Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-10-14
NJ Y II o > T.
4 HIGHWAY ADVENTURE

Ny business called me through the northern
part OF the State of Illinois. l crossed the Il
linois River at Ottawa, intending to strike
Rock River at Fosters Mills. Foster was an
old friend, who had gone out some years be-
fore, and erected mill upon one of the tribu-
taries OF the last mentioned river, he having
bought whole township in that section. 1t
was some out of my way, as my most direct
route was very near due West from Ottawa,
whereas this route took me over sixty miles
further North. However, had learned that
there was quite good road to Rock River,
and L turned my horses head in that direction.
1 calculated my time, and concluded that'by
moderate travelling l could reach the mill in
two days.
During the first day my road lay through
country mostly cleared, and was well travelled;
but on the second day struck into wilder
region, and the way was little better than i
bridle-path through dense forest. l passed
several clearings, where small buts were cree
ted, and at of these latter stopped and
got some dinRcr. l found a young man in
charge of the premises, the father having gone
30 ssthe mills" asked what mills they meant,
and the old lady said they were ssFoster's
Mills.''
From these people l learned that Fosters
place was forty miles distant, and that the only
dwelling, after leaving two near by, between
hero and there was sort or stopping place
kept by man named Daniel Groome. They
said he generally kept food for man and beast,
and also had good supply of liquor, princi-
pally whi5key. His house was twelve miles
TO the mills.
This just suited me. could reach Groome's
hy six o'clock, and there get some supper,
and rest and bait my horse. Then L could
easily reach Fosters by nine, as the moon
we'll on the second quarter.
The good people refused to take anything
for my dinner, but l bestowed half dollar
upon laxen-headed urchin who trOtting
around upon his bare feet, and then set for
ward again. There was another hut at the dis
tance Of half a mile, and second about
milo of. | saw 10 more human habitatons
until reached GroOme's. l found the trav-
clling full as good as L had expected, and ar
rived at the forest inn at just halfpast FIVE.
This inn was situated upon a romantic spot,
and to a lover of isolated nature must have
been charming retreat The house was built
OF logs, the outside surface hcwn, and the
seams filled with cement formed of some sort
of fine tough moss and pitch. There were
three separate buildings to this house, the prin-
cipal one being built with the gable end to the
road, and the other two upon either side,
ming out like two LIS. Then there was barn
= short distance off, with a piggery connected.
Take it altogether, and it was quite place
FOR such locality. A small stream ran close
by, so that water was plentiful.
AsI rode up TO the door, Mr.. Groome him
self came out. He was a tall, gaunt man with
a fiery red head, and face as coarse as it was
ugly. But was surprised when heard his
voice. had expected tone like the below
Of a bull; but instead of that his notes fell u
Ion my ears like the speech of woman. He
smiled as he spoke, and I thought to myself
how his appearance would deceive any one, Tor
In conversation he seemed different man.
informed him that was on my way to
Fosters mill. and could only stop long enough
10 rest my horse and get some snppef. de
gazed into my face for some moments without
speaking, and finally SAID
"Ah-yes-humph,"
When he turned into the entry and caiieo
'Iks." Ike came-a tall, strapping youth Oh
one or wo-and-twenty-with red head ana
features such as could belong to no one bui
child of my host. "Ike" took my horse, ana
Mr.. Groome led the way to the "sitting room,''
rs he called it. 1t was rough but comfortable,
and the furniture consisted of pine table,
mahogany bureau, and four long pine benches
which were set agains. the walls. There were
20 chairs, these benches being sufficient to ac-
commodate quito an assenblage.
Groome asked me if would like something