The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1883-09-06
LINCOLN COUNTY,
by Everybody to be the
Banner County of DalkOta-XVhat Il
Pioneer Press Man Saws


Acknowledged by Everybody to be the
Banner County of Dslkota-VVhat a
Pioneer Press Man Says.
1t is Of southeastern Dakota that this
article is designed to treat-and more es-
pecially of Lincoln county. What has
been said of Dakota as whole applies
with peculiar pith and force to this section;
and long has been noted as one of the
richest counties in the territory, possess
ing admirable advantages for the prosecu-
ton Of diversified farming and mercantile
business. 1t has enjoyed high degree
Of prosperity, and is settled by as fine a
class of people as can be found in any sec
ton of the Cuion. But there is room in
this magnificent county for thousands
more; which state of affairs is alone due
to the fact that the outside world has not
heretofore known of its preat and mex
haustible resources. No county between
the Mississippi and Missouri rivers offers
greater inducements to thrifty, intelligent
people looking for an advantageous loca-
ton. Lincoln county is in the extreme
southeastern portion of the tcrritory-be-
ing the natural gateway for the vast army
ofimmig grants westward bound 1t is sep.
arated from Iowa ON the east by the Big
Sioux river; on the south are the counties
of Union and Turner; to the west is Turn
or county, and to the north Minnehaha.
There is an area of 600 square miles aud
400, 900 acres of choice land in the borders
of the county. A little over twenty years
ago Lincoln county was one vast unbrok
en- prairie, upon which the hand of civil
zation had made no impress. Now it
ranks among the first in point of settle
ment and improvement--rich in soil,
healthful in climate and superior in school,
church and social privileges. The popu-
latlon is about 10 600. Uncultivatcd lands
are offered at very low prices, and are fast
being taken up. Such an opportunity as
is now presented to procure ar excellent
farm, at about one fourth its real value
will not long be open. Settlers should
come here at once, while these great bar
gains are available. The curious may ask
why people desire to dispose of such valu-
able possessions but such question is
problem easily answered. Some possess
more land than they can manage. and are
anxious to dispose of portion so they
may be enabled to properly improve the
other; others have been financially reduced
by misfortune and bad management, and
are compelled to SELL thus making room
for men of means, who can reap the fruit
OF their toll and hardship. Come, inyes.
and be convinced.
This portion of Dakota is pre-eminent-
ly corn country-so far as legitimate
agriculture is concerned although wheat
can be raised here Of excellent quality and
good yield but it is not sure crop. Corn
never fails, and is q very profitable crop.
Oats, rye, flax and barley are also success
raised. Stockraising and dairying are
largely engaged in, and the farmers are
prosperous, contented, and with fine pros
poets for the future. The county is
bounded on two sides by the l~rgest riv-
ers in the territory-aside from the Mis-
ouri-the Big Sioux on the east and the
Nermillion on the west, while lakes and
smaller streams are numerous. This in
sures an abundance of water for stock and
manufacturing purposes. Coal exists in
paying quantities, but the banks have not
yet been developed.
RAILROAD FACILITIES.
Lincoln county has two of the best rail
roads in the west--the Chicago, Milwau-
kee & St. Paul and the Sioux City & Da-
kota-by either it has direct communica-
ton with the leading markets of the east,
and by which it has superior outlet for
its products. The Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul crosses the county from east to
west, and the Sioux City & Dakota from
north to south The extension of the
Calliopc, Iowa, branch to Ioquois, Oak,
crosses the southwestern portion of the
county. This latter road is now building
and will be opened for traffic by Septcm-
Der Is. This gives Lincoln county un-
surpassed railroad facilities
Taken as whole Lincoln is superior to
most and equal to any county in the terri
tory; and the fact that the constantly in
creasing rate of migration is of the class
that tends to develope and enrich the
country, is warrant for the assertion that
this is bound to be among the foremost of
the section of the great west.
Eden, sixteen miles southeast from
Canton. 1t has population of 800 and
is on the line of the Sioux City & Dakota
railroad.
Lennox has 500 inhabitants, and is To-
Gated on the Milwaukee & St. Paul road,
eighteen miles west of Canton.
w Oftnlng, on the same ROAD between
Lennox and Canton
All are promising towns, situated i'll the
midst ofa fine agricultural and stock dis
trict, and commanding a large 10 cal trade.
ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENTS
of Lincoln county, Oak, for 1888. The
following will be of interest:
Number of acres of land in the county, 2G4, ,3O4
Value of same ...................S S773, ,440
Value of town lots in the county ,...... S81, 1918
Number OF horses In the county. ......... 5000
Value of same. Observation-Disclosures. S2,834
Number of cattle in the county. .......... 9,264
yaluo of same ..........A.. S95, 5,190
Number of sheep in the county. .......... $500
Value of same ................. S2,919
Value Of swine in the county ....... 1921
Number Of carriages etc, in the county. 042
value of same ... .... S13,O57
Value of all other property S97,O7i