When Louisburg was "Little Laughing Water" (Taken From the Bufflao Reflex)
Before being settled, the Osage Indians claimed the territory. At the bottom of the hill, south of Louisburg, was an artesian well named by the Indians “Little Laughing Water.” (Bennett Spring was “Big Laughing Water.”) Louisburg was first known as Round Prairie.
Among the first settlers in the area was Jason Wilson, a sea-faring man originally from Wales. Some think he might have been buried in the area near the artesian well. Other settlers to follow, about 1836, were Aaron Span, William Montgomery, John Ballew, Jesse Ballew, Henry Anderson, Starling Lindsey and Green Berry Williams, among others.
In 1854, the towns people began to lay out the town site on land reportedly deeded by Louis Hart, hence the name for the budding town. A public well dug in the middle of the settlement (just west of Williams Grocery in the middle of the road heading south.) It was used for years by the towns people and others as well. About 1949, the walls caved in and it was cemented over. A bulge in the road existed for several years, but time and wear have smoothed the surface.
In 1890, the town of Louisburg Band was organized before 1885 and was regarded as one of the best bands in Dallas County. Professor Barras of St. Louis organized and trained the “boys” until they were able to play for all public meetings. A large horse-drawn band wagon was used for transportation. Perry Darby, too young for the band, served as mascot and always went along and carried the American flag when the band marched. The flag was homemade by Jennie Darby, Rilda Marsh and Mollie Lindsey and was considered a work of art. Thomas Barbarick, the village blacksmith, served as band leader for awhile.
The earliest church in Louisburg was the Round Prairie Primitive Church, organized in June 1849. The first church was believed to be near a spring on W.C. Wisdom farm. Around the turn of the century it was moved to its present location on Mo. 64 next to the Baptist Church. Joshiah Conn was elected first pastor and served until his death in February 1863. Henry H. Breshears also served as pastor. Isacc Sidwell was appointed pastor and served until his death in 1878. William C. Wisdom was pastor from 1878 until his death.
In 1901, J.H. White served as pastor from 1901-1908, then Lewis Green. After his death, J.J. White and John A. Ford shared the pulpit through 1930 when John A. Ford was appointed pastor. In 1932, his son, T.C. Ford, was elected and served until his death in 1858. Then Elder William Harper of Quincy served a number of years. Francis Wisdom, farther of William C., was the first church clerk and served many years. R.B. Rice and C. C. Ford were church clerks, also.
The Western Light Lodge No. 396, Louisburg, was charted in 1871. Due to declining membership, it merged with the Riddick Lodge No. 361, Buffalo in 1993.
At one time, U.S. 65 ran through town before turning north again. It added to the vigor of the economy of the area. When 65 was rerouted in 1928 to the east edge of Louisburg, businesses began to suffer and slowly declinde over the years.
Here is a cute poem I found while searching the history. It was written by Earl T. Sechler, a noted Dallas County historian, and won in a 1912 contest of Ozarks Ballads.
The Louisburg Community drinking cup
I see it plainly with its bottom side up.
It hung on the pump by bailing wire
The pump was operated by muscle power.
Here young bucks gathered by the hour
And supped from the cup under a bower.
We gossiped there in friendly jokes
Which sometimes led to marriage yokes.
A legend says if you drink from this well.
You will return in spite of hell.
So here’s to the Louisburg Community drinking cup.
Which hangs from the pump with bottom side up.
(NOTE: This was written about the hand-dug well in the middle of Louisburg.)
