The Davis City Advance, Davis City, Iowa
Thursday, January 7, l897

'DAVIS CITY and DECATUR COUNTY'

The Richest and Most Fertile Country on the Face of the Globe. The Creator Intended it as the Home of the Farmer, the Fruit Grower, and Stock Raiser.

'Tis the bread and meat basket of the world, and in the midst of all this is DAVIS CITY, located on the C.B. & Q. R.R.; through line to Kansas City.

It is the home of solid banking institutions, large general stores, the best of educational and religious facilities.

County unknown to crop failures.

An Iowa Editor visits our City and County and gives a Truthful Review of them, the country surrounding; and of our most enterprising citizens.

Written by: GEO. T. WILLIAMS

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'OBJECT'

In presenting this article to the public it is a writer's aim to give a plain and truthful statement of the advanctages of Davis City and Decatur County, located in the Southern part of one of the best States in the Union. Nothing will be exaggerated, and no attempt will be made to make the County and City appear better than what they really are. It is not the intention of the writer to go into all the details of the early settlement of Davis City and Decatur County for that is left to the historian.

'TRANSFORMATION'

The transformation, growth and development of this part of Iowa was the product of the omnipotent. But yesterday an unbounded wilderness -- a vast unknown expanse -- the abode of savagery the play ground of the bison -- the happy hunting ground of the Nomads of the plains, who reigned in peace secure.

'A LOGICAL VIEW'

The lands in Decatur County, improved, that can today be purchased at from $20.00 to $40.00 per acre, are just as valuable, so far as their intrinsic value is concerned and just as productive, and just as near to Churches, schools and markets, as those lands in eastern Iowa and Illinois that are today selling at from $75.00 to $l00.00 per acre. Why not make the change?

The trackless prairies and almost impenetrable timber covered vales have succumbed to the hand of civilization and progress, and farms, towns, school houses and churches occupy those waste places and mark the path of progress, enterprise, education, morality and financial prosperity.

'DECATUR COUNTY'

Is located in the extreme southern tier of counties half way between the eastern and western boundaries of the State. It comprises a territory 24 miles square and is divided into 16 townships.

'CROPS'

Corn is king and the average yield is 50 bushels per acre and of a very good quality. It never fails and planting is often done two weeks earlier than in northern Iowa and Illinois. Oats are superior to any grown in Illinois and Wisconsin and yield from 50 to 80 bushels per acre, and are sure crop and pay well. Wheat, rye and barley are also sure crops and are grown largely. Crops of all kinds this season were immense.

'STOCK'

Stock is the thing for the southern Iowa farmer. The qualities of the land, the climate and the water supply makes Southern Iowa a paradise for stock raisers. Cattle pastured on the rich and luxuriant tame grass of Decatur County during the summer are in prime condition for the market and come through the winter in good shape, when fed on timothy hay which grows and thrives so well in Decatur county. Who ever has been in Southern Iowa or Decatur County will tell you there is no better or healthier county for stock and every farmer raises hogs. Sheep are not common, but those who devoted themselves to raising them declare that it pays well.

'CLIMATE'

The climate is all that could be desired. The peculiar dryness of the air makes this section of Iowa one of the healthiest locations to be found in the United States. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant. The changes in the temperature are not so sudden as in the east. The summers are warm but not sultry, as there is generally a light breeze. The last five winters have been very mild. Fevers and consumption are almost unknown.

'THE SOIL'

The soil is one peculiar to the belt through which runs the Grand River. It differs from the soil usually found in the western part of the State, west of the water shed. In the west it belongs to what is known as the drift deposit. In this it closely resembles the loamy deposit in the valley of the Yazoo, famous the world over for its richness. The celebrated geologist, Owen, calls it "Silicous marl," and refers to its origin as an accumulation of sediment in an ancient lake which was afterwards drained.

'GRASSES'

Decatur is the banner timothy and clover county of the State, and an acre of ground will produce from two to three tons of the very finest timothy hay, and it is shipped in large quantities to eastern cities where it brings an advanced price. Clover also does well here and is largely grown.

'STREAMS'

The principal stream that courses its way through Decatur County is the Grand River, and with its numerous tributaries, affords a most excellent water and drainage system. In fact, there is hardly a section without a good creek, in the whole county. Clear cool and sparkling water can be obtained anywhere by digging to a depth of 15 to 30 feet.

'TIMBER'

Native timber is still plenty, and is used largely for fuel. Farmers who in past years have set out trees in the rich deep prairie portions of Decatur County, now have as fine groves as any person could wish for, and they will always stand as living monuments to those who planted and cared for them.

'FRUITS'

Apples, plums and all kind of small fruit grow, and produce large quantities in this county, and there is hardly a farmer but what can boast of a fine orchard. The apple crop this season was very large and a fine quality, and many hundred car loads have found their way to eastern and northern markets. But what about

'DAVIS CITY'

We think we hear some of our readers remark.

Davis City is situated, georgaphically, almost in the center of the county, and has a population of 800 people, and, as a rule, has an enterprising and go-a-head class of business men. It has kept pace with cities twice its size, and has never lost an opportunity to build up both the city and surrounding country. Everything points toward a prosperous year for Davis City, and if some enterprising capitalist would invest in manufacturing enterprises, they would soon have a permanent and paying business.

Davis City has all those natural advantages that go to make up a first class city, and her citizens are of an energetic, enterprising and hustling disposition, and with a determination to succeed they work in unity for the good of the public as well as self, aided very materially by an untiring and able press. Nature has been lavish in providing for this city and county, many valuable gifts.

To Be Continued . . . "THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS"

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
September 2, 2003