The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-12-27
From the Boston Evening Gazette.
Se&EsIS TWO @S9.S!gasGa
"TIIE TANNER AND SALT BOILER {"
BY ANN F. PORTER.

BY ANN F. PORTER.
1t Is scarcely fifty years since the first settlement of
Ohio The 'baciwoods' as they termed, ech-
oed for the first time the merry sound of the busy
few years made great change-the 'clearngs'
dotted here and there with picturesque log cab
ins, and the weary traveller who for hours had fol-
lowed the bldle path through the Forest hailed the
curling smoke from the mud chimney pre-
sage of welcome, and warmer supper Of
'ham and hominy. The perils of the Indian war; and
the close intimacy accustomed by life in the garrison,
made the settlers feel their dependence upon each
other and united their hearts well their interests
Nearly all those pioneers pilgrim sons, inherit
ing the virtues and brave hearts of their puritan
fathers Danger pastime their restless Spirits
and the hard labor of clearing land building their
houses and tillng their fields, even before they were
cleared of sumps, gave vigor and energy their bod
les, and there fewer advantages to be gain
ed by life in the wilderness, they but exchanged
the cold winds and barren sands of our New England
shore for dwelling amid the rich fields and fer
tile valleys that border upon the 'La Belle Rvier'-
The first permanent settlement was made in 1883 at
spot on the river where the Muskingum, literally
translated Elk Eye, rolls its tributary waters to the
Ohio.
The traveller of this day, he is hurried swiftly
along by the almost magic power of steam, fails not
to cast lingering look upon this lovely spot and ech
oes the remark of each preceding Observer What
a delightful location the early settlers chose' The
place increased but slowly account Of Indian trou
b!es. 1t first received its name in I793-that year
memorable in France for the tragic death of Maria
Antonette and these sturdy of the forest, uni
ting with their sterner nature sympathy for the fair
sufferer galanty called it Marietta, in honor of that
most unfortunate Of queens. Nearly all of the inbab
itants resided in the garrison. This was piece of
ground in the form ola square, surrounded by an
embanl<ment Of eartl-on The top of which was a
rude embrasure, composed of stakes driven into the
ground a short distance from each other.
Within the enclosure the houses mostly built
of unhewn logs, presenting rather a rude appearance
TO the eye accustomed TO the neat and tidy dwellings
of New England village. But we will not despise
them, for many noble spirit has been Graded in
these rude houses of the wes 81 many bright eyed
merry girl has graced them with her presence. AS
some who peruse this may have never seen log cab
in. allow me to push open the door, for the latch
string is loose and give them peep into this DOM
clio of primitive times Start not, gentle reader the
hand of neatness and of taste has been hore Thank
| Heaven-the gifts of nature are lavished prousey
upon all earths children. 1t needs but the open eye
to see their Beauties and the open heart to receive
them. The sunbeams shine brightly upon the
rich brown bark of those rough logs does upon
the fretted domes and gilded palaces of monarch
the rose. twined over the low doorway above your
head, gives forth its perfume sweety as when nn
tured by hgh-born damses, and watered from maj
bic fountains. Above all. in the human heart here
that exquisite piece of Gods workmanship, you will
find more kindly mpulse-more OF the graces which
dignity humanity, than in the crowded city where e'
cry thing seems calculated to call forth the selfish
ness and cupidity of men ..4-.
But keep you too long at the door-see, it il
near evening, and the mother has gathered her little
| flock around her--the boarded floor is clearly SVEN