Van Buren Press Van Buren, Arkansas- Crawford County June 21, 1890 RUDY TOWNSHIP Fine Springs, June 16, 1890 Editor of Press: A few days sojourn in this elevated region, renowned for its salubrious climate, magnificent scenery, fine health and splendid springs, have a tendency to awaken a disposition to share with others the interest thus awakened, hence these few thoughts: Fine Springs-so called from a numerous family named Fine residing in the vicinity-are situated in Section 18, Township 10, North of Range 30 West, 5 miles north of Alma and 2 ½ miles N. E. of Rudy Station on the Frisco. The soil though poor seems to return to the husbandman a fair yield for the outlay of labor and money. The residents all seem to be in good living circumstances with a cash balance in their favor. The products are corn, cotton, wheat and oats. People are beginning to turn their attention to the strawberry crop and to stock raising. Such a diversity will undoubtedly add to the farmer's hoard, increasing his prosperity. Mr. William James is one of the thrifty, well-to-do farmers, and a stockman. He has recently erected a residence- a very imposing structure- of 8 rooms and a basement story. This residence is splendidly ventilated and constructed with a view to comfort and convenience. Mr. James is the architect, and did much of the stone work with his own hands. He is a Democrat "from who laid the ralis" as the boys say. Upon one occasion a stranger came into the country on a tour of inspection; after interrogation Mr. James to his satisfaction he started on, when he was arrested by Bill's piping tones, "Say, stranger, I don't know what your politics is, but if you ain't a Democrat you had better be in H-than to come here." That, of course, stamps Bill as an Orthodox Democrat. Long may he wave. I have also had the pleasure of meeting and forming the acquaintance of another of nature's noblemen, that staunch old Democrat and brave old soldier of the Confederacy, Capt. Jack Winfrey. Though somewhat bent with age and infirm from exposure, his mind and memory are good, and he can entertain you for hours with hair-raising stories of his own exploits during the war. There is not the slightest suggestion of the braggart about him, but his manner and style impress you with th idea that every word he utters is true, and also that he was one of the bravest and most enthusiastic of patriotic spirits who followed the fortunes of the "Lost Cause". His time is now taken up watching his son Eddie, who had been quite ill for the past two weeks, but I am happy to say is now convalescent. I have known Capt. Winfrey, from reputation, for 25 or 30 years, but never had the pleasure of meeting him before; I regret that I did not meet him earlier. There is a great many old land-marks in this country of whom honorable mention might be made, but time and space forbid. A recent acquisition to the neighborhood is Dr. James H. Spencer. He was reared at Charleston, Franklin County, and is a graduate of the University of Louisville, Ky. Endowed with a good natural sense, a collegiate education, sober and industrious in his habits, he will be an accession that any neighborhood might be proud of. Pioneer. Fran Alverson Warren