Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Wooded Ozark hills and fertile prairies form this county of contrasts organized in 1845 and named for Capt. James Lawrence of "Don't give up the ship" fame. The first settler, John Williams, located on Turnback Creek in 1831. Others with him turned back in discouragement. Southerners, and later pioneers from other sections, and Germans, Swedes, and Waldensians settled the county.

Mt Vernon, the county seat, was platted by J.A. Allen, 1845. One of the first state tubercular hospitals west of the Mississippi was founded there, 1905. Early schools were White Oak (Presbyterian) Academy in 1840's near Verona; Collegiate Institute (1870's) at Marionville, which became Ozark Wesleyan at Carthage; Christian College (1870's) and a Presby. Academy (1880's) at Mt. Vernon; and Baptist College (1880's) at Pierce City.

In the war years 1861-65, guerrilla bands and troops foraged the area. Mt. Vernon was a Union post. With coming of Frisco R.R., 1870, and Mo. Pac., 1907, expansion of agriculture and growth of zinc and lead mining, county population boomed from 13,067 in 1870 to 31,662 by 1900.

A dairy, livestock, grain, and fruit area, Lawrence County was once a leading lead and zinc producer. Lead found in mid-1880's at Aurora made it a roaring mining camp by 1890. Founded 1870, now on two railroads, Aurora is the county's largest town. Mining was also done at Verona, founded 1868, and Stotts City, 1885. Pierce City, founded 1870, early railroad division point, produces lime.

Near Mt. Vernon is the so-called Spanish Fort built by prehistoric tribes. Indians roamed the area, part of 1808 Osage land cession, into the 1830's. Near Verona are site of what is said to be the first Sunday School in western Ozarks, founded 1840 by J.M. White; the spring forming Spring River; and Red Mill. At Pierce City is Herold Bell Wright Library in an 1873 building where he was once pastor. Chesapeake State Fish Hatchery and park are in the county.

Agricultural scientist, educator, William Jasper Spillman (1863-1931) and soil expert, educator, geologist Curtis Fletcher Marbut (1863-1935) were born in Lawrence County. M.T. Davis, Comm. 1904 La. Purchase Cent. Exposition [St. Louis 1904 Worlds Fair], lived in Aurora.

Comments (1)

Jim Kuntz: ... Some sources place the date of the Missouri Pacific's arrival as early as 1901. First Sunday School in the county can be placed as either 1839, 1840, or 1843, depending on source. 1 October 05, 2008

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