Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-06-12
From The Union Democrat.
THE ORPHAN WOOD CHOPPEF

About fifteen or eighteen years ago.
family resided in Fayette county. the faith
er and mother of whom died OF an epidemic
then prevalent, leaving three children. two
sons and daughter, in forlorn and desti
tnte situation. By this melancholy event,
the management and support Of the family
chiefly rested on the elder brother, then
about eighteen years Of age. Brought up
to industry by his poor aud pious parents,
he did not for moment despair butahat the
Almighty who had deprived them of their
earthly protector, would watch over them in
their iriendless and destitute situation, and
provide for them, with proper industry on
their part. Al that time, the chopping o!
wood al the furnaces offered the most con-
slant employment and he could have the
company and assistance of his little brother
and sister. to whom he was much attached.
Having left the small log cabin which had
been for many years occupied by their pa
rents, and which was endea red TO them by
the recollection Of many past events, they
betook themselves, with their little all. TO the
coaling ground of neighboring farmer. and
became the tenants of cherries tenement
compared with the one they had left Du.
ring the day,,he elder chopped wood and the
younger, assisting as far as his strength
would permit. while the sister attended to
the domestic concerns OF their hut. In the
evenings, and on days when the weather
would moi admit Of outdoor employment, the
elder brother. who had received tolerable
English education in the lifetime Of his pa
rents, taught the brother and sister-and his
exertions were not spent in vain, as the Sc
quel will show
With economy and proper management
at the expiration OF few years, they had
accumulated small fund in money, and up
on consultation. they determined to invest il
in piece of Western land. At that time
the attention Of emigranis was directed prin
cipally TO Indiana, as offering the Creates
Inducements. Thilher then. the elder broth
er was 10 go, for the purpose of locating a
home.
Having taken an aflectionate leave of those
he most dearly loved on earth, he departed
to The Monongahela river, where be obtain
ed passage ona fiat boat bound for Cincin
natl. and in due time arrived at that place in
safety He was then directed 10 seek the
Wabash country, for the most fertile lands
in the state. Early the next morning be
set out for Vincennes, where tho principa
Land Office for that region was then loca
led. Little experienced in journeying OF
foot, and buoyed up with the pleasing idet
Of getting home for himself and those h'
had left some hundred miles behind, bu
whose welfare and happiness, identified will
his own, KEEP. place in his recollection
he pushed on at a rate loo great for even nj
accomplished pedestrian 10 Withstand. Hi
ankles became swollen and his feet mucl
blislered. Aware Of his scanly means an'
his great desire TO accomplish his ends. h
fell unwilling TO lose time, and continuing
J aggravated the impeachment until he wa
scarce able even TO hobble along.
4 Thus situated. he became depressed i
spirits. and almost ready 10 sink unde
I dependency. when he was overtaken o.