The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-11-22
HOMES OF THE HUSBANDMEN
A Trip Through the Country by a
Reflector Correspondent.
Everybody Prosperous and the Re-
fector well Received.

We started out last week for a trip in
the country, to call upon some Of ou1
Friends of the Cause,' and to make
as manv new ones as possible; and In
so doing to notice the improvements be-
ing made. In every direction we see
the result of the two seasons past-neW
farm residences, barns, grainarieS, corn
cribs, &C., being built. There is quite
large acreage of
sowed which is up so that it covers the
ground, thereby having good start
for the winter.
We first drew rein at the residence of
w. A. JONES,
in Grant township, alighted and was
invited in to warm our fingers and toes.
During the process we learned from his
most agreeable lady, Mr.. Jones being
absent from the farm, that they were
one of the pioneer families of Dickinson
county, having come here II years ago
and hOmesteaded where they now live.
After the warming process was cOnclu-
ded and Mr.. Alex. Waldie, a sOn-in-laW
of Mr.. Jones, had ordered the Great and
Good REFLECTOR to visit him weekly,
we departed. Next pulling up at the
farm of our demOcrtic friend,
G. A. BATES,
who was buSily engaged in gathering
the golden grain. After informing him
that we were on the hunt of such men
as him, he at once succumbed and Or
dered the REFLECTOR to visit him. He
informed us that he came from Indiana
seven years ago and has acquired ! Sec,
and says that Dickinson county is good
enough for him. Bidding Mr.. Bates
goodbye, we started to seek whom we
might devOur. On arriving at the farm
residence of
W. j. JACKSON
we halted, not finding Mr.. J. at home.
We at once set about to interrOgate his
most pleasant lady, who informed us that
they were both staunch democrats and
pioneers in Dickinson county, having EN-
igrated here from DeKalb CO., Ind, II
years ago. Three children are all grown,
married and we'll to do citizens of Dick
inson county. After wishing Mrs. j.
many more years of happiness on this
mundane sphere we took our leave, med
itating as we drove through the narrow
highways, of the contrast ii years ago
when these pioneers settled in this the
far west. Next drawing rein at the
fine stock and grain farm of our friend,
GEO. LIVINGSTONE,
of Buckeye township. After informing
him that we were not tax but news
gatherer, he invited us in the house and
informed us that he too was pioneer
in this county, settling here in 1871,
taking a homestead. His stock and
grain farm now consists of $50 acres,
about all under hedge and wire fence,
and some 20 acres in bearing orchard
and walnut grove. Mr.. Livingstone has
upon his farm at present about 1000
bushels of wheat, 1000 bushels of corn
and 2 800 bushels of oats. Raised this
year on his stock farm 100 head of fine |
cattle, 100 head of hogs and Is head of |
horses and mules. After putting up
our horse and partaking of SumptuOuS |
meal, whom none know how to prepare |
better than his most eStimable lady, we |
were pilOted through his new residence |
which is just completing at a cost of |
about 5000. When completed it will |
be one of the finest residences in Dick |
insOn county. Last year Mr.. L. sold |
off his farm stock and grain to the amt |
of $1,000. He was offered last week |
$25, 900 for 500 acres of his farm, but |
thinks he could not be better suited and |
would not sell at that price. He has |
by mtiring and mceaSing labor and |
economy accumulated what he now en-
joys having hOmeSteaded his home place |
when he settled here. The REFLECTOR |
is welcome weekly visitor to him. Po- |
litically Mr.. l.. is greenbacker or anti |
mOnOpOlist. After wishing Mr.. l.. ma |
ny more years of ease and comfort we
took our leave. Next calling on
WIN. BEAER,
who was induced by our good looks to
subscribe for the coming great REFLEC- |
TOR, for which we thanked him and
sped on our journey. Our next victim |
was
ABRAHAM BEAER,
the father of our last. who settled here
the same year with Mr.. Livingstone,
quite poor. HOmeSteaded so acres, but
has increased his farm to 255 acres well
improved, under hedge fence, a good
apple orchard which bore 400 or 500
bushels of apples this season. Mr.. B.
says Dickinson county is good enough
for him and that he only cares to go
back to the old Key Stone State to visit
Bidding Mr. B. adieu, we made another
start over the undulating prairie to the
residence of
MRS. MARY HENRY.
Found w. j., her eldest son, in the
barn yard. We at once proceeded to
shove the quill at him. He informed
us that his father and family emigrated
to Dickinson county II years ago from
10 Davis county, ILL.,, entering home
stead of so acres, upon which they still
= ::