The pioneers were
limited in learning, but instructed in their experiences,
stern in their virtues, sturdy in their independence, marked
in their individuality, frank in their intercourse,
hospitable in their homes, fearless in danger.
Hospitality was a leading feature of the pioneer.
The sick and needy were as well cared for as they have been
since. Faith, Hope and Charity were organized.
Indeed, these Christian graces did exist at that, early day,
and were made manifest in the good deeds of the people
towards one another, but the process of combination came at
a later period. There was a community of social
feeling, and nothing like aristocracy or assumed superiority
on account of the possession of a few more acres or higher
birth showed itself. Nothing of caste to mar the free
intercourse of all on the common platform of equality.
It can not be disguised, however, that there were persons
who gained precedence on account of superior intelligence,
and who were looked upon as a kind of oracle in the
management of the social, moral and financial affairs of the
community in which they resided.
The social intercourse among the young people was of
the most pleasing nature. Though they met "on the
level and parted on the square," there were some of the
young men more than others cavaliers, and some of the ladies
aspired to reign as belles of society, yet there was no
feeling of envy or jealousy ever engendered. Modern
balls and parties had not been introduced: indeed the time
was all too nearly occupied, both in the field and in the
house, to indulge in amusements.
There was meeting on Sunday, and the young people would
always attend, either walking or going on horseback.
The young man would take his sweetheart up behind him on his
horse, and all parties would enjoy this mode of travel
exceedingly. Young gentlemen were then called boys,
and the young ladies were called girls.[Pg. 241]
The means of transportation within the reach of the
pioneer were most simple and laborious. The ox-wagon,
or possibly four horses, when able to have them, conveyed
the effects, while the long journey from Virginia,
Pennsylvania, or Kentucky, was performed on foot; sleeping
by the camp-fire or the wagon at night; depending on the
rifle oftimes for food; burying themselves in a dense
forest; cleaving by slow and laborious degrees a little spot
for a rude log cabin; surrounded by wild beasts and still
wilder Indians. Emerging from his cabin with his ax on
his shoulder, the sturdy woodsman might be seen. With
keen eye he surveys the forest round about in search of
lurking danger, then
"Loud sounds the ax, redoubling strokes on strokes;
On all sides round the forest hurls her oaks;
Headlong, deep-echoing groan the thickets brown.
Then rustling, crackling, crashing thunder down,"
The trunks were trimmed, the
brush piled, and with the help of neighbors the log-rolling
took place; and night was turned into day when the
surrounding forests were lit up by the leaping blaze of the
huge brush heap and the piles of logs.
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