On this day, David Rankin of Tarkio died. Using the most modern methods, he had over 30,000 acres in cultivation. He was said to have the biggest farm operation in America. In addition to growing over a million bushels of corn per year, he had over 12,000 head of cattle and 25,000 hogs.
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.