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HISTORY OF ALPENA COUNTY BY WILLIAM BOULTON IN 1876
Let those of Bay City who travel for business or pleasure up the shore, especially him of the fanning mill item, go out and look at this new Michigan, this repetition—without the wearing labor of clearing off the monstrous growth of forest, and with the added advantage of a market doubly remunerative at their doors—of the ancient glories of 'Old Macomb' and the other wheat producing counties of early days. It will do them good, and perhaps strengthen their faith in the soundness and solidity of the northern portion of the lower peninsula. "
In a subsequent letter, Mr. Lewis gave many particulars concerning the progress of farming in this county, giving the location, amount of improvements, etc., of numerous burnt land farmers. The statistics would have been given if it had been necessary, and many pages more of farming items added besides, describing the improvements of farmers, who have thirty acres of land and upwards under cultivation, but the facts are now admitted by the most incredulous, and farming has been proved a successful pursuit beyond all doubt. Prom Mr. Lewis' letter we reprint the following, as it describes parts of the county not previously mentioned:
"Sylvester & Flanders have, upon sections 28, 29 and 30 of town 31 north, of range 6 east, 320 acres improved; of which 150 acres have been in crops for three years. They have 60 acres in grass, 60 acres in oats, 8 acres in barley, 55 acres potatoes, and the balance in other crops, all looking well. The buildings, substantially built, sided and painted, consist of a dwelling house 24x32 feet, barn 60x74 feet, wood shed and wagon house 18x96 feet.
ALPENA COUNTY MICHIGAN
Page 28
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