Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1859-01-22
A Pioneer going West.


cling 10 the new countries, We mud IN
the Evansville Journal {: ..--.ss,
"Near the saw-mll, on the Ssnks OF
the river in the lower part Of the cly,was
mooreJ to the shore, on Sunday evening
last, IA wretched raft about ten by twenty
feet in area, constructed OF parcel OF old
plank, the surface Of which rose not moro
than two inches above the surface Of the
water. On this fraIl structure the oecu-
pants had raised ridge pole about five
feet high, and placing against II small PIE
ces Of board, apparently picked up from
the Drift in the river, had formed a root
with a kind Of dog kennel beneath Of a.
bou, six by ten feet on the floor OF tho
raft. Into this hovel, on little straw anu
heap of old rags, were crowded, in
mos, forlorn and wreiched condition,
man, woman, and four children, one at
the breast, and the eldest perhaps ten
years old. The only household goods
were an iron skillet, a pot, and two old
barrels not q seat, table or dish was
visible.
On the bow Of the ra!t, on piece OF
old boiler iron, raised a few inches above
the plank, was a blazing 6Ie OF driii wool,
which fortunately, is abundant and Win:
out price. Around this, that wreiched
group were hudled, presenting scene ot
sqnohd poverty and destitunon seldom
seen in this country, and sufficient TO
move the compassion of the most selfish
and pcnurious. How they endured The
pitless rain storm that followed III The
night, with no shelter but roof OF lew
loose boards leaning against pole, 'he
reader can conjecture. They have nayi-
gated the Ohio, on their traIl structure
from the mouth Of the Karawha 10 this
point, in voyage Of about SIX weeks,
during which there has been an unnisr~
rupted succession of cold and cheerless
storms. Every wave washed over The
wretched raft, and raiu must have pene--
traled every part Of the miserable Tool ;
they have passed towns and cil'ef-'he
abodes Of luxury and prosessed Christian
benevoence-and no aid has heen tcnder-
ed them but few crumbs from tables
that were covered with abundance, which
have kept them from starving.
In spite Of all this wretchedncss and
suffering the woman was well and robos''
and the children were hearty and cheer
(uI, and as full of sport as in the midst OF
plenty and comfort. The father vas
cripple, and told short ant simple story
of misfortune. He was teamster al a
saw.mill in the upper part Of Kentucky.
and had his leg crushed by log rolling
on it. Unskillful surgery had left an IN
durable sore. His sickness had reduced
them nearly 10 destitution, when their
calamties were made complete by fro
that consumed their dwelling and all It's
contents. WiIhoUta cent in The world,
he had gathered few refuse plank llom
the river and constructed his raft, and on
| il placed his family for voyage down TO
Arkansas, where he intended TO squat on,
public land, raise a small corn pa,ch,snd
rely on lis gun for The other means OF
living.
The hearts and purses Of a few gener~.
Gus persons who visited them supplied
/ their immediate wants. Clothing for iIe
woman and children we taw going on
board, with good supply Of bread and
meat II any one be dlsconlented VIII
his lot in life, and is disposed to grumble
a. the dispensatlons Of Providence. IL
him visit the wretched family upon the
raft below the city, and he will rsturn a
conlented and grateful man."