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ORL Pra Gere Tite 4S. Lee ee Ohl ~ m 7 fa | A, my fe : LIiané LED: abenudowvnition Se eee oe ae ae Ee Ck ak tute ken icoreahaashh as LA‘ 7 ' a oa j a ny EE ee: SSS ee eee if ' t , ne | | War ar the at j ae ort has } at | “ ) ~ 1 7 -} ; ; neiped t Ppllatvic 0 LnN1sS Little wolumn : | the writer has ke an account incidents in this mem for many yea and 18 the youngest nad only one living of family of {© = i qe r . ~~ cr wn, —~ ( ) ha ° L a — ) > - ') . , : ~- ) —_ ) * — ey fe 18 34085 7 hf bh rnAmn? "4 | i” _ ~~ “ - re ~ 7 3 ~ ° whlch contributes something to the (Winslow I know not where his Islands 144 rr} oe 4 - adie ~ = “| “| “| . . LneLr -£ FOnNGed Dalms LY aa I OnLV ok y Beyond his (WhittierFrom the Knoxville Exprell. nent. co, 1923. He's a "Literary Feller." Old Soldier who has exdhenged the Musxet f tain Pen. J. A. Newren, one of Marion County's early pioneers end 2 soldier of the civil wer, is visiting in the country where his boyhood and early manhood were spent, He emigrated to Oklahoma twenvy-seven yeers ago where he has resided since. }- He is the sor. of George Newman, one of the pioneer ministers of the state, having moved from Indiane in 1849. J. A. hes fol- lowed various occupations, «and wes a COls respondent to the El Reno American for a number of years. He recently has written « little book. "The Autobiography of un Old-~ Fashioned Boy," going back to his child- nood days and pioneer times in Iowa, giv- ing a word picture of wild life when the wolf, deer, «and the prairie hens frolicked on the prairie in plain view. He tells of the rapid development by the early settlers, - mining experiences in Colorado, end three years' campeigning, and after-the-wor ex- periences covering six years on the Pacific coast, and from British Columbia to Mexico, adventures in the Sierra mountains of Mexico and teturn to his former home; also, visits to Washington, D. C., and other eastern cities, including Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls; historical und patriotic events and early religious experiences end many incidents of a humonous nature make it an interesting and instructing volume. He will meil a copy to amy «ddress for a 2 60¢ money order. His address is care of the Soldiers' Home, Oklchome City, Okla.—_— es SS= edn HERE BEFORE REV. HAINES From the Knoxvilte Journal J. A. Newman arrived in Marion County. All of 1849, Knoxville, Oct, 4, n the Journal of last week in a sketch of ev. A. W. Haines, we mentioned that ne was me of the very oldest pionecrs of this omnunity, settling here with his parents in 854, near Attica. That was all well and rood: true to the letter. Sut now comes J. A. Newman of Oklahoma City, klahoma, who says that he wes an "Old Settler" in Indiana township at the time the Haines ‘anily arrived. Mr. Newman was here last ' reek in attendence at the 33d Iowa Regimental -cunion of which he was a member in Co. lI, le was born in Perke County, Indiana, Dec. 25, 840 and arrived in this county with his sarents, Mr. & Mrs, George Newman, in tae fail sf 1849 five years before the coming of the Jaines family and one yeer before the town of Attica was laid out and named "Barkersville." T, A. Newman served full three years in tne sivil war from this county and was a resident »9f Indiane townsnip and Knoxville from 1849 mtil 1896 when he removed to Oklanoma. ‘the »sriginal place of settlement of tne Newman family in marion County was near Zion church now a part of the town of Pershing. That was 74 years ago last spring. ir. Newman is a member of the soldiers’ home st Oklchoma City und has recently written a sook dealing with his wer experiences and sioneer life in Iowa.——ee A From El Reno American El Reno, Ok] choma. COMMUNICATION The follewing letter has been received by the erica n from J. A. Newman, former resident of nadian County, and for the past three years a mber of the Union Soldiers' Home at Oklahoma ty. ir. Newman was correspondent to the Amer- an when @ resident of this County. "Des Moines, Iowe., September 21, 1925. itor El Reno American -- Thinking the friends d patrons of your paper would appreciate some ws from this part of the world, I am sending communication, We left Oklahoma City two eks ago. The trip to Kansas City was made - the night end we came on to tnis city by way St. Joseph, Mo. The crops viewed from the cer ndow appeared to be good. Corn and fruit wes . fine condition from there to Marshalltown, ym, apples and grapes being seen in great abun- mee. We are informed the wheat crop was good. have visited the soldiers’ home in Marshell- wn, relatives in this city, and many old “tends in Knoxville, my former home, where most > my boyhood days were spent. I was «lso at tne yuntry home of my childhood days and the cemetary lere my perants are buried. Great changes have sken place in the last 50 years. Notning rewiains ) mark the place of my boyhood days. Meny fami- iar names are here but they are the descendants > a former generation, calling up fond memories the past. So my visits to former scenes ale roving very pleasant. I shall return to Knox¥ lle where I will meet some of my old companions > the 33rd lowe infantry at a reunion, after tich I shall return to Oklahoma. ---------- J. A. Newmen.The Autobiography-of an old Fashioned Boy By J. A. NewmanaTTHIS LETTER WAS VRITEN IN JUNE 1925. iddletown, Ohio, dune 22.--Editor American: arrived at this city a few days ago. After isiting my son in Ashland, where a pleasant sme was enjoyed. Not only in that city, oie xe country and towns for 20 miles round. Auto ides over paved roads through woodland and illages and farms, with delightful home surr ~*; oundings. We visited Mansfield, Ohio, where y parents lived after making the trip from ennsylvania. The history of the early set- lers states that Jacob Nowman, my uncle, wis ne of the first white settlers. A picture of is pool cabin, built in 180? is shown. He nd Gen. Hedges laid out the original city of ‘ansfield in 1811. His son, Henry, was living n 1889 when the history was written. So my ‘ther and uncle were pioneers in Ohio as well § in Indiana .nd Iowa. I amnow at the home of my daughter Mrs. i F. Weikel of Middletown. Saturday we ac- ompanied them to Cincinnati where we witnes- ed a ball game between the Cincinnati Reds md the New York Giants--two National teams. the Reds won, 4 to 2. My grandson will take ne to Dayton, O., where I expect to visit the tional soldiers home and the city. I am en— joying my visit vory mucha for tnis is a great state. Crops in this part of the country 4re yood, with wheat harvest in progress and the sorm aboutknoe high. The citizens are enjoying vegetables and fruit, but most of it is imported. Bus lines like those in Oklahoma are compet ing vith the railroads. I notice little differences tn weather condition here and those in @xlahoma, Although many complain of t»e heat. I expect soon to end my visit and return to Oklahoma-- one of the coming states of the Wiens, 2 Yours truly, J. A, Newman.sai ll, miord, on held a‘ SS ~~ pic e S, . . 3 . aA aD ~ C vy vice in the home otf Samuel Tt r 1 > ee ; esaks of George B . cs ie de ) QU - he Zion churcaA now the history rs ea tn toands, 1849 to 1859 were aking times of my bovhood days, as well as f the county in its rapid growtna. I earn d my first money raking Wheat in bundles fter a cradle. Samuel Breckenridge swung he cradle. After the war he was a membd er f the legislature. Il split rails at 50 sents ver hundred near the Jesse Fast place mm Fnelish creek, east of Knoxville. He ‘ater became a memoecr of the state legis= lature, Thomas McMillen was another member % rho reoresented the District in the state Merislature, to my mind one f the noble men yf the state. Among the early settlers were Samue 1 Breckenridge, Dave and John Funk. "‘Nute, son of John, was a syoer of Company K, 33rd Iowa. Mr. Clark, whe lived on the Ynoxville and Oskaloosa road, west of Eng lish creek, the father of Alexander Clark; Andrew Stone, Samuel and William Fortner, Thomas Herington and Gopeland, who kept the settloment postofiice; William and John Ranks, one of the leading educators, Mr. McMillen, father of John and Tom was a sucé cessful farmer as well as a law mak cf . LVOres I picked up a stray copy of your paper and, though far away; it carried me back to the days of my boyhood in Attica. Of course, I read everything from cvery~ where in the paper; but the thing that attracted my special attention was; "The coming of the Pioneers to Marion County”. Three of the contributors to this department are wel known to me, viz; A. W, Haines, Ja A. Newman and M. R. Harned. BaeExtracts from W. J. Bryan's last Speech on Evolution —- Never NeLlivered. volution Incompatable with Faith: Tolume.I - Of life and letters of Darwin:- a I am much engaged - an Old man und out of health and I cannot spare the Fime to answer your questions fully - nor indeed can they be answered. Science has nothing to do with Christ - except insofar 1s the habit of scientific research makes 4 man cautious.in admitting evidence. For myself, I do not believe that there ever has been any revelation. As for a future life, every man must judge for himself be- _ tween conflicting probilities. Since lI wrote the "Origin of Species" there arises the doubt -— Can the mind of man which has, as I believe, been developed from a mind as low as that possessed by the: lowest animals, be trusted when it draws such grand conclusions? The mystery of the be- ginning of all things is insoluable by us. A Pathetic Confession:- George John Romanes a distin— guished biologist, called the successor of Darwin, like Darwin, was reared in toe OF thodox faith — like Darwin was led away from it by evolution. After he became an agnostic he wrote a book entitilen “A. Can- did Examination of Theism’. In his book he says-"For as much as I am far from being able to agree with those who affirm that the twilite doctrine in the New Faith 1s a desirable substitute for the waining splendor of the Old, I am not ashamed tq confess that, with this virtual negation of God, the Universe to me has lost its soul of loveliness - and although from hence the precept-"Work while it is day" — will but gain an intensified force from the meaning of the words that—"The nightNo.2 meth when no man can work"-yet when at mcs I think, as at times I must, of the walling contrast between the hallowed Lory of that creed which once was mine 14 the lonely mystery of existence as now find it; at such times I shall ever feel impossible to avoid the sharpest pang fF which my nature is susceptible. ryan:— There is a test that is some— imes used to ascertain whether one sus— scted of mental infirmity is really nsane. He is put into a tank of water Ha told to dip the tank dry - while a tream of water flows into the tank. Lf e has not sense enough to turn off the tream he is adjudged insane. Can parents ustify themselves, if knowing the effect f belief in evolution, they permit Lerar -igious teachers to inflect skepticism and nfidelity in the minds of their children? It is again a choice be tween ‘od and Baal. It is a renewal Of the we sue in Pilaie's Court in that historic trial — the greatest in history. Force, impersonatcd by Pilate, occupied the throne. Behind it was the Roman sovern— ment, mistress of the World, and behind the Roman government were the legions of Rome. Before Pilate stood Christ the apostle of love. Force triumphed-— they nailed him to the tree and those who stood around mocked and jeered; but from that day the power of Caesal waned and the power of Christ sncreaseds Ina few Genturies the Roman government was eone and its legions forgotten — while the Cru- cified and Risen Lord is the greatest fact in history and the growing figure all the ‘time.ane SE Ee — ee Again love and force mcet face to face, and again — "What shall I do with Jesus" must be answered. A Bloody Doctrine — Evolution— demands, as the Rabble did nineteen hundred years ago, that he be crucified. "o the Jai] = This cannot be the answet of the jury representing Christian State and sworn to uphold the laws of Tennes— see. Your answer will be heard through- out the World. It 1s eagerly awaited by a praying multitude.uthor, 7 unc eS, ) ] ul read PREFACE 1e volume was written to state. events that hav ‘mpressions on the mind and character of mt ad as correctly as possible, giving actual occ ; le bad and the good: hoping it may help the vote shun SO : f i 7 ; some of the pitfalls along life’s pilgrimage . - AE . had ium- doa and and the ush- e no hite- fined ched and now- rses, one : ™m the 1, the xcept istor- if the > with e war ; Lin- war; frican stored ole of thers’ standThe Author at 82. The author of this little book was born in Park County, In- diana, in the year 1840, December 25; was raised on a farm by religious parents, my father being a pioneer minister. He was absent from home much of the time on a circuit, first in Penn- sylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa where he emigrated in 1849. My education was in the Pioneer country school, a log building with split slabs for seats. After the Civil War, a few months were spent in the lowa University at Mount Pleasant, Lowa, after which I worked two months to earn enough to pay a board bill.THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY 5 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD-FASHIONED BOY By J. A. NEWMAN. Having just passed the eighty second mile-post of my exist- ance on this mundane sphere, we soliloquize what is time? Eighty-two years means 29,930 days. Personally life has had its light and dark days. We think the sunshine far outnum- bered the dark. The four-score-and-two mile-post started a thought that like an electric messenger eradicated time and space and the home of our childhood was brought to mind, and we strolled through the sugar camp, the pawpaw patch, the chinquepin grove where the May-apples grew and the mush- rooms sprang up in a night. Of the first years we have no knowledge but of the fourth we have remembrance of a white- headed, animated little body, whose knowledge was confined to a radius which included the house and barn and an arched pile of clay, from which semi-weekly came fire and smoke; and afterward delicious pie and cakes. Five years later our know- ledge had expanded to include the pasture, with the horses, cattle and a flock of geese, a log school house, where in one A Retreat. corner stood a bunch of birch switches that reached from the floor to the ceiling, a warning to disorderly pupils. Mind, the enthroned king of human personality, has no bounds, except that of which it has no knowledge. Have we practical, histor- ical or geographical knowledge of cities and countries of the world? We have only to think of any place and we view it with the mind’s eye. We think of George Washington and the war for Independence, and Mount Vernon are brought to mind; Lin- coln, and the civil war; Grant, and the great battle of the war; McKinley, and the Spanish conquest; Roosevelt and the African jungles. Each in turn furnishes food for thought to be stored in the mind treasure house. We may not all be capable of thought production, but we may enjoy the fruits of others’ minds, and so whether we live in a hovel or a palace, or stand6 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY with the tourist on the pyramids, or go with Peary to the north pole, or the explorers in the buried cities of the old world, or visit the stars through the knowledge transmitted by the great astronomers of the world; so whether rich or poor, old or young, we may employ the knowledge acquired by the great students of all ages. With all the turmoil incident to life, we are glad to live in this nineteenth century. How great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep. —Psalm 92-5. Following our reminiscences, from Indiana to Iowa, we took passage in a prairie schooner of the old Spanish galley type, accompanied by two common prairie schooners and one Prairie Schooner cab. The fleet was manned by six officers and carried ten pas- sengers, including women and children. There was but little Sea sickness and all seemed to have a coming appetite. In fact _ Wwe were seldom out of sight of land, and always cast anchor at night, for none of the crew had ever sailed over the route be- fore. We had a good supply of food, and it was renewed at is- lands where we frequently stopped. There was no wreck of im- portance and we landed at the little port of Attica in the fall of 1849, where we found an uncle and his family, who had crossed a few years before. Winter came on, and with it two feet of snow, and the corn was harvested with baskets as it was needed. The next spring we passed on six miles and anchored in mid-prairie. The crew procured material from the woods not far distant and a log mansion was erected in which all took shelter. A few families had preceded us and were nestled in a grove for protection. The field for youthful development in the world of natureTHE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy i was large. The wide spreading prairie was dotted with groves where deer. wolves, wild turkey and rabbits and rodents found shelter. There was no restricting game law. With old dog Tray, and a neighboring lad, we explored the surroundings for springs and little rivulets. A small creek was found near by which. with feet bare and pants rolled to the knees, we explored to its outlet. In a larger one the little waterfalls were used to turnwater wheels, which was a source of great pleasure. 50, carefree. the warm months passed; with autumn came the rip- ened wild fruit, plums, crab-apples, black and red haws. Dele- gations of boys and girls, chaperoned by some elderly persons, went out to procure the winter supply from which delicious and appetizing butters and preserves were made. The winter snows only enlarged the possibilities for enjoyment, and time was more limited. School days were on; morning and evenings chores to be done, lessons to learn, with rabbits skipping in the hazel thickets, and prairie chickens sporting in plain view to allure one from obligatory duties. But the most trying times were when we had to submit to an examination by mother to see if our heads were inhabited, which they frequently were. With my head on her lap, her fingers explored, and we could feel the pressure and hear the explosion when an intruder was found. And we wonder if boys in these days have to submit to the still hunt, or whether the little pest has become extinct. Reminiscence continues as time passes; changes are wrought. From a wide expanse of prairie, the landscape has changed as if by magic. Houses, small farms, and patches of broken sod, dot the prairie like a checker board. Day and Sunday schools are established. The pioneer circuit rider is here with saddle bags and leggings, after the style of the mod- ern cow-boy, minus the lariat, but of a very different character, his sanctuary a grove, or school or dwelling house, his pulpit a stand. My father being one of the same profession, our home was a rendezvous open to them all. To our boyish mind some of them were heroes. On one occasion a new arrival gave a demonstration of marksmanship. A _ prairie chicken was perched in the top of a high tree. We got down the rifle. He took it and raised it to his shoulder; there was a flash, a report, and the fowl came down minus the head. He was a good shot from the rustic pulpit as well. Portraying God’s love for the sinner in eloquent language, and then holding him symbolicly over the bottomless pit. But, I didn’t belong to the sinner class. I had a pious mother and the reputation of being a good boy. True, we were guilty of running off to the swimming hole and playing marbles on Sunday, and were once lured away in8 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY pursuit of a deer one stormy day in mid-winter. Following the track, which wound through the woods and across the same creek many times; we were confronted by a stake and rider worm fence, which though it was familiar, we could not tell where it belonged, and the eyes of my companion and my own met and each read the query in their expression, where are we? And echo said, “Where are we?” After following our tracks back to the creek, which was frozen over, we determined to follow it up to a certain high cliff we knew to be up stream, and judging direction by the drifts, we followed what seemed to be many miles, and came to the cliff, which had stood for many centuries, a landmark to former inhabitants. It faced the high- way and many adventurers passing on their way to the goldfields of California had inscribed their names on its face for others to read, and in turn scratched their own higher up, until, like the monument of the old world, it was covered by names to be read by future generations. Weary, hungry and foot-sore we made our way home, finally arriving there, having run down (not the deer) but our first pair of boots at the heels, until that part of our anatomy stuck out at the top. A glowing fire, giving warmth and good cheer; a bowl of milk, with corn pudding to fill the vacuum in the stomach; surrounding the hearthstone with the other members of the family, we forgot all our trou- bles. The storm may rage, peace and tranquility reigns within. The parental head of the home reads a Psalm, a (Te Deum) song of thanksgiving, and the family is commended to the care of Him who careth for the sparrow, and we retire and are soon in dreamland. As time passes and we verge toward manhood, our relation as assistant provider brought new duties, such as marketing produce and going to mill, which frequently meant a few days or weeks absence from home. Exposed to inclement weather, the wheels of the pioneer water mills ground slowly; merchandise had to be hauled from the cities of Keokuk and Burlington on the Mississippi, over one hundred miles; trains, composed of farmers and their teams made frequent trips after goods to supply the needs of the in- terior settlements. We made such a trip accompanied by an older brother. The down trip, empty, was agreeable enough, and the city was a revelation to us. We were taken to the theatre, where we witnessed an artificial storm. The lightning flashed and the thunder echoed in the clouds while an assassin was seen escaping through a window after a tragedy on the stage. Twenty miles on the return trip we traveled over a plank road, but rainy weather made the roads almost impassa-THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy 9 ble. so the return was not an enviable one but after a long struggle through mud and water we arrived at the desired haven. My first experience working for money was bunching wheat after a cradle: the third man bound the bundles. Our next was splitting rails at 50 cents per hundred, with cold corn bread and meat for dinner, and we wonder how much Lincoln sot for splitting rails, and what his menu consisted of. We had a good time. The winter snows were utilized; rude sleighs of various types were made, and sleigh riding by moonlight over the glistening snow to spelling schools and taffy pullings occupied the time between school and other duties. The pi0- neer school days were a source of pleasure as well as profit. The old games of blind man’s buff and chase the fox and town ball and snow ball battles, sent the life blood to the finger tips and the health bloom to the cheek. We had an experience, while engaged in one of these sports which will probably remain with us as long as memory lasts: a fall on the ice. Striking my head against the corner of the house, the wound near the temple, we were unconscious for three hours or more, a space of time of which we had no more knowledge than if we had never existed. We were informed afterward that we were laid on the desk in the school room and after a lapse of time recovered enough to be led to the house of a neighbor. Just how long we had been there we have no exact knowledge. We only know when the sense of vision came we were in bed in a pleasant room and the smile on the lady’s face assured us we were not in hades, but there seemed to be a battle on between the mental and physical nature. I became deathly sick, but after an upheaval from the stomach, I felt better and was soon able to be taken home by the noble Scotch- man at whose home we were. Now this incident suggests the query, what relation has the mental to the physical man? Physiology and Biology says the most striking fact about man is that he moves. His body moves of itself from place to place, and that the movement is brought about by the contraction of the muscles; that nervous impulses furnish the motive power to the muscles. The central nervous system being connected with the muscles by means of nerves which carry impulses to motor nerves; so the human body may be compared to a machine. The boiler furnishing the steam power, the engine corresponding to the muscles, they in turn act on the smaller parts until all are connected ready for the master mechanic but without the controlling and guiding hand would be like an engine turned loose to go where ever circum-10 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy stances might chance to direct. Such would be man without the mental faculties. True. in sound slumber we are uncon- sclous of existence and the body guided by some mysterious power wanders where a mis-step would mean its destruction. May we not rather believe man is a duality; that one may exist without the other, that man is Self existent and eternal. A few years after emigrating to Iowa, my father and mother, myself and little sister made the trip back to Indiana in a two-horse carriage. There were no railroads west of the Mississippi River. The trip was much enjoyed by sister and I, although we had, to us. quite an adventure traveling through a wooded country in Hast Illinois, where houses were not very close and the weather dry—water was scarce. Stopping for the noon day meal sister and I. with a small bucket, went in search of water. Following a draw down through thick timber, we found a little pool of water covered with leaves and filling the bucket we started to return, but not having noticed an- other draw that joined the one we were in we followed up the wrong one and didn’t come out where we had left the road. When we come to it no carriage was in sight, being much frightened we slung out the water, and following the road of our parents, who were beginning to wonder what had become of us. We dispensed with the water for that meal. Arriving at the Illinois River, we took dinner near where some men were dipping up fish with nets on a platform that extended out on the river. While father was buying a fish, I took up the net and soon had some fish on d the platform and called to father, who informed me they were already in a trap. soon came in sight In the year 1860 the discovery of gold in Colorado, known as the Pikes Peak gold fields, spread from ocean to ocean and men with rigs ranging from a two-wheeled cart to a big freight wagon drawn by three or four yoke of oxen lined the highway, bound for the land of gold. My older brother caught the fever and after getting the consent of my parents, prepara- tions were speedily made. A lumber wagon suitably equipped, three yoke of oxen and one yoke of young cows to furnish milk, a brother, a cousin. myself and a friend made the crew. The team was young and active except a big yoke of wheel- ers. Leave taking was a rather touching one, for the ploneer mother, though she had a baker’s dozen of sons, had none to spare. Once on the road partings w scenes and plenty of company After leaving the settlement ere practically forgotten. New made the time pass pleasantly. Ss of eastern Nebraska we were eyTHE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy 11 on the plains following up the Platte River. Wagons lined the road for miles: wood was almost an unknown quantity for long distances. It was frequently necessary for one to plunge in the cold. turbulent water and wade over to small islands to procure willows for fuel. Buffalo chips were used when they could be procured. After a week’s travel we came to a small stream which was termed the turn-table, as here the faint- hearted turned about and returned home. There were two roads: on one the wagons were going west, on the other east, and for miles the trains were moving in opposite directions. A few miles below old Fort Kenney we saw our first buffalo. On the north side of the river the hills were covered with immense herds that seemed to be moving south. The first herd of eight were seen to enter the water on the opposite side. The river was about half a mile wide and shallow. An army of men with guns concealed themselves in the grass fearing they would frighten them back, but they came on with shaggy heads and red protruding tongues. They were fired on as soon as they were in range. One fell mortally wounded at the wat- er’s edge. Another herd of about forty was seen to enter the water further up. The men, sixty in number, formed a line along the bank. It was said the buffalo were so firmly set in their habit when emigrating to new pastures nothing would stop them. They were fired on while in midstream, but came on facing the fusilade of bullets. One of the herd stopped in the middle of the stream. The rest of the herd charged on and the men gave place for them to pass. Hight were killed on the bank. The plains buffalo is characterized by its arched fore- head, large horns curved in the form of a half moon and thick hide, covered with a mat of coarse hair, making it almost im- pervious to a rifle ball. A few days later we were impressed with the fact that the Indians had been initiated in the white man’s graft. A lone tepee stood near the road and it was the first we had seen. A curiosity to view the interior was the cause of our passing through the small opening where we found two Indians and their squaws seated on buffalo robes. They passed a small slip of paper to me on which was written, “Ten Cents Admittance,” not thinking the exhibition worth the money we made an ef- fort to get out, but one of the squaws grabbed my legs so firmly we fell prostrate partly outside the opening. Fortunately we possessed the amount required and were glad to pay the price of admission. There were numerous Indian burial grounds. Generally they consisted of a scaffold supported by four small upright posts. At one place a cotton wood tree that12 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy leaned over the river had a scaffold Supported by limbs on which a baby was fastened robed in a buffalo robe. One day, I removed my shoes to rest my feet, and was passing a vil- lage when an Indian with but little covering on but his mocca- Sins and a breech cloth, observing my feet, gave a signifi- cant grunt, aS much as to say, you are no gentleman, not having your feet covered. I'he physical traits common to the native Americans are the hair, which is black, glossy and long; eyes, small black: high cheek bones. Though called the red man. there is perhaps no other region of the globe where so great a variety of color prevails; copper and brown, almost black. ranging to a light hue, and varying in statue from the Esquimau to the gigantic Patigonian. After leaving Fort Kerna, enroute to Denver City, the road lay along the Platte. Few buffalo were seen, but ante- lope were frequently seen grazing in small herds. One morn- ing a companion and myself, armed with rifles and canteens filled with water, started out hoping to secure some fresh venison. We soon came in sight of a herd of antelope but they seemed to be suspicious and kept well out of range. We had been told by hunters that by laying down and displaying a red signal their curiosity to see would induce them to ven- ture within gun-shot, but they were not to be caught on a pin hook. Although we tried many methods all failed. After being lured on for many miles the heat became oppressive and the water nearly all consumed. In our eagerness to capture the game we had not noticed a bend in the river, which caused the teams to diverge from the general course. The pursuit be- came less interesting, the horizon and level plain, covered only with dwarf cactus, stretched like an ocean about us; our can- teens were now empty and our lips became parched and dry. Our feet were almost blistered. Taking off our shoes to relieve our feet, they later were pierced with cactus needles, so the remedy proved worse than the disease. The prairie dogs barked at us as though we were intruders, and their feathered neigh- bors, the owls, blinked and looked wise and we thought, “Bless- ed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Plod- ding on in the direction we knew the river to be, we were soon rewarded with a view of its glistening waters winding its way like a huge serpent through the desert. On approaching it we drank to our satisfaction and bathed in the warm, though refreshing water. Following the road we found our compan- ions in camp taking the mid-day meal and waiting our arrival. We arrived at Denver the last of May; it was then a city of tents.THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY 13 Moving out near the base of the mountains, we went into camp, and, like Moses’ spies, were sent out to view the land of promise. On their return, some, like Caleb and Joshua, re- ported favorably, some reporting there were giants and diffi- culties, that it was not a land of gold. So there was a dividing up—some to return home, others to try their fortunes in the mines. Myself and companions were of the latter class and were soon wending our way up canyons and over mountains. The view from one elevation was a scene long to be remember- ed. The valley and plain spread out before us like a huge map. And as we stood and gazed on the wide expanse, it seemed like an ocean lay between us and home. Thirty miles of travel and we arrived at the then famous Gregory mining district. Shanties of various design lined the gulch. Passing on over through Missouri City, situated on a mountain rich in goid, where by hydraulic power the mountain was being literally washed away in what was known as Russel’s Gulch, we pur- chased a claim and worked with what the miners called a long- tom and sluice. This consisted of a piece of metal, perforated with holes, shaped like a huge shovel. The sand and gravel passed through into the sluice box where the water washed it away, leaving the gold in metal riffles, where it was retained in quicksilver. The large rocks were thrown out with a miner’s fork. Here the remaining summer months were spent with vary- ing success, ranging from a few dollars per day to forty for four men. The men in the pit wore rubber boots and coats. Sun- days were observed, so far as labor was’ concerned. Each spent the day as he felt inclined. Religious worship was fre- quently held Sunday afternoons, under the shadow of a tree by some minister or some religiously inclined miner. The miners were generally of the industrial class, farmers, me- chanics, clerks and merchants of all classes. On the approach of autumn in the mountain altitudes the nights became too cold for mining operations, making the time short, and preparations were made for the return home. Part of the team was sold, two yoke being retained to make the trip. On arriving at Denver City my brother and another man, Anderson by name, conceived the idea of navigating the Piatte river to its mouth below Omaha City in a row boat, while myself and cousin would make the trip. They purchased lumber and had their boat ready to launch. When all was ready, each party waved a parting salute, my cousin and I to spend a month on the road with the ox team while they would glide swiftly down the placid stream. Nearly a week after our departure we received information that two men14 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy were known to have been Ship-wrecked on the Platte while passing a fall. Soon after we were told that men with a boat were seen coming down the river. taking turns wading and pulling the boat. The next morning, while camped on the bank of the river, our attention was attracted to moving objects up the stream. On their near approach it proved to be two men. one in front in water less than knee deep pulling something on the water, the other wading behind. They soon recognized uS and began to gesticulate frantically. We in turn threw our nats up in the air to express our appreciation of the joke. They pulled the boat to shore and after taking out their remaining baggage set it adrift like an ocean derelict. While partaking of a breakfast which consisted of fried duck, dried apples, bread and coffee. they related their experience. They were progressing nicely, floating down with little effort on their part, until they came to falls. or a ‘beaver dam, where the treacher- ous current formed a whirl pool and their boat was upset in deep water. They lost their guns and provisions, saving them- selves and grips containing their clothes and other valuables. Further down, the river Widened and the water became shal- low so the boat would not float and had to be dragged. They had heard we were Just ahead and had started at an early hour to overtake us. But my brother was not to be defeated in reaching home first. When the Stage coach came along he took passage and again gave a good-bye salute. His companion took passage with us. We made good progress and fared very well, having fresh meat most of the time. One evening just before going into camp a cloud of dust and a threatening sky gave warn- ing of a storm driving near the river. We hastily unhitched the team, but before all were unyoked the storm was on. Hailstones—the largest we had ever experienced—fell, driving us to shelter under the wagon. The cattle went with the storm and we found them two or more miles from camp after the storm, which was of Short duration. Arriving at Omaha. we went to the money changers and exchanged our small supply of gold dust for coin. In crossing the big prairies of lowa we experienced some Severe weather. Houses were few in number, making jt difficult to procure feed and shelter. One evening we had a disagreeable experl- ence. Night came on and there was no house in sight. We came to a stream which was partly frozen over. We waded in and broke the ice before the team would venture in. After cross- ing, We saw a light and at a late hour found shelter and feed. In a few more days we arrived home, where we were con-THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY 15 gratulated on our safe return. Everything looked natural enough, but the hills and hollows looked like pigmies as com- pared with the mountains and canyons. The next spring, 1861, having left our claim, expecting to return, we again crossed what was then termed the plains. When within one hundred miles of Denver, which had become quite a city, my brother took the stage that he might be there to represent the claim at a certain date. Leaving me and cous- in to follow with the team and provisions. Arriving there he found some California miners working the claim, saying they had purchased it from a man who claimed to represent broth- er. Now, came a typical test of miners’ law, attorneys were em- ployed, jury chosen, witnesses testified. The jury decided in favor of brother, but they were determined to have the claim and worked armed. It was now decided to leave it to the min- ers enmasse. A day was set, the testimony of witnesses was heard and those favoring brother were to step to the right, those favoring the other side to the left. In the meantime the other party was treating to whiskey, those that would drink, when sides were taken and they had one more man. Brother purchased another claim and the summer was passed with little success. Myself and a Canadian made a trip over the dividing range with freight to the mines, passing over snow many feet deep, which was solid enough to bear up the teams. Strange to say, but flowers were growing at the snow line. After many and strange experiences we made our way home- ward, brother this time taking the stage, from Denver, myself and cousin making the trip with the team, finally arriving at home somewhat wiser from our experience. Company I., 33rd Iowa Infantry Volunteers, was enlisted at Knoxville, Iowa, under the call of President Lincoln of June, 1862, to aid in putting down the war of the rebellion. Paris T. Totten was Captain; John Henderson, 1st Lieutenant and John Reichard, 2nd Lieutenant. During the first week of September temporary goodbyes were said, and by private and other conveyance we were taken to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where, after boarding at the different hotels for a few days at the expense of the government, the company was marched to the old fair grounds, where barracks were constructed, one for each company of the regiment, and named Camp Tuttle. After our arrival, home life with its duties were resumed; the restrictions and home influence brought a more serious train of thought. During my absence from home in the West, Surrounded with evil influences, we had formed the habit of using profane language in a careless unthinking way, and to play cards. Now, the environment was very different. My re-16 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy spect for my parents compelled me to observe the family rule of bowing while the head of the family offered a prayer of thanksgiving and supplication after scripture lesson had been read. We were made to reflect on our past conduct and a very deep sense of having sinned came over me. I had offended the God my parents worshiped and trusted, by using his name in a profane way, and not wishing to reveal my state of mind, not even to my parents, I secured a pocket testament and while en- gaged in my work about the farm, read and prayed secretly. Although I had been taught in Sunday school and had religious training, I could not conceive how one guilty could escape with- out punishment. I was ready to make all possible restitution, but as God was the offended one, how could I make compen- sation? It gradually came to my comprehension that God through his own sacrifice in the person of his only begotten son, could atone for the sins of his disobedient children. and his willingness to do so. Such a scene of his forgiveness came. I was filled with gratitude to Him and love for His creatures. My timidity kept me from telling even my parents. I quietly lived and enjoyed the society of good people. The change came at a time I most needed such a recognition of a good father’s care. The Civil War had now been in progress over one year and I began to think it my duty to enlist, and after getting the consent of my parents, I enrolled my name with a list of neighboring boys, and was garrisoned in a neighboring city. Our companions were of the moral if not religiously inclined. To a few of the most congenial I divulged my experience. Good books were a source of great pleasure, while the environ- ment was not the best. My new relation as I viewed it, only made me more vigilant to guard against anything that would be displeasing to the friends |] esteemed above all others. We were sometimes placed in absurd positions but they did not disturb me in the least while in camp in the city. Some twenty miles from home I was given a furlough to visit home before going to the front. I was unavoidably detained one day over my time. The next day I was put in the guard house where I had the company of a man who was being punished for drunk- enness and making a disturbance in the city. He was what they called bucked and gagged. His hands were tied behind his back, a stick tied in his mouth prevented him from talking. I occupied one corner and he the other. He afterwards came to his d sath In a drunken brawl. I had a book for a compan- ion and felt quite at ease. My confinement was of short dura- tion. I had not realized I was a prisoner. The officer of the day sent a sergeant, a friend of mine, who explained it wasTHE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY 1b only done to warn others that military law was strict. We were privileged to attend church in the city, so with reading and writing my time passed rapidly. Drill and other duties occupied the time until we were ordered to the front to take part in actual service. Hundreds of people came out to witness evening dress parade. On the day of departure many of the soldier’s friends came to say good- bye, and the regiment marched away, flags waving and cheers greeting them from every house. After leaving Camp Tuttle, a hard, fatigueing march of fif- teen miles brought us to the nearest railroad station, where, taking railroad conveyance, we soon arrived at Keokuk, Iowa, on the Mississippi river. Going on board a steamboat, Iowa, the home state, is soon lost sight of. Arriving at St. Louis November 2, going in quarters at Schofield barracks, nearly one month is spent guarding the various military prisons after which we are again carried to the southland, arriving at Col- umbus, Ky., December 24. Here an attack was anticipated. A line of battle was formed, breastworks were thrown up. The night was spent with all the comfort the circumstances would permit. Christmas morning dawned and instead of a visit from old Chris, General Forrest was expected but failed to come. At- tention was now given to camp preparations. A few days and all are comfortably settled. New Year’s morning we are called to Union City, Tenn., where an attack was expected. After a few days stay, which were made up of alarms and amusing in- cidents we returned to Columbus. On the eighth day of Jan- uary we embarked on a steamer and on the bosom of the Mother of Waters are being carried to the scene of future service. Helena, Arkansas, was our next stopping place, but our stay was Short, a detail of soldiers having cut the levee on the east side, causing the river, which was high, to overflow. On the ninth, on board a mosquito gun-boat we crossed the river and passed out through the cut into an old channel where trees from three to six inches in diameter were passed over, bending like willows as the boat passed over. This channel emptied into Moon lake, so called from its shape. The lake in turn, emptied into the Yazoo Pass. Having passed through the lake, difficulties to further navigation were met, the Confederates having felled large sycamore trees in the narrow channel. An old ferry boat proved to be of great service. A large cable was attached to the capstan, the other end fastened around a log. Then 200 or 300 men on the bank at the command of an officer landed it on the bank. And thus day after day the work progressed un- til the most difficult part was opened.’ Much fatigue and tramp-18 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy ing through mud and water brought us to the Allcorn planta- tion, the property of General Allcorn. We took possession of the negro quarters, confiscated corn, ground it on the plantation mill with plantation mules, and old Aunty, the plantation ne- gress, was kept busy baking from morning till night, each sol- dier waiting his turn. Cleaning up and procuring plantation diet was the order until we were carried back to Helena. After receiving pay due us we again embark on the Lebanon, No. 2, headquarters of Brigadier General Clinton B. Fisk. commander of our brigade, and enter the pass. Our progress is slow. the stream narrow and crooked, the country overflowed with water. We were confined to the boats with few privileges except watch- ing the boats, which, on coming-to a short turn in the stream seemed bound on taking a short cut across the country. A man In a skiff would carry a line to the opposite shore and fasten it to a tree. The boat would back up and swing around the bend, wood, water and an occasional plantation, with negro quarters or perchance a shot from sharp shooters to arouse one from his reverie of home and friends. We are soon in the Tallahatche river, which is very crooked. making progress slow- ly, but like time, we pass on and navigation gets better. As plantations are passed negroes with eyes and mouths open, gaze at the (to them) wonderful sight. A few miles above the junc- tion of the Tallahatche and Yelabush rivers we disembark at Shellmound, a cone-shaped mound of shells. Here-the Confed- erates had built a fort, named after General Pemberton. Our gun-boats attacked it, but soon found it was defended by heavy Siege guns. The armor of the boats were not strong enough to stand the solid shot. Owing to the swampy nature of the ground it was impracticable to attempt an assault. One pro- ject to force an evacuation was the conveyance of a big siege gun on a high wheeled cart to a cotton fort in front of the fort on a dark night,through thick woods over a deserted road. Af- ter nine days trying to dislodge the enemy, the fleet started on the return trip. The boats were easier to manage facing the current. We soon arrived at the head of the pass and once more greeted the Mississippi with a salute from our guns. There was rejoicing as we sailed out on its broad waters and we were soon back in camp at Helena, Arkansas. ‘i After arriving at Helena, our army headquarters, a Thanks- Siving service was held. Gen. Fisk, commanding the brigade, made a short address and offered up a prayer in behalf of the army. A skirmish between the cavalry and a band of Confeder- ate cavalry took place soon after, in which the latter were routed. A sham battle between an Iowa and a Kansas cavalry regiment was followed by a review of all the troops by Gen.THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy 19 Prentis. Rumors of an attack caused a strict vigilance by the outposts. Fortifications were strengthened and early on the morning of July 4, ’63, the regiments were distributed along the works ready for action. At dawn of day firing was heard along the picket line. The signal gun was fired. The company to which I belonged occupied a position between the batteries. but obstructions of fallen trees prevented a successful assault. The road leading to the batteries was less obstructed. The Con- federate charge down the narrow road was in plain view from our position, facing musketry and cannon shot. They came on in such numbers that the small force defending the battery was forced to retreat, many falling from the merciless fire that fol- lowed them. The artillerymen having spiked the cannon before retreating, the position was of little advantage. The other bat- teries were almost simultaneously attacked, but our company and others were hurried to their support and each charge was repulsed. A Confederate regiment, thinking the victory theirs, marched in below the batteries, and finding they were sur- rounded, surrendered and were marched to the river and sent north. A gunboat on the river drove the enemy from the bat- tery first captured and the whole army now fell back under cover of the woods and made a hasty retreat, leaving one hun- dred and fifty-six dead on the field. From the first attack until the final retreat was about seven hours. The Federal loss was less than half that of the enemy. The object of the attack was to capture the army supplies in store at the place. This was a celebration long to be remembered by the regiment, and a memorable one in the history of the Civil War. The battle of Gettysburg on the third, the surrender of Vicksburg on the fourth, and the opening of the Mississippi to the Gulf. The troops were concentrated near the fort after a few days’ rest, and Gen. Prentis delivered an address congratulating the army on the victories won. A stroll along the line of defense later revealed below the city a marsh of stately cypress trees with roots projecting above the ground, much resembling the hump on a camel’s back. At the mouth of a little hollow, in a little vale, a thousand little markers designate the resting place of half that number of the colored race, from the tiny infant to the adult. Up on the hill the woodman’s ax has slain the forest and the trees cover the ground promicuously. Following the picket line across a depression to the hill beyond, a circle of earth works and fallen trees, the scene of a struggle. On the next elevation an earth fortification, over which the muzzle of cannon are visible, at the base of which stands a little chapel where the city’s inhabitants met to wor-20 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy Ship and to pay a last tribute of respect to departed friends before consigning them to their last resting place on the hill above. Cannon shot have left their mark on the outer walls, and the white monuments and stone tablets, marking the place of the departed of the white population, are marred by the struggle for supremacy. It unfortunately lay contiguous to the battery. Through this city of the dead the Federal sol- diers retreated when forced to surrender the battery. The new occupants attracted the fire from the gunboat and the brave men who made the assault had to abandon it. Lhe lite city lay between this elevation and the river. | August ll, ‘63, our division, under the command of Act- ing Brigadier General Rice, our former colonel. began the march to Little Rock, sometimes over beautiful prairie and woody lawn, and again through Swamp, until Clarendon, on White river is reached. After crossing the river on a pontoon bridge we follow the similitude of a road through a low bot- tom and forest of trees. marching with the six-mule teams driven with single lines. hitched to heavily loaded wagons, through mud holes that, like the Alps before Napoleon, had to be passed. But soon all is passed and the route lay through a fine country resembling our home prairies in Iowa. A railroad extended from here to Little Rock, but the rolling stock being at the other end. a long, dry and hot ten days’ march was made, at the close of which camp is located in a field of briars. Soon the scene is changed and rows o7 white tents and Camp fires and stocks of guns, with thousands of soldiers lie In unconscious slumber. The next day’s march was varied. being through Shady woods and vine-covered trees. Grapes, from the small wild variety to the large muscatines were plen- tiful. Firing in advance told us that the cavalry was driv- ing the Confederates from their outposts. Crossing the river, the cavalry moved up on the south side while the infantry followed on the north side. The Confederates being thus flanked, withdrew from their strongest works on the north to meet the federal Cavalry and to try to protect the city, but were driven from one position to another until they were forced to evacuate the city and retreat to the south. The victory was complete, with but little loss of men. On nearing the city, which was on the opposite side. we discovered an iron- Clad boat stranded on the sand, a burning wreck. Locomo- tives and cars and some s0vernment buildings presented a scene of devastation. Mee | | ele $ ox . iy " : > ¥ 2 phe hheen ind he Re Re a? 45 > ag 2 E x Perc Pec S ERROR AILEY Daasnummaescans ‘ ‘ me a. - SA a The Author at 25. Brea en nila nn them to church near by. ‘he men with their hats on sat on one side, the women with their projecting bonnets on the other. After waiting sometime we asked a young lady if the preacher had not come, she said anyone preached if the spirit moved them. Soon a sister bowed and prayed, then a number spoke, then silence, after which all began to shake hands, then return- ing home we were shown into the library where we found plen- ty of good books. Time passed pleasantly, our work was agree- able. At the end of our month we were requested to stay anoth- er at $25 and another agreeable month passed and we were ready to go home. After hitching the team to the carriage and receiving kindly advice we bade our good hosts goodbye. We were driven to the railroad station, visited the city, paid our bills then returned home. Kicked by a Mule.—On arriving we purchased a young team of mules and made a trip east to the older settled part of the. 46 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLp FASHIONED Boy State, where we purchased a load of apples, Returning, afte Stopping for the noon-day feed, when passing behind the team,,4 I was felled to the ground, unconscious of What had happened.) On coming to and raising my hand to my forehead, | found it | Covered with blood. A young man passing acted the part of the good Samaritan and drove my team to the nearest town, Where my wound was dressed and I was soon able to make my way home. Seeking a Companion.—I now began to think of getting a companion. My school-day Sweethearts had al] married or moved away. We remembered a comely lass in another vicinity we had formed some acquaintance with before the War, and Whose brother y aS a special friend of mine had fallen in battle mortally wounded, and who by another comrade, had requested me to come to him. Sut in the confusion and rush of battle I Was unable to find him. The army retreating, he died in a hos- pital in the Confederate lines. We determined to visit her and give what consolation we could. Hitching to a sleigh, intend- ing with her ~onsent to take a ride, we were hospitably received and related what we knew of her brother, Tears ran down her cheeks: my heart went Out in Sympathy and devotion. To my request to take a ride at that time she begged to be excused. Not being versed in cOurtship and love, I left without request- ing a future Visit, feeling I had failed to show the devotion I felt and lost an °pportunity I could never recall, and that my future happiness Was bound up in the modest and lovely girl. A young bachelor better verseq in love making won the prize Soon after. A New Acquaintance,_A neighbor and friend had a sister Visit her from Ohio; I wag introduced to her. She being a come- ly person and a lady, though My senior in age, we were fre- quently thrown together, and while I had not the affection for her as the other, | bressed my suit and in course of time we were Jomed in wedlock. I took her to the home of my parents. They being old, it did not prove congenial, so the farm was sold and I was given my portion. We burchased a tract of land farther west, and after rigging up an ox team consisting of four yoke of young oxen, Wagon and Plow to turn the prairie sod, with our household £00ds we moved to what we Planned to make our fu- ture home. A little cottage was built; we were surrounded with good neighbors. Learning we were what they termed a Praying man, they insisted that ] Superintend a Sabbath school. A year passed and our first born came; after calling two neigh- bor women, We rode seven miles on a dark night to the nearest town to get a doctor, for there were no telephones those days.THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy Al The next day a voice from a little bundle of flesh and blood caused a thrill, a feeling we cannot describe. Soon after we made a change, moving to a little home in Polk City, north of Des Moines, here our baby boy was taken from us and a white stone marked the little mound. After recovering from an at- tack of fever, being short of funds, through failure of another to meet payments due, we did such work as we could get. Be- ing of an easy, confiding nature we clung to the religious faith taught us in youth. My companion before our union having enjoyed all comforts, if not luxuries, began to chide me for not making more effort to better our condition, before my re- ligious advisors, which made it harder to bear. Encouraged by my friends, we tried to tell the good tidings of the Gospel to the new foreigners on the prairies, riding three and four miles at night to speak to a few people. Our next move was to Des Moines, putting what means we still possessed in a little grocery store, but not having had previous experience we made another failure. We were next employed by a contractor in the country and lived in the house of a wealthy farmer. Our ser- vice as superintendent was again requested. The farmers were generally wealthy and of the Quaker faith; the man on whose place we lived had no religious belief, but was a public-spirited citizen, and offered an acre of ground and $500 toward a church. We started out one Sunday morning before Sunday school and raised $1000 for a church to be opened to all Orthodox churches. A little daughter was added to our home and our family relation was congenial, except that my companion had an aversion to adding more children to the family. This caused dissatisfac- tion, but we had formed such an attachment to her and our child we forebore for a time until outside influences and cir- cumstances brought discord and jealousy. Our next move was back to our home town where her sister lived. Our family now consisted of a son and daughter. My income was whatever I could earn at daily labor, and complaints continued. Discour- aged, we disposed of some valuable books to get enough to start. We took an agency to canvass the schools with a slated paper for blackboards; we had some success, and after canvasing the schools of the northern part of the state which was then newly settled. Timber being scarce, they had hay-burning Stoves. Arriving at the western part of the state, we came to Sioux City on the Missouri river. After taking supper at the hotel, we strolled down the street. A man about my own age overtaking me, spoke and after exchanging confidences, he told me he was buying horses, and learning my business and home town, said he knew many of the business men, and named a number of48 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy them. Passing a place he said. “] won $60 here last night and suggested we step in. “We told him we did not gamble, but wishing to be sociable, and not thinking what would happen we Stepped in. We were asked to have a drink; we refused, but passed with him in the next room. Here three men sat at a ta- ble, one Shuffling cards and placing them on black and red spots On the table: the other two putting money on the red or black, my new companion Suggested we take a chance, we said we did not care to spend fifty cents which seemed to be the size of their pile in change. The two men soon left; we had won more than we had put down. My companion suggested to me that by betting on one color, seven times you were sure to win, but you were required to double the bet each time, we kept doubling until] the seventh, we were out $30 and we could £0 no farther. We had become excited and offered to stake our watches, but could not raise the amount double, $60. Awaken- ing to the Situation, we were in we walked Out, returned to our hotel, but could not sleep, seeing in a paper we had read on the train the day before that they were trying to clean out the gamblers, we determined to give them a chance. The next morning we went to the mayor’s office. Being asked what we wanted, I related the circumstances as they had occurred. He Said it was doubtful] about getting My money back but I could make it cost them a heavy fine. We Said it might save others from the same fate. After being convinced I was not intoxi- cated he requested me to take him to the place. We passed down until |] recognized it. On entering he asked me if that was the man, we Said, ‘“No’’. The man behind the bar Said his partner was out to breakfast: we walked out but returned soon. When the other man had returned we told the mayor that was the man that was behind the bar last night. They consulted awhile, the man said to me, what do you want, we said, we want Our money back. he Said, “If you haa won you would have said nothing about it.” We said we had no chance to win as my cash was all gone. The Mayor and him consulted. He asked if we would be satis- fied if we got our money back. We Said we would. He handed me a roll of bills. The amount I Was out. We went away a wiser man. ANOTHER MEE TING Going to Omaha, we met our brother from Oregon who was returning from a visit in the East. We spent the night togeth- er and before we slept he had Pursuaded me to accompany him to his western home. He having visited my wife, she was in- 2 ae ee hes e K affTHE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY AY formed of his intention of getting me to go with him. We mailed her a letter with some money informing her of our de- parture. We took a train for San Francisco. After spending the Holidays there, we took passage on the Great Republic, the largest ship on the Pacific Coast, at that time. Arriving at the mouth of the Columbia River, a short stop was made walting for the tide. A few months later the ship was wrecked crossing the bar. Following up the Columbia, Astoria is passed. Twelve miles below Portland on the Williamette River, the ship cast anchor and we were taken up to the City on a river boat where a short stop is made. The upper Columbia River being frozen over we equipped ourselves with blankets and with our grips, started over the trail on foot. When we came to the first stop- ping place, all the beds were taken so we spent the night, a cold one, in a hay-mow. The next day noon the first habitation we came to was a dissolate hut; we knocked, hoping to get some- thing to eat. On being admitted, we found a forlorn Indian Squaw, hovering over a few embers, no food was procured. Af- ter a hard day's tramp, we found shelter. After a wholesome supper, a pleasant evening was spent before the glowing fire. Our host proved to be a doctor surrounded with all the comforts ‘n his mountain home. From here to the Dalls was a toll round, so before retiring for the night my brother contracted with him to take us there the next morning. A team of ponies were hitched to a covered wagon; our host with his high plug hat, whip in hand, mounted his seat. The first five or six miles be- ing up grade, progress was slow. It being a frosty morning, before reaching the top of the mountain we walked and were some distance ahead, and on the down grade hearing the rattle of the vehicle we looked around, the team was coming at a fast pace. It was evident there was no speed law in force. The hack being open behind we sprang in as it passed and preferred staying where we could tumble out, should it topple over some of the cliffs of which we passed along the brink. Our host had evidently had something which was stronger than water to drink and drove with ruthless abandon; nevertheless, he de- livered us safely at the Dalls. Here was a rooming and eating house where we feasted on sturgeon, the boneless fish. From twelve miles above a stage line extended to eastern Oregon. Taking passage, we pass on through what was then the Uma- tilla Indian Reservation where the Indians had recently mur- dered some whites. The Blue Mountains were crossed in a snow storm, the driver having difficulty keeping the road; we. arrived safely at Legrand, the county seat of Union County, my brothers home town. The Ranch was four miles up a mountain stream50 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy where 300 head of cattle and one hundred horses ranged back to the snow-capped mountains. We were introduced to his friends as his tenderfoot brother, and my nephews played many jokes on their tenderfoot uncle. Wishing to cross the moun- tains to Walla Walla City, an Oregon broncho was saddled and my bundle strapped on behind. A patch of plowed ground was chosen to mount my steed. When touched with the spur, he jumped and kicked, throwing me over his head. After running half a mile he came back and leaped the gate into the corrall. Undaunted we mounted again with better success and crossed the mountain to our destination, but with some unpleasant ex- perience. Wishing a gentler mount, we sold and purchased one recommended to be gentle. To demonstrate, our man mounted and rode down the street, returning, we mounted and on pulling on the bridle to guide it, threw itself over backward. With ef- fort we got from under it. Our man explained it was a Indian pony and was guided by a tap on the side of the head. We made another effort and succeeded in crossing the mountains. We turned it out giving it liberty and never saw it again. We next accompanied my brother on various trips to the mines with pro- duce, butter, eggs and cheese for which he received good prices. We next herded the sheep for a while, but soon got in trouble, the herd feeding on others range. The herdsman claimed we were trespassing on his range and insisted on settling it with a fist fight. We declined, telling him we were not a pugilist, so each went his own way. Not liking that kind of life we crossed the mountains to Washington where we engaged in var- lous pursuits. A company built a sluice from a reservoir in the mountains to the valley below. It consisted of a V-shaped trough four feet deep, wood lumber and large, square logs 20 feet long were collected at the upper end; a flow of water was turned on and everything thrown in was swiftly carried to the valley below where it was dumped out. Here we learned some- thing of the woodman’s craft. Men were employed to chop wood—some averaging three cords per day. Men from all parts of the East were there, intelligent and educated, who could talk on any subject and speak different languages. We worked at various employment and mingled with men of different habits and character. Having formed the acquaintance of a retired officer we did various kinds of labor for him and was permitted to enjoy the association of his family. He lived in Walla Walla City, and being fond of his dram. often came home having diffi- culty to walk straight. Being polite on one occasion meeting a cow and staggering against her, doffed his hat, and said, Excuse me, madam.” We made a trip to the mountain with his ee ane oe ore -THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY 51 team after wood. At the top of a steep mountain, while making some repairs on the break before starting down, we accidently almost severed my finger. Fortunately, a man came to my re- lief, wrapping my hand with a muslin cloth to stop the flow of blood. With my foot to hold the brake and the other hand to drive. we made the trip to the city, eight miles distant where a doctor, after stitching up the wound, bound it, for which he received a twenty-dollar gold piece. A month later we were doing light work. We now filed a homestead right on a quarter sertion of land, a little box house was built, a small tract broken and fenced. After spending a year in various pursuits, often being absent from our claim, my house was entered and my best suit, hat and shoes taken, and now the proverb “a mule never dies” proved to be false; one of mine was found dead in the stable, the other soon after being found tresspassing in my neighbor’s sheep lot was crippled by the hired man witha pitch fork, thus proving that mules, as well as men, suffer when vlo- lating the golden rule. Not having good health at this time we decided to abandon our claim as many others had done. A young man gave me his watch and a $75.00 note for our im- provements and we relinquished our right to him. BUTTING AGAINST A POST We were helping a six-foot Californian, whose name was Post. Logging in the mountains. Four horses and a truck were used; he frequently over-loaded his team, causing loss of time and money. Sitting by our fire one night after a day of unusual trouble, in speaking about it, I remarked. “If you did not overload your team you would not have so much trouble.” I was sitting on a low block on the opposite side of the fire, he came around standing before me said with his big foot raised, “Open your mouth and I will kick your head off.” Taken by surprise we sat mum, we slept in the same tent, but nota word was spoken. Early in the morning I went to the mill, told the foreman what had occurred. With a twinkle in his eyes he remarked. “It was a bigger post than you care to butt.” After taking breakfast he said, you may help me, which I did. Post quit logging, sold his team, leaving me $16.00 loser in wages due. After recuperating our health, we went to Portland Oregon and took a steamer to Salem. Passing the locks at the falls in the Williamette River, the first we had ever seen. Arriving at Carvalas, from which place a railroad was being built west to the coast, we spent two months with various experiences. The52 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY road was being built from the coast end and was near making connection when a deep snow fell, cutting the men off from sup- plies. Men on snow shoes hauled flour on tobogan sleds: many men refused to work longer because they had received no pay for two months. When the snow melted some bridges were washed out and others saved with difficulty by the men who remained. Myself and others stayed with the contractor until the connection was made. We were then taken back to Car- valas and boarded at a hotel until their time checks could be cashed. We cashed ours at a discount and returned to Port- land, then by rail and boat to Olympia on the sound, then Taco- ma and Seattle, then on to Port Townsend and across the strait of Juandefuca to Victoria, British Columbia. Everything in- dicated we were in the British possessions. Men wore knee pants and the houses were of different architecture. While crossing the strait a whale was seen. We went 30 miles up the peninsula that divides the Georgia Strait from the sea. Here were fine cedar forests, excelling any we had ever seen and coal mines and many peculiar fish. Two years after leaving home, we received a letter from my wite stating that she had applied for a divorce, so feeling at liberty to pursue whatever life we chose, we followed that which gave more satisfaction. Having spent seven years in the West we determined to make our way south and east and return to our former home in Iowa. Where most of our life had been spent. While we had accumulated little wealth, we had, by ob- servation, gained quite a fund of practical knowledge; we had worked industriously, if not wisely. We now turned south and by ‘boat followed the sound to Seattle and Tacoma, then by rail to Portland, Oregon. Thinking it policy to economize we fol- lowed the railroad to Salem then turned west to the coastline where possible. There being few settlers we took what provi- sions we could carry and stopped wherever night overtook us. On one occasion we were sitting by our little fire under some trees and bushes; we heard the baying of hounds as if in pur- sult of game; soon, as if coming from above, an animal, possibly a wildcat or a cougar sprang over our heads and bounded on through the dark, no doubt being frightened by the fire. The next day we came to a bay. Here we found a hotel and, as pas- sengers were conveyed to the other side by a small boat, we waited for transportation and spent the night in the hotel. Drun- ken men were gambling in the barroom. We retired early but our room being over the barroom, we slept little. Next day myself and others crossed over and took the stage, following along the beach, the waves frequently passing under the stage, leav-THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy 53 ing a solid, smooth drive, the forest on one Side, the ocean on the other. the waves receding and then rolling back. The next day another bay was crossed where oyster beds were staked off, following on until Northern California was reached, Mount Shasta, snow capped and piercing the sky like the Pryamids, then the red lands and Oakland and San Francisco. The gigan- tic redwood forest and on until Monterey, the first capital of California. Here was a beautiful park adorned by flowers and fountains: here we stood on a cliff and looked out on what looked like a boundless ocean, the waves dashing against the rock on which we stood then rebounding to be followed by another. Passing on between Los Angeles and the ocean, the city was in view; farther on San Diego bordering Mexico. Turn- ing east, we entered Arizona now ‘inhabited mostly by Indians and Mexicans. The Apaches now on the war path led by Chief Geronimo. We crossed the Colorado river at Fort Yuma. Our cash now reduced to a few gold pieces, we now decided to join the tramp tribe, but preferred going alone, entering what was termed the desert, we came to a few old Indians sheltered under a rude brush covering to protect them from the burning sun, their bodies almost nude. One old man took my water Cal drank the water and proceeded to help himself to what food we had. As we had a concealed weapon we could have defend- ed ourselves of what we possessed but not wanting to injure them, did not. Our sympathies were for them. In the next village we found about twenty Indians in war paint sitting In a circle ap- parently holding a council of war. As we approached we said, “Howdydo.” One of them said, “God dam.” We gave them to understand we wanted water. One of them spoke to a squaw who was near and evidently told her to give me a drink, for after drawing some from a well nearby she gave me a drink. Then entering her tepee, she gave me a round ball similar to a pop corn ball, except it was pulverized; it proved to be very palatable. Following a dim road five or six miles we came to an Indian school. The principal inquired concerning the In- dians. We told him what we had seen. Farther on we came to a stock ranch where there were two men. We took dinner with them. ‘They were going to town, we don’t remember the name, and as we had no cartridges for our pistol, they proposed taking it and getting some while we could remain there and rest. They left in a spring vehicle, we waited until the day 1S nearly gone. Becoming restless, knowing nothing of the charac- ter of the men, we began to investigate, we found a shot gun and ammunition. It grew late, darkness coming on. Not knowingTHE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED Boy when they would return, we concluded we would make a trade: so signing over the $75 note which we had received for our improvements on the homestead in Washington and the re- volver they had with them, we took the shot gun and coat we thought would be of service, leaving the note on the table with instructions where to collect. Feeling we were very well equipped for defense we started to cross a low range of moun- tains; on reaching the wooded top we made a fire and spent the balance of the night. Passing on in the morning we came to a camp of U.S. Troops called Camp Grant. Being in poor health, we were taken to the surgeon’s office. They took charge of the gun and put me in the hospital, we explained the trade we had made and for reference gave them the name of my friend Cap- tain Smith, of Walla Walla, Washington. We were told he had died since we left. We made it interesting to the patients in the hospital and they laughed at my jokes and adventures. Soon feeling better we were ready to start again. The doctor told me if I would wait a few days longer we could take the gun as they considered we had paid well for it, but we decided to go without it. The next troop of soldiers we came to was Camp Thomas, a scouting party who were sent out from the different camps trying to locate Geromimo and‘his band’ of out- laws who were hiding out somewhere in Arizona or Mexico. We were interrogated as to the Indians’ Signs we had seen, so we were being helpful as a scout. The weather bing hot, we fre- quently traveled at night, resting at some cattle ranch during the day. In Southern Arizona long dry and barren stretches were found and ranches were many miles apart Passing through one of these barren places, we were almost Overcome with thirst and may have perished had we not found a little water in a hole on a solid rock. Afar off we discovered some horsemen we knew to be soldiers or cowboys; after finding their trail we followed it and late at night saw a light. On ap- proaching, we found it to be a cattle ranch; we were given food and shelter. Then next morning we were informed it was only a few miles to the line of Old Mexico. On approaching a stream the next day we observed a small patch of cultivated land and adobe houses. Approaching one we met a man on horseback who greeted me kindly and we soon became friends, he being able to speak some Mexican as he expressed it. He told me to get on behind him: we crossed Over; it was a beautiful stream of clear water but not deep. We were taken to his home, a large adobe house, where we were introduced to the family which consisted of an elderly lady and two younger ladies and a German doctor who could talk English; he was the son-in-lawTHE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY Ot Or of the older lady, having married one of the daughters. We were made to feel at home and that we were in Mexico. We learned the young man was the Mayor of the village and the family virtually owned the village and thousands of acres of the surrounding country and large herds of cattle. Though wealthy, their mode of living was primitive; the meals were prepared over coals in a fireplace; the floors were earthen, made hard by use; no chairs, nor table, meals were served on a white cloth like Americans use out picnicing. Beds were mats spread on the floor. Spanish was a dead language to me but the Doctor, acting as interpreter, a contract was made be- tween us. We were to take charge of the cattle with a stated wage per month and a percent of the increase. Men were put to work to prepare a corrall and ranch houses some four miles from the village. In a little valley by a small stream in 4a mountain gulch. Large forked posts were set in the ground forming a square, two on one side for door frames. Adobe blocks were made and dried in the sun, the walls then built in between the posts, leaving one small hole for a window; this was covered with polls and canebreaks with dirt on top. Next a strong stockade was made to corrall the cows, for we were to make cheese from the milk. A Mexican boy was to be my helper. All cows with young calves were gathered from the range, the calves were corralled, leaving the cows at liberty to go and come from the range; they were milked morning and evening. The Apache outlaws were supposed to be hiding in the mountains with the United States and Mexican soldiers hunting them. My helper being afraid of the Indians, returned home to the village every night until we were furnished a musk- et to defend ourselves. We had frequent callers and by the help of my employer soon learned the most common words used in Spanish conversation. With plenty of fresh air, milk, and cheese, with (tortea) corn cake, and (carnie) meat we became strong and vigorous. Visiting the village frequently, we were treated like an honored guest; my young friend the Mayor, Samiago by name made frequent visits bringing his lady friend with him, but she kept her face veiled. He asked me if I would like them to bring me a lady. We said “(Se) Yes,” but he told me afterwards his mother did -not want me to have a lady: friend. We said to him one day we would like to (kasarcy) marry, his sister. He said, “I do not know whether she loves you.” About this time two United States soldiers passed with the body of a Lieutenant strapped on a board on the back of a big mule taking it back to the United States. He had been killed, it was said, by mistake, the56 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY Mexican soldiers firing on a party of U.S. soldiers after dark thinging them to be Indians. On the 22nd of April the Mexicans had a custom of celebrating the crucifixion of Christ. It was said in years long past in remote localities human victims had been crucified. On this occasion we visited our friend in the village. After dark, a man mounted on an ass wearing a robe; the paths of the procession was spread with a carpet on green boughs. The disciples chanting hymns, following next came the rabble, some with hidious masks and horns which they blew in the faces of those near by. Myself! and my friend were in- sulted; my friend said, (Mucha milo.)” (meaning very bad.). We retired to his home; the procession entered a large stone church, SO we did not know what followed. Later the dry hot days dried up the water supply so the stock has to be allowed to go to find water further in the moun- tains until rain came to replenish the supply. We spent a week in the village, made some rude chairs and a table, so they Said we were (carpentaro) a carpenter. Tiring of the monot- ony, my friend gave me a recommendation in Spanish and we visited another village where on showing our recommendation we were courteously treated and dined with the priest. We next found three Americans who were working a gold and sil- ver mine high up on a mountain side. tunneling and blasting out the ore. Adventures in the Sierra Madra Mountains. The miners having secured a number of sacks of rich ore, prepared to make a trip to Tuscon, Arizona. to a smelter with two pack mules and two horses and a camping outfit, two went, leaving me and the other man at the mine. On investigation it was found provisions were short and it was necessary to get a supply. Equipping ourselves for a hunt of a few days with one pack animal and one mount we spent three days in the mountains; one bear was found but succeeded in getting away; not succeeding in getting any meat we returned to the mine and the other man prepared to make a trip some two hundred miles over the trail to get a supply of things needed. We were left alone; soon tiring of the solitude. we went to the village eight or nine miles where the Mexicans told of a fabulously rich mine Said to be somewhere in the mountains once mined by past generations, but lost to the present one. We procured some meat and flour and returned to the mine; after equipping myself with a small pick, pan, some dynamite, fuse, matches and what provisions we could carry we were ready to make an exnplora- tion. A stream flowed near the mountain; we decided to follow| ~] THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OLD FASHIONED BOY up the river; not having studied the geography of this range we had no conception of its vastness; the stream being low, walk- ing along the water’s edge was good, shaded by high walls and as = sor —_ a arn a { Poet - gee 7 a J “ Oe EE rR] | a OE am no YX ae oe - gee — eS 2 ye S 4 / a? ~ ee 4 “A tf a J mi ~- \44 ees Se - Y Lf fA OTP oe ~ j 4 ; ©. ott a = V 4 4 Gor ., a s os <= = aa ea C47 Bf ey Lew So — ah E oe =f = qo ee Noe be ge : bg ~