The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-06-05
TOPEKA, KAN, May 9th, 1874.

5. T. CONWAY, ESQ.
EDITOR OF TRUE NoRTHERSER,--Slnce
last wrote you have had more opportunity to
see and learn about this country, and the more
we see the better it looks and is. had occa-
sion to visit Douglass and Franklin counties a
few DAYS since, and was surprised to see tn Q
fine farms with buildings and improvements
equal to any in Michigan, nice thrifty orchards
and groves OF forest trees. good fences made
| from rails. boards. stone and hedge. Law.
renee. the county seat OF Douglass county, is
nice, we'll built city, and will compare favor
ably with many OF the best small cities OF your
state. Ottawa, county seat of Franklin county,
situate on the Loavenworth, Lawrence anG
Galveston H. r. and Maraisdiseyne river, has
a population OF about $500, surrounded by a
beautiful country, nice, New England built
village or city. Franklin and Douglass counties
have considerable timber and fine streams Of
living water.
We have now been here nine months and
must say the climate taken all together is mag
nificent,-coid enough for health, and warm
enough for the greatest success and comfort OF
the farmer and stock-raiser. Extremely short
short winters give us the advantage in stock
raising and early planting. The bet proof,
however, for parties contemplating change,
is to visit the State themselves, and come
right to Topeka for starting point" We are
fully one month earlier than with YOU. Fall
sown wheat decidedly success this year and
last; all kinds of fruit IN abundance. The
peculiarities of soil and climate have proven to
the most skeptical that this Is most excellent
country for the raising OF fruit Il ls fact
beyond dispute grain producing country all
kinds OF grain and vegetables do well here
when properly managed No finer country
can he found For sheep raising than in Shawnee
county; wool would bring nearly as much as
best markets in your State, and mutton great
deal more. The dIyness of the atmosphere
and freedom from disease in this region, the
mild, dry winters, the excellent grass, finally.
the fact that all these advantages are offered
at extremely small cost. should bring millions
OF sheep into this cauntry from regions where
they are kept at little or no profit. 1t Is not
necessary to mention that it is one Of the
finest cattle raising States-that factis general
conceded. No better school laws exist IN any
State; two sections in each township are eel
apart for schools, not TO be sold at less than
three dollars per acre, many Of them bringing
ten dollars as far up as the Solomon Valley.
By the way, speaking OF the Solomon, 1 had
letter from y. W. Fowler up the Valley, in
which he informs me he has Il acres OF spring
crops out and his fall wheat looks tine. lie
has the making o, fine farm,-ha only been
there four years and 10 as many more vii
compare farms with any 100 acre farmer in
Michigan. Thanks TO that noble soul" Of
the Long Brick for part OF the success OF
friend Fowler. And our old friend, w. X.
Hawkins, what noble deed be did in erecting
a fine barn for his son Levi. No one knows
the good such deeds OF kindness do until they
have tried the realities OF pioneer life Those
acts of kindness will long be cherished and
talked Of when those homes will be made beau
tiful. Thousands who come here are not pre-
pared for the change, having lived for years in
comparative ease and comfort. when they have
70 endure the privatiops OF pioneer life
Then little announcement from friends by
way OF substantial aid is appreciated.
For month past we have been enjoying
early vegetables, such a. lettuce, radishes,
some early peas, etc. Market is full of goose
berries, " strawberries next week." cherries
nearly full size. Prospects OF an abundant
fruit harvest gardens gay with all kinds of
roses and flowers. As to the question OF ram
fall. l do not see but rain is distributed as
evenly mere as in Michigan The truth is, ex-
perience has shown that rainfall Is abundant
through the state for maturing crops. his j.
demonstrated by the splendid condition OF
crops. The crops OF grapes, blackberres,
raspberries and strawberries are enormous.
BY reference to Pomxpgical Exhibition at
Philadelphia 1869 YOU wM see Kansas received
the gold medal. Coal is found in abundance
throughout nearly the entire State. Timber
enough for fuel in nearly all parts of the coun-
try. Lumber can be procured at all the rail-
road stations and larger vIllages,-the price
ranging now at twenty-five 70 sixty dollars per
thousand. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa
Fee Railroad are offering large tracts of fine
lands at reduced prices and long time and on
easy terms. WEIGH d Ross have some fine I'M
improved lands, choice farms, city and subur-
ban property on sale. Many readers of your
valuable paper will remember your old friend,
O. T. WEIGH, of Decatur.
There never was better time to immigrate
to the beautiful land Of promise than the
present. Topeka Is growing Notwithstanding
the strlngency in money matters Ny letter
may oe too long already for publication.
have not told one-half the advantages OF this
country. Kind regards to friends.
Truly yours, THos. L. Ross.