USA > Missouri > Cedar County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 24
USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 24
USA > Missouri > Barton County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 24
USA > Missouri > Hickory County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 24
USA > Missouri > Polk County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94
26I
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.
swelled by Mckinney's Branch and two other small streams, all of which rise in the east part of Marion Township. In the latter township, from the east, the Pomme de Terre receives Hominy Creek, which has its source in the eastern-central part of Benton Township, and several small, short streams which rise in the northeast part of Marion, while, from the southeast, it receives Ciper Creek and its western branch, which have their sources respectively east and west of Bolivar, and one or two unimpor- tant tributaries rising near by. Stinking Creek and Opossum Creek are the most important eastern tributaries to the Pomme de Terre in the northern part of Polk County. They both have their headwaters in the southwest part of Greene Township, and the former empties into the river near the northeast corner of Jefferson Township, and the latter at the Pomme de Terre's short bend in the northwest corner of Greene Township. Dry Fork is formed by the confluence of several small streams having their headwaters in Marion, Jefferson and Madison Townships, and flows eastwardly into the Pomme de Terre in the southern part of Jefferson Township. Sac River, next in importance to the Pomme de Terre, comes within its borders at the center of its southern boundary, and flows northwest by a winding course across the southwest part of Looney, the northeast part of Jack- son and the southwest part of Madison Townships, thence pass- ing into Dade County. It receives some unimportant tributaries in Looney Township, and in Jackson Township Slagle Creek, which has its rise in Looney Township, and several small streams having their sources in the eastern and northeastern portions of Jackson Township. Bear Creek rises near Bolivar, and passes through Madison Township west, swelled by a half-dozen or more small tributary streams rising in the western part of Marion Township and the western and central parts of Madison Town- ship. The Sac River and Bear Creek are both tributaries, also, to the Osage. A creek of considerable size rises in the northeast part of Madison Township, north of Bear Creek, and drains the township westwardly, passing beyond the county line to a con- fluence with the Sac, which also receives Spring Creek, which is formed by the flowing together of several small streams rising in the southern and southwestern portions of Johnson Township,
262
STATE OF MISSOURI.
and flows southwestwardly across the northwest part of Madison Township. Three small streams, uniting south of Humansville, in Johnson Township, form Brush Creek, which flows north to the Osage, to which Panther Creek is also tributary, which rises in Hickory County, and flows in a semi-circular course through the extreme northern part of Johnson Township again into Hickory County. Brush Creek and Panther Creek (not the streams of these names above mentioned) have their sources in the eastern and northern parts of Benton Township. Jordan Creek rises in the east part of Greene Township. These three streams, flowing together a little southeast of the center of Greene Township, form Lindley Creek, which flows in a generally northward course through Greene Township, and joins the Pomme de Terre in Hickory County. All these streams have numerous tributaries, and, taken all in all, the county is as well watered as any in this part of the State.
Caves .- There are many caves in the southwest part of Marion Township, the south part of Madison, and in Jackson Township. Of these Leith's Cave, in Jackson, is the largest explored. Only one cave is known to exist in this county, north or east of the center - a small one about six miles northeast of Boli -. var. Leith's Cave is of considerable extent. It was explored by Prof. Hoover, of Bolivar, who reports that it is characterized by many beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of a whitish color. This cave is divided into several compartments, all connected. In 1887, William Anderson discovered a cave on his farm, about three-and-a-half miles south of Morrisville, in a peculiar man- ner. It was found that the bottom had literally fallen out of a well from which Mr. Anderson was wont to supply his household with water. Investigation disclosed the fact that a subterranean stream was flowing somewhere below, where the well had been. Soundings were made to ascertain the depth below the level of the land, and the existence of a cave of some size with a stream of con- siderable volume flowing through it, was demonstrated. The place has been visited by a number of reputable people, who agree in estimating the stream to be at least ten feet wide, and of about a like depth. Whence it comes and where it goes are, alike,
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.
mysteries, though it is believed to originate in springs in the immediate vicinity.
Geology .- The geological formations of Polk County belong to the Lower Silurian, Sub-Carboniferous and Carboniferous periods. Calciferous sandrock represents the Lower Silurian age here, mag- nesian limestone and sandstone alternating. The magnesian lime- stones do not differ materially, except in stratigraphical position and thickness. All form good building stone, and the harder, clouded portions make a very beautiful marble. All contain heavy spar, calcareous spar, iron pyrites, and the sulphurets of lead, iron, copper and zinc. The first and second contain a larger percentage of chert than the others. The sandstones of this group are very much alike -friable, white and sugary in some places, in others hard and compact, colored and cemented together by various oxides of iron. The strata are much thinner than those of the limestones.
The Sub-Carboniferous age is represented in this county by the Chemung group, which consists of three strata, as follows: Chouteau limestone, vermicular sandstone and lithographic lime- stone. Chouteau limestone, which resembles encrinital lime- stone, is in two divisions when fully developed, and, when first quarried, is soft and easily worked, but, on hardening, forms an excellent building stone. Vermicular sandstone is a soft, fine- grained sandstone, containing more or less clay and lime. Its color is light brown, and, when it is exposed to the action of air and water, the softer portions dissolve, giving it a worm-eaten appearance, from which it takes its name. The shales which constitute the lower part of this formation contain large quantities of iron pyrites and quartz, which are very abundant in the mounds around Bolivar. The stratum reaches its maximum thickness in the southern part of the county. Lithographic lime- stone, or " pot-metal," is a pure, fine, compact, evenly textured limestone, varying in color from light drab to buff and blue. It is slightly siliceous, has few fossils, and contains large quantities of Iceland spar and a very little lead, zinc and iron. This formation is about ten feet thick in the southern part of the county. In some parts the last two-mentioned strata are entirely absent, the Chouteau limestone resting immediately above the
264
STATE OF MISSOURI.
first magnesian limestone. Some very extensive quarries have been developed, and still others might be profitably opened. The Wishart quarry, about eight and a half miles south of Bolivar, is a conspicuous example of the possibilities of this industry.
The Carboniferous period is here represented by ferruginous sandstone and encrinital limestone. The first is the highest formation, geologically speaking, in Polk County. It belongs below the lower coal series and the St. Louis limestone, but in this county it rests immediately above the encrinital limestone. Ferruginous sandstone occurs in the southern part of the county, in the western part, between Bear Creek and the Sac River, and in some other localities. It is sometimes used as building material, as it is quite soft and easily worked when first quarried, and hardens on exposure to the air, but will not sustain great weight. Iron is found in considerable quantities in this sand- stone, either as ore or as oxide of iron, which produces the beautiful red, yellow, and purple coloring matter so noticeable in this formation. Encrinital limestone is between ferruginous sandstone and Chouteau limestone. It is a mixture of several kinds of limestone, varying in color through all the shades of brown and gray, and contains a large quantity of chert. Many fossils are found in this stratum, mostly crinoids and brachiopods. Caves and " sink holes," also quite common, constitute a good system of underground drainage. The minerals in this forma- tion are quartz, zinc blende, and lead ore. Ancient diggings have been observed in various places. The most extensive are those near the eastern boundary of Marion Township, between Hominy Creek and the Pomme de Terre River, which were probably made by Indians in search of flint. The encrinital limestone varies in thickness from 40 to 150 feet.
Soils .- The best classification of soils is according to the properties in which the different elements enter into the compo- sition of the rocks from which the soils are formed. If silica predominates, the soil is siliceous or sandy. Where alumina is most abundant, the soil is argillaceous or clayey. When calcium is the principal ingredient, the soil is calcareous or limey. To form a good, productive soil these ingredients and many others, inclu- sive of iron, phosphorus and vegetable mold, must be judiciously
265
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.
mingled; and this task of productive admixture Dame Nature has generously performed for Polk County, producing four varieties of soil, known as the red clay, alluvial, black loam and white ash.
The red clay soil, a chocolate-colored, marly soil, formed by the decomposition of the encrinital limestone, vermicular sand- stone and shales, is colored by the oxide of iron, and is more abundant than elsewhere in the southern part of the county, where it sustains a fine growth of elms, oaks, ashes, hickories, walnuts, etc. It contains considerable quantities of lime, sand and other materials; so that, while it does not suffer from drouth with the excellent natural drainage of Polk County, it is never too wet to produce well. Although, in some localities, it contains consider- able flinty chert, it is a very productive and durable soil, well adapted to wheat, corn, oats and tobacco.
The alluvial soil is, of course, found in the bottom lands and prairie valleys. It is generally light, rich and siliceous. It is very productive, and, in a wild state, sustains a heavy growth of timber, which consists, mainly, of linden, cottonwood, sycamore, box-elder, buckeye, pawpaw, honey locust, redbud, hackberry, mulberry, and several species of oak, ash, hickory, walnut, maple and elm. Several varieties of grapes also grow in great pro- fusion.
The black loam soil is most abundant on the prairies and in the northern portion of the county, and is especially adapted to the production of corn, though it successfully produces all other crops common to this section. It is composed of mineral debris intermixed with vegetable decay, with perhaps more sand and less lime than the red clay. Being lighter and more porous than the other, it dries out more readily, but the roots penetrate it deeply, and water readily ascends by capillary attraction.
The white-ash soil is found upon the exposed ridges, and, though varying in quality, requires fertilizers and high cultiva- tion to produce the results obtainable from other soils with ordinary cultivation. The finer particles of the formation have been washed away, leaving a poor, sandy soil, which contains a small growth of post, white, black and black-jack oaks, black hickory and dwarf sumachs.
r7
266
STATE OF MISSOURI.
Minerals .- The mineral resources of the county never have been developed. Many indications of lead have been found in various localities, and in 1875 a home company, which was organ- ized to prospect, expended several hundred dollars without result, and passed out of existence after it had demonstrated that it would be advisable to discontinue the work on account of the small encouragement offered by the low price of lead. Later, lands were leased in the northeast part of the county by other parties, with a view to prospecting for lead, but nothing came of such efforts except some small discoveries, and the establishment of the fact that indications are promising. Iron ore is supposed to exist, and many indications of its presence have been found, but no important developments have been made. The history of operations looking to zinc mining is similar. There are some indications of coal, and those who have made investigations think it may sometime be found in paying quantities.
Springs .- Water is abundant in this county, wholesome and free from alkali. Numerous springs abound, many of which are on high ground, and good wells' are easily procurable. There have been several reported discoveries of mineral waters in the county during the past ten or twelve years, one about three miles north of Bolivar, one near Orleans, one in Benton Township, one in Johnson Township, and others in other localities. There were others who professed to believe that some of these springs pos- sessed great medicinal qualities, but none have been developed to a degree to attract any attention from the public. In 1877 a well at Fair Play was found to contain some medicinal virtue, and its waters have been used by many for kidney and bladder difficul- ties with satisfactory results. This well once promised to become a somewhat popular resort, but the opening of Graydon Springs, in the south part of the county, by Adams & Cummings, early in 1888, had a tendency to draw the patronage to that point, in. view of its more convenient location. The water from these springs has never been analyzed, but has been found of incal- culable benefit in urinary disorders, and by many is claimed to be a specific for Bright's disease, as well as beneficial in rheu- matic cases. Messrs. Blystone & Rummels, from Ohio, erected a commodious hotel there during the past year, and bath houses,
267
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.
provided with hot and cold baths, are under the management of Jeremiah Woolf. Extensive additions to the facilities for accom- modating visitors are contemplated, and Graydon Springs prom- ises in the near future to become one of the most popular health resorts in the Southwest.
Timber .- About one-half the county is timber land. The timber supply is abundant, but, as most of it is situated remote from the railroad, little has as yet been exported. On the uplands the timber is, as a rule, young, the major part having taken possession of what was once prairie. On the bottom lands the timber is older, and consequently larger. On both uplands and bottoms it consists of the different oaks, walnut, hickory, hackberry, sycamore, elm, hard and soft maple, mulberry, sassa- fras, box-elder, buckeye, locust, etc., with an undergrowth. of hazel, sumach, black haw, pawpaw, white thorn, witch-hazel, dog- wood, blackberries, raspberries and other small growth and shrubs indigenous to much of the north temperate zone.
Climate .- The elevation of Polk County above the level of the sea is such that the warmth of the summer rarely exceeds 95° Fahrenheit, and is offset by cool, invigorating nights, while the winters are generally devoid of the rigors of a more northerly climate. Like all elevated countries, its temperature is liable to sudden changes. The average annual rainfall is about forty inches, and there is usually some snow every winter, but it speedily disappears. The climate of any country is intimately connected with the well-being of its inhabitants, and, with its splendid drainage, high, rolling lands and fresh southwestern breezes, Polk County could not well be otherwise than healthy.
Productions .- Corn and wheat are the leading staples of the country, corn leading largely. Oats, rye, barley, flax and broom- corn are cultivated with success. Millet is much used as feed, and sorghum is raised for home consumption. All the cereals, grains and vegetables common to the latitude do well here where proper soils are selected and the usual amount of labor is expended upon the crop. Tobacco is successfully cultivated, and a good grade is produced. Some cotton has been raised, though the culture of the fiber has never been thoroughly tested by capi- talists. Fruits do well in ordinary seasons. A total failure of
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
the apple crop is very rare, and the number of bushels grown has seldom fallen below the aggregate demanded for home con- sumption. The yield of peaches in good seasons is abundant. Grapes generally are good, and blackberries and raspberries suc- ceed well. The wild varieties of the small fruits are quite abun- dant, especially gooseberries and blackberries.
Adaptability to Grazing .- The county is well adapted to the raising of stock, and, in earlier years, the luxuriant growth of grass furnished fine pasturage for large herds of cattle, sheep and horses. But little care or attention was given to the improvement of the breeds, and, with the general advancement of the country, large tracts of these pasture lands have been reduced to cultiva- tion. In many parts the wild grass has given way to the intro- duction of tame grasses, such as timothy, clover and bluegrass. Consequently the farmers have become interested in raising fine stock, which must eventually supersede the common breeds. During the past few years hog-raising has grown to considerable importance.
Pottery Clay .- In some parts of the county, notably at a point a few miles northeast of Bolivar, where a somewhat extensive pottery is in operation, are found large quantities of a good quality of potter's clay.
RESOURCES AND STATISTICS.
An idea of the natural advantages afforded to home-seekers and investors by Polk County may be derived from the above description of its surface and physical peculiarities and productive possibilities. It is rich in nearly everything that makes the desirable dwelling place of enterprising and progressive Ameri- cans, and its promise for the future is as brilliant as that of any county in Southwest Missouri.
The following statistics of the county's property valuation and taxation, products and population, have been compiled with much care, with a view not only to showing its gradual growth and development, as illustrative of its progressive history, but also to so set forth its multifold resources that the assurance of prosperity
269
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.
it holds out to those who would locate within its borders may not be overlooked by any reader of this volume.
Property Valuation and Taxation .- The first statement upon the records of the county, showing the amount of valuation or taxation, either in detail or aggregate, is for the year 1862. Statements for the years 1865, 1870, 1875, 1880, 1885 and 1889, exhibiting statistics of taxation and valuation at periods of about five years from 1865 to date, are appended :
TAXABLE PROPERTY AND VALUATION FOR 1862.
Value.
County tax.
Personal property
$ 189,627
$ 606 So
Cash and notes ....
218,306
698 58
Land, 270,629 acres
564,559
1,So6 57
Town lots (245).
26,530
84 89
Grist-mills (10)
5,300
16 96
Saw-mills (4).
1,650
5 28
Salaries (1).
1,500
4 80
Carding machines (3).
360
1 15
Distilleries (1) .
30
10
Tanneries (I).
25
os
Polls (988)
988
.
988 00
Total.
$1,008,475
$4,213 21
VALUATION AND ASSESSMENT FOR IS65.
Value.
State tax.
Military tax.
Total tax.
Personal property
$ 242,150
$ 484 30
$ 484 30
$ 968 60
Cash and notes.
234,845
469 69
469 69
939 38
Land, :286,061 acres.
671,746
1,343 49
1,062 92
2,406 41
Grist-mills (5)
2,350
4 70
4 70
9 40
Saw-mills (3).
1,900
3 80
3 So
7 60
Salaries (1)
1,500
3 00
3.00
6 00
Carding machines (3)
375
75
75
I 50
Tanneries (1)
25
05
05
IO
Polls (840)
840 00
1,680 00
2,520 00
Total.
$1,154,891
$3,149 78
$3,709 21
$6,858 99
.
The total taxable valuation in 1870 was : Tax on the book, $6,950; town lots on the book (321), valuation, $92,220 ; acres on the book, including improvements (349,350), $1,653,250 ; personal property of all kinds, $922,750 ; total taxable wealth, $2,668,220.
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
VALUATION BY TOWNSHIPS IN 1875.
TOWNSHIP.
No. acres.
Valuation.
Personal property.
Town lots and valuation
Mooney
37,244
$ 187,396
$ 60,459
II
$ 2,000
Looney
41,272
148,792
78,685
43
3,380
Jackson
42,464
129,286
70, III
Benton
55,416
, 155,447
68,638
Marion
68,640
270,517
176,842
355
89,775
Madison.
52,538
145,260
102,416
25
1,825
Greene.
42,522
I 38,460
49,449
Jefferson
34,220
94,828
63,805
Johnson.
28,617
98,868
71,587
·105
12,995
Total.
392,933
$1,288,864
$741,992
539
$109 795
Aggregate valuation, $2, 140,831.
SUMMARY OF TAXABLE VALUATION.
YEAR.
Real estate.
Personal property.
Taxable wealth.
1880.
$ 1,505,995
$ 856,739
$2,362,734
1885.
1,549,643
1,243,563
2,793,206
1889.
1,942,046
1,429,032
3,371,078
Statistics of Agriculture, Manufactures and Population .- The latest statistics showing the facts here indicated are from the census of 1880. At that time there were within the borders of the county 2, 165 farms, aggregating 299,307 acres, of which I 36,056 acres were improved. The improved land was divided as follows: Tilled, 111,406 acres; permanent meadows, pastures, vineyards and orchards, 24,650 acres. The unimproved land was divided as follows: Woodland and forest, 140, 138 acres; other unimproved land, including old fields not growing wood, 23, 113 acres; total, 163,251 acres. The value of farms, including lands, fences and buildings, was $2,333,195; farming implements and machinery were valued at $112,954. The estimated value of live stock on farms June 1, 1880, was 777,237; of all farm productions in 1879, $563,770.
The following figures represent live stock and its productions in 1879-80: Number of horses (1880), 6,488; mules and asses, 2,096; working oxen, 30; milk cows, 6,061; other cattle, 13,269;
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.
sheep, exclusive of spring lambs, 18,470; swine, 38,401. Amount of wool (spring clip), 66,053 pounds; milk sold or sent to butter and cheese factories in 1879, 340 gallons; butter made on farms in 1879, 274,230 pounds; cheese, 754 pounds.
Cereal productions of Polk County reported in 1880, were as follows: Buckwheat, 353 bushels; corn, 1,482,281 bushels; oats, 234,237 bushels; rye, 1,218 bushels; wheat, 148,480 bushels. The number of acres of land devoted to the growing of buck- wheat was 28; of corn, 49,740; of oats, 13,089; of rye, 89; and of wheat, 18,348.
The growth of sorghum had then become so important a feature of Polk County's agricultural industries that, in 1879, 57,369 gallons of molasses was made.
In the same year 9,646 acres of grass lands were mown, pro- ducing 5,301 tons of hay. The egg product was 253,597 dozen, and the number of poultry was 54, 186, exclusive of spring hatch- ing. Honey and wax were produced to an aggregate, respect- ively, of 5,517 pounds and 415 pounds. The amount of land devoted to tobacco culture was 44 acres, and 24,575 pounds of tobacco was grown. The potato crop amounted to 23,328 bush- els Irish potatoes, and 5,129 bushels sweet potatoes.
The value of orchard products of all kinds sold or consumed in 1879 was $4,175; market garden products brought $197; the amount of wood cut was 32,298 cords; the spring wool clip of 1880 consisted of 18,470 fleeces, weighing 66,053 pounds.
The following figures represent the statistics of manufactures in the county in 1880: Number of flouring and grist mills, 7; capital invested, $24,400; average number of hands employed, 23; amount paid in wages during the year, $4,650; value of products, $149,712.
The population of Polk County in 1840 was 8,449; in 1850 it was 6,186; in 1860, 9,995; and in 1870, 12,445. The following shows the population by municipal townships in 1880: Benton, 1,726; Greene, 1,430; Jackson, 1,746; Jefferson, 855; Johnson, 1,278; Madison, 1,709; Marion (and Bolivar), 3,282; Looney, 2,117; Mooney, 1,561; total population, 15,704.
The estimated population of the county at the present time is from 22,000 to 25,000.
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Original Occupancy .- The Osage and Delaware Indians formerly occupied or claimed control of extensive territory, including what is now Polk County, and this possession was at times disputed by several other tribes. The last of a number of treaties between the United States and the Indians, through which the Government gained title to these lands, and thus enabled settlers to obtain peaceable possession of the same, was made in the early third of the present century. When the settle- ment of the territory now comprising Polk County began, the aborigines had resigned most of it; but, for a considerable after period, they returned in large numbers, hunting the wild game which abounded, and maintaining friendly relations with the settlers.
For some time after the settlement of the county began, the territory was infested with all kinds of wild animals and wild fowl common to this latitude. Chief among the larger game were buffalo, bear and deer. The buffalo that escaped destruc- tion at the hands of the pioneers, fled westward, and were soon extinct. The bear remained, and in time fell a prey to the set- . tlers. Deer were long plentiful, and small groups are yet seen occasionally. Wolves, panthers, wild-cats and other such pests have become well-nigh extinct. Wild turkeys are plentiful in the forests remote from settlement, and wild ducks are found along the streams. Sporting and hunting constituted a large share of the employments and pleasures of the first settlers. Bee hunting was both a pleasant and profitable source of amusement, and as much as 100 to 150 pounds of honey was frequently taken from a single tree.
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