The Baron met with Ms. Winona to place an ad in the Daily Iowegian and asked for an accompanying article explaining why the Baron was leasing parcels of his land. Knowing that the people of Appanoose County would not likely support Grover Cleveland, he didn’t want the candidate’s name mentioned. Only that “because of the nature of Baron Anderson’s business, and the knowledge Tycoon Harrington needed to operate a successful railroad, they came by this information and wanted to create opportunities for our citizens.”

Magnate Lawson sat in on the meeting. “This is very risky,” the Magnate said. “All of our citizens taking out loans without collateral? What if you’re wrong?”

“There’s something you don’t know, Mr. Lawson,” the Baron replied. “And I don’t want this to be public knowledge. The Tycoon and I are guaranteeing the loans–and backing them. I’m leaving it up to the good banker’s discretion to make loans to the right people. People with experience, work ethic, and moral fiber. The risk is mine, Mr. Lawson, and I’m putting my faith in the community.”

* * * * *

The Baron hired a land surveyor to meet with Foreman Wright to start staking off parcels. The surveyor, a man who came into town on a railroad passenger car from Des Moines, was not prepared for the work ahead of him.

“This will take weeks to complete! The surveyor said. “Maybe months!”

“So be it,” the Baron said. “So will the loan applications. Rome wasn’t built in a day, sir.”

* * * * *

The morning that the article came out in the Daily Iowegian the Baron rode through Centerville on his way to meet the Bargainman. Even he couldn’t prepare himself for the scene in the city square, of people in line waiting for both banks to open. It was as exhilarating as it was terrifying, to see the hope, and quite possibly faith, of the people anxious for a better life.

When it came to selling bacon and ham, no one understood more about that business than the Bargainman. The Baron entered the J&K Market from the back alley, where the Bargainman had been working all morning, even before the rooster crowed.

“I saw the article,” the Bargainman said. “I saw the line at the banks, too. I’m assuming you and Harrington will be helping fill those bank vaults with cash?”

“You assumed correctly,” the Baron said. “And I’m also wondering if you can help with this promotion.”

“Promotion?” the Bargainman said. “That’s what this is?”

“It’s one of the ingredients, yes. I’m wondering if you could also put an ad in the Iowegian, specifically related to ham and bacon. Something to the effect ‘while supplies last.’”

“Ha! If I do that every farmer in the county will be trying to sell me their hogs.”

“Good,” the Baron said. “Buy them. At market price. And I’ll buy them back at a penny a pound profit for you. Then we’ll organize a special hog auction at the stockyards.”

“I see what you’re doing, now.” The Bargainman said. “So that pig pen I have down the alley, it won’t hold four pigs let alone forty.”

“I’ll reserve space for them at the stockyards. Have the sellers take them there.”

The Bargainman contemplated the Baron’s plan while he pounded his cleaver into the butcher block. The cleaver stuck into the wood surface then the Bargainman extended a bloody hand to the Baron. “All right, you got a deal.”

“Excellent,” the Baron said, shaking his hand. “I have to go meet Doc Lain, and on my way back through town will you fix me up one of those famous Whopper sandwiches?”

“My pleasure, young man.”

* * * * *

After his visit to the stockyards, reserving a pen for the Bargainman, the Baron invited Doc Lain to the Numa tavern to explain his plan. The Baron knew cattle but knew very little about raising hogs, and he had a concern about how to lease out his land. Hopefully Doc Lain could help answer these questions.

“Pigs are a unique creature,” Doc Lain said. “Unlike cattle, they’ll eat anything. Even their own.”

“Do you think we can form an association for hog growers?” the Baron asked. “This might help with those who need essential information on pig husbandry.”

“And I am assuming you want me to head that association?” the Doc asked.

“Is there anyone better?”

“In this county, no.” The Doc said. “I saw your article, and I will say that I would be very careful how you separate your land from the corn growers. These are things that I can address out of the gate. Before the farmers buy their first hogs, we should have them come to an association meeting and I will make sure they have all they need to minimize disease and loss.”

“Splendid,” The Baron said. “This could make the difference between a successful operation and a complete failure.”

“Don’t worry, sir,” the Doc said. “Husbandry we can do well. The only thing we can’t predict is the markets. Even Grover Cleveland can’t control that.”

* * * * *

After a successful meeting with Doc Lain, the Baron was more confident than ever with his plan. He stopped at Cowan Mercantile to order barbed wire and fencing supplies for the large fencing operation that would take place dividing the parcels. The Baron helped form the list, which had J. Cowan quite astonished.

“And that’s just the beginning,” the Baron said. “Foreman Wright will be in today with the money to pay for these. So figure us up a bill. I’m going to see T. Jewett now to make arrangements for freight delivery to the farms.”

J. Cowan looked over the list and scratched his head. “Baron Anderson, I’m not sure where to put all these supplies when they arrive.”

“Harrington will be down to see you,” the Baron said. “Once they arrive he can store them for you at his railyard. You can supply from your store and from there.”

“That should work fine,” J. Cowan said. “I will look forward to the arrival of Foreman Wright.”

* * * * *

Tycoon Strickling left his hotel room in Mystic to meet his train arriving at the depot. His new head of security, J. Bonus, was in the luxury car waiting for him. Train robberies were on the decline in Iowa, but Tycoon Strickling had been reading about a plague of robberies in Texas. He wanted to make sure this plague didn’t spread to Iowa.

“You have uniformed, armed men in every passenger car?” The Tycoon asked.

“Yes, sir,” Bonus answered. “And two that inspect the freight cars, even while the train is moving.”

“Excellent. I want their uniforms crisp, neat, and presentable. We want the impression that our trains are secure and that our passengers will feel safe. Not to mention the manufacturers and suppliers that put their trust in our freight services.”

“And the hobos, sir,” Bonus said. “What is your policy with these characters?”

“I’m glad you asked. For those you capture between Moravia and Seymour, Ms. Marty has established a sanctuary to house them right here in Mystic–bathe them, and feed them, and find them work. It is our Christian duty to help these men who are down and out. Are we clear on this?”

“Yes, sir. They will be treated humanely.”

* * * * *

In the next episode of Centerville 1884: Bankers Shahan and Stufflebeem meet with the Baron and the Tycoon to discuss “questionable applicants.” Fencing supplies are delivered to the farms, fence posts are cut, and the first piglets arrive on the railcars and are placed in the stockyard. Tycoon Strickling and J. Bonus deal with a captured hobo that pulls on their heartstrings. D. Lain forms the first meeting of the Appanoose County Hog Growers Association.