Ardeola

On November 22, 1888, the town of Ardeola was started when lots were sold at auction which brought $10,000.  The town was located in northeast Stoddard County on the Cotton Belt Railroad.  It was once believed that coal could be found in the vicinity of the town.  The auction was the largest in county since 1873 when lots were sold that created the town of Dexter.  

Cotton Belt Locomotive near Cairo, IL in 1912.

Sources

St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 23, 1888, Page 2.