Although the paper’s statement sounded like a threat, it wasn’t intended as one. The town of Monett was laid out next door to Plymouth, and named for Henry Monett, a prominent official with the New York Central Railroad. It was yet another town that sprang into existence with the expansion of our country’s railroad system.

The new town was heavily promoted in the Missouri press through the fall of 1887, with a big auction of town lots in October of that year. 

The paper was simply trying to cement the town’s reputation as a very desirable place to live.

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 credit: Johannes Plenio, Unsplash