Leadbelt Chronicles

26/04/2024

24/04/2024

This is why I enjoy doing this podcast. I had a new follower send me this message, So I asked if she would care if I shared it as long as I kept her name anonymous.

I enjoy getting feedback which encourages me because it shows that people are learning from the content shared on this page as well as the YouTube channel.

If you enjoy the podcast please take a few seconds to leave a review on the page to say what you enjoy about it or even what you’d like to see in the future.

Thank you to the anonymous follower for reaching out, you know who you are!

Thank you,
Jon

23/04/2024

So in the new episode you will hear DJ speak about how his grandmother told a story about how she remembers civil war soldiers near her home on Hill Street around the late 1890s. That would have been 30-40 years after the war ended, So would have it been possible to still see actual soldiers fighting that long after the war ended?

I’m sure there were still some families who held onto their strong beliefs after the war and so it could have still been possible to have some small fights even after the war ended.

As DJ said he was told this when he was a young boy and doesn’t really know how factual it is but that his grandma for sure witness it.

one thing that I find interesting is that Greg McWilliams reached out to me after watching the episode and said that he had actually found a cannon ball within a mile and a half of the house on hill street while doing some ground work at a property near there.

So was there a small undocumented fight near hill street… I don’t know 🤷🏻 but could have been possible!

23/04/2024

New episode is up and ready to view on YouTube!

In this episode DJ discusses the history of the home he grew up in on hill street in Park Hills Mo. he shares some interesting stories of strange occurrences...

22/04/2024

Here are a few shots from yesterday’s encampment at the pilot k**b state historic site.

This is not the battle reenactment just the spring muster to prepare for the battle in that fall.

20/04/2024

Today was a great time! I had the opportunity to do some filming at the spring encampment. I met some great folks.

I had the opportunity to interview the Calvary reenactors who have played roles in battle reenactments all over the US including Gettysburg.

Johnnie Robins (far right) played an extra in the film “ride with the devil”

Mike Adam’s (far left) played an extra in the Johnny drop film “Lone Ranger”

Keep an eye out for this episode!

I will share some photos and videos at a later time

19/04/2024

I would like to say that first off Leadbelt Chroicles is not about seeking out ghost stories or visiting historic building to discuss ghost stories. I’m about sharing history but sometimes this is brought up in conversation so I decided to share it as a bonus episode. Biblical views are shared in this so if that’s not your thing it’s okay. Enjoy!

17/04/2024

The interview with DJ Edwards from the magic shop in Park Hills Mo is now up and ready to view!

In this interview I speak with DJ Edwards to talk about his unique shop in down town Park Hills, Missouri. He talks about how he got into the business and wh...

15/04/2024

So someone asked me how did I get so interested in history. Well as far back as I can remember this book right here is what I read as a child which sparked my interest in the American Civil War. This was a series of books that shared other parts of history as well which created my interest for other periods of history.

I believe it’s important to teach the younger generation our history so it’s not forgotten.

“We must remember our past in order to know how far we have come and to see where we’re headed”

Leadbelt chronicles is my way of preserving our history for future generations to come.

14/04/2024

I had some followers message me looking for more information into their frame home that was built in 1890 that is within the area of the stone house in Bonne terre. Here’s what I have found out so far that is interesting!

Did you know that the area near North division street and bonne terre park area used to be a town called Settletown….now you do.

So that area to my understanding was not included in Bonne terre and was its stand alone settlement that was named after William M Settle and Hattie A Settle.

This town was in central Perry township and was surveyed in 1878 on property owned by the settles.

Here’s a little history about them-

Williams M Settle is one of the prominent pioneers of the region. His parents John and Nancy (Martin) settle, were among the very first early residents but were native of North Carolina and Kentucky. John and Nancy came to Missouri around 1824 (3 years after Missouri became a state)

William was born November 8th 1840 and grew up in Washington county. He purchased the site in 1877 and laid out the village of Settletown. He actually was the druggist in the village.

Hope you enjoyed, I’ll keep digging!

12/04/2024

I had the opportunity this evening to visit with some great folks that own this home in Bonne terre. I would like to thank them for inviting me and for giving me the permission to share your home and its history!

So the date of construction is unknown but paperwork has been found back to 1900 (I believe it’s older possibly closer to the mid 1800s)

One interesting part is that there was a Depression era newspaper (December 8th 1930 to be exact) attached the one of the floor joist. Why would they have attached newspaper there? It wouldn’t have been for insulation.

I think it is connected somehow to the Sam Hildebrand house since it is close by and may have been built by the same stone mason.

The homeowners were also interested in knowing more about the home and its history so if you know anything comment below!

Keep an eye out for a future video on this home because there is more to uncover

12/04/2024

So I’m on the search for old historic homes that arnt known about that are in the area. If you know where there is either a stone home, log cabin or hand hewn barn/structure send me a personal message. I would love to hear the history of the home and potential make a video about it.

Any home that will be on the page will not give name of the owner (unless owner gives permission) or location (just general town info) to protect the privacy of the owners and to protect the home.

Be sure to share this to get the word out!

Contact Jon Steffan for any questions at [email protected]

Also looking for other homes involved in the civil war as well!

11/04/2024

There are several locations within the southeast Missouri area that had battles and small skirmishes throughout. So I’m curious to know where some of these skirmishes took place in the southeast region. I’d also like to know where some original civil war hospitals are as well.

If you live in the following counties please comment below if you know where a civil war hospital is and where possible skirmishes happened during the America Civil War

St.Francois county, Washington County, Iron County, Ste. Genevieve county, Madison county and Jefferson county.

10/04/2024

Check it out!

If anyone could put me into contact with some reenactors I’d love to do some quick interviews with them.

10/04/2024

Hey guys so I need some help!

I’m looking for someone who is an expert in Architecture and stone work.

I’d like to know why this home was such detail in the brickwork and if that was common for that time frame. I’d also like to know more about this unique stone wall.

If you can help me out send me a message, thank you!

09/04/2024

See if you can name the current businesses that are there now!

Columbia Street in Farmington, MO, showing City Drugstore; horse-drawn wagon and automobile in street; undated postcard. Martin Eichenlaub Postcard Collection [P0009].
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09/04/2024

Who do you think built the Sheriff house in Desloge Missouri? (If you do know please keep it a secret 🤫 )

A- A St.Louis business man who moved to Desloge from the city in the 1890s

B- a Banker from Flat River, Missouri who wanted to build something unique in the area

C- Sam Doss himself designed and built it in the 1890s.

D- none of the above

Comment your quess below 👇

07/04/2024

I really like my current logos for Leadbelt Chronicles but I’d like to see if someone could design some logos that represents the Leadbelt in a way.

I’d like for the public to see the logo and think of the Leadbelt that highlights the history of the area.

If you or anyone can help design a round log and a rectangle logo let me know!

06/04/2024

I just want to let everyone know that I’m working to keep up on all of the businesses tagged in the comments section on my last post and will add each one to the original post so when it’s shared others will see it!

I’m finding out other businesses in the Leadbelt area that I didn’t know about

06/04/2024

If you operate a small business in the southeast Missouri/leadbelt area and have a physical location tag your business in the comments section and tell us a little about what your business offers!

It could be a business that does the following or something along the lines of this just to give you some ideas-

-Leather work
-household items
-hand crafted items
-baked goods

I’ll tag your business below in this original post so we can help share your business. We’d love to come visit you to see what you do!

Here are locally owned operated businesses in southeast Missouri-

*some of the businesses tagged below I have personally patronized but some I have not so this list is not recommendations by leadbelt chronicles it’s just a list to share locally owned businesses.

Arcadia Valley Soap Company

-hand crafted soaps
-located in Ironton, Missouri

Arcadia Valley Coffee Company

-coffee made with roasted beans at the shop
-located in Ironton, Mo

No. 9 Coffee Co.

-freshly brewed coffee along with baked goods
-located in Leadington, Missouri

Hen House Cannery & Goods LLC, Chicken & the Hare Farm

-baked good, canned items, honey and much more
- located on 47 highway west of Bonne Terre, Missouri

Ladd's Family Farm

-fresh cows milk & goats milk
-fresh micro greens
-fresh chicken & turkeys
-located on F highway south of Farmington Mo

All Funk'd Up

-funko pop collectibles
-located in Park Hills, Missouri

Sweet K Desserts

-Offers a variety of sweet treats from cakes, cookies and candy
-located in Farmington Mo

Pawsitive Principles Academy, LLC

-small dog training facility in DeSoto, MO

Danys Candies

-Candy dipped fruit

McClellan Taxidermy LLC

-Located in Farmington, MO
Customizing in Deer and Turkey Mounts

BOGO Sandwiches

- family owned and operated, sandwich shop, fast, fresh and delicious! Sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and more! Bogo = But One GIVE One - for every sandwich sold we donate a sandwich to local food pantry’s.

Located in Farmington, MO

-We also have our a food trailer BOGO on the GOGO where we sell sandwiches, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and more!

Shady Point Horse Camp LLC

Campground for equine camping. 30 AMP electric/water. 10x10 Covered stalls, bathroom, shower house.

The Juice Cafe

Located In Poplar Bluff, Missouri

-Family owned and operated. Focusing on clean and organic. We do smoothing and juices all organic. We have salads, panini presses, and quesadillas.

Primal Instinct Strength & Fitness

-A very unique gym with a great athmosphere that is loaded with all Arsenal strength equipment and assault fitness cardio! Covers all your needs from powerlifting, bodybuilding and we have a large turf area for some strongman training and also functional training! First day is free if you want to check it out!
Located in Farmington!

Dan Burt Taxidermy

-taxidermy service
-located in Bonne terre, Mo

The Mission

we're a thrift store and ALL of our proceeds go back into the community. All of our workers are unpaid volunteers and our whole store runs on donations only. But we have some really good ones! We're located at 475 S Main Street in Ironton, MO and we're open Monday - Thursday from 10 - 5 and Friday from 10 - 2.

Luna’s Shaved Ice • Ste. Genevieve
Luna's Shaved Ice • Perryville

-Shaved ice and Moonsicles (popsicles made in-house).

Bar MT Ranch

-beef. Single cuts, 1/4,1/2 and wholes. Also some pork single cuts.
-Farmington, Missouri

Lonesome Pine Leatherworks

-quality tack and other leather goods
-Bonne Terre, Missouri

The Center Cut Slaughter & Meat Processing

Local USDA Slaughter and Retail Facility.
We’re the only place in the area that can retail livestock slaughter in our very own plant right here on the border of Park Hills and Farmington.
Who wants frozen meat? Come in and watch it cut fresh from the carcass right through the viewing window behind our fresh meat case.
We can purchase local livestock and retail them in our store!
4909 Flat River Rd
Farmington MO 63640
(573)327-8585

&A Resale

-Leadington.
-Antiques, Coins,Jewelry, Clothing, Games, Lots of cheap items

Chloe Rose Boutique

-Belgrade, Missouri & on Facebook

's Taxidermy

1009 E Chestnut St
Desloge, MO 63601
573-747-8170
Fred Oder

Floats

Lesterville oldest family owned livery on Black River “Clearest Stream in The Ozarks” rafts canoes kayaks tubes
573-637-2205

C&C Suppliers:Janitorial & Food Service Supplies, LLC

Janitorial cleaning supplies
Paper Towels/Bath Tissue
Food Service Chemicals
Food Service To-Go Containers
Kitchen Tools & Supplies, etc

&J uniforms in Farmington Mo

Family owned and operated. We’ve been in business since 2006. We sell uniforms for our local medical employees, (scrubs), police, sheriff, fire, EMT, security and prison employees. Clothing, shoes/boots, and accessories. We are open M-F 9-5 and Sat 10-4, closed on Sunday.

Classics

We sell classic cars and trucks. Sometimes, some newer models too.
We also have some cool neon signs for sale. We’re located on Highway 8 west of Potosi

SLAY Dance Centre

we offer classes from 18 mos to 99+ both recreational and competitive. We also offer choreographed dances for weddings, birthdays, flash mobs, etc and we offer birthday parties.

Twelve Mile Creek Emporium

Located in the historic The Village of Caledonia Missouri
We offer vintage, revamped, repurposed home decor, swan creek candles and melts, hair accessories, assorted socks , hats, novelty items, antiques, and we have a custom sawmill taking orders or select live edge lumber, furniture, fireplace mantels.
Check out our little Emporium!

Creek Farms Christmas trees

-Fresh Christmas trees (seasonally)
Located in Calidonia, Mo

Old Village Mercantile Caledonia

Authentic c. 1909 General Store with 2 floors of …
Handcrafted Premium IceCream, coffee bar, 600 varieties of candy, fudge, foods, antiques and goods!
Old Village Hot Dog Shoppe
Gourmet Hotdogs, Chicken, Pretzels, & Nachos

Shabby Chic Painted Rooster
Caledonia Vintage and Gifts
Pattie's Pickins
Western Farmhouse Flair
The Darling Daffodil Boutique
Miss Molly's
Turning 3 Ranch
Rustic Cottage
Angies Tag Sale
Katie’s Place at the Village,
Old Village Antiques
Roma's Food & Drink
Old Tyme Diner
The Caledonia Christmas Shop LLC
A Boy’s Dream Hobby Shop

All in The Village of The Village of Caledonia Missouri

The Rustler Cafe

-Veteran owned family diner open from 7-3 Wednesday-Monday! We serve breakfast all day as well!!

Custom DTF

we do Direct to Film transfers. We print and you press. Also do finished products for businesses and fundraisers. Our website is llscreationsllc.com. We offer local pickup and shipping via UPS. Located in Bonne Terre Any questions you can also email us at [email protected]

06/04/2024

My wife and I made a quick trip to Ironton, Missouri to visit our friend Debra at Arcadia Valley Soap Company so we could restock our soap.

I always enjoy visiting Arcadia Valley Coffee Company to grab a cup of coffee.

There is just something about this small town that we really enjoy, if you havnt visited I’d highly recommend it!

04/04/2024

Does anyone know if this house is still standing? Send me a message if you know anything about it!

It is referred to as the Thomas Stone house just west of Granitville in Iron county. Construction was begun by Edward Thompson in approximately 1820 and was built by his colony of slaves.

Edward Thomas was born on February 19th 1758 in what is now Buckingham county, Virginia. Edward along with his father and several of his brothers served with American forces during the Revolutionary war. Between the years of 1777 to 1785 he fought in the battles of Hot water, Hickory Run Church, Jamestown, and Guilford courthouse.

Edward married Hannah Hughes, a daughter of William Hughes who was also a sheriff of Albemarle county in 1797. It is said that Hannah’s mother Mary was a distance cousin to General George Washington!

Mr. Thomas died on May 11th, 1847 at the age of 89, in Washington county Missouri. It is said that his wife Hannah died prior to her husband.

Hope you enjoyed this piece of Leadbelt history!

Resource- Bellevue Beautiful Valley book pg.59

14/03/2024

I would like to thank Elaine Elizabeth Baker for donating this book that she acquired from an auction!

In the near future I’d like to share of information within this book to highlight the history since this church was founded before the town of ironton was incorporated in 1859.

11/03/2024

So I picked up a half gallon of fresh cows milk from Ladd's Family Farm. This is the best fresh milk I have ever tried! If you’re interested in buying some milk they’re located just outside of Farmington.

They’ll also be selling fresh chicken meat later this year as well!

Be sure to support your local farmers!

02/03/2024

Shirley’s interview has been uploaded and is ready to watch!

In this episode I interview Shirley who was born and raised near Bismarck in the late 1930s. She talks about her childhood and what she experienced during WW...

29/02/2024

I’m needing to get liability insurance for the movie production. I have searched around myself with no luck. Does anyone know where I can get liability insurance for film production?