The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-04-15
Denton County.

DENTON, March 2G.-As time Will not per-
nit me to carefully investigate and examine
in detail any extended area of this vast ana
thriving state, | selected Denton county as one
with which | would famliarize myself rs far
as possible have sought to do this by rid,
ing about one hundred and fifty miles through
the county In various directions, by visiting
and inspecting many farms, and converting
with farmers in their fields or when seated AZ
their hospitable boards, by interviewing nu'
merous stock men, "cow boys" business men
of all kinds, county officials, physicians, law
yers; noting and observing everything that l
thought would AID me IN acquiring the know
edge sought. There is, of course, much more
10 learn, bu. some of the facts CLEANED and
conclusions drawn will be found below.
About twothrds of the county Is beauti-
full undulatlng or high rolling prairie and the
balance is timber, oak predOminating.
Some of the strong, black, waxy soul is seen,
though not very much, the prevailing SOIL be-
ing red, sandy loan, exceedingly productive.
Contrary to the rule with US, the timber lands
are said to be among the very best, and judy
ing from the appearance of farms saw IN the
clear,ngs, the statement is true one, l think.
And this leads me to say that IN judging OF
soils in Texas 1t will not do to follow our I'LL
nols rules for they will not apply to this lati.
tude but to note the cultivated farms, see
what they are producing or have produced,
and ascertain from the farmers what he and
his nephbors has actually raised for the last
few years.
1t is difficult to say what proportion OF the
county is actually in cultivation, as positive
information on this point cannot be had, and
estimates gwen me vary from one'fifth to one
third, the latter being nearer the true one In
nv Judgment The crops grown include all
of the cereals but cotton seems to be the main
staple, especially with the older farmers. l
think gave you some facts and figures on
this point in my first letter, and will not re-
peat.
The county is well watered by the Denton
fork of the Trinity river and by numerous
creeks which traverse almost all parts OF it.
Springs also are by no means scarce and many
more can be had with little labor. Yesterday,
in riding out through the timber and on the
prairie, saw within one.half hour no less
than four places feom which wafer was seep.
ing and where | believe five minutes work
with the spade would develope handsome
springs.
The people embrace representatives from
almost every state in the Union and from
many of the foreign countries. Illinois is
quite largely represented and others arriving
though the season tor immigration has nearly
passed. have found among those from the
southern states no animosity, no bitterness
nor hatred OF northern people, no social ostra-
cisR whatever, but on the contrary all good
men, come from where they may, democrat
and republican alike, are welcomed both In
town and country, and thousands more are
wanted to settle up and improve these magni-
Rcent fertile praires, to build and operate the
manufactures needed and with the growth of
the country to supply the people with mer
chandise of oil kinds. To illustrate: ID. A.
Robinson and H. M. Spaulding are in bust
ness together, Robinson in real estate and rail-
reading, Spaulding a banker. One is from
OHIO, the other from New Hampshire. Both
are strong republicans but being men OF abil
ity, of sterling integrity, and gentlemen, they
take high rank socially and IN all respects
are acknowledged TO be the peers of any in the
county. But still worse Qor those who believe
that Northern men are barely tolerated here),
at Pilot Point there were two gentlemen in
business together who, during the war, fought
on opposite sides, one being "yank' and the
other "reb." The whole subject Is summed
up In this-true merit gives title TO esteem,
here as elsewhere, and all that these people
care to know Is, that the stranger is man of
of good character who knows enough to at
tend to his own affairs without meddling with
those OF his neighbor and who has ability
enough to earn his own living.
Denton county, with many others in this
section. is now in a transition state. Form
erly, to use the language of leading stock
man, "every one went in for stock, the prairies
were unfenced, there was an abundance of nu.
tritious grass, plenty of water, and the RAISING
of stock was the principal business; but now
the smail herders are being absorbed by the
large and wealthy stock companies, who are
pushing westward and fencing IN ranches Of
tens Of thousands of acres each" This
makes cropping necessary tor those who re-
main,-a business they have to learn, and your
northern farmers, with their new ard am
proved farm machinery, are teaching them
valuable lessons. AS, to some extent, corrob
oratve of this, may mention that one firm
lin Denton has within the last three months
sold barbed wire enough tomake one hundred
and twenty-five miles Of fencel The fac
speaks volumes. talks In eloquent tones Of III,