Cooper County, Missouri - Chapter 4: Pioneer Life, 1919

FIRST DWELLINGS - IHE HOMINY-BLOCK - SPI&IT OF HELPFULNESS - EARLY FARMING IMPLEMENTS - PIONEER WOMEN - EARLY PIOXEER DESCRIBED, HIS HABITS. HOME, BEE-HUNTING.

In the preceding chapter, the history of the Central Boonslick country has been traced from the year 1804 to 1812, with special reference to its initial beginning between the years 1810 and 1812. The settlers mentioned by name in that chapter, who blazet! the way through the wilderness for us and advancing civilization, have kuilded wiser than they knew. They were experienced pioneers with hearts of gold. With ruddy health and hardy sinews, they coped with and conquered the wilds. They despised the coddling ease of luxury and the wintiy winds, sleets and snows, had no terrors for them. They determined the time by the shadows, and guided their paths at night by the stars. They knew the approaching storm. Tho oky was to them an open look. Schooled in ffrwAi-cran and learned in Indian lore, they tracked thtir game and followed the trail of the savage. They read the story of the broken twig and fallen leaves. Their vision was piercing, and their hearing acute. Accountered with rifle, hunting knife and axe, they cont?sted with the forest, and wrested from it food, shelter, and raiment.

Their first care was to protect themselves from the basts of February, the month in which they arrived. The first shelter they erected was a cross between a hoop cabin and an Indian bark hut. Soon after, however, the men assembled for the real cabin raising. The forest furnished the timber, and from it the strong arm of the pioneer with his axe, fashioned logs. The earth supplied the clay. None of these first cabins is now in existence, but the following is a fair description: at the corners, ribbed with poles, and covered with boards split from a tree. A puncheon floor was then laid down, a hole cut in the end and a stick chimney run up. A clapboard door was made, a window was opened by cutting out a hole in the side or end two feet square, and finished without glass or transparency. The house was then "chinked" or "daubed" with mud, and the cabin was ready to go into. The household and kitchen furniture was adjusted, and life on the frontier was begun in earnest.

"The one-legged bedstead, now a piece of furniture of the past, was made by cutting a stick the proper length, boring holes at one end one and a half inches in diameter, at right angles, and the same sized holes corresponding with those in the logs of the cabin the length and breadth for the bed, in which were inserted poles.

"Upon these poles the boards were laid, or linn-bark was interwoven consecutively from pole to pole. Upon this primitive structure the bed was laid. The convenience of a cook-stove was not thought of, but instead, the cooking was done by the faithful housewife in pots, kettles and skillets, on and about the big fire-place, and very frequently over and around, too, the distended pedal extremities of the legal sovereign of the household, while the latter was indulging in the luxuries of a cobpipe, and discussing the probable results of a deer hunt on the Missouri River or some of its small tributaries."

"The acquisition of glass windows was impossible for these first settlers. When white paper could be secured, it was greased and used for window panes, through which the light could come. The doors were fastened with old-fashioned wooden latches, and the latch-string always hung out for friends and neighbors. These humble domociles sheltered happy hearts, while palaces, with all their splendor and riches many times have been but the resting place of misery.

The Hominy-Block. - Those pioneers were home builders, the very foundation of a nation, the true root of patriotism and love of country. They appreciated the frufEs of their own industry, and manufactured or made most of their own utensils. The home-made hominy-block is doubt-

A tree of suitable size, say from 18 inches to two feet in diameter, was selected in th eforest and felled to the ground. If a cross-cut saw happened to be convenient, the tree was butted, that is, the kerf end was sawed off so that it would stand firmly, when ready for use. If there was no cross-cut saws in the neighborhood, strong arms and short axes were ready to do the work. Then the proper length, from four to five feet, was measured off, and sawed or cut square. When this was done, the block was raised on end, and the work of cutting out a hollow in one of the ends was commenced. This was generally done by a common chopping axe. Sometimes a smaller one was used. When the cavity was judged to be large enough, a fire was built in it, and carefully watched until the ragged edges were burned away. When completed, it somewhat resembled a druggist's mortar. Then a pestle or something to crush the corn was necessary. This was usually made from a suitable sized piece of timber, with an iron wedge attached, the large end down. This completed the apparatus. The block was ready for use. Sometimes one hominy-block accommodated an entire neighborhood. It was a means of staying the hunger of many months.

Spirit of Helpfulness Among Pioneers. - A person not many years ago in contrasting the social and moral status of his latter years with those of his early pioneer days, said, "Then if a house was to be raised, every man turned out, often the women too, while the men piled up the logs, and fashioned the primitive dwelling-place, the women prepared the dinner. Sometimes it was cooked over big fires near the site where the cabin was built. In other cases it was prepared at the nearest cabin, and at the proper hour was carried to where the men were at work. If one man in the neighborhood killed a beef, a pig, or a deer, every other family in the neighborhood was sure to receive a piece. We were all on an equality. Aristocratic feelings were unknown, and would not have been tolerated. What one had, we all had, and that was the happiest period of our lives. But today, if you lean against a neighbor's shade tree, he will charge you for it. If you are poor and palsied, you may lie and suffer unnoticed and almost unattended, and will probably go to the poorhouse, while just as likely as not, the man who reports you to the authorities as a subject of county care, charges the county for making the report."

hardships and deep privations, looked back, in the latter days of their lives, to the good old days; and even in our own generation, we may find many, who decry the great progress of the present and long for other clays. It is ever thus, and ever will be. Even the reader, should he search his memory, will recall as a pleasing recollection some trial or danger or experience through which he has successfully passed and even our failures are not necessarily unpleasant to recall.

Much has been written regarding the log house of the early pioneer. It furnished an inexpensive and convenient shelter, and around it cluster many pleasant recollections that are even yet dear to those of us who had the good fortune to have been reared within its sacred portals. Unpretentious, uniform in size and architecture, the log house of the early pioneer was the greatest democratizing agent of the early day. !-&> social lines could be drawn based on the grandeur of dwelling places, and consequently each and every one was valued at their true worth, determined solely by their every day life and character. The era of the log house is a space of time as distinct from others in its peculiar customs as is the Paleozoic or the Stone Age. There is a song which ends, after trailing through innumerable verses reciting the trials of the log house bachelor, which runs as follows:

And the board roof lets the howling blizzard in, And I hear the hungry coyote as he sneaks up through the grass Near my little old log cabin on the hill."

Early Farming Implements. - The farming implements of the pioneers were crude affairs, adapted, however, to the conditions that surrounded them and to their circumstances. The bull-plough, the mould-board of which was generally of wood, was adapted to the fields abounding in stumps and roots. Occasionally the mould-board was part iron, and; possessor of such a bull-plough was looked upon as real progressive.

Other implements and utensils were of like character. When the clothes the settlers brought with them began to wear out, the wild nettle furnished them a substitute material. This, by process of drying and stripping, they would weave into a cloth, sufficient for their needs until the coming of the wintry blast. Then the furs of the wild animals were requisitioned with which the pioneers braved the snows and sleets in the coldest weather.

period, therefore the forests of the timbered lands in small tracts were cleared, leaving the fields prolific in stumps and roots. Hence the cradle and the bull-plough were well suited to the cultivation thereof.

The Pioneer Women. - Of the women, we adopt largely the words of Solomon: "The heart of her husband did safely trust her. She did him good all the days of her life. She rose while it was yet night and gave meat to her household. She girded her loins with strength and strengthened her arms. She laid her hands to the spindle and her hands held the distaff. She knew little of fashion plates, yet fashioned her raiment from the material at hand to meet the approbation of those she cherished. She was nature's child. The sun kissed her cheeks and painted thereon the bloom of health. She filled her lungs with the pure and fragrant air, and reveled in the beauties of nature. Hearty, healthy, happy, she met with unflinching fortitude the perils of her situation, and complained not of privations. Strength and honor were her clothing, and she rejoiced in the time to come. She looked well to the ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness. She gave of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. She was indeed the helpmate of the pioneer, his help in time of need, his solace and his comfort. Resolutely and cheerfully she bore her burdens, and laughter was in her heart. We do not think the picture is overdrawn.

Early Pioneer Described. - The male pioneer and head of the family fias been described by one who sojourned in the Boonslick country for several years as follows: "You find that he has vices and barbarism peculiar to his situation. His manners are rough. He wears, it may be, a long beard. He has quantities of bear or deer skin wrought into his household establishment, his furniture and his dress. He carries a knife, or a dirk in his bosom, and when in the woods has a rifle on his back and a pack of dogs are among his chief means of support and profit. Remember that all his first days here were spent in dread of savages. Remember that he still encounters them, still meets bears and panthers. Enter his door and tell him you are benighted, and wish the shelter of his cabin for the night. The welcome is, indeed, seemingly ungracious: T reckon you can stay,' or T suppose we must let you stay.' But this apparent ungraciousness is the harbinger of every kindness that he can bestow, and every comfort that his cabin affords. Good coffee, corn bread and butter, venison, pork, wild and tame fowls, are set before you. His wife timid, silent, reserved, but constantly attentive to your comfort does not sit at the table with you, but like the wives of the patriarchs, stands and attends you. You are shown the best bed that the house can afford. When his kind of hospitality has been extended to you as long as you choose to stay, and when you depart and speak about your bill, you are most commonly told, with some slight mark of resentment, that they do not keep a tavern. Even the flaxen-haired urchins will run away from your money."

Along about the year 1823, a gentleman of culture and refinement, Gottfried Duden, of Germany, came to the United States, and finally located in Montogomery County, Missouri. He wrote many interesting letters to Germany, describing the country, and recounting his experience. These letters were finally printed in book form, known as "Gottfried Duden's Report, 1824-1827." This book was circulated extensively in Germany, and was read by thousands. It had much to do with encouraging emigration from Germany to this country and is graphically descriptive of the period. We take excerpts from one of his letters written in September, 1825, which have been but recntly translated into English, which describes the immigrants of this particular time, the houses in which they lived, and the manner of their construction. "During this season of the year, there arrive daily numbers of immigrants from Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, etc. If these people had to travel in European manner, their desire for emigration would soon vanish. However, all that is done differently here.

"A large wagon (and if the needs of the family require it, several) are loaded with the household goods, which are stored away in such a manner that a part of the covered space of the wagon is reserved for the travelers. In addition to the household goods, tents and provisions such as smoked pork, beans, peas, rice, flour, cheese and fruit are taken along, and, for at least the first few weeks, bread for the passengers and maize for the work horses. Thus the migration is begun. Sometimes the owner rides with his wife and children in a separate wagon, sometimes in a coach, or he may ride on horseback. If he owns male slaves, one of these acts as driver, otherwise he himself or some other member of his family attends to this. On the entire journey, which may extend over 1,200 miles they never think of stopping at an inn. At noon, while the horses are being fed, the operations of the kitchen also begin. The vicinity of a spring or a brook is usually selected as a stopping place, and the travelers sit in the shade or in the sun, just as the weather conditions may invite. A fire is quickly made and the operations of preparing a meal proceed just as they would at home. In the evening more attention is paid to the selection of a camping place. If there is need of cooking utensils or of victuals, halt is made near a farm house. Tents are pitched, especially when the weather is rainy. Some of the party busy themselves with the animals, for if the journey is not too great, cattle are taken along too, others are busy with the kitchen, and finally the night's lodging is prepared. Wherever the wagon-train stops the people obligingly grant whatever is asked for. Household utensils are loaned, provisions are sold cheaply, and to the horses and cattle pastures are assigned, unless the owner should prefer to leave them in the open. The latter plan rarely offers any difficulties. Usually it is only necessaxw to put a bell on the leader of the herd and to hobble his feet so as to make walking somewhat difficult. The animals are tired and hungry and will not easily leave a good pasture, moreover, a well trained dog would soon find their tracks. Nevertheless there are instances where such animals have taken advantage of a moment of freedom to run back to their old home. No distance and no stream can hold them back, and straight on, even through great forests, they know how to find their old homestead. In my neighborhood are two oxen which have come back 100 miles and have swum through the Missouri to get home. A horse came back from Franklin, a distance of 120 miles. Horses are not as ready as cattle to swim through great streams. For this reason ownerless horses are always to be found on the point where the Missouri and the Mississippi join. These horses have run away from the plantations on the upper course of the river and are trying to get back to their old homes in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, etc.

"As soon as the migrating family has arrived at the site of he new homestead, they stop near the spot where the buildings are to be erected, and build an enclosure for the temporary protection of the household goods and tents, which are now pitched for a longer time. The enclosure is necessary to keep the cattle of other settlements away. In this inclosure the young calves are also kept, in order to cause the cows, which graze out in the open to come home regularly. These cows supply the family with milk and cream without requiring the least attention or care. For the house a site near a good spring or brook is preferably selected. Over the spring a small house is at once constx-ucted, in order to prevent the pollution of the water, and to afford a place to keep milk, butter and meat cool.

"The next concern is the building of a dwelling house, which is done in a manner already described by me in an earlier letter. The timbers are not hewn, however, for at first only a barn-like structure is intended.

for a temporary shelter. For the negroes a similar building is erected, then a barn and a small building to serve as a smoke-house. The trees are felled near the building site, to which they are dragged by horses or oxen. The raising of the house is done with the aid of the neighbors, if the hands of the family are not sufficient for this purpose. Buildings 01 this nature, however, do not require more than four or five workmen. Boards are cut for the doors and the floors. For the latter trees are sometimes split in two, for which purpose the ash and hackberry trees (celtis crassifolia) are especially suited. The hearth together with the chimney are made, in the simplest manner possible, of wood, which is lined with stones on the lower, inner side and daubed with mud in the upper portion. When the chimney is half a foot higher than the gable of the house, the smoke will not bother in the least. Danger of fire depends entirely upon the condition of the rock lining and the clay coating.

"He who despises such a. dwelling does not know the nature of the local climate. I have been in many such dwelling, where cleanliness and good furniture afforded an extremely pleasing effect. Many families desire no other house, although they live in easy circumstances, indeed in affluence. What I have to criticise about these houses is the fact that they usually have no cellar, so that in the summer time the humus earth under the rough floor gives out a mouldy odor, which, though it is rarely offensive, nevertheless is manifestly not conductive to good health. A floor constructed by a carpenter removes this inconvenience completely. He who does not wish to go to this expense can attain practically the same end by first removing the humus entirely from the building site, or by burning wood of the clearing on the spot and thus baking the ground.

"When the work of building is ended, which required hardly more than two or three weeks, the family already feels much at home, and then the clearing of farm land is begun. Usually they begin by fencing in a selected tract, in order to use it as a temporary pasture for the horses and oxen which must be kept in the vicinity for work."

"When I, according to my custom, wandered through the woods yesterday, I found two bee-hunters. The mode of procedure of these people, which is so new to the European, had been described to me long ago, but this time I was to learn to know it from a practical standpoint. You must know, first of all, that in the woods of Missouri also there are many wild bees which have their hives in hollow trees. If the method of finding these trees is well understood, a great deal of honey and wax can be gathered in a short time. It is generally said that America originally had no bees, and that the wild bees are the descendants of swarms brought from Europe to the eastern coast. Be that as it may, the Indians understand the bee-hunt even better than the whites. The two bee-hunters of yesterday were white men and live in Missouri. They proceeded as follows: On the ridge of a hill between two valleys, they chose their first stand. On a place, free from trees, they built a small fire and laid some honeycomb on it, so that the wax melted, without being consumed by the fire. In this manner a pronounced scent of honey was distributed, which in a short time attracted all sorts of flying insects and also a few bees. Now it was the duty of the hunters to watch the bait fixedly, in order to be able to follow the bees with their eyes, when they took flight. By and by three of them took flight, and all of them flew in the same direction, which direction was carefully noted, knowing that a laden bee flies straight to its swarm. One of the hunters thereupon took a burning coal and walked about two hundred paces away on the same ridge, leaving his companion at the first stand.

He proceeded in the same manner as before, and anew distributed a strong scent of honey. Here, too, the bees soon came. Some of them went off in exactly the opposite directions. The hunter noted both and called out to his companion to follow the first indicated direction. He found himself started in the direction which was practically the one which his companion took. I accompanied him. We had hardly gone three hundred paces through the woods when we met the other hunter. Now they looked about for a while, and in a dry oak, about fifty feet above the ground, we saw a small opening, where bees swarmed in and out. The cleverness of these two natural mathematicians surprised me, and I felt more pleasure in the discovery of the tree than they themselves. Since the hunters surmised that, because of the earliness of the season, not much honey had been gathered, the hive was not robbed. The bee-hunters designated their find by blazing the tree, which is universally regarded as the inviolable right of possession, and then proceeded in pursuit of the third direction noted above."

In concluding this letter, Duden tells about having seen a negro boy who robbed such a bee tree with the intention of selling the honey, a practice which owners of slaves generally permitted.