The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-03-31

who, but day before was in health and
promise of long life, at least as much as
any one can have such hope Directly
after this second sudden death in the
new settlement, brother of Mr.. Knick.
erbocker's left the country, never to
return. His own bereavement, in the
loss of brother, and so soon followed
by another, both in good health few
days before, cast gloom upon the pi-
oneers, which he had not the courage to
brave by remaining
Mr.. Nesbitt coming into this wilder
ness as he did before the woodman g
axe had disturbed scarcely tree, has
had many an encounter with wild ami
mails, though they were comparatively
harmless, with the exception of the wolf
his theiving and ravenous nature
brought many an old settler to grief.
While Mr.. Nesbitt was staining the
coffin, just spoken of, under the trees
near the house, either the strong scent
of the material or the dead body near
by, attracted the wolves and they came
in droves around, with their unearthly
bowling, and they kept it up all night,
disturbing the peace of all the inmates
of the house. This scene was very
near to the present elegant residences
of Jacob and John Roosevelt. In pass.
ing over this beautiful street, shaded
with naples, planted by hands moulder-
ing ii the dust, the quiet and comfort
visible at every farm house, between
Mrs. Haydon's and Keeler Centre, is a
happy contrast to those primitive sights
and sounds.
Mr.. Nesbitt SAYS that the wolves
often drove his large watch dog, from
under a shelter near the house, and he
was obliged to let him indoors many
times in the night time to save his life.
Once the hard wood handle of his barn
shovel, got some grease on it by acct
dent anu the wolves actually chawed
it to slivers. That night the hired men
put out box of grease near the house,
and watched for the enemy until five
o'clock in the morning; but his wolf
ship did not put in an appearance until
all were asleep and quiet. Sometime
between that time and daylight they
devoured the whole, box and all. In
travelling and exploring the country,
Mr.. Nesbitt has laid out many nights.
and had to keep bright fire burning
constantly, to keep the wolves away.
The first winter in the wilderness, he
went to Kalamazoo to locate some land,
and returned the last part Of the trip in
the night; aud when within half mile
of his own house, drove Of hungry
wolves compelled him to climb a tree,
so near home that he could see the
smoke of his own chimney. He staid
in the tree till he came near freezing,
for the night was intensely cold in his
hurry he lost one Of his gloves, aud
froze his fingers. Between the wolves
and the piercing cold, he had a sorry
job before reaching his home; but
thought he might as we'll die in one way
as another, "ana came 3ocn ont Of the
tree. His first work was to cut shi
laleh with this he took turns going
backwards and running, hourishing his
cudgcl all the time, and occasionally
standing against a tree, fighting the
glaring eyes sparkling around him, look
ed like diamonds in the night. In the
morning on going out to view the scene
of his narrow escape from wolves aud
freezing, he found innumerable tracks
of his pursuers and one finger only Of
his missing leather glove the remain
der had been devoured by the hungry
wolves.
At this time, wild deer were as plenty
as wolves, and they were made an easy
prey, until they became more wise in
the ways of civilized life. Near where
Mr.. Nesbitt's barn stands, Opposite the
present dwelling) was the site of his first
log house. From the door of this house.
in early morning, be has counted twenty
seven deer at time, all feeding on
brush, UNCONSCIOUS of danger from the
deadly aim of the well directed rifle.
One time he climbed a tree near his