davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

etc. When uncleared this soil sup
ports natural growth of ''sand-jack"
oak, "black-jack' oak, pine, and some
hickory.
The value of this land varies from
SIS to $40 an acre, depending on loca-
ton and state of cultivation. The
Norfolk sand would be greatly benefit
ed by the Incorporation of organic
matter by means of turning under
cOwpeas or other leguminous crops.
AGRICULTURAL METHODS.
The majority of the farmers in An
derson county are engaged in general
farming, the principal money crop be
ing cotton, while corn and oats are
next in Importance Large quantities
of cOwpeas are also grown, both to
improve the land and as feed for
stock, being used largely for fatten-
ing hogs. Within the last few years
considerable interest in fruit growing
and truck raising has been shown, but
as yet this phase of agriculture has
been confined to areas near the towns
and railroads, where transportation
facilities are adequate.
There seems to be no systematic
method of crop rotation. Cotton and
corn are planted, either successfully
or alternately, year after year on the
same land. A crop of cowpeas is oc-
casionally grown, however, and is of
great benefit to the cotton and corn
land.
Owing to the sandy nature of most
of the soils in the county. it is seldom
that more than one horse in used in
,,Ip o,1Itiyrntinpr Tho
plows are of small size, varying from
6 to 10 inches. In the spring the
lands which are low lying and need
drainage are plowed in beds to allow
surface drainage. This, however, is
too often done merely to prepare the
land for cultivation, the corn or cot
ton being planted on these beds with
out further preparation of the soil.
AGRICULTURAL CONDITIONS.
The farming class of Anderson
county, as a rule. are not in a highly
prosperous condition, although they
seem to live easily and to be supplied
with all the necessarieS of life. Along
the railroads general farming is still
practfced to a considerable extent; but
it is giving way to a system of diver
sification and specialization, and those
who are introducing fruit and truck
growing into their agricultural sys-
TEN, instead of combining their efforts
to the production of cotton and corn,
are becoming more prosperous. This
is evidenced by the better houses and
! farm buildings which are being erect
ed throughout the county in close
proximity to the railroads and by the
| flourishing condition of the small
towns along the railroads, which are
lshipping points for the producers.
Lands are steadily increasing in
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

value over the greater part of the
county. The total valuation of farm
lands and improvements, except build
ings, in Anderson county is more
than $1,500,000, while the additional
value of farm buildings, implements,
and machinery amounts to over $780,
600 The value of live stock and do
nestle animals is nearly $1,000, 900.
The total valuation of taxable prop
erty in the county is about $7,61S,0 900.
In 1900 there were nearly 100000
acres of improved land, and there is
considerably more at the present time.
In 1900 the value of orchard products
was $4,000 but now it is very much
greater, and many new orchards have
not yet begun to bear. The annual
value of forest products is about $780,
600 About two-thirds of the land in
the county is not improved or cult
waited
Probably so per cent of the farms
are cultivated by tenants, who grow
cotton and corn and pay as rental
certain share of the crops. The
farms are usually rented on third
and fourth" system, or the half sys-
TEN, few tenants renting on cash
basis. Under the third and fourth
system the tenant furnishes every
thing but the land and buildings and
pays as a yearly rental one-third of
all the corn and one-fourth of all the
cotton produced. Under the half"
system the tenant is furnished land,
buildings, teams, seeds and imple-
ments and pays yearly rental of
one-half of all the cotton and corn
produced. Negroes form a large pro-
portion of the share tenants.
The farms of Anderson county are
usually of small size, varying from Is
to 125 acres, and are what might be
termed "one-family" farms. According
to the census of 1900 the average size
of farms in the county is 112 acres;
but in the census classification every
tenancy was tabulated as a farm, and
the actual size of individual holdings
must be much greater than this.
In cotton farming the work is done
almost entirely by the farmer and
his sons, except at particular times.
Hired labor is rather cheap, but often
uncertain. In the very busy seasons
the labor employed is usually colored.
During the spring the farmer needs
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

oats is raised and the crop is not
thrashed, but is fed in the bundle. No
wheat is grown, and only few small
patches of tobacco are seen in the
county. The farmers depend on
corn fodder, sorghum and grass
for their forage. Alfalfa is beginning
to be grown on a small scale, while
Japanese clover grows wild over
considerable portion of the county and
affords fair grazing. In the Trinity
river bottoms there is a fine growth
of mesquite grass.
Every farmer owns a good supply of
live stock, such as horses, mules,
COWS and hogs, but there are only a
few sheep.
Three railroads traverse Anderson
county, the principal one being the
International and Great Northern,
which enters the eastern part, passes
through Palestine, and from there
through the south central part of the
county. The Texas and New Orleans
railroad passes through the northeast
ern corner of the county. The State
railroad runs from Rusk to Palestine,
a distance of more than thirty miles.
These railroads are in close communi.
cation with ali the large markets of
the country, st. Louis, Kansas City,
New Orleans, Dallas, Galveston, and
other large cities being quickly reach
ed. The railroads are doing their. part
toward improving agricultural condi-
lions in the county and are encourage
ing truck farming and fruit growing
in every possible way.
The principal markets for agricul-
tural products are Kansas City, ST.
Louis, Dallas and other large western
cities. Cotton is marketed in Pales-
tine. and is usually shipped to Gal
weston, where it is sent to different
parts of the world
Palestine, the county seat, situated
in the center of the county, is
thriving railroad town of $1,000 inhab
itants. Elkhart, in the southern part,
Neches, in the eastern part, and
Frankston in the northeastern part of
the county are railroad towns and i'm
portant shipping points. The general,
offices and machine shops of the In
ternational and Great Northern rail
road are located at Palestine, and give
employment to large number. of
men.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

are essentially adapted to truck farm
ing and fruit growing, it is important
that these crops should be cultivated
at such periods as to escape the early
and late frosts, and with a view to
placing the products on the market as
early as possible. The average date
of the last killing frost in spring is
March 10, and of the first in fall, No
vember -.
PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY.
Anderson county lies within that
part of the coastal plan of Texas
known as the East Texas timber
belt" In general this region is a COM
paratively hilly to rolling belt of
sandy timber land, corresponding to
the outcrop of the Eocene formations.
In surface features the eastern and
western parts of the county are gen
orally rolling and gently sloping. In
the central part, extending from north
to south, is a broad, ridgelike eleva-
ton, forming divide between the
drainage area of the Trinity and
Neches rivers. This central elevation
is considerably broken and billy.
Large and small areas of plateau-like
elevations occur through this section
of the county, their SUBMITS being
from 500 to 700 feet above sea level,
with steep, PERCEPTIONS, and rugged
slopes.
The drainage systems of the Neches
and Trinity rivers almost meet in the
central part of the county, and many
small streams start from springs inl
this section. These stream bottoms
are narrow and deep, but in the east !
ern and western parts of the county
the small streams combine to form
large creeks with broad bottoms,
which are usually only few feet be-
low the general surface of the coun- |
try.
The general drainage O. the uplands
is good, except in occasional spots in /
the western part of the county, where
a few areas, varying in size from a |
few acres to several squares miles,
are low and basinlike, and during the
rainy season the water stands in
thesee for days at a time. These low |
spots are termed "swags,' or "glades,"
and are of little agricultural, value in !
their present condition.
The elevation of the county varies
from $50 to 700 feet above sea level. !
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

Anderson county is most favorably
situated in the central eastern part of
Texas, and comprises a land area of
6S9,904 acres, or approximately 1,069
square miles. The county is of irreg-
ular outline, and is bounded on the
north by Henderson county, on the
east by Cherokee county, on the south
by Houston county, and on the west
by Leon and Freestone counties. The
Neches river forms the eastern, while
the Trinity river marks the western
boundary of the county.
Anderson county was organized in
1916 from part of Houston county,
the latter having been formed in 1899
from a part of Nacogdoches county.
In 1887 a few immigrants from Geor-
gia and other southern and eastern
states made a settlement two miles
southwest of where the town of Pales-
tine now stands. This was the first
white settlement in what is now An
derson county AT that time the In
dams were numerous and very hostile
and the settlers had to build a fort
and stockade as a protection against
their attacks. This fort was called
Fort Houston, a name closely associat-
ed with the early history of the state.
(Some few signs of this old fort still
remain.) During the first few years
only a small area of land near the
fort was cultivated, the products be-
ing corn and vegetables.
About 1910 the settlers commenced
clearing land and building homes
throughout the county. The Republic
of Texas in 1886 had passed a law
granting married man league and
a labor Ca league is $500 acres, and
labor is II acres), and an unmarried
man one-third of a league of land A
few years later this law was changed
SO that a married man received 800
acres, and an unmarried man 100
acres. No charge was made for this
land, except that each man was re-
quired to pay the cost of a survey and
certain small fees for certification,
etc Prompted by these generous CON
cessions Immigrants from the older
states-chiefly those from the south
gradually came in and settled the
country, Anderson county receiving a
fair share of the newcomers.
The early settlers lived in a very
primitive manner Markets and large
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

which gives rise to the sands and
sandy loan soils found along the bot
toms of the Neches river and all the
creeks and smaller streams in the
county; and, second, those soils
formed from material deposited by
waters having their source in the
Black and Grand Prairie regions of
Texas, this class consisting of heavy
clay found bordering the Trinity river.
In all, there were recognized and
mapped in Anderson county ten types
of soil. The names and respective
areas, both actual and relative, of
these types are shown in the follow
ing table:
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

The Norfolk sand, TO a depth of
about 10 inches, consists of a gray or
white sand, loose and incoherent, and
containing but small amount of or
ganic matter The subsoiI consists of
sand of the same texture to a depth
of several feet, but is usually yellow
in color.
The texture of the Norfolk sand in
Anderson county varies considerably,
it being composed sometimes chiefly
of a coarse and medium sand, and
again of a medium and fine sand,
with a small amount of coarse sand.
The soil grains are very irregular in
shape and size. being subangular and
broken, with no characteristic form.
Both the soil and subsoil are free from
stones or gravel Some small areas
have yellow sandy clay subsoil at Il
depth of or 3 feet, which is caused
by erosion. but these areas were too
small to be mapped as separate
type.
The Norfolk sand occurs in several
large and small areas, extending
throughout the central and eastern
parts of the county from north TO
south, the largest areas lying in the
vicinity of Alder Branch. Brushy
Creek, Frankston and Palestine. The
type usually occupies the highest
areas of the county. occurring as near
ly level but gently rolling, plateau
like eminences, whose slopes are
usually composed of the eroded and
stony phase of the Orangeburg clay.
Owing to its loose texture and roll
ing topography, the Norfolk sand is
very well drained With thorough cul-
tiYation it withstands drought to Ia
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

sandy loans, and clays, which are
sedimentary soils derived from mate
rial principally deposited during the
Eocene age; and, second, the alIuvial
soils, which comprise the bottom
lands lying along the rivers and larg-
er streams, composed of material of
more recent deposition These allu-
vial soils owe their origin to the over
flow waters, which have transported
the mineral and organic matter from
other regions and, during foundations,
deposited this material from the back
set and quiet water.
The alltIvial soils of Anderson coun-
ty are of two kinds: First, those de-
posted from waters which have trans
ported the soil matter from the East
Texas timber belt to the coastal plain,
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

considerable extent. A fine quality
of water for demostic use may be
reached anywhere in this sand at a
depth varying from to 20 feet, and
on many of the slopes good springs
are found. The Norfolk sand usually
occpies a position on the divide be-
tween the drainage systems of the
Neches and Trinity rivers. The type
is sedimentary in origin, representing
old beach deposits of the Tertiary or
Quarternary age.
The Norfolk sand is especially
adapted to melons, peas and other
vine crops. Potatoes, peaches and
small fruits, including all varieties of
berries, do well. The crops usually
grown are cotton and corn, with some
vegetables, peaches, plums, berries,
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

towns were far away, and Transport
tation facilities were crude. The first
crops were mainly those to fill the
needs of the colonists for food, con-
sisting of corn, vegetables, etc. In a
few years, however, the cultivation of
cotton was begun, as well as wheat to
supply the colonists with white bread.
Rye and oats were also grown. In
later years small mills were erected
for the grinding of grain, and the cul-
tivation of cotton increased rapidly.
Up to the time of the civil war the
chief crops of the county were corn,
cotton, oats, and some wheat But
little wheat has been grown since the
civil war
The first markets were Shreveport,
La, and Jefferson, Texas, while some
town on Buffalo Bayou, near the
coast These were reached by OK
teams over rough roads. Through
these towns the settlers could keep
in communication with the larger
towns. The Trinity river was also
used considerably, small boats and
RATS landing at the old Magnolia
landing, evidences of which yet stand
LII 1917 lie illSl ldlllOdu W lllt
county was built This was the In
ternational & Great Northern It ex-
tended through the county from Hous-
ton north. After this means of COM
munication and travel was establish
ed the county grew rapidly, and her
agricultural growth has likewise been
rapid
This from a bulletin of the United
States Agricultural Department:
CLIMATE.
The climate of Anderson county
gives a long growing season. which
enables the cultivation of many crops
during the greater part of the year
The winters are usually mild excess
siVe cold weather being exceptional
and of short duration A light snow
sometimes falls, but soon melts away.
Occasionally Sudden changes in tenn
perature are brought about in the win
ter by the "northers,' or cold winds,
which suddenly sweep down from the
north and last from two to five days.
The summers, though long, are not
excessively hot The cool gulf breezes
temper the heat and give a pleasant
temperature during the greater part
of the summer
Anderson county lies within that re-
gion of rainfall known as the gulf
type. whose rainfall is derived from
the moisture-laden trade winds which
sweep westerly across the Atlantic.
preeipitating their moisture upon the
West indies and the Gulf region of
North America. In general, the rain
fall of this type is sufficient for agri-
cultural purposes in all months of the
7sssgson county. where the soils
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

Truck growers associations have
been formed at Palestine and other
towns. These associations usually
consign shipments to commission
men. A portion of the potato crop is
sold on the track to buyers.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01
SOME ANDERSON COUNTY FACTS
AND SUGGESTIONS, INcLuD-
ING TESTIMONIALS,

Cotton is the leading crop of An
derson county, but almost everything
put into the ground produces well.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

Our small farmers are trying va
rious crops with varying success.
Handsome profits are realized from
several of them. Strawberries are a
profitable crop; the cultivated dew
berry is a profitable crop; peanuts are
a profitable crop; celery and aspara-
gus can be grown with great success.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

More than half the broom corn pro
duced in the United States is grown
in Illinois, but it can be more profit
ably grown right here in Anderson
county.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

The peanuts farmer is not to be
laughed at In Texas several peanut
oil mills have been established, and
the crop is one of the most profitable
grown
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

Fig culture is profitable in Texas.
In Anderson county the fruit is
grown to perfection, and it is almost
a dead sure crop every year.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

The growing of Havana tobacco is
now a recognized industry in Ander
son county, and the U. S. agricultural
department declares Anderson coun-
ty grows the finest tobacco yet pro-
duced in the United States.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

A very valuable fibre-producing
plant is the sotol or bear grass. It
grows in great profusion in some sec
tions of the county, and could be
easily cultivated This plant is alsoS
valuable for producing alcohol.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

The value of many plants and
shrubs indigenous to this county is
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

There are a thousand ways in
which an Industrious man can gain a
competence in Anderson county; it
only requires work. and common
sense.
Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1909-06-01

Wine-making from the native grapes
is an inviting field for some practical
wine-maker- Those who know say the
native mustang grape makes a wine
second to none in the world; and
these grapes grow in profusion all
over the forests of the county.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-12-24
RED CROSS STAMPS ON
 SALE IN THIS CITY

The American Red Cross society has placed its Red Cross Christmas stamps on sale at Van Wagenen's. The stamps sell at one cent each and fifty per cent of all proceeds go to local benevolent work. The slogan of the society is Every stamp a bullet in the fight against tuberculosis These stamps will not carry any kind of mail but any kind of mail will carry them and pro. claim the coming conquest of the great white plague Buy a supply of these stamps and help the good cause along. Remember, 50 per cent of proceeds go to building fund of the Presbyterian church and all goes to one of the most benevolent and worthy causes in all the world.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-12-24
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF THE COUNTY OF CHA, TERRITORY OF ARIZONA.

In the Matter of the Estate of w. F. Anthony. Deceased--Notice of Hear. ing.
 Notice is hereby given that r. J.. Elliott, as administrator of the estate of w. F. Anthony, deceased, has this day rendered and presented for settle ment and filed in this court his first and final account of his administration of the estate of said deceased, and that he filed herewith his petition for the distribution of the residue of said es- tate to the person entitled thereto, and that this court has appointed the 27th day of December, A. D. 1909, at ten O. clock A. M. of said day, and the courtroom of said court in the county court house in the city of Globe, county of Gila, Territory of Arizona, for the hearing of the application for the set tlement of said first and final account, and has fixed the same time and place for the hearing of said petition for final distribution by the court; that all persons interested in said estate are notified then and there to appear and show cause, if any they have, why said first and final account should not be approved allowed and settled, and said petition for final distribution be grant ed as prayed.
 P. c. ROBERTSON,
 Clerk Dated December II, 1909.
 First publication Dee. IA, 1909.
 Last published Dec. 24, 1909.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-12-24

probably discharged by some careless hunter, the bullet passing through the calf of his leg.
 A democratic mass meeting was called 2S.
 Alleging infringements on some min. ing claims which he says he owns, H, w. Waters will file suit seeking to in. validate the Bisbee townsite deed held Dy o' W. Moon and covering property Tn Upper Tombstone canyon.
 Released from custody on the charge of entieing Della and Lillie NeatberIiu into notorious resort, Arthur MeKer. raeher of Lowell made good his avowed intention of marrying Della, the cere mony having been performed Monday evening.
 Jesus Cano, convicted of the crime or burglary in the first degree, was sentenced at Tombstone to serve term of two years in the territorial prison at Florence.
 A new trial has been denied in the case of Mrs. Braziel, who sued the city of Bisbee for damages on account of injuries when she fell over project. ing water pipe and was awarded sever. al thousand dollars at former trial.
 The postotiice at Wilcox will become a presidential office January l, the sal any of the postmaster having been placed at $l 400.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-12-24
For that Dull Feeling After Eating

l have used Chamberlain s Stomach and Liver Tablets for some time, and can testify that they have done me more good than any tablets have ever used. My trouble was heavy dull feeling after eating.-David Freeman, Kenpt, Nova Scotia. These tablets strengthen the stomach and improve digestion. They also regulate the liver and bowels They are far superior to pills, but cost no more. Get free sample at all drug stores and see what splendid sample it is.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-12-24
Notice
 to Contractors

Office of the Clerk,
 Board of Supervisors,
 Gila County, Arizona.
 Sealed proposals will be received by the Undersigned, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, to be opened by the Board of Supervisors on the first Mon. day iO January, 1910, for the following requirements of the county for one year, beginning January ?, 1910, or as
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-12-24
ChOked to Death

Is commonly said of babies who have died of the croup. How unnecessary this is. No child ever had the croup without having a cough or cold at the start. If you will stop the first sfmp- toms of the cough with Ballard s Hore- hound Syrup there is no danger what, ever of croup. Sold by Palace Phar- macy.