I dropped into this beautiful little town last Thursday and was very deeply impressed with its surroundings. It is situated in a long valley and can be readily seen for three quarters of a mile before you reach the main settlement.

I had a talk with several of the natives and learned that where the town is now located at the territory man years before the civil war was owned almost exclusively by two men--Jack Bridgewater and Charley Massie. At that time they were both slave owners and possessed quite a lot of wealth for men in those days. All that valley was a cane break [sic], and from this growth the town when it was started was called Cane Valley.

Cane Valley could be made lively business point

I concluded while surveying the premises that Cane Valley could be made a lively business point if the wide-awake men would bestir themselves. I was told that in population it was the second town in the county, and with proper industry, it could increase its population several hundred.

I gave a gentleman with whom I talked some ideas that I thought would be beneficial if adopted and he agreed with me, saying that when spring opened he would endeavor to start a move for a greater Cane Valley. It is now a much larger village than some might suppose. There are threechurch buildings, Baptist, Methodist and Christian, all of them having fairly good membership. The people generally attend religious services which is a good omen for the town.

Business at Sublett & Eubank fairly good for a cold, disagreeable day

I found J.W. Sublett and his brother and Ed Eubank in their places of business, and the trade they were receiving was fairly good for a cold, disagreeable day. The other business men of the town were industriously engaged.

While moving about the little city I learned that Mr. A.H. Judd, and Mr. Sam Banks, the two oldest citizens [Messrs. Judd & Banks were 79 and 80, respectively--Cyrus], and both retired merchants, were in feeble health, but able to walk about their premises. They both have many friends, and when they are called to try the realities of an unknown world, their influence for good will be missed in Cane Valley.

Stay in the Valley was very pleasant

My stay in the Valley was very pleasant. I made quite a number of acquaintances, favorably impressed with all I met. My ride to the Valley was disagreeable, as the weather was extremely cold, but when I went in for the night I felt well paid for my journey.

/s/ On the Road.