The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-23
Today a Thriving Town Exists on
the Georgia Pacific.
The Only Town Between the Yazoo
and Sunflower Rivers.
A Large Influx of Bmigrants to En-
Joy the Land,
Great improvements Under Way--The
Splendid Timber Resources of the
Region-Prominent People and
Notable Enterprises.


ward as far as the Yazoo River, and which
in a few more weeks will be completed
from the Yazoo River on to Columbus,
Miss, runs through one OF the most fertile
portions OF the Yazoo delta on its course
between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers,
especially SO after it strikes Sunaower
county, a few miles east OF Athol, the
junction Of the main line OF the Louisville,
New Orleans & Texas Railroad and the
Georgia Pacific Railroad. The road did,
until recently, go no further than John
sonville, the old county seat Of sunhower
Coun iy. Since the road, which then
stopped at the Sunhower River, has been
continued, travel has considerably in
--cfeased, settlers are coming in every day,
buying or leasing the rich lands, and the
prosperous and live little town Bairds has
sprung up like magic three-iourths OF
mile east OF the river crossing, and one
and one-half miles from the old town
Of Jacksonville, which is off the railroad.
A more popitious site could not be Sc
lected. A number of new spacious
store houses, large two-story
hotel, and the activity and pros
perity visible in all directions
tempted me to get off the train here and
spend day with this enterprising people,
who seemed to be 40 busy as bees in
hive. Hero / saw some newcomers erect
ing houses with their own hands, there
skilled carpenters working theoretically on
the construction OF larger residences and
storehouses, under supervision Of Mr.. W.
ii. Neall, the efficient contractor; then
again painters and other mechanics put
ting the finishing touch on buildings
already occupied. Everybody seemed TO
be busy, mechanics, laborers, country
people, white and colored, the sturdy farm
ers from counties and States less favored
by nature looking up lands for houses for
themselves and families assisted therein
by Mr.. j. w. Scurr, the well known and
reliable real estate agent, who has lived
for years in the county, enjoys the conf
dence OF all, is connected with some very
large land companies. and has for sale or
lease 100000 acres OF the finest timber
lands in the county, at prices from 50 TO
$40 per acre, besides town property.
Again, l saw business men who
came here TO locate consult Mr.. Scurr
in regard TO suitable lots for contemplated
residences or store houses. Everybody
hftlllfu busl Nnu HuNlhh1 W llNtoi. lutIt
is this much in investing in frstclass soil,
like this, which never wears out and
needs no ferlilizing. IL is sure invest
ment, II has its fixed value, based on the
current price Of the product, and no ficti-
tious values like land or other property
- invested In for speculation in mineral re-
gions, the actual value OF which depends
on contingencies, and which sometimes
may bring the investor large profits, but
more frequently may ruin him financially.
Not so with Delta lands; they always will
have their value, and the Delta under the
present leyee system is insured against
overflows. After having fingered awhile
among these stirring crowds, went over
10 take look at the hotel, so much more
30 US II wis past noon. The hotel Is in a
new. large two.story building, with
airy, spacious and wel.furnished
rooms, opposite the depot. In the parlor
had the pleasure Of an introduction 10
the proprietress, Mrs. Parker. as we'll al
Q 10 her brother-in-law, Dr. X. u. Donnell,
who Is the only physician In the place and
who formerly, for eleven years. resided
and practiccd at the old county site, John.
sonyille, but, as I aiterward had opportu.
nifty 10 be informed by citizens, the Doc.
tors practice Is by no means confined "a
Bairds, but that he Is nearly every day
sent for by patients In distant parts Of the
county. We were next invited In to din
ner, where by this time already n great
number OF guests already were seated al
the well supplied table aud here partool
Of a most excellent dinner. Everything
what person could desire was served
even milk, which generally Is scarce
In new settled neighborhoods, and every
thiugcooked well. After dinner lconcludc,
10 visit several Of the recently organizct
large mercantile firms. called at th,
store Of w. II. Rice x Co.. the principa
firm, and was cordially received by Mr.
w. II. Rice. This firm is composed Of w
H. Rice aud L. G. Orrick. prominent at
y torney and also superintendent OF Educa
" ton Of Sunilower County, and Of the star
ling. Smith Company, OF Greenyile. Undo
the able management Of Mr. Rice. TIL
firm already has built up n large trade
aud besides this they have n number q
business lots for sale OF for lease. mex
called on the firm OF W. II. Garnott
Bros This firm h composed Of W. II.
w. J. and G.. T. GarnctL These gentle
men have for some time been engaged Il
the general merchandise business n
Johnsonylle, and as they are YER
popular and good business men
they are doing line business.
Bairds they own fine two story store
building. In which they carry ON grocer
and liquor business, hut intend next yea
20 move their whole business altogether Z
Bairda They bought recently 2.7O
acres OF sunfowcr lands, Of which the
already have sold several hundred. On
Of the most important occupations In
now and progressive town is that Of COT
tractor. Mr. w. II. Ncall drove the fn
nail In the first building at Bairds, the {
r. H. r. depot, and has since built all III
other numerous buildings in the tow
aud las contracts for a number more. II
i both an architect and builder, aud pc
iectly competent and reliable. lie inten,
later TO branch out, and with Bairds
headquarters 10 take contracts along th
whole line The town Ia named after NJ
John r. Baird, prominent citizen an
real estate owner.
The posioiice Is still at Johnsonville, bt
a. petition has already been sent In, liair,
will in few weeks have postofIic
which will be located In the hotel OF Mr
Parker, who Is the poslmishcss nj Johl