Adair County Missouri Settlements

Adair County is bounded on the north by Putnam and Schuyler Counties, on the south by Macon County, on the west by Sullivan County, and on the east by Knox County and part of Mount Pleasant Township of Scotland County.

The north line of the county extends to within eighteen miles of the Iowa border, while the south line is 135 miles north of the Arkansas boundary. The eastern line is about forty-four miles distant from the Mississippi and the western line is 140 miles distant from the Missouri River. The total area is 567 square miles, or 362,880 acres. ^[1]p. 203

The settlement of the Iowa and Missouri boundary question came up in 1835. The Iowa people established a line, which they believed to be the just south line of their young State. Missouri defined her northern boundary to be the parallel running through the rapids in the Mississippi, above the mouth of the Des Moines River, and insisted on running their line west from a point just below Keasaqua about ten miles north of the true line. ^[2]Considerable activity developed, each State claiming jurisdiction.

Sheriffs levied on the personal effects of a few. When the tocsin was sounded the Missouri officials were arrested, and 1,200 men of Iowa stood armed to defend their State; Governor Boggs, of Missouri, called out the State Militia, and very little provocation was necessary to precipitate war. Under such circumstances Generals Dodge and Churchman, with Dr. Clark were dispatched to the State House of Missouri with a message of peace. On arriving there they found that Governor Boggs had sent messengers to the Governor of Iowa, and that the commissioners of Macon and Clark Counties had called back their dogs of war and tax collectors. A suit was instituted under authority given by Congress, which resulted in favor of Iowa. ^[3]Adair County, pp. 203, 234, 235.

For an explanation of the boundary line the reader is invited to consult: A Directory of Mercer County, by Moser.

The first settlement of Adair County was made in 1828 by James Myers, Isaac and Stephen Gross, Nathan Richardson, Reuben Myrtle and a single man named Gupp…. ^[4]Adair County, p. 235.

The first settlement in the county was that known as “The Cabins,” in 1828. The location was west of “Long Point,” where Kirksville now stands, on the Grand Chariton, and the inhabitants were James Myers, Nathan Richardson, Isac Gross, Stephen Gross, Reuben Myrtle and Jacob Gupp. ^[5]p. 250.

Adair in Macon County, 1837 – 41. In Vol. A, County Court Records of Macon County, there are many references to the early organic history of what is now Adair and Schuyler Counties.

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In 1823 the territory now known as Adair County was unknown to the white settlers of Missouri, and unexplored save by the Indians and trappers. The United States’ charts of the territory did not show a stream existing, and for some years the traveler up and down the Mississippi would look west ward and consider it an immense marsh, while the traveler on the Missouri River would look east ward and form a similar opinion. The Indians and trappers did not once venture to refute such erroneous ideas.

The counties of Ralla, Chariton and Ray, then comprised all Northern Missouri. That portion of the present Adair County in Range 13 was included in Ralls, the other ranges, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in Chariton County. County after county was organized; Howard being the principal rendezvous, and the one from which came the pioneers of Adair County. Macon County was ultimately organized and of it Adair formed a part until 1841.

The act setting off from Macon County the townships in Ranges 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 west extending to the Iowa boundary from the south line of Township 61 North, took effect January 26, 1841. Jefferson Collins, L.B. Mitchell and Thomas Farrell were appointed county seat commissioners, and they selected the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 9, Township 62 North, Range 15 West, as the most central portion for the seat of justice.

The original townships of Adair County were: Benton, Richland, Wilson, Goshen (or Gocean)), Wells, and Fabbe (Fabius)). Morrow was named in honor of her first constable, Jesse Morrow. Lewis (Conner)) Connor, was justice of the peace for Benton Township in 1843. In 1842, John T. Wright, George Tharp, Joseph Stewart and William Roberts were in Goshen Township; Seaman Atteberry was then a resident of Fabbe (Fabius)) Township. Pettice (Pettis)) Township was in existence in February, 1844. Thomas S. Wright, the first justice of the peace for Morrow Township, resigned in November, 1843. The remaining townships were set off and organized under authority of the county court.

The second court-house was burned April 12, 1865. The records of the county clerk’s office, with the exception of the assessment book of 1859 and a few documents of little use to any one, the circuit clerk’s more important record book and documents were saved. ^[6]Adair County, pp. 256, 257.

The post-offices in Adair County in 1887-88 were Adair, Bullion, Danforth, Lindesville, Loeffler, Millard, Nind (a new post-office with Postmaster Hoag in charge)), Novinger, Prairie Bird, Shibley’s Point, Sperry, Stahl, Sublette, Wilmathsville, Wilson, Zig and Pure Air. ^[7]Adair County, 338.

Adair County was a township of Macon County. ^[8]Adair County, p. 292.

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Post-Offices

The distance from the county seat to the post-offices stations of Adair County are as follows: Brashears, 12 miles east; Millard 7 1/2 miles south, Ninevah, 8 miles northwest; Sublette, 7 miles north; Sloan’s Point, 6 miles west; Troy Mills, 4 miles south; Wilamathsville, 13 miles northeast; Wilson, 16 miles southeast; Shibley’s Point, 18 miles southwest; Floyd Creek, 8 miles northeast; Linderville, 22 miles southwest; Zigg, 10 miles southeast; Inda, 8 miles west, was a postal office in 1876; so was Sand Creek, in the southwest, and Prairie Bird, 8 miles southeast. The new or reestablished post-offices were Adair, Bullion, Danforth, Nind, Novinger, Prairie Bird, Sperry, Stahl and Loeffler. ^[9]Adair County, p. 324.

Places in Adair County

Adair

The village of Adair is fifteen miles distant from Kirksville, nine miles north of Brashear and 203 miles northwest of St. Louis. The population in 1880 was 90. Adair was surveyed and platted by Thomas J. Dockery, for Michael C. & Mary E. Cody, in April, 1879. The business circle in 1888 composed Dr. J.M. Moran, druggist and physician, Clark Brothers, merchants, James Gillespie, general merchant; Poncelot & Co. saw mill…The post-office was in charge of D.W. Clark. The mail connection with Brashear was semi weekly. ^[10]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, p. 371.

It is situated on Sec. 20, Twp. 63 N, R. 13 W on Highway 11 west of Knox County line. ^[11]General Highway Map of Adair County, issued 4-1-66 by the State Highway Department of Missouri. Unless otherwise noted all map locations are from this map.

The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[12]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, p. 3.

Mail now via Brashear; population 25. ^[13]Standard Reference Guide of Missouri, 1974, Rand McNally.

Beatyville

Beatyville was situated on Sec. 3 & 4, Twp. 63 N, R. 15 W in Polk Township. ^[14]New Atlas of Missouri, 1874, Campbell, Map 14.

Brashear’s Town

Elevation 870 feet)

The settlement of Brashears dates back to the fall of 1841, when William G. Brashear and his wife Rosa (Wood)) Brashears settled near the site of the village of 1872…There was not a store at Kirksville or Edina, and very few log cabins on the route from Kirksville to Edina…

In December, 1865, the first effort was made to secure a post-office in the Salt River District, near the Brashear farm. Brashear was surveyed and platted, by N. Wilson, for Richard M. Brashear, in 1872, and the record of survey filed December 26, of that year. The location is on the northwest quarter of Section 26, Township 62, Range 13…

Among the first business buildings were Elliott & Paul’s hay press, Kellar & Hill’s saw and grist mill, McCrary & Brothers and Barnhorst & Cornell, dry goods; a blacksmith shop, drug store, United Brethren Church, and a railroad depot with Agent Kerr in charge. ^[15]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, pp. 363, 364.

Brashears

(Paullville)

It is twelve miles east of Kirksville, on the Q. M. & P. R. R. and was laid out in 1872 by Richard Brashears, in honor of whom it is named. It contained about 6 stores, a saw and grist-mill, a grain warehouse, hay press, school-house, and church — United Brethren. It is about 2 miles southeast of the old site of Paullville, which has principally moved to Brashears … Population about 200 (1874)).
It is situated on Sec. 21, Twp. 62 N, R. 13 W in Salt River Township. ^[16]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

It is on Highway 6 west of Knox County line.

See also: Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, 1901, Conard, Vol. 1, 357.

Bullion

Bullion was situated on Sec. 17, Twp. 62 N, R. 14 W on the Burlington R. R. north of 6 on F.
The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[17]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, p. 3.

“Cabins of White Folks”

As near as tradition can fix, the date of the first settlement is 1828, when a number of whites settled near the present site of Kirksville, and the little colony became known to the Indians as the “Cabins of the White Folks”. There is little known of the members of this colony, whence they came or whither they went. It is generally thought that they came from Kentucky… (Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, 1901, Conard, Vol. 1, 6.))

A settlement known to the older portions of Howard and Randolph County as the “Cabins of White Folks”, was made near the present site of Kirksville in 1828. The little colony had been established about a year, when they were visited by a considerable body of the Iowa Indians, who insulted the women and committed many depredations. The pioneers becoming alarmed, dispatched messengers to Randolph County for aid. The messengers reached the house of Wm. Blackwell on the night of July 24, 1839, and before many hours the news of the attack had spread through the settlement and by the next evening a company under command of Mr. Trammell marched to the “Grand Narrows” now in Macon County, so called from a peculiar opening in the timber bordering the prairie. Here they camped for the night, and the next day marched to the “Cabins”, a distance of 44 miles. At a council on the morning of the 27th, they determined to order the Indians to leave. They marched ten miles, and formed a line in the rear of the Indian encampment and called for an interpreter. As the Indians appeared, a Mr. Myer, who lived at the “Cabins”, recognized an Indian who had insulted his wife and shot him dead.

A small Indian War then broke out, and the Indians were rapidly driven north of the State boundary. This comparatively small affair was one of the incidents leading to the Black Hawk War. ^[18]Campbell’s Gazetteer of Missouri, 1874, 33, 34.

Clay

Clay is situated on Sec. 33, Twp. 73 N, R. 14 W on Highway 22 east of Kirksville.

Mail via Kirksville; no population. ^[19]Rand McNally, 1974.

Connellsville

It is situated in the northwest section of the county nine and one-half miles south of Schuyler County line. ^[20]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

It is situated on Sec. 9, Twp. 63 N, R. 16 W on 149 north of Novinger.

Mail via Novinger (disincorporated in 1950)). ^[21]Rand McNally, 1974.

Crawfordsville

Crawfordsville was platted by Thomas J. Docking, for Allen Crawford, July 1, 1880. The location on the southest quarter of Sec. 5, Twp. 63, Range 17, northeast of the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad, shows Main Street and Oaks Avenue running northeast; North, Green and Garfield Streets intersecting. ^[22]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 373.

This area is west of Stahl and east of Sullivan County line. It is no longer listed in Adair County; Crawford is listed in Scotland County. ^[23]Rand McNally, 1974.

Danforth

Danforth was platted by Surveyor Dockery, November 7, 1869, for George and Elizabeth Shott on the southeast quarter of Section 19, Township 63, Range 16 …

This was one of the modern post-office towns of the county. ^[24]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, pp. 372, 373.

It was on O northwest of Novinger.

The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[25]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, for the use of Railway Mail Clerks, 3.

Dart

Dart was on the south edge of the county, near Macon County. ^[26]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

Domey’s Mill

Domey’s Mill was situated on Sec. 15, Twp. 61 N, R. 16 W in Pettis Township on Chariton River. ^[27]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

This area is south of Yarrow ^[28]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14..

Floyd Creek

Floyd Creek post-office was moved to the house of Edgar Tiffany in September, 1869, and became known as Summit post-office. ^[29]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, p. 374.

It was situated on Sec. 13, Twp. 73 N, R. 15 W in Polk Township. ^[30]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

Floyd’s Creek

Floyds Creek was situated on Sec. 8, Twp. 63 N, R. 14 W in Clay Township. ^[31]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

Fort Clark

Fort Clark was built on land settled by John Cain of Kentucky. It was located about five miles northeast of Kirksville. ^[32]Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, 1901, Conard, Vol. 1, 6.

Fort Matson

After a careful examination of the county, Capt. Matson selected the site of his fort in the northern part of what is now Polk Township, Adair County. Its exact location, as nearly as can now be described, was about eight miles east of the Chariton on the north side of Salt River, one-fourth of a mile from the stream (southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 36, Township 64, Range 13 west)), where there was in 1888 a local cemetery … In honor of the gallant captain, his fortification was named Fort Matson. It was built as a protection against the Indians during the Black Hawk War. Fort Matson consisted of a blockhouse enclosed by a strong palisade.

On the 15th of July, 1832, General Gentry…arrived at Fort Pike (Clark County)) and came on to Fort Matson. Finding that the rumors of war and invasion were without foundation, General Gentry ordered the work on Fort Matson to be abandoned, the fort itself to be evacuated. ^[33]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 300, 301.

Fegley

Fegley was located in the northwest section of the county on R. F. D. from Kirksville. ^[34]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317. It was east of Stahl. ^[35]Map of Missouri, 1911, Rand McNally.

Gibbs

Elevation 910 feet

Gibbs is an incorporated town, sixteen miles southeast of Kirksville. It had a graded school, a church, bank, and about a dozen other business places including a hotel, general store, and other businesses. Population in 1899 (estimated)) 200. ^[36]Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, 1901, Conard, Vol. 3, 50.

It is situated on Sec. 12, Twp. 61 N, R. 14 W on Highway V and the Santa Fe Railway.

There is a Gibbs in St. Charles County; no population. ^[37]Rand, McNally, 1974.

Greentop

The village of Greentop was incorporated in 1867, and the first board of trustees elected, viz: W. H. Gallin, president; G. P. Glass, secretary; Jacob Whitmer and George Laner. ^[38]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 374.

Greentop is now in Schuyler County. ^[39]Rand McNally, 1974.

Hilberton

Hilberton was located in the northwest corner of the county near Schuyler County line, on the Iowa & St. Louis R. R. ^[40]Map of Missouri, 1911, Rand McNally.

The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[41]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, for the use of Railway Mail Clerks, p. 3.

Jasmine

It was located on the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific R. R. west of Stahl. ^[42]Map of Missouri, 1894, Rand McNally

Kirksville

Elevation 965 feet

Kirksville dates back as a village only to 1857, although its site was selected as the seat of justice for the new county of Adair in 1841 . . . Kirksville in 1888 contrasted strongly with Long Point of 1830-40, or The Cabins of 1841.

It is generally conceded that James Kirk was the first postmaster here but there is no record at hand to show his appointment.

In 1865, A. Morris was postmaster under Johnson’s administration. He was accustomed to carry the letters in his cap, and distribute them to the neighbors to whom they were addressed. ^[43]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 337.

Kirksville, the county seat, is ten miles distant from the north line, eleven miles from the south line, twelve and one-half miles from the east line, and fourteen and one-half miles from the west line of the county, the courthouse forming the center. ^[44]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 263.

It is situated on Sec. 33, Twp. 63 N, and Secs. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17 , Twp. 62 N, R. 15 W at the junction of P, 63, 6 & D.

Lindersville

Lindersville was a post-office eleven miles southwest of Kirksville. ^[45]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, 38.

The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[46]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, for the use of Railway Mail Clerks, p. 3.

It was situated on Sec. 9, Twp. 61 N, R. 16 W in Walnut Township. ^[47]Campbell’s New Atlas of Missouri, 1874, Campbell, Map 14.

This area is north of Yarrow.

Loeffler

It was located in the southwest corner of the county on Sullivan County line. ^[48]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

Long Point

In 1840, and as late as 1841, Long Point was the name given the location of the present city of Kirksville. ^[49]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 252.
Lower Iowa Village

Lower Iowa Village was on Grand River near the Big Rock Heap on the Grand Chariton River. ^[50]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 229.

Midland

Midland was located on Sec. 8, Twp. 62 N, R. 16 W at the junction of DD & K.

Also, there was a Midland in Crawford County. ^[51]Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, 1901, Conard, Vol. 4, 376.

Millard

This little thriving village of Belle Prairie is eight miles south of the county seat on the line of the North Missouri Rail Road. Millard was surveyed and platted by N. Wilson for S. F. and Maggie A. Miller, in May, 1872. The location is on the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Sec. 11, Twp. 61, Range 13 (Pettis Township)).

In 1876 the population was eighty. James Long, Jacob Lantz, and James Allen were general merchants; James Simes, H. V. Mullen and O. Stone, blacksmiths; D. H. Matthews, physician and R. Collet railroad agent. ^[52]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 367.

Millard, on the St. L. K. C. & N. R. W., 7 miles south of Kirksville contained a warehouse, 3 stores, a school house, church, etc. Population about 100. ^[53] Campbell, 38.

It is situated at the junction of Z & KK at the Kirksville Municipal Airport.

Mail via Kirksville; population 120. ^[54]Rand McNally, 1974.

Nefy

Nefy was five miles south of Pure Air. ^[55]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.
New Baden

New Baden was surveyed by Thomas J. Dockery, November 25, 1881, for George and Ann Shaw, in the center of Sec. 12, Twp. 62, Range 17 extending south and east. Baden Spring is shown near the east. ^[56]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 373.

Only a cemetery is shown at this section which is at the end of DD west of Midland.

Nind

Nind is located in the southwest section of the county four and three-quarters miles southwest of Lindersville. ^[57]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

It is situated on Sec. 24, Twp. 61 N, R. 17 W on 144 south of 11.

Mail via Kirksville; population 25. ^[58]Rand McNally, 1974.

Ninevah

In 1850 a settlement of Germans generally known as the German Colony of Ninevah, located on the Chariton River, in what is now the township of Nineveh. This community was largely formed from citizens of Pennsylvania and Ohio, who, in 1845, chartered a boat on the Ohio River, bringing with them their belongings and livestock. Their first settlement was made in Shelby County, Missouri, at Bethel, five miles north of the town of Shelbyville.

In the winter of 1849-50, a branch settlement was made as above stated. They purchased a tract of land consisting of several hundred acres, and laid out the town of Nineveh. Among the branches of business represented were a tannery, a large steam flouring and saw mill, shoe shops, blacksmithing and wagon shops, and a large store, the common property of the community…

In 1876, the village contained thirty persons. J. F. Gall carried on a general store, the Shoop brothers operated a mill, Dr. Bond was the physician. The post-office was discontinued some years ago (from 1888)). ^[59]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 369, 370. ^[60]See, also, Campbell, 38.

It was situated on Sec. 9, Twp. 63 N, R. 16 W in Ninevah Twp. ^[61]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

This area is near or adjacent to Connellville.

Novinger

Elevation 765 feet

Novinger is located northwest of Kirksville, on Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City R. R. ^[62]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

It is situated on Secs. 2, 8, 29, Twp. 63 N, R. 16 W at the junction of 6, 149 & K.

Old Indian Village

Old Indian Village was located on Sec. 34, Twp. 61 N, R. 16 W in Pettis Township. ^[63]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

Paulville

It is situated on Sec. 21, Twp. 62 N, R. 13 W in Salt River Township. ^[64]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14; see Brashears.

Prairie Bird

Prairie Bird was a post-office ten miles southeast of Kirksville. ^[65]Campbell, 38.

Pure Air

Pure Air is situated on Sec. 23, Twp. 62 H, R. 17 W on 149 east of BB, in the western part of the county, west of Midland.

The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[66]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, for the use of Railway Mail Clerks, p. 3.

Mail via Novinger; population 25. ^[67]Rand McNally, 1974.

Ringo’s Point

Ringo’s Point, called so in honor of William Ringo, one of the pioneers of 1841, was eighteen miles west of Kirksville. In 1876 the population was twenty-five. At that time J. L. Zeigler was the general merchant, and Dr. J. B. Weaver the physician. Green Castle, seven miles distant, was the shipping point. Here Novinger and Snyder’s store replaced that of Zeigler’s. Dr. Weaver still held his position; James Siders became the village blacksmith, and Hiram Snyder was the first auctioneer. Like all old time settlements Ringo’s Point may be said to have had church and school before there was a house built at Kirksville. ^[68]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 373, 374; Campbell, 35.

Shibley’s Point

Shibley’s Point is a name given to the location settled by the Shibley family in the early days of Adair. Here in 1876, S. F. Stahl was general merchant and postmaster; Husted was the village blacksmith, and Pierce and Miller were the physicians of the district. The school and school teacher made up the community. The settlement is seventeen miles northwest of the county seat, three miles northeast of the new town of Stahl, and 224 miles northwest of St. Louis, with a population of fifty…. ^[69]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 373; Campbell, 38.

It is situated on Sec. 25, Twp. 64 N, R. 17 W on U west of 149.

Mail via Novinger; population 20. ^[70]Rand McNally, 1974.

Sloan’s Point

Sloan’s Point, six miles west of Kirksville, on the Chariton River over which there was a good bridge, had one store and two saw and grist-mills. ^[71]Campbell, 38.

It was situated on Sec. 15, Twp. 62 N, R. 16 W in Liberty Township. ^[72]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

This area is near Youngstown.

Sperry

Sperry is located in the northeast section of the county on R. F. D. from Kirksville. ^[73]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

It is situated on Sec. 7, Twp. 63 N, R. 14 W on T east of 63.

Mail via Kirksville; no population. ^[74]Rand McNally, 1974.

Stahl

Stahl City was platted by Surveyor Dockery in June, 1882, for Solomon F. and Sarah Stahl on the northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 63, Range 12…A post-office was established there in 1884 with S. J. Scobee in charge. The business circle comprised Scobee & Brownell, and Morris & McClure, druggists and groceries; Novinger & Frankford, steam saw-mill, proprietors; and P. M. Boston, blacksmith. The little town is fourteen miles northwest of Kirksville, on the Q. O. & K. C. R. R. Population was 45. ^[75]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 372.

It is situated on Sec. 3, Twp. 63 N, R. 17 W on O south of V.

Mail via Novinger; no population. ^[76]Rand McNally, 1974.

Sublett

This – – – little village, eight miles north of Kirksville and 214 miles north of St. Louis, claimed a population of seventy in 1880. The town of Sublett was platted in 1869, on the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 34, Township 64, Range 15, Polk Township, for P. J. and Sarah R. Sublett, and the plat acknowledged by them July 26, 1869…

In 1875-76 the business circle comprised Clark & Norton, general merchants; J. J. Clark, notary, depot agent and agent for Link & Blackman, grain and livestock dealers; W. H. Dunham, agent for Neal & Wilson, as well as others. ^[77]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed 368, 369; Campbell, 38.

It is situated on Highway 63 south of Schuyler County line.

Mail via Greentop, Schuyler County; population 25. ^[78]Rand McNally, 1974.

Summit Post Office

See Floyd Creek post-office.

There is a Summit in Washington County; Summit City in Ozark County. ^[79]Rand McNally, 1974.

Trinity

It was near Schuyler County line, on R. F. D from Wilmathsville. ^[80]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.

The post-office was discontinued pre-1905. ^[81]General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, for the use of Railway Mail Clerks, p. 3.

Troy Mills

Troy Mills, on the St. L. K. C. & N. R. W., four miles south of Kirksville, was the site of a large woolen mill. ^[82]Campbell, 38.
[11]

It was situated on Sec. 29, Twp. 61 N, R. 15 W in Benton Township. ^[83]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

This area is on HH west of 3.

There is a Troy in Lincoln County. ^[84]Rand McNally, 1974.

Waltersville

It was situated on Sec. 13, 15, Twp. 63 N, R. 17 W in Morrow Twp. ^[85]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

This area is near Turkey Creek north of 149.

Wilmathsville

This village was known as “the town of Wilmathsville” as early as 1836, when it was surveyed and platted for W. B. Reynolds. The village is in Clay Township, eighteen miles northeast of Kirksville, and nine miles southeast of Green Top, its shipping point.

Wilmathsville, as seen in the winter of 1868-1869, possessed one grist mill, one saw mill, one store, one tavern, one nursery, one blacksmith shop, one doctor, one plasterer, and one hotel called the Nickleson House.

In 1876 the population was set down as eighty persons… ^[86]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 370, 371; Campbell, 38.

It is situated on Sec. 25, Twp. 64 N, R. 14 W in Clay Township on A west of Scotland County line.

Mail via Greentop, Schuyler County; population 30. ^[87]Rand McNally, 1974.

Wilson Town

This village in the township of that name, is sixteen miles southeast of Kirksville, and six miles south of Brashear, its shipping point…In 1876 it had a population of 35; in 1888 the population was 41. In 1876, Mr. Barnhart was hotel proprietor; George Clemison, general storekeeper; Dr. Ellison was the physician. In 1888 J. B. Moncrief was blacksmith; Newton Brothers general merchants; J. A. Pulliam, physician; William Newton, postmaster. ^[88]History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed, 373.

Wilson, sixteen miles southeast of Kirksville, contained two stores, a school house, etc. population, about 30. ^[89]Campbell, 38.

It is situated on Sec. 7, 19, & 29, Twp. 61, Ranges 13 & 24 at the junction of V & E.

Mail via La Plata; no population. ^[90]Rand McNally, 1974.

Yarrow

Yarrow is situated on Sec. 15, Twp. 61 N, R. 16 W on N west of Spring Lake.

Mail via Kirksville; population 25. ^[91]Rand McNally, 1974.

Youngstown

Youngstown is located in the central section of the county seven and one-half miles southwest of Kirksville. ^[92]The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams, p. 317.
It is situated on Sec. 15, Twp. 62 N, R. 16 W east of K near Thousand Hills State Park.

Mail via Novinger; population 25. ^[93]Rand McNally, 1974.

Zig

Zig was a post-office thirteen miles southwest of Kirksville. ^[94]Campbell, 38.

It was situated on Sec. 36, Twp. 62 N, R. 17 W in Liberty Township. ^[95]New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874, Map 14.

Miscellaneous Settlements

Coffee’s Store in 1842, and Ely’s Mill built about that time were important points in pioneer times; also the wagon ford on the Chariton, the Mormon Trail, and the Goshen Road were known in 1841-42.

Hargraves Mill, on the Grand Chariton, was built in 1842.

Myers Mill, on Shoal Creek, was in Cochrane Township (?)) in July, 1843; James Cochrane, Sr., lived in that township.

In September, 1869, Dr. A.H. John completed a saw and grist-mill on the site of Dumies old mill.

The Buckhorn Woolen Mill near Sharr’s Mill, on the Chariton, was operated in 1868 by Pannabaker & Company.

The Troy Wollen Mills, four miles south of Kirksville, were operated in 1868 by Coldwell & Hall.

The Linder Brothers began Clem’s Mill, but before it was completed sold out to Clem.

At Sperry, on Sec. 2, Twp. 63, R. 14, D. E. Williamson’s stock, valued at $1,200 was subjected to a direct tax of $18.00 in 1887.

At Pure Air, on Sec. 14, Twp. 62, R. 17, T. W. Dixon’s stock, valued at $700 in 1886-87, was taxed $10.15.

At Novinger, on Sec. 3, Twp. 63, R. 16, the stock of J. H. Novinger was assessed $1200 and that of Sarah C. Kinyon, $350, on which a direct tax of $26.36 was levied. ^[96]Adair County, p. 374.

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Bibliography

In compiling this Directory of Towns, Villages and Hamlets Past and Present, of Adair County, Missouri, an effort has been made to include every known community.

• Campbell’s Gazetteer of Missouri, 1874.
• New Atlas of Missouri, Campbell, 1874.
• History of Adair County, 1888, Goodspeed.
• Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri, 1901, Conard.
• The State of Missouri in 1904, Walter Williams.
• General Scheme of Missouri, 1905, Taft, for the use of Railway Mail Clerks.
• Several maps as indicated.