THE SAC SUN
July 1871 - Dec 1872
THE SAC SUN, VOL, I, NO. 3, JULY 28, 1871
FIRST.--The first settler in Sac county was Mr. F. M. Cory, who
arrived in the county in Sept., 1854. He died in 1865, leaving several children,
most of whom remain in the county.
THE SAC SUN, VOL. I, NO. 26, JANUARY 26, 1872
The following circular came into our hands through a letter sent to this place:
Mr. H. C. Wheeler, who purchased in 1871, a farm of 10 square miles near the head waters of the Soldier, states "what he knows about farming."
WAKEGAN, Illinois, Dec. 21, 1871.
J. B. Calhoun, Land Commissioner.
Dear Sir:--The buildings on my farm in Sac county, as near as I can estimate,
cost as follows: Four dwellings, 1 story, 16x24, $250 each; one dwelling 1½
story, 26x32, $1000; barn 30x60, 1½ story, $600; shop, 16x20, $150. Two yoke of
good oxen or three horses will break two acres per day. Wheat sowing commences
the last of February or the first of March, according to the season. Wheat and
corn are the principal grains raised at present, and the average yield per acre
is 20 to 25, and 60 to 75 bushels respectively. But oats, barley, rye, flax, and
in fact everything that will produce well on good land, yields well in Sac
county. A short time since I had occasion to travel over the county, and was
surprised to find how rapidly settlements and improvements were being made. As
for quality and general surface desirable in land, I am satisfied that there is
nothing better in Iowa, or any other State, as I made an extensive examination
before purchasing of your company. I consider the herd law a great advantage,
and the value of land considerable enhanced thereby, in the saving of fences and
the security it affords to new settlers.
Your Obedient Servant,
H. C. WHEELER.
THE SAC Sun, Vol. 1, No. 49, JULY 5, 1872
OUT ON THE BOYER.--A party of Sac folks went out on the Boyer one day last week, to pick up strawberries and other items. Half the party was composed of ladies, who never for a moment let the conversation lag.
Arrived on the hill top overlooking the Boyer valley, a scene of gorgeous beauty was spread out before us. As far as the eye could see to the right and left were the gently sloping banks of the Boyer, with here and there a wide bottom, while in front were the fields of wheat and oats and corn, and the houses and barns thickly dotting the land. In all our life we have never seen a finer looking body of land than this, nor do we think any one else ever has. It can't be beaten.
After crossing the Boyer at a ford which is sadly in need of a bridge, the party stopped at the house of Mr. N. Prentice, and were hospitably entertained. Mr. Prentice was the first of his name to settle in our county, and a host of relations and friends have followed him. He has a fine farm of 640 acres, and that under cultivation has as good crops on it as we have seen this Spring. One field of wheat, already headed out, looked particularly well. He also has a house full of children, among them three young ladies who thoroughly understand housekeeping and getting up good dinners. We predict they will all change their names ere long.
After dinner Mr. Prentice piloted us out to hunt strawberries. It was a good day for hunting. The sun poured down at about 96 degrees, and but little breeze going. How we sweat! All the dirt we had saved from our Salt Lake trip, and were keeping as a relic, came out of us and rolled down to the ground. Our host assured us there were plenty of berries on the Boyer, but when we got there he said the best patch was just ahead of us. We did get a half a bucket full however. Then all the party said they wanted some lemonade, and must go back. Finally we all started home, full of strawberry short-cake, and glad memories of the day. On our way we passed by Wm. Cory's house, who was out waiting for us with a bucket of garden sauce, and the first new potatoes we have had in 1872. We enjoyed everything so well that we intend to go out soon again, and visit all around.
THE SAC SUN, Vol. 2, No. 21, December 6, 1872.
TO WALL LAKE.--Thanksgiving day was the coldest there has been this season. Nevertheless we took a trip to Wall Lake [now known as Black Hawk Lake] and beyond, to eat dinner with Wm. A. Robinson--section 16, 86, 36. Being a Yankee, he kept the day in becoming manner, crowning all with New England's glory--the pumpkin pie. Mr. Robinson has a fine place, and is improving it rapidly, especially by planting trees. His house stands in a hollow square of maples, walnuts &c., eight rows deep, sufficient to keep off the prairie blasts.
Between here and Wall Lake there is considerable rough land, but around the lake it is better. A settlement of twelve families surrounds the lake. Wm. Johnson, Joseph Parkinson, the Halpins [Halpines?-illegible] and others are making for themselves fine farms and comfortable homes. The soil, judging from the grass around the lake, must be unusually rich.
The lake itself is a fine body of water, not so large as Storm Lake, but of the same character. It embraces about 900 acres. When it becomes surrounded with timber it will be a pleasant place for summer boating and winter skating. It is filled with pickerel, pike and other fish. We see no reason why there should not soon be a town built on its banks, especially after the Des Moines Western Railroad is built along its survey, which runs within a mile of the lake.
We intend to go down there next Summer, and prospect more than we did this visit.
(Transcribed by B. Ekse from microfilm)
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