The Van Buren press., 1878-04-02

Mr.. Ward is Il very worthy citizen,
retired merchant and is now County
Treasurer. Mr.. l.. Ii. Southmayd, the
genial and popular mayor of the place,
also has our thanks for courtesies eX-
tended.
Alma.
The new and sprightly town Of Alma,
is one OF the most hourishing places on
the line of road. 1t is located in Craw-
ford County nine miles east Of, Van Blu
rem, on the line of Little Rrock q Fort
Smith Railway, six miles from the Ar
kansas River Its birth only dates back
three years and now contains "a popula-
ton Of over 500, and is already the cen
ter of large and prosperous business.
The remarkable rapid growth and pros
perity of the place may be attributed to
the extensive arena Of tine country with
which it is surrounded The town is
nicely located upon an undula ting plane
between two streams known MS Clear
Greeks, has one church editice, and school
building, one newspaper the Alma Her
aid. lively and very readable sheet
published by NJ. l.. Yeatman, Esq, one
Touring mill and steam cotton gin com
binod, etc. The place is Immediately
surrounded by a very rich and fertile
body of land upon which the extraordi-
nary yield of two bales of cotton per
acre has been produced, seventy five to
eighty-tive bushels Of corn and all other
grains in proportion, and there is perhaps
no portion of the great valley Of the
Arkansas River that will produce q lar
ger yield ora greater variety ofproduets
Cotton, tobacco, corn, wheat and all small
grains, vegetables. roots, grasses and
fruits find in this locality their national
home. Great wealth is contained in the
dense forests of valuable timber with
which the surrounding country abounds,
and in the immediate vicinity, Il very SUI
perior article OF coal is being mined.
For raising and feeding stock, this local
lty is conceded to be admirably adapted,
and many superior advantages for the
growing of all kinds of fruit, is pract-
cally demonstrated each year by large
yield and fine quality. The climate and
SStooliS arc all llll CftIl NC uGSIIcU W
promote the growth and manurng of all
crops, and the general good thus the
country around the tritty young town Of
Alma embraces rich and fertile land, good
timber, fine water, delightful climate and
all the essential clements requisite to make
it q prosperous aud wealthy agricultural
community. The lands range in price for
unimproved up lands from $3.50 to IS,
improved up-lands SIS to SIS, bottom I'M
improved IS to SO and improved S12 to
$40. The town already commands the
trade from large scope Of country and
has shipped up to present wrting-March
lst-over 5000 bales of cotton besides
large amount OF wheat and other produce.
The place presents Il splendid opening
for manufactures ofall kinds wood work,
wagons, plows and farm implements
cooperage, wagon material, and tannery
could not bel p being a success from the
fact that large quantities ofhides are
shipped out Of this county an no tan
/. cry within reach These are points
worthy the attention and investigation
of parties seeking eligible locations for
establishments oflndustay. The leading
and representative business men of the
pace are J. II. HollowelI, }. ID. Williams
Brodie Il Locke, Lowrie & Ellis, dealers
in general merchandise and shippers of
cotton and general produce.
Shearin q Smith, druggists.
III. Glass & Co., furniture.
prauoy q uotnran, attorneys at law
and gencarl real estate and collecting
agents, both live and enterprising young
gentlemen. Attention is directed to
their card in business directory of these
columns.
We desire to express our thanks to
Col. NJ. F. Locke, worthy citizen of
this place, for courteous attention. The
Col. is largely engaged in agricultural
pursuits, formerly resided in Texas, but
likes this country much the best.