Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-04-07
A LEAF FROM PIONEER LIFE.
pYCAPr. MD. ALExANpER, Z. 8. A.

Lionel Gardiner started, sometime in the
year 1910, from thc State of New York, to
find home on the western frontier He had
heard much of the beauties of the western
forests, of the prolific qualities of the broad
prairies, of its placid lakes and fertilizing riv
ers; and, won by the accounts, to make the
Journey himself, he finally persuaded his wife
to give her consent to removal. They had
but two children at the time, the eldest OF
whom, boy, was to remain at the east until
his education was somewhat more advanced.
One bright and cloudless morning in May,
tfe Wagon OF our emigrant halted beside the
Missouri, in what is now called Nebraska =
mild face was thrust out upon him from the
curtains, and n gentle voice enquired, =
"Are we to stop here, Lionel ?''
"Wcll, wife, was the reply, EsperhapS We
might as we'll. This seems to be fine coun-
try, and as the old adage runs, we might go
father and fare worse. So pass out pussy, and
let her run around a little. The poor thing
must be awfully cramped by this time Twelve
hours riding is not very refreshing. Come,
pussI"
Hereupon a sweet little girl of about ten
summers appeared in front Of the wagon, and
shaking the sunny locks back from her spark
ling face, sprang into the arms Of her fond
father.
..Oh, what pretty place." she cried, with
glee, as her proud father lowered her from his
carcss. ssCome, mamma, come out here and
rec how beautifully the sun shines on this riv-
err and see the fish darting all around, Catch
ing flies. I'm pretty little dears, pussey will
feed the little darlings-'' This was said TO the
fish. Soon she was busted in finding worms
and other food for them, while she clapped
her hands in,wild merriment TO see the speck-
led beauties dart to- the surface, and some
times beyond it, to catch the tempting NOR
sells.
Mrs. Gardiner stood for a moment gazing
upon her child, partly in admiration of her
beauty, and partly in pity at her condition
"Poor Amyl'' she thought, ''you are too
frail flower to transplant to the wilderness
but there is no help for it now. We must
make the best OF the portion that Heaven de-
signs for us.'
She was soon busted in removing some OF
the utensils from the wagon, and preparing
their first meal in their new home. Mean
while Mr.. Gardiner had surveyed the spot, Sc
lected a site for the erection Of their cabin,
and struck the first blow of his axe into the
bark of an old towering denizen of the forest.
The sound awoke strange echoes. As they
listened to the revcrberatious feeling OF awe
crept over them. They were miles and miles
away from their kindred. perhaps from THEN
Tace-aloDe with each other in the deep soli-
tude OF natures rural home. As the smoke
of the first fire ascended cloudward. the ven
furious pioneer, taking hand of wife and
child in either of his own, knelt upon the rich
soil. and implored protection and happiness
from Him, who guides our destinies in the
palace or hut, populous city or silent wild
wood.
Here, then, it was decided that they should
remain. Here would be their future home
In few days log cabin was reared for theii
occupancy This seemed to be the very
height of little Amy's ambition. She had
read of 'sroughing il in the bush' of log cabins
and forest life, and this was the realization o
the dreams she had formed of it. Then she
-, lan IN
the seed fcr him, and in a dozen ways making
herself indispensable, and her parent happy.
s.Ah, puss - he would say, ssyon are 4 lit
tie jewell what would mamma and L do with
ou! you7'
al am sure / don't know perhaps yol
would send for brother. Then you woudn'
miss me much"
.Should harm come to you, dearest-but 0
course it will not Are not your parent
watching over you ?''
aBut if harm should come to me, would yol
feel yery-yery bad 7'' she enquired with
smile.
Mr.. Gardiner clasped the sweet child in hi
arms and Imprinted kisses upon her cherr.
lips. Tears stole unbidden to his eyes
.sOhl shame papa, she cried. "there's
tear! Won know Won used to tell brother tha
it was not manly to weep. So Eve caught yo'
But must go feed my fish, they VIII all D
waiting for their meal. You don't Ike TO D
Kept waiting, nor do they"
Away she bounded, merrily laughing ant
tossing her ringlets in the air, the very EN-
hodlment of happy soul.
Under the care of the laborious farmer, In
crops progressed favorabIy, and promised
fair return. The household economy unde
the skillful conduct of his wife was quite a
prosperous. The little stock in poultry ant
swine that had been brought with them flour
ished finely, and altogether their prospect
were fiattering. 1t one day occurred to Mr
Gardiner that it would be well for him to rid
some little distance mp the river with viey
TO ascertain whether there might not be som
ens residing near them, designing TO make