Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 April 1900 — The Place for a Poor Mae. [ARTICLE]

The Place for a Poor Mae.

Alameda, N. W. T., Canada, Dec. 22, 1890. llr. B. Davies, Canadian Government Agent, St. Paul, Minn.: Dear Sir—As I promised you about two years ago that at some future time I would let you know what 1 thought of Western Canada and the chances of a poor man making a start and supporting a family at same time, so will write a few facts concerning my own experience the past twenty-one months, and what I have done any able-bodied man can do, provided he will work. I left Traverse country March 20, 1896, landed In Alameda at noon the 21st, with 83.55 In my pocket, a stranger and among strangers, and when my family came In October, 1898, my wife had nearly 810, or barely enough to pay freight on her stove, sewing machine and clothes and beds. I commenced work Marcff 28; also made entry for homestead same day (the man I started work for loaning me 815 to pay entrance fee), and I have earned, or at least received, 8478.10 in wages since then and have been idle at least two months of tbs twenty-one since 1 came., The homestead I took had 12 acres broke by a former occupant 1 paid 820 to have It repKTwed In July, ’OB, and the seed wheat for It cost me 88.25. I let It to a neighbor for half in elevator clear of all expense except the seed, and this fall 1 received 870.10 for my part of the crops off of the 12 acres, so my total receipts the past twenty-one months have been 8548.10 and my expenses, besides living for self and family, have been as follows: Entrance fee (85 being paid for cancellation) 815 00 Summer fallowing 12 acres.... 20 00 Seed for same 8 25 Cost of bousq, besides my own labor on same..... 75 85 Twenty acres of breaking and double discing same 00 00 8179 10 Uy half of wheat 870 10 Net expense on homestead,-..8109 00 We moved on our homestead July 10, 1889. Have 32 acres In good shape for crops in 1900. My wife joins me in sending best wishes to yon and yours. You can truly say to any poor man who pays a big rent to get a farm (somebody rise’s land), or works for wages to support a family, that 1 hare personally tried both in Minnesota and tried hard to make a success of it, but found to my sorrow that after working hard a poor living waa all I could get out of it, and after nearly two years •f Western Canadian life I will say that I am very thankful to yon for helping me to decide to try It in Canada. Yours respectfully, W. H. KINKADE.