August 23, 2026
Read the early newspaper articles of when Marceline first began. You can decide if Marceline had a water problem in the beginning.
February 2, 1888
Brookfield Gazette:
... The Marceline Lumber Company commenced boring for water last week, at the highest point of the town site, and at a depth of only thirty-nine feet struck a vein sufficiently strong to rise to the surface of the ground. This will quiet the fears of those who have been so very anxious on the water question. ...
February 9, 1888
The Bulletin:
... Mr. Geo. Lambert is doing a big business with his well auger. He sunk a well on the top of the ridge on which the town is situated and struck a vein of living water at twenty-nine feet. ...
February 23, 1888
The Monroe City News:
Will Shearman is back from Marceline for a few days visit. He says he came home to wash his face and hands. They have no wells up there and the water they use is taken from wagon and cow tracks.
March 8, 1888
Kirksville Democrat:
Several of the young men of this town and vicinity have been to visit Marceline, and as a matter of course, say it can not be a permanent town. No water with which to run any kind of machinery, nor can the soil hold water if artificially arranged. "Don't you go, Tommie, don't go."
March 22, 1888
The Bulletin:
... The work on the R. R. reservoir will commence this week. ...
April 7, 1888
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Marceline, Mo., April 7. - A large force of workmen have commenced the excavation for the C., S. F. & C.'s large reservoir, the completion of which will require the removal of near thirty acres of earth. It is the intention of the company to make it sufficiently large to allow self-purification. The recent severe weather prevented the proposed adoption of a regular schedule on April 1. It is now positively decided to place thirty-five through trains May 1 on the C., S. F. & C. R. R.
April 19, 1888
The Bulletin:
... The array of tents is beginning to increase, especially in the vicinity of the reservoir and round-house. ...
April 24, 1888
Carrollton Daily Democrat:
We understand that the Santa Fe has abandoned Marceline on account of the scarcity of water.
May 3, 1888
The Bulletin:
... The large reservoir in the southwestern part of the city is nearing completion and will afford an almost inexhaustible supply of water. Living water is easily obtained. ...
May 24, 1888
The Bulletin:
... The large reservoir has between 10 and 15 feet of water in it now; will hold about 30 feet of water in the deepest place when full. ...
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