The crop season of 1874 opened up under the most favorable conditions.  Emigration poured in from all points of the compass: all the creek claims were taken and the most available prairie claims were selected.  The settlers took hold with energy.  The partial success of crops in 1873 had convinced the most skeptical that the soil of this country was rich and good.  A larger crop than ever before was planted and the settlers were beginning to anticipate relief from the rigid economy which all were forced to practice prior to that time, but early in May complaints of drouth were heard.  Showers enough came during May and June to make some wheat; the corn, while not entirely dead would have been a complete failure.  On August 7, countless myriads of grasshoppers were upon us, and the last vestige of growing grain was eaten up.  The people were panic stricken but reflection showed them that there was no land within access where their condition could be bettered.  The crops were completely destroyed for more than 100 miles east, north and south, while everything west was gone.

Governor Osborne called the legislature together to see what could be done.  The result was that the legislature enacted a law empowering the counties to vote bonds to aid the destitute.  Our representative, C. C. Vance came home