Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 March 1908 — Letter From John Stewart. [ARTICLE]

Letter From John Stewart.

i , *" Burk** So. Dak. Well, boys, it is quite a trip to South Dakota. We started, from Rensselaer, on Friday eve, Feb. 28, and landed in Burke at noon the following Wednesday. I had a little oil stove and had hot coffee at all hours. In lowa, one of our horses broke its

halter rope and I took the first I could get, which was the rope off the dog; when I looked around from tying the horse, I saw the dog’s tail just going out the door, so I lofet my dog. When we arrived in Burke on the 4th Inst there was a thick fog and a damp wind; we could not see over ten rods ahead of us but the neighbors were very klqd. They came with their wagons and took all our goods at one time. The first to load was a Mr. Richardson, who took my stove, and when I came there was a good fire in the house; the fog wound up with a light flurry of snow and the next night it was down to zero weather. But the alf l§ light and it was a very still morning, and tie sun shining very bright, so we did not know it was cold until Mr. Hayes came over and told us. This is a great place "Tor cattle; they appear to winter well on the salt grass and Buffalo, with sod sheds for shelter. Some hogs make their lviinng on buffalo grass altogether, but I can not say that they look well.

Corn shelled if 57c per bushel at Burke, oats 48c, was 44c; hay is $2.50 per ton. I have been to three public sales. Cows sell for about the same here as in Jasper county, from $ SSO. Horses are much higher. Any kind of a team will bring S4OO and some good ones SSOO. Oats at the sales bring from 60 to 62c per bushel on time, and wheat for seed will bring $1.30 per bushel and implements sell as high at sales as new ones in town. Mr. Hayes and I made a mistake when we did not bring five horses each. At the present time I must, say that I like the country and the class of people. Groceries are about the same in price as in Rensselaer, except soft coal is from $6.50 to $9.50. Kerosene is 17c per gallon, salt $1.75 per barrel. To rent a house in these little towns is almost out of the question. To rent a one room shack will cost $lO to $25 per month. They tell me there will be lots of work building, in Gregory, this summer. Now, boys, I’ve told you all I know without telling lies; you will hear from me again in three or four weeks. Very respectfully, JNO. STEWART,