The Source is: P.M. Pinckard, The Missouri
handbook, St. Louis, 1865, 162 pgs.
Transcribed by Donna Walton
DESCRIPTION OF MISSOURI COUNTIES
ADAIR COUNTY
This county is situated in the North-Western portion of the State, and has an
area of about 630 square miles. The county embraces a desirable division of the
prairie and timberland. The prairies extend through the county in a north and
south direction, upon a "divide" between Charition and Salt Rivers. These
streams and their tributaries are well timbered. Bituminous coal, and limestone
and sandstone for building purposes are abundant. The soils are fertile and well
adapted to all purposes of the farmer or stock grower.
When the North Missouri is completed, as it will be at no very distant day, it
will give the farmers and manufacturers a ready market at their very doors, and
we anticipate a rapid growth in wealth and importance, of every county along its
line.
ANDREW COUNTY
Is bounded on the west by the Missouri and Nodaway rivers, on the south by
Buchanan, and separated from the Iowa line by Nodaway County. The land is
fertile and rolling-more timber than prairie. The average product of farms, is
of hemp, 600 to 1000 lbs. Per acre; corn 100 bushels; wheat 40; oats 30;
buckwheat 50; potatoes, onions and beets, immense crops; grapes flourish finely,
producing 600-800 gallons of wine to the acre; good yields of all kinds of
grasses, and most varieties of fruit. Unimproved land is held at from $2 to $6
per acre, and improved farms at from $15 to $50-in rare instances property can
be purchased at lower figures. Water power has been improved, and is in use on
the One-hundred and Two, the Platte and Nodaway.
Savannah, the county seat, is five miles from the Missouri rivers, and twelve
miles from St. Joseph.
ATCHINSON COUNTY
Is situated in the extreme north-western part of the State. This is a new
county-first settled in 1840, and in 1860 had 4663 inhabitants. About one-half
of the county is level and undulating, and the other half somewhat
broken-commonly calling "rolling" land. The soil is fertile and well adapted to
farming and grazing purposes. Corn, wheat, oats, hemp, and tobacco, are the
principal products. Farmers and mechanics are greatly needed, land is cheap,
good water power, unimproved upon the Nishnabotana, Tarkeo, and Rock Creek.
Facilities for reaching market are offered by the Missouri River, which washes
the western border of the county, and the St.Joseph and Council Bluffs' railroad
in course of construction, which will traverse the county. See statistical
tables for population, amount of unentered land, &c.
AUDRAIN COUNTY
Is situated north from the center of the State, and embraces an area of 680
square miles. The face of the country is generally rich, undulating prairie,
interspersed with timer-about three-fourths being prairie. Being on the high
lands, or "divide" between the Mississippi and the Missouri, the climate is
healthy, and the numerous streams running north, south and eat, furnish a good
supply of water. The soil is well adapted to the growth of grasses of all kinds,
oats and corn-hence favorable for stock-growing. All kinds of grain, grasses
fruit and vegetables raised here, and farmers will find excellent land,
favorably located, at low prices, and a good demand for all kinds of produce.
The county is traversed by the North Missouri railroad, affording good
facilities for reaching market. Manufactories of woolen good, farming utensils,
carriages, wagons, &c., could be established at Mexico, the county seat,
profitably. The country trade from Mexico extends 25 miles in every direction.
BARRY COUNTY
This county is situated in the south-west corner of the State. The land is
generally undulating and fertile, with a good division of prairie and timber.
Great inducements are here offered to those wishing to engage in farming,
mining, manufacturing or stock raising. There are few counties in the State
where each of the above branches of industry can be prosecuted more
successfully. All kinds of grain, fruit, and vegetables do well and return an
abundant yield. The great drawback to this section is the want of an outlet to
market, but the day is not very distant, when the south-western branch of the
Pacific railroad will be completed. The northern part of the county is well
supplied with good building material, and lead ore in considerable quantities
have been found. Mines opened in town, 25, range 25, with success.
BARTON COUNTY
Is situated on the western boundary of the State. It is generally high table
lands, level enough for agricultural purposes, but well drained. The land is
principally prairie, interspersed with extensive groves of timber, consisting of
linn, hickory, oak, locust, walnut, sycamore, cedar, cottonwood and elm, of
which there will be sufficient for all practical purposes. The gravelly ridges
are admirably adapted to fruit culture. Coal is abundant in many parts of the
county, and several beds have been opened and worked with success. Limestone and
sandstone, clays and sands for building are very abundant. The county is in a
prosperous condition, and presents great inducements to stock growers.
BATES COUNTY
Is on the western boundary of the State, near the middle on a north and south
line. The territory now embraced within this county was first settled by
Missionaries sent out by the American Board of Foreign Missions in 1818, and
"Harmony Mission" where their school and church was located, is shown upon many
of the older maps.
(For a full history of the operations of this mission, see
"Missouri As It Is," in 1865, page 184).
Bates County is situated upon the dividing ground between the waters of Grand
River on the north, and Marias des Cigne on the south. The prairies are high,
rich and rolling; the only poor land in the county being that upon the high
limestone ridges, which are covered with timber. In the North-west portion of
the county, the prairies are large. The bottoms along the larger streams are
well timbered. Springs are abundant, indications of load and iron. Lands can be
purchased here on very reasonable terms.
BENTON COUNTY
Is situated in the west central part of the State. The general character of the
country is broken; about one-fourth being undulating prairie, (the north
portion,) the remainder rough timberland. There are some excellent bottom lands
in the central part under a good state of cultivation. The streams, (shown upon
the map) are cold, clear, rapid, and generally gravelly bottomed, and in many
places the towering cliffs that overhang the streams, crowned by cedars hanging
from fissures in the rocks, render the scenery truly grand. Excellent water
power unimproved-a capital opening for saw or grist mills. The Osage river is
navigable as high as Manoa, a new town twenty miles from the western boundary
line of the State. Warsaw, the county seat, is the principal shipping point for
this county. The S.W. Branch Pacific R.R. will pass through the adjoining county,
north. The crops usually raised are corn, wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, &c. Mules
and horses valued at $50,000 have been annually sold from this county-driven
south. Lead ore is abundant, and mines are already opened. There were last
spring, 110,000 acres of un-entered land in the county.
BOLLINGER COUNTY
Is situated in the south-east part of the State. Was formed in 1850, principally
from Cape Girardeau. The general surface of the county is broken, but the land
is fertile and well timbered. Most kinds of grain and vegetables yield abundant
crops. Beds of iron ore exist in the county, but have not to the present time
been worked. Immense beds of Kaolin, so highly prized in Europe, for the
manufacture of porcelain or iron-stone, china-ware, are found in this county.
Also, pipe or ball clay, and extensive deposits of the best quality of fire
clay, for the manufacture of fire bricks or "glass pots". Some of the later has
been subjected to 140 degrees Fahrenheit without affecting it in the least. The
proper material for glazing porcelain ware is also abundant. The county seat,
Dallas, is but 25 miles from the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau. The
railroad from Ironton to Cape Girardeau is projected through the county. Here is
a splendid opening for capitalists to establish porcelain or glass ware
manufactories.
BOONE COUNTY
Is situated near the center of the State, and the territory now embraced in the
county, was first settled in 1815. The northern portion of the county is
generally undulating-the southern portion principally broken. About
three-fourths of the county is timberland, affording an abundant supply for all
practical purposes. The soil is, much of it, of the bluff formation, and from an
analysis made by Dr. Litton for the State Geological Survey, this is shown to be
"the very best soil for wheat and rye in the State", and "well adapted to corn,
tobacco, oats and grasses". In many portions of the county the soil is
peculiarly adapted to fruit culture. This county offers the immigrant a good
variety of soil, an abundance of timber, inexhaustible beds of coal, excellent
schools and good openings for any kind of business. About seven miles from
Columbia is "Connor's cave", the entrance to which is twenty feet wide, and
eight feet high, which is said to have been penetrated several miles.
BUCHANAN COUNTY
Is situated in the west north-west part of the State, bounded on the west by the
Missouri river which separates it from Kansas. This county is principally made
up of undulating-commonly called "rolling prairie" land. There is a good growth
of timber along the margins of the streams, and here and there fine groves upon
the prairies. The soil is deep and very fertile, producing all kinds of grain,
grasses, fruit, and vegetables found in the latitude. Some farmers have produced
as high as 1500 lbs. Hemp to the acre, 125 bushels of corn, and proportionately
large crops of wheat, rye, oats, &c, and fruit and vegetables yield largely. The
"Platte Country" of which this is a portion, has a world-wide fame for its
fertility and deep soil. The climate is healthy, salubrious, and free from
miasmatic influences. Farming implements, mill machinery, household furniture,
woolen and cotton fabrics, boots and shoes, and scores of other articles could
be manufactured here to advantage. St. Joseph, the commercial city of the
county, is one of the most flourishing business points in the State. Being the
western terminus of the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad, and in direct
communication with all points in the east, makes this the entreport for the
shipment of produce, peltries and furs from a section of the country traversed
by the navigable Missouri for 2000 miles to the north-west, while the trade from
the plains and territories beyond in immense. Capitalists, manufacturers,
mechanics, farmers, and all classes of immigrants will here find great
attractions.
BUTLER COUNTY
In the south-eastern portion of the State, is bounded on the south by the
Arkansas State line. A good portion of the land has been returned as "swamp
land", but can principally be reclaimed by drains and levees. A portion of the
south half of the county is frequently overflowed, which until drained makes it
unfit for permanent improvement, unless it be for cranberry culture, for which
both the soil and climate is said to be well adapted, and from which some
farmers can realize handsome profits. Some of the very best of farming lands are
in this county, and, as an old resident says "there are few localities where
farmers can make a comfortable living and lay up money easier than here." Of
timber, the growth on the high ground is principally beech and white oak in the
bottoms a mixed growth. Groves of cypress flourish in the bottoms of the
St.Francis, a short distance from Chalk Bluffs. Felix R. Brunot, of Pittsburg,
purchased 1500 acres of very rich hematite iron ore land at Indian Ford, where
he contemplates establishing extensive iron works at an early day. There are
other immense beds of iron through the county. The South-East Missouri Railroad
Company, chartered by the last legislature, will pass through the North-East
corner of Butler county. Immigrants and capitalists will find inducements for
favorable investment in mineral lands, farming, grazing or manufacturing. Black
River is navigable to within fifteen miles of Poplar Bluff.
CALDWELL COUNTY
Is situated in the Northwest quarter of the State, and was first settled by the
Mormons in 1835. The face of the county is principally undulating prairie, with
an abundance of timber in groves along the water courses. The soil is very
fertile and well adapted to farming and grazing; embracing extensive natural
meadows, an abundance of good stock water, a deep and lasting soil that produces
all kinds of grain and fruit that grow in this climate, with but little waste
land in the county. For manufacturing purposes there is good water power on the
Shoal, Log and Brush creek. Capitalists, manufacturers, mechanics, farmers and
laborers of all classes will find good inducements for investment and choice
localities for business.
CALLAWAY COUNTY
Is situated in the east central part of the State, and was first settled in
1818. The surface of the county along the river is level and fertile, the
northern portion being broken and hilly, extending out upon the ridge which
divides the waters of the Mississippi from those of the Missouri. About
one-third of the county is prairie. Beds of bituminous coal underlie the county,
estimated to be twenty-four feet thick in some places; iron ore, marble, fine
grained limestone, potter's clay, and extensive banks of cannel coal are found
in the county, all in quantities that pay for working. Beds of very fine marble
exists in this county, pronounced superior to any found in the United States,
and inferior to none but Italian. This is situated but six miles from Fulton.
This county embraces a great variety of soil, and is adapted to the various
purposes of agriculture, stock growing and fruit culture. A more minute
description of this county will be found in "Missouri As It Is".
CAMDEN COUNTY
Is situated in the south central part of the State. The face of the country is
rolling and some portions broken, and well timbered, except in the extreme
south-eastern corner. There is but little prairie in the county. The surface may
be said to be made up of a succession of hills, valleys, and beautiful
woodlands. The soil is rich and productive. The hills of the Big and Little
Niangua are truly picturesque, while the water power of those streams, together
with their fine forests of oak, walnut, cherry, and a variety of other timber
are objects of great interest to mechanics and manufacturers. A single spring on
the Big Niangua furnishes water enough for any amount of machinery. Good
flouring and saw mills, carding machine, woolen factories, grist mills, etc.,
would pay well upon the capital invested, as the water power is abundant, the
raw material at hand, and the home market would fully equal the supply. There is
both lead and iron in this county, and 310,000 acres of land subject to entry at
$125.
CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY
In the South-Eastern part of the State, was first settled by Frenchmen in 1794.
(For a full history of the early settlement, see "Missouri As It Is In 1865",
pages 208 and 209). The southern portion of the county is mostly level; the
other portions present a moderately uneven surface, very little more than enough
to insure good drainage, unless it be in the first range of hills adjacent to
the Mississippi River, in the North-East part of the county, some of which are
abrupt. It is a heavily timbered country-no prairie. The timber consists of
poplar, ash, sugar, maple, cherry, elm, beech, and the varieties of walnut,
hickory, oak, etc., in abundance. The oak and poplar near the river has been
pronounced the best in the Mississippi Valley for boat building purposes. The
soil is very fertile, and produces an abundant yield of corn, wheat, oats, the
different grasses and tobacco. The different varieties of fruits and vegetables
are cultivated with profit. The country is well watered and good water power on
some of the streams. The city of Cape Girardeau is built upon a solid bed of
marble, which rock is very hard, compact, does not crack from the action of
frost, and is within one per cent of pure lime. This marble has been used in
neighboring cities, to some extent, for building purposes. Besides, here are
beds of variegated marbles-the white and black, the purple, red and white, and
the yellow and white, all susceptible of a fine polish. These marbles are all
convenient to the city. This country is increasing in population and wealth, and
great inducements are offered to all classes of immigrants.
CARROLL COUNTY
Is situated on the North bank of the Missouri River, in the north central part
of the State. The general character of the country is undulating or rolling, not
very fertile, with a good supply of timber land, for all practical purposes.
Almost every variety of location, bluff or valley, timber or prairie, can be
found in the county, and many beautiful locations for large stock farms, for
which the climate and location render this county peculiarly adapted. The soil
is generally favorable to the cultivation of all kinds of grain, grasses, fruit,
and root crops that flourish in this latitude. Stone coal is abundant; lead ore
has been found in various localities, also some pieces of iron ore; but no
systematic mining has been done. Excellent quarries suitable for grindstones,
also good building stone, are abundant. There are in the county several mounds
rising from one to four hundred and fifty feet about the level of the
surrounding country. Bogart's is the highest, the Stokes' Potato Hill Mound,
etc. Out of Bogart's Mound, (situated a little way north of the center of the
county), is an oil spring, from which the people of that vicinity have taken oil
for lubrication purposes for years. We anticipate that the Petroleum fever will
be prevalent there at an early day, and should not be surprised if a valuable
oil spring would there be developed. Lead ore has been found in several portions
of the county, but no mines have been opened.
CARTER COUNTY
Is situated in Southeast Missouri; the surface quite broken and heavily
timbered, with fertile valleys which produce good farm products, while the
slopes of the hill sides are well adapted to the culture of the vine, and all
kinds of fruit. The same minerals so abundant in all the counties surrounding it
also exist here-especially iron and copper. The scenery along the Current River
is truly grand. The steep, rugged cliffs of pure white limestone, are
overshadowed by pines of every size, from the beautiful little dwarf that clings
to the sides and crevices of the projecting rocks to the giant old sentinels
that tower up from the summit of the cliff. Here the cascades that rush through
perpendicular walls, or murmur through the valleys and natural bowers, tarrying
here and there on the way, in beautiful pebble-bottomed ponds, in whose crystal
waters the speckled trout are found in abundance. This is a favorite section of
the State for fishing and sporting parties. Most excellent water power exists
along the Current River.
CASS COUNTY
Is situated on the very western border of the State. About one-eighth is bottom
land, and very nearly all tillable. There is scarce a solitary 160 acres in the
county but will furnish a good living to a large family. The surface is
undulating, principally prairie, but a great abundance of timber-black walnut,
hickory, all varieties of oak, sycamore, elm, locust, box-elder, black, blue and
white ash, wild plums and native grapes very plenty. Valuable limestone quarries
furnish an abundance of building stone. All kinds of grain, grasses, fruit and
vegetables yield abundantly. Both native and cultivated fruit of all kinds very
plenty. Springs are numerous-stock water abundant-wells reached in 12 to 18
feet-pure limestone water. Fine coal mines open eight miles south from
Harrisonville, also numerous coal banks in western part of the county. Blue
grass grows spontaneously. Excellent water power on the tributaries of the Grand
River, for grist mills and manufactories. This is a splendid grazing country.
The county is traversed by the Pacific Railroad. Farmers, stock-growers or
manufacturers will find rare inducements in Cass County.
CEDAR COUNTY
In the south-western part of the State, is undulating with about and equal
division of prairie and timber. Stone coal is abundant, but used only for
neighborhood purposes. The soil is fertile, well adapted to all agricultural
purposes, and especially to stock raising and fruit growing. Unimproved water
power upon the Big and Little Sac, and Cedar Creek. There was in March 20,000
acres of vacant government land, subject to entry at $1,25.
CHARITON COUNTY
This county is situated on the Missouri River, in the north central part of the
State. The soil and climate of "old Chariton" may be understood, when we state
that this has for some years past been one of the largest tobacco growing
counties in the State. Corn has been produced so exclusively in years past, as
to be dull at ten and twelve and a half cents per bushel. The spontaneous
products of the forests and prairies furnished an abundance of food for stock,
so that there was poor demand for corn at home or abroad. Coal is abundant in
every region of the county, but only surface veins have yet been opened, except
in one or two regions. (For a detailed history of Chariton county from its first
settlement, description of the coal formation, and the statistics of various
crops grown - too lengthy for this work-see "Missouri As It Is In 1865,"
pages
217 to 226 inclusive.)
CHRISTIAN COUNTY
This new county is situated in the south-easter portion of the State-was
organized in 1859. The face of the country is undulating-some portions rather
broken, generally heavily timbered, with excellent soil in the valleys and upon
some of the uplands. (See description of Greene county, from which it was
formed.) The soil and climate both adapt this county to fruit culture and stock
growing. Extensive deposits of iron ore have been found in this county, also,
small quantities of lead and copper ore, but no attention as yet given to
mining. The location of these mineral deposits are shown upon the "Geological
Map of Missouri" just issued in pocket form. There were in March, 1865, 197,000
acres of Government land in this county subject to entry at the Booneville Land
Office.
CLARKE COUNTY
Forms the extreme north-east corner of the State, and is separated from Iowa by
the Des Moines river and from Illinois by the Mississippi. It is also watered by
the Fox and Waconda rivers, which with their tributaries are skirted with groves
of timber, while the rolling "divides" between them are prairie. This county is
advantageously situated at the mouth of one of the richest valleys in the great
and fertile west. If the north line of the county was continued due east until
it reached the Mississippi river, making Clarke a square county, it would give
her about a dozen towns now in Iowa, including the cities of Keokuk and Fort
Madison, all of which she now has a local market if desirable. The soil of the
county is rolling and fertile, well calculated from farming purposes. The timber
(of which there is a good supply,) consists of oak, hickory, elm, etc. There are
several banks of good stone coal in the county, and some excellent cannel coal.
Farmers and mechanics of all kinds will find in this county good business
locations.
CLAY COUNTY
Is situated in the west north-west part of the State, on the Missouri River. The
face of the country is somewhat broken, and generally well timbered, with small
prairies in various portions of the county. The soil is remarkably fertile, and
the county well watered. This county is noted for its fine farms and wealthy,
intelligent farmers and stock growers. According to a recent census, Clay was
one of the most productive agricultural counties in the State; notwithstanding
which, there were at that time 142,661 acres of unimproved land in the county.
Clay was foremost to organize teacher's institutes, and the citizens have always
manifested more liberality and enterprise in the support of schools, than any
other county in the State in proportion to her population. There are several
first class ably conducted seminaries in the county. Farmers, manufacturers,
mechanics and business men of all classes, will here find fertile soil, a
healthy climate, abundance of timber and building materials, good prices and a
ready market for all products either agricultural or mechanical, and an honest,
industrious, and hospitable people.
CLINTON COUNTY
Is situated in the north-western part of the State, bounded on the west and
south by Buchanan, Platte and Clay, which separate this county from the Missouri
river. About two-thirds of the area of this county is undulating prairie land,
fertile and easily tilled; the remaining one-third is timber land, confined
principally to the water courses and valleys. Blue and gray limestone and
sandstone are abundant in some portions of the county, and there are indications
of coal in several localities, though no thorough investigations have been made,
as fuel is plenty. Several of the streams are rapid and have unimproved mill
seats upon them. The soil is fertile and will produce good crops of all kinds of
grass, grain, fruit and vegetables grown in this latitude. Honest, industrious,
loyal farmers and mechanics will here find al healthy climate, good soil, and a
market for all kinds of articles they can produce.
COLE COUNTY
Is situated on the Missouri river, near the center of the State. The face of the
country is generally rolling or broken, with thin soil, generally well adapted
to the growth of small grain and fruits of all kinds. On the bottoms of the
Missouri, Osage and Moreau, is good alluvial soil; very fertile, embracing
perhaps one-fourth of the area of the county. The soil and climate are favorable
to fruit culture; the peaches seldom fail, and all kinds of fruits, including
the grape, yield abundantly. The interior of the county is drained by Moreau
creek, which rises so rapidly and to such a height, that it is upon some maps
called a river. Fish are numerous in this stream; and it is related by a former
representative from this county who had a mill upon the Moreau, that the fish
were so numerous as to frequently clog the wheels and stop the mill. Then the
only alternative was to shut the gate and beat the water with poles, to drive
them away! The Capitol of the State, Jefferson City, is located in this county,
and the beautiful limestone from which the Capitol building is constructed, is
very abundant, forming a stratum of upwards of forty feet in thickness, in the
bluffs upon with Jefferson City is situated. Limestone suitable for making
hydraulic cement is found in the bluffs above the city, and sandstone, for
building, and sand and clay for brick are also abundant. Timber in great variety
and good size is found on the bluffs and in the valleys. (For history of Cole
county, see "Missouri As It Is", pages 234 and 235.) Both lead ore and coal are
found in the county, but no systematic mining has been done.
COOPER COUNTY
Is situated on the south side of the Missouri river, in the central part of the
State. The face of the country gently undulating, and advantageously diversified
with timber and prairie-there are very few counties possessing a more equal
division of what is so desirable to farmers-prairie and timber land. The
alluvial ? occupies a large area in the bottoms of the Missouri, the Lamine and
the Little Saline, and is generally covered with a heavy growth of cottonwood,
sycamore, elm, black elder, sugar-tree, white maple, red birch, white, black,
and blue ash, coffee tree, honey locust, the various kinds of oaks and
hickories, red-bud, hackberry, willows, and grape. The soil of the county at
large, is very fertile and well adapted to all the purposes of agriculture.
Springs, both fresh and mineral, are abundant-several of which are classed as
"brine" and "sulphur". Ch**teau Spring, about ten miles from Boonville, has a
wide reputation as a pleasant and healthy watering place. Water bursts from the
earth in four places, within a short distance from each other. The amount of
water discharged is ten gallons per minute, or 14,000 gallons per day, and the
gas that escapes at least two gallons per minute. The most extensive manufactory
in the county is that of the "Booneville Wine Company", about one mile about
Boonville. Their vineyard and orchard embraces upwards of 100 acres. The lands
are admirably suited to grape culture. Haas' Catawba has a wide reputation. An
extensive woolen factory, and an agricultural implement manufactory are much
needed, and would prove profitable investments.
CRAWFORD COUNTY
Is situated southeast of the center of the State. This has been called the
"Mother of Counties", from the fact that for many years her borders extended to
the western part of the State. County after county has, from time to time, been
cut from her western and southern borders, and the finale was accomplished in
the formation of Phelps county, in 1857. The county embraces a great variety of
soil-bottom, valley, table land, prairie and sandy soils. It is well adapted to
corn, wheat, oats, grasses, fruit and vegetables. Stock growing would pay well
here. The valleys of the large streams are frequently heavily timbered. Iron,
lead and copper are abundant in the county, and coal has been found in two or
three places. The localities of these minerals are shown upon the new geological
map of Missouri, just issued by the author of the Hand-book.
The Southwest
Branch of the Pacific Railroad traverses the northwest portion of the county.
DADE COUNTY
Is situated in the south-western part of the State. The face of the country is
undulating, and in some portions broken-more prairie than timber. The soil is
generally fertile, and well adapted to the various purposes of agriculture,
horticulture, and stock raising. Water power is abundant-upon some of the
streams unimproved. Iron, copper, and coal have been found in various parts of
the county, but no mine have been worked to any considerable extent. Timber
enough along the valleys for practical purposes.
The mildness of the climate,
abundance of native and cultivated grasses, and of stock water render this
county well adapted to stock growing. Thousands of cattle have been driven from
here to Utah and California. There were on the 1st of March, about 30,000 acres
of government land in this county, subject to entry at the Booneville Lane
Office. For population, and location of minerals, see "Parker's Geological Map
of Missouri" just published.
DALLAS COUNTY
Is situated in the south-west central part of the State. Both the surface and
soil of the county are diversified. A portion on the county is quite level, or
undulating, and some parts broken and rough. The prairies have generally a
sub-soil of red clay, which upon experiment has been pronounced well adapted to
farming purposes, but we question whether it can be relied upon for grain. The
timber land is rocky, but the soil is black and fertile, especially in the
valleys. The ridges, which by many have been considered as barren and worthless,
we find generally covered with wide spreading arbors of native grape vines,
yielding largely of several varieties of wild grapes, which is conclusive
evidence of their adaptation to grape and fruit culture. Bryces' Spring, in T.
34, R. 18 "rises in a secluded valley and flows away-a river." It discharges
more than 126 cubic feet of water per second, or 10,927,872 cubic feet per day.
Lead ore has been found in several localities. The Southwest Branch Pacific
railroad will pass near the southern boundary of the county.
DAVIESS COUNTY
Is situated in the north-western part of the Stat. Surface generally
undulating-some portions nearly level-one-half prairie, the remainder hard-wood
timber. The county is well watered, and forms a part of the "Grand River
Country", so famous for its fertility. The soil is well adapted to farming,
grazing, and fruit growing. At the last sale, of what had been returned as
"swamp lands" in this county, the competition was so great that considerable of
the land sold for $20 per acre, and non for less than $2 50-the average price
about $12 per acre. Farmers will make a note of this.
DEKALB COUNTY
Is in the north-western part of the State. The soils of the county are fertile
and well adapted to the culture of hemp, corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, etc. Hemp
has been regarded as the most profitable crop-yielding from 1000 to 1500 pounds
to the acre, which costs, say $25 per acre to raise and prepare for market, and
was quoted in February, '65, at from %135 to $165 per ton for undressed-good to
choice at St. Louis. Small grains yield abundantly. Horses, mules, cattle and
sheep, do well and stock raising is profitable. Building stone, clay for bricks,
and hard-wood timber, abundant. The general surface is undulating, and
diversified by prairies and woodlands. The Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad
passes through the southern border of the county.
DENT COUNTY
Is in the south-eastern portion of the State-centrally situated on the dividing
ridge, miscalled the "Ozark mountains". This ridge has very few of the
characteristics of a mountain. It is here a wide table land having an altitude
of about 1000 feet about St. Louis. The top of the divide is formed of the
second sandstone of the Missouri Geological Survey, and under this the third
magnesian limestone. The stratum of sandstone is from 60 to 100 feet thick, and
covered with a yellow pine forest. Extensive white oak groves along the south
side of the main divide and its branches between the water courses. Both timber
and prairie lands are fertile-the former predominating. In the northern part of
the county is an extensive specular iron field, and in the southern, extensive
hematite iron banks. Several veins of copper have also been discovered. (For
location of minerals, see "Parker's Geological Map of Missouri"). Good openings
are presented for capitalists, miners, mechanics of all kinds, farmers and stock
growers.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
In the southern part of the State, is generally sterile and broken, and a great
portion of the land unfit for cultivation-valuable only for the excellent pine,
oak, and walnut timber that abound throughout the county. There were in 1860,
twelve saw mills and eight flouring mills, all propelled by water power,
furnishing lumber to adjoining counties. The soil and climate are well adapted
to fruit and grape culture, corn, wheat, potatoes, turnips, rye, tobacco; and
the usual varieties of grasses are profitably produced in the valleys. Most
mechanics are wanted, and person with energy and capital to engage in grape
culture, and above all-a corps of good school teachers. There were in March
1865, 400,900 acres of government land subject to entry.
DUNKLIN COUNTY
Is situated in the extreme southeastern portion of the State, and extends 36
miles south of the general southern line-reaching 36 degrees north latitude. The
shape of the county is oblong, its length north and south being 45 miles, with
an average width of about 11 miles. The county is well watered-too well-by the
Whitewater, St. Francois, and numerous lakes and ponds. This county, together
with several adjoining, was severely injured by the earthquakes of 1811-12,
since which time a great portion of it has been what is termed "swamp land".
Many of these swamps can be reclaimed by drainage, with but little expense, and
will then be among the most fertile lands in the State. The legislature in
1849-50 passed a bill making an appropriation for the reclamation of the swamp
lands of southeast Missouri, but nothing of importance has been done toward it.
There are some good farms in the county, and the land everywhere very fertile.
According to the Surveyor General's Report, several portions laid down in the
survey, and generally shown on maps as lakes or swamps, are now among the best
farms in the county. Whether this has been an error on the part of the
surveyors, or that by some natural causes these lakes have become dry land, is a
question for investigation.