From the June 3, 1892 issue of the Knob Noster Gem:

Burtville is the name of the new rival town in Johnson County.  It is situated on Clearfork as far south
as Valley City is north. An application has been filed for a Post Office.  W. E. Heard sells general
merchandise, Janes and Heard have opened a blacksmith shop and the next enterprise will probably
be a mill for custom grinding.  The village is near the residence of Mr. Thurman Sprague who says
he will give ground for a new church building.  Oar Milling Co. has supplied the flour trade,
sending out almost 8500 pounds in the last two months. 2000 pounds of meal and
flour went out this week.