Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-02-20
THE WOMEN OF WESTERN KANSAS.

to endure if the ministrations of women
did not smooth some of its roughness,
and her hopeful spirit Tighten up the
gloom of losses and privations. Just
imagine, if you can, Western Kansas, or
even one county alone, inhabited by none
but men, and they doing SO with the full
understanding that their frontier life,
whether of long or short duration, should
be one of single blessedness. Would
their abodes ever exceed that of a dug
out or sod house? and-but I'll not ask
you to scan the interior of their dwell
ings.
Western Kansas has not been without
its Ruths, who have cheerfully walked at
the side of their chosen ones. Homes of
comforts, pleasant friends and dearly
loved surroundings were freely resigned
that home upon the prairie might be
secured, and the fast growing little oies
given freedom, pure air and health.
From the large and crowded cities of
the east came many families at first in
search of health more than wealth, and
their selection of western Kansas for a
residence has been rewarded by seeing
the fading cheek grow plump and rosy,
and Doctors services seldom needed.
Cnder such circumstances what will not
women, especially mothers, cheerfully
endure?
Fortunately for women on the from
tier, there are no epicureans, and quantity
of food more than quality demands their
attention. The capacity of some for
meat and drink has been ikened to
bottomless artesian well. Such was the
effect of Kansas pure air upon the appe-
tite that "black coffee" minus milk and
sugar, corn bread, with bacon and gravy,
was heartily enjoyed. To supply his
family with something additional,
young gentleman drove from here to
Hays City and back, bringing with him,
beside other things, one pound of butter
all that could be purchased there.
Rosy cheeks beautify the faces of the
children, and health is in great meas
ure restored to those who sought this
cline to gain it. In addition, their lands
are now of considerable value, a Just re-
turn for their labor:
The feminine portion of Western Kan
sas is far, however, from being capable
of no higher aspirations or nobler deeds
than circumstances, such as the above
have compelled them to perform. Ad-
mirers of the beautiful, lovers of all that
tends to refine, and bold to defend
righteous cause, their influence is felt in
almost everything which affects the COM
munity in which they live. In the So
cial circle their presence is most well
come; educational interests find among
them their strongest advocates; suffer
ing humanity calls upon them not in
vain, and as superintendent of Sabbath
schools, teachers of our public schools,
school officers, holding positions Of pub
Lie trust, or proclaiming gospel truths
from the pulpit and illustrating them in
daily life, pioneer women are ever ready
and competent. When prosperity per-
mits, the coarser duties are quickly re-
signed for more womanly tasks, and the
spare moments eagerly given to study,
or reading the many newspapers and Pc
riodicals which come alike to the dugout
stone dwelling.
Many, many hearts overflow with
thankfulness, when the mind compares
the present pleasant, though humble
home, with the dwelling of the past days,
much more comfortably appointed, but
into which oft times would come the
loved one who had joined the tempta-
tons of the brilliant sample room too
great for his strength of resistance, and
the fiery liquid had changed the kind
husband to selfish man.
The father is here free from those en-
sharing evils, and the boy is not forced
into dens of infamy against his will.
Families vino come west in 1889
with but small means, and who began by
investing that little in the poultry and
dairy business, now have an extensive
reputation as first class butter-makers, a
ready sale for poultry and eggs, and be-
sides many acres of land valued from SIS
to So per acre, with comfortable home,
and no landlord to fear.
Like opportunities, devoid Of many of
the privations Of the past, now await
those who seek prairie home, and to
the Christian who desires to use his in
Auence and strength in the masters
cause tho west is q vast open field await
ing your coming.
GAszn1A 7. SrrcKHz1.