Norwich bulletin., 1911-10-14

except, occasionally, tavern, or
 'Publick house" as it was then called, and these were where the overland
 stages changed horses and put up for the night
 It did not take Daniel long to find the one parson in that vicinity, and after making known his business the knot was soon tied, the nominal fee of two shillings( New York state) was paid, and the bride and groom after a short rest, mounted their steed and
 galloped away toward their home, which was to be in a little log cabin in the wilderness.
 Everything had been put in readi- ness. so that upon their return from
 Utica they would go immediately to
 this humble abode and partake of their first meal prepared by Gather ines hands, which was to celebrate the one great event of their young lives
 Think of it. readers -preparing a wedding supper by the light of a tal- low candle after a orty-mile ride on horseoaek; and how many young wo- men of she present generation would be willing to begin married life in this way? 1 do not hear any one say, T, for one''
 The months flew swiftly by and Daniel and his faithful wife worked diligently to increase their holdings; and when spring should come again AiCW 1OS lOuSc WdS plduHSu lO tdlSG lilC place Of the little log sabin where so many happy hours have been spent.
 The scenes in life's panorama. change but little from day to day-they saw but few white faces in the first two years of their welded life Catherine's relatives lived several miles distant, and could reach her only on horseback: the nearest settler was three miles away. and did not often appear except in cases of sickness or trouble.
 There was seldom a day passed but that the soft step of the noccasin- shod Indian was heard approaching their home to ask for food, and some times shelter in time of storm; and seldom night but the wolves were bowling and sniffing about the door in search of something to ap- pease their hunger.
 IL was on Christmas eve of the year 1929, and the inmates of this little home were peacefully siumbering when suddenly there came sharp rap at the door and "Ha1loo," for help.
 Upon inquiry as to Who is there?' and What is wanted ?'' Daniel finds his nearest neighbor-a Welshnan-in search of some one to go with him to look for his two loved sons, who left home early that morning for Boone vile, the nearest. settlement, to pur- chase supplies for their simple Christ mas festivities the following day.
 The Black river was frozen over and supposed to be safe for skating by daylight and if no accident had oc- home before dark
 Daniel immediately dressed himself. took down his gun from over the lire place. and after kissing his wife and the fIaxen- haired babe which lay be- side the mother. went out into the night, not knowing what harm might come to his own dear ones before his return.
 Christmas morning dawned bright and clear, but no signs of the little far spent when the husband and fla ther returned with the sad news that the boys were both drowned. The little fellows had left their hum ble home in the early morning with hearts full of joy and anticipation of the good time that was before thEt, and of the Christmas dinner Mother was planning for the following day. The journey to Bonneville was made in safety; their little stock of provis- ions was bought and carefully slowed away in a bag which the elder boy carried upon his shoulder, and, bid ding the old man from whom they had purchased their supplies hearty goodbye, their steps were turned to- wards the river and home The boys tracks were followed by the father and Daniel Gray until within about three miles of where they were to have left the Black river, they came on the broken place in the ice and a cap and the bag Of provisions, which had evidently been thrown to one side in an effort perhaps, to help the one who went under f1rst-tOld of the sad fate of these two brothers. The stricken father hurried away to break the news to the anxious mother awaiting his return: and here we will take leave of Daniel and his little family, who afterward moved to Martinsburg, and later returned to Connecticut where they both lived to an advanced age and are now sleep ing their last sleep in the quiet cem- etery not many miles from Daniels birthDlaCe