James Austin Keller, born Calhoun, AL died Texas
I just discovered the following letter to the editor of the Jacksonville, Calhoun Co., AL editor appears to have been written by James Austin Keller who died in 1917 at Aransas Pass, San Patricio Co., TX.
Jacksonville Reporter, Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Ala, Saturday, Jan 9, 1886
Letter from Texas
Carlton, Hamilton county, Tex. Dec. 27, 1885 -- ed. Republican: -- As I wish my post office changed to Carlton instead of Hico, and thinking that some of the readers of the republic would have no objection of hearing what I would say for Texas.I will say at one that I have not been here long enough to give a correct account of Texas.This part of the country has the appearance of a good farming country.The best farming lands here lay in the valleys, the valley lands are all rich and fertile.The grain crop was fine the past year.Oats made from 50 to 75 bushels per acre, wheat 20 to 35 bushels, corn 25 to 40 bushelsCotton was very sorry, not making more than a bale to three acres, on account of being almost devoured in the spring by the webworm.There is a great deal of barren land in this part of Texas which secures for this country an outlet and range.The cattle here are fat that have not been fed any this winter. Society is as good as in Calhoun.We have churches here of various denominations and good schools in every neighborhood.I haven't conversed with a single man in this neighborhood but what is from Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee.The timber in this part is good for Texas, though it looks little and scrubby to an Alabamian.Water is plenty, and everlasting stream runs through this valley.The branches have as much fall and run as swift as they do near the head of Ohatchie, which is a good recommendation for health.I hear no talk of chills and fever.
The weather has been fine since I landed here.Scarcely rained enough to keep the ground in good order to plow.
I will say in regard to Mr. R. H. Hill, the agent that our crowd purchased tickets of, must be actually a clever fellow, as I don't think a man could stand up s square as long as he did for any to lay over and was detained, but he stuck to us and gave us all the aid and assistance that he could.
I will say to all who knew anything about my health when I left Alabama, that it has improved every day since I landed here.
Well Mr. Editor, if you find space in your valuable paper for these lines you can publish them after correcting mistakes.I remain yours as ever,
J. A. Keller.