The Tri-State District was known for its wealth of lead and zinc. Usually, the exploits of prospectors, miners, mine and mill operators dominate the discussions of the district’s history. One overlooked part of the mining industry’s development has been the work of clerical staff. The need for clerical staff educated in business operations, bookkeeping and record-keeping was an ongoing concern. High schools were just getting started in the area as the mining boom took off and did not supply enough graduates to meet requirements of the expanding industries. To meet that need, private business schools were created such as Joplin Business College in 1891. For over a hundred years, it and its successors prepared students for business careers.

In the 19th century, the nearest thing to a busine

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