August 17, 1804
Birthday of George Rappen Smith, a stagecoach operator, state senator, and Brigadier General of the Missouri Militia. He started a town at the head of a railroad and planned to name it Sedville after his daughter’s nickname. A friend suggested a Greek name instead: Sedalia.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
Photo—Gary L Hider
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