The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1893-08-23
Don't Go West, Young Man.

Editor Vdtchman:-N long since, Incl
dentally learned something of still another
New Highlander who had emigrated west
where fortunes are reported and supposed
by many to be picked up so easily, and l
write you something of this mans expe-
rence, trials and disappointments so that
those who read it may be correctly informed.
1t may deter some bright, active, promising
Green Mountain boy from leaving his
home in that gallant little state, which at
present seems to offer many golden oppor-
tunities TO its sons, for the uncertainties of
the far West.
One day in the autumn of 1899, the broad
prairies of the West were shimmering with
mellow sunlight, the corn blades were wav-
ing in the gentle breeze, and the dun of
glorious September lay across the fields of
Nebraska. The day which had begun so
smilingly from the first bright tints of
auroral morn seemed thus far perfect one
All nature was at rest, and at the ranch of
Elihu Stevens, in the Niobrara valley,
there was feeling of peaceful contentment
and calm repose. Mr.. Stevens was New
Highlander, and had emigrated there few
years before from his old home in the East
and had pre-empted this homestead BY
many years of economy and industry, he
had succeeded in making this farm one of
the most attractive in the neighborhood
He had prospered since his arrival west
A commodious dwelling-house crowned the
highest point of his land, surrounded by
convenient barns and outbuildngs, and
thrifty orchards and shade trees encircled
the home Along the stream acres of tall
corn waved, and goOdly number of horses
and cattle browsed the uplands Prosperity
and the prospect of comfort and ease in
his declining years was before him, and this
prospect was frightened by the fact that his
entire life had been one of industry and
economy. In the afternoon, there appeared
in the northwestern sky an misunderstanding
purple cloud that surely indicated the ap-
proach of tornado. The purple tint in
creased every moment in density and swept
rapidly TO the zenith, and ion the horizon
along the distant prairie there appeared
smoky looking cloud that developed into
green and inky blackness, from which darted
constantly the zigzag lightning flash. The
thunder shook the earth with its re-
verberations; the cloud widened and
came on with the speed of a railroad
lanche; the earth trembled and shook;
the buildings of Elihu Thompson were like
light straw in It's path, and were instantly
demolished and strewn to the four winds Of
heaven. He had sought refuge, with his
wife and children, in the storm-cave close at
hand, and all escaped unframed; but the
savings of a lifetime were swept away
buildings, crops, stock, orchards and fences
all gone. He was ruined. The storm roared
in the east awhile, and then the sun again
came forth. Around him now was only
rnin and desoation, where one hour before
We're all the embellishments OF splendid
homestead. Having no money to rebuild
and reimprove, and having nothing TO sub
sist upon but the bare land, with winter not
far away and his family dependent upon
him for daily sustenance, he could only sell
his claim for whatever it would bring.
This was done at great sacrifice and he
then removed to the Indian Territory, and
there he awaited the opening of Oklahoma
to settlement. Having purchased some
provisions for winter, they passed the next
four months in tent, and in the spring he
secured another piece of land and moved
his family on to it; but the drought, so fire.
quent here, came, and the crops which had
been so carefully planted and tended
amounted TO nothing. The recital of their
miserable existence through the following
winter on his place in Oklahoma, and Of
the loss of his claim later by contest, of the
weary tramp with his family to a coal min
ing camp in Southern Kansas, is too dis
heartening to relate.
Later the writer while in the outskirts
of prosperous cual-mining town, was APP
preached by miner, who solicited the loan
of dollar. His clothes We're worn and
of the cheapest kind, His form was bent
and lettering, and his weather-beaten face
covered with coal dust. He was working
for mining company for 81. 10 per day, try
ing to support large family, and he said
they lived in hovel. He received the
dollar as gift and as he related his expe-
rience, given above, the tears trickled down
his cheeks. Thousands are now entirely
without employment all over the mining
states and territories and the West at pres
emit is not the place for poor men to emf
CRATE to. Young men of Vermont, the flu
ture for you is bright; and the land of Col
lamer and Edmunds, where stand the sem
tnels Mansfield, Killington and Ascutney
offers many advantages for future advance
ment. Your heritage is golden one. The
lands defended by Allen and Stark which
now comprise the little state that stands
like star in the galaxy of states ought to
be good place TO remain in.
DANIEL PERRY.
Maysville, Mo-, August, 1893