The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-12-08
Written for The Spirit of Democracy,l
From Illinois.
FARMER CRY, DEWITT CO., ILLINOIS !
Nov 23. 1874 {

Nov 90, 1874.
ED. SPIRIT: l see articles inserted in
the columns of your invaluable paper
from almost all parts of the country,
which induced me to write YOU q few
lines, with regard to this part of the
State of Illinois, of which now am .
resident, but formerly of the State of
Ohio and County of Monroe. Being
born and raised in the counties of Bel
mont and Monroe, can not help re.
membering it's old friends and asso-
ciates, yet / would not change this
country for my old one where l spent
all my childish and boyhood years, and
where have so often mingled with the
people in social friendship Sir, 1 think
the West is by far more suitable place
to live than our Monroe county friends
suppose it to be. 1t does not possess
the many unhealthy and disagreeable
qualities tnat have been charged upon
it. But on the other hand it is healthy
and agreeable, and possesses many
blessings and advantages of which our
Monroe county friends are entirely ig-
norant, especially those who have
never yet visited it.
The vast prairie lands have recently
been drained which have rendered the
swamps and sloughs which were before
so unhealthy and disagreeahle fertile
and productive soil, and the farmers are
now enjoying the benefits Of it as re-
ward for their labor.
Churches, schools, and all institutions
of learning sprang up in the last few
years and christianity, art and literature
are making rapid progress in the way
of cultivation and Improvement, and
peace and tranquility abide throughout
the land. There is considerable excite
ment here with regard to political mat
tiers, the majority of the people seem to
be in favor of the Prohibition platform
and we think it would be great bless
ing to our country if a reformation
would prevail, and thus Danish the in
tox;cating bowl from existence, and be-
stow peace and happiness to all man.
kind throughout the length and breadth
of the land.
More than eight months have elapsed
since | left the Crock Ribbed" hills and
towering peaks of ''U.d Monroe" TO
seek home in the far West, and since
that time | have enjoyed myself with
great satisfaction, and | would say to
all persons who desire to secure sub
stantial and comfortable homes in this
part of the West, where every thing is
lovely and beautiful, now is the proper
time to make their choice. Improved
lands can he bought now from S25 to
$50 per acre (unimproved for much
less) which in few years more can not
be bought for double that amount.
Clinton, the county seat of this coun-
ty Dewitt is situated on the G. c. &
$. and Central Illinois R.. R =, which
makes it "flourishing commercial
town" Farmers City which has only
been few years in building has pop
ula'ion of 1000 inhabitants and con-
tains many storesy banks and work
shops and is still improving very rap
idly.
The corn crop was considerably dam
aged here by the August drouth, but
that seems to be universal complaint
throughout the United States from the
Rocky mountains East to the coast OF
Maine
The farmers are busy now gathering
their corn and the roads are full OF
wagons delivering into market and pre-.
pairing fuel for the winter season.
Owing to the dry weather here the
favages of disease, namely, Diphtheria
and Typhoid fever have been making
dreadful havoc through this section of
country, many have been taken off and
many more are still laboring under its
influence.
Yours Truly,
S. D. THORNBERRY.