court empowered Spencer to contract for the building of a court-house on the best terms he
could; $100 to be paid when the house was completed, and the balance as fast as the money
accrued from the sale of lots.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Jasper county embraces an area of about 645 square miles and probably contains within its
boundaries as abundant elements of wealth and prosperity as can be found in any other equal
extent of territory in Missouri or any other state. It contains some of the finest farming land in the
country, and its mineral wealth is unsurpassed. Prairie land comprises about three-fourths of the
area of the county, but there are few places even on the widest prairies where the view is not
terminated by a belt of timber, thus relieving the landscape from the dulness {sic} and monotony
inseparable to continued reaches of prairie. The surface of these prairies is beautifully undulating,
and affords many advantageous sites for residences and farm buildings. Here prairie lands,
especially in the northern part of the county, have been rapidly improved during the last few
years, and are covered with fine farms, comfortable dwellings, green orchards and long lines of
hedge fences. Along Spring river, Centre creek, and the other water-courses, the scenery is of a
bolder nature; and hill and valley, clear running water and heavy timber land offer their
inducements to those to whom a habitation on the prairie is distasteful. The southeastern part of
the county is varied in its character, comprising prairie and woodland. The southwestern portion
of the county is the richest lead region in the world, and possesses the characteristics inseparable
to a mining district. Spring river divides the county into nearly two equal parts. The northern part
is prairie and agricultural; the southern timbered and mineral. The soil of both sections is rich,
and there is very little waste land in the county.

All the cereals grown farther north are successfully cultivated. Corn is the most important
Agricultural product. At a contest for premiums in 1871, twelve competitors ranged from 70 to
115, averaging 92 bushels and a half per acre. Winter wheat is of excellent quality, and is grown
in all parts of the county. The Medoc valley in the northwestern part of the county is celebrated
as an excellent wheat district, producing rare crops and a superior quality of grain. Most fruits are
cultivated with success. Fruit trees make large growth in a year, and bear fruit one or two years
earlier than in a colder climate. Grapes are perfectly at home in this section The mildness of the
climate, abundance of water, succulence of the grasses and dryness of the winters, render stock
growing easy and profitable, and it has become an important industry. There is already a
considerable quantity of blooded stock in the county, and fresh introductions are constantly being
made.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The mineral resources of Jasper County are inexhaustible. Lead ore seems to have been obtained
from the earliest recollection, and furnished supplies to the Indians during their occupation of the
country. The distance from the market and general condition of the country formerly kept out
enlarged capital and enterprise. Since the war capital has developed the hidden wealth, and the
extensive mining operations have yielded a rich return. Railroad facilities have connected the
country with the outside world, and brought Jasper County prominently before the public as one
of the most wonderful mining districts on the globe.

LEAD DISCOVERED AT JOPLIN

The first discover of lead in the neighborhood of Joplin is said to have been made in the year
1849, by a man named David Campbell, who came from Washington County lead region, in the
eastern part of the State. He suggested to John C. Cox, an old resident of that locality, that there
was lead in the vicinity, and asked him to get a grub hoe and follow him. Campbell directed his
steps to the lime kiln at the bluff on the west side of Joplin Creek, and began digging in an
apparently barren spot, stopping every now and then to pick up some dirty-looking pieces of
rock. Mr. Cox suggested that there was little prospect of discovering lead by such an operation,
but Campbell retorted that “he would see,” and gathering a couple handfulls {sic}of the stuff
they went back to the house. Some green sticks of wood were laid over the fire-dogs, dry chips
placed under the mineral laid on top of all, and a hot fire was started. The lead soon began
trickling down and was caught in the fire shovel underneath. Mr. Cox “saw” that there was
something in it, and that lead could readily be obtained. Soon after the discovery he leased some
of his lands, but the miners proved tricky and dishonest, and in 1851 the lease was cancelled. The
mines accordingly remained closed until 1861, when Moffet and Sergeant negotiated a lease and
began the business of mining and smelting, which has since developed into princely proportions.

AT ORONOGO

In the vicinity of Oronogo lead was discovered in the spring of 1851. Judge McKee came to the
mill of Duncan and Cabaniss, on Spring river, and proposed if they would saw him a house
frame, sixteen by eighteen feet in size, that he would show them where they could find lead
within two feet of the surface on land yet unentered. The house frame was sawn, and Mr.
Cabaniss took a grub hoe and sock, and accompanied the judge to an old black jack immediately
south of the present railroad depot at Oronogo. With a little digging lead was obtained--even the
roots of the grass being tangled around some of the pieces. This discovery was made on a
Saturday night. On Sunday morning, Cabaniss started to Springfield, at which place the
Government Land Office was located, and on Monday entered the land in the name of Cabaniss
and Duncan. The first shaft was sunk at the point where the discovery was made, and the mineral
came in solid for about half the width of the shaft right from the start. The St. Louis Republican
made the discovery known prominently to the world, and miners flocked in in considerable
numbers. Some mineral was taken out previous to the war, but the mines were never worked
successfully till they came in the possession of the Granby Company.

AT WEBB CITY

Here lead was discovered by J. C. Webb, in 1873. He was plowing corn in bottom land, and
uncovered some of the mineral. He commenced digging in the fall after his crops were out of the
way, but owing to the large amount of water, but little progress was made. In 1874, a large pump
was put on the ground, and the mines have since been worked extensively and have proved
among the richest in existence.

THE FIRST LEAD MINE IN THE SOUTHWEST

William Tingle states, however, that he opened the first lead mine in Southwest Missouri. A
man living on the branch near his house found a small chunk of mineral stone some time in the
year 1848. Mr. Tingle took pick and shovel, began digging, and never stopped till he had thrown
out a hundred pounds of mineral, and demonstrated to the world at large and himself in particular
that lead could be obtained in abundance. This incident transpired at Leadville, two miles west of
Joplin, and those mines prior to the war were the best paying in the County.

THE JASPER COUNTY LEAD REGION

The geology of the lead-bearing portions of Jasper and Newton Counties shows unmistakably a
later geological formation than is the case with the lead regions of other parts of the State. Over a
country of more than twenty-five miles from east to west, by thirty miles from north to south, are
the exposures of the Archimedes limestones, the mounds and elevations being capped with
ferruginous sandstone, which in some localities becomes almost micaceaus in character, though
it does not entirely lose its character of deposition. At Twin Grove, Pilot Grove, Diamond Grove,
near Smithfield, and in many other localities this sandstone may be seen in a weathered condition
upon the elevations; southward from these points, sandstone rock is sometimes exposed, though
the Archimedes limestone is more generally presented. Nearly all the lead deposits of the region
are followed from their cherty, or clay, beds down into the sub-carboniferous rock.

At Leadville, the Archimedes limestone comes to the surface as immense beds of chert, or flint,
and in this limestone are geodic masses set with beautiful crystals of calc spar, and, in one
instance, filled with crystallized quartz. In others were small modified cubes of galena and
crystallized sulphuret of zinc. Two miles south, a well, sunk eighteen feet through this limestone,
shows thin strata of bituminous shale. At Grove Creek, and many other mining localities, this
brown or blue shale is met with in great abundance, and with it coal of a poor character, and
bitumen in small nodules.

The thickness of the Archimedes limestone varies from two hundred to eighty feet. In more than
150 shafts examined, galena, sulphuret of zinc, calamine, calcite, sulphuret of iron, sulphate of
baryta, sulphate of iron, and carbonate of lead and magnesia were observed, all combined or
differently associated in each. Over the whole region--bottom lands, prairies and timbered lands--
galena is met with in the clay, in loose cherty beds, or exposed by the action o9f water in ravines
or in the bed of streams. To account for the presence of lead in the debris and clay is not a
difficult matter. The rock formation that once held the lead has disintegrated and become a
portion of the soil, setting free the lead, which from its specific gravity sunk deep into the plastic
clay.

At Oronogo, there are some very peculiar formations. The lead is found in masses of various
sizes before reaching the rock formation, but in small quantities compared with other localities.
Over quite an extent of territory, whenever the Archimedes limestone is reached, lead is found
usually in openings as well as in regular lodes in this rock. In many cases there is no clay in
association with the lead which is closely surrounded with the wall rock. In a shaft, nearly due
north of the furnaces, is a most remarkable lode which for nearly fifty feet in the solid limestone
has gone solidly filled with cubes of galena and sulphuret of zinc, some of which masses present
such a variation that they are denominated elongated lamellar, distorted cubes; the front face is
more evenly modified while the posterior portions are warped into irregular bands. Portions of
these masses show beautifully associated prismatic colors, always more brilliant when the bands
are most distorted or the cubes most modified. Large crystals of the sulphuret of zinc are found
attached to much of the lead, or occurring in the same lode. These remarkable crystalline forms
are often resting on cubes of lead; and again small modified lead cubes are thickly attached to the
base of the zinc crystals or half way up their sides. These mineral masses go down in the lode
very regularly, the rock holding all tightly, and no other mineral showing itself. From this and
other shafts of similar and various characters, millions of tons of lead have been mined, and the
prospect of permanency is more assured now than ten years ago. A little southwest of
Vinersville,{sic} there are a number of shafts that show remarkable forms of crystallization and
decomposition. The largest body of lead ever found is one solid, unbroken mass, the weight
being over seven tons, was taken out at this point in 1873. Over this entire region, there are
unmistakable indications of lead deposits.

The Leadville diggings west of Joplin occupy about four square miles. At the Horse Shoe
diggings, in this vicinity, six or seven feet of lead have been found beneath the cap rock. All
along the ravines and creeks, and out on the rolling prairie, lead is found almost everywhere. The
celebrated Stephens diggings are located on a creek two miles and a half southwest. In several
shallow shafts lead was found over a wide extent of country. On the Walkinshaw land occurred
a remarkable deposit of lead, neither a vein, nor a lode, but rather a vast underground chamber
filled with very fine galena, associated with which were chert, clay and black jack. At Lone Elm,
large quantities of lead have been raised. From here to Joplin lead has been found in almost every
instance where a ten-foot shaft has been sunk.

The Joplin mines proper are located on the Moon Range, which is about 1,400 feet in length, and
runs west to Joplin creek. The main Joplin valley is also the main mining district of the region.
These lands occupy the Joplin Valley and lie across Joplin creek. The mines have increased to
such an extent in the last few years and covered such a wide range of territory over the whole
southwest part of the County, that it is hardly possible to notice them individually and definitely
in a work of this character.

JASPER COUNTY DURING THE REBELLION

The County suffered greatly during the war of the rebellion. Its most thriving towns were burned
and almost depopulated. Intense excitement prevailed at the outbreak of the war. The question of
secession was openly discussed in the lyceums and school-houses all over the county. Public
sentiment was about evenly divided with perhaps a majority in favor of the Union. Meetings
were held at prominent points to get an expression from the people. During the spring term of the
County Court, 1861, a public meeting was held in Carthage at which Judge Higdon made an
address warmly in favor of the Union. He afterward took sides with the Confederates. A public
meeting was held at La Force’s Grove, three miles northeast of Carthage. Union speeches were
made by Samuel B. La Force, H. W. Shanks, Archibald McCoy, and Norris C. Hood.
Meetings were also held at Hackney’s school-house, Fidelity, Preston and other places. The
meeting at Preston, a short time before the battle of Carthage, was one of the last and stormiest
held. Lieut. Rankin presided, and the meeting adjourned in great confusion. At the election for
delegates to the state convention called by the legislature to decide whether or not Missouri
should secede, Judge Chenault was elected as a conditional Union man over John M.
Stemmons, but when it came to a direct vote on the question of Union or secession it was
understood that Judge Chenault voted for the latter.

When came the actual shock of arms Jasper County had a sorrowful time of it, and her territory
was overrun by the forces of both armies.

THE BATTLE OF CARTHAGE

was fought on the 5th of July, 1861, between Union forces under Franz Sigel and the confederate
troops of Claiborne Jackson. Col. Sigel had entered Southwest Missouri by way of
Rolla with two regiments of infantry and eight pieces of artillery, and had arrived at Neosho on
the 26th of June, 1861. At Camp Walker on the Arkansas line Ben McCullough was encamped
with 2200 confederate soldiers. Sterling Price, ten days previous to the battle, had passed
through Carthage going south from the Missouri river with 1200 or 1500 mounted infantry, and
was aiming to form a junction with McCullough at Camp Walker. On the night of the 3d of July
he encamped on Pool’s prairie eight miles southeast of Neosho. On the 3d of July also Claiborne
Jackson was on Clear creek in Vernon county with 10,000 mounted infantry and eight pieces of
artillery, likewise intending to form a junction with McCullough in Arkansas.

Sigel believed that by a sudden and vigorous assault he could overpower Jackson’s force, and
accordingly on the morning of the 4th of July struck camp at Neosho and leaving a small force
there to guard the place, marched toward Jackson’s army, and about five o’clock that afternoon
encamped at Carthage near the big spring east of the town. Meanwhile Gov. Jackson had
proceded {sic} southward through Lamar and on the night of the 4th of July encamped on Coon
creek, twelve miles north of Carthage. Each of the commanders was fully advised of the strength
and movements of his opponent. Samuel B. La Force volunteered to act as guide to Sigel, and
his services were of much value on the march and retreat of the following day.

On the morning of the 5th of July both armies were in motion, and the advance guards met at the
house of Vincent Gray, now the property of M. G. McGregor, five miles northwest of
Carthage. A slight skirmish took place in which one on each side was killed. When Sigel reached
the high prairie between Rock branch and Dry fork the rebel forces could be plainly seen forming
into line on the prairie several miles to the north. On reaching the elevation beyond Dry fork,
southeast of where C. W. King now lives, Jackson was found occupying a position extending
from Nelson’s farm on the east, beyond the place where J. C. Pitt’s house now stands, and west
over the hill out of sight--a line a mile in length.

A blank shot was fired by the Union forces and answered by a solid shot from the Confederates.
Sigel then threw his force forward half a mile, and his artillery took position where the Pugh
boys have since built a house, while his infantry moved a hundred yards or more in front of the
artillery and were ordered to lie down in the grass out of sight of the rebel artillerymen. During
this interval large flanking forces from each wing of the rebel line moved south, so that Sigel’s
army was enclosed in three sides of a square.

About ten o’clock the battle began with furious cannonading from both sides. The first shot from
Sigel killed one Confederate and wounded three others, while a spherical case exploding in their
ranks created consternation and confusion. The firing was kept up for two hours. Jackson’s loss
was the heaviest owing to the superiority of Sigel’s artillery. While the cannonading was in
progress a Confederate squad of forty or fifty mounted infantry advanced from the flanking party
on the east, and were promptly met by a squad of Siegel’s infantry. At close musket range they
poured a volley into the advancing rebels, who retired in confusion, whereupon the Germans in
the Union ranks broke forth in lustry {sic} cheers. At length Sigel withdrew to the south side of
Dry fork. Here he stationed a section of artillery on the bluff on the east side of the road and
deployed two companies of infantry along the bank of the stream entirely out of sight of the
advancing enemy, expecting simply to cover his retreat. The balance of his artillery and infantry
continued an orderly march towards Carthage, but they had not gone over five hundred yards
when the rebels debouched into the creek and rode promiscuously into the water not expecting an
ambuscade. When they had reached within fifty feet of the soldiers secreted at the stream they
were met by a destructive fire both artillery and infantry which fell like a thunderbolt upon the
disorganized enemy in the creek bottoms, and compelled a precipitate retreat, the artillery
continuing to send shells at the flying forces, after they were out of musket range of the infantry.
The rebels lost heavily in this engagement, while Sigel’s loss was very slight. A wagon load of
guns was picked up in the creek bed, after this engagement, by Sigel’s troops, and carried to
Springfield.

At this point the wagon train left near the river in the morning, was brought up, so as to be under
the protection of the army, and Col. Sigel resumed his retreat towards Carthage. As he neared
Buck branch he saw the rebel lines closing in along the branch, to the south of him, and he
unlimbered a section of his artillery, and by a few well directed shots scattered that movement.

The flanking columns again attempted to close around him at the top of the hill north of the river
ford, and thus capture him, but he again dispelled them with his artillery, after which he
continued his retreat into and through Carthage with no further molestation--leaving two pieces
of artillery in position near where the windmill, east of the square now is, supported by a
company of infantry, while the main force fell back, without stopping, into the hollow, near the
spring, which he had left in the morning. He planted his remaining six pieces of artillery on the
elevation just west of the railroad crossing southwest of the spring, and marched his infantry
across the spring branch and over the hill, halting them in the road south of the house now
occupied by Mr. Hubbard. This was done to be prepared for any flank movement that might be
attempted from the river crossing north of that.

Meanwhile Jackson’s center had crossed the river, at the same ford that Sigel had, and was
slowly following into town feeling every inch of the way, lest a repetition of Dry fork might
happen. His left wing had crossed the river at a ford about directly north of Carthage, while the
right wing crossed at the Walker ford, now known as the Loveless ford.

When the rebel advance reached Carthage a sharp skirmish occurred, between the pickets,
assisted by the two pieces of artillery. As the Federal rear guard fell back through town under
cover of the main force in the vicinity of the spring, the enemy had swarmed in from the three
fords and were pressing heavily on them. The picket firing was close, and many of the houses in
Carthage were riddled with balls and shot. The houses now owned by Mr. J. P. Betts, shows
scars to this day of rebel bullets made in pursuing Sigel. Most of the citizens remained in town
during the skirmish.

During this onset several were killed on both sides. Only one house was hit by a cannon shot, the
house of David Holman, situated about where Mr. Sennett’s residence now is, east of the
square, which was struck by a rebound shot from Sigel’s artillery posted as above mentioned.

Sigel continued to fall back in perfect order along the road toward the mill east of town, taking
all his wagons along, and ready at a moment’s notice to repel any advance made by the rebels.
The last attack was made three miles southeast of the town, near the timber about half a mile
north of where Mr. Thornton’s place now is, about dusk, which lasted some twenty minutes,
which resulted in a heavy loss to the rebels, and scarcely any to the other side.

Jackson’s troops went into camp all around Carthage, while Sigel continued his retreat through
the night, and reached Sarcoxie in the morning and Mt. Vernon on the 6th, where he halted two
days, and then marched to Springfield which he reached on the 10th day of July. On the morning
of the 6th of July the rebels marched south of Carthage about three miles, and there met Ben
McCullough’s and Stirling {sic} Price’s armies, and amid deafening cheers, and waving of flags,
held a great rejoicing at the victory over the Dutch.

Thus ended the battle Carthage--the heaviest engagement up to that time of the war. Sigel’s loss
was 13 killed and 31 wounded. The rebel loss was not published officially, and can never
accurately ascertained. It is safe to say that their loss, owing to the superiority of Sigel’s artillery,
and the better discipline of his infantry, must have been many times greater.

The decisive battle of Wilson’s Creek fought in the following August left Southwest Missouri in
the hands of the Confederates who retained complete possession during the succeeding fall and
winter.

THE RECORDS

The county was fortunate during the late war in having her records preserved intact, though her
court-house was burned, and nearly every other prominent building in the county. When the
rebels left her in 1861, Judge John Chenault ordered the clerk, Mr. Stanfield Ross, to take the
Records into the Confederate lines for safe keeping. He first took them down to Cow Skin, in
McDonald county, and afterwards brought them back and put them in the vault of the jail at
Neosho. (cont.)