In order to put the 1830s Mormon experience in Missouri into better context, it is critical to place them into a wider context of the northwest region of the State. This, of course, means we must look at the non-Mormon settlements that existed at the time the Saints were dwelling there. Buck Snort, later Millville, was located in northeastern Ray County.
From the 1881 Ray County History there are the following interesting references to Millville or "Buck Snort" as it would have been known in the Mormon period.
Excerpts are taken from pages 449-450.
"Millville, a bright and thriving village of about two hundred souls [1881], ten miles northeast of Richmond, in the north part of section fifteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-seven, is pleasantly situated at the base of some beautiful wooded hills..."
"The land upon which Millville is located, was entered by one Leighton Ewell, who sold it to Robert Mitchell.
In 1837, the latter gentleman erected, on the present site of Millville, a water power grist mill, for grinding corn only.
The same year Robert Mitchell, and one "Buck" McGaugh, laid out the town into lots, streets and alleys.
In 1837, C.W. Stillwell built the first blacksmith shop in Millville."
"The town was originally called "Buck Snort," probably on account of "Buck" McGaugh, who helped to lay it out into town lots."
 An alternative source for this unusual name may stem from area fauna. Hunters know: "A snort during the rut, will bring a buck looking for a fight." [http://shop.store.yahoo.com/hunting-fishing-inc/bucsnordeerc.html]
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