The history of the Westover property stretches back over 150 years. From the day James Westover started to clear his land and build his mill, to the destination trout fishing vision of the current owner, Jeff Hebrank, the property has seen many changes. Here are the parts of the story that we know. We hope you enjoy it.

James Westover’s Dream

James Ira Halbert Westover was a man of heart and mind. It was 1854 when he fell in love with the rolling hills and cold, clear streams of Crawford County. But while he had an appreciation for the area’s natural beauty, he saw a practical use for the abundant water resources of the region. Early that year, Mr. Westover started work on a sturdy post and beam building, designed to house a water-powered mill.

By year’s end, the mill, with its giant water wheel, stood ready for business, and Westover Mill on Dry Creek was born. The mill ground grain and sorghum molasses and soon became a staple for Crawford, Washington, Iron and Dent County citizens. It also powered an immense cording machine, used to manufacture wool for clothing.

The Town

In its heyday, the little town that grew up around the mill boasted a general store, a blacksmith shop and a post office. Westover, Missouri even had its own grade school just a mile up the road. Mr. Westover continued to operate the mill for nearly fifty years. Shortly before his death in 1909, James Westover sold the mill to T.J. Branson, who carried on as the millwright at Westover Mill for almost a generation. In the early 1920s, after Mr. Branson’s death, his son Leslie sold the business.

The property’s destiny remained tied to the water, but not to the mill. The property passed through the hands of several different owners, who attempted everything from raising goldfish to trout farming. As for the small town of Westover, ghosts and memories are all that remain. Even the old mill building fell victim to fire in the 1980s, leaving no one to stand watch over the water that had fueled the vision and energy of James Ira Halbert Westover and his quaint little town.

Today

The Westover property was purchased in 2005 by the current owners, Jeff and Jayne Hebrank, who immediately recognized the potential in Westover Springs and the surrounding lands and waters. However, many years of neglect followed by several years of phased improvements by the last owners had left the property in disarray. Thus, a widely recognized stream restoration team was engaged to help restore the property’s natural beauty, abundance and sustainable resources.

Prior to the completion of this restoration in May 2006, Westover Farms could only offer limited trout fishing opportunities near water flowing from the hatchery raceways. With the restoration now complete, the stream and surrounding lands have been returned to their natural richness. Rainbow and brown trout now thrive in all of Westover’s waters, and the natural habitat and wildlife are more diverse and plentiful than ever.

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