Quickly now. How many counties are in Missouri? 100? 90? 120? Officially, there are 114, but in one part of the state you’ll have a pretty strong argument on your hands. There is one group that claims Missouri is made up of 113 counties and one kingdom. It is said that state Representative John Sampson of Callaway County created the idea. Custom tells us that he was kicked out of the legislature for his southern loyalties after he suggested a resolution calling for secession. In 1862, we are told, when enrollment of loyal and disloyal men in the county was taking place, he made it clear where he stood. “I am from the Kingdom of Callaway. Six feet, four and one-half inches tall, and all South, by God!”

AOWM – October 17