Visit Missouri's Oldest Amish Settlement And Step Back In Time
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Stephanie Butler
Author
Visit a simpler time by taking a trip to Jamesport, Missouri’s largest Amish settlement. It is located in Daviess County in northwest Missouri. Although they only have a population of 524 residents, they are a tourist destination for their many homemade, unique and quality wares at the many antique stores, craft stores, bulk food stores and restaurants.
The town was founded in 1857 by Dr. James Allen and James Gillilan. Although it initially was named Auberry and later Grant, when it was incorporated as a city in 1872, the name Jamesport was chosen, likely for its original founders.
The Amish immigrated to Jamesport in 1953 and totaled 7 families. Today, there are more than 175 families living there and they are the largest Old Amish order west of the Mississippi.
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The Amish way of life includes living in modest homes on rural farms and traveling by horse-drawn vehicles. Values include family, discipline in their faith, and the utilization of the land. They are peaceful and hard-working, and do not use electricity because their religion forbids reliance upon technology.
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Most of the tools and farm equipment the Amish use are antiques or replicas of implements used prior to World War II. Young and old work together in the fields with the aid of horses and horse-drawn farming apparatus. Skills are passed from generation to generation to ensure the quality and ability for future generations to maintain a work ethic, a skill and the ability to support their family.
Amish women have traditional roles caring for the home and the children. They work in kitchens equipped only with kerosene and wood burning appliances, hand grinders, and cast iron.
The Old Order Amish in Jamesport live among those referred to as "brethren," as well as the "English." Brethren groups are often mistaken for Amish because they also dress in plain clothing and Brethren men also grow beards. The differences are that the Brethren drive cars, use electricity, and permit higher education and use of the internet. The "English" are what they call the rest of us, regardless of ethnicity. It simply means you aren’t Amish.
Amish businesses are not open on Thursdays or Sundays and don't take debit or credit cards. In Jamesport, downtown holds more of the "English" shops, while most of the Amish shops are on the outskirts of town.
Here are a few examples of what Jamesport has to offer:
Here are a few examples of what Jamesport has to offer:
The annual Jamesport Amish Community Quilt Auction is held on the second Saturday of every October. Quilters from all over consign their quilts, wall hangings and quilt tops at the auction. The Jamesport area itself has many talented local quilters represented, both Amish and English.
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The auction is held in the A.V. Spillman Theater building, which opens a few hours before the auction so buyers may view the quilts. Although there is seating for over 100 people, it fills up quickly and is usually standing room only.
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Although the Sauk and Fox Indians were already in the area, the first white man to buy government land in this vicinity was Jesse Harris in 1830. He built a log cabin for his family in 1836 which now stands in the Jamesport City Park.
The Jamesport Branch of the Daviess County Library was established in 1955.
The Country Cupboard Restaurant is locally owned by Linda Davis and Cindy Eaton. They serve classic American home-style food with huge portions and great prices. They are well-known for their tenderloins and chicken fried steak, and their delicious homemade desserts, fresh baked bread and amazing sweet butter can’t be missed. They accept only cash and checks, and are closed on Mondays. They are located at 1011 W Old Hwy 6.
The Dutch Pantry is owned by Mennonites and has been bringing home cooked food, sandwiches, homemade ice cream and bakery items to Jamesport for over 20 years.
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Anna’s Bakery is owned by an Amish family. They make fresh doughnuts every morning, and sometimes even in the afternoon on busy tourist days. If you are too late to get one, you can’t lose with any of their other delicious baked options.
H&M Country Store specializes in bulk goods, spices, produce, dairy, and seasonal general goods. They also have cooking supplies of all types. The store is located one-mile south of Jamesport on Highway 190.
The Fabric Barn is located right next to the H&M Country Store and offers everything for the home seamstress and much more.
Graber Greenhouse carries a large selection of plants, vegetables, and flowers, as well as soil, compost, garden supplies and décor. In the fall they sell delicious homemade apple cider.
JAM furniture is a carpentry shop that sells everything from jewelry boxes to patio furniture, gazebos and swing sets. They are located at 20482 State Highway 190.
The Jamesport Amish are not allowed to maintain web sites. A great source for information about all of the local businesses in Jamesport can be found here at jamesportmissouri.org.
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