Selections From The Splinters - Volume 12

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Comments in regard to further surveys vicinity Spoon River.

Galesburg, Oct. 20, 1886

B.F. Booker, Esq.,
Keokuk, Iowa.


Dear Sir:

On Monday the 18^th, I went down to the mouth of Court Creek and examined the country east of as far as Princeville.

I think we can get quite a practicable route about as follows:

Run down Court Creek to a point near the mouth - cross over from Court Creek to Spoon River near the middle of Section 24, continue east across Section 19, then follow the bluffs to the mouth of a small stream in the west part of Section 20 then up the slope of that valley to its head at the middle of the south line of Section 21, then in a south east direction to a point between the middle and east line of Section 27, then east on the Middle section lines to Mr. Carpenter's line, south of Monica.

The only difficulties I now see on this line will be the frequent crossings of Court Creek and two or three miles of bluff work near Spoon River.

We also lose some distance by going so far south. The party arrived here this P.M. and will begin this line in the morning. I should think it could be completed next week.

As to the northern line - I examined the country from Wyoming, Stark County to Galesburg. The drainage is made up of three principle streams - Spoon River near Wyoming - Indian Creek two miles farther west and Walnut Creek still farther west.

The crossing of Spoon River will be somewhat heavy as our grades would be held up by the two roads we cross so near it at beginning and the further reason that there are no side valleys leading into it at the place we would like to cross.

I think we could get a fair crossing of Indian and Walnut Creeks, then there would be nothing in the way till we reach Court Creek near Watega. Here though the stream is small, the valley is frightful. It looked to me to be 1000 feet wide and 100 feet deep - probably 20% should be taken off from this however. This is about 2 miles south east of Watega just below the forks of the creek. By going higher up the valley the work could be lessened but the distance would be increased so rapidly, that I doubt if it will pay. This crossing is somewhat farther west than the line we were looking over on Saturday.

I have not looked over the country from Wyoming to Henry but I think there is nothing in the way till we reach Senachwine.

If we should go as far north as Toulon on this line it might be possible to run down a branch of Crow Creek and so get a different descent to the Illinois valley from the one already surveyed.

If you wish it I will go to Henry as soon as I can leave the party and look over that end of the north line.





Mr. Hodge has accepted the position offered him in Kentucky - provided he is not too late. If he leaves can you send me another Topographer?

If he goes it will probably be by the end of this week. Will write you as soon as I know the result.

Galesburg will be our P. O. for a few days.

Very truly yours
(Signed) H. R. Weeks

Volume 12 Splinters page 108 transcribed in altered form for the web by Matt Lee.