This series of caches was put out to celebrate our ten years of geocaching. We have spent many hours volunteering at the Atkins-Johnson Farm and also wanted to celebrate this historic area.
The Atkins-Johnson Farm has only been owned by 5 families since 1824 and was purchased by the City of Gladstone in 2005. The property was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 2007. The City acquired the abandoned Big Shoal Cemetery in 2009. The City and the Friends of the Atkins-Johnson Farm have worked to restore the farmhouse and the cemetery. The house is available for free tours Wednesday through Saturday, April to early December, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farmhouse is built around the original two story log cabin. The walking trail and cemetery are available year-round during daylight hours.
Spend some time enjoying the serenity of the farm. Keep your eyes open for the deer, turkeys, ground hogs, and other wildlife.
Permission granted by the City of Gladstone.
John & Polly Hightower
On August 9, 1831, William Allen sold 130 acres, which included the present Atkins-Johnson Farm, to John Hightower for $400.
August 9, 1831 Warranty Deed $400
Book C, Page 131
William & Rachel Allen sell to John Hightower
A part of the east half of the southeast quarter of section 19, township 51, range 32 and a part of the west half of said quarter bounded as follows: beginning at the southwest corner of the above described half quarter running thence north with said half quarter 160 poles (2640 feet) to a stake thence west 10 poles (165 feet) to a stake thence south 160 poles (2640 feet) to a stake on the line between section 19 and 30 thence east 10 poles (165 feet) to the beginning containing 10 acres. Also a part of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 20 in the above described township and range beginning at the half mile corner between sections 19 and 20. Running thence south with the line between said sections 120 poles (1980 feet) to a stake thence east 53 ½ poles (882 ¾ feet) to a stake thence north 120 poles (1980 feet) to a stake thence west 53 ½ poles (882 ¾ feet) to the beginning containing 40 acres. The whole containing 130 acres.
John Hightower sold to Jonathan Atkins on Dec. 19, 1834 for $620.
Log Cabin
It is believed the Hightower family built the log cabin between 1831 and 1834. Hand-hewn oak laths covered the logs which were held together with mortar composed of sand and lime from nearby sources. Hand-hewn wide walnut planks formed the flooring. The log cabin comprises the eastern section of the current house. When you tour the current house you can see some of the log cabin walls.
Note: Cache is NOT in the PVC