Mexico weekly ledger., 1886-05-06
THE PRIZE ARTICLE.

Pacific and Chicago & Alton Railways,
at a distance ofll0 miles from st. Louis,
and l56 miles from Kansas City.
The town was founded December Il,
1896, by j.. IL. Smith and Rev. Robt.
Mansfield.
Its growth was very slow until the
establishment of the North Missouri
Railroad in 1897, since when there has
been a continual growth, both in popu-
lation and interest.
The situation of Mexico is, in every
way, conducive to prosperity, 1t being
in the midst of one of the most fertile
and healthful districts of the country.
The town lies IN the rolling prairie
bordering upon the woodlands of one
of the tributaries of Salt River. The
country has fine natural drainage, and
consequently, there are no malaria
breeding swamps or lagoons.
Coal of excellent quality and in pay
ing quantities has been found in many
places in the vicinity, the veins being
from II to 80 inches in thickness, and
easily reached by drifting" At the
present time a coal mine is in operation
within the city limits.
Potters clay is also found within a
short distance of the city. 1t is said by
competent judges to be of a superior
quality. Along the banks of the va
rious water-courses are frequent out
groupings Of limestone, well adapted
for building purposes
The population of Mexico is rapidly
increasing; the growth moreover is
steady and natural, and not caused by
the influence of feverish "booms." A
census taken by the city authorities
in 1885 showed a total of 5075 inhabi-
tants Within the city limits. Besides
these, there ARE many of the most in
~tluential and wealthy business men
residing in the suburbs. The people
are industrious and intelligent, and as
a large proportion of them are property
owners they are willing and anxious to
improve the city in every way.
The manufacturing interests are
numerous and in a most prosperous
condition.
There are two louring-mills: one the
Getty Mill operated by VIM. Pollock
& Co., is a model of it's kind; the build
ing is a large four story brick structure,
supplied with the latest improved
machinery. The other, the "Custom
Mill" is the property of NJ. NJ. Conger.
As implied in the name, this establish
ment is almost exclusively devoted to
a custom business, and has a large pa
tronage.
Situated near the City Mill is the
Mexico Foundry, where all kinds of
casting and repairing are done. This
business is well conducted by Edward
Carberry. Besides these are brick
/. yards, marble-works, boot and shoe
makers, blacksmiths, carriage and
r wagon factories, harness makers. CT
gar and tobacco factories, a pottery,
soda and mineral water mandatory, a
wool combing establishment and a saw
; mill.
/ The business center is in the square
surrounding the court house, and the
neighboring streets. There are about
twenty-five grocery establishments, ten
or fifteen dry goods houses, and dealers
in all the commodities to be found in
the larger cities. The business houses
are almost without exception sub
stantial and handsome brick buildings.
Many are finely finished with iron and
p~late-glass fronts, and wouldd no dis
credit to st. Louis or Chicago.
Shipping facilities are afforded by the
c & A.. and W., st. l.. & P. Railroads.
already mentioned; besides these is the
Cedar City Branch of the G. &. A. Thus
Mexico has railroad outlet in five direc-
tions. There is a Union Depot, and
twelve passenger trains arrive every
twenty-four hours, giving direct con.
~nection with st. Louis, Chicago and
Kansas City.
The hotel facilities are unequalIed
: The Windsor and the Central Ringo,
> two three>sstto7rr-y structures, are the most
popular. They are located in the bust
ness portion of the town, and supplied
with all modern improvements. The
} fare is unsurpassed. and the rooms we'll
J lighted and ventilated. Besides these,
are the Ferris, Pacific, Globe and Sui
livan hotels, at any of which the trav-
e,er will find the most painstaking
provision for his comfort.
The city banks are three in number,
all prosperous, strong and reliable in
! stitutions, backed by private
/ amounting to four times their cash
: capital. They are the Savings, Ma,
( tional and Southern.
The stock shipping interest Is n Of
: the most Important the city. About
} 600 car loads of stock, valued at more
! than S650,00O, are shipped annually
l Besides the cattle, hogs, etc, shipped
J to Chicago, large numbers are raised
! for the home market. The pork-pack'
ing house o flame & Gregory also ships
large quantities of their product. be-
i sides supplying the home demand.
- The town is Systematically laid out
the streets intersecting each other a
!. right angles. Near it's center is the
county court house, ar imposing struc
Z ture of brick surmounted by a dom,
, containing a clock, which lie vislbl,
= from all parts of the city. The cour
9 house cost $4,000; it contains larg'
rooms for our county officials, tn,
Probate Court, County Court and Cir
cult Court rooms, and apartments TO
%iuries. The building is surrounded b,
a handsome grass plot, covered will
shade trees, making a pleasant resor
O in warm weather.
IL One block south Of the court house il
the city hall, which is a new and hand
some building. 1t was erected in 1885
at a cost of 5000. 1t contains tn,
u Council Chamber, offices for the Mayo
and Marshal, the city Jail, and a room
for the Fire Department. The Boar,
of Trade also has it's headquarter
u here.
D. For educational facilities, Mexico j
IL unsurpassed. The schools are not onl
. well conducted, but are supporte
heartily by the people. There is, pei
10 haps, no better Public School in To
I'd ..ct MT anIy in raDard tn the govern