The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1913-05-17

During the past week Il was the pleasure Of
one Of the editors Of the Record TO visit the
settlements along Currant Creek and Duck
water valleys in Nye County. The trip was
made with d. H. Walker, manager Of the
Railroad Valley Saline Company in his so
Thomas Flyer, leaving Ely on Wednesday
and returning on Monday evening. Currant
Greek and Duckwater valleys were first set
tied in the early eos. soon after the discovery
Of rich silver ore at Hamilton, and for many
years supplied the people Of Hamilton with
practically all Of their hay, grain, vegetables
and fruits. When the mines went down the
farmers confined their energies principally to
the production of hay and grain, which was
fed to cattle and hogs, and by this means were
enabled to continue their farming enterprises.
Gradually they all became largely interested
is<the cattle business, which they found profit
able until the last few years. when their ranges
we're greatly damaged by nomadic bands Of
sheep driven through the country during the
Winter season from northern ranges. During
the past few years the farmers have greatly
reduced their herds, but they still own from
one hundred to several hnndred head of well
graded cattle, which are run on the mountain
ranges during the Summer and fattened for
local markets during the Winter on alfalfa.
timothy'and red top, As q whole these are
two of the most prosperous communities in
the entire State.
The ranches of Currant creek are from 80
to IS miles from Ely, and Duckwater from Is
to 25 miles further, which prec.udes their
hauling hay to the markets Of Ely, but they
always have ready sale forit on their ranches
at from $40 to SIS per ton, while later in the
season it is worth $40 at the ranch. At the
present time hay Is very scarce in both val
legs, and readily sells at $50 per ton. Grain
sells at from 81 TO 5 cents Per pound and po-
tatoes at 2 cents. About 1000 head of beef
cattle are fed at Duckwater every Winter,
and are always turned of in prime condition
when needed.
For many years past Currant Creek has been
known as the best and safest fruit section in
all eastern Nevada. While the altitude Of
the valley is something more than 5000 feet,
it is so well sheltered by mountain ranges on
either side that q total failure is seldom ever
known. The fruit is of excellent favor. and
comprises almost all known varieties. Fruit
is usually so abundant that much of It is fed
to hogs for fattening purposes, it being cheap
er than grain, and producing very sweet and
wholesome meat. Martin Horton, one of the
most extensive farmers on the creek, is now
running about 100 head of hogs. In the Sum-
mer they are kept on ~alfslfs, in the Fall they
are turned on the stubble, and later they are
fed alfalfa hay and apples, and are turned of
hog fat" without having tasted grain except
that picked up in the stubble field, and nc
iner meat can be had n ywhere. Mr.. Horton
has been in the cattle business in Railroad
valley for more than 40 years. but has con-
cluded that there is better money in hogs,
with less risk and less work.
The first settlement on the creek is the es-
tate of Cazier brothers, now owned by Joseph,
Edward and Hiram, who have about 100 acres
in cultivation, and one of the finest and best
kept orchards on the creek. Their fruit is
noted for its excellence all over eastern Ne
vada. Much of it finds its way into Ely dur
ing the season. and always meets with a
ready sale. They also raise a large amount
of grain and alfalfa and have a considerable
herd of cattle ranging 10 the hills. They
have q partially constructed reservoir, which
when completed win largely increase their
water supply, which will enable them to Guilt
vate several hundred acres of land. They
have very commodious and comfortable
homes, constructed of sawed logs. Their
homes are ~favorite stopping places with the
travelling public.
Howard w. Rutherford has several hum
dred acres along the creek, and about 70 acres
in cultivation. He also grows an abundance
of fruit, alfalfa and grain.
James johnson cultivates about 80 acres Of
land, and also has q fine orchard. He was
engaged in the cattle business on the head
waters of Currant Creek in the early COS and
is therefore one of the pioneers of that section.
In addition to his ranching enterprises he has
a herd of well graded cattle. and also turns
off a considerable number of hogs every year.
Mrs. johnson is the postmistress at Currant.
and finds the work very interesting.
George Mansen purchased the Joe Saborn
place about a year ago, and is making many
improvements. Mr.. Saborn lived on the
ranch more than 40 years. Aside from alfalfa
and grain the ranch produces much fruit and
vegetables.
a.