Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Red Beets and Rattlesnakes in Mark Township


"BIG SUGAR BEETS.

Something Concerning the Mark Township Soil Which Produced Them.

The two large beets on exhibition in the window of Harley's clothing store were grown on the farm of Elias Ridenour in Mark township.  These beets attained an unusual size, the smaller weighing forty-one and the larger forty-seven pounds, and are a sample of what Mark township soil and agriculturalists can do.

A few years ago the 'marsh' was one of the most forsaken regions in this part of the country, but now it is the garden spot of the county.  A great deal of patience and hard work have been necessary to bring about this transformation, and among those who have been most instrumental in doing so is Mr. Ridenour, who has lived on the farm he now occupies for nearly a quarter of a century.

The marsh was formerly thickly inhabited by rattlesnakes, and the old residents tell some most incredible tales about them.  

Mr. Ridenour relates that the first time he cut his hay, the mower mangled so many rattlers that the buzzards were attracted to the place in large numbers.

Also that the snakes were accustomed to take possession of the schoolhouse to the great dismay of teacher and pupils.

Mr. Ridenour has a wide acquaintance and is very popular wherever known.  He is a genial host, and takes delight in extoiling the many excellent qualities of the 'marsh' and always has a fund of humorous stories.

He was for several terms one of our most efficient Infirmary Directors."

Defiance Democrat - December 1, 1898



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