At Newcomer Schoolhouse near Brunswick, MO, seven farmers formed the Newcomers Schoolhouse Farm Club. That little group expanded and became the Missouri Farmers Association. Today we know this group as the MFA, Shelter Insurance, and many other entities.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.