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Village Of Eagleville

10028 10th Street
660-867-3110

History

In the year 1844, Willis Bridges, son of Allen Bridges built the first house in what was to be Eagleville. This house was located in the northeast part of town.
About the year 1850 the number of settlers increased to such an extent there began talk of establishing a trading post. Travel in early days was by ox cart, horseback or on foot, so there was a real need for a trading post.

In August 1851 Robert Bullington purchased ten acres from Allen Bridges for the purpose of starting a town. However he sold this land to Chas. L. Jennings, who then sold it to John P. King, who sold one-half interest to Robinson Allen. John P. King platted and surveyed the orginial town on Aug. 28, 1851. It was not recorded until April 17, 1854. (Five surveys and three additions were made at various times to plat the town as we know it today.) Provisions were made for a public square in the beginning; the present square was formed in a later survey.

Lots were offered for sale in 1851 but no improvements appear to have been made that year.

Eagleville is situated in the north part of Harrison county. It stands in parts of three townships; Colfax, Union and Marion. The land in Marion township and surrounding Eagleville was entered by Allen Bridges, Aug. 15, 1851 and in the following year he entered land in Colfax township. In 1851 Thomas Shain entered the land in Union township. Prior to this the north line of Harrison county, bordering on Iowa was disputed and considered to be one mile north of where Eagleville now stands. In 1850 the state line was definitely settled and iron stakes six inches square and six feet long were planted ten miles apart between Iowa and Missouri. On March 1, 1851 the land between the present line and the old line was added to the county and was opened for settlement.

In 1852, Thomas Shain erected a small log frame building in town, and from it a mercantile business was operated by John Haynes who had married Nancy Bridges, a daughter of Allen Bridges. She was also a niece of Thomas Shain. This store was operated for about two years and later occupied by William Needham.