Since the War

The close of the war found the population of the County considerably diminished, the value of real estate greatly depreciated, and the affairs of the County, as well as of individual citizens, in a generally demoralized condition. But as soon as it was ascertained that peace was to be permanent, emigrants who had heard of the richness of our soil, and the geniality of our climate, began to come in and occupy our vacant lands. In a few years the lands that during the war had been offered for a song, and not sold for the want of a bidder, trebled in value, and the uncultivated and unimproved prairies were put under fence and cultivation. Farm houses, churches, and school houses have sprung up in every neighborhood, and everywhere are signs of prosperity and thrift.

Crosby Johnson, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Caldwell County, Missouri.   1876.  Edwards Brothers