The semi-weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1890-1891, 1890-05-17
BLOOMING CHESTNUT VALLEY.
Some Prosperous Ranchmen With
Large Herds of
Cattle.
EXTENSIVE FlOCkS OF SHEEP.
A Large Acreage Under Wheat and
Other Cereals This Spring
Large Crops Expected.
The Thriving Towns Of Cascade and
st. Clara New Methodist
Church at st. Clair.

Whilst travelling in Cascade county rich
in its mineral and farming land, nowhere
is the eye met with more beautiful seen
cry than in the lovely Chestnut valley.
Commencing at the mouth of Smith river
and stretching for 20 miles on either side
Of the Missouri river, 1t comprises vast
acres Of fertile land. This valley is the
home of many prosperous cattle and
sheep men; men who have made for
tunes from those industries and who now
dwell in comfortable homes as reward
for the many hardships they have endur-
ed at IN early day. "A
tunes out of cattle and sheep and have no
small fortune now invested, we will men
ton James and George Travis, the former
having about 1000 head Of range cattle,
the latter 700. Then we come to the
ranch Of Charles johnson, president OF
the Chestnut Valley Stockmen's Associa-
ton. Mr.. johnson is an extensive stock
man, having several hundred head Of
cattle and horses. Further up the river
we come to the ranch Of Mr.. James Per-
kins. Mir. Perkins is one Of the old-tlm
cts that made money when times were
good and can now stand the test Of one
Or two dry seasons. The Rumney Cattle
20. of Detroit have large herd Of cattle,
about 5000 in all, and are represented
here by Mr.. John Rumney. Adjoining
Mr.. Rumney's is the home ranch Of Gus.
Wedsworth who, like his neighbors, is
much engaged In cattle raising.
Mr.. Alvin HOdson, known as the cattle
king Of the Chestnut valley and prince Of
cattle and large number Of horses. Mr..
good farm. We now come to the Austin
ranch, owned by Mr.. G. H. Austin. who
is extensively engaged in breeding horses
and cattle, besides having general farm.
Mr.. Austin has fine dwelling house and
comfortable barns for his stock. The
SWEET ranch, owned by Mrs. Beckett of
helena, is one of the largest in the val
ley and controls about 1000 head of cat.
tie. We now mention Messrs. Gorham
| and Captain Harris, each having about
500 head of cattle. -,=ss--4--'
| Among the many sheepmen who have
much invested in sheep are Samuel
Adams, whose flock is estimated at G,50O
head and Reed u Burmeister's focks
| which contain about 10000 head. This
| ranch is situated on Willow creek aud
here is also the comfortable abode of
Mr.. F. 8. Reed, his wife and charming
Young daughter. Mr.. Rumney Is the
| next sheep man, whose flock interests run
| into the thousands. He has about $4,000
head Of woolgrowers. Mr.. r. II. Mul-
lery, the largest wool-grower In the val
ley, owns about 10000 sheep.
Turning aside from the cattle and
sheep men, we must note the numerous
persons that are located In this pleasant
valley. Much of the land Is being put
into crops this spring and as the season
promises favorable prospects for cereals,
we may look for large yield here this
year. -1,.ia
Aside from their prospect of rain q
large irrigating ditch has been construct
cd at the head Of the valley and
water for most Of the land has been fully
secured.
Besides so many fine farms, the Chest
nut valley supports two thriving towns,
Cascade and ST. Clair. The former on
the west bank Of the river and on the
line of the Montana Central railway. II
contains several stores and saloons, fine
school and church and many private
residences.
st. Clair is soon to have new NJ. E
church, with resident parson, who will
also have charge of Ulm, Truly and
Craig, all situated in this fertile valley
OF this Acadia You will hear more anon
| EVAN CAMERON.