Jan 1, 1887, V1 No2, Yuma Pioneer, Yuma Co. Colorado http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/yuma/newspapers/yp1877jan01.txt Reprint donated by the Yuma Museum Jul 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------- YUMA PIONEER VOL 1. YUMA, COLO., SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 1887 NO. 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- EASTERN COLORADO, AND WELD COUNTY! A Short Description Of The Country People and Business Men. To eastern people, who have but a meager conception of this grand, magnificent and unparalleled agricultural belt, this issue is respectfully dedicated. In tracing these lines no subterfuge, misrepresentation or exaggeration shall be brought into play for the purpose of deceiving the credulous or imposing upon the thousands of "home seekers" who are daily making anxious and earnest inquiry regarding title country. Cold, plain, unvarnished facts, free from the slightest color of falsity are only required in an article descriptive of the marvelous upper Republican Valley country. Nothing whatever could be gained by a resort to exaggerated word paintings. Though the Pioneer was three- fold its present size, the facts, as they actually and absolutely exist, regarding the broad expanse of fertile acres which lie contiguous to charming Yuma, the Queen City of the Valley, could not half be told. WELD COUNTY comprises a territory seventy miles in width and one hundred and fifty miles in length, and is situated in the first tier of counties west of the state line of Nebraska. The B. & M. R. R. runs through the county from east to west following the Yuma Valley, thereby affording splendid market facilities and vouchsafing the rapid transit of all the products of the country, which are designed for exportation to the great commercial marts of the world. While the subject of markets is being treated, it will be well for the reader to be cognizant of the fact that this country enjoys the privileges of a splendid western market as well as those afforded by the eastern markets of New York and Chicago. Denver being the great supply depot of the mining districts of Colorado, including a considerable portion of the territories of Utah and Montana, and as we are in direct railway communication with this great central mart, we are enabled to unload our surplus products at prices which are never low, but often "fancy." UNEQUALED FERTILITY OF SOIL would be a proper and truthful expression of the actual condition of the soil of Weld county. It is a dark, rich, vegetable loam, practically inexhaustible and a depth which is truly marvelous In many instances soil which has been taken from wells at a depth of one hundred and fifty feet has boon put to the test of fertility with results which would be rejected as incredible Were It not for the unmistakable verification of a demonstrative test. That this grand country, dotted here and there with the substantial tokens of civilization, brought under subjection by the important factors of man's incomprehensible power and made to blossom with the wealth of agricultural products, was at one time in the ages past the bed of some mighty ocean, there can be no doubt. As evidence of this, the writer would call attention to the deposits of oyster and various marine shells now to be found upon the loftiest peaks of the Rocky Mountain ranges. The whole range of country from the "snow-capped Rockies" to the turbulent waters of the Missouri river is composed of ocean sediment, deposit accumulated during the cretaceous age, making a rich soil of over one hundred feet deep. One of the interesting features of this country, and one which is attracting the attention of the world’s greatest scientists, is the fossil remains of prehistoric man (giants), found, together with that of the mastodon, which have been exhumed and are now on exhibition in the city of Denver. What ages must have intervened since these mammoth specimens of the brute creation roamed at will over these vast plains. THE FARM PRODUCTS of this country consist of corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley and brush. Corn is king and leads all other products, giving to the "horny-handed sons of toil" a splendid remuneration for labor expended in growing it. It is a fact, that numerous fields of sod-corn in this county yielded forty bushels per acre last year. Brush or broom-corn is very profitably grown here, the prices for this commodity, when prepared for market, ranging from seventy-five to one hundred dollars per ton. Vegetables are grown abundantly and with marvelous prolificness, the "Irish lemon" being particularly adapted to this soil. Quite a number of the farmers have turned their attention to the cultivation of tame grasses and with wonderful success. Clover, Timothy and Kentucky blue grass are varieties which have been tested, and the gratifying result leads the writer into the belief that the day is indeed close at hand when this whale country will abound with luxurious meadows carpeted with these valuable grasses. The succulent blue-stem is fast superseding the native buffalo grass, and affords a supply which usually meets the demands of home consumption. FRUIT CULTURE which is generally overlooked by the pioneer class, is at last receiving the recognition which it so justly deserves. Fruit is necessary to the proper preservation of good health, besides affording a princely revenue to the producer. That fruit of such varieties as is grown in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio can be successfully and profitably propagated here there can be no question. The same conditions which crown fruit culture with success and profit in those states are found here. Furthermore, our climate is much dryer and freer from dampness, conditions which will be recognized as affording protection to orchards daring severe cold snaps, which frequently occur late in the spring months and invariably accompanied by blighting and destructive frosts. CHEAP FUEL The question of fuel and its cheapness is of paramount importance and deeply interests all who contemplate settling in this prairie country. In this particular, Weld county is blessed, as its surface is beautified with many acres of a native timber of the ash, elm, box- elder, hackberry, cottonwood and other varieties. The extensive coal fields of the west with which we have direct railway communication, furnish us coal at very reasonable figures, and the very best of anthracite at that. SCHOOL, CHURCH AND SOCIETY Privileges are in keeping with the rapid strides which have been made in the development of this country in the past five years. Colorado ranks second to none in the Union in educational matters. Ninety-seven out of every hundred of her population can read and write, and reader, you can rest assured that Weld county is proud of that record and will see to it that the per cent of knowledge never lessens at least in the area which falls under her jurisdiction. Ample schools may be found all over, so that those coming here from the east sacrifice none of the rich blessings which accrue to communities by the higher privileges of culture and education. Religious advantages are vouchsafed and the various branches of the "mother church" have a liberal following. The social strata of society represents an excellency that is marked and commendable. Have no fear, dear reader, but what yon will find in this county a populace composed of the better elements of society; a people who revere the highest excellency of pure morals and represent every moral virtue which is worthy of emulation. IN CONCLUDING our general remarks and before we pass to a review of superb YUMA, the QUEEN CITY of Weld county, we desire to note in retrospect a sweeping review of this agricultural Eden. The reader is respectfully requested to follow us closely in this retrospect in order that none of the numerous privileges are overlooked. Our lands are not only rich, fertile and productive, but they are, furthermore, "dirt cheap." Wild and unimproved lands are quoted at figures ranging from three to ten dollars per acre, while farms under a high state of cultivation and well improved may be purchased at from eight to twenty dollars per acre. Reader, are you not aware that each year places an increased valuation on these Lands, which will soon place them far beyond the reach of the man who is even in fair financial circumstances. The writer knows whereof he speaks when he makes the statement that land which is selling in this locality to-day at five dollars an acre will, ere another year, enhance its value fifty per cent. The marked increase in the price of lands during the past year is more than corroborative proof of this statement. This country, besides being a pre-eminent agricultural belt, affords the highest possible advantages for profitable stock culture. Long summers, short, mild winters and an extended range, luxurious with nutritious and succulent grasses, are the prime factors in the successful and profitable manipulation of stock. In educational, religious and social benefits we are well advanced, in point of location we are peculiarly favored. Situated between the Platte and Republican rivers, we are in a position to enjoy all the benefits of rain storms; which large bodies of Water naturally attract. In close proximity, so to speak, of the splendid markets of Denver and a band of steel bringing us in close communion with eastern markets, our position is indeed enviable. Our climate is a glorious inspiration—an outpouring from the storehouse of Nature’s richest gifts. A genial, invigorating, life- promoting clime, with its wealth of pure air, a never-failing panacea for all pulmonary ailments; its redundancy of sunny days; its cool and refreshing zephyrs, which ever and anon sweep across our boundless prairies, freighted with the fragrance of floral contribution, and fanning into renewed life and energy all nature that is touched with its magnetic influences. Glorious, dazzling and bewitching sunrises: a sublimity, grandeur and scenic splendor of sun-setting which no language can adequately describe. Poor sufferer from the cruel pangs of rheumatism and the odiousness of obnoxious and disgusting catarrh, here is a climate which will effectually and permanently cure you. PURE, SWEET AND WHOLESOME WATER is found in every nook of Weld county, and is obtained at a depth of from sixteen to thirty feet in the valleys. On the high uplands the wells are deeper, having an average depth of one hundred and fifty feet. Water never fails here, but at all times furnishes an abundant supply. It is wholly free from unhealthy properties, such as alkali and limestone deposits. A fine building stone is found in various portions of the county, which lies near the surface and is obtainable without any costly or laborious quarrying. We are here to stay and have something at stake which we cannot afford to sacrifice. Those coming to Yuma will find us here, ready and willing to make good the statements in this issue. Now, reader, if you have under contemplation a tour of this country it will be well for you to decide on some definite plan of action before you depart from your eastern home. Make up your mind just what you want prior to waving a "good-bye to wife and babies" and boarding the train. If you want a choice piece of land and a desirable home you can be suited right here. No need to trudge all over the country, spending your money and wearing out your life traveling here, there and everywhere. If good land and fine soil is your boon you can find both essentials in this county. There is no question but that hundreds of "land hunters" lose more money and miss better opportunities racing around over the country than they could possibly do by coming to a halt at once and immediately securing land when they reach their destination. Do not imagine all land agents are sharks, who have no object in view but to fleece the unwary and impose on the credulous. Land agencies are a benefit to the purchaser, as they enable him to secure tract, of land without spending time and money to hunt up such as he may desire. Our agents are engaged in a legitimate business and are well established here, working mutually for the benefit of seller and buyer, They solicit correspondence, and will cheerfully send, without any cost, samples of grain or other products of this country on application. The names of Yuma land agents can be found elsewhere in these columns, all of whom the PIONEER is ready to recommend to those who may call upon them to transact business. =================== Questions Answered. What is deeded land selling for? From five to twelve and a half dollars per acre, depends on improvements and location. What can claims be had for? Tree claims from $300 to $1000 per quarter section. What are the most profitable crops grown in Weld county? Corn, Oats, Wheat, Rye, Barley and Broom corn. Does tame grass do well? Yes, we can show some as fine fields of Clover and Timothy as you ever saw. Have you much land for sale? Yes, and in tracts from 40 to 2500 acres. Have you any tracts suitable for stock ranches? You bet, stock farms of 320 or 2000 acres each, with plenty of timber, running water and stone. How deep do you have to go for water? In the valleys from 14 to 35 feet: on the high divides from 60 to 200 feet. What is the soil and subsoil? We have no subsoil; the soil is a sediment of sea deposit and no man has ever fathomed the depth of the soil. Composed of decomposed sea shell, sea weed, magnesia and black vegetable mould inter-mixed for more than 100 feet. What of the water? Pure and soft. Have you alkali? No, you will have to go farther west or to Dakota for that luxury. What is the price of breaking new land? From $1.50 to $2.00 per acre and a good team will break from two to three acres per day and it will grow from 25 to 40 bushels of corn to the acre. Principally buffalo, but the large amount of rainfall the past few years is fast killing out the buffalo grass and blue stem is fast taking its place; hay is selling from $10 to $18 per ton. What are the taxes on 160 acres of land? About $10. Is your county in debt? No, and we have fine brick county buildings. What are cattle worth on foot? From three to four cents, Hogs four cents, Butter twenty-five cents, Potatoes sixty-five to one dollar cents per bushel, Corn forty-five cents, Oats twenty-five to thirty cents. Have you land agents in Yuma? Yes, plenty of them, thicker than black birds, and all of them honorable business men. What are your railroad facilities? We have the B. & M. which stands for Burlington and Missouri railroad, but it don't stop for the Missouri or any other stream. It has jumped the Mississippi at Burlington, Iowa, the Missouri at Plattsmouth, Neb., spread her branches all over Kansas and Nebraska, reached Denver, and is now on her way to China. It is a question whether the B. & M. will tunnel, bridge or jump the Pacific before blowing her whistle in Hong Kong. Is there any government land in the Yuma Valley? Yes, plenty of it and as nice land as ever laid out of doors subject to Pre-emption, Homestead and Timber culture entry. How far from the railroad can such land be found? From five to forty miles. Have you plenty of hotel accommodations? Yes, the Commercial and Avenue houses; both landlords pleasing and accommodating. The Yuma PIONEER Sent to any address for One dollar per year. =========================== Business Firms In Yuma, We shall attempt in this issue to give the reader some idea as to the size of YUMA and the different branches of business operated and by whom. In the centre of this page we present a cut of Yuma made from a photograph taken when the town was but three months old. The picture does not show the entire town as it was at that time, but shows the main street. Since the time when the photograph was taken, there has been several buildings erected including the 'Bank of Yuma,' a two story frame, and the ‘Commercial Hotel." a large frame structure erected by CAPT. WM. HARLOCKER, formerly of Hastings, Neb., at an expense of about five thousand dollars. It is now rented by MILL & BORLEY. A fine, large two story depot, tank and section house, stand to one side and were not taken with the rest of the town. OF HER BUSINESS MEN Yuma can well be proud. They are enterprising, and thorough westerners knowing how to build a town and do it successfully. Among them is the old pioneer I. N. FOSTER, who is still engaged in the general merchandise trade in the firm known as Huber & Co. They carry a full stock and are doing a good, comfortable business. BIRDSALL & MORTON, formerly of Hastings and Friend, Neb, the second parties to launch forth in business and now rank foremost in the general merchandise line. These gentlemen have enjoyed a large and paying trade since locating here and now do their full share of the business of the town. About the time that the above named firm started, F. WILMS of Arapahoe, Neb., also established himself here in the same line, and is now, conducting a branch store at Akron, about twenty-five miles west. WILCOX & FOWLER of McCook, a little later on, decided to follow suit and for several months engaged in the same line of business. Recently they sold to W. H. ROSCRANS who is conducting the business and enjoying his share of the trade along with the rest. FLYNN & SHEEDY about four months ago succeeded in purchasing the property and general stock then owned by Foster & Woods. They have realized a splendid cash trade and consider their investment a good one. LUMBER YARDS. In the lumber line we have two firms represented; that of W. C. Bullard & Co. of Culbertson, Neb., with E. U. Hampton as their resident manager, and the Frees & Hocknell Lumber Co., with T. B. Babcock as their manager. Both yards have done a good business, in fact better that they would desire to have known. The managers of both yards are fine business men and valuable acquisitions to our little city. A. F. MEYER is engaged in running the only hardware store in Yuma, and we fear too, that Alex. has fared too well. Mr. Meyer is formerly from Hastings, Neb. He carries a very complete line of hardware and some furniture. THE PIONEER DRUG STORE established by Shaw, Beach & Co., but is owned and controlled by C. M. Ashmore of McCook, Neb., who has since added to his stock, until now. Yuma has a drug store second to none in the west. A full line of goods usually carried in a drug store, is kept constantly on hand. LAVERTY & WARD were established where Yuma is now located when the writer first visited eastern Colorado, They are engaged in the livery business Which they carried on very extensively when people were coming to locate their claims at a very early date, and even before a side track was put in by the B. & M, They came in company with MACPHERSON & FRANCIS, genuine western men, who were then locating settlers in the Yuma Valley, and later on adjoining land around Yuma. These firms have done as much, if not more, for the settlement of the valley and the building up of Yuma than any other four men among us, or inhabiting the country for miles around. Of the wholesale and retail FLOUR, FEED AND GRAIN houses, we have the firms of Harvey Bros. and G. B. Summerville both old residents of the country. SHUCK & HEINEKE are engaged in running the Rocky Mountain Billiard hail and are recognized as among the first settlers. MR. FRITZGERALD is engaged in the restaurant business, and while here has succeeded in building up a good reputation and custom. Among our blacksmiths is the firm of Benge & Peck who were the first to locate among us, being on hand about, as soon as any one. Later on, A. J. MCKINNEY came in and located a homestead and engaged in the blacksmith trade in town during the day. THE YUMA HOTELS are conducted, the Commercial by Mill & Borley, and the Avenue House by W. H. Allen; both having good reputations abroad for the accommodating manner in which they treat their guests. BANK Bostwick & Yerkes are engaged in the banking business and as yet are without competition. We mentioned elsewhere in these columns, their building which was not yet erected when the photograph was taken. REAL ESTATE AGENTS, The Yuma real estate agents are a set of men that are well adapted to the business and of whom Yuma can well feel proud. They are all men of families who have located themselves here to make it their home. The oldest of them is the old reliable JOHN B. WESTCOTT about the first white man to locate in the Yuma Valley. W. H. Pershing and Chas. H. Madeley are also engaged in the same line of business and are well known to all the settlers of the valley. J. M. ABBOTT was the first to locate in Yams, in the law and contest business and is a man of a great deal of business experience and especially the practice of law in the west and had it not been for securing a home and a piece of land for himself and family he would not have settled among us, as he more properly belongs where his practice would amount to more. JOHN SMITH formerly of Holdrege, Nebraska, was the next to come and enjoys his share of the law and contest practice, and quite recently GRANVILLE PENDELTON has made his debut into the professional circles and will no doubt receive his share of the law practice including contests and buying and selling of relinquishments. =========================== We cannot attempt in this issue to give a complete review of the business men and tradesmen, as our time has been limited, but from what we have here given, the reader can come to some conclusion as to the QUEEN CITY of the Yuma Valley, and the nature of the business engaged in by her people. There ate still a great many branches of trade not yet represented and several that the people should enjoy the benefits of in the way of lively competition, and we dare say will, when spring opens and people begin to hustle around looking for new and better locations. In the spring, as soon as it is practicable, the erection of a five thousand dollar school house will be commenced, and the writer knows personally of several other buildings in the way of business rooms that will he built. The carpenter and mechanic out of employment would do well to come and look the ground over, and’ not hesitate until it is too late. --------------------------- The band made their first appearance on the streets Saturday evening, with credit. --------------------------- Miss. Jennie Shaw, of Omaha, Neb., is visiting friends in Yuma for a short time. =============================== (page 2) B. & M. Time Table for Yuma Passenger going East . . . . . . . 12:15 P M " " " . . . . . . . 1:52 A M " " West . . . . . . . 3:40 P M " " " . . . . . . . 1:25 A M Freight trains carry passengers every other day going west on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. =============================== U.S. Land Office, Denver J. M. Ellis . . . . . . . . Receiver F. J. Mott . . . . . . . . Register ==================================== Yuma Post Office Arrival and Departure of Mail Going East mail closes . . . 11:45 A M Going West . . . 9:10 P M Office open Sundays from 11:30 til 12:30 and 30 minutes directly after the arrival of the 3:45 train. F.C. Brobst, P.M. ======================================= Church Directory Presbyterian services every alternate Sabbath at 11 o'clock a.m. in the bank hall. Prayer meeting every alternate Sabbath at 11 o'clock a.m. Union Sunday School every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. ======================================= Official Directory U.S. Senator, H.M. Teller, Central. U.S. Senator, T.M. Brown, Del Norte. Representative, G.G. Symes, Denver. State Officers Governor, Alva Adams. Lt. Governor, Pete W. Breen. Secretary of State, Melvin Edwards. Treasurer, George R. Swallow. Sup't Public Instruction, L.S. Cornell. Auditor, H.A. Spruance. Att'y General, Theo. H. Thomas. Weld County Clerk, Jas. B. Phillips. Treasurer, Wm. H. Nice. Sheriff, J.C. Kendall. Judge, J.C. Scott, Assessor, H.L. Southerland. Surveyor, S.W. Cressy. Sup't Public Instruction, J.B. Cook. Commissioners, Arthur Hotchkiss, J.H. Scott, and N.R. Smith ======================================== Market Report Flour, per cwt . . . . . 2.00, 3.50, 2.80 and 3.40 Chop feed per cwt . . . . . . . . . 1.10 Bran per cwt . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Corn per bu . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Oats per bu . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Potatoes per bu . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Coffee, Arbuckles, 5 lbs . . . . . . 1.00 Sugar, granulated 11 lbs . . . . . . 1.00 " Ex C 12 lbs . . . . . . . 1.00 Salt per bbl . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.50 Butter per lb . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Eggs per doz . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Dry salt meet per lb . . . . . . . . 12˝ Breakfast bacon per lb . . . . . . . 12˝ Ham best sugar cured per lb . . . . 15 Dry Goods Standard prints 13 to 18 yds . . . . 1.00 " sheeting 10 to 12 yds . . . 1.00 " bleached cotton 10 to 12 yds . 1.00 Lumber and Coal Common boards, per 1000 ft . . . 23.00 Stock " . . . . . . . 28.00 Dimension " . . . . . . . 26.00 Siding " . . . 22.00 to 27.00 Shiplap " . . . . . . . 28.00 Flooring " . . . 28.00 to 40.00 Ceiling " . . . 22.00 to 35.00 Finish " . . . 40.00 to 55.00 Shingles " . . . 3.50 to 5.00 Lath " . . . . . . . 5.00 Building paper per lb . . . . . . 04 Lime per bbl . . . . . . . . . . . 2.25 Nails per cwt . . . . . . 4.00 to 5.00 Coal per ton . . . . . . . . . . . 6.65 ========================================= Legal Notices All Final Proof and Contest notices must be paid for in advance. This rule will be strictly enforced. The fee, in all cases, will be Five dollars. ----------------------------------------------- Land Office at Denver, Colo. Dec. 22, 1886. To Oswald Oliver and all whom it may concern. Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the Register or Receiver U.S. Land Office at Denver, Colo., on Feb. 10th, 1887; viz; William A. Gardner, D.S. No. 19317 for the N.E. 1/4 Sec. 21 T3N, in R48W of 6th PM. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of said land, viz; Wallace W. Foster, Frederick Delaforgue, Leonhard Schuck and Alexander I. Meyer, all of Yuma, Colo. F.J. Mott, Register. ==================================================== (Business Ads) Huber & Company P.F. Huber I.N. Foster Drygoods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes, Etc Hardware, Building Material Our Groceries are all fresh and stock complete. ----------------------------------------------- The Pioneer Drug Store C.M. Ashmore Prop'r Complete stock of Drugs, Medicines, Perfumeries, Toilet Articles, Paints, Oils, Glass, Etc. ------------------------------------------------ Livery and Feed Stable Laverty & Ward, Prop'rs Good Rigs and our Charges Reasonable ------------------------------------------------ Alexander F. Meyer Hardware Dealer Agricultural Implements ------------------------------------------------ Job Printing of Every Description Neatly executed at the Pioneer Office Work from abroad will receive our prompt and careful attention. ------------------------------------------------ Dr. L.N. Howard Physician and Surgeon Yuma Will be in Yuma every Wednesdays and Saturdays at Ashmore's Drug Store Residence 1˝ miles east of Hyde. ------------------------------------------------ Benge & Peck Blacksmiths All kinds of repairing and horse shoeing. ------------------------------------------------ Smith and Co. Attorneys at Law Land Agents and Surveyors Yuma Will locate in the Yuma and Arickaree vallies, contest claims, and attend to legal business. Have relinquishments on hand and timber claims for sale. ---------------------------------------------- C.H. Harvey S.E. Harvey Harvey Bros Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Flour, Feed and Bailed Hay McCook, Neb., and Yuma, Colo. --------------------------------------------- H. Bostwick, President J.E. Yerks, Cashier Bank of Yuma General banking business, Drafts good anywhere. Collections promptly made. Money to loan on real estate and chattel security. ----------------------------------------------- John M. Abbott, Attorney and Counselor at Law Contest Attorney, Relinquishments for sale Office opposite Flynn and Sheedy's Store. ----------------------------------------------- W. S. Pershng The Land Locator Will locate parties anywhere in the famous Yuma and Arickaree Valleys! ----------------------------------------------- W.C. Bullard and Co. Dealers in Lumber, Lime, Hair and Cement E.G. Hampton, Manager ----------------------------------------------- "Illinois" Contractor and Extravator of Post-holes, Cisterns and Cellars. ----------------------------------------------- ================================================================= All files are contributed for use by the USGenWeb Archves Project (http://www.usgwarchives.net/). USGenWeb Archives Project NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the internet, data may be used by non-commercial researchers, as long as the source and contributor name remains on all copied material. 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