Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-07-21

believe, reached only some 90 miles north
west OF this city. At that time knew OF
no settlements on the west side OF the
Republican River, 10 miles above its
junction with the Smokyhll River. at fort
Riley, but one vast wilderness OF prairie
met the eye in every direction, from west
TO north. Now there is marvellous
change! New roads, cultivated farms.
comfortable houses. fruit and forest trees
greet the eyes OF tho traveller on his
westerly or northerly journcyings toward
the Rocky Mountains.
Myself and = friend left here tho third
Of June for northwestern tour-h0 for
his farm, beyond Republican City, and
for Jewell City in Jewell County. The
residence now OF former Maine friends
and acquaintancos. On our route from
Manhattan. we pass up the valley Of the
Wild Cat Creek, northwest some 10 miles.
and thence diyorge 10 the west over \
beautiful high prairie, upon which are
some nice faIms and buildings. and reach
the village of Bala. q Swedish settlement
near Madison Creek. % milcs-thence 10
! Clay Center. now the County seat OF Clay
| County, and terminus, Tor the present. OF
the Junction City & Font kenrney Rail.
road. This locality, on my lirs. journey
through ii, had no settlement upon ii;
but some thirteen years since OIyile
llunlress, formerly of Mexico in your
County. made settlement here and
opened the first store and hotel, and
| became the first Postmaster OF the place,
having done thriving business. His
wife. son and daughter are now the
owners OF one of The pretticst, New
/ Ensland.likc places in this section, Mr..
IL. having deceased some seven years
since. Here is now . thriving place OF
bu,iucss-a great trade having grown up,
induced by the making OF the aforesaid
railroad. Crossing the Republican River
Terry, near here, we came at once into
new, unexpected country 10 us; but
instead of barren prairie, We camo at
once on to cultivated farms, and have
them in sight in every direction. The
close of the day finds us nicely housed
with an old neshbor-we being glad to
rest from the tolls OF the day.
| ThUrSddy 4h-Finds Us advanced 8
miles west. TO the residence Of my fellow
traveller where VIC are glad to stop for
the day, q severe Storm coming on from
/ The west. which made its course TO the
east and southeast, and which, subse.
qucnlly learned commenced 60 miles west
of Republican City, extended many miles
cast of this city, taking down, in its course
buildings. chimneys, trees. fences, &C..
to the damage Of many people-no lives
| lost as hear.
! Friday. 5h-Opcns with beautiful
sunrise. and leave for Jewell City.
taking q norlhwcsterlY course. passing
through The towns OF Colax and Nelson
TO Concorda, 80 miles, the County-scat
of Cloud County, and the location of the
L. 5. Land Office. for the northwestern
district OF Kansas. which takes in the land
business of some dozen Counties. and is
pretty town site. 1t contains good saw
and grist mills, stores. hotels, shops,
very nice school house, dwellings. &c,
showing n place OF considerable bushes.
for town OF some four years growth.
From this place to Jewell City, 30 miles,
is n well settled country through the
valley Of the Buffalo, Big Cheyenne,
Little Cheyenne aud Marsh Greeks. the
waters OF which empty into the Rcpubi
can River near Concordia. Fifteen miles
from Concordia, the salt marshes are ia
sight on The noith. and Tor some miles 10
the south and west OF them the land is
unsettled, not being preferred by new
settlers Tor unknown reasons; on this
tract of land arc numerous bones and
horns of Buffalo, the remains OF many
which were killed by Indians and hunters
it having been grounds OF great resort
formerly, for iced and salt in the summer
time. After passing four miles over this
territory, we arrive ut 4 guide board
saving | / miles TO Jewell City, the road
being located on the section lines, due
west, the whole distance. which is the
longest wagon road know OF anywhere,
without divergence some way. On this
road are new settlers in their primitive
sod, stone, and wood houses, apparently
rs happy rs the rich in their palaces,
enjoying the prospect OF valuable farms,
and the contemplation OF better buildings,
ere long. believe in all this distance
there is not vacant quarter section oil
land unclaimed. Arrived at Jewell City
at eight in the evening and was glad to
accept the hospitality of Col. L. Barker,
one of the first pioneers and settlers in
this beautiful County of Jewell. We
had some interesting facts respecting his
settling here. In May Of 1870 the Col.
was bound to make IN exploring oxpe-
diton northwest ill he might find a
| location that would satisfy his ambition
Tor q model farm for himself and family.
With one other person. the Col left the
valley of the Republican River on their
ponies, well armed for any emergency
that might turn up. and proceeded up the
valleys of the Buffalo and other creeks