Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-03-24

IL DoRADo, KAN, March 10, 1883.

prove more or less interesting TO some Oh
Its many readers.
Butler County 10 the largest organized
county in the State of Kansas, being forty
two miles north and south by thirty-four
and a.half east and west, and containing
an even million OF acres Of valuable ianu
IN its vast limits. 1t lies about iorty-h'e
miles southeast of the geographical center
of the State, one hundred and twenty-five
miles west Of the Missouri line, anu thirty
miles from the Indian Territory, Deihg
almost due west Of st. Louis.
The surface OF the country Is rolling
prairie, and is intersected with numerous
streams of excellent water running SOUTH
erly and emptying into tho Walnut River
and eventually into the Arkansas RIVER
The prairie is in some places nearly leVei'
but nowhere without slope enough to
drain the surface water. Elsewhere it Is
uuJulating, sometimes rising into knobs,
and 1T the streams some bluffs are found.
There is very little waste land. The SOIL
i, rich and deep, and is adapted to the
growth of almost every variety OF gram
and fruit. The timber area is not very
large, but every river and small stream IL
belted with woodland. The varieties OF
timber are walnut, hickory, elm, oak, cot
tonwoed, blackberry, sycamore, SOFT ma
ple. &c, Considerable attention has been
given to the cultivation Of forest trees Dy
the farmers for yard ornaments and wind
brakes for orchards. Catalpa and locust
trees flourish here, and their growth dur
ing a single season is really astonishing.
All kinds of trees and shrubbery grow
luxuriantly, and they only have to be
planted i'm the rich soil to thrive well.
The Walnut River flows across the county.
This with its numerous tributaries FUR
nishes an abundant supply OF excellent
water. This stream is not only noted for
the beautiful country through which 1t
flows. but also for it's tine fish. The water
il clear and pure, and does not stagnate In
lent water power may be found along all
the larger streams. Good springs abound,
consequently we have an abundance OF
pure cold water. Wells are from fifteen
to forty feet in depth, with splendid
quality of unfailing water. Limestone
for building purposes may DO found In
large quantities in almost every township,
and the indications for coal are good.
A few words in regard to the people.
Nearly every State in the Union is repre-
sented here, and quite q sprinkling Of for
eigners are scattered around over the
country. AS general rule the people OF
all newly settled countries are active,
energetic, wide awake and Intelligent.
Especially is this true of Butler County.
In point of general intelligence the people
here are far ahead of those who reside in
the older States. In brief, the people,
vast majority Of whom at least are first
class citizens in every respect, and for
sociability they have no equals in the
in from another State they are glad to see
him. and In a short time he feels perfectly
at home among them. Hospitality is also
one of the predominant traits of Western
character. The climate Of Kansas is very
mild and healthy, and in thi9 county 1t is
particularly so. The altitude is almost
$500 feet above the Gulf of Mexico, and
the air is pure and invigorating. In fact
the climate is delightful.
Ell Dorado has been the terminus Of
branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa
Fe Railroad for number of years, but the
road is now finished to Douglass, in the
southern part of the county. The st.
Louis and San Francisco runs through the
county from cast to west, and the St.
Louis, Fort Scott anG Wichita Railroad
at present has its terminus ut this point,
but will be completed to Wichita by the
first of July. This gives FL Dorado the
advantage of northern and eastern out
let, and also the competition of two lines.
A junction of two roads will be formed
here, which will greatly improve the adj
vantage Of the town.
This is without doubt one of the finest
stock counties in the State, and stockmen
from neighboring States are taking adj
vantage of this fact. Some Of the finest
cattle are raised here, among which was
the famous kansas Queen" purchased
by Adam Forepaugh in 1882 at the enor-
nous price of 5000. This fine three
year-old heifer reached the ponderous
weight Of $500 pounds. Sheep culture is
rapidly becoming one of the most import
ant branches Of stock raising in the county,
and the natural advantages are such that
sheep thrive better here than in most
locations in the State.
The population of Ell Dorado is now
about 5000. Surrounded By rich agri-
tural region, the prospects of this town
are flattering, and is without doubt the
leading town in this part Of the State. No
town in the State has better system Of
public schools than this. The building
is Of stone, and is large and comfortable,
tho entire building costing sl4 200. The
town of Ell orado is beautifully located,
and is one Of the healthiest in the State.
Situated above the river bottom land it is
free of miasma, and the water is pure. All
branches of business are prosperous. Per-
sons desiring to make home in pleasant
climate, with the advantage Of schools,
churches, markets, &C., should visit FL
Dorado. w. >.
Death OF Sheriff MOOre.-Mr. John
STROLLER Moore, sheriff of Jefferson Coun-