Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... remained for a time, hunting over the buffalo range, and while there married. He then entered a homestead claim in Kingman county, but presently relinquished the same and in 1883 entered a half section of school land over the line in Roscoe township, Reno county, which he still owns and which is regarded as one of the best-kept stock farms in Reno county or central Kansas. For several years after locating in this county Mr. Brown taught school during the winters, riding six miles, back and forth every day to school and taking his pay for such service in anything of value the residents thereabout could give, which was not much. As he prospered in his cattle business Mr. Brown added to his land holdings, buying a quarter of a section nearby his Reno county place and a half section over the line in Kingman county and has for years been regarded as one of the most progressive and substantial ranchers in central Kansas. He was one of the first men in this county to see the possibility of planting the plains with trees and the veritable forest of transplanted trees and the fine orchards on his several farms attest the wisdom of his decision back in 1886, when other farmers thereabout scoffed at his enterprise, declaring that the soil of this region was not adapted to tree culture. Mr. Brown specializes in Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and prospered largely. In 1893 Willis L. Brown retired from the farm and 'with his family moved to Kingman, where he ever since has made his home and where he has become one of the most conspicuous figures in the political life of the state. Though still retaining the active oversight of his extensive ranch interests Mr. Brown has found time for activities of another character and his famous sobriquet, ..