The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1899-04-28
How They Like Central North
Dakota.

Dakota.
The following are letters from set
tiers in Burleigh County, North OAK
ota, giving their experiences in locating
and making their homes in central
North Dakota. The testimony direct
from these settlers indicates more for
chilly than in any other possible manner
the advantages which that new and
rapidly growing country offers to home
seekers.
February 14th, 1899.
Dear Sir:-I arrived in Burleigh
County, Central North Dakota, March
Goth, 1888, and located a homestead for
the sole purpose of raising wheat. but
soon came to the conclusion that a
North Dakota farmer, as we'll as those
of other states, to succeed best, must di-
versfy. We therefore bought a few
cows pigs and chickens, sand found it
to be very profitable, and in short
time had a carload of fat cattle to dis
pose of each fall and from forty to fifty
hogs We added to the homestead I'M
til we now have $40 acres of lana with
a good comfortable house and out build
ings on it. In 81 we sold 50, eco worth
of fat cattle and '9S sold 35 two.year
old steers for even 1,400 We still
have 36 herd of cattle, % horses and %
hogs. We have 800 acres of land under
cultivation which we crop alternately
to corn and wheat The crops in our
neighborhood were light last year ow-
ing to dry weather, and last though by
no means the least, l wish to state that
we have been blessed with good health
and during the entire 16 years our doc
tor bill has not exceeded $50 There is
daily mail service aud post office
within two miles of our farm.
T. w. SANDERS,
Burleigh Co Central N. D,
Dear Sir:-Have been farming in
Burleigh comfy eighteen miles north
of Bisn arck for eight years. Engaged
in both grain raising and stock. ely
desdale horses and Shorthorn cattle.
Located on homestead, had two head
of cattle and three horses no other cap
iGaI. l had in wheat in 1898 800 acres
which yielded 5000 bushels sold at 90
cents per bushel, 100 acres oats yielded
1900 bushels. Crops of 1897 were more
Lnan double 1898. l have 103 head of
cattle, 80 head of horses, did not ship
my stock in 1898. | own so acres of
land besides the homestead
FRANCIS R. LITTLE,
Burleigh Co., Central n. D.
Dear Sir:-I am engaged in both
stock and grain. Started with two
head of two-yearold heifers and fifty
dollars in cash. In 1898 had in 80
acres of wheat yielding $50 bushels, 40
acres of oats, 1000 bushels. 20 acres of
millet, one and one-half tons per acre,
five acres spelt, 100 bushels I have
100 head of cattle in fine condition,
never lost but three head by sickness
since 1 have been in the business.
sold 80 head in 1898 for ST., 24S. Only
raise horses enough for my own use
have $50 acres of land with comfortable
buildings. GEO. A. WEIGH,
Burleigh Co, Central n D.
Dear Sir:-I located on a homestead
eight miles north of Bismarck ten years
ago and am engaged in both grain and
stock. Started with one yearling
heifer and one team of horses. In 1898
l cultivated 300 acres, $50 acres in
wheat which yielded $500 bushels, sold
at SO cents per bushel, % acres of oats,
475 bushels, 10 acres corn, five acres
potatoes 80 bushels per acre, sold at
so cents per bushel. 1 have now 40
head of cattle and 10 head of horses.
Sold 10 head of cattle in 1898 for S340,
one horse for $50. JAMES E. SERRY,
Burleigh Co., Central n. D
Dear Sir:-I located on a farm 80
miles north of Bismarck in 1889, built a
sod house and had no capital. Had
two COWS and team of horses, had
in 175 acres in 1898, 10 acres of wheat
which yielded LOO bushels % acres
of oats, 800 bushels, acres of rye, 80
bushels, balance corn and potatoes on
new breaking. Crops about half
less than in 1897 I have SO head of
cattle and sold head of two-year olds
land, have the largest barn in northern
Burleigh county, and am building a
good new house. NELS ERICKSON,
Burleigh Co., Central n. D.
Dear Sir:-I have been farming six
miles north of Bismarck since 1887
| Started with three horses and eight
head of cattle. In 1898 had in cultiva-
ton 500 acres of wheat, oats corn and
potatoes, $50 acres of oats yielded S75
bushels, worth so cents per bushel. l
have 10 horses and 69 head of cattle be-
sides "a head of cattle which I sold
this year for 1915. VIM E. BREEN,
Burleigh Co., Central N. D.
Dear Sir:-I located fourteen miles
north of Bismarck four years ago. had
four cows and span of mares no other
capital. In 1898 had 1876 acres under
cultivation, 100 acres of wheat averaged
Ii bushels per acre. I have 40 head of
cattle in fine condition. eight head of
horses. sold ten head of steers last
fall at $50 head. I am pleased with
the country and know practical
farmer can do well here.
JOHN HOOPER,
Burleigh Co., Central N. D.