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Chapter 6:

Jefferson & Indian Creek Townships

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Jefferson township lies east of Jackson, and extends from the line of the latter to Ralls county, and contains about eighty-two square miles. About one-seventh of the township is prairie. There is probably more rough land in Jefferson than in any other township in the county. The soil, however, is well adapted to blue grass, but much of it produces good corn and wheat; in fact, there is no better wheat section than that found in the southeastern portion of this township.
Like Jackson, Jefferson township has an abundance of water, which is found at all seasons of the year, in the North, Middle, South and Elk forks of Salt river, saying nothing of their numerous confluents. The above named streams unite in this township, and form Salt river, which at one time in the early settlement of the country, it was thought could be made navigable.
Jefferson township was one of the earliest settled townships in the county; the pioneers who first emigrated thereto were generally from Kentucky, and were men of sterling worth of character. Many of their descendants still reside there, and refuse to abandon the habitations of their fathers, believing after all that old Monroe is as much of an El Dorado as can be found in this Western country.

Among the early settlers of the township we record the names of the following: Maj. William N. Penn, Hugh A. Hickman, Peter Stice, Andrew Rogers, Allery Rogers, Aniel Rogers, John Newsome, William Bybee, Enoch Fruit, John Scobee, Stephen Scobee, Wm. Carter, Richard Cave, Willis Samuel, Bazil Crew, Samuel Dames, Dames, Buchanan, Milton Wilkerson, Edward Damrel, Robt. Donaldson, John Witt, -Abernathy, Anderson Hickman, Jack-son
Hickman, Darius Poage, Levi Hall, Benj. Mothershead, Milas Johnson, John McNutt, Merritt Violet, Robert George, Lunsford Morton, Ezekiel Phelps, Dennis Thompson, Underwood Dooley, John Alfred, Anderson Ivie, Joseph White.

FLORIDA


Florida is situated upon a high point of land between the Middle and North
forks of Salt river, near their junction, in the eastern part of Monroe county. This seems to have been selected as a suitable place for a settlement even by the aborigines and the mound builders, as numerous piles, in a perfect state of preservation to this day, fully attest. The hills, covered with a heavy growth of timber, protected them from the bleak winds of winter and furnished, also, a hiding-place for deer and turkeys, upon which, to a great extent, they must have subsisted. The shoals, too, upon which the mills are built, supplied
them an excellent place for spearing fish; for the water in those days, before the ground was broken by the plow, was clear. The two mills, which formed the first starting points of the town, were built about the same time, in 1827. The mill upon the South fork was erected by Peter Stice, a jolly Dutchman ; that on the North fork by Richard Cave. Stice's mill was purchased by Hugh A. Hickman during the fall of 1830 and operated by him for nearly 40 consecutive
years. Perhaps no mill in the State was ever run so long by the same individual, nor was ever a business more faithfully managed than was this loved calling by the old Captain, as he was familiarly called. He resided on a splendid farm about two miles from the mill; but, though rich and sightly as it was, it never occupied much of his attention. The mill was his delight, and to the mill he went every day, rain or shine. He was a splendid horseman and fond of a fine horse,
and his large and portly figure, as he rode backwards and forwards  to his mill, is well remembered by most of the people in the surrounding country to this day. He died, loved by his family and respected by his many customers for his high sense of justice and cheerful, friendly disposition. He sold the mill in the spring of 1868 to Messrs. Clark & Gaitskill; they to M. B. Clark, and he to the Powers Bros. To the mill these enterprising young men attached a
steam engine, and carried on the most extensive lumber business in the county. They retained in the neighborhood of the mill some 15 or 20 men, with teams in proportion, engaged in cutting, hauling and sawing logs. What lumber they could not sell at home they took to Monroe City and sold to the railroads, thus giving employment to a  great number of men and teams. They also ran the grist mill constantly, making a good article of flour and did a large amount of work. The Powers Bros. sold to Goss & Vandeventer (John C. Goss and John W. Vandeventer). The mill on the North fork was built by Richard Cave and sold by him to Dr. Meredith, a physician from one of the New England States. From Dr. Meredith it was purchased by Boyle Goodwin and operated by him with moderate success, and sold to A. M. Hickman about
1852. "Aleck," as he was familiarly called, devoted his attention exclusively to the mill, and was, by his mechanical skill, good judgment and experience in milling, enabled to make it a splendid financial success. He kept workmen engaged in repairing and improving, during the whole of his administration, and would tolerate no work about his premises that was not done in the best possible manner.
He thus constructed one of the best country mills in the State--neat,
convenient and durable. Much of the work in this mill, if properly
cared for, will be good for a hundred years to come. "Aleck is complimented by his many customers to this day for his great care and skill in his business, and his integrity and sense of justice were of the highest order.
His brother, Joseph G. Hickman, succeeded "Aleck" in the operation of the mill. He has completed in good style the attachment of an engine, but uses
steam only in dry weather. He designs extensive improvement of his water-power, and claims at least to be always on hand and to do his best. His assistant miller, Mr. James Rouse, has been with him a number of years, and is to be relied upon as a man of strict integrity. He takes as much interest in the business as the proprietor himself, and is undoubtedly a first-class miller. He has never had a harsh word with a customer since he has been tending the
mills. The business done by the mills from 1845 to 1860, was perhaps the largest milling business ever done in the county. Large quantities of flour were hauled regularly to Hannibal and Mexico, and shipped from thence to St. Louis, until the Hickman flour was well known at one time in that city. Hugh A. Hickman ran out several boats loaded with flour to Louisiana, on the Mississippi, at the mouth of Salt river, and brought back one boat lightly loaded with sugar, coffee and other articles of merchandise. Florida was declared the head of navigation on Salt river, and was thought by those brave and ambitious pioneers to be a favorable point for the founding of a great commercial town. The town was accordingly laid off by Maj. Win. N. Penn, Hugh A. Hickman and others, and although the bright dreams which swelled
the hearts of these noble pioneers were not realized, Florida has always held the rank of a respectable and enterprising village. From this point and vicinity have emanated some of the most prominent business men of North-east Missouri, as well as Mark Twain, a writer of national reputation, and probably the most celebrated humorist ever produced by the United States.
The house in which Mark Twain was born is still standing, and is now used as a printing office by the Monroe County Democrat. It is a one-story frame building, containing two rooms. Mark Twain was born in the north room of this building, according to the best information, furnished by Mrs. John A. Quarles, who is his aunt by marriage.

The first store in the vicinity was kept by Maj. Penn for a man named Roundtree, at Stice's mill, and was in operation there in 1831. He afterwards removed to Florida, and from thence to Paris, where he acted for more than 20 years as county clerk. Since the formation of Florida there has been a great number of men engaged in the mercantile business in the place, with varying success. Prominent among the old merchants were John A. Quarles, R. H. Buchanan, Milton Wilkerson, Presley Wilkerson and Mason Wilkerson. They have all crossed the dark river save Uncle Mace, who still lives in the town,
and engaged in bee culture, a business in which he is quite an expert.
Mr. Wilkerson came to Jefferson township with his father, William Wilkerson, in 1829, from Clark county, Kentucky, and located about four miles from Florida. At the same time came his brothers, William, Presley, Morgan and Milton, and his sister, Mrs. Sally Tally, all of whom are now dead. The first house in Florida was built by Judge Damrell. Jeremiah Upton built the next; both of these were used by them as residences. Among other early merchants were James Bryant, James R. Payne and James Herndon. Dr. Willis was the first resident physician. He was drowned in Salt river whilst on a professional visit. It was supposed at the time, by some persons, that he was killed; this supposition, however, was never verified. His body was found, a few days after he was missing, some distance below the ford where he was drowned. Dr. Win. Proctor and Dr.
Walton were also pioneer physicians. R. H. Buchanan was the first blacksmith. Washington Moberly was the first tailor. Willard Buck, a one-legged man, was the shoemaker. At an early day Anthony Leake operated a carding machine.
The town was incorporated in May, 1883. The first city officers were James L. Pollard, chairman of the board; John D. Poage, clerk; Wr. E. Rosell, marshal.

SECRET ORDERS


Florida Lodge, No. 23, A. F. and A. V. -Is one of the oldest in the State, it having been organized as early Las May, 1852, with the following charter-members: W. N. Tanday, T. J. Chowning, John F. Young, John A. Quarles, P. S. Darnes, Mason Wilkerson, Milton Wilkerson, Jonathan Abby, Alvin Mennifee and B. C. Pollard. The present officers of the lodge are T. Chowning, W. M.; J. W.
Hurd, S. W.; T. Wright, J. W.; J. L. Clark, S. D.; B. F. White, treasurer; Benjamin Utterback, J. D.; R. H. Goodier, secretary; Mason Wilkerson, tyler. The hall is over J. L. Pollard's harness store, and is owned by the lodge. The room is neatly furnished, and everything paid for. The lodge has about 40 members in good standing.
Triple Alliance -Was organized about three years ago and is in a
flourishing condition.

MARK TWAIN LITERARY SOCIETY


This society was named in honor of Mark Twain, who at the date of its organization (in 1880) presented it with $25 in cash, and a copy of each of his books. Thinking a brief biographical sketch of Mark Twain would be read with interest, especially by the people of Florida, we here insert it:
Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) was born in Florida, November 30th, 1835. He attended a common school until ten years of age, when he became an apprentice in the office of the Courier, at Hannibal, Missouri, and afterwards worked at his trade in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and New York. In 1855 he went to New Orleans, intending to take passage for Para to explore the Amazon and to engage in the cacao trade, but the fact that there was no ship
from New Orleans to Para prevented the fulfillment of his plan. On his way down the river he made friends with the pilots and learned to steer the boat, and for the consideration of $500 they engaged to make him a St. Louis and New Orleans pilot. He finally secured a situation as pilot at $250 per month. In 1861 his brother was appointed Secretary of the Territory of Nevada, and Samuel accompanied him as his private secretary. He worked in the mines for about a year. He then shoveled quartz in a silver mill for $10 a week for one week. He became city editor of the Virginia City Enterprise and held the position three years. Part of the time he reported legislative proceedings
from Carson and signed his letters " Mark Twain." The name was a reminiscense of his steamboat days on the Mississippi, where it is the leadman's term to signify a depth of two fathoms of water. From Virginia City he went to San Francisco, and for five months was a reporter for the Morning Call. In 1866 he went to the Hawaiian Islands, remaining six months, when he returned to San Francisco and Nevada and lectured through those States. He went to the East and published "The Jumping Frog and other Sketches."
In 1867 he went to Egypt and the Holy Land and wrote his book entitled ' The Innocents Abroad." He edited a daily paper in Buffalo, and visited England in 1873. In 1872 he published "Roughing It." His residence is at Hartford, Connecticut. Florida and vicinity have been for many years a great resort for picnicers and those who are fond of summer rambles and sylvan sports.
Salt river near by is a beautiful stream of water, and its banks are still covered with native forest trees, whose cooling boughs and shady retreats, are often sought by both the aged and the young. Besides, the river furnishes an abundance of fish which are caught and cooked on the ground and eaten by the merry picnicers. These picnics have been in vogue for eighteen years, the last annual one occurring August 21, 1884.

STOUTSVILLE

Stoutsville is located in the north-western part of Jefferson town-ship,
on section 13, township 55, range 9, on the line of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, and was laid out in 1871. The town was named after Robert P. Stout, a wealthy and influential farmer who resided in that vicinity. He came to Monroe county from Kentucky at an early day and died at the age of about 67 years. His widow gave the railroad company six acres of land, and to express its appreciation of the gift, it named the town as above stated, in honor of her husband. His wife and only child are dead. The first business house in the young town, was erected by Dennis Thompson and used as a grocery store. Perry Kincaid built the next house, which was occupied as a saloon. The first dry goods and general store was opened by Henry Dooley and J. R. Nolen.
Dennis Thompson opened the first drug store, followed soon after by Henry F. Woodson and A. P. Vance. Jethro Hardwick was the pioneer blacksmith. Dr. Hagan was the first physician. The postmasters have been Albert Price, J. R. Nolen and A. G. Dooley--Dooley being the present postmaster. The Old School Baptists erected a church edifice on the town site many years before the town was thought of. It was constructed of logs; the present building is a frame one. The Missionary Baptists built a church in the town about the year 1876. The town possesses a public school, telegraph land express office; two daily mails by railroad, and one mail, daily, to Florida by hack, seven miles distant.
The business houses are 3 dry goods and general stores; 2 drug stores; 3 blacksmith shops ; 1 saw and grist mill; 1 livery stable; 2 hotels and 2 physicians. J. E. Sinelser is the depot agent. One mile north-west of Stoutsville is located the extensive pottery works of J. W. Conrad, which were opened about six years ago. Among the large farmers who reside in the vicinity of Stoutsville are Judge Henry Dooley, H. J. Clapper, H. J. Priest and Martin J. Clark. The shipments from the depot during the past twelve months, beginning
with August 1, 1883, have been as follows: Live stock, 80 cars; wood, 115; lumber, 15; wheat, 8; oats, 8; and stoneware, 10 cars.

INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP

Indian Creek embraces an area of 26 square miles, and is the smallest municipal division in the county. It is situated in the north-eastern part of the
county, and is separated from Marion county by a strip of territory three
miles in width and forming a part of Monroe township. It is also separated from Rails county by a portion of territory from two to three miles in width. The North fork of Salt river, flows through the southern portion of the township; there are two or three other small streams, tributaries of the North and Middle forks of Salt river, which afford stock water the greater part of the year; among these is Shell's branch. About four miles of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad passes through the western portion of the township. The land in this township is nearly all prairie, and is well adapted to agriculture. The south-eastern portion of the township contains a section of the country called the Barrens. School-houses are numerous, there being no less than six in the township. These are located on sections 23, 10, 20, 8, 5 and 6.

The Old School Baptist Church above named, is the oldest religious denomination in the township; the first house was erected prior to 1840. Hiram Thompson, Wm. Wilkerson, W. J. Henderson, Job Dooley and Underwood Dooley were among the constituent members.


EARLY SETTLERS


Matthew W. Carswell, Andrew Arnett, Henry Bramblett, Zarby Pariss, Sarah Pariss, Lewis Scobee, Martin J. Lyle, John Dale, John D. Green, Anna L. Lawrence, Richard Miller, Richard Miles, John Taylor and William K. Brooks were among the first to settle in this township.

ELIZABETHTOWN

This little village is located on Indian creek, six miles southwest of Monroe City, and is 17 miles north-east of Paris. The population is about 350; two dry goods houses, two drug houses, three groceries, two blacksmith shops, one good hotel, one very fine house, and the finest church in the county, Catholic. Its dimensions are 100x50, and will comfortably seat a congregation of 800 persons. Its spire is 110 feet high. The town was laid out in 1835 by a Mr. Swinkey, and for some time bore this name. Mr. Swinkey's wife was named Elizabeth, and the town was finally named in honor of her. Prof. Hagan is principal of the school, which numbers 75 pupils. The voting population of the precinct is 160, and 154 of that number are Democrats. Thomas Yates and Dick Miles are the two oldest settlers in this part of the county. Mr. Miles is in his eighty-first year, and Mr. Yates is 73, and both are stout and hearty and bid fair to live 20 years longer.


CLAPPER

Clapper station is located on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, eight miles from Monroe City and fourteen from Paris, and is pleasantly situated on a beautiful prairie, surrounded on the south and west by the Salt river timber, and on the east and north by the fine young timber of Indian creek. The view is one of surpassing beauty, the prairie gently undulating, dotted here and there with orchards and ornamental groves, from which cosy farm-houses and barns appear in the foreground, all showing signs of thrift and the industry of the farming community. There are several large stock farms in the vicinity. Among these are the farms of Thomas Tewell, who has as good stock as can be found in the State; also the Buckman brothers, who are raising fine stock by the quantity, and running the largest and best stock farm in the county. J. H. Jett, who owns a fine farm one mile from the station, is the stocks dealer for this place, and has within the last three years shipped 100 car loads of stock.
Among the fine farms lying contiguous may be named those of  John H. Clapper, who has recently erected one of the largest and most commodious houses in this part of the county, and that of Col. William M. Priest, who owns one of the best improved farms in the county, and for fertility the soil on his farm is unsurpassed. But space forbids giving a complete description of all the farms near by. Suffice it to say, there is no place that offers better inducements to the tiller of the soil than do the fine lands lying in the immediate vicinity of Clapper station. Clapper station took its name from Mr. Henry Clapper, who was largely instrumental in getting the railroad built through this section, and out of respect, and appreciating his services, the citizens called the station by his name. (Mr. Clapper has since died.) The population is about 100; two stores, a blacksmith and wagon shop, all of which are doing a good business.