Mike, Augustus or Arch Ward, the son of William Ward, married Eva Edwards, daughter of William Carroll Edwards whom I mentioned in the previous e-mail. William W. Ward and L.D.F. Crenshaw were close friends and prominent landowners south of Springfield along modern 160 and north of Nixa, and several articles have been written on the old Crenshaw Mansion just off Campbell Street Road or Route 160. They were said to play roles in the Underground Railroad along with my ancestor, the Rev. James W. Edwards of Nixa. All these families were intensively involved with the Macks of Maury Co., who came to dominate politics and the Greene County Courthouse in the years of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Randy McConnell P.S. The "Wilderness Road" also was used in conjunction with the Old Wire Road through the Wilson Creek National Battlefield or with the old Mt. Vernon Road that went through northern Christian Co.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to pass this along to the guys interested in the Wilderness Road. Mike Flannigan > Subject: Re: [MOGreene] Edwards Spring - Greene or Christian County > Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 15:16:34 EDT > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > > Two groups of Edwards families had settlements that might have lent their > names to the Edwards Spring. > > William B. Edwards, son of John and father of James, had a farm in the Wilson > Creek valley southwest of Springfield at the time the Civil War erupted. > William B. Edwards also had lands south of Springfield, extended south of > Nixa to the old Riverdale mill on the Finley. His financial involvement in > the mill lasted until at least the last 1870s. This Edwards family is > documented sketchily in some of the early histories of the Battle of Wilson's > Creek, and as I recall, they came to Springfield c. 1840 from the area west > of Davidson Co. (Nashville), TN. > > The Rev. James W. Edwards (1807-1893) owned, at one time, hundreds of acres > directly south of Springfield extending into and including much of the city > of Nixa. He was involved by the early 1870s in taking over control of the > Riverdale Mill and sold off much of his northern Christian Co. holdings for > the more valuable mill property. He ended up in considerable tax trouble with > the state and county, and although he was able to buy his property back from > auction once at cents on the dollar, he later lost the mill holdings. His > brother, William Carroll Edwards (1818-1901?), owned land north and west of > Nixa, too; his estate seemed to remain stable during these years. > > The Rev. Edwards also owned several city lots in Ozark, which he lost in the > tax troubles. He was married before 1830 in Maury Co., TN to Martha "Patsy" > Kenamore, who died after early 1865, and later to Susan Emily Sink, daughter > of David Sink of Franklin Co., VA/Michigan/and finally Nixa, the owner of > Davie's Jerk. William Carroll Edwards married Ursula Kenamore, Patsy's sister > who died young in Maury TN, and then Narcissa Johnson, the cousin of the > Kenamore sisters. > > This second family of Edwardses, the Kenamore and the Johnsons (descendants > of Revolutionary War vet Abner Johnson and Nancy Brackett of Amelia VA) all > lives in Maury TN before migrating to Christian Co., MO in 1852 and 1854. > > Randy McConnell

That is interesting. This area you discuss is probably just south of HW 60 (SE of the 60/65 junction) in section 22. That's a busy little section. It has at least 4 caves in it. The furthest east one is Plank Cave, but that cave is high up on the south bank of Hunt Branch, probably 50 ft above the stream. It's not likely that water exits this cave. Near the middle of the section is Moss Cave. It now has stone steps and other modifications leading down to a "karst window" entrance. Further SW are Hunt Branch Cave #1 & #2. These are most likely to contain the springs you mention. Or maybe none of these are the ones you know of. Further east, east of Kelly Cemetery, is Kelly Spring and Cave. These are NE of Mentor. I'm not sure about the other names of the Wilderness road. I think it may have been called the Springfield/Nixa road. There are a bunch of roads that were called the Springfield road. Mike Flannigan > Subject: [MOGreene] Edwards /Russell/Samuel Spring - Greene > Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 20:33:02 -0500 > From: "Betty Gordon" <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > > Hello Mike, the 'Russell Spring' was on land where "Highland Springs" golf > course and housing addition is now (at the East edge). (I wonder if this > should be really be named the 'Russell Springs' golf course?) :-) > > Russell Spring was just to the West of of my SAMUEL ancestor's property. > There was a 'SAMUEL SPRING/CAVE' on the property of Stephen Anthony SAMUEL > and James 'Bradley' SAMUEL. It was there in 1843 when they came from Giles > County, Tennessee and they decided to settle near fresh water . (of course, > it was called that after they purchased the property.) And, both the > Russell & Samuel Springs were on private property. This is all just east of > the 60/65 junction south of Springfield on 60 hwy . > > Where these old springs were is going to be lost when the last of our > ancestors pass away. My Mother is 85 and talks about doing the laundry at > both Samuel & Russell Spring. > > Didn't 'Wilderness Road' have other names? If I knew the 'other' names I > would ask my parents about it next weekend, when I talk to them on the > phone. > > I have enjoyed reading all about this! Betty

Seeking any information about William J. Fisher buried in Maple Park Cemetery in Greene County. Born 16 May 1869-Died 18Feb 1934 Thank you, Chris Fisher Thiessen

Hello Mike, the 'Russell Spring' was on land where "Highland Springs" golf course and housing addition is now (at the East edge). (I wonder if this should be really be named the 'Russell Springs' golf course?) :-) Russell Spring was just to the West of of my SAMUEL ancestor's property. There was a 'SAMUEL SPRING/CAVE' on the property of Stephen Anthony SAMUEL and James 'Bradley' SAMUEL. It was there in 1843 when they came from Giles County, Tennessee and they decided to settle near fresh water . (of course, it was called that after they purchased the property.) And, both the Russell & Samuel Springs were on private property. This is all just east of the 60/65 junction south of Springfield on 60 hwy . Where these old springs were is going to be lost when the last of our ancestors pass away. My Mother is 85 and talks about doing the laundry at both Samuel & Russell Spring. Didn't 'Wilderness Road' have other names? If I knew the 'other' names I would ask my parents about it next weekend, when I talk to them on the phone. I have enjoyed reading all about this! Betty -----Original Message----- From: Mike Flannigan <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 5:55 PM Subject: Re: [MOGreene] Edwards Spring - Greene > >Thanks to all that responded to this. We got a bunch of feedback >on this one. > >We suspect Edwards Spring is really Ward Spring. It's not listed >in GNIS, but is in "Springs of Missouri" (sort of) under Rader >Spring and shown on Fig 82. > >By the way, we have not heard of a Russell Spring in that area, but >I'm sure it's there somewhere. Lot's of springs around there. In >fact there are at least 2 others right by Ward Spring. >Thanks again, >Mike Flannigan

Two groups of Edwards families had settlements that might have lent their names to the Edwards Spring. William B. Edwards, son of John and father of James, had a farm in the Wilson Creek valley southwest of Springfield at the time the Civil War erupted. William B. Edwards also had lands south of Springfield, extended south of Nixa to the old Riverdale mill on the Finley. His financial involvement in the mill lasted until at least the last 1870s. This Edwards family is documented sketchily in some of the early histories of the Battle of Wilson's Creek, and as I recall, they came to Springfield c. 1840 from the area west of Davidson Co. (Nashville), TN. The Rev. James W. Edwards (1807-1893) owned, at one time, hundreds of acres directly south of Springfield extending into and including much of the city of Nixa. He was involved by the early 1870s in taking over control of the Riverdale Mill and sold off much of his northern Christian Co. holdings for the more valuable mill property. He ended up in considerable tax trouble with the state and county, and although he was able to buy his property back from auction once at cents on the dollar, he later lost the mill holdings. His brother, William Carroll Edwards (1818-1901?), owned land north and west of Nixa, too; his estate seemed to remain stable during these years. The Rev. Edwards also owned several city lots in Ozark, which he lost in the tax troubles. He was married before 1830 in Maury Co., TN to Martha "Patsy" Kenamore, who died after early 1865, and later to Susan Emily Sink, daughter of David Sink of Franklin Co., VA/Michigan/and finally Nixa, the owner of Davie's Jerk. William Carroll Edwards married Ursula Kenamore, Patsy's sister who died young in Maury TN, and then Narcissa Johnson, the cousin of the Kenamore sisters. This second family of Edwardses, the Kenamore and the Johnsons (descendants of Revolutionary War vet Abner Johnson and Nancy Brackett of Amelia VA) all lives in Maury TN before migrating to Christian Co., MO in 1852 and 1854. Randy McConnell

Thanks to all that responded to this. We got a bunch of feedback on this one. We suspect Edwards Spring is really Ward Spring. It's not listed in GNIS, but is in "Springs of Missouri" (sort of) under Rader Spring and shown on Fig 82. From our research we are relatively certain that this part of the Wilderness Road roughly followed where HW 160 goes south from Springfield today. By the way, we have not heard of a Russell Spring in that area, but I'm sure it's there somewhere. Lot's of springs around there. In fact there are at least 2 others right by Ward Spring. Thanks again, Mike Flannigan

I have heard of a Russell spring that was on my ancestor's land in or near that vicinity that you are speaking of. Elaine

I have heard of a Russell

I looked up a few phone #'s for you maybe you can give some of them a try. I'm sure somebody can help you down the right path & who to talk to. GOOD LUCK! Let us all know what you find out....I know you now have my curiosity up. Dana Longley Native Christian and Greene Counties Living in Iowa ======================================== Christian County - In the court house... Mapping and Addressing - 417-581-5404 Planning and Zoning - 417-581-7242 Public Administrator - 417-581-7342 Road Dept. - 417-581-2112 or 581-6360 Surveyor - 417-581-2187 Library - 417-581-2432 Vital Records - 417-485-8183 Greene County - Administrative Offices - Archives - 417-868-4021 County Clerk - 417-868-4055 Planning and Zoning - 417-868-4005 Recorder of Deeds - 417-868-4068

I'm posting this message, with its author's permission, that I read on the Tennessee Roots list. If anyone knows these family names and can help him, or suggest how to find early Greene Co. marriage records., please write to his address below. Maybe he'll find some cousins out there! Thanks. -- Cheryl Wray ------ Hello All, I'm searching for any information concerning Anna "Annie" WOOD, 1st child of my g-grandfather, Rev./Dr. Jesse Lee(Leonidas?) WOOD. Anna WOOD was b. 1860 in Dyer Co., TN. Her mother, Mary, was reportedly b. in TN and died Dec 1864/Jan 1865 in Carroll, Co., TN during the Civil War. The last time Anna is listed is on the 1880 Census for Springfield, Greene Co., MO at age 20 living with her father and step-mother, (Jesse's 3rd wife) Ada M. (DABBS) WOOD b. 1866 in IL, step-brothers Jesse WOOD b. 1878 and Henry Clay "Hal" WOOD b. 1880 in Springfield, Greene, MO. Anna WOOD reportedly married a Mr. HALL and was living in Los Angeles, CA in 1896. Ada Dabbs WOOD divorced Anna's father, Jesse WOOD, ca. 1886 and married a Mr. Guffey, then moved to AR. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Jesse Lee "Jack" WOOD,III Powell, OH (Formerly from TX) [email protected]

These are the only springs listed by the GNIS mapping (Government): Feature Name St County Equivalent Name Type USGS 7.5' Map Brower Spring MO Greene spring 371632N 0932700W Willard Campground Spring MO Greene spring 370602N 0932514W Republic Cave Spring MO Greene spring UNKNOWN UNKNOWN Willard Clear Creek Spring MO Greene spring 371508N 0932621W Willard Dailey Spring MO Greene spring 370953N 0932715W Brookline Elm Spring MO Greene spring 372036N 0931112W Bassville Gilmore Spring MO Greene spring 371923N 0933013W Ash Grove Indian Spring MO Greene spring 370553N 0932113W Nixa Jones Spring MO Greene spring 371119N 0931253W Galloway Kelly Spring MO Greene spring 371949N 0933328W Ash Grove Leeper Spring MO Greene spring 371802N 0933635W Ash Grove Rountree Spring MO Greene spring 370842N 0932207W Springfield Scott Spring MO Greene spring 371529N 0933526W Ash Grove

Mike - I don't have a precise answer for you, however, a suggestion on where to ask for information. The Missouri Geological Survey (MGS) published a book several years ago (1974) titled Springs of Missouri. It lists the larger springs of Missouri (585 of them and they also stated that there are over 1,100 springs on record at that time). You might try checking with MGS or the county engineer's office - either office might be able to help you locate Edwards Spring. As a side note, I looked through the book for springs near the Greene/CHristian county line and also read some of the entries for other springs. Jones Spring (east of Springfield at the time, about 1-1/2 miles) is reported to be the site of the firs grist mill erected west of the Mississippi River, built by slaves in 1823 (reference is made to an article from the Springfield News and Leader, Novermber 3, 1968). Good luck on your hunt! - Dan Spellman Native of Missouri, Resident of Ohio PS: The address in 1974 for the MGS was: Missouri Geological Survey & Water Resources, Box 250, Rolla, Missouri 65401

I have heard of Wilderness Road but I can't remember from where. I checked USGS mapping and didn't find Wilderness Road or Edwards Spring. My husband is a dispatcher for the Christian County E-911. I will ask him if he is familiar with Edwards Spring. We don't live in Christian County but maybe he has heard of it. Carolyn Caplinger [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Flannigan" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 11:44 AM Subject: [MOGreene] Edwards Spring - Greene or Christian County > > We are trying to locate an "Edwards Spring" which was on or > near the Greene/Christian County line just South of Springfield > MO. This spring is mentioned in a petition from citizens of > Christian Co to the County Commission of Greene Co in regards > of granting an easement for a road which we assume is the > "Wilderness Road." We have accounts from those who remember > the road as leaving the public square in Springfield then running due > south through the present day city of Nixa, however other historians > place the road as passing through the city of Ozark. The location > of Edwards Spring may help us in nailing down the exact route of > this road. > > If you have any information on this spring, we would appreciate > receiving it. I will be away from my computer for 2 weeks starting > 6/29. If you contact me during this period, it will be a little while > before I respond. > > > Mike Flannigan > > > > ==== MOGREENE Mailing List ==== > Need to find the county for a town? USGS/GNIS site: > http://www-nmd.usgs.gov/www/gnis/gnisform.html > > ============================== > Create a FREE family website at MyFamily.com! > http://www.myfamily.com/banner.asp?ID=RWLIST2 > > > ============================== > Browse the MOGREENE-L archives: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/MOGREENE >

We are trying to locate an "Edwards Spring" which was on or near the Greene/Christian County line just South of Springfield MO. This spring is mentioned in a petition from citizens of Christian Co to the County Commission of Greene Co in regards of granting an easement for a road which we assume is the "Wilderness Road." We have accounts from those who remember the road as leaving the public square in Springfield then running due south through the present day city of Nixa, however other historians place the road as passing through the city of Ozark. The location of Edwards Spring may help us in nailing down the exact route of this road. If you have any information on this spring, we would appreciate receiving it. I will be away from my computer for 2 weeks starting 6/29. If you contact me during this period, it will be a little while before I respond. Mike Flannigan

Seeking all descendants of Jeremiah West who settled in Greene and surounding counties of Missouri. Jeremiah & Hannah Warden-West are buried at Mt. Pisgah. Many of the descendants are there, and at Mullinax in Strafford, as well as Danforth, and others. Would be glad to hear from any cousin still alive in the area. Thanks, Polly

Hello! I'm still looking for any CRADDOCK's or WOOD's living in Walnut Grove, Greene Co. from 1850 to 1910. Specifically: James G. WOOD Mary/Molly WOOD Malinda CRADDOCK [Walnut Grove in 1900 census] Charles N. CRADDOCK Mary and Charles were wed in 1887 in Bolivar, Polk County. Regards, Ken Waters Ft Worth, TX

In a message dated 6/22/01 10:57:43 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: << The The Anti-Horse Thief Association prospered in the Missouri hills which produced bandits such as the James and Younger brothers. By 1885 there were 184 sub-orders with 4,973 members, which expanded to 7,055 by 1890. This phenomenal growth extended beyond the borders >> LOL, I take it this was not a good thing???? Juanita Jones Johnson

In a message dated 6/22/01 10:57:43 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: << Just ran into this on another list. Intriguing. Did Greene County have such an organization? http://www.oklahombres.org/ahta.htm The Anti-Horse Thief Association Bob, if I had a horse, I would join the Texas one:):):) Juantia

Just ran into this on another list. Intriguing. Did Greene County have such an organization? http://www.oklahombres.org/ahta.htm The Anti-Horse Thief Association by Bob L. Blackburn .......The AHTA, which eventually boasted more than 5,000 members in Oklahoma, began before the Civil War in Missouri. The founder was David McKee, a pioneer who had migrated from Illinois to Iowa, then to the gold fields in California, and finally to the hills of Missouri. As a farmer and blacksmith, McKee accumulated property on his Missouri farmstead, but his security was threatened by bandits who descended on farms to steal stock and escape into the rugged hill country. In 1854 McKee moved against the lawlessness by organizing a secret vigilance committee, which he dubbed the The Anti-Horse Thief Association. Declaring that his organization differed from lawless vigilantes who too quickly resorted to lynch law, McKee stated that his organization's purpose was "not to hang thieves, but to prevent criminality". The association's written intention was that "when a person or persons have been arrested and handed over to them charged with theft, they shall investigate the case and if they hand them over to the civil law, attending personally and with the assistance and influence of the society to their legal prosecution." The The Anti-Horse Thief Association prospered in the Missouri hills which produced bandits such as the James and Younger brothers. By 1885 there were 184 sub-orders with 4,973 members, which expanded to 7,055 by 1890. This phenomenal growth extended beyond the borders of Missouri. In 1893 law-minded citizens in Cleveland County established the first sub-order of the The Anti-Horse Thief Association in Oklahoma Territory. The organization spread quickly.