Hartford Herald, May 5, 1875

Sorry that this is so hard to read.  If you are interested in the history of Cromwell this is what the article says:

"LETTER FROM CROMWELL

An Interesting Description of the Ancient Borough

Cromwell, Ky, May 3.

Editor Herald - As I have not seen anything in your live paper from this place, I will give your readers a brief history of the town and its business. It is situated, like the famous city on the Tiber, on seven hills, which gives it a commanding view of the historic Green River, which flows majestically past its southern border.

THE FIRST SETTLEMENT

It was first settled by the late Hon. O. C. Porter, (more than 40 years ago) who was in his day one of the largest land traders in the Green River country. The first store was opened by Mr. King, father of W. T. King of Hartford, but it did not take on the air of a town until the Honorable Q. C. Shanks, of your town, moved here, under whose magic hand it sprung up as by enchantment.

 WHAT SHANKS DID FOR IT

He built a large steam saw and grist mill, opened a fine store, and run an extensive cabinet shop.  To him belongs the honor of building our first tobacco factory.  Out of these interests he accumulated so much wealth Cromwell could not contain him, so he emigrated to your city.  From that time to the present, quite a number of gentlemen have tried their fortunes here, with varied success.

HER FIRE RECORD

She has had her share of fires.  She has lost one of the finest merchant mills on Green River, one large tobacco factory, and several residences by this terrible agent.

WHAT SHE HAS NOW

We have four dry goods stores, three family groceries, and two saloons; two drug stores and three Doctors, one hotel, one livery stable, one wood and blacksmith shop, one school house and a Masonic Lodge.

WHAT THEY COMPLAIN OF

Our merchants complain of doing as good business as any of their brethren in the country.  We have the livest tobacco men in the county.  Rumor has it that they realized about seventy-five thousand dollars as their share of the spoils of the trade last year.

THE KING OF HORSE JOCKEYS

resides here.  We have our share of "come day, go day, Lord send Sunday," citizens so common in all large cities.

OUR WOMEN

are as fair as the fairest.  We have more bachelors than any town of its size in Kentucky (six) all good and old - but, for my sake, don't tell the ladies, and don't tell (the bachelors) who told you, Mr. Editor.

Yours,    Neplusultra"