Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1903 — SOUTH DAKOTA LETTER. [ARTICLE]

SOUTH DAKOTA LETTER.

Armour, S. D , Feb. 7, 1903. F. E. Babcock, Rensselaer, hid. Dear Friend;—! take this opportunity to let you know how we are getting along, as Lpiomised you iliat 1 would keep you posted. We are all well and happy. Our corn was not as good this year as we would have liked on account of the early frost, but we believe it average with the corn 111 other states. Our small grain was excellent could not ask for belter. Stock of all kinds are doing very fine and I believe that we can make more money in this country on the same amount of capital invested, than we can in Indiana. We have had a bad, cold winter. In fact, the old settlers here tell me that this is the coldest and most disagreeable winter weather that they have had in the past twenty years. 1 have had some information front Rensselaer, ai.'l they tell me that Reed is going to sell out m S. 1). and return to lnd. I can say to you that this is absolutely false. 1 have never had any thing of the kind entei my head. Instead of selling out 1 intend to buy more land. If everything goes right with me 1 shall purchase another quarter section adjoining the 480 acres that 1 now own. My land is worth much more than I paid for it, and 1 could sell out any day and make a nice round sum. I believe that any man with moderate means can get along and make much more money here than he could in the east. We have a nice class of people here and practically all of the advantages that you have there. Plenty of churches, good schools and healthy climate. I can recommend this country, and I have now spent a year here and know about what it is. Would beglad to hear from you at any time, and would be pleased to give you any information that you may call for. Yours respectfully,

J. J. REED.