Early History of Smithfield, Missouri

Smithfield is located between Center Creek and Spring River and 3/4 mile from the Kansas Line. The town was platted in 1872 and was named after David Smith who had originally laid out the town. It had two general stores, two drug stores, blacksmith shop, wagon shop and a cheese factory and a flour mill run by power from Center Creek.
(Many thanks to Mary Ann Baker of the Webb City Genealogical Society for sending this information.)
This is from the 1876 Historical Atlas
"Smithfield--  is located on the M.C & N.W. railroad within three-forths of a mile from the Kansas line.  The first house in it was built in August 1872.  It has a population of about one hundred and fifty, two general stores, two drug stores, blacksmith shop, wagon shop, and cheese factory.  The Baptists have a good church building, and the Methodists an organization but no house of worship.  A flouring and saw mill is on Centre creek south of the town.  The place is near an important lead mining district, and an important stopping point."
(Many thanks to Bill Landers for sending the information from the 1876 Historical Atlas.)

 

Last updated Monday, March 1, 1999 by Claire Wichelmann.
With many thanks to Mary Ann Baker of the Webb City Genealogical Society for sending these documents.

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