Source:
History of Clay and Platte Counties, Missouri
Publ. 1885

CHAPTER XXV

FAIR TOWNSHIP
Pages 990-1011

Territory and Boundary -

     Fair township was originally a part of Lee township, and it is bounded on the north by Green township, on the east by Preston and Carroll, from which it is separated by the Platte river, and on the south by Carroll and Lee townships, and on the west by Weston township and the Missouri river.

Physical Features -

     The township was once covered with a fine growth of timber.  The land away from the river and large streams is usually high and rolling.  The soil is rich, and many farmers have here builded elegant homes.  Plenty of building stone is found.

Early Settlers -

     The early settlers of this township have been many of them embraced in the early settlers of other townships of which this was formerly a part.  Among some of these may be mentioned Jon. Boulware, Stephen English, L. Sloan, W. L. Perrin, C. Cockrill, Jno. Elliott, ___ Todd and others.

Tracy -

     Tracy, the principal town in Fair township, is situated three-quarters of a mile northwest of Platte City, on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and on the west bank of the Platte river.  The village was first located as a town site in the spring of 1870.

By Whom Surveyed - For Whom Named - Early Merchants - Present Business in the Town -

     It was surveyed by a man named Himrod, a civil engineer, in the employ of what was then called the South Chicago and Southwestern Railroad Company.  The west end of the road was commenced at the Missouri river, and built to this place late in the winter of 1869.  In the spring of 1870 a depot was built at this place, which was called Platte City depot. The name of Tracy, afterwards given the town was for a prominent railroad official.  While the depot was being built, and before the town was all surveyed, it occurred to T. H. Coleman, then a grocer of Platte City, that it would be a good business point, and in conversation with G. W. R. Chinn on the subject, the latter agreed to do the carpenter work gratuitously to any one who would furnish the lumber to put up a building.  This offer was accepted by Mr. Coleman, but after the house was built Coleman declined putting in a stock of groceries.  In September, 1870, the house was purchased by John Ryan, who put in a stock of groceries and liquors.  The second business man in the place was John W. Hedges, a blacksmith.  Jerry Clifford, section foreman, was the next to build, and start a business.  Tracy commenced to make its progress as a town in 1880, and since that time has steadily grown, and business of all kinds is represented.  Prominent among its business industries are the Phoenix Mill and Elevator, the Platte County Creamery, 2 hardware stores, 2 dry goods stores, 2 grocery stores, 1 2 drug store, 1 saddlery and harness store and tin shop, 1 blacksmith, 2 hotels, 1 confectionery and restaurant, 2 saloons and billiard hall, 1 livery stable and 1 lumber yard.  The town has a population of about 350.

Beverly -

     At the intersection of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad is the depot of Beverly.  These is also a post-office here.

Settle Station -

     Settle Station, four miles above Platte City, on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, has a good general store and post-office.
     The population of the township in 1880 was 1,275.

BIOGRAPHICAL

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