Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1887 — JASPER COUNTY, [ARTICLE]

JASPER COUNTY,

As Described in the State Statistical Report. Many readers of The Republican will, doubtless, be interested in knowing what the last report of the State Bureau of Statistics has. to sayof Jasper county,, and we therefore quote from the v&lume” the following: JASPER COUNTS is in the extreme .northwestern part of the Stated' It is 120 miles northwest of Indianapolis, and GO miles southeast of Chicago. It Jias an area of 550 square miles, and a population in 1880 of 9,464, and it was estimated, in 1885, at 10,175. The soil in the northern part is swampy, it being a portion of the Kankakee country, the river bearing that name, being the northern boundary cf the county.

The southern part has gentle rolling surface, and is made up of fertile prairies. The county, when thoroughly drained, will make a iair agricultural region, but probably will always be better adapted for grazing. Stone is found which can be used in building. Bog iron ore is also found in a considerable area. It is easily reached, and will form a source of considerable wealth to the county. The county has four railroads traversing it, wtth a mileage of 52.01 miles. These roads place the county within easy reach of the Chicago markets. Considerable ditching has been done. There are in operation 32, 422 rods of drain tile. Taxable value of property, $2,944,471. Schools. —Jasper County has a total school population- of 3,534, with 99 school-houses, and gives employment to 107 teachers. The total number of pupils admitted to the schools in 1886 was 2,853; average attendance, 2,053, and average length of school term 106 days. The estimated value of school-houses and grounds is $53,975; of school apparatus, $1,715, making the total value of school property $55,690. %