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Vol. 4, No. 18.
Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, Friday April 29, 1904.
$1 Per Annum
THE COUNTRY WE LIVE IN
Some Facts About Newark and Vicinity.
[continued from last week]
There is also found in this region
in many places, brick clay of very
line quality. An excellent variety
of this clay exists in almost inex
haustible quantity almost within
the confines of Newark, only one
half mile away. There could cer
tainly be no better location for a
brick factory than Newark, at the
present time, as hundreds of thou
sands of brick are shipped here
from Little Rock, and the demand
for them is increasing year by
year. The price of improved land
in this region is only from $5 to
$15 per acre, unimproved from $3
to $10 per acre.
The clay soil is found chiefly in
the eastern portion of the county.
It comprises many thousands of
acres, commonly known among!
our own people as ‘'Flat Woods”
or second bottom lands. This soil
is gray and brown in color, with
considerable portions of it sandy.
The surface of this belt is level.
There are some of the tracts of
this region that are wet and mar
shy, but even in these marshy
tracts the soil possesses groat fer
tility, evidence of which are the
illustrious growth of trees and veg
etation.
These marshes only comprise a
small area of this clay land, the
greater part of which is susceptible
of a high state of cultivation. Ev
ery acre of this region can be easi
ly drained, either by open or un
derground ditches, while the great
er part of it needs no artificial
drainage.
The marshy portions of this area
are, when first plowed inclined to
be clammy, but after being prop
^ erly drained and exposed to the
air, the soil becomes loamy and is
easily tilled and cultivated.
The depth of this soil is usually
from 3 inches to 2i feet, it read
ily slacks when stirred by the plow
and exposed to air and sunshine.
Underlying this soil is a stratum j
of clay, gray in color, and almost j
impermeable to water, which ren
ders it susceptible to a high state
of fertilization. As formerly stated i
this region is level and when any
fertilizer is applied to this land, it;
cannot escape by cither washing,
away or sinking into the subsoil
below, as it is retained in the sur
face soil. From the existence of
these facts, the writer believes
that in the course of a generation
this will be the most valuable of
our lands, and that it will continue
to increase in value, as its fertility
is not diminished, but increased by
cultivation.
This land is more profitable
when planted to cotton or hay,
than corn, under present condi
tions. But when thoroughly
draine , and with little fertiliza
tion it will grow excellent crops of
corn.
Under present conditions the
yield of the different crops are
about as follows: Corn, 30 to 40
bushels per acre; cotton, 1‘200 to
1800 pounds per acre; wheat 10 to
25 bushels per acre; oats 15 to 40
bushels per acre; timothy 3 to 6
tons per acre.
In addition to these products,
this same region grows all other
varieties of grasses suited for hay
excepting alfalfa.
It is only a matter of a short
time when this land will be equal
ly as valuable as our sedimentary
lands, as it certainly contains all
the elements of nutrition necessary
to plant growth, as evidenced by
its vegetation.
This region now affords most
excellent grazing for stock, being
covered by a luxuriant growth of
grass which enables stock to live
without feed the year round.
This land can now be purchased
for $5 to £12 per acre.
The last of the above named
soils, or pure silt, is that found in
the valleys of our rivers and
creeks. There are many thous
ands of acres of this soil in the
eastern half of Independence coun
ty. It is the finely pulverized silt,
brought or washed down by the
water courses during the over
flows from the upper regions of
our country. The western and
northern regions of Arkansas are
very rich in mineral substances of
various kinds. Large areas of
this same region are covered by
limestone, and during the freshets
of all streams they bring down
immense quantities of sedimentary
matter from these regions, the set
tling of which in our valleys rend
ers them the most fertile in the
world.
The famous “Big Bottom” and
“Oil Trough” are in this region.
This is, perhaps, one of the most
remarkable bodies of land in the
world. It is 10 miles in width and
18 miles in length, and contains
our best agricultural land for all
purposes, though it is not much
better for the culture of cotton!
than our clay land which has al
ready been described.
The soil in this region is from 4
to 20 feet deep and usually rests
upon a stratum of sand or gravel,
in which is found water. The soil
is dark in color and contains every
element of nutrition necessary to
a luxuriant plant growth in this
latitude.
The region known ns “Big Bot-;
ton'’ and “Oil Trough’’ lie on op-i
posite sides of White River. The
former occupying the north side
and the latter the south side.
Newark is located on the north
boundary of Big Bottom, a part of
the city being laid out down in
the valley of same, while the resi
dent portion of the city is beauti
fully laid out on a high plateau, or
ridge, overlooking this famous
valley.
These valleys overflow, but such
an occurrence never prevents an
abundant crop, but only renders
the soil more fertile. Neither do
these freshets come each year, but
sometimes are delayed for 4 to 5
years. But they are a welcome
visitor to the farmer, as they in
sure the utmost fertility of this
soil for all time.
In addition to this famous valley
we have the valley of Black River
on the east of us which contains
thousands of acres of very rich
and fertile lands yet in a wild state
never having been improved for
cultivation. This land almost
equals the land of the White Riv
er valley in fertility, and can still
be purchased at a very cheap
price.
The yield of the different crops
on these lands are about as follows:
Corn, 40 to 90 bushels per acre;
cotton, two-thirds to one and one
fourth bale per acre; wheat, 15 to
40 bushels per acre; oats, 30 to 60
bushels per acre; turnips 200 to
400 bushels per acre; timothy and
clover, from 2 to 8 tons per acre.
Alfalfa finds a clime for its greatest
development in this land. Mead
ows of this plant are now flourish
ing in Big Bottom and have been
for ten years, yielding immense
crops of from six to ten tons per
acre each year.
This is one of the most profita
ble crops the farmer can grow, as
the rich alluvial soil of our bottom
lands will grow from four to six
crops of alfalfa each year with a
yield of from 5 to 10 tons of hay
during the season. This hay usu
ally sells in our local market at
harvest time at the price of $5 to
$6 per ton. What is there that is
more frotitable than growing alf
alfa, when you can invest your
money in land that will pay for
itself in two or three years after
paying all expenses for cutting
and hauling to market?
This land can be bought for
from §12 to §60 per acre. You
can do your own figuring as to re
sults when purchased at this price.
[to be continued]
--
A Thoughtful Han.
M. M. Austin of Winchester,
Ind., knew what to do in the hour
of need. Ilis wife had such an un
usual case of stomach and liver
trouble, physicians could not help
her. He thought of and tried Dr.
King’s New Life Bills and she
got relief at once and was finally
cured. Only 25c, at J. 1. Sturdi
vant’s Drug Store.
Suicide at Hot Springs.
Hot Spring, April 23.—C. V.
Taylor of Morristown, Tenn.,com
mitted suicide yesterday evening
by shooting himself in the region
of the heart. The deceased came
here only a few days ago in an al
most irresponsible mental condi
tion, which grew steadily worse.
He had only been taken to a sana
torium for a short time when he
fired the fatal shot. lie is the
president of a national bank and a
prominent man at his home, and
what may be behind the suicide
there, is unknown in this city.
--♦♦♦
Cures Coughs and Colds.
Mrs. C. Peterson, 625 Lake St.,
Topeka, Kansas, says: “Of all
cough remedies Ballard's Hore
hound Syrup is my favorite; It
has done and will do all that is
claimed for it—to speedily cure all
coughs and colds—and it is so
sweet and pleasant to the taste.”
25c, 50c, $1.00 bottle. Sold by ,1.
I. Sturdivant. Druggist.
Negro’s Brutal Crime.
McGeehee, April 23.—Frank
Williams, a negro, killed Louisa
White, a negress, near McGeehee
today by cutting her throat while
she was sick in bed. They had
lived together several years, but
had separated and divided their
possessions. He went to the house
while her father was out and kill
ed her. Williams then escaped.
Health is Youth.
Herbine, taken every morning
before breakfast, will keep you in
robust health, fit you to ward off
disease. It cures constipation,
billiousness, dyspepsia, fever, skin
liver and kidney complaints. It
purifies the blood and clears the
complexion. Mrs. I). W. Smith,
Whitney, Texas, writes April 3,
1902: “I have used Herbine, and
find it the best medicine for con
stipation and liver troubles. It
does all you claim for it. I can
highly recommend it.” 50cts a bot
tle at J. I. Sturdivant’s
New Night Watchman.
At a special meeting of the city
council held Friday night Henry
.1. Mayhan was elected night
watchman for the ensuing year.
Mr. Mayhan has held the position
as night watchman at the State
Blind School at Little Rock for
the past six years, and resigned
the position only a few days ago
to put in his application before
our city council. That he has been
faithful and efficient in the per
formance of his duty is attested by
the fact of his having held the po
sition so long, and The Journal
congratulates our city council on
having secured the services of
such an efficient and painstaking
young man for this important po
sition.
Ballard’s Morehound Syrup.
Immediately releaves hoarse,
eroupy cough, oppressed, rattling,
rasping and difficult breathing.
Henry C. Stearns, Druggist,Shulls
burg, Wis., writes. May 20, 1091:
“I have been selling Ballard’s
Horehound Syrup for two years,
and have never had a preparation
that has given better satisfaction.
I notice that when I sell a bottle
they come back for more. I can
honestly recommend it.” 25c, 50e,
$1.00. Sold by .1. I. Sturdivant.
Resolutions of Respect.
To the worshipful Master, War
dens and Brethren of McGuire
Lodge No. 208 F. & A. M.
Whereas, The Supreme Ruler
of the Universe in llis infinite
wisdom, has seen fit to call from
labor to refreshments our beloved
Brother, William H. Grubbs;
therefore be it
Resolved, That in the removal
of Bro. Grubbs from our midst,
the Masonic Order has lost a true
and faithful member, and his fam
ily a devoted husband and father.
Bro. Grubbs was 52 years old;was
born in .Jackson county, Illinois,
and came to Arkansas in 1882. lie
was raised to the sublime degree
of a Master Mason on May 19,
1894, in McGuire Lodge No. 208
F. & A. M. and was afterwards
made a member of Dannelly Chap
ter No. 59 R. A. M. Be it further
Resolved, That McGuire Lodge
No. 208 F. & A. M. extend to the
bereaved family and relatives our
sincere sympathy, and remind
them that they should at all times
look to our Allwise and Merciful
Father in Heaven who doeth all
things well, especially in this, the
hours of sorrow and bereavement.
Also that a copy of these resolu
tions be published in the Masonic
Trowel and The Newark .Journal;
that a page of our record be set
apart and these resolutions spread
thereon, and that a copy be en
grossed and forwarded the bereav
ed family. Respectfully submitted,
Jas. M. Stephens, /
Geo. W. ('auk. \
Committee.
Hakes a Clean Sweep.
There’s nothing like doing a
thing thoroughly. Of all the
salves you ever heard of. Bucklen's
Arnica Salve is the best. It sweeps
away and cures burns, sores,
bruises, cuts, boils, ulcers, skin
eruptions and piles. It’s only 25c J
and guaranteed to give satisfaction
by J, I. Sturdivant. Druggist. 1
-•>
Shot Down on Highway.
Hardy, April 22.—The dead
body of Joe Holloway was found
yesterday near Ash Flat, in this
county. He had been shot down
in the road. Sam Askew, who is
alleged to have killed Holloway,
1 cannot be found. The two men
1 had trouble several days ago.
Compliment for Company
Sunday’s Arkansas Gassetu
that Capt. Bent and Major ilu.
nes are well pleased with the show
ing the state malitia has made in
the inspection, and with two ex
ceptions the companies are meet
ing all requirements. Capt. Bent
has highly commended the com
panies which he has examined, es
pecially Company II, of Newark,
commanded by Capt. Arnold. It
is hoped that the selection of the
companies which will compose the
provisional regiment to be sent to
St. Louis can be made by May 10.
--
A Dandy for Burns.
Dr. Bergin, Pana, Ills., writes:
“I have used Ballard’s Snow Lini
ment, always recommended it to
my friends, as I am continent there
is no better made. “It is a dandy
for burns.” Those who live on
farms are especially liable to many
accidental cuts, burns, bruises,
which heal rapidly when Ballard’s
Snow Liniment is applied. It
should always be kept in the house
for cases of emergency.” 25c, 50c,
#1.00 bottles at J. I. Sturdivant’s
-..
Error Corrected.
In mentioning the marriage of
the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J.
A. Anchultz to Mr. Geo. Roberts
in last week’s issue, The Journal
erroneously stated that the bride
was Miss Annie, when we should
have said Miss Gracie. We enter
an humble apology to all parties
concerned, and wish to assure them
that our good wishes are none the
less sincere.
A Great Sensation.
There was a big sensation in
Leesville, Ind, when W.H. Brown
of that place, who was expected to
die, had his life saved by Dr.
King’s New Discovery for Con
sumption. He writes: “1 endur
ed insufferable agonies from Asth
ma, but your New Discovery gave
me immediate relief and soon
thereafter effected a complete
cure.” Similar cures of consump
tion, pneumonia, bronchitis and
grip are numerous. It’s the best
peerless remedy for all throat and
lung troubles.Price 50c and $1.00.
Guaranteed by J. I. Sturdivant.
Druggist. Trial bottles free.
-♦«»
Reduced Rates to Dallas.
Account of the Cumberla .
Presbyterian church meeting
Dallas, Tex., May 27, the Iron
Mountain route will sell tickets to
Dallas on May 16 to 19 atone fare
plus $2 for round trip with final
return limit to and including May
31. F. C. Hoyt, Agent.
.-♦
Tragedy Near Jensen.
A press dispatch from Fort
Smith reports the killing of a man
named John Howard by a farmer
named Miller, near Jensen 15 miles
from Fort Smith, late Friday af
ternoon. According to the story,
John Haward, accompanied by a
younger brother, encountered Mrs.
Miller in her garden, and John
Howard insulted her. She went
into the house and informed her
husband, who appeared with a
shotgun and blew the top of How
ard’s head off, and then skipped
over the line into the territory.
Howard has another brother, em
ployed by a mercantile company
at Bonauza, who was informed of
the shooting, and, it is alleged, he
secured arms and went to the scene
and threatened to kill everybody
in sight, and would probably have
done damage had it not been for
the interference of the city mar
shal of Bonanza, who happen to be
present.