site features a 48-unit modern campground, picnic facilities and playground, a four-acre fishing lake and a mile and half hiking trail. Forty acres of ground are being restored to native prairie grasses and forbs. An 18,000 square foot visitor center was constructed on the historic site in 1991 and provides museum exhibits pertinent to the history of Arrow Rock and the neighboring Boonslick Country, including Cooper County. The Friends of Arrow Rock, Inc. formed in 1959 as a non-profit organization to preserve historic structures outside the state historic site boundary. They also provide guided tours of the community and operate educational programs for elementary school children. The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater was established in 1960 in the abandoned Baptist Church and is recognized as Missouri’s oldest repertory theater. Several antique, art and crafts shop exist in the town.

WHAT TO VISIT IN COOPER COUNTY Videos A 10-minute video on a walking tour of homes and buildings in Boonville from the Edward Lang. Collection Note: 12 years ago when the video was made, the tourism building is now the River, Rails and Trails Museum. A 10-minute video trip of interesting homes and buildings in Cooper County from the Edward Lang Collection. A drone's eye view of Boonville as seen on HGTV's Hometown Takeover. Something unique in our area - barn quilts! Note: Tour booklets with directions are available, free of charge, at of charge at: Cooper County Historical Society, River Rails and Trails Museum, The Friends of Historic Boonville and the Chamber of Commerce. HISTORIC MARKERS AT COOPER COUNTY COURTHOUSE War Memorials on the Courthouse grounds Marker honors the Union soldiers killed during the Civil War Plaques in Cooper County Courthouse Honoring Cooper County residents who served in World War II 2 Granite Memorial Benches at Cooper County Courthouse Honoring Veterans of WWII and Viet Nam War North side of Courthouse lawn--Vietnam Veterans Memorial Granite Bench and Tree. Dedicated Nov 11, 2015 by Daughters of the American Revolution, Hannah Cole Chapter South side of Courthouse lawn - WW II Veterans Memorial granite Bench. Dedicated Nov 12, 2018 by Daughters of the American Revolution, Hannah Cole Chapter Courthouse Lawn Marker stating “They died that freedom might not perish from the earth”, Lists names of Cooper County men who died in World War I Marker erected by John A. Hayes, post number 240 GAR to commemorate the battles of June 17, and September 13, 1861 and the capture of Boonville on October 16, 1864 Statue honoring the Boy Scouts of America – 40th anniversary crusade to strengthen the of the American Revolution, marking the Santa Fe Trail, 1821-1921 Inside of Courthouse in the lobby - Plaque listing all Cooper County residents who served in World War II Veterans Memorial Park designed by Missouri sculptor and artist Sabra Tull Meyer, features a beautiful eagle and is located across from the Courthouse on the northwest corner of High and Main Street. The Veterans Memorial Park is located near the Boonville Bridge Route 40. INTERESTING SITES IN BOONVILLE Walking Tour of Boonville – See Rails, Trails and River Museum for map at River, Rail and Trails Museum - Excellent collection of early Boonville artifacts. Free admission - GoBoonville.com Mitchell Antique Car Museum – See River Rails and Trails Museum for tickets at: River, Rails & Trails Museum, Boonville - GoBoonville.com Hain House (contact Friends of Historic Boonville ) Thespian Hall (contact Friends of Historic Boonville ) Old Cooper County Jail and Hanging Barn (See Friends of Historic Boonville ) Boonville Cemeteries (See tour map here ) Boonville Churches (See tour map here ) Hannah Cole Statue in Morgan Street Park on the corner of Morgan and Main Street, Boonville KATY Bridge – walk on the old Railroad Bridge with the iconic lift span which was originally part of the MKT railroad KATY Depot – now the Chamber of Commerce building with an old KATY caboose and train signal lights Walking or driving Tour of Homes on Historic Register – (see Historic Register website information in historic homes section of website) Roslyn Heights State DAR Headquarters – (listed as Johnson, Wilbur T and Rhoda Stevens House on National Register) Currently not open for tours Hotel Frederick and Restaurant Morgan Street Park on corner of Morgan and Main Street, Boonville This park features a statue of Hannah Cole and also bronze busts on pedestals of prominent early Cooper County residents who were very influential in their fields: David Barton, George Caleb Bingham, Frederick T. Kemper, James Milton Turner and Walter Williams. (See more about these men in the Early Personalities section of the website.) Harley Park – Indian Mounds, great view of the Missouri River Bell Park on High Street – great view of the Missouri River Site of Hannah Cole Fort – First Battle of Boonville and First Missouri State Fair on Morgan Street on the east side, site of old hospital. Grand Army of the Republic marker – marks site of the Second battle of Boonville, on East side of old hospital grounds. Additional marker of the Second Battle of Boonville at the Boonville Correctional Center grounds. Veteran's Memorial Park near Boonville Bridge This barn quilt, which hangs in the River, Rails and Trails Museum, was made by the FanAttics Quilt Club of Boonville. It replicates the 20 hand painted Barn Quilts that are on Cooper County barns. FULL AND HALF-DAY TRIPS Outside of Boonville Barn Quilts – See Rails, Trails & River Museum, Cooper County Historical Society, Friends of Historic Boonville or the Chamber of Commerce for tour map Cooper County Cemeteries (See tour map here ) Cooper County Churches (See tour map here ) New Lebanon Presbyterian Church, school, cemetery, Uncle Abe’s Store Mid 1800’s structures in excellent condition Old Schools - New Lebanon, Lamine and Dick’s Mill (See more about schools here ) Cotton - Dick’s School – one of three remaining one room schools in Cooper County and the only remaining mill (Dick’s Mill ) in Cooper County Last Remaining Stage Coach Stop in the County – on Route 5 between Billingsville and the Petite Saline River Santa Fe Trail Head Park in New Franklin Boonslick State Park with the Salt Lick Pilot Grove - Mt. Nebo Baptist Church ; Old Jail and City Hall, City Park – history of Harriman’s Mill and original Millstone; Rural Pilot Grove - Pleasant Green Plantation , Methodist Church and Cemetery; Burwood and Crestmede Tour of Burwood - Hwy 135 by appointment 660-834-3406 KATY Trail bike trail. Brownfield Roadside Park on old Highway 50. Historical Marker overlooking the area of Jesse James train robbery. Warm Springs Ranch Home of Budweiser Clydesdales (off of Interstate 70) Visit Warm Springs Ranch to book your tour Blackwater - Mid-Missouri Museum of Independent Telephone Pioneers A museum showcases a unique collection of telephone equipment and memorabilia. It is housed in a beautiful building that was originally the Bank of Blackwater. Also visit the ”Depot” train station, now the community center, and the old hotel and restaurant. There are a few antique and trendy shops along the very attractive Main Street. A charming step back in time. Arrow Rock – This lovely little river town was once part of Cooper County and was very instrumental in the early settling and development of the County. A corner of the site still overlaps into Cooper County. It features an excellent historical museum , and the old Huston “tavern” still in operation, plus a variety of State Historic Site : Arrow Rock State Historic Site There are many short trips to take in the Boonville area, but also many things that could turn into a full day trip by visiting several unrelated places out in the County. Here is a suggestion for a full day trip: (But bring your own lunch) Take Highway 5 South out of Boonville. Cross I-70 and take Highway 5 towards Billingsville. About 2 ½ miles from I-70, you will see a sign for Billingsville . Turn left, then right and you will see St. John’s United Church of Christ (1866) and the well-kept cemetery . Return to Route 5 (South) and in less than 1/8 mile , on the right side of route 5, you will see a small stone building with a wooden door. This is the last remaining stage stop in Cooper County (1860). Shortly past the stage stop is a bridge over the Petite Saline River. As you drive over it, imagine that you are driving through the long covered wooden bridge that was once spanned the river there. Continue on Route 5, heading south, and in about 31/2 miles, on the right, you will see a sign for Bellair . Look right, through the trees, and you will see the yellow Pauley house , then on the right side you will see the Bellair Methodist Church (1860 ) with its beautiful stained-glass window. Across from the church is the Leonard home, (1913 ) which was once a school. Soon after the Leonard home , on the left of the highway, you will see the magnificent Ravenswood mansion, which is no longer open to visitors. Continue south until you see a sign on the right for the Hannah Cole Roadside Park and Briscoe cemetery . This is the burial place of Hannah Cole and some of her family. Return to route 5 and turn right onto Highway E. You will pass the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church (1856 ) . At the intersection of E and A, turn left onto Route A, which will take you past Crestmede (1865 ) and into New Lebanon. Here you will see the C umberland Presbyterian Church (1860 ) , Uncle Abe’s Country Store (1926 ) , the New Lebanon School (1889 ) and the New Lebanon cemetery . All are in perfect condition. Continue on A to Otterville where there is a Civil War site along the railroad tracks at the Conservation Center . At Otterville pick up Route BB towards Clifton City. BB turns into Route 135. On 135 you will see Burwood (1880 ) which offers tours, and Pleasant Green Plantation (1820 ) . Continue on 135 through Pilot Grove , which is now the second largest town in Cooper County. Pilot Grove is also the home of the CCHS. Stop in on Friday from 9-12 PM. Also see our Barn Quilt and visit our research center . Email us for an appointment: cchs2016@iland.net See the old Calaboose jail. Continue on 135 until you reach Hwy 70 and as you return, remember the great time you had exploring a part of Cooper County! HISTORICAL/MEMORIAL MARKERS IN COOPER COUNTY Hannah Cole gravesite at Briscoe Cemetery and Park maintained by Hannah Cole DAR (Route 5 and E) near Bellair CIVIL WAR SITES Civil War sites and markers (see list and description at the end of the Civil War website section ) Hannah Cole Fort Area and 1st Battle of Boonville Site, Rural Boonville, June 17, 1861 DNR Marker at Missouri Correctional Center the first land battle of the Civil War in Missouri DNR marker at Lyon’s Park in Pilot Grove - July 1861 , Also raid by ”Bloody Bill” Anderson Marker at Thespian Hall – Second Battle of Boonville Sunset Hill Cemetery Boonville – mass grave of 8 Union soldiers Wilkin’s Bridge near Billingsville General J.O. Shelby and General Sanborn violent battle October 1864 Otterville Trenches – December 1861 – May 1865

FIRST PERMANENT SETTLERS The name of the first white man who set foot on the territory that is now the State of Missouri is not known, nor is it known at what period the first settlements were made. It is thought that the first settlements were made in the autumn of 1735 by the French at Saint Genevieve. Daniel Boone was 65 years old when he walked to Missouri from Kentucky in 1799. He settled in the Femme Osage country near St. Charles and spent his last 21 years in Missouri. However, Boone never lived in the area that is known today as Cooper County. On one of his hunting expeditions, Boone came into Howard County and discovered a salt spring about eight miles northwest of New Franklin. Daniel Boone’s sons established a salt works at this location. The area soon came to be known as “Boone’s Lick” and from that the whole region took its name. Hannah Cole Monument at Laura Speed Elliott School Hannah Cole s tatue and the b usts of influential Boonville citizens in the background. Morgan Street Park - Located at the corner of Main and Morgan Streets. November 6, 2005 by Wayne Lammers Wayne Lammers holding one of Hannah Cole's sons flintlock rifle, standing beside the Hannah Cole statue at Main and Morgan Streets DANIEL BOONE It has been written that Daniel Boone visited his first cousin, Stephen Cole, and Hannah Cole, widow of Stephen’s brother, William T. Cole, at the Cole's’ fort. The fort was located where the present Boonville is today. Boone died in 1820 at his home in what is now Marthasville, at the age of 86. References: In 1805 Daniel Boone, who then lived near St. Charles, discovered the Boone’s Lick Salt Springs, in Howard County, thirteen miles from Boonville, where Nathan and David Boone, his sons, settled and made salt from 1806 to 1810. This seems to have been the earliest settlement in Central Missouri, and from it an indefinite region, from St. Charles westward, on both sides of the river, was called the ‘Boone’s Lick Country.’ Other settlers followed, and as early as 1810 a small community had built and occupied Kincaid’s Fort, a few hundred yards up the river from the present site of Old Franklin (directly opposite Boonville) www.mogenweb.org/cooper , while another was established in Cooper’s Fort. Boone died in 1820 at his home in what is now Marthasville, at the age of 86. A direct descendant of Boone gave her opinions on these books on Boone, along with her critiques of them. Most can probably be found in state libraries or on Amazon, but some may only the available from a "used" book seller. Biographical Memoir of Daniel Boone by Timothy Flint. (This was written during Boone's life time --1833 and was sold as non-fiction when in fact is almost all fiction, and Daniel was very unhappy with the way it was written. Daniel Boone (The life and legend of an American Pioneer) by John Mack Faragher. This is fairly accurate book but not an easy read. My Father Daniel Boone--This is from the Draper Interviews with Nathan Boone (Daniel's youngest son) and edited by Neal O. Hammon. The Draper Interviews are believed to be very accurate and this is after all from the memory of Daniel's youngest son. Because the Draper Interviews are difficult reading and written in an "old time" style, Mr. Hammon has tried to clarify some of the language. Boone A Biography by Robert Morgan. I really like this book. It is over 450 pages but I found it to be an easy read. “The writer has obviously done a lot of research and I felt I had a better understanding of Daniel after I read this book.” Norma Johnson. EARLY LAND OWNERS Joseph Marie settled upon land in Franklin township, Howard County in 1800 . The land was sold on April 13, 1816 , to Asa Morgan in the first deed recorded in Howard County. Morgan, an early resident of Howard County, and Charles Lucas, a St. Louis resident, laid out the town of Boonville on August 1, 1817. Ira P. Nash was granted land in Howard County in 1800 . He came to the site in February, 1804, remained a month and went home. In July of the same year, Nash and four others returned and surveyed, but did not stay. THE COLE FAMILY - FIRST PERMANENT SETTLERS IN COOPER COUNTY Stephen Cole and William Temple Cole were born in New River, Virginia. They married sisters with the last name of Allison, and moved to Cumberland, Kentucky. In 1807, they came to Upper Louisiana Territory, and settled on Loutre Island, across the river from the present-day town in Hermann, Missouri, about the same time that the Coopers settled on that island. In 1810, a band of Indians stole seven horses from the Loutre Island settlers. The Cole brothers were among the volunteers that pursued the Indians. Two days into the pursuit the volunteers, while sleeping, were ambushed by Indians. William Cole and others were killed. It is written that Stephen Cole killed four Indians, wounded a fifth, and sustained 26 wounds before he escaped and found his way back to Loutre Island. A month later, Hannah Cole, widowed and almost 50, and her nine children, plus Stephen Cole, his wife Phoebe, and their five children, accompanied a group of men, led by Benjamin Cooper, on an overland Journey into the wilderness. The group arrived at a point just upriver from the present town of Boonville on the north side of the Missouri River. The Coopers decided to settle there; however, the two Cole families decided to cross the Missouri River to the south side and build their cabins on the east edge of what would later become Boonville. The families of Hannah Cole and Stephen and Phoebe Cole settled in what is now Cooper County in 1810 . At that time there were no other white Americans living in Missouri west of Franklin and south of the Missouri River. The families that settled north of the Missouri, were the Cole's nearest white neighbors, but most of these were two or three miles distant. The seventeen members of the Hannah Cole and Stephen Cole families made the first settlement in what is now Cooper County. The Coles lived for nearly two years with their closest neighbors across the Missouri River. Some of their activities included raising corn crops and tending them with a cow hitched up to a plow. In the fall and winter of 1812 other families settled nearby on the south side of the river. The first shelter they built was a cabin built of round logs notched together at the corners, ribbed with poles, and covered with boards split from trees. The one room cabin had a fireplace, puncheon floors, a clapboard door, a window, sometimes covered with greased paper, and furniture made from trees. Artist's Conception of Hannah Cole's Fort This is not the Cole Fort, as that fort was constructed in 1812-1813. This a later building built on the solid rock bluff and was also easy to defend. Barn with windlass Bluff reduced for two sets of rails in late 1870's Here is believed to be a very early photo of the stone outcropping where Hannah Cole’s Fort was located in the early 1800's in east Boonville. This image was taken by early photographer James McCurdie in the 1870's. Years later, the Boonville rock quarry would be located in that area, when the Missouri Pacific RR constructed the rails on the River Route down to Jefferson City. This railroad company had to blast away and remove much of this outcropping for the rails to continue down river. Note: The windlass to the left of the barn on top of the outcropping reaching down to the water's edge, was to supply water for the people and animals up on top. The early settlers had a similar windlass to supply water for those inside the fort that allowed them to be able to withstand the attacks of the Indians during the War of 1812. When these pictures were taken, Hannah Cole no longer lived in the old fort, as she moved farther into central Cooper County in the early 1840s and died in 1843. It is unknown at this time, who lived in the old fort after the Coles left. There does not seem to be a lot of information available about Hannah Cole. The same facts seem to be repeated over and over on various documents. However, Hannah must have been an excellent and generous leader. She opened her fort to her neighbors who were seeking safety during the buildup to and during the War of 1812. She made provisions for the children in her fort to receive an education and arranged for religious services to be conducted at the fort as early as 1811. She was evidently interested in politics and her fort was the location of the first County Seat of Howard County. The first circuit, county, and probate sessions were held there in 1816 and it was a polling place in the election of 1819. Her fort also served, at one time, as a community center, post office, hospital and a place for hunters to cast bullets for their flintlocks. In 1817 her fort became the first school house, although it is known that children in the fort were also taught during the war. She also was a business woman who was granted a license for a ferry on the Missouri River, which was operated by her sons. Reference: 1998 Wm. D. Lay In 1843, Hannah moved 13 miles south of Boonville from her fort on the bluff overlooking the Missouri River to a cabin where she lived with Lucy, her beloved slave. She died in 1843 at the age of 79, and is buried in Briscoe Cemetery near Bunceton. Sadly, very little information is available about Hannah’s sister Phoebe, and brother-in-law Stephen Cole and their family. We know that the two families traveled together to Missouri and were the first white Americans to settle on the south side of the Missouri River. Stephen supervised the building of Hannah’s and his own fort. Stephen died near Santa Fe, New Mexico when attacked by Indians. He and Hannah Cole's son (his nephew), were journeying down the Santa Fe Trail in about 1822. We do not know if there is a marked grave. Phoebe died in 1825 in Cole County, but no more information is available on her passing or her grave. We do know that some of the Cole family went to Southern Missouri. These three early settlers and their children must also have been very courageous and strong of character to venture into the unknown and make their home here. We are grateful that they did! - Barbara Dahl, Editor References: Bicentennial Boonslick History p 12-13 Cole Family Records Discover Cooper County by Ann Betteridge Talk by Bob Priddy for Cole Reunion August 9, 2020 Cole Family Association Facebook Cole Family Mysteries Cole Family Reunion, August 9, 2020 Talk given by Bob Pritty Cooper County was named after Sarshell Cooper, a relative of Steven Cole, (Hannah’s husband) and a well-known and greatly admired frontiersman, Indian fighter and War of 1812 hero. He was a friend of the Cole family and is the one who originally showed the Coles the best place to cross the Missouri River. We may wonder why Cooper County was not named Cole County, honoring the first white family to set foot on the South side of the Missouri River. Possibly, a reason may have been that Hannah Cole, the leader of the group, was a woman, and in the 1800’s, women were not credited as leaders or founders of anything. But, honoring Sarshell Cooper was a wonderful way to recognize a true American hero who was well known in the area. There is a Cole County in Missouri, which was established November 16, 1820, and named after Stephen Cole, Hannah’s brother-in-law. He was a lawyer, originally from Virginia. He was also a Justice of the Peace in Missouri, and laid out the original Howard County seat in Franklin, and a member of the Legislature. He was highly regarded in Missouri. He was an early trader on the Santa Fe trail and he and his nephew, also named Stephen Cole, were killed by Navajo Indians near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cole County is the site of the State Capitol of Missouri. Source: Bob Priddy Mike Dickey wrote the following after reading Mr. Priddy's talk: I would advocate that Bob’s Priddy's article be posted in total if possible on the section of the Cole family/Cole Fort. It is about the best detective work regarding the Cole dilemma that I have seen. Something Bob Priddy said is key to interpreting the whole Territorial – War of 1812 period: “oral history, while valuable, can be flawed.” It is extremely difficult to tie down many events and family histories during this period. Governor Lewis ordered the Coopers out of the Boonslick in 1808 because it was still un-ceded Indian territory. From the federal governments point of view, the Boonslick would now be open for settlement regardless of claims to the region by the Sac & Fox and Ioway. I have not checked the Missouri Gazette for an announcement of the ratification, but it is quite possible that it was several weeks before the news made it to St. Louis and then Loutre Island. Thus, a move by the Cole family from the Loutre settlement to the Boonslick in July or later of 1810 would make far more sense than February 1810 (not to mention the weather). The Osage signed the land cession treaty on November 10, 1808. Congress ratified the treaty April 28, 1810.

BRIDGES IN COOPER COUNTY COVERED BRIDGES There once were five covered bridges in Cooper County: Crawford, Hurt, Connors, Shoemaker, and Big Lick. They all spanned the Petite Saline Creek. All the covered bridges were replaced many years ago by either metal or concrete structures. Sadly, there are no known photos of any of the covered bridges in Cooper County. Above is a sketch of the covered bridge on highway 5 between Boonville and Billingsville by Florence Friederichs. THE SWINGING BRIDGE Pretend you are a child in 1930 and your dad is going to drive you across the brand-new swinging bridge for the first time. You are tall enough to see the steep hill going up to the bridge. The truck starts across the wide boards that don't look a bit safe. You dad is driving very slo wly, but you can hear creaking and bumping of the metal against metal and the wooden planks. You press your nose against the passenger window and see the dirt-brown Lamine River looming 30 feet below. The trip across the 231-foot bridge seems to take too long. Then comes the stomach-churning descent on the other side. Your dad shuts off the engine and you hop out to watch vehicles behind you crossing. Some drivers turn around, not brave enough to venture across. When the bridge is empty, your dad reaches out his hand and says, “Let's walk across.” Your heart pounds at the thought. He grabs your hand, leading you up the steep hill. A gentle breeze causes the bridge to sway. You take one step and another until both feet are planted on one of the wooden boards. The world is moving beneath your feet, pitching and rolling, like a carnival ride. Your dad tells you that farmers wanted a bridge built northwest of Pleas ant Green, Missouri. They hired a man named Joe Dice, who had built other bridges like this one. A lot of local people helped build this bridge. Your dad showed you two thick groups of wires that helped reinforce the structure. More than 300 individual wires make up each bunch. Two 22-foot-deep holes on each end of the bridge were filled with hand-made concrete that served to anchor the bridge. Pretend now, it's 1994 and you are an old person. You see the bridge floor collapsed from heavy flooding, sinking into the river. It is no longer safe. The Cooper County Historical Society tries to save it, but the cost is too expensive. In 1996, you stand and watch as the bridge is removed from the Lamine River. You think back and can almost feel that bridge swaying beneath your feet. Swinging Bridge near Lamine Underside of Swinging Bridge over Lamine Old Bridge over Lamine River BOONVILLE HIGHWAY 40 BRIDGE Boonville Bridge shortly after building in 1924. Prior to 1924 , the only way that travelers could cross the Missouri River between Boonville and New Franklin was by ferry. The first Boonville Highway 40 Bridge was dedicated on July 4, 1924 . It was originally planned to be a toll span bridge, but the resourcefulness of Col. T.A. Johnson and Col. John Cosgrove was largely responsible for a quick change in plans. They were able to arrange for federal and state financial aid which made the bridge toll-free. The bridge was opened on July 4, 1924 with a grand celebration in which the Mayors of Boonville and New Franklin each walked to the center of the bridge and shook hands. The new bridge offered more freedom to motorists as the new bridge could now be used in all weather, whereas the ferries were halted in winter and during storms. Plus, commuters could travel across the river much more quickly than taking the ferries. Once the bridge was opened, there was no longer a need for the ferries and they ceased to operate. The original steel frame bridge had a tongue-and-groove cypress wood floor. Unfortunately, the wood floor did not fit together perfectly and the unevenness caused the bridge to sway a bit when used. In freezing weather the boards became slick with ice and caused many accidents. Then, the wood began to rot and it was time to upgrade the floor. In 1937 the wooden bridge floor was replaced with a corrugated steel floor, which also became slick in freezing wet weather. Salt was useless as it fell through the floor into the river. The unevenness of the corrugated steel grates also made staying in your own lane a challenge. The grates were especially hard on the older, narrow tires which often became stuck in the steel grates. People from both counties complained about the new floor, which was also very noisy. Eventually a walkway on the side of the bridge was added for pedestrians. Eventually, the two-lane bridge proved to be too narrow for larger, more modern cars and trucks and the complaints were too frequent. The flood of 1993 was devastating to Boonville and New Franklin, and all along the Missouri River, as the flood waters eventually crested at 37.10 feet. It was the most massive flood in the Boonslick history, and the water stayed above flood stage for 49 days. Boonville bridge 1924. From the Wayne Lammers collection Grand Opening of the Boonville Bridge with wooden floor July 4, 1924. From the Wayne Lammers collection This wooden floor was removed in 1936/37. Pictured is Wayne Lammers with the corrugated floor. Hwy 40 near Fredrick Hotel Old Boonville Hwy 40 Bridge Floor Old Hwy 40 Bridge Boonville bridge with Sombart Mill. From the Wayne Lammers collection. It was evident that a new bridge needed to be constructed with a much higher elevation, and also better adapted to modern transportation. Blasting of the old Hwy 40 Bridge Blasting of the old Hwy 40 Bridge Construction of the new Hwy 40 Bridge Construction Crew that built the new Boonslick Bridge seen in the background in 1997. Photo by Wayne Lammers Building of the new Boonslick Bridge in 1998 with the city of Boonville at top. Photo by Wayne Lammers The new Highway 40 bridge, a 21-million-dollar project, was dedicated on September 9, 1997 . The two driving lanes are each 12 feet wide with an 8-foot shoulder. There is also a six-foot Pedestrian walkway that is separated from the highway by a concrete barrier. References : Discover Cooper County by Looking Back by Ann Betteridge Susan Fortman – “Taming a River: The Boonville Bridge This is the first car to travel over the new Boonslick Bridge in 1998. The Driver is Kenneth Grotjan of New Franklin and Wayne Lammers is videotaping the event. Wayne Lammers worked out this event with the Engineer of the project. He is taking the photo and that's his truck behind the car. Mr. Grotjan owned a gas station on the north side of the bridge. He was so proud to be the first to drive over the bridge. I-70 MISSOURI RIVER BRIDGE Dedication of the new I-70 bridge over the Missouri River and MKT Railroad on October 8, 1960. From the Wayne Lammers collection Dedication of the I-70 bridge October 8, 1960 Dedication of the I-70 bridge October 8, 1960 from on top of cliff. From the Wayne Lammers collection Looking east from the Cooper County side of the I-70 Dedication. From the Wayne Lammers collection

DEDICATION This website is dedicated to Ann Betteridge. Ann was one of the original Founders of the Cooper County Historical Society in 1990. Ann loved children, teaching, and history. She wrote a book of almost 300 pages named “Discover Cooper County by Looking Back.” For 25 years, Ann personally presented this book, free of charge, to every 4th grader in Cooper County, and her book is the inspiration and backbone of this website. Florence (Winky) Friedrichs, another Founding member of the CCHS, drew all of the lovely illustrations in the book, and some of those are used on this website. We owe both these ladies a debt of gratitude for preserving so much of Cooper County history.