‘Smith-Nafus Register of Funerals’ (1902-1924) printed and ready to sell

By Connie Maupin

The Cedar County Historical Society met at the Cedar County Museum in Stockton on Monday, October 26, 2026. The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance recited. Members present were President Judy Nichols, Secretary Connie Maupin, Ellis Benham, Chris Barber, Carl Reeves and Bob Phillips. The September meeting minutes and treasurer’s reports were approved.

The next order of business was the announcement of Judith Cain’s retirement from the board. Board members voted to install Chris Barber as her replacement. Judith was appreciated for her many years of dedicated service.

The annual White Elephant Sale during the Walnut Festival was deemed a success and Treasurer, Linda Betlock, sold the remaining items online.

The 1961 Plat Book will not be able to be reprinted due to copyright

Work continues on photo albums for Stockton, Cedar County, El Dorado Springs and Caplinger Mills. Nichols is considering an album for the large vintage high school diplomas that are currently rolled-up. There is also a need to re-index the maps on the new map rack.

The 103 page “Smith-Nafus Register of Funerals” (1902-1924) from Smith Hardware in Stockton, is printed and ready to sell.

Society member, Fred Allenbaugh, who wasn’t able to attend the meeting, noted that the American Legion property west of Stockton and new fishing pond would be getting concrete, handicapped accessible pathways in the months to come. The new American Legion Hall plans are still in the works.

An order for 24 new commercial grade chairs has arrived to replace the old metal chairs at the museum, to be used for historical programs.

Programs for the 2027 season were discussed, but no definite decisions were made.

Chris Barber suggested that he would like to have an outdoor heritage event featuring working antiques on display and in use in Stockton. Exhibits, such as a gas powered washing machine, blacksmithing demonstrations, small engines, woodworking and craft works from 1800’s through the 1900’s. After some discussion it was decided that Chris should begin looking into possible sights for such an event and possible participants.

Reprinting some of the Cedar County Lyceum books are still in the works as time permits. More “Historical Tours of Cedar County” books have been upgraded with new covers and are on the shelf.

Judy has received a book, “Milling Around,” from society member and author Barbara Baird. The book can be purchased online at Amazon.com. Barbara is now working on a second book that will include: Caplinger Mills, Owens Mill, Pleasant View and other mills in the area.

The October society newsletter has been published for members.

To join “new” society Facebook page, “Cedar County Mo Historical Society-Official Page,” please answer the 3 security questions and agree to group rules before submitting your request.

During the September meeting it was decided to change of meeting day to the second Monday of the month, so the first meeting of the new year will be Jan.11, 2027 at 1 p.m. at the museum in Stockton.

The museum will only be open during meetings with the winter season unless by appointment, from November 2026 through April, 2027. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 30, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the museum. There will be no meeting in December.

Donations: By Debra Peterson for Norma Cowan Jackson: two autograph books from Wade Cowan and Eula Cowan, a Whinrey Mill (Caplinger Mills) apron and Eula Cowan’s Stockton High School diploma. By EuGene Smith: A vintage postcard to Ella Mason in Filley, Mo., with a photo of a lady, from a friend, “Harry,” circa 1910.

For information, appointments or to purchase publications, call 417-276-1142, on Facebook at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society-Official Page,”  by email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com or by mail at P. O. Box 111, Stockton, MO, 65785.