These biographical and historical sketches are highlights of Missouri history. Many sketches are from Missouri, Day by Day , published by the State Historical Society of Missouri in 1942. Links are to related primary sources at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection on the four campuses of the University of Missouri system.
Previous sketches are also available.
In a decade the frontier community had developed into the eighth largest city in the United States. More than half of the population was foreign born, and one-fourth was composed of American immigrants from other states. Poor and socially unadjusted newcomers sent their children into the streets to beg. Wayman Crow, philanthropist and senator from St. Louis presented to the legislature the bill, which provided for receiving and giving for adoption children of destitute parents and for the privilege of buying property. It was further stated that the institution should always be non-sectarian and free for every child who sought admission.