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For The West & Nebraska
FOR THE WEST- Mr. J.H. Spencer and family of South Norwich left for Beatrice, Nebraska, a few days ago, with the intention of locating there. We regret to know that the change had been necessitated as probably beneficial to Mrs. Spencer, who is in poor health, and trust that it will prove as efficacious as hoped for. J.H. Spencer is a son of friend Adam Spencer, formerly of this county. He was highly valued as a Reform and temperance worker in South Norwich, where his departure is deeply regretted. Whilst assembled at the station on the eve of departure, an address was read by Mr. Alex McFarlane, reeve of the municipality, and numerously signed by residents, assuring the departing friend and his family of the high esteem in which they were held in the community, acknowledging Mr. Spencer’s worth as a member of the community, prominent in support of good works, regretting the departure and the cause that led to it, and praying that the change may be beneficial and successful in every respect. Mr. Spencer made a touching reply, acknowledging with gratitude the kindness shown, and expressing the hope that health and happiness might ever reign in the homes of the friends left behind; Adam Spencer, father of Mr. J.H. Spencer, closed the proceedings just before the train came which was to bear him away, by a prayer that brought tears to many eyes.
Welland Tribune
7 March 1884
Nebraska
The following extracts from a letter written by James H. Spencer, recently of Norwich, Ont., dated Beatrice, Nebraska, March 2nd, 1884-have kindly been furnished us for publication:
By this time we have some idea of a prairie life. Yesterday we dined at our own table. Ever since we arrived a stiff cold breeze has been blowing from the north. An Eastern man cannot realize the force of the wind until he faces it. The air is extremely dry and has an effect to cause hunger. We all eat heartily. The water is clear and good, yet quite soft, coming from driven wells. The land is rolling, and the soil a rich black earth 8 or 10 feet in depth. Blue River, a stream half larger than the Otter at Tilsonburg, runs through the centre of the city, with high banks. The roads are smooth. The city dam is built of stone and water lime. I am not able to give an idea of the amount of business done here, but may in the near future. The mammoth roller flouring mills are driven by water, and are obliged to run night and day to supply the demands. They buy No.1 spring at 70¢ and sell best brand of flour from $2.35 to $3.00. This wheat makes a much better quality of flour than that grain in Canada. The streets of this city are thronged with merchandise from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The citizens are made up from nearly all nations. There are many Prussian Mennonites here, and mostly wealthy. Western corn is the great crop, and stock raising is carried on successfully, and forms a greater part of the wealth in this State, or Gage County. Making money appears to claim the attention of the people. They are generally untidy about their farms, and the absence of forests presents to the foreigner a barren look.
Welland Tribune
21 March 1884