The Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. The Society owns two buildings in Montgomery City that house an extensive genealogical library and a museum of artifacts and antiques. All research requests replies, building staffing/maintenance and website management are donated by volunteers.
If you like what you find here, please become a member and/or make a donation to help us continue our mission. We also welcome contributions of your own research, be it family history or documented historical articles that would interest other visitors.
Pioneer Days, a 96-page illustrated history of the County, has been well-received by both those new to our history as well as long-time residents.
History of Bellflower
Thank you to the presenter at our Annual Meeting for  sharing his knowledge of local history. Here is a link to the presentation for those who could not attend and would like to learn more about the community about 10 miles east of Montgomery City. It originated in 1880, when Schowengerdt, Kamp, and Midddlekamp from Warren County bought 1,000 acres of land for $1/acre.
Thank you, Chris, for your service!
 The MCHS Secretary, Chris K., is retiring after 10 years of service. She has been a stalwart presence on the MCHS Board, taking thorough and timely notes at the monthly meetings. Chris has contributed various articles to the website, and you have perchance benefited from her research.
Chris, your volunteerism is appreciated and we wish you much enjoyment as you spend more time near family.
New Website Coming this Summer.
We are working on updating this website and welcome your feedback. The new design incorporates a lot of pictures, so if you have any hi-res County history related photos to share, please contact webmaster@mschmo.org. Other content is likewise appreciated.
Provost Marshal Papers: 1861 - 1866
The Missour State Archives is a wonderful resource  with an extraordinay collection, including 484 entries for Montgomery County Provost Marshall records. The database can be searched by name, county, and subject. The collection details how the provost marshal affected the lives of citizens who came into contact with the Union Army. It offers a unique look at a state divided, informing about the role of women, its effect on slavery, and the difficulties experienced by refugees.
The documents include correspondence, court papers, orders, passes, paroles, oaths of, transportation permits, and claims for compensation for property. Citizens could be arrested simply on suspicion; charges could be initiated by anyone, civilian or military. Statements by accusers or witnesses were taken down as evidence. The first entry is a letter stating someone “is a dangerous and low lied dog.”
County Poor Farm
Click here for full article. Poor farms were rural institutions that cared for indigent people in the 19th and 20th centuries. Funded by county governments, the farms provided housing, clothing, medical care, and sustenance for the poor. Residents who entered a county farm surrendered personal money/property and their rights as citizens, including forfeiting the right to vote. For more general information, see Over the Hill to the Poor Farm: Rural History Almost Forgotten.
In Montgomery County, the County Poor Farm was located west of New Florence. See map in article. The 1900 census reported 16 inmates, including 11 females, 5 males, 3 blacks, and 13 white persons. Newspaper articles on “Receipts to Pauper’s Fund” illustrate while it was not a profitable operation, neither was it a total fiscal drain. By 1920, the land was shown to be private property. Residents were likely relocated to a Montgomery City house that was likely less costly for the County. to maintain.
Many thanks to a volunteer/member for providing the research for this article. What can you share with website visitors?
.
|
|
May 17
Spring Pilgrimage - Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine
Begins with exposition and rosary procession followed by a traditional dinner. The Outdoor Mass at 2:00 PM concludes the day. Click here for details.
|
|
May 23
MCHS Board Meeting
The MCHS Board meets monthly on the fourth Saturday at the MCHS building.
|
|
May 25
Memorial Day
Click here for history of this holiday honoring military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
|
|
May 29
Sinking of the Sultana (Zoom)
In 1865, the worst maritime disaster in American history occurred near Memphis, Tennessee, killing over 1,200 Americans. Virtual presention by Mid-Continent Public Library. Click here ...
|
|
June 21
Happy Father's Day
A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there but a guiding light whose love shows us the ...
|
|
