This article gives some history of Putnam County. There was a picture of the house if I'm remembering correctly. I don't have it but saved the clipping for the history which also lists several names of settlers. Hope you all enjoy. Linda Wednesday, June 27, 1962 Unionville Republican The Death of Dame Runyon in St. John's recalls the early history of that village which once was the county seat of Dodge County. Dodge County and Putnam were united to form the present Putnam County after a decision by the U.S. Supreme court define the boundary between Iowa and Missouri at his present location, which moved it about six miles north from what had been the boundry. Miss Runyon was born in the house which remained her home throughout her long life. She was never married. The house was built by her father, Archibald Steele Runyon in 1854. He was a son- in-law of Thomas CAUL, who erected several of the homes in that community, and who was a very important personage there. The newly married Runyons moved into this house in August 1854, according to data secured by A. B. SHELTON who has been collecting some of the historical facts. Miss Runyon's father was a surveyor, and at one time the Putnam County Suryeyor. She had in her possession the original plats of Putnam County made by her father. She also had the original contract entered into by her father for the construction of the first school building in St. John in 1855. It was signed by Giles HODGES as contractor, and A.S. RUNYON, William DANIELS, and Philetus KNIGHT, as Trustees of the district. Incidentally the first teacher at this school was James HARPER. Miss Runyon's mind was very sharp, and she clearly recalled many of the incidents of early history, either experienced or told to her by her parents and other prominent people now long since gone. St. John was the seat of Dodge County from May 1, 1849 until March 16, 1853. The house in which she spent a long life is suprisingly sturdy for its years, and perhaps bears the distinction of housing the same person for a longer period than most other houses. Ninety One years. THE END