John of Blackberry, Kane County, Ill., 1878
The Saint Charles (Kane County, Illinois) Review, July 13, 1878. The Farmers of Blackberry. "In the spring of 1835, John Souders, from Ohio, took up the claim where he now lives. . .His land has never been transferred nor mortgaged, and the title is, therefore, one of the best in the county."Sixty acres of corn, and twenty two acres of oats, are growing on it now. Corn was spoiled last year by the hail. Oats were a good crop, however, and 1,700 bushels were raised, being a yield of seventy bushels per acre. The chief stock consists of thirteen cows, and fifteen more horned cattle, ten horses, and thirty-three hogs. The house was burned eighteen years ago. The present building was erected at a cost of $2,000. It is at once pretty and imposing. Two fine basement barns stand near, and all the buildings are insured. Mr. Souders is a democrat, but voted for Harrison. The farm is six miles from Blackberry village. It has a fruitful orchard of 100 apple trees and pear trees, two feet in diameter, raised from seed brought here in his pocket. (Posted as a courtesy, not related.)