PAPE
Pape / Pape’s Mill - Located in Speedwell Township, Section 13, Township 37 N,
Range 28 W and Section 19, Township 37 N, Range 27 W.
Pape had a Post Office during the years 1891-1908.
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From St. Clair County Library Files:
The original town of Tiffin was at the confluence of Little Clear Creek and Big
Clear Creek, several miles north of the present town of Tiffin. From the
“History of Henry and St. Clair Counties we learned that Tiffin was the only
village and post office in Speedwell Township.
At that time, Clear Creek was a large stream and there was a mill known as
Pape’s Mill owned by Gideon Pape. He owned the land and put up the first store
in 1876. In July 1876 the first post office in Speedwell Township was
established and Gideon Pape was Postmaster. Old Tiffin later became known as
Pape.
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History of St. Clair Co., Missouri 1883:
Pape, earlier known as Pape’s Mill, Gordon Pape owned the land on Clear Creek
near Tiffin, and put up the first store in connection with the mill in 1876. In
July of the same year, the first post office in Speedwell Township was
established, with Gideon Pape as post master, keeping the place at his store.
The town was surveyed and platted in April 1878 by Ralph C. Bowler, county
surveyor. Pape was the post office for Tiffin.
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Early History from St. Clair County Library Records (Condensed):
TIFFIN BAPTIST CHURCH - A meeting was held on December 7, 1883 at the post
office (which was in the general store owned by Gideon Pape) the purpose of
which was to begin work on the measures necessary for said project. It was
proposed to be a non-secretarian meeting house at the following location: The SW
corner of Sec 18, Township 47, Range 27. This is the location of “Old Tiffin”
known in later years as Pape.