The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1882-03-15
The Curve in the Road.

Edna White IN SchOolday VISITOR.
Early in 1S- squatter built his cabin
on the banks of the White Water. For
many years he enjoyed his solitary life I'M
disturbed by human habi:ation. Ills chief
subsistence was wild meats of the forests.
Once a year he went to the fort TO exchange
his furs for coffee and tobacco.
In personal appearance he bore a strong
resemblance to the picture of Robinson
Crusoe. His long straight hair falling below
his shoulders, a shirt made fast at the waist
by leather girdle, the hunting knife dang
ling at his side; mOccssins of mis- own make
and econ skin cap completed his costume
He roamed The forest at will or fshed in the
stream that ran by his cabin. The birds
sang their nOCnday song from his cabin roof;
and squirrels held high carnivals in the
branches above his head In tho SUNNI 9r
evenings he would sit at his open door and
watch the sun sink 10 his frey bed; while
the blue smoke from his pipe curled in
wreaths above his head. The silence was
only broken by the lonely notes Of tho whip
poorwill aud the dOleful boots of the owl.
One morning the squatter was surprised by
by party OF men emerging from the river.
He thought they were coming directly to
his cabin; but, to his surprise, they stopped
a short distance from the river.
'.What can they bedoing2" he soliloquized
"One man has an AK in his hand. What's
that2 They are pointing at my cabin. I'll
go and see Whist they are after; they are
coming too close 10 me. They can't stay
here. | won. be bothered with neighbors. y
As he drew near the party. the engineer
advanced and extended his hand "Good
morning, my old friend. How long have
you lived here2"
''About thirty-six moons" was the grufi
answer. 'Well, strangers" continued the
squatter," whst might be yer business in these
-quarters2"
"Why, sir, don't you see the compass2
We are surveying. Have you not heard OF
the great National road; which is to extend
from Missouri to Marylandi"
Il don't know nothin' about your road.
don't wan it; got too many roads nowl"
''Why, sir, this road will double the value
of your farm. You will have ready
market for your produce. 1t will be a great
improvement 20 the County. We are hero
engineering this road, and our orders are to
make it, as far as possible, without crook or
turn. Your cabin stands directly in the
road; it must be moved"
above my cabinr' exclaimed the squat
ter, growing pale with rage.
GldFtQ AOE u ulJuEuL db tue lilNaQCES
Of his forest home, then with 3 bound be en-
tered his cabin and almost Immediately re.
appeared with his long rifle in his hands:
"I'll shoot the first man that dares to cross
my fence" he said; and there was in his
irm-set lips and flashing eyes something
that betokened danger.
Argument was unavailing; the survey at
that point was ~ standstill. The engi-
neer reported the matter to the Superinten-
dent at Warrington, who, after considering
the situation laid the case before General
jackson, then President of the United
States. 1t did not take the stern old hero
long to decide it. Rising to his full height
he said, ''The squatter is right. You have
no right to invade his home, and if you do
he ought to shoot you" "But, Mr.. Presi-
dent, what must do? How can 1 build
my road7" go aroundl" Numbered the
President. There is plenty IF room around
the house
And so the rosd was curved and. thus it
remains to this day. The old squatter's
cabin remained standing for many years
after its builder slept his long sleep.
Kind reader. should you pass around this
curve, near White Water bridge, you will
see Earlham College, surrounded by its
beautiful grounds, and further down the
river you will behold the black smoke ris-
ing from the factory chinneys of the beau
tiful city Of Richmond, Indiana.