The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-10-05

BALDWIN, county Is larger tnan the
state OF Rhode Island" is q statement
frequently heard. It is true. In fact,
everything connected with Baldwin
county is immense. It is noted, not
alone for its big hearted people. its
Immense crops. and many other things
IN it's imuensities, and for me to han
die such a great subject IN such a.
small way. by An article of a. few
columns. and yet do It justice, is not
an effort OF facility.
The Baldwin county of 1913 is a
great subject, and the greater Baldwin
OF the early future is still greater. A
comprehensive review of any single
item In the sum OF Baldwin county's
credit natural, industrial or CONNER
cial, might easily Ill an edition of The
Journal several times as large as this
issue. so that a brief general survey
is the most to be expected from the
few paragraphs herein accorded 1t.
Twenty years ago when was prac-
ticing law in Louisville. Kentucky, a
client sent me to Baldwin county to
straighten out the title to several thou
sand acres of land that he had bought
here at fifty cents per acre. I came
to stay few weeks only and have
been here practically ever since. De-
Gliding TO spend the remainder of my
life here. began to study the situa-
tson. Here was d vast wilderness of
land and timber 1920 square miles of
> productive land as can be found in
any section OF the union, with q few
thousand people, most of them being
transients or sucn as follow the saw
mills and lumber camps.
Following the end Of the civil war.
which ended also the institution OF
slavery, I realized that for the first
time in the history of this wonderful
county 1t was open 70 an immigration
of white yoemanry from all parts of
the world knew that there were
vast numbers of good white men and
women tired Of the frozen regions of
the North and West. who would be
glad to come South for climatic rea-
sons. as well as the many opportuni
ties offered here in our cheap and fer
tile lands.
Investing my small capital in a
printing press, | wen. to work to let
the outside world know of this great
and wonderful section, and the oppoT-
funities here offered those seeking
homes in a milder climate. / am
proud OF the fruits that my humble
efforts have already borne and are
bearing every day. With the Baldwin
Times / blazed the way, and it was
not long Until land companies were or
CANNED and engaged in the improve
naent and exploitation OF outlying dis
tricrs upon very reasonable terms, and
by this means thousands were induced
to come here and all now own their
own homes. This continues to be an
important factor In the sum of Bald
win county's progress.
A hama no S11prv South WhA
that having experienced the delights
Of such. could be lured to live else
where? Many of these homes are
along the splendid water courses for
which this county is famous, and fire.
auently tenants may step from the
rear of their back gardens into their
pleasure boats. with a highway before
thern leading into the still greater wa
ter courses. which boundary is the
shores OF the old world The bare
contemplation gives one a feeling Of
enlarged freedom.
The growth of Baldwin county dur
ing the past fifteen years has been
rapid. The county had in 1894 a pop
uietion of about 5000. The total num-
Der of acres OF improved land was
about $4,000. The total assessed value
of real estate was s1.235,725, and that
1913 we have population of %, 900
with a total number of acres improved
e92.927. Total assessed value of real
estate is $5,1292 ESQ, and personal prop
erty $2.44o.444. Taxes. state, county
and special, Is $3.50 on $500, amount
ing TO the sum Of s114.S91. The coun-
~ is practically out OF debt, having
enough now in the county treasury and
coming in. to pay off every cent of en-
dehtedness. With a new court house
At Bay Minette. the county seat, cost
ing about $4,000 furnished, and a new
Dahl. costing completed about $4,000.
A fine normal school with buildings
and grounds at Daphne, costing about
$4,000, and supported mainly by the
state. Also fine public schools ~ Ray
Minette and every district in The coun-
~. employing over one hundred leach
ers. our public school system is we'll
supported for white and coiored in
every district ir the county.
In the 2ast five years thousands OF
people of the BETTER class have come
into the county from the North and
other sections, most all Of whom have
purchased land aud built homes for
themselves and art prosperous and
happy.
In 1894 there were over $50, 900 acres
OF gSvernn1e nt land subject to home
stead entry. This has all been taken
up, but there are still many thousands
of acres of fine land that can be had
cheap: most OF it can still be pur-
chased at from $3.50 per acre up, and
often for less, the price of land vary.
ing according TO the location, etc.
Climatic conditions above a generous
soil permit of continuous farming and
4ra -ronS a wear Is the rule Small
fortunes are beginning to be made
yearly by the truckers of Baldwin
county There are two railroads in
the county now. and several more
building. These. with the vessels ply
ing the navigabie streams. will afford
splendid opportunities for shipping
The man of agricultural inclinations
can ind no better Investment for his
enArrv and canital than q farm In