This history of Northwest Missouri seeks to give in simple fashion the story of the beginnings, progress and present condition of the nineteen counties of Missouri forming the northwest section of the state. In the preparation of the material for the historical volume, for which volume the editor is responsible, generous aid has been received from many men and women acquainted with local history and interested in its preserva tion. To them and, in particular, to the advisory and contributing editors, whose names appear on the following pages and in connection with their respective chapters, grateful acknowledgment is made. The name of Miss Cannie R. Quinn, of Columbia, should be included because of her ability, industry and painstaking care as editorial assistant. It is, in a special sense, their history. Much of the history of Northwest Missouri is common to several or all of the counties. Hence the sketches of Clay, Ray, Buchanan, Carroll and the other older counties should be read for any seeming omissions in the several county histories. Duplication is thus prevented and a com prehensive history given of the entire section.