Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-03-29

uoOSsAO NVOWVVs NAW0ASs
situation, Resources, Beauty, Fer
ttlity and Prospects.
Thomas county is named in honor of
Gen. George 81. Thomas. Its beauty and
fertility, as well as its promising future,
make the name an enduring testimonial
of the worth and eminent qualities of
that noted general. Situated in north
west Kansas, two counties south of the
Nebraska line, and two counties east
from the Colorado line. it is the centre of
one of the most beautiful regions within
the limit of the rich state of Kansas. The
size of the county is thirty-six miles east
and west, and thirty miles north and
south, comprising 1850 square miles. The
topography of the county is that of the
most beautiful prairie country in the
world. The trend of the streams. of
which there are six principal. viz: the
two Sappa creeks, Prairie Dog, the two
SolOmOns and the Saline rivers is through
the county in northeasterly direction.
These streams offer, near their beds,
some fine valley lands. Between them
lie beautiful divides, on which one may
travel for miles and miles without
break. The soil of the entire county is
rich, black loan. and very fertile, and
for farming purposes there is none better
in the world. The county was organized
Oct. Sth, 1885, having at that time about
!, 800 people. The population one year
ago was $3.50; to-day numbers nearly. if
not fully, 1000. There is no government
land open for settlement in the county.
The south half of the county is largely
owned by the U. P. r. r., who offer
their lands on liberal terms These lands
were only placed on the market last year,
and consequently the south part of the
county is more sparcely settled than 9th
er parts Parties desiring homes in the
west. or, who wish to make investments
in western lands are requested to visit
Thomas county and see for themselves
the evidence of our future prosperity.
Decided. railroad, school lands and relin-
quishmefits of homestead, pre- emption
and timber culture entries are now to be
had cheap. and prices of these are steadi-
~ and rapidly rising. The Union Pacific
has, already, one branch of railway into
Colby, and the C. X. & N. branch of the
Rock Island will build their trunk line
through the centre of the county this
season. This road is pledged to build
through this year. and will have stations
at five convenient points in Thomas coun-
ty. Three other railroads. the B. s. NJ.
Denver Short Line and the Lincoln and
Colorado Railways have surveyed into
the county, and the NJ p. and Santa Fe
railways are headed this way. Good wa
ter. the sheet anchor of the country, is
found everywhere at depth of from 40
to 100 feet Special excursions at liberal
rates will be run by nearly all railroads
into northwestern Kansas this year. and
may be taken advantage of by any wish
ing to visit the country. There have been
several towns plated in the county, all of
which are well located and surrounded
by fine country; among these we mention
QUICKvnLE,
in the northwest part of the
county. situated in as fine lying country
as exists. There are several store build
ings here, built by the town site .compa-
ny, who offer great inducements for
those wishing to locate in business. The
country about this point is fairly well
settled. and tie farmers show thrift and
enterprise.
HASTINGS.
in the west part of the county, midway
between the county seats of Thomas and
Sheridan counties, bids fair to become an
important station on the Lincoln s. Colo
RADIO Ry. The B. & NJ. and Rock Island
have both surveyed into this town. A
newspaper is established there. good
hotel, blacksmith shop and several mer-
chandise stores.
REXFORD,
in the east part of the county, has lately
been established, and will probably be
come railroad station on the c. K. & n.
GEN,
situated ten miles east of Colby, has sew
eral merchandise stores, post Office, &C.,
and will have railroad station of the C.
K. s. n.
OTTERBOURNE,
northeast of Colby about ten miles. is
laid of on one of the most lovely town
sites imaginable, and bids fair. in time.
to become a considerable trading point. |
Post offices have been established at
convenient places in all parts of the coun- |
ty.
CROPS