USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 4
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Riseling building, 189 Ristine, J. A .. 437 Ritchart, Alvin E., 957
xxxii
Ritchart, Frank L., 957 Roach, Cornelius, 352 Roach, George H., 342 Roach, James, 438
Robens, R. M., 227 Roberts, R. M., 210, 226
Roberts, W. P., 266, 474, 484 Robertson, William R., 834
Robinson, Charles, 15 Robinson, Charles A., 679
Robinson, Emma, 557
Robinson, George, 417
Robinson, Griffith, 85
Robinson. Mark, 30
Robinson, William, 227
Robyn, Kobert, 345, 432
Rogers, A. Il., 328, 329, 332
Rohan, F. E., 499
Roney, T. J., 560 Rood, John B., 119
Roos, Charles, 134
Roper, George K., 921
Rose, James S., 984
Rose, Joseph F., 613
Rose, R. H., 139
Rose, S. R. H., 72
Ross, James S., 533, 535
Ross, Joseph M., 973
Ross, Stanfield, 55
Rotsch, Adolph, 938
Roulet, Paul, 107
Rousch, John, 186
Rowe, Freeman, 344
Royce, O. D., 529
Royer, Frank II., 933
Royer, William H., 922
Rozelle, Arthur, 880
Ruddy, George H., 151 Ruffin, L. B., 81
Ruffins, J. T., 138
Rural (Sherwood), 40
Rush, William, 91 Russum, I. F., 320
Ryus, C. J., 840
Sabert, Henry, 992 Sailor, W. J., 320 Salt and Pepper Club, Joplin, 529
St. John. A. W., 352 St. John's Hospital. Joplin, 493
St. Louis & San Francisco Railway, 201
St. Paul's Episcopal church, Webb City, 559
St. Peter's Roman Catholic church, Joplin. 161, 488
St. Philips' Episcopal church, Joplin, 193, 488 Sallie, W. D., 309, 424
Salvation Army Hospital, Webb City. 561 Sanderson, Minnetta, 476
Sanders. William A., 710 Sandford, Washington A .. 466, 524, 705
Sarcoxie, 9. 41, 42. 76. 338. 433 Sarcoxie, Chief, 7 Sarcoxie fair, 316 Sarcoxie Spring. 7
Sarcoxie Strawberry Growers' Association. 433 "Sarcoxie Vindicator," 316 Sauls. Thomas, 563 Saunders. J. L .. 342 Sanz. George, 928 Scherl. IL., 510
INDEX
Schools-First school section sold, 22; pioneer school districts, 22; first school described, 23; first county school commissioner, 24; school fund greatly augmented, 25; the Carthage Female Academy, 26; Carthage public schools organized, 84; county super- vision of, 96; J. W. Jacob (1871-2), 96; "spelling down," 97; Jasper County Teach- ers' Institute (1871), 98; U. B. Webster (1872-3), 99; Jasper County Teachers' In- stitute (1873), 102; organization of Sixth District Teachers' Association, 102; county school commissioner, 102; S. A. Underwood (1877-83), 102; State Teachers' Associa- tion (1878), 107; uniform text book law, 108; first public school of Carthage, 127; Carthage High school course of study, 128; East and West Joplin, 158, 159; East Joplin school opened (1873), 172; Joplin schools in the seventies, 190, 191; in Joplin, during later seventies, 209, 210; in Carthage during the eighties, 236; in Joplin during the eighties, 265-272; Carterville during the eighties, 308; new Joplin High school, 375; Joplin lligh school alumni, 376; placed on the ap- proved list, 376; Joplin public school cadet corps, 377; Joplin school children's parade (Columbus day), 378; Arbor day, Joplin, 379: school officials of Joplin (1890-9), 380; Joplin Iligh school alumni, 380; of Webb City for twenty-five years, 416-20; county schools (1899-1910), 428-441; in Joplin dur- ing 1900-11. 474-85; during the last decade. Carthage. 535; in Wehb City during 1900- 11, 553-7
Schooler, Isaac. 94
Schooler, .I. K .. 981
Schooler, W. R., 319, 321
Schooler district school, 106
Schifferdecker, Charles, 264, 369. 406, 466. 692 Schifferdecker's Garden, 175
Schneider, Joseph, 788
Schoenherr, Adolph, 577
Schnur, Harry A., 643
Schnur, Herbert, 1006 Schnur, Peter, 155, 156, 515
Schmuck. Gabriel, 402
Scotland, 221
Scott, G. W., 94
Scott, Izora, 232
Scott, John, 67
Scott, S. J., 314
S. R. M., Joplin Consistory, 510 Sealey, J. N. U .. S
Searl, A. P., 81
Searl, E. P., 80. 90. 108, 112, 139 Secession party. 47
Second Baptist (colored), Carthage, 134
Second Baptist church, Joplin, 488 Second Church of Christ Scientist, Joplin. 488 Second Regiment. N. G. M., 340, 341
Seela, John N. U., 460, 936
Seigler, James 1 .. 320
Semi-military societies in the eighties, 344
Sennett. J. W., 121, 233, 239. 437
Sergeant. John B .. 95. 144. 148, 152, 153. 159. 182, 256. 257 Sergeant. W. G., 237
Seventh District Association of Women's Fed- erated Clubs. 525 Sewell. W. J .. 352
INDEX
xxxiii
Shannon, II. L., 320, 321 Shannon, R. D., 268, 270, 326, 376, 380 Shannon, Will F., 509 Sharp, Della A., 438. 630 Shaw, George IL., 377 Shaw, Mrs. J. B., 389 Sheehan, Daniel, 261 Sheep raising, 82, 112. Shelby, Joe. 62. 68 Shelby, W. S., 512 Shelton. B., 566 Shelton, Robert II .. 897 Shelton, T. . L., 309 Shepherd, C. L., 197 Shepherd, Edward L., 696 Sheriff's, 21. 67. 72. 91, 93. 94, 226, 227, 229. 319, 321. 437 Sherman, A. L., 236 Sherman, W. T., 284 Sherrill, Riley, 960 Sherwood. 39. 41. 42. 59
Shields. J. K .. 234 Shirley Ford engagement, 57 Sholl. David V., 1070 Shortess, Jesse, 153, 154, 159 Sides, Franklin. 75 Sieb, W. IL. 330 Sieber, W. J .. 84 Sievers, Charles H .. 728
Sigars, John C., 804
Sill. Katie (noe Katie Pennington). 61
Silver Creek district school, 99, 103 Singer, O. IL .. 314
"Six Bulls" ( Boils), country of the. 4. 7. 142 Sixth District Teachers' Association. 102 Sixth Kansas Cavalry, 48 Sixth Kansas Volunteers, 59
Skinner, M. J., 80 Skinner, W. G., 82 Slaughter, Melville S., 836 Sloan, R. L .. 438 Sloan. Robert M .. 438, 843 Smith, Charles D., 565 Smith. C. J .. 437 Smith, D. A., 315 Smith, Jasper A., 220 Smith, J. E., 512 Smith, M. W. F., 159 Smith, R. G .. 247 Smith, Sardius. 798 Smith. William H., 1026 Smithfiehl district school, 107 Snapp. Fletcher T., 586 Snapp, T. T., 466 Snyder, (Mrs.), Dr. A. R., 396 Snyder. Levi E., 904 Snyder brothers, 374
Society mask-ball, Joplin (1876), 189 Society of Christian Endeavor, Joplin, 274 Sombart, J. E., 253 South Joplin, 368
Southeast Kansas Pythian excursion to Joplin (1887), 278
Southwest Missouri Electric Railroad, 328, 329, 330
Southwest Missouri Protective Association Picnic, 413
Southwest Missouri Teachers' Association (1890), 325
Southwestern Medical Society, 112
Southwestern Missouri Electric Railway Com- pany, 370 Southwestern Volunteer Firemen's tournament - Carthage, 263; 251; Joplin, 371, 372 Spaid, C. L., 475 Spanish caravan, 10 Spear, James II., 559 Spear, Robt. A., 322, 342. 40% Speek, J. R., 193 "Spelling down," 97, 186 Spence, James, 234 Spence, James M., 227 Spencer, A. C., 130 Spencer, C. C .. 492 Spencer, Curran C., 976 Spencer, Galen. 93, 259, 260, 276, 286, 411. 520, 523
Spencer, Greenville, 27
Spencer, J. IL., 406, 467, 364
Spencer, Pelig. 16
Spencer, W. V. K., 552
Splitlog, Mathias, 265
Splitlog railway (see Kansas City & South- (rn) Spracklin. E. E., 229, 231. 297. 301. 416, 444 Spriggs. M. Luther. 1004 Spring. C. M .. 1020
Spring. Mrs. C. M., 492
Spring Hill distriet school, 105
Spring River Baptist Association, 431
Squire, C. W., 382 Squire. E. C. IL., 319. 320, 472 Stafford, D. M., 234
Stafford. M. W., 156. 285, 310
Stagg. William. 1012
Stalter, John C., 982
Stanton Post No. 16. G. A. R., Carthage. 252. 361
Staples. Marion, 524, 613
Stark. Henry, 1007 Starkweather, Bert. 843
Star. Levi, 125
"Star of the West and Southwest News." 39 Starr. Jesse G., 732
State Bankers' Association convention, lop- lin, 524
State Encampment, United Confederate Vet- erans (1906). Joplin, 517
State pienies and organizations, 462 State representatives, 73. 91, 93, 94, 227, 228. 229, 319, 321. 437 State senators, 319, 321
State University Summer Normal, Joplin, 485 State Young Men's Christian Association, Jop- lin, 394 Steadly. F. B .. 321 Stearns, F. E .. 730 Stebbins. Ludwig II., 1058
Steele, John T., 859 Stemmons, A. Clay, 438
Stemmons, J. W., 229
Stemmons. James B., 622 Stephens. S. H .. 740 Stevens, Mrs. C. T., 547
Stevens, W. J .. 535-536
Stevens, Mrs. W. J .. $36 Stevenson, J. M., 266, 231, 326
Stevison. Lewis J .. 594
Stewart, D. J., 327
Stewart, James P .. 417, 827 Stewart, O. M .. 135
INDEX
Stewart, Robert F., $11 Stewart, W. C .. 305 Stewart & Mathews, 298
Stickney, C. B., 234 Stickney, R. F., 549 Stillwell, A. E., 201
Stony Point (Boyd's) school, 100 Storms, J. W., 353
Story of Spanish adventure, 293
Straight, J. M., 307
Stroup school, 100 Stroud, J. W., 431
Stuekey, S. A., 320. 321, 324. 431
Stults, J. W .. 432
Stults, R., 432
Stultz, Bert. 314 Summerville, Jay F., 783
Summit school. 101
Sunday school conventions (township). $1
Sunday, William A., 489, 438
Sutherland, O. P., 298
Sutton. Henry C., 1076
Sutton, O. D., 1036
Sutton, Thomas, 186
Swanwiek, Mary B .. 487
Swarts, P. L .. 320
Swedish church, Carthage. 134
Swedish colonists. 81
Swingle, Sampson. 972
Switzer, Harry 1., 1052
Tabernacle church of Joplin. 195 Tabernacle (The). Joplin, 194 "Tag Day." Joplin. 492 Talbott. A. J .. 49. 54
Talmage, Randolph D., 1016
Tamblyn, Harry, 511
Tamblyn, Samuel T., 860
Tax litigation in Webb City, 216
Taylor. George W .. 885
Taylor, John H., 150, 156, 166, 171, 173, 182, 204. 327, 384. 492. 794 Taylor, JJoshua P., 202
Taylor. Lee. 171. 197, 166
Taylor, W. L., 266 Taylor. Willard P .. 787
Taylor. W. S., 144, 320
Teacher's reception by President Logan (1900). Carthage. 536 Tebo & Neosho Railway Company. 77. 94
Telephone introduced to Joplin, 259
Temperance (sco Local Option) Temperance Cadets. Joplin. 274
Templars' ball in Yellow Dog mine (1906). 516
Terry. M. C .. 321. 429. 1064 Thacker, lesse. 94. 123 Tholborn. Walter. 818 Thomas, A. B .. 780 Thomas, Al. 71. 91. 23% Thomas. B. F., 233. 321 Thomas, D. IL .. 215 Thomas, D. L., 125. 112 Thomas, David S., 83. 84, 139 Thomas, George H .. 235. 247. 341 Thomas, John R., 864 Thomas. L. IL .. 438 Thomas, R. J ... 215 Thompson, Charles O., 824 Thompson. F. L ... 186
Thompson, Il. Edward, 822 Thompson. J. A. C., 166 Thompson, J. T .. 134 Thompson, Philo, 166 Thompson, S. Il., 197
Thompson, William. 426 Thomson, R. A., 193 Thornburg, W. W., 121 Thornburg, W. V., 90
Thornton, Joe, 261
Thornton, R. A., 769
Thorp. F. M., 342
Thralls, Richard, 683
Threlkeld, 1. N., 667 Thudinm, Medie D., 1067
Tibbs, Nellie, 537
Tilton, Josiah, 930 Tingle, William, 8, 31 Toepper, C. G. F., 510 Toms, William, 214
Toms smelter. 214
Tousley, O. H., 186
Tousley, Walter, 483
Tower, W. L., 112
Tower, W. S., 80
Township organization adopted (1872), 90; township lines changed. 92; township or- ganization abolished, 93
Transient House, 297
Trigg, Jerome B., 524
Trigg, John C .. 439. 467, 366, 406
Trigg. Mayor, 500
Troutman, Mrs. Mary, 526
Turk, James, 144
Turk. James A., 369
Turk. James T., 882
Turner, Benjamin, 23
Turner, Nathaniel A., 935
Turner, W. A., 535
Turner, W. F .. 442, 482
Tuttle, T. B., 90, 112, 121. 137, 138, 225, 242. 325, 362 Tuttle. W. T., 360
Tutty, Edward J., 724
Twelfth Pythian District Association, 548 Twelfth Regiment Seleet Knights. A. O. U. W., 344 Twin Grove district school. 106 Tyler. May. 476 Tyler, Robert B., 364, 262. 412. 717 Tyzzer, Walter C., 395
('Imer. Jacob. IL .. 955 Unconditional Union party, 47 Underwood, N. A., 102. 103. 107. 161. 190. 196, 197. 231. 266. 270, 271. 277. 326, 380. 387
Underwood. Toalie, 267 Uniform Rank Knights of Pythias. First Battalion, 444
U. R. K. P., Joplin Division No. 40, 390
U. R. K. P .. Webb City Company No. 11. 445 U. R. K. P., Webb City Division 11, 422 Union City. 153-156
I'nion Rank of the Woodmen of the World. Webb City, 444 Union Sunday school pienie, Joplin. 271 Union Valley district school. 106 I'nited Confederate Veterans, 341 l'uity Club. Joplin. 382
XXXV
INDEX
Vanal, A. J., 369 Van Doose, James H., 855 Van Idour, Isaae HI., 819 Van Idour, Isabell, 819 Vaughan, Sherman, 752 Vawter, V. L., 380 Vermillion, John W., 216 Vernon, L. M., 80
Vert, Edmund J., 475, 485
Viernow, M. F., 952 Vincil. John D., 239, 325 Visitors' day (1903) Joplin, 478 Vivion, Eliza, 60 Vivion, Thackery, 7
Waco, 221 Wadleigh, G. A., 366 Wagner, C. E., 559 Waite, A. IJ., 331, 367, 394, 520, 524
Walden, Charles S., 70S
Walker, Alice, 26 Walker. Jesse L., 135 Walker, John P., 660 Wall. R. C., 193
Wallace. A. V., 353
Wallace. Richard L., 1062 Wallace, William S., 677 Wallar. Clyde R., 1019
Wallower, F. C., 561 Wall street (Joplin) opened. 365
Warden. Hall, 356
Waring, William G., 839 Warren, W. H., 321 Washington school, 476 Watkins, Joseph C., 672 Watson. Claude L., 1054 Watson, William, 211 Waugh, William B., 510 Webb, Albert, 467 Webb, E. T., 560 Webb, Mrs. E. T., 558 Webb, John C., 211, 219 Webb, John W., 941
Webb City, 211-218, 297-307, 415-423. 551-366 Webb City-Carterville water works, 308 Webb City eentenarian, 563 Webb City College, 420 Webb City Commercial Club, 420 Webb City fire department, 300 Webb City Demoeratie Flambeau Club, 229, 230
Webb City High school, 416, 553, 555
Webb City Hospital Association, 560 Webb City Lodge No. 512. A. F. & A. M .. 300 Webb City National Bank, 306 "Webb City Register," 420 "Webb City Reeord," 566 Webb City school district, 218 "Webb City Sentinel," 566 "Webb City Times," 29S Webster, Elmer, 1055 Webster, George B., 407 Webster, Mrs. George, 536 Webster, U. B., 98, 99, 99, 102, 186 Weed, Charles A., 629 Weeks, J. M., 321 Weil, Lyda, 536 Weiler, Mose, 288 Wells, Campbell, 515 Wells, E. P. F., 135 Wells, J. J., 234
Welty, J. B., 327
Wenrich, Daniel K., 270, 467, 654 Wenrich, Percy, 459, 523 Wenzel, Frank M., 1045 Werks, I. M., 228
Wertz, D. F., 351
Wesley Chapel Methodist (colored), Carthage, 134 West, Robert, 195
West Joplin, 187
West Joplin High school, 267-9
West Joplin schools, 190, 209, 267
West Joplin ( Murphysburg). 159, 165, 166
Western Hotel, 297 Westmoreland, William, 485
Wetherill, W. C., 406
Wetzel, N. E., 875
Weyman, G. A., 389 Weyman, Henry, 165, 164, 425, 524, 913
Whaley, Isaae W .. 476 Wharton, W. M., 232, 326, 327
Wheatley, W. A .. 218, 238
Wheatley, Mrs. W. A., 218
Wheatley. Walter, 531
Wheeler, Arthur G., 850
Wheeler, I. C., Building Material & Fuel Co., 849
Wheeler, Willis I., 849
White, C. H., 193
White, J .. 53
White, Orville T., 768
White Lead Works, Joplin, 205
White River railroad, 445
White, S. H., 158
Whitehead, C. W., 410
Whitley. William. 321 Whitmore, Obe. 437
Whitsell, Mrs. J. M., 526
Whitsett, George, 344
Wiekstrom, Jolm, 893
Wieks, H. S., 404
Wig ITill. 141 Wiogins, II. A., 611
Wilbur, Josiah G., 1043
Wild, J. B., 333
Wild animals, 11
Wiley, O. P. M., 510
Wilks, Hamilton S., 382
Wilfley, O. T. A., 1053
Willard, William G., 959 Willey, Riley, 609
Williams, F. E., 188, 197, 210, 270, 282, 286, 287, 322, 324. 340, 342, 384, 388, 406, 412
Williams Frank, 278
Williams, Fred L., 820
Williams, George, 1014
Williams, S. G., 119, 234
Williams, W. A., 94
Williamson, George H., 133
Willim, Mrs. J. W., 492
Willoughby, E. Franklin, 910
Willoughby, J. C., 84
Willoughby, John T., 320
Wills, Dr. E. A., 275 Willson, L., 128 Wilson, Abner, 8 Wilson, B. T., 406 Wilson, Braeken, 372 Wilson, Charles L., 995 Wilson, D. B., 267 Wilson, J. A., 220
xxxVi
INDEX
Wilson, John N., 227 Wilson, J. S., 220 Wilson, Robert A., 437, 510
Wilstead, Lambert, 368 Winchester, Albert N., 792
Winchester, J. M., 1022 Wingert, Joseph K., 722 Winter. Leslie W., 1071 Wise, David, 978
Wise, D. W., 30
Wise, John F., 581
Withrow, William II .. 625
Wolfe, George E., 521
Wolfe. Henry, 198
Wolfe, John J., 879
Wolfroth, Max, 524
Women's Christian Temperance Union. Joplin, 274, 397. 491
Women's Federated Clubs of Carthage. 537 Woman's Relief Corps, 520
Wonner, Henry, 301, 444, 445
Wood, Charles, 344
Wood, C. C., 405 Wood, John D., 161
Woodmansy, W. H., 94
W. O. W. Log Rolling (1903), Joplin. 512
Woodward, W. S., 133
Workizer. C. J. G., 154,, 159, 177, 186. 383 Wright, J. A., 438
Wright, Matilda, 353
Wright, Will H., 422
Wright. W. T., 397
Wright, Charles and Brothers. 297
W. W. A., Interstate Log Rolling Association (1902), Carthage, 348 Wyatt, Charles, 314 Wyatt, J. V., 1004
Yale, Frank L., 471, 595
Yale, F. L., 524
Yancey, Charles S., 17, 18
Yaryan, J. B., 438
Varyan, James T. B., 678 Yates, Charles E., 767
Yates. J. R., 394
Young, A. G., 419 Voung, Greenberry B., 876
Young, G. B., 328
Young, J. Morris, 11, 12, 79, 113, 144
Young, J. W., 84, 112, 122
Young, Lillian, 877
Y. M. C. A. organized at Carthage, 356
Young Men's Christian Association, Joplin. 274, 394, 490, 492
Young Men's Christian Association. Webb
City, 562
Younger, Bruce, 187
Zane, Samuel L., 600 Zellars, Frank, 372 Zinc blende ("jack"). 163. 164, 170, 199, 203
Zine-first shipment of, to Europe, 374; sales of Jasper distriet for 1890-9, 339
Zincite. 316 "Zincite Morning Star." 316 Zook, Jesse, 420 Zook, Jesse A .. 684
Pioneer Period to Civil War Era
History of Jasper County
CHAPTER I
COUNTY TAKING FORM
EARLY EXPLORATIONS-EDMUND JENNINGS-CIVIL DIVISIONS PRIOR TO COUNTY ORGANIZATION-THE COUNTY NAMED THE FIRST SETTLERS -CAVE SPRINGS-A FEW OF THE "FIRSTS"-PIONEER LIFE-LOG RAISING-THE SPANISH CARAVAN-EARLY METHOD OF FILING ON LAND-GAME AND WILD ANIMALS.
The history of Jasper county covers five distinet periods of growth -the pioneer period, the county during the Civil war, the reconstrue- tion days, the reopening of the mines after the war and the subsequent development of the county's resources.
It is full of exciting incidents and is important because it tells a story of progress, and in perpetuating the names and deeds which have helped to mold the destinies of the great middle west, we serve the fu- ture generations by holding high the lamp of experience which has guided an active and energetie people along the pathway of success.
EARLY EXPLORATIONS
Tradition has it that DeSoto spent the winter of 1541 in the terri- tory north and west of the Ozark mountains and during his stay in this region eamped in and around Jasper eounty. It is believed by many that lead was discovered by the Spaniards and there is evidence that mining was earried on in southwest Missouri many years before the discoveries of David Campbell, but there is no authentic account of the movements of the great explorer and his discoveries eounted for naught, because he left no record. save the old trail which served as a path to lead the hardy pioneers in search of homes westward to the land of promise.
3
,
4
HISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
EDMUND JENNINGS
The first white man to explore southwest Missouri, and whose ex- plorations led to the settlement of the great region beyond the Ozarks, was Edmund Jennings, a native of North Caroline but later a citizen of Tennessee. Jennings came of a splendid family, but was of a roving and adventuresome disposition. Ile loved excitement and enjoyed the strenuous out-of-door life which gives endurance and nerves man to combat danger. Ile had read of the adventures of Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton and resolved to go to the undiscovered country beyond the "Father of Waters" and there answer the "call of the wild." So bid- ding his friends in Jackson county, Tennessee, a fond farewell, he crossed the Mississippi and pushed westward along the old trail until he crossed the Ozarks and came to what was called by the Indians the "Country of the Six Bulls."
The origin of the name "Six Bulls" is shrouded in uncertainty, some of the old settlers holding that it was so called in honor of a mighty hunter who had once here killed six monster buffaloes all noted for their size and strength, but Judge John C. Cox one of the first settlers of Jasper county and an intimate friend of Edmund Jennings, says that the name was incorrectly called bulls, but in broken English the Indians had called it "The Six Boils" (pronounced like "bulls"), meaning the land of the six rushing rivers. The Indian name for river being boil and that the six boils or rivers referred to were the Cow- skin river, Shoal ereek, Indian ereek, Center ereek, Spring river and the North Fork.
Edmund Jennings lived with the Indians and trapped and hunted over the Country of the Six Bulls for about fifteen years. At length (the date is not certain), about the elose of the 'twenties, he began to long for the friends in the Old North state and turned his footsteps eastward and after a perilous journey reached his Tennessee home. He had been so long away from civilization that it was with difficulty he could make himself understood. His friends who had long supposed him dead did not at first recognize him as he approached them, elothed in fur-skins and leather moeeasins. The news of his arrival soon spread over the county and friends came for miles to see him and hear of his adventures.
The hearty welcome given him by his old companions gave him a new lease on life and memories of the old days soon brought baek the mother tongue, and he told them of the wonderful beauty and richness of the Country of the Six Bulls, and as a result of his deseription of the region a colony of Tennessee people came to this eounty early in the 'thirties.
CIVIL DIVISION PRIOR TO COUNTY ORGANIZATION
When Missouri became a state all of southwest Missouri was inade a county and was called Crawford county, the seat of justice being at Little Pliny on the Gasconade river.
5
HISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
THREE OF THE SIX "BULLS" (BOILS)
6
IHISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
Later Greene county was earved from Crawford and embraced all of the territory from the Osage river on the north to the Arkansas line on the south and from the present eastern limits of Greene to Kansas on the west. The county seat of Greene county, then as now, was at Springfield.
Barry county was next taken from Greene and included the seven southwest Missouri counties. The county seat was at Mount Pleasant near the present site of Pierce City.
As civilization moved west Jasper county was organized and in time outshone its mother county in wealth and importance.
The old settlers of Jasper county used to say in a joking way that they had lived in four counties but had never moved onee.
At the general election in August, 1838, Littlebury Mason was elected representative for Barry county in the general assembly and secured the passage of a bill dividing Barry county into four divisions, taking out of Barry. Dade, Newton and Jasper. Jasper county in- cluded in its territory Barton on the north and Newton county included the present county of MeDonald on the sonth.
Jasper county was not at this session of the legislature raised to the full dignity of a county, but was for civil and military purposes attached to Newton county which was at once fully organized.
In 1840 John Wilson was elected to represent Newton county. Among the first bills introdneed by him was one to complete the or- ganization of Jasper county by designating proper officials and courts to put the machinery of county government in operation. This bill passed the legislature January 29, 1841, and the county was fully or- ganized as a civil division March 8th which will be more fully treated in succeeding pages.
THE COUNTY NAMED
That the pioneer Missourians were patriots is shown by the names of the municipalities and other civil divisions given by the early set- tlers. Many of the historic ineidents dear to the hearts of every Ameri- ran and the names of the heroes who made freedom a reality are daily kept in mind by the names of the counties of the state. Among the Revolutionary patriots we find the names of Washington. Franklin. Schuyler, Marion, Putnam, Greene. Jasper and others.
The story of Sergeant Jasper and his gallantry at Fort Moultrie is one of the incidents of the Revolution which Iends a charm to the re- cital of that splendid fight for freedom. At the close of the day and after several hours of fierce cannonading. the staff from which floated the old pine tree flag was severed by a ball and the colors foll on the outside of the fort. Sergeant Jasper sprang over the ramparts and amidst a veritable hail-storm of bullets from the British fusileers se- cured the Hag and. fastening it to a cannon rammer, placed it securely on the ramparts. again and with a shout of triumph regained the breast-
IHISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
works while the cheers of his comrades proclaimed him the hero of the dav.
THE FIRST SETTLERS
The first permanent settler in Jasper county was Thackery Vivion who came from Kentucky in 1831 and located near the Sarcoxie Spring, a romantic spot where the Indian Chief Sarcoxie had during the later days of the Indian period made his headquarters and which no doubt was the gathering point of the "noble red men of the forest" from the Country of the Six Bulls and where perhaps the warriors in council decided the fate of many a luckless traveler who fell into their hands. The word Sarcoxie in the Indian vernacular means "the Rising Sun." And it is significant that the sun of a new civilization which rose with the coming of Thackery Vivion should have made its first appearance at the tepee of a chief who was the last of his race.
And although the Indian supremacy faded away with the coming of the white man a new sun rose to shine for them ; a sun of education, civilization and progress which made many of them in the sister state of Oklahoma. citizens and, in some cases, officeholders and statesmen,
Thackery Vivion built his log house near the spring at the foot of the hill just east of the Sarcoxie depot. lle soon had a nice farm in cultivation. He built a small water power log mill on the present site of the Vietor Mills. He also built a saw-mill. He took an active part in the political life of the county, being a member of the first grand jury assembled at the organization of the county and in many other ways took a part in public enterprises. In 1838 he moved from Sar- coxie to the western part of the county and entered the land where the famous Lehigh mines were afterward opened. He left the county in 1844 on an exploring expedition into the lands of the south and died while on this trip. His descendants still live in the county, honored and respected citizens, who, like the founder of the family, are shrewd business men and women.
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