The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-04-14
THE GREAT SOUTHWEST
As Seen in Morton County. Kansas.

RIcHFrELD, April 10.-The last county in
the great State OF Kansas was formerly known
as Kansas County, but the last Legislature
wisely concluded that this was two much of
good thing, and as wisely concluded to
name it for Indiana's great war Governor.
For this reason, if no other, Indisnians
should feel an interest in this. community.
For this reason yours truly again encroaches
upon the columns of the Sentinel.
After nearly three years experiences of
Kansas life, 1 followed the crowd and found
myself in Richfeld, the proposed county
seat OF Morton, when it shall be organized
few months hence. Since my arrival have
been holding down claim" and "roughing
it, in genuine border style. 1t would
surprise all of you to see the rush
into this county. One year ago there we're
but few settlers in this county, and not a
town; now there are at least 1,500 inhabi-
tants and three towns, while claims are taken
Il would say 100 week were it not that |
fear you would not believe me-.
Richfield was located last fall. But little
was done through the winter, but since the
cold wave ceased everything here has been
activity, till now we have fifty buildings
complete and half as many under way.
Frisco, south of here few miles, was located
later, and is doing well, while Tologa, backed
by Topeka parties, and located southwest
near the Colorado line is bristling with &C
tivity. OF course, in time more towns will
lie started, as there is plenty of room.
The soil of Morton County is as good as
any l ever saw, and the general face of the
country the most beautiful. AS rule it is
as level as a floor, but there are sections
gently rolling or sloping, while but little is
nf no iQ in
cases at twenty-four feet; in Others at sixty
five. Building stone abouRds in the north
eTn part. Gypsum is plenty in many To-
callties. The people are friendly ana most
industrious, welcoming all who come and
they come by stage, by wagon and on foot;
scores at least every day.
Railroad prospects are good, as at least
three roads are pointed this way, and we are
certain to have one or more by another year.
At present freighting from Syracuse makes
merchandise high III comparison with lndi-
ana prices, but most of us live cheaply; il
we did net we would have to pull our
freight. A sheet iron stove or an oven in
the ground, dozen buffalo chips, will cook
the frugal settlers meal, and he rolls up in
blankets on the bare prairie, or in his dug
out If he has one, and is happy, for he knows
these broad acres are his own.
How to come here? When you get to
Kansas City take the Santa Fe train ticketed
to Syracuse. There take the Richfield stage,
and in ten hours you will be here, where
you may find your humble servant ready to
greet all Hoosiers and tell them the truth
the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Should you want to write for information to
any friend or other party here, be sure to
address Richfeld, Morton County, Kansas.
via Syracuse. Amy inquiry from reader Of
the Sentinel, addressed to J. G. Mckee as
above directed, will be promptly answered,
especially if a stamp be inclosed. / do not
wish to take up space sufficient to tell it all
so close for the time. MAQUE.