The Settlement Patterns of Perry County, Missouri 1850-1900
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The settlement of Perry County, Missouri, began during the Spanish era of control of the Mississippi River in the period of 1763-1803. The west bank of the Mississippi River was previously held by the French and briefly reverted back to them, prior to the acquisition by the United States in 1803. European settlement generally began in this area in the 1790's when it was part of the Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon Districts of the Spanish administration system. Population growth was slow and residents were widely distributed throughout the district. After the War of 1812, in the period 1818-21, a more rapid and concentrated settlement began. Historical explanations of the county’s development generally focus upon German immigration. Modern perceptions include the observation that this was an area settled by Germans, providing a clearly identified German culture. Often overlooked is the existence of those residents from other sections of Europe and the United States who moved into the county prior to and during the German migration period. The purpose of this study is to examine the settlement patterns of Perry County, Missouri, in order to determine the origins of the residents during the period 1850-1900. Statistics earlier than 1850 are unreliable. Earlier census records documented people living in the larger area of the Ste. Genevieve District. Census reports from 1800-1820 recorded people in the Ste. Genevieve District, which at that time included Perry County, but was a much wider area. The 1830 and 1840 census reports listed Perry County separately, but did not record the origin of birth. The 1850 census report was the first such report to record the origin of birth by nation or state. Reports from 1850 to 1900 also reveal country or state of origin. This project will examine existing and available records in order to reveal the nature of the population in Perry County, Missouri, between 1850 and 1900. It is believed that such examination will demonstrate that there was a greater mix of cultures in the county than is generally perceived.
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About the Book
Historical explanations of the country’s development generally focus upon German immigration. Modern perceptions include the observation that this was an area settled by Germans, providing a clearly identified German culture. Often overlooked is the existence of those residents from other sections of Europe and the United States who moved into the country prior to and during the German migration period.
About the Author
A resident of Brazeau, Missouri, Joseph Price Barber is presently doing research of the photographs and history of Perry County after working on several different archaeology sites and studying history at Southeast Missouri State University.