Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1901-06-19
How Texas Appears to Former oconeean.

We are permitted to print tho follow
ing private lettcr from tho Rov. NJ. Il.
Whitaker, n former citizen of Oconco
county, but now Of Texas, to Clork OF
Court, G. II. d. Burns. Wc feel sure it
will be read with interest by his many
friends throughout this county:
Duncanvillo, Texas, Juno 8, 1901. Mr..
G. r. d. Burns, Walhalla, S. C.-My Old
Friend and Brother You doubtless will
be surprised to get n lettor from mo,
though tho unexpected is what happens
frequently. have few days that l can
spare in this busy world to read and
think, and taking up my old friend, The
Keoweo Courier, and reading so many
items of interest that call to mind the
days of yoro, that am almost forced to
with the political world in tho old home
State.
watch with interest tho ever changing
phases of politics. Especially do fcol
an interest in tho muddlo into which
Gilman and McLaurin have placed thcm-
selves by the resignation Of their seats
in the United States Scnato l will be
gland to know the inwardness Of the
matter from QUO who is Immediately on
tho ground, and knowing that you keep
abreast with those things you can givo
me the information that want.
am sorry to sec SO many names that
formerly esteemed SO highly numbered
with those that have passed over tho
river. The names of j. j. Keith and N.
A. Burley, together with j. b. Sanders,
and last, but not least. Oliver Martin, of
Richland, have all gone over the turbd
stream since We left the old loved State,
and We trust are resting beneath the
shade of the tree of life. myself have
recently passed the fifticth mile stone in
tho journey of life and SO far away from
tho friends who have stood by mo in
some of the struggles Of life, that some
times l feel lonely, but then think of
tho many kind hearted people with whom
am associated that l take courage and
start afresh in the race of life.
But l must stop this rumination and
write more of something that will ntc-
rest you. Probably you want to know
what am doing in and for the Lone
Star State and what l think of this
almost boundless cxpansc of rich valns
and hills beyond the Mississippi. AS to
what | am doing !: am still preaching
and farming. Am living in pleasant
little town in Dallas county Duncanvillc)
Have one church here and one in Gle
burnc, another little city of ten or twelve
thousand Inhabitants, and ono in Hood
county, seventy miles away. We have
bought farm in Hood county, in the
far famed valley of the Brazos river, 240
acres, rich and fertile. We expect to
move to tho farm this fall
will say here that the natural advan
tagcs of this country arc untold. Of
course many obstacles will have to be
overcome before this country will reach
tho zenith of its glory; but such rapid
progress as it is making makes ones head
grow dizzy. The wonderful discovery of
oil at Corsicana and Beaumont is far
famed, and especially at Beaumont beg
gars description.
But the agricultural possibilities of
this country far Surpass any other source
of wealth, and to me is Of more interest
to tho common people. Sometimes Il
crop of one kind is an entire failure, but
this is hardly felt by tho farmers. For
instance, the wheat and oat crop was
eaten up by a strange insect, but the
land was planted in corn and cotton and
tho prospect is fine. A man to know
Texas must live here several years. IIcl
possibilities cannot be understood by the
passing traveller.
Yes, | am well satisfied with my move
and expect to make my home here the
balance of my days.
forgot to state what this country OK
ports-cattlc, hogs, horses and mules !;
cotton, oats, wheat and corn almost
every year. The imports arc few indeed
c, impaired to many other parts of the
country.
hope to be able in few years to visit
the home State and SEQ and talk with old
friends.
] am pleased to learn of your success
in the late elections aud trust you will
write me long letter, giving me an idea
of what is the political trouble and out
look. Give my love to all friends and
inquircrs and reserve a large portion for
yourself. Yours ever and truly,
M. f. Whitaker