Washington County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 3 of those read), 1916 (part 2 of 3)

To meet the demand for a better as\lum tlie commissioners decided to purciiase more land adjoming the old farm, to remodel the woman's building, and to build an addition thereto, put m luiths and steam heat and other necessary improvenn nts. A new brick house, forty by fifty feet was built about twent3'-five feel south of the old one. the two being connected on the east side where kitchen and din.ing rooms were provided. In the court between tlie buildings a large cistern was made to supply tlie institute with ^vater.

In addition to the sitting, dining and liath ro(.ims, tlnrtv-four bed rooms were provided, where sixty or more persons may be cared for conveniently and comfortably. The sitting rooms have concrete floors, but tiie building ib not fireproof, as it should ha\'e been. This additional improvement, including all necessary furnishings, cost the county about twelve tlioii.sand dollars. Eugene Routh was the architect and Ambrose Shrum the contractor.

There are now two hundred and fort_\' acres in the count}- farm, but the land is naturally thin and unproducti\e, and much of it is so run down that it doesn't pay to cultivate it. The im]irovemcnts now are substantial and amply sufticient to accommodate all who mav become county charges for many years to come.

From the time the coun;\- was first organized hberal appropriations ha\-e been made of the public funds to supply the wants of the indigent. The earliest allowances cannot now be ascertained as the early records in the matter of county revenue and expenditures are incomplete. Prior to i8,y, when the count}- as}luir, was first established, special allowances were made fo assist ihe destitute and needy, the aiinuai expenditure running from one to two hundred dollars. In 1822 the sum of one hundred and ninteen dollars and six cents was paid out of the county treasury to aid the poor. In certain succeeding years the county expense on account of poor has been as follows: 1830, aid to poor, $187.38; 1840, aid to jjoor, $135, county asylum, $^2~,\ 1850, aid to poor, $2t,Ti. county asylum, .$400; i860, aid to poi>r, $2^^^, county asylum, $1,322; 1870, aid to poor, $971, county

Up to the present time the county has paid for poor-farm lands four thousand two hundred dollars; improvements on same, about twenty-four thousand dollars. Aid to poor, sixty thousand dollars. Expense of running county asylum, one hundred and four thousand dollars. The largest appropriation ever made in any one year on account of poor was in 1891, when the expense of county asylum was three thousand three hundred and sixty-one dollars, outside aid one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight dollars. During all these years the smallest number of paupers cared for in the asylum was in 1845, when there were but five. A few times there have been over fifty inmates.

For several years past the county authorities have paid the superintendent of the asylum a stated salary for his labors, allowing the products of the farm to be used in maintaining paupers, so far as they were needed, the surplus being sold and paid into the county treasury. For a good many years after the asylum was purchased, flax was grown , and sheep were kept to supply the raw material for the manufacture of homespun clothing for the inmates; all of them, or nearly so, being able in some way to lend a helping hand in the various processes of its manufacture. The spinning wheel and loom were operated here till some time in the sixties when it was no longer deemed expedient or profitable to continue the work.

Some very interesting sketches might be written concerning persons who once were well-to-do m the world but through misfortunes of various kinds were left penniless and friendless and were forced to end their days in the county almshouse. Stories might be told of ingrate offspring and near relatives who have allowed those who should have been dear to them to drink of poverty's cup, when they were able to have administered to the wants of these aged and infirm and have spared them the humiliation of ending their days in the ix)or house. The sympathetic tear and sigh come uninvited to the listener as some of these intelligent inmates relate their tales of woe, picturing the train of unfortunate and itnavoidable circumstances that have carried them down from opulence and prominent station in lite to want and poverty.

One of the unique incidents connected with the early history of t^e asx'lum was that of a mulatto girl found on the doorstep of John Mead in tiK- ^ijrint,-- of 1834. She was about seven years old and an idiot, having iajt little use of her limbs, and could speak but a few words. There was r»o place to take her but to the county asylum, and all who heard of the incident were quite indignant at the perpetrators of the deed. No one seemed to have the least idea where tlie unfortunate waif came from, or hifw she happened to be dropped down in Washington county. On May 7, 1834, the commissioners offered a reward of one hundred dollars to any person would give information unravelling the mystery and ascertaining .the legal residence of the child. Advertisements were placed in the county and Louisville papers. For five years no one was able to trace her back from whence she came and no information whatever could be obtained from the child. In March, 1839, one Henry Crittenden passed through the county and hearing the matter discussed gave information that the girl had been born a slave in Blount county back in the mountains of east Tennessee, and that her master's name was Henry Bowcrman. She iiad been sent north with a party of emigrants who were instructed to leave her somewhere on Indiana soil. Not promising to ever be worth anything as a slave this means was resorted to in order to get rid of supporting her. The com/nissioners ordered the girl, whose name was now ascertained to be Caroline, to be returned to her reputed master, and in July, 1839, Henry Dawalt, a m.ember of the board, and Levi Wright, the director of the asylum, were authorized to take charge of the girl and carry her back to Bowerman in Tennessee and demand damages for her keep and expenses of carrying her back. The trip was made on horseback, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. Before starting Wright secured an order from a justice of the legalizing the transfer. The girl was in due time delivered to Bowerm.an and one thousand dollars damage demanded. Wright also carried with him the necessary papers to show that he was duly authorized by the county authorities to adjust the matter on some satisfactory terms. After considerable wrangling a coinpronsise \\"as linally effected by Bowerman paying the sum of five hundred dollars. The commissioners afterward had some trouble in getting a settlement out of Wright, there being cjuite a difference of opinion l-etween them as to what 1ie sb-ould be allowed for his trouble and expense in going to Tennessee, but the matter was hnalh- settled without having recourse to law.

The honieseekers who came liere to change a wilderness, peopled by a savage race, into civilized homes, with peace and plenty all around, deserve more than a passing notice. They were foremost in the great tide of progress that was slowly, but surely, moving westward from the Atlantic coast and which, in clue time, was destined to spread across the continent to the shores of the Pacific. But the hardships endured by the men and women who ventured into this wild and rugged, country to carve out homes for themseh'es and coming posterity, can be recounted now only in a very desultory manner. Their acts of heroism and their many deeds of valor will ha\'e to go unrecorded, in many instances, for their recital was forever lost in the passing of the illustrious characters that made up the roll in the drama of pioneer life.

L'pon his first visit to this part of the Ohio valley, where he builded a cabin home and resided for several years. Governor Harrison pronounced it "one of the fairiest portions of the globe." The many other favorable reports sent back East from early prospectors, adventurers and traders, turned the tide of emigration from Kentucky and Tennessee toward Indiana territory and early in the nineteenth century emigrants began to pour into this country in great numbers from all parts of the East, but in the main from the Carolinas, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Many who had crossed the mountains and stopped south of the Ohio concluded they could better their conditions and surroundings by going up into the "new purchase." Very few foreigners found their way to Washington county, but there were large settlements of both German and French established in the counties bordering the river.

Early Settlers

The first emigrants to this country were mostly poor people ; some fairly well-to-do and a very few, full-handed. Heeding the call of the West, they left their old homes in the East, packing all their worldly possessions in strong Connestoga wagons, drawn by horses and oxen. The ave-horse team v/as the favorite with those who were able to afford it, as a single leader in a heavy team could be handled more easily and readily than a double team. But many ':ame with two-horse wagons, or vehicles drawn by oxen, and some j^ilk cows did service under the yoke. Not a few came in ox carts, the ox wearing a horse collar, turned upside down. Then there were others who rode through on horseback, with an extra animal rigged out with a pack-saddle, trailing along carrymg the indispensable equipment necessary for the starting of a home on the frontier. I'hey usually came in trains, from a half dozer, to a dozen or more families at a time, usually from the same section of country.

The journey from what was then civilization to the wilds of Indiana Territory was difficult and dangerous. A chain of rugged mountains had to be crossed over, along roads that were mere trails in many instances, and in long stretches of country roads had to be literally hewn through forests where there was not a stick amiss and where a white man had never trod before, unless it had been an explorer or adventurer. Once across the mountain fastness, their way took them through a vast stretch of wilderness of mighty oaks, giant poplars, spreading beeches and towering ash and sycamore, the like of which were never found upon any continent but this. In some places where hurricanes had m ;>vved dow n these monster trees as far as the eye could reach, it took days to cut their way through, for here vvere trees upon trees overlapping each other, among which grew a tangled mass of underbrush, grape vines, spice wood and briars, forming a barricade through which tlie advance guide could scarcely clamber. Then there were all sorts of streams to cross and morasses to corduroy, before the stream was reached. Not infrequently rivers were too deep to ford, in which case rafts had to l>e improvised l)efore a crossing was effected. Much valuable time would l;>e spent in the construction of a log craft of sufticient capacity to carry o\er wagons and contents, and it was a hazardous apjjaratus at best. All annuals were made to swim across. .V man mounting a gocid swimming horse would take tlie lead and the rest were made to follow. Where smaller streams were readied, lie fore risking too much a horse would be unhitched from the wagon, if tlu-re was not a leader on horseback, and .some one v/ould ride across to determine wliere the shallowest and .safest place was for crossing. By marking this spot with stakes, or blazing trees, the next traveler was sa\'ed con.siderable trouble. One of the earliest conveniences supplied in this Western country was the establishment of ferries where the main lines .)i tr;i\el crossed the larger streams. ."some of these early ferrymen amassed snug fortunes in the business, as travelers could afford and were willing to pay a good fare to be set across a large stream without loss of time and little danger.

As night approached a halt was usually made where water was convenient for man and beast; the campfire was lighted, a rough meal was prepared and animals were hoppled and turned loose to graze. Some time would be spent around the camphre discussing the day's ad\entures and tiie morrow's possibilities and probabilities, when the women folk and small children would retire to their beds in the wagons, while the men and boys usually slept upon pallets made underneath, with loaded guns by their sides, ready to protect and defend themselves from attack by Indians or wild beasts. A huge fire would always keep at safe distance the panther and the wolf, but it was likely to attract the attention of the wild men. It required days and weeks to make this perilous journey, and sometimes an adult would sicken on the way. They were out of reach of physicians, and, despite all efforts to relieve the suffering one, a life would be snuffed out. With hearts almost broken, a shallow grave would be prepared to receive the remains of the unfortunate one, and after marking the spot with a mound of stnne, the caravan would again move on, leaving the lost one to nature's care. In the southern part of this county, along the old Vincennes trail, two or three of these lone graves are still to be seen, marked by a rectangular monument of stone, laid up without mortar, more than a century ago. It was under such trials and through dangers innumerable, that the pioneer men and women of all this country sought new homes. There was not a day during the journey that did not have its story - ofttimes its tragedy.

Prior to 1800, a ferry had been established below the Ohio falls, propelled by oarsmen, so newcomers into this territory experienced little difficulty in crossing the river. Many emigrants came down the Ohio in flatboats - some on log rafts. The start was made on some navigable stream that emptied into the Ohio, where a float of the desired pattern would be made, just large enough to carry the team and wagon, when the trip down was easily made, with little danger except from attack by the bands of warring Indians that infested the shores all along the route. Boats were usually steered and kept near the shore, in preference to keeping in the swift current of the river, which made it easier for Indians, who were usually concealed in their canoes a short distance back from the mouths of small streams, to surprise and capture a boat and its crew. It has been said that there was scarcely a strategic point between Pittsburgh and the Ohio falls.

I2C Washington Couxtv, Ixhiana

where Indians could take advantage of whites, that was not at some time the scene of deadly conflict. Once landed at "Tlie I'ails." ihe wagon was again started for the point of destination.

VVlien the homeseeker came to a section of <:ountrY that was tc his liking, or had gone as far into the interior as it was deemed ^afe, he went into camp and si>ent some days inspecting the la_\' ot the land, in order that the most desirable location might be secured. A good spring was the first consideration, and next a rich soil, gently rolling and not too w-et. Lands where the pawpaw grew in greatest luxuriance were considered most desirable in this i>art of the countrw .\s soon as a place was found that suited all parties concerned, the family was located thereon and the work of car\ - ing out a new home wa*; begun at once. The women looked after the arrangement and care of the temporary camp, while tlie men, with >uch force as they could command, went to \vork n-\ the cabin. If there were tieighbors anywhere near- the} were prompth on hand to lend a helping hand. Horses were l^elled and turned loose ;o forage on wild grass and pea vines, which grew in great abundance all over this country. The pea vine., when cut and cured, made an excellent substitute for hay, and there was fa;ri)' gixj^l grazing for stock die wiriter through, when the snow \A-as not too deep. In two or three weeks' time the cabin was ready for occupancy, an.d it was generally occupied before it had received the finishing touch. Winter would sometimes find the cabin unfinished, and families were known to have weathered it through with a roof finished on one -ide only. Verv little time was required to keep up the supplv of meat while shelter for man and beast was l)eing pro\-ided, and lands cleared up for the coming season's crop, for deer and wild turkey ranged close at hand and were not difhcult to bring do\An v/ith the rifle, being accustomed only to keeping clear of the range of the Indian's arrow, which was not more than half the distance the bullet from the rifle would carry.

In heavy timber the clearing of the land required a great deal of heavy, hard work. Sometimes an open spot of ground could be found not far distcdt, when the labor of cleaning up a corn and pumpkin patch was less burdensome. The easiest way to get rid of heavy timber was to "deaden" it.

Trees, were hacked completely around, cnlting deep enough to get through the bark and .sapwood. Small trees and underbru-h were all cut down antl left lying on the ground. At the end of a couple of \'ears, limbs from the deadened trees would be falling to the ground and \egetation of all kinds would grow luxuriantly - as a matter of fact, the place would be an impenetrable entanglement of vines, briars, brush and weeds. Late in the fall, or in springtime, when leaves and rubliish had dried out, the "deadening" was fired, all the rubbish being entirely ccmsumed. together with many of the standing trees. This left the land clean and co\ered with a good coat of ashes, thus rendering it as productive as lands could possibly be made, easily cultivated and producmg enormous crops the first .season. Upon such soil corn would yield from sixty to seventy bushels per acre, and pumpkins would be so thick that it was possible for one to walk upon them across the field and ne\er stej) on tlie ground. When tii..' -r ^vas needed for rails, trees were cut down and the choice cuts were ^\uu u\>. while the "top" of the tree w(nild be made into firewood. The remaining heavy timber that was considered of no use was chopped into even lengths, usually about twelve feet long, and rolled into "heaps," after which the brush would be piled thereon and all burned together. These clearings were usually burned at night, making an immense light. "Righting up" the log heap atid piling together the brands made the land ready for the plow. After the country was pretty well settled up neighbors would assist each other at wood chopping and log rolling, or in cleaning ofT the lands. They thus preferred to make a frolic of their work by each helping the other along. When a man did the clearing himself it was considered a good winter's work to clean up three or four acres. He would do the chopping and heavy work, but when it came to clearing up the brush and trash the women and children would lend a helping hand. First crops were often made without using a plow, the work of planting and cultivating being done with the hoe exclusively, in regular Indian fashion. Small holes were dug about four feelapart, into which corn and pumpkin seetls were dropped and covered. With the planting of the corn the housewife was always a ready helper, and she never forgot to plant a bountiful supply of corn-beans, which seldom failed to furnish a very necessary part of the coming winter's supply of eatables.

Primitive F.Vrm Implements

"uitivate crops. At that day there was no such thing as factory-made implenients of any kind. The pioneer had to depend upon his own resources and ingenuity for these things. Here and there a blacksmith couid be found who could lend him some assistance, and those who could operate a forge a thriving business. The rudest pattern of plow was a forked stick with an iron point, shaped so it would root along in the ground, leaving a oort of furrow behind that was little better than no plowing at all. The first turning plow was called the "barshare."' The blacksmith made a plowshare, pointed with long bar all in one piece, which was the only iron about the plow. This was attached to a wO(xlen moldboard, which was fastened to the "plow stock" by means of wooden pins, the stock being made very much after the pattern of modern turning plows. An improvement on this plow consisted in extending the plowshare up a few inches, so as to form a part of the moldboard, firiishing it out with woot'. An improvement, later on, consisted of a coulter, extending dovn from tlie plowbeam and resting on the nose of the plow. This prevented the share from fastening itself under roots and stumps, the smaller root= being cut in t',\u by the -sharp edge of the coulter. The "carey" plow continued to be used up to about 1845, when the '^rounder," h one-piece plow, and the "peacock," a cast-iron plow, succeeded \t. A few of these old-time plows ha\'e been pre- .served in some of the college museums - a fine collection of tlie same to be seen at the Indiana State University at Bloomington, collected in Washington county and donated to the universitv by W. W. Stevens. The only suc- -cessful new-land plow made, and which carne into general use about 1830, was the "shovel," with coulter attachment, so arranged that roots too large to cut were jumped over by reason of the slanting shape of the coulter, hence the name, "jumping-shovel." For many years the shovel plow was the main implement used in cultivating corn, which gave way to the "double-shovel" about 1850, and it, a few years later, to the more modern cultivator. Wooden were made without the use of iron in any way. The doubletree was hewed out of a pole in proper shape, and had a hole bored in each end and center. Singletrees had notches cut in the ends, with a hole bored in the center. These were fastened together by means of clamps and pins - a sort of wooden clevis, about eight inches in length, with pins in each end. Trace rings were then slipped over the ends of the singletrees and secured in the notch by means of small pins. The top of a crabapple tree often served in the place of a harrow. A forked stick, with hickory teeth driven through holes bored in both arms, also served as an e.xcuse for a harrow.

The regulation harrow, with iron teeth, was made in the form of an -'A," with a grapevine hooped over from the two rear ends of the frame for a handle. Horse collars were made of corn-shucks plaited together in a sort of pad, and faced with some sort of stout cloth, usually jeans. Hames were made from oak and ash 'trees, taking a small portion of the body of the tree, together with some of the root, which gave the proper crook without any cross-grain, which made it very durable. Traces were often improvised from a combination of grapevines and hickory withes. Truck wagons and carts were in common use, the wheels being made from cross-sections of trees, usually gum. of the proper diameter. Sleds were used on the farm more frequently than wagons. Drawn usually by oxen, they were used for hauling wood, water, fodder, rails and many things, because it was more convenient to load and unload them than the wagon. Besides, most any farmer had ingenuity enough to make a sled out of a couple of poles, with a natural crook at one end, making them suitable for runners. A forked dogwood sapling could easily be shaped into a fork for handling hay or grain. Wooden rakes were very serviceable in clearing up land, and even spades were made of seasoned hickory or white oak, and when kept oiled, would stand service for quite a while. Whatever tools or implements a man possessed the whole neighborhood had free and welcome access to as they might be needed.

The Staple Crops

Corn and pumpkins were the staple crops on the pioneers' farms. With a good crop secured they felt that winter had few terrors for man or beast. Corn fodder was about the only roughness that was laid up for wintering stock, and it required less labor to cut it up and save it than hay, with the crude implements they had for mowing and handling the same. The fodder could stand afield with very little damage all winter, the pioneer's sled brmging in from day to day what was needed for his stock. Wheat, oats and rye were raised in small patciies. A few sheaves of the rye were always cut a little green, for bat making. The straw was soaked till it was pliable, when It was braided and sewed into the "fashionable" shape desired for hat or bonnet. Every woman was her own milliner, and fortunate indeed was she who could scrape up a piece of ribbon to bedeck h^r straw bonnet. Fla.x was early an important crop, as from it much of the clothing and beddmg were manufactured. Gardens were assiduously cultivated and a corner was a]x\ays set ajjart for pinks, morning glories, hollyhocks, zinnias.

marigolds and fancy grasse?. Here were al;-o found the "love apple." which year? afterward developed iino the edible tomato. Fruits v/ere scarce for a good many years after first settlements were established. Of wiiu grapes, St rav.' berries and blackberries there was an abundance. But it tc-ok considerable time to get an apple orchard in bearing. Peaches v.ere started from the seed and bore fruit the tifth or sixtn year after planting. But the seedling apple tree was very slow in maturing, ten or twelve ye.-^ir,-, Ijeing required to bring frui«^ of any consequence, and e\eri when seeds were planted and trees cultivated til! they were large enough to bear, it was a question whether the fruit would be v.'orth the picking, for in a large orchard there might not be more than a half-dozen trees that bore luscious fruit. There was but one variety of pear grown, the old "sugar" pear. It was not a bad pear to eat out of hand; but it was no larger than a good-sized hen's egg. It began ripening at the core, and if allowed to hang on the tree till it fell of its own accord, v/as so soft that it mashed itself flat when it struck the ground. Potatoes, both Irish and sweet, were grown for family use, but it was difficult to carry over sweet [jolato seed from one seison to the next. Where dry caves were in reach, sweet potatoes could Ik siored therein the winter through very successfully, both for table use and seed. A few rows of broom» corn were always planted in one corner of the field, for brooms those days \\ere all made in the home. In their absence, the "scrub broom" did service. This was made from a small, tough white oak or hickory sapling. With the bark removed from the stick, which was probably an inch and a half in diameter, small slivers of the wood were stripped up from the butt end with a pocket-knife, about ten inches in length. The lower end, being thus fmcly shredded, the stripping process was reversed, and beginning up about a foot above the part already made fine, the wood was peeled downward, until the stick was reduced to the sizt Just right for a handle. The shreds were then bound together, the bottom squared off, the upper part of the handle shaped d.nvn, and the broom was complete. It wasn't a bad broom for dirt or puncheon floors.

The Harvest Season

As crops matured, careful watch had to he kei)t continualh- to prevent crows and squirrels from taking the crops by day. or the raccoon by night. With "scarecrows" hung up about the field, usually made by stuffing a pair of pants and a coat w ith straw, and standing them up beside a post or stake, crows were wary about lighting down in the field, but squirrels were hardest to deal with. It hardly paid to waste ammunition on them, as powder and ball were scarce and high-priced ; besides, a bullet that would kill a squirrel would bring down a deer or turkey. A good cur dog was the best protection against raccoons, and it paid to kill these latter rodents, for their hides were valuable in making caps, and would pass current for any sort of supplies at the nearest store, and in some instances were received in lieu of cash by the tax collector. The farmer of early time aimed to raise jilst sufficient wheat to do him for bread and seed, and it only required a very few acres to furnish this amount. The harvesting of the crop was made a frolic, the farmers of the entire neighborhood combining and making the rounds to all their farms, reaping, binding and shocking as they went. Not infrequently the women would wield the sickle, some of whom were always ready to match their skill with the best among the men. The sickle was used in this county almost exclusively up to about the year 1840, when some "Yankee" invented the "cradle." The latter consisted of a light framework which held in place four or five fingers, the same bend as the scythe and parallel to it, designed to receive the grain as the harvester swung the cradle into the standing crop, and to lay it evenly in swathes. An expert with the cradle could cut four or five acres of wheat in a day. It was an impressive sight to witness a half-dozen or more men swinging their cradles with a military precision, as each brought down a swath of grain ten feet wide.

While this labor was hard, and was performed during the very hottest' summer weather, the men still had courage to carry on the jest and laugh. A few men here and there who had the skill and endurance would cut as much as five acres of wheat in a day. When a farmer had a surplus of wheat, more than he needed for his own use, it Was bartered away for just what he could get, there being very little coin in circulation and no demand for the grain. During the wheat harvest, farmers' wives vied with each other in the preparation of food, and the laborers lived on the fat of the land. At that time whisky was considered indispensable in harvesting, as \vell as at all kinds of gatherings, except among a very few - the Quakers and Covenanters, who stuck strictly to wafer and buttermilk. A "fouro'clock bite"' was always prepared, and was carried to the harvest field in the middle of the afternoon, after partaking of which the men continued their labors till sundown. The scythe and cradle, in time, gave way to the "harvester," operated by horses, about 1855, when the growing of wheat for the world's market was Ijegun. The "self-binder" was introduced into the county in 1870.

The first settlers used flails altogether to thresh out their small grain. A flail consisted of a '"head," or beater, about two feet in length, and a handle about six feet long. The "head" was an eight-square, flattened a little at one end through whici a hole was bored. At one end of the handle a notch was cut around the stick, and the two pieces were fastened together with a raw-hide "whang." With this implement a man could beat out five or six bushels of wheat in a day. To do the work sheaves of wheat were opened and ^read out on a hard dirt floor in a sort of row, the heads overlapping each other, the butts being on the outside. When the upper side was flailed out the straw was turned over and the beating continued until the straw was cleaned. The wheat and chaff were scraped up and put in bags or pens, until a windy day, when two men would pour about a half bushel on a sheet and then, taking hold of the four corners, would toss the grain up two or three feet high, the wind carrying the chaff, dust and dirt away, leaving the wheat clean. This process was called "winnowing." A speedier way to separate the grain from the straw was to tramp it out. If there was no barn floor on which to do the work, a nice smooth dirt floor was made. The sheaves were then spreatl down in circular shape, butts outside. This outer circle was some twenty feet across. An inner circle was then laid down, with the butts to the center, the heads of the sheaves barely touching each other. Horses were then turned in, or rather a boy would ride one animal and lead another, round and round on the sheaves until the wheat was all tramped out. Usually four horses were used in this way if they were to be had. While the horses were tramping around the circle, a man or two vritli forks would be constantly turning over the loosened sheaves, so all the grain would be shattered out, when the straw would be separated from the grain. Two floors of grain could thus be tramped out in a day. The "Duster," or "ground-hog'' thresher came into use in this county about 1825, simply being a cv'linder propelled by horse-power. There was one machine made in the county that was propelled by two-man power, but it was a real man-killer, and was used but ver\' little. The first separator came into the county about 1850, steam-power threshers about i860, and traction-engine outfits, with wind stackers about 1888.

In harvesting the corn crop the early custom was to first "blade" the stalks, then top them, and when the corn was dry the ears were "snapped" off and carted to the crili. In husking, the choicest ears were saved for seed the following season. When a crop of flax had matured it was pulled up by the root';; wlien dried out thoi'onghly the seed was flailed out and along in the late fall the straw was spread out in swathes to rot. This rottingprocess did not affect the lint, but made it possible to loosen it from the shives when passed through the break, swingling-knife and hackel.

During the harvest season while the men went round from place ta place to assist their neighbors, the women folk usually trailed along also, to assist in preparing the dinner, carrying with them some sort of prepared food which the hostess was most likely to be short on, or not able to provide. It was a frolic, too, with them, for the comers and goers were few and far between in the early homes and these visits around with neighbors were the only means they had to get a little spice out of life and have a little change in the monotony of life right out in the wilderness.

Food And Household Utensils

Ordinarily of meat there was always an abundance. No man ever stepped out of the house without a gun on his shoulder, for the reason, in the main, that he never knew when lurking Indians might attack him, and it was convenient to have when a lot of deer or a flock of turkeys came along, for one could be easily killed, and thus save the time and labor of huntingthem up. There was seldom a day during the fall and winter that a nice flock of turkeys was not ranging close about the fields where grain had been grown the previous season. It was only a short time after the first settlers came in until the country was full of wild hogs that kept fat all winter through on acorns and nuts. Wild fruits in their season gave some variety to the bill of fare. The honey bee has always been said to be the forerunner of civilization, and they were here in advance of the first settlers, how long before no one knew. The bee tree was located by preparing a sweet bait and placing it on a fallen tree or stump. If any bees were within a half mile, or even more, of the bait, they would soon find it, after which it was an easy matter to get the direction of the bee tree, and, by moving the bait a few times, to locate the tree. When a colony was located, the tree was marked, and the mark was respected the same as marks on hogs, cattle or sheep. After the flowering season was over the tree was cut, and the su]iply of honey was carefully husbanded, some always being laid by for company, the year round. Not un frequently, when the hollow tree was a large one, as much as a barrel of honey would be taken.

The supply of food for winter use consisted of meat, cornmeal, potatoes, lieans and pumpkin. .\11 winter through a string of dried, or drying

The Making Of Corn Meal

As soon as corn was sufficientlv ripe in the fail, it was grated, or pounded into meal, for cakes and mush. Grated meal made the very choicest mush, and, served with m.ilk, was the favorite dish for supper. A grater was made by taking a piece of tin, the rem.nant of any worn-out vessel, and punching it full of small holes, then bending it in semi-circular ^hape and tacking the two edges to a board. It only required a few minutes' time to grate enough meal for a good big pot of mush. In case supplies of any kind were exhausted the pioneers never hesitated to go to a neighbor to borrow enough to carry them along till their own larder was refilled, .well knowing that such requests would never be denied, if it was in the power -of a neighbor to grant them. The mortar for poimding corn into meal was made by cutting and burning a bowl-shaped hole in the top of a gum stump or block, about the size of a half bushel. A springy sassafras pole, about twenty feet long was made fast at the butt end, and to the small end a pestle, made of some hard wood, was attached. Every time a stroke was made the springy pole was a great help in raising the pestle again. Later on those who had the necessary tools and ingenuity to use them, made sets of small "burrs out of hard, blue limestone, which were operated by hand. These were about two feet in diameter, and, by hard work and several shifts, some four bushels of meal could be ground thereon in a day. Some of these hand burrs are still to be found in this county, but now doing in the capacity of door steps, having outlived their original purpose.

Adepts At Curing Meats

Sausage was made by chopping meat with an ax on a large block, a -cut off of a gum log being preferred, as it was not so liable to chip and leave bits of wood in the meat. The sausage grinder first came into use about 1850, a home-made pattern, and one grinder served fifteen or twenty families, and the killing of pork depended on the time the grinder could be had in turn. To preserve sausage for future use it was seasoned with salt, sage and red pepper, tied up in corn husks that had been carefully stripped from the ear, and then hung up in the smoke-house, where it was cured with the bacon. The pioneer was a past master in the art of curing meat and his bacon was the equal of anything produced by any of the inodeni methods of liandling nieats. After he had salted it properly, and smoked it with hickory bark and corn C(jbs, and had it thoroughly dried out, each piece was rubbed well with pepper and imbedded in hickory ashes, a huge trough ha\ ing been pre])ared for that purpose. In this condition meat would remain in perfect condition tlie year through.

With a few crude tools, such as the nearest blacksmith could manufacture, the early settler made all the wooden utensils needed in the home; or if he was not skilled, or even handy, in wood-craft, he employed a neighl)or to work for him. < ir tbe\- "swapped work" in some way to even things up. 'frays, large and small, were made from buckeye or bass-wood. Trenchers and IiliwIs for kitchen use were hewn from sections of maple logs, scrajjed smooth with some sharp instrument. Buckets, piggins and chums were considered best when made of cedar, as this wood was afifected by water less than any other. Then the women saw that all kinds of gourds were rai.sed. These ranged in size from that of a walnut up to a halfbushel measure. The largest grew without "handles," and when the tops were cut out and the gourds boiletl and cleaned, they were used for sugar troughs, wash i)ans and milk pails. Some were jug-shaped, and some had "handles"' three feet long and were used for dippers in a variety of ways. The small ones served the baby for a rattler, or the housewife as a form over which socks were darned. Looms, spinning-wheels, swifts, reels, spools and the like were made by some one in the settlement who possessed a kit of tools and could use the same readily.

Old timers usually sat up late of nights. The men had leggings to repair, ax handles to finish up, shoes to patch and many little jobs to claim their attention, while the women had to knit, sew, darn and sometimes run the little spinning-wheel. The children had their little games, "fox and geese." "checkers." "jack-straws." "tit-tat-too," and the like. A bright fire tnade light for some, while a lami>. modeled from clay in the shape of a flat cup. which had been burned hard, was filled with bear-oil, or lard and, supplied with a cotton wick, gave a satisfactory light to work by, but one could not say it was very brilliant. A little later on the old-fashioned "Dutch lamp." came into use, a pattern still to be seen as an old-time relic in many homes. "Dipped" candles were made, where there were no molds in the neighborhood. Iw wrapping a cotton cloth around a small drv stick, (9) ' ^ dogwood preferred, and then rolling the same in a skillet of beef's or deer's tallow. When this had cooled and hardened, another dip was made, thus building up the candle to desired size. Alcohol lamps succeeded the candle in a measure about 1850 i.nd coal-oil came to the front ten years later. It -was a serious matter when the fire went out, for matches were then unknown. Each family had its "tinder box," in which were kept bits of scorched linen, tow, punk and flints. Punk was found in the knots of hickory trees and somewhat resembled a piece of sponge. By striking two flints together, or by striking a flint with a piece of steel, sparks were generated, which, aropping on the punk, set it on fire, from which start a fire could readily be kindled. A little powder mixed with the tow was sometimes used instead of punk. With plenty of kindling, a blaze was started, the rest was easy.

Early Trapping And Hunting

Several years in advance of the first pioneers and homeseekers, came into this wilderness the early trapper and hunter. Hidden away in narrow valleys and along the banks of unnamed streams were laid the trap lines that more than a century ago furnished much of the fur that protected civilized men and women from winter's cold or to adorn their apparel. The early trappers never seemed to have much trouble with the redskins; there apparently being a sort of connecting link between them and the Indians. Many of them took unto themselves Indian wives, and they nearly all dressed in Indian garb and had learned to talk the language of the aborigines. Wherever the trapper went he was a welcome guest, and when he located for his season's hunt his headquarters were usually in or near some Indian village. Spurgin, one among the earliest white trappers in this section ci country, lived three or four winters with the Ox Indians at the salt lick two miles east of Salem.

Early in the autumn, long before the first snow had fallen, these professional trappers started out to locate a suitable spot for their winter's work. They made little preparation for the winter, taking with them little else beside a gun, ammunition and an ax or good-sized tomahawk. They made their own traps, deadfalls and snares and had the line complete before severe winter weather came on. A small hut of some kind was provided, which often was nothing more than a few poles leaned up against a rocky cliff or hollow tree, covered over with cedai boughs. For food thev trusted to the rifle. Corn could be bought of the Indians for little or nothing.

Rawhide thongs were brought into requisition when snares were made or traps assembled together. As these preparations were being made the nights slowly grew longer and the cold stronger, and soon came the snow and sleet - the beginning of winter - the time to begin to take pelts and cure them. With the calm and settled weather after the first snow storm they went down their line of traps to bait and put ,them in shape, and learn something about what kind of animals they were most likely to capture for their winter's work. As they traveled round, deer tracks were found here and there; signs were to be seen where the fox had been catching grouse or pheasants, and now and then the wildcat or panther had left his footprint in the soft snow. The denizens of the forest could no longer move about unknown. . Each one must leave on the snow a story of its wanderings, usually not difficult to read. Some of the larger animals would ofttimes get on to the trap line, steal the bait and make lots of trouble for the trapper. In such case, the habits of the pilferer being known, a night or two would be spent lying in wait for the pest in order that he might be brought down with the rifle and his pelt secured. As the cold increased the fur got better up to and a little after mid-winter. Presently the days began to grow longer, the sun shone out warmer and the snow began to settle. This would remind the lone trapper that his season's work was soon to be finished, and no doubt he had longings, if not for home, at least to see once more a familiar \vhite face. If he had been blessed with good luck his stock of furs was more than he could get out to the settlement lone-handed, and aid from Indians would be secured. As the weather grew warmer, and the snow turned dirty and brown and the streams began to carry floods of chocolate-colored water, he, knowing it was no use to remain longer in camp, would leave for the nearest trading or shipping point, where furs were being bought, and soon would have the results of his season's work in his pocket.

The Indian In Winter

The Indians were always busy in winter time trapping when not engaged in war with some othei"' tribe or making raids against tne whites. They usually abandoned their summer villages and moved to the remotest spots to be found, early in the fall. The first work for the squaws was to get up a lodge for the winter. As the braves would bring in provisions, such as deer, bear or fish, the select parts would be dried before the fire, or if the weather was cold the meats were frozen and put up on scaffolds out of the way of dogs. When the time came to set the traps this work devolved upon the head of the family, his sons and sons-in-law. While the men were killing and capturing large game and the most valuable furbearing animals, the wom^-n were snaring rabbits and pheasants and fishing. The streams were then full of fish, and when frozen over, holes would be cut in the ice, to which fish would come for air, when they were speared and thrown ashore. All were thus kept busy till the opening of spring, when the season's catch was transported to the nearest post and there exchanged for red blankets, showy trinkets and a little "firewater" on the sly. The Indian women had to have beads, flaming scarfs and all sorts of cheap jewelry and ornaments.

The earliest white settlers spent much of their time hunting and trapping in winter, for in many instances pelts were the only thing they could get hold of that could be bartered for sugar, coffee, salt and such necessaries of life as were kept in the backwoods store. The pioneer usually spent one day of the week hunting during the crop season, and in winter time, when not engaged in clearing up lands he was out with his dogs and gun. Hunting was no ramble for exercise or pastime as it now is, but required a great deal of skill and calculation on the part of the hunter, if he was to be successful. Setting out early in the morning the wind and weather told him where he would find his game - whether in the bottoms or on the sides er tops of the hills. In stormy weather he looked in the most sheltered places on the leeward side of hills and up' hollows for deer. In rainy weather he went to the open woods, the grassy barrens or on the highest ground. In many cases he had to learn the course of the wind and then go against it so as to keep on the leeside of the game. This he did by wetting his finger in his mouth, then raising it above his head, and the side which first felt cool showed which way the wind came from. He also had to understand tlie points of the compass, to know his whereabouts, and when tliere was no sun he consulted the bark and moss on the trees. The bark was always thicker on the north side, and the moss more prominent. When a deer or bear was killed and the day not too far spent, it was hung up out of reach of wolves, after having been bled and the intestines removed. If the "catch" was a deer it would be carried home, if not too far away; if a bear had been killed a horse was gone for to carry it to the cabin. Usually two men hunted together, for safety and convenience. They returned home at the close of the day, or when they had secured all the game they could carry, or when it seemed that nothing but bad luck was in store for them that day.

Hunting adventures formed the principal topic of conversation around the fireside and when neighbors came together. The one who could spin a good hunting "yarn" was always sure of attentive hearers. Some individuals possessed as much skill in relating an incident as they did in pursuit of game, and would sometimes rise to their feet and with appropriate gesture and flashing eye would display flights of eloquence that would not have shamed the bar or stage in any age.

The early settlers of this county nearly all believed in moon signs and always consulted Poor Richard's almanac before engaging in any important undertaking. The cutting of timber and of children's hair, the planting of seed, making fences and almost all kinds of work had to be done when the moon was "right," or not at all. It was a sign of good luck to see the new moon over one's right shoulder and of bad luck to see it over the left. Indeed, there was no end to the governing influence of the "queen of night. " If the new moon stood with both points turned up it was a sign that it was full of water, and as one point declined the water was spilled out and it would be a wet month; if one point hung low down, the water had all been let out and dry weather was sure to follow. Some oracles were so well versed in sign astronomy that they could foretell coming events by the relative positions of the various constellations of stars, and the signs of the zodiac told of numerous things that had to be done just at the proper time if one expected to reap the greatest reward for his labor. Some individuals were much more proficient in sign lore than others, and they were very frequently interviewed by their less intelligent neighbors who were not sure that they could read the signs aright. Strange to say, even in this age and generation there are, here and there, individuals who firmly believe in the moon's influence upon things terrestial and no sort of argument will convince them of the error of their way. But as a rule people nowadays have very little respect for the moon. They look upon it as an impostor, living upon borrowed light. As a substitute for electricity, gas, or kerosene, at certain stages of its luminosity, it is a serviceable guide to people when out late at night, but in other respects it is merely an object for the apostrophes of 'raptured youth, who are never tired of appealing to it under all sorts of pet appellations. As for believing that the moon affects the weather and that by studying its "quarters" we may prophesy whether it will rain or shine, modern science has proved that all such notions are humbug. The moon, it must be remembered, is continually on the move, and ever progressing with the earth and all the while moving around it. It therefore must necessarily, and does, in turn, .shine on all parts of the earth. Wherever the sun shines the i^ioon shines also. The sun, being the source of all our heat, generates the conditions which give us more or less moisture in the atmosphere. Tlie moon, being a mere reflccter of light, has no such power - it generates no heat and cannot possi1)ly exert any intluence upon the earth's surface. The same moon, as it circles around the earth exery twenty-foia- hours, encounters at its meridian heighth, all kinds di' weather - from hot to cold, wet to d.ry. In one place it iviay be clear ;nid lirigbt. in another clouds and storms. The old almanac prophecy rif the weather based upon any such ideas as that the moon has any influence in ]jr(iducing these results is most al)surd. If il had any such jmwer it would produce the same restilts every time, but we see that it does not, but rather, witli all sorts of moons, we ha\e ;dl sorts of weather. One hundred x-ears ago ihose individuals who didn't believe in some sort of "moon signs" were few au'l far between, and many a man earned a lix-elihood by his re])iUation of lieing an expert prognosticator and foreteller of weather condition'^ that wotdd prevail in the distant future.

The "waterwitch" was generally conceded to 1)e a man jjossessed of some sort of supernatural endowment, inasmuch as he possessed the aliility to look down into the earth's crust and point out the s]iots here and there where wells could be stmk and a ne\'er- failing supply of paire water ubtaiiieil. In earl)- days no one ever thought of sinking a well without tirst calling in the neighborh(.x)d "waterwitch." to go o\er the premises and lucate the liest point to start the work. He came promptly at exery call, armed with a forked peach-tree limb, if it was available, together with a hazel switch about four feet long, the fir'^t to locate the stream, the second to ascertain the exact depth dow n to the water. The forked stick was taken hold of firmly in both hands, the forked part of the stick lieing turned upward. In this position the waterman leisurely walked about the yard where it was most desirable for the well to be located, and if a stream of water was crossed, the forked end of the stick would suddenly turn down, hi spite of every effort on the ])art of the "waterwitch" to hold it in upright position. This spot was then marked and it was approached then from other directions, and if the stick persisted in going down at this same spot every time it was crossed, that was the place to dig the well. If the divining rod turned down very suddenly and with great force the stream was large and not very far under the ground.

In order to get the exact depth, the hazel switch was next brought into play, and holding it by the small end, tightly gripped in both hands, the "wizard" stood calmly beside the spot that had been selected foi^ the well. In an instant the switch began to bob up and down. These up-and-down bobs were counted and when the rod again became steady he had the exact number of feet it was down to the water. To question the ability of the "waterwitch" to perform his miracles was well nigh sacrilege, and to prove his abilit)' to do wonders along this line he had only to recount the many instances where he had been successful. The instances when his prognostications pro\Td to be correct were easily remembered, and the failures, if not forgotten, were easil}- accounted for in some way satisfactory to all parties concerned. To take pay for this kind of work was not thought of, as by so doing the practitioner was sure to incur the displeasure of the Creator of the from whom this special divining ]X3wer had been received. That all of these diviners were impostors was hardly true, for thev were in most instances men of sterling character and sincerely believed they possessed the powers of divination which they professed. A century ago very few persons were to be found who were not superstitious in a greater or less degree. They sought for presages of their future and discerned "signs" of good or bad fortune in everything around them. The croaking of the tiie howling of the dog, the hooting of an owl. were all pro]ihetic of ':onie imjiending misfortune. When anyone was sick and a screech owl was heard, there was no hope of recovery. The breaking of a mirror was a "sure sign'' that there woidd be a death in the family. All dreams portended good or evil, according as they were interpreted by the neighborhood fortune teller. There was always at least one dame in the settlement who could interpret dreams and tell fortunes, and her services were in great deiuand, esjiecially among the young people who had felt the sting of cupid's dart.

Social Functions

Our c-arly pioneers engaged in many pleasures to relieve the monotony of life iiKideiUal to their isolated conditions. Of course there were no "(linir show-," liall <.ratues. fairs, circuses and the like to which we are today, but there was no lack of fun and frolic. Even in neigh- borhood tasks and undertakings, the work was entered upon with a frohcsome, jovial spirit that robbed it of its slavishness, no matter how burdensome. A hard day's labor usually wound up with some sort of social stunt. Among other things that brought settlers together were log-rollings, cornhuskings, house and barn raising.-,, \v(jod-choppings. apple-parings, quiltingbees, shooting-matches, spelling and singing schools and pul)lic meetings. In clearing up lands, when the pioneer had felled tlie trees thereon, cut them into proper lengths and cleared away the limbs and brush, he was ready to call in his neighbors to assist him in "rolling" the logs, or putting them into heaps for burning. These gatherings came along in early spring. Nothing but a serious case of illness in the family was a legitimate excuse for any to be absent, who had received notification that his services \Aerc needed. Handspikes were made to accommodate the numljer of person^ expected to be present. They were u.sually made from sa'^safras. because of the light weight of the wood and the liea\-y weight they would carry. These spikes were cut from poles about the size of a man's arm; six or seven feet long, with the bark peeled and each end sha\ed down to a blunt point. The smaller logs were rolled or carried to the larger ones to save unnecessary lifting. A log-rolling" meant a day of hard, heavy work, when one and all would be required to exert their utmost strength, time and again, to carry the heaviest logs to the heap; nevertheless the toil was turned into play. Two men would be selected as heads, or captains, who would divide the help into* two squads, and the clearing was apportioned so as to give each division the same annnint of work to do, as near as possible. The race was to see which side could complete its task first. Thus it was a ru?h from start to finish. Quite frequentl}- there was a ri\"alry among the stoutest men as to whom the title, "giant of the day" belonged, and it frequently required a real test of strength to decide it. A handspike would be placed n.nder a large log and the contestants were required to lift at the same, and the one who could raise his end of the spike highest was proclaimed champion. He was said to have "pulled the nose of his contestant to the ground." This was considered no little honor, for to be the strongest man in the settlement made one quite a hero, and his fame soon spread abroad and he was compelled to defend it if other champions challenged him to a test. The festive candidate for public office would often ride miles to log-rollings in order that he might mix among his fellows, present his claims for office, or defend himself against false reports or unfounded charges. He was usually given an opportunity to show his mettle, espec- ially would this ha\e to be done if two rival aspirants happened to meet. If tliev could not be induced to test their muscle, an opportunity would be offered for them to make "'stump speeches."' and leave the hearers to decide in their own minds which of the two should receive their vote. The day's work being finished the yotmger men were still equal to engaging in foot races, wrestling matches, jumping, pole \-aultmg and other feats of skill or strength in which they felt the\' were champions.

Corn huskings were quite common affairs late in the fall when the crop had all been thrown in on the barn Hoor or shed, beside the corn crib. This was more of a young folks frolic, but the older ones came in also tolend a helping hand. The mothers and daughters also came to prepare the supper. Huge pot-pie.s were a favorite di.sh upon such occasions, and sweet cider the main be\erage. When the bulk of the corn pile had melted away and buskers had exhausted all their songs and stories, a race was put on by making a di\-ision of the men and the corn. F.ach sitle having its captain to urge his forces on to victory, the work progressed with surprising rapidit}- till the end. Supper was then served, and after the old folks had quietly left, some time was spent by the youngsters in playing or dancing. Frequently while the men folk were husking corn, the women would employ their time quilting, the quilting party usually being invited to come in during the afternoon previous to the husking and begin their work. It was an occasion wdien they could talk as they worked, and the news current in the entire settlement could be handed around.

A feast, a social mixing and games always accompanied or followed the hard labor incident to neighborhood gatherings of all kinds. It may be truly said of the people of those early times that they were merry-hearted, cheerful, kind and neighborly. Although their hardships were many, they brought much sunshine into their everyday lives. They were in the main much like the people of today, their circumstances and surroundings only making them different There were many vices practiced in those day, as there are now, for many rough people came into the new country. In some places cock-fighting, horse racing and betting, drinking and gambling were common. Whisky was kept by almost every family in the country, being used as a medicine in many ways, and small distilleries sprang up here and there in every settlement. Whisky was considered indispensable in the decoction of \-arious kinds of "Ijitters." being used as the base of untold remedies - in tact roots, herbs and whisky, formed the sovereign remedies for aU diseases that human beings were then heir to. The people meant well: their wants were simple, and they worked hard to live within their means They were b\- nv means \oid of an aesthetic longing, but being without means to i)rt'\ide themsel\"e-~ whh beautifvil homes, elegant surri'undings and handsome clothing, they were content to adorn their little cabins as best they could, and lived close to nature, which is always beautiful. Rut. for the early banishment of whisky from common use at neigh- Li irhood gatherings and in everyday use in the family as well, much credit is due to the teachings and habits of those strict (lisciplinarians. the Quakers and Covenanters, who liecame quite numerous in this county a very few \ears after the first settlements were established.

Nearly e\ery man and nearly every boy wIk^i was old enough to carry a gun was a marksman or lioped to become an expert with the rifle. A shotgun in tliat early dav was scarcely considered fit to be found in respectable society. A man was not cijuntenanced as a true sportsman in any sense cif the word who could own or use a "blunderbuss," as the shotgun was termed. When a boy was old enough to be started out with a rifle and .'i shot-pouch hung across his shoulders, he began to feel that he was a man .'uid thereafter had no time to devote to boy's play, and whatever honors he ma>- ha\e achieved in more mature manhood, they fell far short of making him a hero in his own estimation in com]iarison with the super-eminence he fel: when he threw his first trophv of the hunt upon the threshold of the cabin, wiiii the exulting remark. "See what I got!" To be a good marksman was not on!\- the ambition of aii\- man \\dio ventured out upon the frontier of civilization, but a necessit} as well: for the rifle was his main dependence for sustenance and safety. The gun and the backwoodsman were inseparable companions. He carried his gun with him when the first acreage was being cleared u]), and the first corn crop was being cultivated, or kejit it loaded and within easy reach when any emergency might call for its use.

The test of skill in the use of the rifle was not only displayed m hunting, but in contests at shooting matches as well. Shooting at the mark for a small purse was a form of contest of frequent occurrence, but the shooting for turkeys, venison or beef were regular holiday sports. If the match was held at a still house a half-barrel of whisky was frequently put up as a re- ward of skill. Often a live turkey or goose furnished the target, they being hampered sixty or seventy-tive yards distant. A certain amount would be charged for every shot. The shooting had to be done "off-hand," and the aim had to be directed at the head, and the first one who drew blood secured the bird. Those who were known to be "sure shots" were frequently barred from these contests, as the owner of the birds stood a poor show to realize on the venture. When live birds were put up at "long range," the marksman was allowed to shoot at the body, and could use a rest for his gun if he so desired. Shooting at the mark was the usual practice. Each participant was charged his proportionate share of the value of the prize, the charge depending on the number of chance takers. Or, if the purse could not be made up at the price fixed, the Owner of the prize took the remaining chances and shot for himself, or had some one to shoot for him. A shooting match would bring out most of the men and boys in the entire settlement. Those who did not participate in the shooting, gathered in groups along the sides of the range, speculated upon the outcome of the contests and got off their practical jokes. Each man who entered the contest prepared his own target, which was usually a board, having in the upper end, near the center, a spot blackened with powder or charcoal. To this background a piece of white paper about an inch square, with a diamond-shaped hole in the center, was tacked. The center of this diamond was the true center of the target, and from this center was described a circle with a four-inch radius. Each participant was allowed three shots. If all of them struck within the circle they were measured by a line from the center of the target to the nearest edge of the bullet hole; however, if a ball grazed the center, the line was drawn from the center of the diamond to the middle of the bullet hole. The three distances, were added and estimated as one, and the man who had the shortest line was winner. If a shot struck beyond the described circle, even by a hair's breadth, all other shots, even if in the center, did not coimt, and that particular marksman was out. Quite frequently a man who happened to be in extraordinary good luck would carry off most all the prizes, which would give him quite a reputation as an expert rifleman. Beck's Mill was always the center of attraction during the season of shooting matches, and at every match there were side attractions of some sort to amuse the crowd.

Gander Pulling Contest I40 Washington County, Indiana

raent about 1813 by a Kentuckyian who happened to be present at a shooting match. There were two ways that this rather fiendish amusement was carried on. The first was to take an old gander and, after plucking his head and neck perfectly bare, give it a coat of grease or soap. Then with a piece of buckskin the gander's feet were tied to the end of a low beech limb, with head down. The other way was to get a lithe, slim hickory sapling, about thirty feet long and plant the butt end in the ground, inclining the pole, at an angle of about forty-five degrees, at the top end of which the gander would be made fast. It was customary to charge a small fee for participating in the sport, and then the contestants would draw lots to sf .who should go first, second, and so on. This being all arranged, "while the goose hung high," the bystanders ranged themselves in two rows, aliout twelve feet apart, leaving room for a horse and rider to run through. Each spectator was armed with a whip of some sort to lash the horse as he came down the line - running the gauntlet as it were - in order to put him to his utmost speed. Horse and rider had to start one hundred and fifty yards back of the gander and come at full speed. As they entered the two files of men and boys the whips were. applied and the frightened animal rushed through pell-mell, and while his horse was thus running the rider had to grasp the neck of the gander and wring or jerk it oiY. This was not an easy matter, for the gander would be flopping and swinging about and the limb would spring up' and down and a mud puddle would usually be made just under the gander to cause the horse to stumble and flounder. It took the best of horsemanship, as well as nerve and skill,' even to seize the gander by the neck, and if it was done the neck was so slippery that it was almost impossible to hold on. Sometimes the rider wuuld hold on to the gander till he would lose his balance and would tumble into the mud hole, and then shout after shout would rend the air at the unfortunate gamester's mishap. It was seldom that the gander's head would be wrung off.

On one occasion, at Beck's mill, a long, ugly looking specimen of humanitA' showed up, who said he was from Kentucky and called himself Stephen Hurton. He Ava^ poorly clad, wore a linen shirt and a pair of "yaller" pants, kept up by one suspender. He wore a 'coonskin cap and his long locks came down to his shoulders. He was a sort of clown and every one was poking fun at him. He borL' it all good-naturedly, and finally some one asked him if he thought he could yank off the gander's head. He said "]\Iaybe I mought and then, ag'in, I moughtn't." Finally it was agreed to give him fi^-e trials and if he succeeded in twisting off the head he should receive five dollars. He said, "Boys, I'll try 'er," and sprang on the bare back of his old gray mare and went back to the starting point. He took a good look down the line and the word was given. Crouching forward like an Indian he sang out, "G'lang Nance!" and horse and rider came down the line like a thunderbolt. The crowd yelled, shouted and whipped "Nance" as she flew by, but, nothing daunted, Stephen kept his eye on the gander. With his heels pressed into the old mare's flanks, his long arm went up as he neared the gander; his huge hand clasped the neck and off came the head in a twinkling, in the hand of the victjjr. Amid the shouting that followed, Stephen rode slowly back and threw the head on the ground, saying "Me an' ol' Nance ^r' sum, ain't we. Guess I'll take yer money." He was the hero of the day. The day's sport being ended, he shouldered his old gun, rode calmly away and was never seen or heard from again in that section.

Social Happenings

The people of the old time in this county did not look upon dancing with a favorable eye, except in a few localities. Early ministers anathematised it, upon all occasions, because drinking and disorder were prevalent at such gatherings. Young "bloods" would frequently imbibe plenty of corn juice and meeting a hated rival or enemy, would undertake to settle matters, with a fight. It was a fist and skull combat, as no concealed weapons were then carried more dangerous than the pocket-knife. Still in some places neighborhood tasks were followed at night by a dance. The country fiddler was called in and with the "soul-stirring" strains of such tunes as "Sugar in the Gourd," "Devil's Dream," "Arkansas Traveller," "Jay Bird," "Money Musk," and the like, the dance went on well through the night. "Hoe-down'^," in which all who desired could participate, and cotillions were the dances indulged in. Round dances, glides and flourishing swings were considered in very poor taste, and it was many years afterward that they were introduced in the country. While the fiddler would violently flourish his bow and pat his foot in accent, the "prompter" arranged his couples and indicated in a loud voice, usually in tune with the music, the various figures of the dance. Some of the lasses were sufficiently expert that when it came to "balance all," they, too, could "cut the pigeon's wing." or throw in a "double shuffle" with as much eclat as any of the young men.

Those who danced "paid the fiddler," a matter which was looked after by a "floor manager," who also saw that everyone present had an enjoyable time and that none were overlooked or slighted. Refreshments were served about the midnight hour, consisting of candy, apples and pies, for the preparation of which the hostess was amply compensated. Where dancing was not allowed, the youngst<"rs would engage in "forfeit" games, marching to music and song dances. "Whirling the ])late," "keeping postot^ce," "picking cherries,'' and "building bridges" were forfeit games. "We're Marching Down to Old CJuebec," "King \\'illiam," "Indiana IJoys Come Volunteer," were marching-song plays, ending with kissing all 'round, as the words might indicate. The song dances included "\\'eev'ly \\'heat," "Dusty Miller," "Four Hands Round." "Sailing in the Boat When the Tide Runs High," and others too numerous to mention, were in great favor with the belles and beaux. In every settlement there were most always some ancient maidens _ who had passed the beaux age. wh(_) would attend play parties and lead in the singing, being familiar with all the play songs that had ever been composed and introduced into the country. They usually carried a song-book into which e\ery play-song they had ever heard had been copied, the tunes that fitted the words having been learned by ear.

Flirting Not Countenanced

Attachments were often formed at these social parties which in due time would end in matrimony, and whenever a couple showed signs of endearment, they were at once ostracised by the rest of their associates, for flirting or having a multitude of lo\ers was' not countenanced or encouraged.

When it was too far to walk to a party, the bo\s would take the girls behind them on horseback. If it was winter time they would go in a sleigh. Before the country was cleared up. snows lay on the ground much longer than they do now, for there was liardly a winter then that there were not at least three or four weeks of '^<<ni\ -;K'ir,hing. Sleighing parties were common, even if the roads were stiiiii].\ .uul rough. The sleigh in general use was called a "jumper," and wiili a high scat it would easilv clear all stumps left in the roads. These sUmK were made of two long hickory poles, which answereil for hoili runnns and shafts. St)nie four feet from the butt end the ih.Ics were chased .1o\mi ijim s, , ihe\ wi.add bend up easily and fasten to the hanuss. |',acl< oi ihc liend, holes would be bored in the ])oles to recene sU|iporl- .niu luMn-- lor ilu' two l)eiiches, upon which the l.)odv of the slciuli reste.l. .\ ni.au would make a sled of tliis kind very easdv in a dav and it wa- .luite ^crMrea.l ile.

Spelling .And Singing School

With the building of the first school house came the spelling school. These were among the chief entertainments of the early settlers and old as well as young attended and took part in the exercises. To be a good speller in those days was a long step in the way of acquiring an education. There were neighborhood "spellings" and sometimes one school would be pitted against another. If it was a district "spellmg," they all came together promptly, at "early candle lighting.'" .-Vfter the room was made snug and warm, two young people chose sides and the teacher, ^vho was master of ceremonies, pronounced the words. The "spell-down" process was the general custom. The master would call up two spellers, either from the head or foot of each side and "give out", the words that were to be spelled and would continue until one or the other misspelled a word and the other spelled it, when the one "turned down" would take his seat and another from the same side would take his place. This "turning down" process would continue until one side or the other was victorious, when two good spellers would be pitted against each other they would often stand up for an hour before one. would misspell a word. An intermission of half an hour would be given between "spells" to give the youngsters a chance for play and the older ones an opportunity to discuss the affairs of the time, religious or political.

Singing and writing schools were also very popular in early time, as they served the double purpose of social gatherings and schools of instruction. "Singings" were usually held on Sunday afternoons, writing classes meeting of nights during the week. Singing and writing masters received a small compensation for their services, usually about fifty cents per pupil, and a term was thirteen les.sons. These meetings were always open to the public, and there were quite a number of spectators usually in attendance. At the singing schools they used the old-time books, either the "Sacred Mekxleon" or "Missouri Harmony," in which the tunes were represented l)y what was termed "buck-wheat" notes, the triangular one called "fa," the round one "sol," the square one "la" and the diamond-shaped one "mi." About 1850 the "Christian Psalmist" was introduced, the numerals from one to eight being" called "do, ra, mi, fa, sol, la, si, do." Soon after the round-note system was introduced. In many instances the young Quakers were enrolled as pupils at the singing schools, and it is probably due to the fact that they learned to sing and liked it, which changed the attitude of this religious organization towards music. I )el)atin^ clul)s and nmck k^nslatinebecame common as the country dcneloijed, especially in Salem and the villages throuj;hout the countw Salem had a club called the "Zelo-Pidusian Society," \va> kept up for se\eral years, and from -which emanated a number of men who afterward achieved national fame and reinitation.

Weddings were social events of first importance in e\-ery settlement, as .they meant a season of feasting and frolic for both ymng and okl for at least two whole days. \A'hen }Oung folks made up their minds to marry. \'cry little objection was made by parents, for there was no ine(iuality in social position or wealth. If the plighted couple had health and were not afraid to work there was little uneasiness manifested about their getting <in in the world. They received \ery little aid from parents, as old folks had nothing to gi\'e. The best that they could usuall)- do was to gi\e a horse, saddle and briflle to their children as they m;irried and left the ])aternal root to which would sometimes be added a cow and some i)igs and sheep for starters. There was plenty of good, land still open to entry in the county a.-, late as 1825. About all the ready money necessary to finance a wedding ui those days was a small fee for the license. The preacher e.\i)ected but little for lying the matrimonial knot and made no charge for his services if his .->atldle-bags were well filled with some of the many good things to eat which were prepared with bounteous hand upon such occasions. The entire neighborhood expected and always recei\ed an in\-itation to the marriage celebration. In fact in most instances no in\itation was needed, the "latch string" being otit for all who wished to come. ( ireat pre])arations were made for the wedding feast, tribute lieing le\ ied upon the whole neighborhood, hence all the neighbors were interested in the e\'ent. ("uiests from any distance came on horseback and all had on their best clothes and wore their sweetest smiles.

Wedding garments, in those days were entirely home made, like ever\-thing else, with (xissibly an extra tuck in the bride's linsey-woolsey dress, while the groom made an extra effort to get a fancx' shine on his cowhide boots, with blacking made of the burned pith of a cornstalk, mixed up with the white of an egg. On the nuptial day the bridegroom and his best man, or men, as the case happened to he, met at his father's house, and rode to the home of the bride, timing their progress so as to arrive about the noon hour. E\erything was ready for their reception, and without delay the ceremony, which made the couple man and wife, was soon over with. Congratulations over, everyone there was room for, was seated around the board, the bride and groom at one end, the bridesmaid and groomsman at the other. The older people dropped in between. The dishes, mostly pcAvter, had been collected from all over the settlement, as was also the bounteous feast. A monster pot-pie, a favorite dish with backwoodsmen, holding a half dozen or more chickens, occupied the center of the table. A'leats of other kinds, usually wild, corn-bread right out of the oven, stewed pumpkin, potatoes, onions, butter, pies and preserves of various kinds, honey and delicious pound cakes made the improvised table fairly groan under its weight. Upon such occasions the table would be covered with a home-made cloth that had lain in the garden for weeks to bleach. The table would be filled three or four times before all the hungry ones present were accommodated.

The dinner o\er, the old folks returned to their homes, while the young ones remained to have a good social time, which, lasted well through the niglit. The in fare, on the following day, was in the main a repetition of the first, the effort being made to outdo the wedding feast, if possible. In going from the bride's home to that of the groom, the road wound through the woods much of the way, and frequently mischievous fellows would cut down trees and brush so as to make the way impassable in several places. The procession would thus be delayed some time in making their way through or around these obstructions, and if they were late in arriving at their destination e\eryone knew what was the matter. The newly-wedded pair, with their attendants were again lined up to receive congratulations, after which followed another feast. Merry-making again at night ended the festivities, and as soon as possible thereafter the new voyagers started out to make themselves a new home, somewhere in the wilderness, where there was possibly not a stick amiss, and much of their lives was a struggle with primitive surroundings very similar to those experienced by their predecessors.

it. Little, attention was paid to style, in fact there was but one style, service and durability being the main considerations. The very first emigrants were compelled to use the skins of animals, principally, for clothing, and were rigged up very much like Indians. But as farms were opened up and the country became more thickly settled, and sheep could be raised, woollen garments came in vogue, togetlter with flax, and some seasons when frosts were late, cotton was cultivated successfully. If the fla.K failed they went to the creek bottoms and gathered loads of nettle stalks, from which a lint was procured that made a fairly good coarse cloth, that would answer for bedticks and towelling, and in a pinch would do for skirts and trousers. Fla.x was an mdispensable product, as from it shirts, sheets and all summer wear could be made, besides it made a good warp for cloth of various kinds where wool was used for the woof.

The women worked almost continuously making cloth and clothing for the family. Spinning, weaving, sewing and knitting were nei\er-ending tasks. As the children grew u]5 - and there was usually a house full of them - they relieved the mother of a portion of her hard toil, but even then she had few leisure moments; even when visiting she carried along her sewing and knitting. Spinning yarn on the big wheel was one of the hardest tasks, requiring one to be constantly on their feet and walking back and forth across the floor. The spinner would tluis travel several miles a day turning out her hanks of yarn. In spinning fla.x on the little wheel the only tiresome part about it was the working of the treadle. One loom was often used by several families in a neighborhood. They were large and cumbersome, and were not kept in the cabin any longer than absolutely necessary to weave the cloth for which materials had been prepared.

Wool was carded by haml-cards and made into rolls for se\ eral years after the first settlers came in, as there were no carding machines in tiie county until about 1820. The "cliain" and "filling" of all cloth was dyed before wea\-ing. Dark browns were cnlort-il witii walnut hulls and bark, grays with white oak bark, blacks, with logwood, yellow with copjieras, and l)lue with intligo. The latter was the nio-t ixjpiilar color and was made with a "yeast" which was kept over winter by hurving i: in the ground, lielow the freezing point. Blue jeans was \ cry po]nilar for Sunday suits.

For perha])s a dozen years after the eotuUr\- was first settled, deerskin was most used for men's clothing, for the reason it was more a\-ailable than anything else, and because it was a great protection against nettles, briers, brush and snake bites, and was warm withal. The trouble with it was that it would stretch when wet and then shrink up to half its original size when dried out, and become stiff as a board. In making a pair of trousers, allowance always had to be made for shrinkage or a smaller sized boy or man would be sure to fall heir to them.

In making any sort of cloth pants they were fittea snugly, and over them a pair of buckskin leggings would be worn, fringed down on the outside seams like those of the Indians. Cloth leggings took the place of deerskin later on, and these were worn by the old-timers up till about i860. Linsey was used for shirting in winter and linen in summer. A hunting shirt was an indispensable, everyday garment, while a long tail frock coat was kept, when it could be afforded, for Sunday and to wear to town and to musters. It was ornamented with huge brass buttons. The hunting shirt was often adorned with fringe down the seams, and bead ornaments on the belt. It sometimes had a cape attached to it, coming down to the elbows. Moccasions were worn very generally, particularly by the women, but in wet weather they were little better than no footgear. The men universally wore their hair long, coming well down on their shoulders and they wore a full beard, sometimes minus a mustache.

Women Proud Of Simple Costume

The costumes of the women were not as elaborate as the men's. The bodice and skirt were sewn together at the waist, the former snug fitting, while the skirt was made quite full. When visiting each other the hostess never felt that she had done her whole duty to her guest until she had shown her through her entire wardrobe. The young bride in a well-to-do family would often have two dozen dresses in her trousseau, which she took great delight in exhibiting to friends. For extra wrap the shawl was universally worn, a sunbonnet in summer and a knitted or quilted hood in winter. Small children were provided with tow shirts in summer that came well down to their heels, while in winter their dress was very similar to that worn by old persons, thus making them appear aged and sedate before their time. Boys' pants were cut full length as soon as they could walk, and made a few sizes too large, expecting the youngster to grow to fit them before they were worn out.

The early settler soon learnetl to tan his own leather and make his own shoes, which was a decided impro\ement on the moccasin age. To tan a cowhide it was first put into a trough or vat of lye which loosened the hair. After the hair was scraped off the hide was then placed in another trough containing a liquid made from oak bark, when it was allowed to remain for six months or longer in vinter. It was then taken out, washed and scraped, and given a good dressing of bear's oil, which made it soft and pliable, ready to be worked up into shoes or harness.

Itinerant Tinkers

Sometimes one man would make shoes for an entire neighborhood and occasionally a traveling shoemaker would go from house to house making and mending shoes. There were also traveling spinners, usually old ladies, who would shoulder their little spinning wheels, and go from house to house where their services were needed, thus earning a small wage to lay by for a "rainy day." The clock tinker was, early in the history of the county, a regiiiar visitor at cabin homes, to clean out. adjust and regulate the old "wall sweep" clock that told the passing hours of the long, long ago.

M?jiy of the first settlers brought hogs into the country, and fattened a few for home consumption. A good fat porker could always be exchanged for something needed in the home, if it could not be sold for ready cash. With the setting in of regular winter weather, preparations were made for hog-killing. In those days pigs were killed right off the mast ; there being so much free range where acorns and nuts were abundant that it was not necessary to feed corn in making pork. Mast-fed hogs made the very finest of pork, but it was softer and more greasy than that fattened on corn. A good lot of dry hickory wood was the first requisite in preparing for the killing. There was only an occasional farmer who could afford iron kettles for heating water needed in the scalding and cleaning process, so the common method was to build a good-sized log-heap, and on top of it place several sandstones about the size of a bucket. When these stones became red hot a few of them were dumped into the scalding barrel, which soon raised the water to scalding heat. The sandstone was used because it would not crumble to pieces when thrown into water like limestone. If kettles were to be had they were suspended from a pole at a height of alwut six feet, out of the way of fire, on what were called "pot trammels." The