East Grove Farms

The Garretson farm was established in 1837 by Joel C. Garretson and wife Elizabeth. Coming by oxcart from Franklin Co, Ohio, they built a log cabin back in the timber and lived there for several years before building a wood frame home on the upland prairie.

Joel and Elizabeth were active abolitionists in the East Grove and Salem communities. Missouri slave owners had a reward of $500 for Joel’s head. The Garretson family has always appreciated the legacy of the old farm and family members have taken pride in retaining ownership of almost 800 acres of land passed down to them over the years.

The farm that Joel C. Garretson purchased during his lifetime is still owned by his descendants, and is in timber, conservation reserve acres, and traditional farming.