Check out Sherry Pyle’s new book on Amazon

by Sheila Griggs

   The Cedar County Historical Society met at the museum in Stockton on Monday, Nov. 25. Members present were President Judy Nichols, Vice President Chris Barber, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Assistant Secretary Sheila Griggs, Frank Stranimier, Virginia Barber, Ellis Benham and Judi Cain.

Long-time member Kay Snow passed away this month. She was remembered by other members especially for her dedication and responsibilities during her time as an officer. It was mentioned that Kevin Morgan, a friend of the historical society, also passed away.

Chris Barber noted that there were no programs scheduled yet.

The book, “Blackberry Hollow,” by local author Sherry Pyle, is now available on Amazon.

Eldon Steward was featured in an article printed in an El Dorado Springs newspaper recently.

The museum is in need of three ceiling tiles to be replaced in the Research Library and Frank Stranimier thought he had some he could donate. The outdoor “Museum Open” sign which Marcia Hornbeck was requested to create will be done soon. Cement caulking was suggested for a crack in the concrete near the front door entrance. An awning for the new front door has not been found yet. Judy will continue to search for a suitable one.

Judy handed out a news article regarding DNA testing and how could be unsafe as far as a person’s privacy at this time. The article reported overseas and nationwide data breaches. “My Heritage” suffered a security breach in 2018 exposing 92 million email addresses and hashed passwords. “23 and Me” received a major credential attack in 2023, that exposed information on as many as 7 million customers. Cybercriminals then put up that information for sale on criminal forums. That breach is still an ongoing saga. “Ancestry” was acquired by the investment company, Blackstone in 2020. Blackstone has publicly stated that they do not access Ancestry users’ DNA data. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining robust consumer privacy protections at Ancestry. They have also stated their intention to support continued investments in cybersecurity measures to protect genetic data. A person should research DNA companies and make good choices if they decide to get their DNA tested and also be cautious about who they share it with.

Judy, also, gave members a copy of a CCHS newsletter from 2020 with an article written by Karl Dobbins titled, “Our County Poor Farm.” The property, its’ use, the “inmates,” and the location of both poor farms were discussed. It suggested that the first poor farm, located in eastern Madison Township near Lindley Prairie Cemetery, was open from about 1899 to 1915. A new poor farm was built west of Stockton, in Linn Township, in 1915 and stayed open until about 1940.

Cedar County’s poor farm was used to house and care for the impoverished, a few old soldiers who received no pension and several county patients who had once been housed at the asylum in Nevada. Living on a poor farm was not pleasant, but it was often necessary for survival. Inmates were sometimes, sadly neglected due to lack of funds. At times, local churches and organizations visited with food, clothing, gifts and provided church services for the inmates. Poor farms started closing in the late 1930’s and 40’s with the coming of old age pensions and advancements in social welfare. Some inmates were moved back to the asylum at Nevada. World War II sparked an economic recovery with the demand for workers to fill military and manufacturing jobs to sustain the war effort.

Donations: Sheila Griggs presented the society with a copy of “The Bethel Hills” written by Ruth Hickman Fleeman. Sheila, also, donated a type-written transcript of conversations she had in the past year with a former Bear Creek citizen Virginia “Ginny” Flippin. Ginny’s family owned the Waldren Grocery Store in Bear Creek around 1947-1949. Ginny shared memories and pictures from those years and those pictures are also included in this transcript.

Anna Hopkins presented a replica of the Betsy Ross, 13 Stars and Stripes flag, donated by the Trent-Sallee American Legion Post #230, in Stockton.

The museum will be closed in December and until the next meeting on January 27, 2025. Special appointments can be made and books will be available to sell. The next open season will be in April, depending on the weather. Meetings will be held on the last Monday of each month at 1 p.m. and the museum will be open from 1 until 4 p.m. those days.

CCHS historical books, maps, CDs and member books make great Christmas gifts for those who like Cedar County history.

The Cedar County Museum and Research Library is located at 106 West Davis St. in Stockton and admission is free. For information, appointments or to purchase publications call:  417-276-1142, E-mail at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, on Facebook at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society” or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.