The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-12-06

IL
try and what the farmers are doing as
we see it in our trip over the best coun-
ty in the State. In our last we were
down the beautiful valley OF
Chapman creek, halting long enough at
the residences of Z. Mcclure, \. Keat-
ing and G.. r. Barnes to add their names
to the best paper in Kansas, till we
reached the growing little city of
CHAPMAN,
situated at the confluence of Chapman
creek with the Smoky Hill river. tits
rapidly and putting on met
ropolitan airs to large extent. Here
we found business brisk, the business
men with smile of happy content on
their faces, a reading community and
larger list of subscribers to the REFLEC-
TOR than to any other paper III the
county. We then crossed the creek and
drew up at the residence of
JOHN ERWIN,
where we were invited III and to make
OurSelf at home, which we did. After
partaking of the nOOn-day meal, we
learned from Mr.. E. that he came to
this county % years ago from McDo-
nOugh co., Ill. There being no home
stead law at that time, he purchased the
farm he now lives on, adding to 1t until
he has now 645 acres of well improved
land with about IS acres Of timber upon
it and Chapman creek running through
it. making it one of the best stock farms
in the county; upon which he has 40
head of fine cattle, 80 head of hogs and
about 900 bushels of corn raised this
season. Mr.. Z. is true to the principles
of Democracy, and the REFLECTOR has
his hearty support and best wishes. lie
saws. and we think he is correct, that
the democrats and independents of this
county have the sacred principles OF the
founders of this nation. Bidding MI.
E. and family many more years OF hap
piness and prosperity we wended our
way up the valley of the placid stream
until we reached the home OF
DANIEL RYOS,
where we made ourself known, when he
at once informed us that he wanted the
REFLECTOR to visit him. Leaving MI.
R. we continued our journey, stopping
at the residence Of
r. =. GROSS,
who was at work upon new barn lie is
building. Learning that he was a DEM
ocrat we at once induced him to add
his name to our lis. Bidding him adieu
we next called upon his brother,
NJ. GROSS,
who also ordered his name added to tile
list. No sooner said than done. And
we at once proceeded until we reached
the residence OF
MRS. ISABELLE HAINE,
who has a well improved farm on Chap
man creek. which she will sell at a low
figure, having lost her husband recently
and having no one to farm 1t for her.
After adding her name to the list we
once more started in pursuit OF more OF
our unknown friends OF the cause, halt
ing at the residence of
GEO. W. FREEMAN.
The evening shades having begun to
fall. we were told to put up for the
night. which we did. After partaklng
of the evening meal we gathered around
the family hearth, when we were IN
formed that Air. I. was the first settler
in Dickinson county. On learning this
information we were determined to
learn something Of tie early history OF
the county. He came to this county Is
years ago, from Montgomery CO., Ark.
He is a stalInch democrat and was twice
appointed Probate Judge before the
county was organized and declined the
appointment both times. Afterwards
he took an active part IL organizing the
county. and organized it as a democrat
lie county. and was elected the first PFC
bate Judge of the county. The county
seat and courthouse then being one
lonely log cabin, on the banks OF the
Smokey Hill river, two giles below De
troit. called Newport. We were
deeply interested in the Judges story
of the early settlement Of the county,
the many county divisions and county
seat fights, all of which are now AMIGA
bly, and tremendously settled, and all is
serene and prosperous. On the morn
ing we arose. took breakfast and started
on another days forage. WeneXt drew
rein at the home Of
GEO. SHRY, a,
whom we found at work Oh a new house
he is building, which is quite an i'm
prOVement to his farm. He came to
this county in 1867, from Jay CO., Ind.
He and his brother Perla and father
own $50 acres of the best land on Chap
man creek, and are all sound democrats
and readers of the REFLECTOR. We
next called at the stock farm of
O. H. sUTPHEN,
who was attending to his cattle, having
some very fine ones. He has one of the
best arranged and located stock farms
in Dickinson county. He is one of the
many republicans who appreciate good
thing by subscribing for the REFLEC-
TOR. Our next is
W. II. SUTPHEN,
the father of our last. He settled here
u years ago. coming from Otsego CO.,
n. Y. Mr.. S. has a well improved farm
of 200 acres, having upon it a large
Touring mill with the latest improved
machinery. 1t is operated by MeSSrs.
Newell 81 Johnk. There is an iron
bridge at the mill iii which Mr.. S. spent
500 of his hard earned money the coun-
ty furnishing the rest. There is now in
course of construction Union Church.
Lots have been laid off and storehouse
will be commenced at once to be used
for the general merchandising business.
Mr.. S. is the post master at that place.
Politically he was democrat up to the
late war. when he says the party left
him and he voted with the republicans
since. But after having quite spirited
discussion upon the issues of the day.
=. e...,,5 l,;1,, ,-a+ 4,-,a ~ +bo o,-iDoi,1loc