-^^ .•^''^, ^ c'^ ♦ ■^^ v' 'v V>^ -Icf^fA' V.^-^" „• ,0 ?v°-;^. •^ o A 0^ c°^:=.. ^O, ^^'i^ ,0^^ SWAN'S COUNTIfS OF NORTH-WfST MISSOURI. HOLT COUNTY, ITS SOIL, CLIMATE, AND THE ADVANTAGES IT OFFERS TO IMMIGRATION. THIS WORK WILL BE FOLLOWED BY SIMILAR PAMPHLETS, GIVING DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH OF 'THE COUNTIES IN NORTH-WEST MISSOURI. ■4^ Price, in wrappers for mailing, 20 Cents. Address, A. M. SWAN, Oregon, Holt County, Mo. ST. JOSEPH, MO, : k PRINTED AT THE HERALD BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICE, / 1S69. J^ OVER THREE HUNDRED Families iu this City have within the last year purchased and used the FAMILY SEWING HAGHINi! And given it their unqualified recommendation. It has been tri- umphant in EVERY TEST iu competition with other-Machiues, and on every trial of work SUCCESISFULLY MAINTAINED ITS REPUTATION as the BEST FA.MILY MACHINE ottered to the public. THE LADIES LIKE IT BEST Because it is (xraeeful aud Beautiful, STEONG AND DURABLE, running with a smooth, even and reg- ular motion, not approached by any other. Because it will "Without perceptible fatigue to the operator, and for YEARS with- out perceptible wear or loss of accuracy on the Machines. Because it is More Nearly Noiseless Than any other reliable Machine ; and finall}', because it will Sew EVERY KIND OF MATERIAL Which can be penetrated by a straight needle, with EASE AND ACCURACY. IT WILL NEVER GET OUT OF ORDER, Even under the most unreasonable abuse. ISO. 06 I^^I^^\.]VCIS STXiElilT, ,v\'i se. ST. JOSEPH, MO. Holt County, Mo. BOUNDARIES AND LOCATION. That Nestor of American Statesmen, Thomas H. Benton, while in the Senate of the United States, introduced, and secured the passage of a Bill, giving to the State of Missouri the Indian Reservation known as the Platte Purchase. Indians from time immemorial have been proverbial for select- ing choice locations for their reservations, and they were not defi- cient in their usual sagacity when they selected the district now comprised withm the boundaries of the counties of Platte, Buchanan, Andrew, Nodaway, Holt, and Atchison. Holt county was formed from a portion of the Platte Purchase, and is bounded on the North by Atchison and a portion of Nodaway counties ; on the East by Nodaway and Andrew counties ; on the South and West by the Missouri river. Its greatest breadth is twenty-two miles, and diminishes to a width of only about three miles at the South erd. Its greatest length is about thirty-eight miles. The Nodaway river on the Eastern boundary is navigable at some seasons of the year for flats and small steamers for a short distance above its mouth. The fortieth parallel of North latitude divides the county into nearly equal parts ; this parallel is also the dividing line between the States of Kansas and Nebraska, which lie just West of the Missouri river boundary of the count3\ Holt HOLT COUNTY SENTINEL. A Paper alike indispensable to the Citizen and the Immigrant. The best country paper in the Northwest.— iS^ Jo. Herald, October Uth, liSGS. One of the best looking sheets that comes to our office. — Hamburg (Iowa) Times, Angusl ^Ih. The Sbxtinel is an able and sprightly newspaper, and is doing .splendid work for Republicanism — Tivies, Sedalia, Mo., March -liith, iSGs. The Holt Couxty Sentinel is one of the neatest county papers published in Mis- souri. — Kirksville Journal, July -IM, 1868. The Holt County Sentinel is now the largest Radical paper in Northwest Missouri. It is also one of the best printed papers in the.State, and whilst we can honestly disagree with it politically, we award it the credit of being the best Radical paper in this upper country. — Savannah Union, July Sth. STitoscrlptions, : s s t t 0S OO a. year. Address, CHAS. W. BOWMAN, Editor and Publisher, OREGON, MO. 2 HOLT COUNTY. is in the second tier of counties counting from the North line of the State, and is consequently nearly in the extreme North-western portion of the State. In superficial area, the county contains about two hundred and sixty-eight thousand nine hundred and fifty acres, of which a considerable portion, (perhaps one-fifth,) is bottom. FACE OF' THE COUNTRY. There are few Western counties more diversified in their surface topography, than is Holt. The bottom lands of Missouri are as level as a parade ground. Standing upon any of the contiguous blutfs, the plain below is spread out like a map, before, you. The streams that wind through these bottoms, on their way to the Mis- souri, may be traced with the eye tljrough their serpentine courses, for miles ; while the distant Kansas and Nebraska bluffs form a suitable and truly magnificent back ground. In striking contrast with these immense level plateaus, are the precipitous, rugged and almost mountainous bluffs that bound them. These bluffs are sometimes so abrupt that a team, or indeed a man, may not scale them ; in other places the ascent is easy and gradual. Some of them are cut into all manner of fanciful shapes ; some are bald and bare ; some covered with a dense growth of oak, walnut and other deciduous trees. Back of these bluffs, until you reach the vicinity of the Nodaway river, the county is undulating, but not precipitous. Scarcely an acre is too steep for cultivation ; not an acre but has enough surface inclination to secure drainage. As you approach the Nodaway river, especially from the center of the count}' North and South, to the North line, there is a succession of gentle slopes, until you reach the level of the valley of that stream. These slopes give an effect to the scenery seldom equaled, and have been the inducing cause, almost as much as the wonderful fertility of the soil, in building up the thriving settlement known as Whig Valley. A NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN. A NEW STORE IN A NEW TOWnTTs THE PLACE TO BUY GOODS ; CHEAPNESS, QUALITY AND STYLE CONSIDERED. CECI^IS. SUXJLTS, ^T CI^^IO-, Complies with those considerations. His stock is new, fuU and complete. He sells low. His well known business habit is to treat every)iody fairly. Before purchasing give him a call. The Spring trade will open with an extra Large Stock. C. SHULTS, CTR^AlGr, IVIO. iFOi^iBST oiT"^ nyi:iii.ii.s. Gr. C. & Gr. W. MAUCK, - Proprietors. Having, at great expense, procured first class Machinery, we would call the at- tention of the Public to our facilities for doing l<"irst Class Work. Distant orders promptly filled at the lowe-st Market rates. The highest CASH price paid for WHEAT. FOREST CITY, HOLT COUNTY, MO. HOLT COUNTY. STREAMS, SPRINGS AND LAKES. Springs of excellent water, are exceedingly abundant. There carcely a quarter section of upland in the county which is not )plied with one or more excellent, and never failing ,si>rings. — mg the foot of the Missouri River Bluffs, are several springs .t are seldom surpassed, either in purity, or volume of water dis- .rged. One of these, which breaks out from under a ledge of ■estone rocks at Craig, on the St. Jo. & C. B. R. R., is conveyed pipes to the Railroad, where it is expected to supply the Station 'Use, Tank, and a considerable portion of the town. Two miles uth of Oregon, at Mr. Wm. Banks', is a similar spring, which, with sufficient fall, would furnish power to run a small mill. Mill Creek, which rises near Oregon, within four miles of its fountain head famishes five mill sites, three of which are improved, with an abundance of water for all : the stream being fed entirely from springs. The water in these springs is mostly limestone ; and like all limestone water, is exceedingl}^ pure, sweet and palatable. The important streams are the Nodaway, Little Tarkio, Big Tarkio, Hickory Creek, Mill Creek, before alluded to, and Nich©ls, Davis and Kinsie Creeks. These streams are all sufficiently large for milling purposes. The Nodaway River affords a large number of very desirable mill sites ; only two of which have been improved. The Little Tarkio affords several fair mill sites, none of which have been improved. The Big Tarkio is one of the finest mill streams in the country ; and yet there are but two or three mills erected on it, in the county. Nichols Creek has one or two improved mill sites, and several others, as yet unimproved ; the same is also true of Hickory Creek. Altogether we are blessed with sufficient water power, to bring the county, ultimatel}', among the foremost manufacturing counties of Northwest Missouri. There are several small Lakes, or rather Bayous from the Mis- souri River, in the western portion of the county. These Lakes in OR^^IVT & SHEI^MIAIV HOUSE, CBAIG-, HOLT COUNTY, MO. ♦— ♦— -♦ Is now open for the accommodation of the Public. Good fare at liberal rates is the rule. Stabling and Wagon Yards attached. ALSO, FOR SALE, A SMITH AND WAGON SHOP. This is one of the best openings for business in the West. A good man can make plenty of money. No competition for n^iles around. One full set Blacksmith tools inclnded. Address or apply to J. A. ORANGE, Irals, Holt Oo., .Mo. AMBROTYPE AND PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY, MR. & MBS. D. E. COTTRELL, Proprietors, OI^EO-Olsr, l^O. All styles of Pictures taken on reasonable terms. Satisfaction rendered or no charge. Persons desiring to procure Pictures will do well to call and examine specimens and prices. HOLT COUNTY. the fall and spring seasons, are the resort of immense flocks of Wild Geese, Swans and other migratory water fowls ; they also af- ford a constant supply of very excellent Fish. Quite extensive fisheries have already been established upon some of them, and more might profitably be. Besides the streams mentioned above, the county is well supplied with spring branches, that furnish an abundance of stock water throughout the upland portion of the count3^ From this it will be seen that we may reasonably apply to Holt count}^ the term "well-watered." The Bottom portion of the county is not so blessed with springs and brooks ; but water can be obtained everywhere by a few feet digging ; while the bayous and large streams that flow through it furnish abundance of stock water, within easy distance of every farmer's door, near enough to supply his stock. SOIL. There exist in Holt county three distinct classes of soils. About one-fifth of the county is what is known in the West as "bottom land," and consists of alluvial that has been deposited by the annual overflows of the Missouii. Of this bottom land there ai*e two varieties of soil : First, a silicious alluvial, intermixed with clay and humus, or vegetable mould. This is a peculiarly excel- lent soil, capable of producing immense crops of corn, hemp, to- bacco, &c. It is light, friable and easily worked ; withstands drouth remarkably well, and is but little injured by wet. The second variety is known, in our local nomenclature, as ^" gumbo land ; " and is a tenacious vegetable mold, that after being soaked with water, cracks in drying, and leaves a field lumpy and difficult to cultivate. This "gumbo," however, is very fertile ; and, as it lies over a strata of sand that can be reached, usually, within twelve to fifteen inches, only needs subsoilingto become the very best soil in the bottoms. BIGELOW HOUSE, WEST OF THE DEPOT, BIGELOW, HOLT CO., MO. ROBT. NOTLEY, ■ Prop'r. House kept in good style ; Wagon Yards and Stabling attached. .Scales for the accommodation of Stock Dealers and the Public generally. S. C. COI.LINS, REAL ESTATE AGENT. Promptly attends to the purchase and sale of Real Estate and the payment of Taxes. Having been 16 years County Surveyor, my facilities for doing busi- ness are unsurpassed. Oregon, Holt County, IVIo. CITY HOTEL, OREtJiOiV, HOLTCO., 10. DAVID FOSTER, Proprietor. Semi-Daily Omnibus line to Railroad. Tickets for sale at Post Office in Forest City and Oregon. Physician and Surgeon, MOUND CITY, MO. Professional calls promptly attended. Office at Glenn & Glenn's Store. HOLT COUNTT. * 'There are numerous shallow lakes in these bottoms, in which vast quantities of marly humus are accumulating, which will event- uall}^ become ver}^ valuable for the improvement of poor or ex- hausted soils." — Prof. Swallow. The first mentioned soil is modified, near the bluff's, by a de- posit of wash from them that forms what is sometimes called "bot- tom prairie." Some of these tracts commence near, but above, the foot of the bluff's, and have an inclination toward the river of about one foot in one hundred, and are considered the most desirable lands in the county at present.* Of these bottoms about one-half, or fifteen thousand acres, are subject to annual overflow, which will render them unfit for culti- vation until some system of drainage and protection from the an- nual flood shall be devised and put into operation. Much of this area, it is believed, could be reclaimed at a trifling expense. Immediately contiguous to these "bottom lands" is a geologi- cal formation that is said to be peculiar to Missouri and some por- tions of Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska that adjoin and lie along the IM issouri river. This is known as the "bluff" formation," and is characterized by Prof. Swallow in his Geological Report, as the "best of all soils." Usuall^^ bluffs are barren, covered but scan- tily with a thin and unproductive clay soil. Not so Holt county ; our bluffs are beds of marl varying from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet in depth, and of equal fertility from the surface to the bottom of the formation. These marl beds are perforated with orifices from the surface to the bottom, connecting with each other, and, in the language of Professor Swallow, "constitute the most thorough system of drainage imsigmahle." To illustrate the com- pleteness of this drainage, I will mention the fact that here ice is kept during summer in pits from ten to twenty feet deep, not even lined with boards, simply covered over, and yet is never troubled with water, and its own drippings, if any, are completely removed S. & R. C. WATSON, First door East of Saville & Reed's Drug,Store, OREGON, MO., DEALERS IN Dry Goods, Clothing, Glassware, Qneensware, AND ALL KINDS OF COUNTRY PRODUCE. OUE STOCK IS LARGE AND CABEFULLY SELECTED. After a Business acquaintance of 24: j'ears standing, during whicli he has never had to resort to legal measures to collect a debt, the Senior Partner tipaHk nr* inf.rodnr'.t.inn tn t.hA r»pm-»l«a nf TTr»lf r'rvnntxr needs no introduction to the people of Holt County. irture from the liberal principles which have heretofi ings. OIVK US ^ CALL BEHPORE I>XJRCHu4lSIN<3-. «®-No departure from the liberal principles which have heretofore character- ised our dealings. HOLT COUNTT. through these tubes and holes that nature has so liberally provided. This bluff formation is exceedingly light and mellow, and is full of all the elements required to sustain vegetable life. It is very fria- ble, and there is probably no soil on earth that, under the plow, be- comes more loose and mellow ; yet from its superior natural under- drainage it can be worked after a week's rain with but a few hours sunshine. I have seen plows running the first fair day after a three days' steady rain, and the ground was dry enough to work without detriment to the soil. To an Illinois or Indiana farmer, this may seem impossible ; but it is true, netertheless. Professor Swallow describes this soil as "a fine pulverulent, obsoletely stratified mass of light grayish buff silicons and slightly indurated marl, its color usually variegated with deeper brown stains of oxide of iron," These stains have much the appearance of having been caused by the expectoration of some salivous tobacco chewer. It is through these discolorations the orifices referred to above are found to pass. The discolorations are caused b}'- an impregnation of the marl with oxide of iron, alluminum, and carbonate of lime, while the walls of these tubes are composed of calcarious clay-ironstone. Professor Swallow says : "sustained by its absolutely inexhaustable fertilizing resources, rest the very best farms *** of the Missouri valley. Comparison of chemical analysis of this formation with the loess or bluff formation of the River Rhine, in Germany, establishes a striking coincidence in these widely separated formations. This bluff formation, from its organic structure and mechani- cal peculiarity, is, probably, the best fruit soil in the world. Here is drainage, the handiwork of the Creator, more perfect than man can ever devise. No need here of "tubular drains," "tile drains," "mole drains," or any other expensive and troublesome system for conveying off the surface moisture ; here it is all prepared before- hand, and more perfectly than human ingenuity can ever hope to prepare soil. This is our choicest fruit soil, and it is the best fruit soil I have ever seen. From its deep impregnation with oxides and RICHARDSON & PfilMMER, ■ ■ - Proprietors, FOREST CITY, HOLT COUNTY, MO., DEALERS IN Oak, Walnut & Cottonwood Lumber, Lath and Shingles, We are located on a switch of th6 St. Joseph and Council lUuffs Railroad, which gives us superior facilities for shipment of lumber. To the Towns north of us on the Railroad, we offer extra inducements. Our stock of Lumber is large and well assorted. {^Orders from a distance promptly filled. HOLT COUNTY. salts of iron, it is peculiarly well adapted to Pear culture. The success that attends the cultivation of that excellent fruit is re- markable. I have seen, frequently, Dwarf Pears ripen fruit the year they were taken from the nursery and transplanted to the or- chard, and they have continued in bearing without intermission.— Standard Pears frequently bear when five and six years old. Pears here are more hardy than apples. One tree on the premises of Wm. E. Hill, Esq., of Oregon, has borne fruit without intermission for seventeen years, and has never shown any indication of disease or been troubled with'any of the usual Pear tree pests. Some or- chards, where the soil has been enriched with animal manures, or been over-cultivated, have shown indications of leaf blight, but not to an extent sufficient to cause apprehensions on the part of Pear growers. For grapes this soil is believed to equal the soil of the Rhine in Germany, while, for wheat, corn and other cereals usually cultivated in this latitude, it is rarely surpassed. This soil has not heretofore received the attention it has deserved from our farmers. EecoUections of the barren points and unproductive knobs along the bluffs of Eastern streams, have deterred them from opening farms in the rough hills along the Missouri. Here and there, how- ever, a farmer has had the hardihood, or been driven by poverty, to open a farm among the hills, and to his own and the astonish- ment of his neighbors, not only lived, but grew rich from soil that all had joined in condemning as "too poor to sprout peas." Pres- ently they began to observe that in unpropitious seasons, here were the extraordinarily good crops, and that here were the orchards which never failed to bear huge crops. The day is coming when the bluff lands of Holt county will be the most sought after of any lands we have. To-day they may be purchased at merel^^ nominal prices. Frequently the timber with which they are covered will more than pay for the land and its own removal, leaving abundant material for fencing, for all necessary buildings and for DRY GOODS AND PRODUCE STORE. Having located at CORNING, I design doing a general Mercantile and Produce Business. The pubUc generaUy are informed that I am prepared to sell everything in my line at prices that defy competition. The highest market price paid for every description of Country Produce. M. A., DA^JNTItKIlS, CORNING, HOLT CO., MO. BOOT JLJSTID SHOE STOI^E, OREGON, HOLT COUNTY MO., CASTLE & LAHMER, - - - - Proprietors. A Large well selected Stock of Custom Made Work constantly on hand. -e^-Custom work done to order, in the neatesf, quickest and best manner. "=©81 HOLT COTJNTT. the supply of fuel for all coming time. I could cite severat cases where men of nerve have bought tracts of this timbered bluff land and found that their sales of wood, rails and saAv-logs had paid for the land, supported their families while it was being cut off, and left them a net profit, sufficient to erect very decent buildings upon it. About one-fourth of the superficial area of the county is upland rolling prairie. Its soil is the usual black regetable mould, con- sisting of the accumulated debris of decayed vegetation, which for centuries has been piled, layer on layer, until it has reached a depth of two or three feet. In this county the vegetable mould of the prairie rests on the rich marls of the bluff formation. The re- sult is an absolutely inexhaustable soil. The prairie soil is not a good wheat soil without the addition of some fertilizer rich in silex. The mould is too rich and fat for small grain. I do not Avish to be understood as asserting that the small grains do not succeed in Holt county ; on the contrary, I have sufficient evidence that as high as forty bushels of wheat have been produced per acre quite frequently, and that our estimated average yield of small grains is fully equal to the average of most >vestern counties. Still, wheat does not succeed so well as upon a poorer and more silicious soil. Corn is the staple crop, and yields as well as in any country on earth. I feel entirely safe in placing the average 3'ield per acre, one year with another, at not less than fifty bushels, while, with superior cultivation one hundred bushels may easil}^ be obtained in any ordinarily propitious season. Barley, rye and oats do reason- ably well so far as they have been cultivated. Sorghum succeeds most admirably. Our soil is well adapted to the productions of the entire list of garden vegetables. Potatoes are especially fine ; in- deed, in size and flavor I have nowhere seen them surpassed. The yield, with proper cultivation, will probably reach an average of EUREKA. J. S. IFULXjEI?/, Has opened a Saloon at CRAIG, under the above name. He invites his friends to come and 'take a smile.' 'Good wine needs no bush.' CITlir HOTEL, FOREST CITY, MO. J. B. STEELE, - Proprietor, (FORMERLY FROM INDIANA.) This House, formerly the Farmers', has recently changed hands. la now kept in good style, give good fare, good beds and good treatment at rpasonable rates. Ample stabling and wagon yaitls attached. r. M. DAVIS, Eeal Estate Agent, Surveyor, AND ROAD COMMISSIONER. Office, Court House, Oregon, HoltCo., Mo. Will pay Taxes, examine and perfect Titles. Wild Lands for sale. FOR SALE AT A BARGAIN. The S. W. ]4. of Sec. 30, Township 03 R.3S, being 163 acres of choice upland Prairie, being si.^ miles East of Craig. There Is good living water on the premises. This land lies near a large body of choice timber.! Title perfect. Price until June 1st, 1S69 ?7 per acre. Address or apply to WM. RASKINS, Counfy Treasurer, Oregon, Holt Co., Mo. HOLT COUNTY. one hundred and fifty bushels per acre, and when it is remembered that c n account of our contiguit}' to excellent markets they have sold for a number of jears past at prices never less than foity cents, and from that to two dollars per bushel, it will be seen thatpotatoe culture is exceedingly profitable with us. ADAPTABILITY TO STOCK RAISI^JG. As yet there is considerable range lor stock on onr upland prairies, which are covered with a most excelient and highly nutri- tious wild grass. This range will not last long : already the prai- rie plow is turning it under, and before many years there will be no vacant prairie in the county. In the bottom-, however, there is range for stock that will last longer. The low grounds snbjt^ct to annual overflow, and the margins of the bayous and lakes will fur-- nish//-ee paj-turage for a long time to come for an immense number of cattle. Portions of our bluff lands where too precipitous fur cul- tivation will yield pasturage to no inconsiderable amount. The tame grasses can scarcely be said to have been tried here as yet. — only 775 tons of tame hay being reported to the Assessor for the present year. Timothy has been cultivated in a few instances, and does well, (lover on bluff land does well also, but in the prairies the soil is thought to be too loose and friable for it to succeed. It is said, however, by Eastern farmers that it only needs to be well robed after being sown to make it succeed Dairy farming here would be exceedingly profitable. At this writing poor coun- try-made butter — some of it half lard — is seHing at forty cents per pound and is difficult to obtain, even at that- exhorbitant rate. Horses do not do W( U with us. The reason may be lack of comfortable stables and tame pasture, as some have asserted ; or it may be in our climate : whatever the cause, one thino- is due to truth, horses are exceedingly liable, to disease here — especially '^' big head" or "stiff complaint." Mules do better; indeed, they Saloon and Billiard Hall, IPOREST OIX^^, MO., WILLIS & ELLISTON, Proprietors. King's Saloon and Eestaurant, FOEEST CITY, MO. WARM MEALS AT ALL HOURS. Kiug is an old hand at the business and A iBt Class Billiard Table, Pure Liquors ! knows how to get up a good square ,„,_,. meal. Bar supplied with the and Good Cigars. best of Liquoia. FOREST CITY, ... - MISSOURI, Dealers in Drugs, Medicines, Paints and Oils, FINE TOILET SOAPS, PERFUMERY, PURE WINES, LIQUORS & DYE STUFFS Our Stock of Medicines is complete, warranted genuine and of the best quality. 2 10 HOLT COUNTY. are as health^' as the farmer can ask, and are most usually found coniposinij his team. Sheep have had but little attention. One gentleman, Mr, Ful- ton, has a small Hock of fine merinoes ; and others may have small flocks of other improved breeds. jMr. Fulton informs me that his flock has done remarkably well, has been very free from disease, and that in his opiiiion there is no better sheep country on earth than Holt county. One thing is certain, our Nebraska neighbors have found it to pay with them, and I see no reason why sheep farming would not succeed equally well in Holt county. Hogs are extensively raised here, and have been remar-kably free from disease. Nearly all the irnpi'ove 1 breeds have been in- troduced by some one or other of our enterprising fanners. Mr. W. A. ]McKoy, of the firm of Collins & McKoy, has purchased hogs the present season for shipment. There have been several other buyers in the county, all of whom have bought large lots. From this it will be seen that hog raising must be consid- ered remunerative by our farmers. ADAPTABILITY TO FRUIT RAISING. Fruit raising and orcharding must ultimately become the lead- ing business in Holt county. Her geographical and isothermal po- sition, as well as the peculiar adaptability of her soil to the pro- duction of fruits must insure this result. North, Northwest and West lies an immense fertile and soon to be populous country, that, from its lack of protecting timber belts and low average tempera- ture, can never supply its own demand for any but a very few of the most hardy fruits. That country will depend upon Missouri for its supply, and fortunately for us, ours is the first fru't producing county they will strike when coming to Missouri for their supply. The magnitude of our fruit trade, in the future, will become appa- rent to any one who is aware of the amount of the present demand W. H. WILLIAMS & CO., Dealers in Stoves, Castings and Hardware, . MANUFACTURERS OP TIN, COPPER AND SHEET IRON WARE, FOREST CITY, MO. Keep constantly on liand a complete assortment of COOKING, HEATING AND PARLOR STOVES, Of the Latest Patterns ; also a full line of shelf Hardware, Table and Pocket Cutlery, Cooking Utensils, &g. whicli they offer at wholesale and retail at tlie lowest cash rates. Call and see. HOLT COUNTT. 11 and supply, I have conntinl twenty wagons in one day passing tln-ough a principal street in one of our towns, all loaded with Holt county apples, pears, grapes and peaches, which were on their nay to their market on the bleak prairies of Iowa, Nebraska and Kan- sas. Applets are here a sure crop, and how remunerative my read- ers may judge when I give them as data for their estimate the fact that from one to two dollars per bushel has been the minimum and maximum of prices for the past five years ; the average being about one dollar and fifty cents per bushel. Api)les, as I remarked above, are a sure crop ; I do not liesitate to saj^ as certain one year with another as any other crop. They are, moreover, superior in quality to a most extraordinary degree. I hear it frequently remarked by Eastern men that varieties with which they have been entirely fa- miliar East, are here so much superior in size and flavor that they no longer are able to recognise them as the fruit they knew at home. Our citizens are entirely aware of the adaptability of our soil and climate for the production of the standard fruits, and are planting orchards at a rate that astonishes our visitors. One gen- tleman, Mr. Jabez Beaumont, the past season planted one hundred acres of orchard ; othei- gentlemen have planted from ten to forty acres, while nearly every farmer is planting trees by the hundred, and not unfrequently bj' the thousand. Peaches are not a sure crop ; the same is true of cherries. The former will be successful, say, one crop in four or five ; the lat- ter does not seem to take kindly to our soil ; though some varieties are tolerably successful. Orapes, especially the Concord, are suc- cessful, and are being cultivated to a considerable extent. Cataw- bas do as well here as almost anywhere else ; but result* have not been such, with them, as to give much encouragement for their cul- ture. Several other varieties do well. All the small fruits have been pronounced successful with our HorticulturLsts. But there are other localities where fruit culture is entirely successful ! True. H. G. SCHULTE, North Side Public Square, Oregon, Mo. The largest and best selected stock of Staple and F'ancy Groceries, Pocketand Table Cutlery. Flour and Meal. «®^Dealer in all kinds of Produce. H. I. LAMB, WATCHES km JEWELRY ^Sj«s«i^j West side Pub. Square Oregon, ]Mo. iillinery Stores, one Saloon, one Billiard Hall without bar, six Physicians, eight Attorneys, four Real Estate Dealers, one firm of Brokers, one Dentist, one Photograph Ga lery, one Butcher, two Wagon Makers, five Blacksmith Shops, two Cabinet Makers, two Shoe-maker Shops, one B:irber Shop, two Harness Makers 5 and a number of skillful Mechanics of various "trades. The I 'ublic Buildings are a very fair Court House, built of brick, two stories high, containing a large Court room and rooms for the various County Offices, The Court House is surrounded by a small but exceedingl}^ fine Park, which is enclosed, and contains over lort}^ varieties of native trees and evergreens. This Park is the pride of the town, and is well worthy to be proud of, as there is not such another in North-west Missouri. The other public buildings are a commodious Brick School House, containing four large school rooms; four Church Edifices, and a Masonic and Odd Fellows Hall. The First Presbyterian Church is a neat brick edifice of a plain and unpretending style of architecture. The Methodists have just erect- UNION HOUSE, Second Sti-eet, North St. Joseph,- 0. HAKTZELL, Proprietor, Good Stabling \yagon and Stock Yards. Prices Liberal. Accommodations Good. WM. DEUMHILLER, AUCTIONEER AND Commission Merchant, ' ST. JOSEPH, MO. T. W. PARKER. J- C. HEDENBERG. PARKER & HEDENBERG, NO. 107 FELIX STREET, ST. JOSEPH, MO. General United States Claiin, Real Estate and Collecting Ai^eucy. Also, Solicit- ors of Patents jr3"Send for Pamphlet. » HOLT COUNTY. 19 ed — have not yet entirely completed — a large and elegant building for their congregation ; which, when completed, will be the finest Church building in the county. The German Methodists h;ive a small but fine looking and substantial Erick Church aatl Pai'sonage. The Baptists and Relbrni'-rs are also the joint owners of a plain liut commodious and suhstantial Brick House of wors'iip. Masonic Hall and Odd Fellows Hall occupy each one-lia!i oi the third story of an elegant iJi'ick Block, known as Masonic Block, the first floor of which Is occupied by Stores, and the second by business offices. ^ Oregon has good District Schools a considerable portion of the year, and private Schools during the remainder. Also one Private Select School, which is under superior management. Here also are located the grounds of the Hult I'ounty Agric dtural and Mechanical Association. The grounds contain ten acres, and are enclosed by a substantial pine close fence; and when put in order, will doubtless be one of the most attractive Fair Grounds in the North-west. Oregon is noted for the great number of fruit trees, with which almost every private enclosure is filletl, giving it the appearance of being builded in an orchard. Tlxis gives the town a peculiarly at- tractive appearance. The trade of Oregon is considerable, and constant] 3^ increasing. Although located two miles from the Railroad, it will soon have an almost level road connecting it with Mackoy's Elevator, on the Railroad, when its facilities for trade will be greatly increased. This Elevator, which is now being erected, is the first one ever erected in North-west Missouri. It has a shellei' -capable of shell- ing 1,500 bushels of corn daily ; will have storage capacity when completed, for the storage of 25,000 bushels of grain The E^ngine which drives the machinery is of 25 horse power, and is a superior Or. G. IF'OK.E.^^, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS lield and Garden Seeds, Stoves and Tinware, No. 7 Second Street, ST. JOSEPH, MO. First dooi" North of Penick & Loving's Drug Store. _j e [ 20 HOLT COUNTY. piece of machinery. The arrangements for guarding against fire, will be very complete, there being reservoirs for holding an ample supply of water, and one double self-acting force pump to pn^ject a stream over the building. In connection with tlie ii,levuLor is a Burr for crackinjj corn for hog i'e^d ; and yards for the the fattening of 4,U0U head of hogs annually, Tliis Elevator, though two miles distant from Oregon, is emphatically an Oregon enterprise, and therefore is inserted here. The society of Oregon is good, better tiideed than in the aver- ao'e of Western LoWns. For healthfuln^ss, it cannot be surpassed. The water is good and abundant. Property held at reasonable rates, though rents are somewhat high, owing to the scarcity of tenement houses. Some man of capital would find it an exceed- ingly profitable enterprise to erect a number of cheap but comfort- able houses to rent. Before dismissing Oregon, 1 must not fail to mention the HOLT COUNTY SENTINEL. Which is published here by C. W, Bowman, Esq. The Sentinel is a twentj'-eigbt column Weekly, full to repletion of interesting local and general matter, and is a most excellent medium through which persons so desiring may become acquainted with the county. Tiie Sentinel is one of the neatest papers in its mechanical execu- tion, in Missouri, and deserves the very liberal patronage it is re- ceiving. Persons at a distance who desire to know more of the County, will do well to send for it. Its circulation is large, and it is novv the only paper published in the County. Its advertising card will be found on the first page of this Pamphlet. The citizens 'of Oregon have just organized a Library Associa- tion and Historical Society. Funds have been raised to purchase Books enough to form the nucleus of a Library, and the organiza- tion is so far completed as to ensure its permanency and success. BIGELOW LOTS FOR SALE. Bigelow is one of the most promising new Towns on the Saint Joseph and Council Bluffs Eailroad. Now is the time to buy lots. 1^ Persons who want to locate and improve lots are invited to apply to J. I. BOSTWICK, Bigelow, Holt Co., Mo. J. -W. STRONG. JEFF. CHANDLER. STRONG & CHANDLER, ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW, NO. 107 FELIX STREET, ST. JOSEPH, MO. Will practice in all the Courts of the 12th Judicial Circuit. _ « HOLT COUNTY. 21 The Historical Societ}' will devote especial attention to the collection of facts and incidents in the earl}' history of Holt County and North-west Missouri, while not neglecting every thing pertain- ing to the history of our State, which it may be able to obtain. The Masons have fine working Lodges in the several degrees of that Order, up to the Royal Arch Degree, and own their spacious and elegant Hall. The Odd Fellows also have an efficient working organization, and have a well furnished and spacious Hall in Masonic Block, which they own. FOREST CITY. The Author is indebted to Geo. Weber, Esq., Post Master at Forest ( ity, for the following description of that enterprising town ■in importance and population in the county : In the year 1857 a company of enterprising gentlemen pur- chased a tract of land on the west boundary of Holt County, ad- joining the Missouri river, for the purpose of laying out a town site. Eoads were already in existence leading from the point se- lected in all directions and to every important settlement in the county. These roads in connection with the Missouri river which here aftbrded agood landing, lead the company to expect that their town once started would soon control a large portion of the produce trade of the county. With this view the tract of land was surveyed and the first lot sale took place on the 15th day of May, 1857. Forest City was in existence — stores and dwellings sprung up rap- idly, and the expectations of the company were more than realized. Forest City became at once the mart for the principal part of the produce of the county. Hundreds of waggons brought in the hemp and corn raised in every neighborhood, and no obstacle seemed likely to prevent Forest City from becoming one of the leading trading points in North West Missouri. The rebellion broke out ; BENDER & MAEKLE, REAL ESTATE BROKERS. Lands for sale in Holt and Atchison Counties. DR. HIRAM JONES, MOUND CITY, MO., PHYSICIAN. Professional calls promptly attended. H. R. W. HARTWIG & CO., Rectifiers, Distillers, and Wholesale Dealers in NO. 36 Third Street, ST. JOSEPH, MO. 22 ¥OLT eOUNTT. it had here as everywhere else where it was a reality, a blighting effect ; it had this effect on Forest City. Two fifths of the original inhabitants of Holt county were in sympathy with the rebellion, the most of these left the county (luring that period but few of whom have ever returned ; Tvhilst the majority of the able bodied Union men were enlisted in the Union armies. Agriculture was neglected — trade was nominal ; and as the county did not improve, certainly the towns could not prosper. But the war ended, trade slowly re- vived and Forest City began to resume her old place in the trade. Now the railroad from St. Joseph to Council Bluffs is completed running through Forest City, and has opened for us and brought us in connection with two of the best markets in the United States, during every season of the year : further, it has opened for us the Great West. Hemp has been exchanged for grain, pork and cattle, and where in former years one firm doing business here bought and sold two hundred tons of hemp in one year, now, during the past year one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of grain and over five thousand hogs have been shipped North, South and West from this point. Forest City contains at present between six and seven hundred inhabitants. Amongst its prominent public buildings may be enu- merate 1 one Church — Baptist — one Public School House, ten Stores, one tine Steam Grist 31111, one Steam Saw Mill, two Hotels, two Blacksmith Shops, and some of the finest private residences in the County. Divine Services and Sabbath Schools every Sabbath, speak well for the morals ; and a fine Public Library, consisting of a choice selection of about two hundred volumes for the social cul ture ; while the Public Improvements made by the efficient City Government of the enterprise of the citizens of Forest City. D. P. BALLARD, ATTORNEY AT LAW, NOTARY PUBLIC AND GENERAL LAND AGENT, MOUND CITY, - - - HOLT CO., MO. IL Collections made. Taxes paid and lands bought and sold. Fine Lands, improved and unimproved, for sale in N. W. IVfissouri HOLT COUNTY. 23 MOUND CITY. This Village is located near the centre of the county and three and a half miles from the St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad. It is surrounded by an exceedingly fertile region of country which is well wntered and affords an abundant supply of timber at no great distance. The Village is situated at the foot of the Bluff, on one side is a cresent shaped bottom, on the other fine rolling Prair- ies. The road from White (loud, Kansas, to Marysville, the couur ty seat of Nodaway county passes through the Village. Lands in the vicinity range in value from five to twenty-five, dollars for unimproved and from twelve to thirty dollars per acre for improved. Mound City has a population of about 150. It contains two general Stores, one Cabinet Shop, three Blacksmith Shops, one Mil- liner, three Doctors, one Lawj-er, one Hotel and one School House. The Methodists, Reformers, and Baptists have each a' Church oi*- ganization. A Flouring and Saw Mill, and Carding Machine are in contemplation. It is also in contemplation to erect a good High School Building, and two Church edifices immediatel}'. Mound Cit}' needs a good Harness and Saddle maker; also a Shoe maker. Lots range in value from ten to twent3'-five dollars. The location is considered healthy, and the character ofthe present population is unexceptionable. Information in regard to lands in that vicinity ma}^ be obtained by addressing D. P. Ballard, Ksq., who will, I have no doubt, cheerfully impart any desired information. BIGELOW. Bigelow is a new town of only a few months' growth. It is located on the line of the St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, three and a half miles West of Mound City, and eleven miles North of Forest City. It is on a level bottom prairie, with an abundance NOTE BY THE AUTHOR.— Holt County Farmers who visit St. Joseph will be interested in visiting the immense Wagon and Carriage Works of the 5IE.SSES. Stodebaker Bros , on fourth Street. They have an imraense Establishment containing Wagons enough to supply a dozen counties, aud Car- riages to furnish an easy conveyance for all the Beaux and Belles of the Platte Purchase. Their manufactory has earned a national reputation by putting up only the very best work. Give them a call. NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Capital, ^500,000 00. OFFICERS.— John B. Helm, Prest, W.H. Meadows, Secy, Wm. K. Haynes, Vice President, J. G. Easton, Treasurer. DlRKCTdRs.— J. E Carstarpheu, Louisiana, Mo., Thos. Crutcher, Paris, Mo, John H. Abshire, Chilicothe, Mo , Geo. Hughes, Liberty, Mo.; John T. Pixson. J. J. Johnson, Geo. M. Harrison, Danl. M. Dulany, J. D. Bacon, J. R. Par.^on, Hani- bal Mo W. P. ^VIIiKINS, Special Agent. 24 HOLT COUNTY. of excellent timber in the immediate neigliborhood. Tiie adjacent country is as fertile as any portion of the West, and when properly developed must of itself give Bigelow an important position among the tows of Holt County. Bigelow is the nearest station on the Railroad to Whig Vallej', in Holt Count}-, and the South-western portion of Nodaway County, including the town of Graham ; also to Falls City and Rulo in Nebraska. Bigelow was laid out in Oc- tober, 1868, and has already grown to quite, respectable dimensions. A good Hotel has been erected. There are also two general Stores, a Livery Stable, Saloon, and some twelve or fourteen dwelling houses. All kinds of Mechanics would do well here, among which the following are especially needed : A Cabinet Maker, a Tinner, a Harness Maker, Blacksmith, Shoe Maker, and Tailor. This town being surrounded by a well populated county, presents a good open- ing for almost any kind of Lusiness. There are two tine Saw Mills in the immediate vicinity. CRAIG. Craig is another of the thriving new towns that hp.ve sprung up, as if by magic, on the line of the St. Joseph & Council liluffs Kail- road. It was laid out a few weeks after Bigelow, at a point be- tween the two Tarkios, nine miles above Bigidow, and some four or five miles from the North line of the County. The location in some respects is the most desirable of any of the new Eailroad towns in the County. West, South-west and North-west is a fine, fertile and well settled portion of the Missouri bottom. The two Tarkios emerge from the bluffs, and enter the bottom in the immediate vicinity, and the valleys of both are set- tling up with unexampled rapidity, These settlements are con- nected with Craig by excellent roads. The town is in the bottom, but at a point not snbjecttothe annual overflows, while near enougli for town purposes, for private residences on the bluffs at a point NOTE. — Persons having claims against the United v'^tates or State of Missouri ; Also persons desirous of obtaining Pa^p??ts. or any information relative to the same should apply nt once to Par- ker & Hedenberg, St. Joseph, Mo., as their facilities Air exceed any other Agency in North West Missouri, and we heartil}'' recom- mend them to all interested. (See aclvertisoment. page 18 of this pamphlet.) THE BAPTIST CHURCH, FOREST CITY, MO. Meets for worship at their Meeting House, on Grand x\ venue, on the First and Third Sundays in eafh month, at lOV^. A. M. Sabbath Seliool every Lord's day at 9. A. M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday night. 4®~A11 are cordiaUy invited to attend. O. 'W. HUN'TLTCTt', Pastor. HOLT COUNTY. 25 easily accessible. From the bluff at Craig, there is a magnificent view of the bottom for miles, and of portions of Kansas and Nebraska. Craig has two general Stores, one Hotel, one Blacksmith Shop, one Saloon, one Harness Maker, and a number of other Mechanics. An- other liotel and several business houses are now in process of erec- tion, or under contract. Eighteen buildings have already been erected, and more than that number in addition are under contract. It is believed that Craig, from the character of the surrounding country, must at no distant day, become one of the most important towns in the county. All kinds of Mechanics can find employment here, and the immigrant will find good soil, good water, and plenty of good timber contiguous. There is a fine Flouring and Saw Mill nearly completed, within two and a half miles of Craig, owned by C. 5l. Guilliams, Esq. This Mill, in all its appointments, is first class, and will be of much value to the neighborhood. CORNING. Corning is the most Northern town in Holt County, and is also one of our new Railroad towns. It has in addition to its Railroad facilities, a good river landing, which gives to it many advantages as a shipping point. Corning is just South of the North line of the Count}', six miles North of Craig. The adjacent country is settled principally by Germans, who are noted for their thrift and energy. Some of the wealthiest citizens of Holt County are German farmers in this vicinitj'. Corning will be the chief trading point for a con- siderable district in the Northern portion of Holt County, and al^o for Irish and English Groves, and Fancy Bottom, in Atchison County. Corning was laid out in the Fall of 1868, and is less than six months old ; yet it already is doing a large and remunerative bu- siness. It contains some twenty buildings, among which may be enumerated one Hotel, three Dry Goods Stores, a Saddle, Harness MACKOY &, COTTRELL, Dealers in Staple and Fancy Dry Groods, a-:E^ooEi:E^iEs, AND ALL KINDS OF COUNTRY PRODUCE. Oregon, Holt County, Mo. 26 HOLT COUNTY. and Shoe Shop, Depot, and a number of substantial dwellings. It has a large Lumber Yard, Stock Yards, &c. There will l)e a h^rge amount of building done here during the present Summer, and the friends of the town believe that it will at no distant day become one of the leading shipping points on the Railroad. All kinds of Meehinics are needed, and would find ^profitable employment. The location is flat, as are all the towns along the line of the road in this County, except Forest City, butis entirely tihove high water. The character of the population of the adjoining country is good. FORBES. Forbes is the name of a Station on the Eaili-oad, in the Sou;^- ern portion of the County. Xo town has been laid out here, as yet ; but from the fact that North of this point is a fertile and well set- tled country, it is not unlikely that quite a village will one day spring up here. For fruit raising, no portion of Holt County offers better inducements than does the vicinity of Forbes. RICHVILLE. This is an old village, six miles East of Oregon. It contains one Store, a Church building, owned by the Methodists ; and per- haps half a dozen residences. The adjoining country is populous and fertile. WHIG VALLEY. Whig Valley is the name of a settlement in the North-eastern portion of Holt County, and is one of the most attractive settle- ments in the North-west. The population is intelligent and enter- prising to an extraordinary degree, wldle the soil, surface, topog- raphy and general advantages are all that could be desired. Several Schools are in operation. A Farmers' Club holds regular meetings, and Church organizations exist, which hold weekl}' meetings for HOLT COUNTY NURSERIES, OREGON, KOXT COUNTY, MO., Greo. P*. Luclvliai'clt, - - I^ropi'letoi*. Grows the most liartly and productive fruits, (rejecting all others, )tsueh as Apples, Pears, Clierries, Plums, Peaehes, Quinces, Grapevines, Currants, Gooseberries, Blackberries. Haspljei'ries and Strawberries. Everything warranted true to name, of healthj- growth, and at most reasona- ble price.^. MANSFIELD, ELLINGWOOD & COo, 22 THIRD STKEET, ST. JOSEPH, MO,, SOLE AGENTS FOR Deere's Moline Plows, Brovvn's Corn Planters, Buckeye Reapers and Mowers, Threshing Machines, and Patent Spinning Wheels. Dealers m Hardware, Iron, Steel and Wagon Material. HOLT COUNTT. 27 worship. This neighborhood is mostly rolling prairie, and its only disadvantage is scarctity of timber. Coal, however, has been dis- covered near by, in Nodaway County, and it is believed will be found in Whig Valley. This Valley lies along the Nodaway river, which separates Holt and Nodaway counties This stream is here a fine, clear, rapid stream, and will atlcrd an unlimited amount of water power. A liailroad is in contemplation from Oregon up the Nodaway valle}-, through this Settlement ; thence North to (_ larinda, Iowa. This Ivoad when completed, would open up to trade one of the richest valleys in tlie West, if not in the world. From W hig Val- ley Northward it would pass through important coal fields, and through considerable bodies of fine timl)er. Whig Valley is well watered. Indeed, I doubt if one quarter section can be found in the neighborhood without one or more living springs. The population of this Valley has more than doubled during the past 3ear, and from present judications the increase will con- tinue for years to come. Lands in this vicinity unimproved, ore worth from ten to twelve dollars per acre. Improved farms are hard to buj' at any price, FACILITIES FOR WATER TRANSPDRTATiON. While the Western and South-western boundary of our County for about forty miles, is washed by the Missouri river, yet owing to the fact that the wide alluvial bottom of that stream is on the East- ern side at this point, we have but three steamboat landings ; and they, on account of the frequent changes in the channel of the stream, are somewhat uncertain. There is a landing in the neigh- borhood of Dallas, in the Soul^h part of the County ; one at a point opposite Iowa Point, Kansas ; one opposite White ( loud, Kansas ; and one at or near Corning. The Iowa Point landing aftbrds facil- ities for transportation to the region of county adjacent to Oregon, from which it is some six miles distant. AA'hite Cloud landinu' is W. A. MACKOY, OREGON, HOLT CO., MO. . Dealer in Grain and Stock, Having the only Steam Elevator north of the Missouri river he is prepared to pay the highest market price for all kinds of grain. Having extensive stock yards connected with his elevators, he is prepared to buy all kinds of stock. S^^Grain and stock handled for other dealers on a liberal commissions. 28 HOLT COUNTY. near enough to Forest City and Rush Bottom to afford them ample facilities for the shipment of freight. These river landings give competition in the carrying trade, and are of great advantage to our farmers and business men. The Missouri river has not been considered a good stream for navigatinp;, in the past. It is full of shoals ; and the quick-sands, of which its bed is composed, are constantly shifting. The channel in consequence is exceedingly uncertain and dangorous ; but since the settlement of the Territories West of us, and the greater number of boats that are demanded in the carrying trade, the channel seems to be improving, and river men predict that it will continue to im- prove. So that we may hope with each succeeding year to derive increasedjbenefits from our position in relation to it. CHURCHES. The religious element in our society is quite strong. Most of the denominations known to the Christian world, have representa- tives here. It is probable that the North Methodist. — so called here to distinguish them from the Methodist Church South — has the largest number of communicants, though there is but little differ- ence in point of numbers between them and the Baptist. The Methodists have two Circuits in the County, embracing a membership of about four hundred and fifty persons. They have fourteen points where preaching is kept up regularlj- They own two Church buildings, the aggregate value of which is $11,000 ; also one Parsonage, valued at ^800. This denomination has been in- creasing very rapidly since the war. The i>aptists have six or seven regularly organized congrega- tions in the County, with a membership about the same as the Methodists. They own two good, substantial brick Churches, one at Forest City and one at Nichol's Grove, and are part proprietors of one other. Most of the congregations have been organized since LUMBER YARD AT CORNING. FERRIS & DRAKE, - - Proprietors. 15,000 Feet Seasoned Pine Lumber. Also a large stock of Lath, Shingles, Sash, Doors, Glass, and Building Material Generally. HOLT COUNTY. 29 the close of the war, under the efforts of Eev. G. W. Huntley, of Forest City, who has been unremitting in his labors, since be came to the County, some two years since. The Methodist Church South have small congregations, at one or two |x)ints in the County. The Presbj'terians have an active organization at Oregon and Forest City ; at the former point thej^ own a good Church edifice, and have a large membership. The German Methodists have an active organization in the County, and own two substantial brick Churches and at least one Parsonage. I have been unable to obtain any statistics of their organization, but presume they are but little inferior in numbers to any of the other denominations. The Reformers or Christians have large membership in the County, and a number of places where preaching is held regularly. They are part owners of one good Church building. There are several other denominations in the County, who are organized and doing good work, but I have not been able to obtain the necessary information to give the facts in regai'd to them, and therefore must pass them, SABBATH SCHOOLS. Good Sabbath Schools are in operation in almost every school district, under the control, in many cases, of Union Superintend- ents — that is, the different denominations unite in their support. In the larger towns, the different denominations control their own schools. Our people are as moral and free from rowdyism as any people in the West. Gambling, horse-racing and drunkenness are not common, while the rights of property and of conscience are res- pected. I think I have heard less profanity in our County town during a three years' residence, than in any town of its size I have AGENT FOR WHEELER & WILSON'S Awarded the Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition 1867. Every Machine wajranted. Send for circular. 30 HOLT COUNTY. ever known ; while I have never heard of an individual who has lost his money there by gaming. SCHOOLS. Missouri has but recently adopted the System of Public Schools in use throughout the Eastern States, and our people are as yet to some extent unfamiliar with its workings. The School System, however, is becoming better known each year, and is therefore con- stantly growing more effective as a means for the education of our people. In 1867, there was paid to Teachers in the County, seven thou- sand, nine hundred and thirteen dollars ; while two thousand, six hundred dollars were expended in the building and repairing of School Houses. The average salary paid to Teachers this year, is $31,00 per month — male Teachers averaging S44,00, and females about $15,00. We have now School Houses in almost every School District in the County. The majority of these are not all that could be desired in point of convenience, being old and dilap- idated , but new and good School Houses are being erected, and the disposition seems to be to have good Schools as soon as proper buildings can be erected. We have a class of excellent Teachers in this County, many of whom have adopted Teaching as a profession. Some of our Tciich- ers are equal to the requirements of the best grade of Eastern Public Schools. The School term here is only about four months for the free Public School, each year. Some Districts, however, levy tax, and continue their Schools for a longer period. Good Private Schools are common during the period of vacation of the Public Schools. We have one very excellent Private Select School at Or- egon, which it is hoped will prove the nucleus for a first class edu- cational institution at no distant day. Tl:e interest in Education is constantly increasing, and at no remote period our Schools will STEPHEN, EBERT & CO., Proprietors. Pears, Apples, Cherries, Plums, Grapevines, Currants, Gooseberries, Strawberries and Osage ()ranfj;e Plants. We are prepared to fill all orders for Fruittrees and small Fruits at reduced rates. Our stock will be warranted true to name and in good thrifty cfMniition. <3i^ro\incls Nortlx of Oregon on State lioacl. % J. S. HART & CO., Manufacturers and Dealers in Saddles, Harness, Eta, Etc., A full supply of goods in their line constantl}^ on hand. HOLT COUNTY. 31 be as good as iu any part of the nation. Teachers' Institutes are held semi-annually, and much interest is manifested among Parents and Teachers, in regard to them. No person need hesitate to come here on account of School privileges, as the foundation for a good English education can be laid here now, and the Schools will con- tinue to improve from year to year, until they will be equal to the East, at no distant day. OUR POPULATION. Holt County contains a population of 10,624, as shown by the census taken by our Assessor, last Fall. We have a mixed population. There are a few native Missourians, and persons who immigrated here from the Southern States before the war; this class however, is small. A majority of our population are from the Eastern States — i. e. from States East of Missouri. We have also a large German element in our population. These Germans are principally Farmers, and are as industrious, sober and enterprising as any people we have. The political complexion of the County is Republican by a large majorit3^ No indication of proscription, how- ever, is manifested in private life, so far as I have been able to observe. We have a few colored persons in the County, but not more than may often be seen in Eastern counties of the same pop- ulation. The}' are generally quiet, industrious and inoffensive. They have one School at Oregon, in this County. We have very little of the rough elements of frontier life in our population ; some little, perhaps, in some of our river bottom settlements, yet less than usual in so comparatively new a country. Our people are prin- cipally engaged in agi-icultural and horticultural pursuits, and are emphatically an industrious and sober people. T. H. PARRISH, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Offipe over Zook & Scott's Bank, OREGON, - MISSOURI. Will attend to all business entrusted to his care in North West Missouri and Eastern Kasai?. E. VANBUSKIRK, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Real Estate and Collecting Agent, Prompt attention given to all business entrusted to his care. WM. H. SHERMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ST JOSEPH, MO. WM. BUKKER, WAGON AND OAERIAGE OREGON, - MISSOUEI. 32 HOLT COUNTY. WAGES OF LABORERS. It is dificult to give the exact rate of wages in any new country, so many circumstances conspire to prevent uniformity. Common farm laborers vary from eighteen to thirty Ave dollars per month. I presume the average will not vary much from thirty dollars "wet and dry," including board and washing. Day labor is more uni- form, one dollar and fifty cents per day being the usual price for good hands. Mill hands get from one dollar fifty to two fifty, ac- cording to their experience. Wood choppers during the winter months are in demand and get from one dollar to one dollar and twent^'-five cents per cord, they furnishing their own board and lodging. Mechanics are better paid of coarse, and in nearly eveiy trade can find abundant and steady employment at fair wages. From two fifty to three dollars per day is the usual rate at which carpenter work is paid by the day, though mo&t mechanical labor is done by the job or contract. Board can be obtained at either of the Hotels in Oregon for four dollars per week, and good country board for from two fifty to three dollars. Labor of all kinds is in demand or^ account of the very consid- erable immigration now coming in, and it is believed that prices of labor will rule higher the coming season than heretofore, I shall not attempt to give the wages of the dififerent mechan- ical occupations, as they fluctuate constantly as the supply and. de- mand deminislies and increases. RENT OF LAND. Land is rented here usually for grain rent, and one third of the grain raised is the usual rate. Some owners of farms demand a certain number of bushels per acre as rent, usually fifteen bushels of corn. Persons who desire to rent farms must come in the fall, as long before spring the demand is so great that the season's engage- meitts are all made. ARCHITECT, Prepares on the most reasonable terms and sends to all portions of the country SKETCHES, DESIGNS, ELEVATIONS, SECTIONS, PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACTS, Isometrical Projections, Prospective Views, Details, Working Drawings, and General Drafts, promptly furnished. Special attention given to designs for School Houses, Court House and Public Buildings. Also, Drawings for Store Fittings, Decorations, Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries, Monuments, Etc., Office, N9. 75 Edmond St., ST. JOSEPH, MO. HOLT COUNTY. 33 ROADS. Holt County has neither McAdamized or Fhxnk Kouds, and perhaps in no countr}^ in the world are the}' less needed. The un- der drainage is so nearly perlect that the roads at almost every season of the year, are good. Nothing bat frost will ever produce mud. I have seen the roads dry everywhere, after a three days' rain, on the second fair day. We only need to have our roads graded to make them tie most perfect natural roads in the world. Our roads during the late civil war were stidly neglected, bridges became out of repair, and deep gullies were washed in almost every hillside ; but since the advent of peace they have been gradually repaired, until they are in fair condition. We have good material for McAdamizing wherever the travel will warrant it. There is at the foot of the Missouri blulfs at many points, a layer of excellent coarse gravel which is well adapted for all road purposes ; while we have an abundance of stone easily broken when ilrst taken from the quarry, but which become hard, after exposure ; and makes a most excellent roail bed. We have no mirey sloughs such as are found in many parts of the West, and which during the Spring months make travel a terror to the traveler. Our spring branches may in their floods cut out deep gullies in our friable soil, but never get mirey, HOLT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. During the past j^ear an Agricultural and Mechanical Society has been organized, and last Fall held their first Fair, at their Grounds near Oregon. The Exhibition was a success, and the Societ}' became permanently established. They own line Grounds, and during the present season expect to erect good and permanent Elxhibition i:ialls. This is a joint stock Association, and the ma- jority of our best and. most substantial Farmers are among its DRY GOODS AT MOUND CITY. GLENN & GLENN, At Mound City, have a full stock of every thing usually found in a General Dry Goods and Variety Store. 'a' Terms as low as the lowest. Produce exchanged for goods. 34 HOLT COUXTY. Stockholders. J. G. Cowan, Esq., is the President, and is one of our best Farmers, has done much for our Couuty, in the matter of stock importation. He is the owner of a line herd of improved cat- tle, among wliich are some of the best thorough bred stock from the most celebrated Kentucky and Illinois herds. The Secretary of the Society is C. W. Bowman, Esq., of Oregon ; and the Treasurer W. A. Mackoy, Esq., of the same place. WAMTS OF HOLT COUf^TY. , IL is not claimed^ for Holt County that it has no disadvantages. It must be remembered that even Eden possessed a forbidden tree, and that the Serpent found an entrance. How then can we expect to find a country since Adam's expulsion from Paradise, that is perfect? The North-eastern portions of this County are to a consider- able extent, destitute of timber. In some places, lire wood will have to be hauled seven or eight miles, to supply any considerable de- mand. Fortunately those portions of the (Jounty destitute of timber are not distant from the coal mines of Nodaway County, and must eventuallj' be supplied with fuel from these Fencing material, of course, in the section referred to, is scarce, and the lack must be supplied l>iy hedges. Fortunately we have the Osage Orange, which with proper care is all that could be desired We liave several thousand acres of uncultivated lands that want men to buy and im- prove them. We have 3Iill Sites that are unoccupied on all our streams that want improvements to be made upon them. We have Farmers who are attempting to cultivate three acres where they have only capa(nly for the proper cultivation of one. We want men to buy them out, and divide these plantations into smaller and more manaueable farms. IlOL'f COUNTY. 35 We have no need of Doctors or Lawyers ; already those pro- fessions are over crowded, yet men of real al)ility could succeed here, as they can anywhere. We have good Physicians, however, and a health}' country, while onr Attorneys are up to the standard. We need especially more Flouring ^lills. Now a considerable por- tion of our breadstntfs must be brought in from other Stales. We raise an abundance of grain, which is shipped to distant markets, worked up, and shipped back t(\ us. T4iis expensive operation should be discontinued, and must be, at no distant day. We need a manufactory of Agricultural Implements. Every Plow, KoUer, Corn I lanter, or Reaper, used in the County, is now brought from distant States. But, it will be asked, will it pay to manufacture in Holt County? Page County, Iowa, is nearly destitute of timber, has no Railroad facilities or river transportation, and with no greater population than ours. Agricultural Implements are manufactured there, and it is found to pay. Holt County has an abundance of excellent white, burr and chinque-pin oak, excellentl}'^ well adapted to the manufacture of Agricultural iVIachinery. We have a Rail- road and river to bring to us the iron and steel, and to convey to distant markets our manufactured articles. I can see no good reason why money could not be made by an Agricultural Imple- ment manufactory located here. We need Brick makers. At quite a number of points in the Count}-, Brick Yards would pay. We need, in short, earnest, honest, industrious men in all the av- ocations of life ; men who are not afraid of work ; men who will take hold of the plow and not look back ; men who will swing the axe and use the spade, without fear that by so doing the}- will soil their hands or degrade their manhood. We want true men, true women ; men and women of generous impulses, noble aspirations.. For all Why is St, Joseph the best Wagon market in the United' States ? Because ! AUSTIN, TOMLINSOH &; WEBSTER, Cor. Sixth and Locust Street, . - . St. Joseph, Mo. Ten yoars since establislied an Agency for the sale of the Cciehratcd.iarKsnn Wacon. They make wagons a speciality and have ample capital which anable.s iliem to accumulate and thorouglily season their lumher; while it is a well estal)lished fact that tlie neighborhooti of Jackson, Micliitjan — where their manufactory is situated— furnishes the best material for wagons of any portion af the country. These, witli their other facilities, have enabled tliem twice to reduce the price of wagons during the past ten years, conseiiuently every man on the frontier who has had tf> purchase a wagon has been directly benefitted. During the past I'i months they have added ijlu worth of improvements to every wagon they sell which is the equivalent of a reduction in prices to that amonnt. The Jackson Wagon is now of better proportion, lighter, draft and better ma- terial than any other in the market. The work and material in eacli wagon is fully warranted. We can ami do sell at prices which will allow competitors no proflits. Farmerslook to your interests. Buy a Jackson Wagon and thereby save money. They are prepared to fill all orders at wholesale or retail. Address AUSTIN, TOMLINSON & WEBSTER, Or, B. F. LATHROP, Agent, St. Joseph, Mo. 36 HOLT COUNTY. such, Holt County has a welcome. Here, men are respected for their intrinsic worth, more than for any of the circumstances of bii'th or position. W^e have no need of Dandies or professional Loafers. We have no need of more Saloon keepers, no need of men who seek to live iiy their wits. Ouis is an industrious people ; they earn what tl'ey consume, and have no alHnity for Loafers. Of course we have Loafers, but as few, 1 ventnre to assert, as has any other country of the same population in the world. Skillful workmen of every mechanical occupation, are needed. They can earn good livings here, and if economical and industrious, may soon secure for themselves homes among us. HOW TO GET HERE. Those w"ho live in the States directly East will have the choice of three routes, in immigrating to Missouri. From the Southern portions of (Jhio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, the best route is via St. Louis, and the JS^orth Missouri Railroad to 3Jacon City; thence by the Hannibal & St Joseph Eailroad to St. Joseph ; there close connection is made with the St. Joseph & Council Blurts iiail- road, which runs through Holt County. From the Northern and Eastern States, there are two routes open, one via Chicago, and thence over the (\ B. & Q. Railroad to Hannibal, and over the Han. & St. Josepli Railroad to St. Joseph. Or, via the Great Western Railroad to Quiney, thence over the Htmuibal & St. Joseph Rail- road to St. Joseph. From Iowa, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, the route will be over the North-western Jioad to Council Blurts, thence over the Council Bluffs Railroad to any of the Stations in Holt County. The Railroads referred to are all first class, and make close connections. The fare to St. Soseph from any point East can be ascertained at any Railroad Station ; and from St. Joseph to Forest City in Holt County, it is but one dollar and fifty cents. J. ]^OEL, PHYSICIAN, COMING.HOLTCOmMO. WM. HA',VKINS, Confectionery, Toys, Oakes, Pies, Cheese, Crackers, &c., South side Public Square, OREGON, - MISSOURI, STRANGER STOP AND READ I The celebrated Bain Wagon, For sale at E. B.i^IISr'S "V^J^OOiN" IDEr^OT, SIXTH STREET, ST. JOSEPH, MO. "Written. "Wa-ri'antoes Oi-veii. lf.iVCXOR,V, liKlVOSH^. "WIS. S. K,l±.Y]SrOL.i:)S», .^^.gexit. HOLT COUNTY. 37 AN INVITATION. Holt County extends to the Immigrant a most cordial wel- come. Honest men in whatever position in life will lind themselves received with cordiality and kindness. We want new comers, and reject no man who is willing to do his part in the work of settling up this, a comparatively new country. Men who have good homes and established business connections elsewhere, are not advised to sever those connections for the sake of establishing new connections here. But all who are designing to Emmigrate are invited to visit Holt County before settling. Let them come and stay long enough to post themselves thoroughl}' in regard to our soil, and the advan- tages we possess, and in nine cases out of ten they will cast their lot among us. Fortunes cannot be made in Holt Count^^ without labor or cap- ital. Men who do work, or who will make ordinaril}^ judicious in- vestments of their capital, will find no difficulty in making money. Our County has increased in population about one hundred per cent during tlie past two years, and the increase will doubtless be equal or greater, during the next two years. Lands will increase in value in the same ratio. Men who buy ten dollar lauds this Spring may confidently rely on an appreciation to fifteen or twenty during the next two years. Town property in almost any of our towns will probably in- crease in the same ratio M'ith farming lands. We have no town in Holt County to-day that is not behind the country, i. e. the County is populous enough to support double the population now in each of the towns of the County. To the Vineyardist and Fruit Grower, we have this to say : You can find no section of Missouri where fruit — except Peaches — is so sure a crop, and where prices average so high. The market J. R. AVILLIS. P. M. WILLIS. Dealers in Grain k Agricultural Implements Corn Exchange Building, Mcssanie, bet. 7tli & 8th.. ST. JOSEPH, MO. Agents for the Rock Island Plow; the Champion Reaper and Mower; the Tor- nado Thresher ; Also, for the World and Ohio Reapers aud Mowers. VVe keep on hand Planters, Shelters, &c. MILLINERY AND MILLINERY GOODS. MRS. J. CURRY, - - OREGON, MO. A select and fashionable stock constantly on hand. First door South of Sentinel Office. 38 HOLT COUNTY. is not declining, but is and will continue to grow better each j^ear, as the rich prairies of Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska become settled. To the Farmer, we offer rich soil, good markets, and every ad- vantage he could expect to find in a new country, with many of the advantages of older countries. To all classes we offer a cordial and hearty welcome. Come and look for yourselves, is all we ask. ^ > ^ » ^ A New Paper. — Since putting the first pages of this pamphlet to press, another newspaper has been established at Forest City? under the editorial management of its publisher, Mr. Thos. II, Frame. Mr. Frame will publish a first class paper, under the title of th "Holt County Journal." It will be Democratic in politics. Mr. Frame is an old newspaper manager and will without doubt make his Journal a success. He promises to devote a great deal of his space to the local interests of the county. This enterprise will be of great value to Forest City as well as to the county at large, and we bespeak for him a liberal patronage. An Omisson. — In the advertisement of Messrs, Bender & Mar- kle, in another portion of this pamphlet, the locution of the firm was omitted. They will be found on Felix Street, opposite the St. Joseph Daily Union Office, St. Joseph, Mo. j^ CHi^i^a-E oip ifii^^im:. Since this pamphlet has been in press a change has occurred in the proprietorship of THE HOLT COUNTY SENTINEL. A. N. KULY, is now sole Editor and Proprietor. The Sentinel will continue as heretofore an exponent of sound Radical doctrines. Mr. Ruly intends devoting especial attention to the local inter- ests of Holt County. HOLT COUNTY. 39 HOLT COUNTY OFFICIAL DIRECTORY. JOHN H. GLENN, Representative. ALBERT ROECKER, Sheriff, Oregon, Mo. E. L. ALLEN, Circuit Clerk, Oregon, Mo. W. B. DAVIS, County Clerk, Oregon, Mo. M. LAHMER, County Judge. GEO. P. SKEELS, " " GEO. McINTYRE, " WM. BASKINS, County Treasurer, J. J. INGRAHAM, County Assessor. JASON MARSHAL, County Surveyor. S. BLANCHARD, School Superintendent. FRANK M. DAVIS, Eoad Commissioner. T, C. DUNGAN, County Attorney. The Circuit Clerk is Ex-Officio Recorder. We have no Probate Court, that business being in the hands of the County Court. DISTRICT OFFICERS. JOEL F. ASPER, 'Member of Congress, Chillicothe, Mo. I. C. PARKER, Circuit Judge, St. Joseph, Mo. B. K. DAVIS, District Attorney, Maryville, Mo. M. G. ROSEBERY, State Senator, Maryville, Mo. SAINT JOSEPH HERALD, PUBLISHED BY WILKINSON & POSEGATE. OLDEST PAPER IN NORTH-WEST MO. True to Liberty, Loyalty, Humanity and the Spirit of Progress. TERMS.— Weekly, per year, $1 50. Daily, per year, 9 00. 40 HOLT COUNTY. TO THE PUBLIC. The author desires to say to the citizens of North-west Missouri that he has determined — encouraged by the success he has met in his "Description of Holt County" — to continue the work until he shall have described in the same manner each of the Counties of the Platte Purchase. His aim in this Pamphlet has been Accuracy. No attempt at fine writing has been made. My design has been to give an answer to CA'ery question an Emmigrant might desire to ask, and to answer each question so accurately that it could not be ob- jected to, should the Emmigrant become a citizen of the Count}'. I shall endeavor to do the same work with the same degree of faithfulness and accuracy for each of the Counties of the Platte Purchase. My next Pamphlet will be for Andrew Count}-, and will consist of a Pamphlet uniform with this, of not less than fortj^ pages, and I will print at least twenty-five hundred copies. These copies will be circulated among my advertisers, and among the people of that County. This will be a better medium for advertising in Andrew Count}' for a single edition, than any other that now exists. I shall have for sale copies of each of my Pamphlets, which I will mail to any address, on receipt of twenty cents. Or will furnish ten or more copies to one address for fifteen cents each. Persons desiring to insert advertisements, will address for terms : A. M. SWAN, Oregon, Holt County, Mo. N. B. — ^ly Andrew County "Work will commence immediately. A. M. S. T. I. KREEK & CO., GENERAL DRY GOODS Clothing, Groceries, Clocks, Queensware, BOOTS, SSIOES, ETO., .^T LO>T EST C^SH I^U^IOES- ^P" All kinds of Country Produce bought at highest market rates. Fair deal, good wares, and good treatment is our motto. South side Public Square, OREGON, MO. PATRONIZE YOUR COUNTY PAPER! olt bounty lournaL PUBLISHED AT THOS. H. FRAME & BRO., Editors and Proprietors. TEEMS, $2 00 PER YEAR, IN ADVANCE. The Journal is a firm and eonsistaut Democratic organ, endeav- oring at all times to guard the liberties of the people against schem- ing and unprincipled demagogues. It will work vigorously for tke growth and prosperity of the county and will be literally a county paper. DAVIESS COUNTY TORCHLIGHT^ GALLATIN, MO. THOS. H. FRAME & BRO., Editors and Proprietors. Terms — $1 50 a year, in advance. Advertising at reasonable rates. -CHEAP LANDS FOR SALE BY T. C. DUNGAN. d I T. C. DUNGAN, REAL ESTATE AGENT ■n H -< H I : o -AND ; c > !o lo UJ QC |0 C5 ;=} d I- HAVING COMPLETED A FULL SET OF PLATS AND 2 MAPS OF HOLT COUNTY ; ALSO, ABSTRACTS !r" OF TITLES, MY FACH^ITIES FOR TRANS- i}l ACTING REAL ESTATE BUSINESS i5 ARE UNSURPASSED. coisr"V"E"^.A.isrc eie^, OREGfON, HOLT COUNTY, MISSOURI. K MY LISTS OF LAND FOR SALE EMBRACE SEVERAL I J =) _ ._ _ 1=0 O o FINE IMPROVED FARMS, $ ,^ AS WELL AS MANY OF THE MOST DESIRABLE 1 1 TRACTS OF LANDS IN THE COUNTY. jP My abstracts are the only ones in the County, therefore my j q facilities lor furnishing information in relation to Holt County ; ^ Q lands are better than any other person's. < \CC aS"I devote special attention to the payment of TAXES, i-edeeming _, j < lands sold for taxes, &c. I ^ UJ Information furnished to persons desiring to immigrate. c i HiC^^L. KST^V'riG BOUOH.T ^Nl> SOLD. ^ '— Oi I T. o. 3DXj:isra--^n^T, ■ 5 ATTORNEY AT LAW, NOTARY PUBllC I- < OREGON, HOLT COUNTY, MO., cc p D C OFFICE, :]Sr01^TH«1131£ P*UUL1C!SQXJ^R.E:. I 2 o > Collecting attended to at liberal rates, and remittances promptly made. BUY LANDS AND MAKE YOURSELF A HOME. 1lt» iSd "^ "^ Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process, o f^ ^' Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide « ^p Treatment Date: AUG 1998 PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LP. 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 o « o , .^^ ^ .^' x..^-^ ST. AUGUSTINE y <^^ o ° " <= « '^^^^ n"^ . ^ '» ^ 'Vj A'' e o « « ^S^ FLA. ,^ .^N ^v "^^rt^'o "^ <. *M.il^^^ ' -V *