Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 January 1911 — A Mennonite Custom. [ARTICLE]

A Mennonite Custom.

When a young man reaches the marriageable age and shows those well kspvn symptoms the elders of the eburch hold a meeting. They decide If be Is bonest and reliable to buy him a farm, usually an eighty. Into the Cana he puts his savings, and then asembers of the congregation raise the rest of the funds to pay for the lids amount the young man must pay back with a small rate of interest. Thus by example and material assistance tbey bind him by the strongest bands, that of debtor to the church. They know full well that nothing can be lost, for the land la always worth what It will coat. After the young people are located on their farm the elders assist with advice and help. Db you wonder that this thrifty people are gradually buying the finest of aV Kansas land and the best part of 'the nicest little city within the borders of that great state?—Seneca Tri