The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1916-02-11
SALE OF LARGE TRACT UNDER IR-
RIGATION DITCH.
A LARGE COLONY TO LOCATE
First Large Purchase Of Land by Out.
siders in the West Okan0g4n VAL
Icy Irrigation District

A real estate transfer took place
this week to which much significance
is attached. 1t Is not only an indication
that land will move under the irriga-
ton system, but that the nucleus of
large colony has been established that
is to grow rapidly into we'll settled
Of the most encouraging transactions
since the beginning of agitation for
the watering system, and Is looked up
on by all interested in the settlement
Of the valley as the preliminary steps
toward the speedy occupancy, cultiva-
ton and improvement of about all the
available land under the ditch.
1t is generally known that last fall
G. A. Shamberger, of Alberta, Canada,
prominent member and elder Of the
religious sect known as the Church
Of the Brethren, or Dunkards, came
into the valley, and was SO favorably
impressed with its appearance and
possibilities under the new irrigation
project, that he invested In q tract Of
land near Ellisforde station, some ten
miles south of Oroville. It was init.
mated at the time that this purchase
would be followed by others. and that
Mr.. Shamberger's coming was merely
preliminary to the arrival and settle
ment of others of his faith. Already
. is the valley experiencing the effect
Of Me-. shamberEex'e .jpyestiGn&ion and
Is = lnncs aEaAksa1nsut Of
his individual purchases, but because
his decision will influence many others
OF his church, who will be here later.
During the past week John T.
knight, who, during his residence in
the valley demonstrated what can be
grown here where the husbandman
puts forth his best endeavors, sold 200
acres to Mr.. Shamberger, the land in
Guiding Mr.. Knights homestead of 12O
acres and 80 acres Of desert land
entry held by Mr.. Knight. This land is
located only a few miles below Oro-
vile, adjoining the celebrated McGin-
ty place. Mr.. Shamberger not only
purchased 200 acres from Mr.. knight
but also purchased the Francis Feath-
erkile and Green Parker places of 80
acres each, adjoining the Knight land,
thus giving him $50 acres of val
ley and hill side land in a body.
Mr.. Shamberger is accompanied by his
family, married son and two sons-in
law, and is soon to be Joined by two
more married sons with their families.
1t is understood that others will fol-
low in his footsteps, invest in land
under the ditch and contribute to the
development Of the valley. This new
colony ground is to be known as the
"Shamberger Heights" and in all
probability thickly settled commun-
ity will be located at that point during
the present year.
The people who will make up this
colony are steady, Industrious, earnest
and law abiding citizens. Wherever
any Of the faith have settled, that place
has become a garden spot, because
they know how to get the best out of
the land they cultivate. They make
money, because they know how to
work land to the best advantage, and
are frugal and saving. Their presence
in the valley will soon be noticeable
by the marked changes that will take
place on the land they occupy. The
locality in which they settle will bios
sem like the rose, and returns will be
speedy. 1t is understood that Mr..
Shamberger and the members of his
large family will turn their attention
especially to the growing of alfalfa
and raising superior breed of beef
cattle.
Besides the sale to Mr.. Shamberger
Mr.. Knight sold 40 acres of his desert
claim to Ernest r. Mosby, of the Ha-
villah country. Mr.. Mosby will proceed
to put the land in high state of cul-
tivation this spring.
This is the most important piece Of
news appertaining to the irrigation
system the Gazette man has had the
pleasure Of mentioning and is an an
nouncement Of bona fide transfer to
people who will engage in intensive
farming, and it will be an incentive
for other home seekers to come and
inspect 1t is believed that this Is the
beginning of real estate transfers un-
der the ditch that will eventually place
the land in the hands of small holders
to the great benefit of both the holders
and the country at large.