davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-12-06

Both the method and results when
Syrup Of Figs is taken; it is pleasant
and refreshing to the taste, and acts
gently yet promptly on the Kidneys,
Liver and Bowels, clcanses the sys-
tenn effectually, dispels colds, head
aches and fevers and cures habitual
constipation Syrup Of Figs is the
only remedy of its kind ever pro
duced, pleasing to the taste and ac-
ceptable TO the stomach, prompt in
its action and truly beneficial in its
effects, prepared only from the most
healthy and agreeable substances, its
many excellent qualities commend it
to all and have made it the most
popular remedy known
Syrup of Figs is for sale in Soc
and 81 bottles by all leading drug
gists, ANY reliable druggist who
may not have it on hand will pro
cure it promptly for any one who
wishes to try it, Do not accept any
substitute
CALIFORNIA Fi6 SYRUs co.
SAN saAscisco. ca
l0WsUilf, ~ sEa Fose. ~
.nxyaa.,a
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-12-06
Parnsli Supporters Arrested For In.
timidation.

DUBLIN. Dec. 8 5-Walsh. Chairman OF
the Kildyssrt Union. and staunch support
er Of Fsrnell, was arrested charged With
intimidation.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-12-06

Its marvellous how many people use
Johnson's Anodyne Liniment, % say retail
druggists. iecldSv
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-12-06

A little daughter Of A. T. Fuller was in
jured by having her ankle stepped on BY =
horse Friday.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-12-06
SIGNAL SERVICE.
Weather Indications for the Next ~
Hours.

WAR DEPARTMENT, .-
Office Of the Chief Signal officer,
WARRINGTON, Dec. 6, A. NJ.
For Maine. New Hampshire and Yer.
mont: Light SHOWS; northeasterly winds !;
colder.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07
Agricultural Lands.

The agricultural lands of this county
are probably greater in extent than
those of any other county in the State.
They might be classed under three
heads: those that produce crops al
most every year without irrigation.
those that are irrigated, and those that
can be made productive by some gen
eral system Of irrigation. For some
time to come natural moisture and
individual irrigation must be relied
upon to make the soil productive.
With only these aids the crops of oats,
barley, wheat and garden produce are
immense, but not what they would be
if ready market were at hand. No
doubt one third of the land in the
county could be utilized for agricul-
tural purposes were there a demand
for its products. The soil is rich in
the valleys and on the bench lands.
From 80 to so bushels of wheat to the
acre can be raised, while oats yield as
high as SO bushels Our ranchmen
are not depending on the products of
the soil alone, however. but have
started their little bands of stock,
which, in conjunction with what they
produce from the ground. will bring
them COED returns in the near future.
Fergus county can raise enough agri-
cultural products to supply all of
Montana. y railroad to carry them
To market is all that is needed.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07
Assessed Valuation.

In 1923 the assessed valuation q,
what is now embraced within the Dor
ders OF Fergus county was less than
81 100000. The first assessment
taken for this county was in the spring
Of 1887, the total valuation reaching
the sum OF S2,6I7, 1868, an increase in
four years OF 81 100000. The assess
ment for 1889 shows % further in
crease Of 1867, 900, although there
was IA considerable falling off in cat tie
and land. That there should he less
taxable land i'm 1889 than in 1887
may, upon first thought, seem 1t ran
yet the solution is simple. When the
first assessment was made n large prO-
portion Of settlers were OF the opinion
that lands filed upon were and
gave them in to the assessor ut gov
eminent price. In 1883 it was gener-
ally known that lands were exempt
from taxation until proof had been
made, thus the acreage dropped from
81 >, SO in 1887 to "a ,23l in 1883.
The returns for $50 show an increo So
over the previous year of -, 800 acres.
The returns for the present year will
more than double the acreage assessed
last year.
From n careful comparison OF the
tables given below u thorough idea OF
I he increasing valuation of all classes
Of property can he gained:
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

| THE following article on the sheep indus
try, from the pen Of David llilger. gives "a
Thorough history Of this most important
interest
| well remember an early August
morning in 1881, on what is now the
stage road between Beaver and Rock
creek, when reaching high ridge
dlsmounted my cayuse to arrange a
pack on IA horse that was leading, and
during moment Of meditation | east
my eye to northward and to the west
ward. and as far rs the vision could
reach | beheld gradually unduating
plain covered with the richest Of nu-
tritious grasses, watered by numerous
streams that meandered to the north
ward and to the west to meet others
coming from an opposite direction, and
between them forming the Judith river,
whose course To the northeast and north
soon found its fate mingled with the
Big Muddy.
Discarding the spirit Of egotism,
must say that the impulse of the mo-
ment suggested to me the prophetic
vision that the country before me viii,
he the garden spot Of Montana and
within the embrace of that distant
mountain chain that encircles the Ju-
dith Basin will ere many years produce
the best and largest wool clips and NUT
ton Of any section of Montana of twice
or thrice its area.
Let us review the history Of wool
glowing in this county, which up To
few years ago was n part and parcel Of
Meagher county. The first sheep to
enter the limits of Fergus county were
located i'm 1850. and among the pioneer
wool growers who first drove their
tlocks to the then wild and unsettled
Judith country recall the names Of
Hon. J. ID. Waite, Phillip Moulc, Mai.
VIM. Wallace, Will Logan and Messrs.
Edgar and Johnson, who located on the
upper Judith, Ross Fork and Careless
creek; also Mcmillan Bros. of Cotton
wood and Robert Sullenger of Spring
creek. These men located i'm 1850 and
the forerunners of what is |
now u most important industry.
During 1881 and the succeeding years
TO 1856 the migration of sheep was so
great from the overcrowded portions
Of the territory, as well AS from the Pa
,ific states and territories, that the
county was stocked to its full capacity,
md the increase up to the present time
mas placed Fergus in the lead as wool
md mutton producing county of the
'tate.
That the business is successful one
S beyond controversy. That it pays
he highest dividends on money in
'ested in any class of live stock is con-
,eded by all who are posted on the sub
ect, and that the future of the indus
ry is permanent is an open fact.
Fergus county contains to-day 3lO,-
NM sheep and 10000 lambs. The wool
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

The County Seat Of Fergus County Early
History. Present Growth and Future
Destiny.

Lewistown, the county seat. is CEN
trally located, both geographically
and with reference to the population.
Ii is situated upon Big Spring creek,
as fine a stream OF water As man ever
looked upon. and is surrounded by
the best OF farming land. In its loca-
ton 1t comprises every advantage
that would be looked for by the
founder of an inland town. good
site, productive tributary country. an
abundance OF pure water, good drain
age, easy access to building material,
both stone and wood, an unlimited
supply OF wood and coal for fuel, and
water power unequaled on any of
the small streams OF the State-all
these lewistown possesses to degree
nowhere exeeled and seldom equalled.
1t is reached by stage from Great
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

There is any quantity Of good coal
lands in this county. but owing TO the
abundance and cheapness OF wood
but little mining has been done. The
more important fields are located as
follows: One extending from Folsom
creek across Swimming Woman creek
to Careless creek, some twenty miles
IN length; one near Fort Maginnis
one SIX miles west Of Maiden; one on
Plum creek. North Moccasin noun
tains; one on upper Spring creek; one
on lower Dog creek. and one extend
ing from the Judith river to wolf creek
along the Belt range. The majority
oil the coal is bitumlnous in character.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07
Our Mines Of Gold, Silver and Lead.

In nearly all the mountain ranges
of the county can be found the prec
ious metals. In the Little Belt range
on the west within the past year, rich
gold and silver discoveries have been
made. The Dry Wolf mining region
is now classed among the great pro-
duCers of the future. The district is
rich in gold, silver, iron and lead. and
only awaits the magic touch of capital
to reveal its treasures. Yogo gulch,
where rich placers were discovered
twelve years ago, and which could be
worked with great profit with plenty
of water. is taking new life and prom
Uses to become a great quartz camp.
The Neihart, Gold, Silver, Lead Re
duction company, is operating there
with good force OF men, while
Boston company is developing some
The chief mining region, and which
more properly belongs to this county,
lies in the Judith mountains. Though
The range is not great in area mineral
,bounds in all parts. Taking into con-
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

The horse in hi natural state has al
ways selected high, dry. open table
lands with their short. rich. nutritious
grasses rs his home. II is true that
western Europe has produced both
draught and thoroughbred horse, of "a
high order by careful breeding and
management, but these are only ox-
ceptions under favorable conditions to
the general rule. There are no more
durable, harder or healthier horses in
the world than those now bred on the
table lands Of these United States.
Even the stunted cayuse-the abused
descendant Of the Spanish Barb-small
as he is, cannot be exceled for endur-
ance and safety. lie has large lungs,
firm muscles and good feet. II Is
these that enables the COW pony to
carry his rider on Foreground saddle
with safety on II gallop for hours at
stretch, then hunt his living on the
open plains summer and winter. day
and night, while his rider is asleep
What other horse will stand such treat
ment, or in what other climate or on
what other pasturage can such horses
be raised?
Even the American horse" when
brought here improves in staying quail
tiles, as isproven by their performances
away from their own climate IN com
petition with eastern horses, and, what
is strange, come through our hardest
winters without feed in better condition
than cattle or sheep, and generally in
better condition than they do in more
open winters, proving that the horse l.
better adapted to our conditions and
will thrive under greater extremes of
heat and cold than any other of oar
domestic animals.
The above applies, Of course, To Mon
tana and to our own county, which is
as favorably situated for raising good
horses as amy county in the state. II
is rarely horse is found that is not |
sound IN wind and limb.
II is true that there is a surplus of
horses at present in the United States I
and prices are low, but these things reg
ulate themselves. There are ups and /
downs in all lines Of business, and il is
no, always wise to sell out at a loss in
times Of depression when by holding on
we may get the benefit Of "A rise. Those
who sold sheep few years ago are
wishing they had them now.
There are fifty-two horse raisers in
This county owning bands of over fifty
head. The following list is taken from
The assessors returns for 1889, giving
name Of person or firm. number Of head
md assessed value:
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

sideration that this region was discov-
cred less than ten years ago, and the
distance from railroads, its develop
ment and the output Of the mines,
have been great Like every new
camp it has had its failures and set
backs, but the surface Indications and
many rich prospects are evidences that
all the minerals are there. which, with
cheap transportation and the invest
ment of capital, will yet make it one
OF the most important districts in the
state. Here is located the great
Spotted Horse mine. until recently
considered one of the greatest gold
properties in Montana, and still held
by some to be as good as ever. 1t
is thought the works will start up
again before fall. There are a number
of other claims under development
that show up well in gold and silver.
In the Cone Butte district. ON the
east side Of the range, are many line
properties, with considerable ore on
the dump. Some shipments of ore
have been made, with good returns.
Rich placer grounds have also been
discovered in this range but the scarcity
Of water prevents them from being
worked to advantage.
Recent discoveries i'm the North
Moccasin mountains have caused no
little interest. Specimens OF rich gold
and silver-bearing quartz have been
brought in recently from that range
and prosPectors have the greatest
hopes of developing ''bonanzas" before
The year closes. There are good
placer dIggings ON the north side Of
The range. but have been worked but
little during the past two years owing
Ia shortage Of snow and water in the
The Little Sn0vie mountains have
never been thoroughly prospected and
t is believed they also contain the
metals.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

Our horse industry has grown from
a few scrawny cayuses ten years ago to
the number of 1906 head, embrac
ing some of the best blooded draft
stock in the world. The most dis
couraging feature of the business is a
low market, which has prevailed for
several years past. Growers, however,
are not dismayed but constantly i'm
proving their bands, believing there
will soon be strong demand tor good
animals. Bands are free from disease.
and in a region SO well adapted for
the development of a superior horse,
there is a promising outlook for those
who stay with the business.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

The population Of Fergus county is
now estimated at 5000, and it has
attained this growth in period of
ten years, the first settlement taking
place in 1870 and 80. The increase
has been steady, natural and healthful
There have been no ''booms' to flood
the county with idle and impecunious
people. Men of means and those in
search of honest toll have come hither
to better their conditions. More land
has been taken up in this county in
the past ten years than in any other
two counties in Montana, and still
there is more to be had. With the
advent of railroads, growth Of Mon
tana cities, giving market for agrl-
cultural products, the building of flour
ing and wooden mills, and the develop
ment Of our mines, the population will
increase very rapidly.
Though segregated from Meagher
county in 1886 and county organlza-
ton formed in December OF that year
not yet four years-the child has
outgrown the mother, and surpasses
Meagher county in assessable wealth.
Notwithstanding we have had two dry
seasons in succession our out Of door
industries continue to thrive.
In wool growing Fergus county
takes the lead. Beginning ten years
ago with few hundred head the in
dustry has increased until there are
now nearly 400, 900 head, including
lambs, within the limits of the county,
and the wool clip this year will reach
in the neighborhood of 100000
pounds.
In the cattle industry 4 change is
aaking place owing to combination
Of circumstances. The range bust
ness is slowly giving way to closer
and safer methods. The losses from
severe winters, a low market, and a
couple of dry seasons, have made the
range cattle business hazardous and
improbable. From $4,000 head in
1884, the number of cattle have been
reduced to $4,000 head at the present
time. Fully $4,000 head have been
driven north from the county this
season. owing to lack of feed and the
enclosing of land and water courses.
But the reduction of our cattle has
reached the minimum. From now
on there will be a steady increase.
More men will be engaged in the
business and cattle run in smaller
bands, with some provision made to
guard against losses during the winter
months. Cattle will be better bred.
better fitted for market and bring
better prices in the future.
The following list taken from the
returns for 1850, gives the
names of all persons, firms and com
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07
Growth of Industries and De-
velopment of Natural
Resources.
A Region Devoted to Wool Growing.
Cattle Raising. Horse Raising.
Mining and Agriculture.
The Banner Wool Growing County of the
New State.
A GLANCE BACKWARD.

The area of Fergus county is 40
miles, extreme length from east To
west by 90 from north to south, and
contains about 1851, square miles. or
6,7a7,7So acres-larger than the states
Of Connecticut. Delaware and Rhode
Island combined. The Judith Basin.
which comprises about one half Of
the county. derives its name from the
Judith river and the fact that II is sur
rounded by five ranges of mountains,
namely, the Little Snowies, Little
Belts, Judith. Moccasin and High
wood. Settlement is largely confined
to the Basin region. where. in most
seasons, water is abundant, and the
rich valleys produce marvellous crops
of cereals and garden truck without
irrigation. Outside of the Basin can
also he found many rich valleys which
produce good crops in an average
season, but the CHIEF value of these
lands lies in the nutricious grasses
which make them valuable for wool
growing, cattle and horse raising.
The general lay OF the land in the
Basin, the mountains, and numerous
streams running toward common
centre, render it possible to reclaim or
secure in spite Of drouth, nearly every
acre by artcsian wells. But it is yet
too great an undertaking for private
enterprise, No county IN Montana
has finer valleys or richer grazing
lands and it is only question of time
when the growth of crops and grass
will be made doubly certain by the
ingenuity and efforts Of man.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

Taking into consideration its as
ses>ed valuation and the further fact
that all classes OF property are rap
idly increasing in value, Fergus county
is in better financial condition than
any other county in the state, with
the exception OF Lewis and Clarke and
Silver Bow. With an assessed valu-
alton that will tins year approximate
81, 900, 900, We have but $4,000 in
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

debtedness. IT'S true the present rate
OF taxation is necessarily high, yet it
must be remembered that when the
county was organized it assumed a
portion OF the Indebtedness of the
parent county, and then had to CON-
mence operations with an empty treas
ury. A considerable portion OF reven-
ues has had to be applied on highways
and bridges, heretofore neglected.
There Is reason to believe that within
another year a sufficient revenue will
be obtained to meet necessary ex-
penditures and prosecute all needed
improvements with tax rate of sew
eral mills less than at present. With
in the past two years nearly $23, 900
has been expended in improving our
roads, and over $40, 900 in maintain
ing public schools, not including school
district No. 1, which alone has ex.
pended Sl1, 124.1O for the building
and maintaining of a graded school at
Lev istown.
From March 1, 1888, to March 1,
1880, according to the figures of Mr..
j. NJ. Parent, who has just completed
The examination of thecounty records,
the total receipts from all sources
to Sl44, 9O5. 25, while the
expenditures tor the same period were
81 3o,5lO.'O, an excess over receipts
Of S5,6O5.45.
The following tables show every item
DI receipts and expenditures and the
net indebtedness oi Fergus county to
March I, 1890:
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

S15O,51O 20
REcAPITULATION OF FINANCES.
Cash on hand March l, 1sss. S22, 63I or
Total receipts from March L.
1883. to March l, 1s?O......14l, 9OJ %
To error from road fund.......... 1876 SO
S17O212 81
Exp. Mch. l, IS. to Mch. 1. 30 ..15O,5IO 40
Cash ON hand March /, 1890. .SI9,1 O2 IL
Rate of taxation, less stock, sheen and
indemnity fund, - mills.
stock, sheep and indemnity fund, 3.
mills.
MIscEiLANEors STATISTICS.
FIRST L. :. patent for lands Of record in
Fergus county was recorded July Is, Ssh,
the last one July 81, 1890.
Total number Of presumption and desert
patents of record, 1919.
Total number of homestead patents of
record. 10.
Patents of redemption and desert land
not recorded (estimated), 200.
Patents of homesteads not recorded (e--
timated, 10.
Total number oi townships in Fergus
county, 2?2.
Total number of sectisns in Fergus
county, 1o,512.
Total number of acres in Fergus county,
G.127, $50.
Total area covered by mountains, 1871,
ESQ acres.
Total number of acres of apriculturaland
grazing land, G,33G 100.
Total number OF acres susceptible of cul-
tivation. 2,o15
Total number of acres filed on (estimat-
ed. 25o 900.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07
COMPARATIVE TABLES.

Showing number of acres of land.
town lots ami improvements on same
assessed for years 1887 and ssg, and
increase in valuation i'm two years:
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

IS NttC 5..s.-s ----
Rangr On Sunday.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07

COMPARATIVE TABLES.
showing number of horses ca.tle
and sheep assessed in years 1887 and
lsso, and total increase IN value i'm
two years;
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1890-08-07
County Finances.


Increase in tive years, Sloo, l13.