The people of Jewell claim for their county the distinction of being the best county in the northwest, and those of Jewell City claim that their place is the best town in the county. In regard to the former assertion, they refer to the reports of the State Beard of Agriculture, while the latter statement is made on the amount of business done by the railroad company, and the annual sales of her merchants. The firms of John D. Robertson , R. W. Hill, A. L. Marks and G. W. Connell do an annual business from $25,000 to $50,000 each, the two former each averaging the latter figures. The car shipments from this city, for the year ending February 1, 1881, was 312 cars, distributed as follows: Cattle, 109; hogs, 146; wheat, 30; corn, 27. There is also stored in this city, by John D. Robertson alone, over 300,000 bushels of wheat; besides there are more than 2,000 head of cattle feeding, in fair condition.
Jewell City expects a building this spring, and summer, unsurpassed in her history. The severe winter has passed and spring opens with fair prospects for r the town to largely increase her business not only among merchants, but in Le erection of new buildings Among some of the buildings to be erected are those J. D. Robertson, a large store for his jobbing trade; R. W. Hill store, 100 feet deep and 30 feet wide to be occupied by himself: Smith & Kreamer, stone store, to be occupied by themselves in the hardware business; Joel Lawrence, an addition to his large store; and John H. Bradrick will build a large flour and feed exchange building. This last is an improvement long needed, and cannot but be of great benefit to the city. A steam flouring mill is among the possibilities of this year. It is splendid opening.
Jewell City's growth has been slow but sure, adding new business as the country demanded. Her trade is not overdone. Her merchants are doing safe business, steadily increasing; activity prevails in building circles, and the country generally is healthy and prosperous. Several industries are needed, and her citizens are looking for them. Among the number may be mentioned a steam flouring mill. There is none nearer than sixteen miles. There is no better place for such an institution, surround, as Jewell City is, by splendid agricultural country. Favorable inducements are offered by her citizens for a mill of this kind.
Surrounding Jewell City there are over 2000 head of choice cattle feeding, and am informed but few have died from exposure or cold weather during the severe winter. Among the heaviest cattle dealers in this section, and who have bee successful not only in raising stock, but in farming, are Fay & Robertson, B. F. Wallace and W. N. Edwards. It takes immense quantities of corn, to feed this stock, and farmers are 'paying more attention to this cereal on account of the large number of hogs and cattle, than anything else. Though by no means would I convey the impression that no wheat is raise here. On the contrary, it is a good wheat belt in ordinary seasons, and to prove this, John D. Robertson has between 35,000 and 40,000 bushels of wheat cribbed in the town. Atchison elevators, make note of this.
Spring has certainly come, and the ground is in first-class condition for labor. Farmers are now busy plowing, with prospects of continuing for an indefinite Lime. From all appearances and information obtainable, a large acreage will be sown and planted this spring. Jewel! City is a city of churches, there be four, Methodist, Christian, Evangelical and Catholic, all supplied with pastors. Also, as good. school privileges as can be found in the county. In charge of the accomplished principal, Miss Ada Ahiborn, a graduate of Lawrence University, assisted by Miss Mattie Foster, in the intermediate, and Mrs. L. R. Deach, in the primary departments, the Jewell City schools are, in a most flourishing condition. There are upwards of 130 scho1ars enrolled.
Considerable interest is manifested here among our people owning mining stock in the Gunnison country. The Jewell County Mining Company was organized in April, 1880, with 100 shares of stock, at $100 each. The shares have principally been taken by people of this place, among whom are M. F. Knappenberger, G. B; Crandall, R. W. and G.. G. Hill; A. Hirsh, H. F. Stone, M. W. Whitney, and others. The oflicers are: M. W. Whitney, President; F. Stone, Secretary. Two mines have been located; the "Whitney" and "Aita," both considered valuable. Mr. Whithey has long been the popular proprietor of the Whitney House, and his lease having expired, he will start for Pitkin, Col. Early next month. It is be hoped the boys have struck it rich, as there are no more deserving.
The Champion representative was pleased to meet Mr. R. R. McClung, one of the oldest inhabitants of this section. Mr. McClung was born in Pennsylvania, in June, 1805, and is therefore 76 years of age. He took a claim near here in 1870, coming from Ohio. He has been numbered among the substantial farmers of Jewell county, is yet in good health, looks hale and hearty, and is proud of his farm and county. He is an admirer of newspapers, and could not get along without the Herald and Presbyter, of Cincinnati, of which paper he has been a constant reader since 1839, and THE DAILY CHAMPION. He has lived a life of usefulness, and may he live many more long years in rugged, robust health, is the wish of everybody in Jewell county.
His many friends among the "commercial tourists" will regret to learn that H. D. Shackleford, so long the efficient representative for the Fairbanks Scales Company has resigned his position, and accepted a situtation from the Chicago Lumber Company, at this place, as its general manager. He will be missed by the "boys," but the Chicago Lumber Company could not put their business here in safer hands. He will faithfully and honestly conduct the company's affairs. Success to him.
Mr. S. R. Worick, the affable and accommodating postmaster, has purchased a large stone building of. Capt. Jennings, where be will fit-up neater and more commodious quarters. He will have as well arranged a postoffice as can be found in any town of the same size in the State.
______________________________________
We thank the Atchison Library for sending the webmaster a copy of the complete letter. Our orginal copy was incomplete.
from Jewell City Kansas Internet Site, 2001 by Leland M. Haines, Northville, MI.
You are welcome to make copies of the above article provided you show the bibleviews.com/jewell/1881.html
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Send them to the Webmaster.
This page is presented by:
Biblical Viewpoints Publications
63100 County Road 111
Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: 574-875-8007
To our sponsor the Bible Views page.
Return to Home Page
May God's grace and peace be with you as you study His Word.
September 5, 2001