The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1873-07-17

are in operation. At Peoria, in Jane
Crayton's quarry, saw some splendid
stone. They were getting it out for tn,
court house now building at Newton
county seat of Jasper county, and som,
twenty miles distant.
MILLS
Rcbt. b. Warren has a first rate mill OF
the Skunk river, and has good patronage
His work, like himself, is well spoken o
wherever known. Chas. johnson has g
steam grist and saw mill. Much of the
lumber used for fences and the construc
ton of many of the farm buildings il
made at this mill
IMPROVEMENTS
At this time of the year one does not ex
pect to find many improvements in actua
construction, yet Richland has fair rec
ord in this respect found Jno. Lundy
building house 1928; an l. addition to
house by Jno Hoodberry new barn 34x
40 by Abraham Miller. cost $1,000; new
house by Jno. Widows. To the above
should be added the two new churches al
Peoria, fine new brick house at the same
place. Owners name not learned) and some
twelve or fifteen large barns put up IN the
last Two years. If it should be my fortune
to visit this township five years hence,
shall expect to see wonderful changes in
the growth of the country and the number
of fine buildings, for the
of Richland towns hip are progressive and
up to the spirit of the times-even the Hol-
land part of the population found in the
western part of the township, are such on
ly as add to the general wealth of the COM
munity in which they are found. They
are Americanized in most things but their
cooking, which swell, don't ask me /; q
took dinner with ore of 'em)
SCHOOLS
The schools are ten in number, with suit
able houses, and taught by well qualified
teachers. The school at Peoria, under
Charge OF Jno. Davis, graded department,
and Miss Emma McAuley, primary, closed
on Friday last, and the exercises were of
such character as to impress upon the
mind of the visitor the fact that both
teachers were fully competent for their du-
ties and had not fai led TO perform them.
The primary, under Miss McAuley's train
ing exhibited degree of advancement and
seldom found in the primary
departments of any locality The town
ship board are: j. L. Gottfelter, president;
Il. 3. Fleming, secretary; Peter Apple,
treasurer; VIM l.. Aiken, H. B. Warren,
Jno. Forker, VIM. Godby and James Noel
CROPS.
Never have seen in Mahaska county
more favorable indications of abundant
crops of all kinds The hot weather OF
June hurried up he tsrdy corn, and it is
now going far ahead of the most sanguine
expectations. Wheat, oats and grass are
promising remarkable yields. The small
grains were Somewhat tangled by the re-
Cent storms but generally stand up we'll.
Rye harvest is over, AMI the wheat wi |
be commenced before this issue OF the
HERALD is read A few days of clear
weather would facilitate the safe harvest of
q large crop.
PERSONAL.
Among the many acquaintances made dur
ing my stay in Richland, will mention a
few: On Thursday night l was enter
tanned by Hon. j. N. H. Campbell, who
represented the county in the
Legislature. Mr.. G. is a gentleman of cul-
ture, most hospitable host, but alas for
his discernment and judgment, he has affil,
lated with the political part of the grange,
and believes that reform is only to be
sought at their hands He has beautiful
farm of 240 acres, near where the sec.
md Nasty keeps his "X rodes post offs"
James Campbell, one of the good farmers
of the township, and reader of the HER
AID for the last twenty years, lives near
the post office. l spent few moments in
pleasant chat with him, and then called up.
On Philip Appel, man who has honesty"
written in unmistakable characters upon his
lace. Mr.. A came to Richand during the
war, almost penniless, and by sober indus
try aud careful economy now finds him
self the owner of fine 80 Gre farm, with
the necessary amount of stock and fixtures
tor its successful working As he related
10 me his experiences and successes, |
could but turn my thoughts to other
of business or industry, and won
Ter what other trade, profession or bust.
ness would do as much for man, and
give such returns for the money invested.
How many merchants would like to begin
business with capital like his-$00, 900,
Ind hope to achieve such results Just 10
,he west of Philip, lives his brother Peter
Appel who has wel!-kept farm of 1870
acres. My next call was upon James Nc
Auley, whom found to be social enter
tainer He feared | was candidate and
wanted 10 eleciioneer him; )" but learning
The object of my visit, his face relaxed, and
MS invitation to "stay to dinner" was as
cordial as Imperative. And such dinner,
i was jolly-if you happen in that neigh,
and want No. meal, stop at
Mes. West OF here mile or so lives
Charley Shields, jolly good boy, who is
he owner of l65 acres OF farm, upon
which stands good house and splendid
BARN. Charley and his neighbor Jun es
Engle, are OF anti-grange proclivil.es, ire
erring 10 bile the ills they now endure,
han tlsa To otners they know not of. Mr..
:. ISL, $50 acre farmer, and good one too.
He also has fine barn. On Friday, the
citing sun found me away up in the
northeast corner OF the township, where |
'emained as the guest of Chas Phelps, a
gentleman whom to know is pleasure
lot only as "A friend and brother but rs a
nan of good sound principles. and tue
On my return | had the
pleasure of meeting DR.. j. f. Smith, O.
Granville The doctor keeps himself well
posted on all current topics of the day, and
Ifter a chat with him, you can but feel that
he time was well employed, and as he ad-
7ances his opinions you will feel (unless a
,ranger) that his mind is hard, rich nuo.
get of innate good sense. Others thee
ire whom l met and would be glad to meet
.gain, but lest this become wearisome I
will drop personals until my next visit to
when with the acquaintance al.
.eady made shall be able to do more jus.
ice to the people of that excellent town.
hip. GEO. r. LEE.
WORK in DePayen's Commandery next
Tuesday night. in the r. G. degree. The