Rear view of Yankee-Smith Mill. A reproduction of an 1824 mill built by Humphrey Smith that was formerly on the Platte River near Smithville, Clay Co., Mo.

Front view of Yankee-Smith Mill on tributary of L. Shoal Cr. in Clay Co. Missouri at the Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Located off Mo 152, north side, on the east side of I-435 along the East Fork of Shoal Creek.

The first grist mill built in Clay Co., Mo. was built by Humphrey "Yankee" Smith in 1824, on a fork of the Platte River. Humphrey, born in New Jersey in 1774, came to Missouri in 1822, along with his wife Nancy and 6 sons and a daughter. Smith was the unofficial founder of the town, which at first was called "Smith Mills".

Smith, an outspoken Abolitionist, suffered much persecution for his beliefs in this Pro-Salvery Missouri area. A firm believer in non-resistance, Smith eventually won his neighbors to a gruding acceptance of his stand.GPS: 39' 15.19N, 94' 30.08W 932'/284 meters Nashua Quadrangle