Buena Vista Township lies in
the most southeastern part of Clayton County, on the
banks of the Mississippi River. The surface is
undulating, and the soil a deep, rich black loam,
which is mostly under cultivation. The village of
Buena Vista was laid out in 1851, but prior to that
time there had been several hundred men engaged in
mining in this vicinity, who had their furnaces here,
where they melted their lead, as early as 1848.
The first settler in the township was Syrus
Henderson, and he was followed by Robert Bunker (now
deceased), Joseph Heinrich and William Foster, who
still reside in Clayton County. The first school
house in the township was built by George Cleaveland
for a dwelling, but was purchased by the district for
school purposes. Miss Mary Shipton was the first
teacher. She is now deceased. In 1879 a fine brick
school-house was erected at a cost of $1,800. There
are two other buildings, one a frame, the other a log
structure, the total value of the three being $2,800.
The number of pupils enrolled in the year 1881 ws
ninety-five. The present School Directors are: R.
Meuth, Herman Albart and John Laern; the present
Secretary is E. Merkle, and the Treasurer, Charles
Cook.
The first marriage solemnized in the township was
that of Charles Hoffman and Cordelia Anthonly. The
first death was that of Mr. Cook. The first Justice
of the Peace was Joseph Reynolds, who served most
acceptably several years. Barry White preached the
first sermon.
The present township officers are as follows: W.
C. Stoddard, Justice of the Peace; R. Meuth, Clerk;
R. Meuth, Henry Kmamm and Henry Hinkle, Trustees; A.
Voggenthaler, Assessor.
Among the principal business interests of Buena
Vista is the firm of R. & E. Meuth, general
merchants. They embarked in their present business
here in 1857, and in 1860 erected a fine large store,
which they now occupy. It is 34x100 feet, and three
stories in height. They carry a complete stock of
goods, valued at $6,000. They formerly dealt
extensively in grain, but of late years have carried
on the mercantile business exclusively. R. Meuth is
the present Postmaster at Buena Vista, and the first
also acts as express agents at the station.
The Buena Vista Cemetery is located in the upper
portion of the township.
