The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1892-08-19

cdtcn tne norm or tne sadie as she came
by He was 1.-THE and active, and with
out more than slowing up slightly she
reached over and throwing an arm
around his shoulders half lifted him VI
behind her just as the herd came up
The why little pony made tracks fol
the open plain and in moment they
were safe. The fact that the fair res.
cuer tainted away Immediately on get.
ting out of danger did not decrease her
charges respect for her, as history re.
cords that he married her few months
later.
A woman of the plains who has proved
herself good manager of the things of
field and farm is Mrs. Emma Perry, of
Morena, on the western border of the
state of Kansas. Her husband died in
1878, leaving her seventy-tive head OF
cattle and a quarter section of land.
Her corn fields early began to wither I'M
der the hot winds that make western
Kansas so much of an American desert
in dry seasons, and but for her knowl-
edge of botany she would have lost her
all Instead of despairing she put in
her land to sorghum and rice corn, thus
raising an abundance of feed for her
stock.
When winter came, instead of allow
ing her stock to wander over the prairie
and become worn out with the severity
of the billiards., she put on heavy
overcoat and "slicker" and mems rub
Der boots, and mounting her pony rode
day and night until she had brought
home all the cattle. The neighbors
were surprised at her energy, but it
paid, and in country where so many
have failed she has amassed little for
tune. She has two sections of land.
several hundred cattle and couple
score of horses and ponies. Horses are
her especial pleasure and she is an in
trepid rider.
Last Fourth of July, as in nearly all
races that take place in her vicinity, her
ponies We're in the races at the county
seat, and she herself rode in the prin-
cipal contest. When the stakes were
awarded to her, competitor, angry at
being beaten by a woman, accused her
of unfairness. Mrs. Perry was angry,
and dashing up on her pony in front of
the judges stand dared him to another
contest. When he refused she threw
the money on the ground at the judges
feet and rode away. Nor could she be
induced to touch any of it. Her friends
say she is as brave in physical danger as
she is quick in business life and has on
several occasions stanchly defended
herself when alone.
The settlement of Oklahoma, with the
consequent rush of people of all ages,
conditions and abilities in one motley
horde across the virgin plains, put wom-
en- to an extent on an equal with the
sterner sex. In hundreds of instances
it was the wife and mother who guided
the prairie schooner while the father
rode ahead and found the location for
the future home. Many women made
their own entries. One woman rode
from the edge of territory to Guthrie
on that famous April co. 1890, selecting
a spot near the government Office and
holding it against all corners. None
could dislodge her and she staid by the
spot night and a day. Then they told
her it was in the middle of the street, |
but she would not move and demanded |
a survey.
When measurements were made the |
land was found to be all right, and the
lot is now covered with a three story
of the best in the city.
She has leased the lot for ten years for
q sum which will keep her in comfort
for that time. When the additional lands
were opened this spring two young girls
-stenographers-b of age, were
among the most intrepid riders and
'trugglers for town lots. They had a
,olding tent, and when they reached
he center of the new town to be they
lad it erected in few minutes and had
! sign out offering to take in sewing.
BY this means they were able to prove
residence and secured titles
Without difficulty.
The newspapers in some instances had
women reporters at the opening in 1890,
nd one in pa1 ticular, Miss Alden, now
ociety editor of a leading western daily,
N that occasion outstripped all rivals in
he race to the telegraph Office. She
lad good pony and so did the other
correspondents, put after the rush had
,een made the horses were too tired to be
idden back to the station, so passing
rain was hailed and the little band of
ewsgatherers prepared copy as they
ode. AS the station was neared all
rowded to the platforms to be first at
he office to file messages. What was
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