Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-01-12

not compare with it. But-when the
frost comes, i'm one week the entire
scene changes, and this holds specially
in regard to the western and s. west
ern parts OF the state. made a trip
some Is miles west of Wichita few
weeks ago, and while Kansas univer-
sally is dreary in the winter, this part
seems to be doubly SO. Before you, as
far as the eye can see is one vast stretch
of dead prairie. Not a green thing is
visible save few grainfelds upon
which the stock is grazing. Not tree
or shrub within sight, save here and
there few that have lately been plant
ed. Two, three and sometimes more
miles apart you will find where some
settler has taken claim, erected II
shanty often not more than l2Xl4 feet,
one story high. Occasionally one with
two rooms, while n house containing 4
or rooms is large enough to admit Of
q sign on front which tells YOU it is in
tended as hotel or something Of the
kind. Sod houses and stables as we'll
NS 0uA OdAp OAC cum AdiNO
Fences are seldom seen. Few cattle are
change is taking place. 1t is found that
wheat is too uncertain TO be depended
upon, and farmers are turning their at
tentiOn more to cattle, hogs and broom
corn. AS the settlers understand the
country and the climate better they can
adapt themselves and their work to il
with profit and comfort. AS a Penn
Sylvanian who has lived all his lifetime
amongst hills, mountains, evergreens
and streams of fresh sparkling water,
passes over this country he is very apt
to exclaim,
"Home, sweet home"
But it is astonishing to see how con-
tented and happy most Of these people
are. l mean those who remain, for it
is fact that can not be denied that a
very large per cent of Kansas emigrants
remain only q short time. But where
they settle down and succeed financial
ly, they soon seem to adapt themselves
to the country and its ways and are as
"happy as the day is long" Among
many cases might single out one, as
fair representative Of large class.
Some five or six years ago MIR. b., OF
LewiSburg, Union Co., Pa, failed Ill
business and was left with only few
dollars in money with which to COM
mence anew the battle of life. at the
age OF IS. He concluded to try Kansas,
bought an emigrant ticket, cameo to
Wichita when he had $500 left Of
fortune of $4,000. He at once rented
a room, paid three dollars rent for the
first month, rented q store, and with q
few boxes and benches for furniture,
started up housekeeping. With what
little money was left he bought sau-
sage machine and suffer and q small
hog and set up the business Of butcher
ing. This was four years ago last fall. |
In the spring of rs his three sons,
three daughters and one son-in-law fol-
lowed him. The daughters and two
sons have since married and the entire
family has settled down near Marshall,
% miles west of Wichita, where they
have 500 acres OF land in one tract and
so in another at the outskirts of the
village where the father and one Of the
sons still follow butchering. The first
night l spent with the father and the
son, the second with the son-in-l2w,
Mr.. g., who for many years was pro-
minent citizen of Sunburv, Pa. AS
he owns the best property and is one
OF the prominent citizens Of the place,
being a lawyer, justice of the peace ard
notary public, will give you a descrip-
tion OF his house and manner of life.
His house is a frame structure, the
main part l4x14 feet by 10 in height,
lower STORY feet, ladder leading to
the second story or garnet, which is
bearly high enough for grown person
to stand erect in the centre. Attached
to this IS kitchen l0x14 feet, 6 feet
high, ceiled along the rafters. The
main part of the house serves for bed
rooms, while the addition is used as
kitchen, dining room, law Office and ey-
cry other purpose. The family,consists
of seven persons, and yet they found
room to entertain right comfortably
myself and my companion. In answer
to my question, do you feel at home
in this new country p'' he replied most
heartily, "Never more 80 in my life"
The entire family seems as happy and
contented as any I ever saw. It gave
me great pleasure to preach for them,
both in the morning and afternoon. 1t
was the first sermon they had heard
from either Reformed or Lutheran for
four years. They purpose taking steps
at an early day to build small church |
and call a minister to live and labor a.
them. They are full of hope,
and with ihe blessing Of God they will
succeed.
But | find l am spining out far be-
yond what intended to at the outset, |
and lest weary you with my gossip l |
will bring my letter to close by ask
ing you to send the JOURNAL to me at
West Alexandria, Preble Co., 0. AT
ter the 10th of this month, where l ex
pect to make my future home. After l
become fully settled there, l may find
time to send you description of "Das
gelobte Land"
kra,l